Still thinking of Christmas

December 29
Four days after Christmas, we are still hearing Christmas songs being played at restaurants and in the hotel lobby. Some waitresses are still dressed up in read and white Christmas attire. A recent China Daily article discussed the fascination of the Chinese people with this worldwide holiday. Some will attend midnight mass at a nearby cathedral for the Christmas experience even though they are not Christians. Others will purchase and exchange gifts for friends and family. Still others will enjoy the party life on Christmas Eve. Santa figurines and pictures abound. Christmas trees are decorated and standing in nearly every shop, hotel and business. People wish us a “Merry Christmas” It sounds more like “Mary Kreestmass”. "Santa Claus is coming to town" was played while we were having breakfast. His coming will be in only... 360 days?
Very few if any in our world understand the religious nature Christmas. Catholics in China wish to change this by helping people understand the historical significance of Saint Nicholas. They wish to educate Chinese citizens about the Bishop who lived years ago to help the poor of his community. Unfortunately most Americans cannot explain about the One who came that first Christmas 2000 years ago. But they can name all the reindeer on Santa's sleigh.

Yesterday we saw a bride and groom dressed up in Western wedding attire. They were greeting their guests at a famous Guangzhou Steakhouse. I can imagine what the bridal family spent for this lavish reception. Someone told me, in Chinese culture the groom’s family pays for the wedding ceremony and reception. I find it interesting that it's popular for Americans to adopt Eastern traditions while Asians adopt Western traditions.

Today we are waiting to see if the US Consulate have any questions about our submitted documents. If everything is in order, then we will travel with our group to do some shopping on Shamian Island. We’ll be able to purchase some fairly inexpensive trinkets. Though I don’t have much to spend right now because we sent dirty laundry to be cleaned. Iut cost 270 yuan. Or about $45. It sounds expensive but it’s much cheaper than having it sent out by the hotel.

This afternoon we traveled to Shamian Island the home of many of the world’s embassies. Most have relocated to Beijing though there are some still present on the Island. We spent a few hours with our adoptive friends there shopping Amy found some beautiful handbags and travel bags. Holly found some coloring books and a hand drum toy for the children and I found some playing cards featuring the emperors of China. We spoke with one shopkeeper who is engaged to a young man whose family had adopted three times through America World. (Andrew Reynolds from Riverside, CA)
Back at the hotel we enjoyed some Papa Johns Pizza. It actually resembled US pizza though it took a long time to get to us.

Thank you for your prayers. We are all beginning to feel much better healthwise.