The Joy of Friendship, Part Two

October 1st is National Day in China.  It is like their 4th of July, celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.  The holiday is celebrated with a Golden Week and as a result we had 7 days off.  I took a trip to visit my friends the Kellers in Xi'an, where they are raising their 2 kids and teaching.

Thailand January 2014

I know Mike and Amanda from Minnesota and they were instrumental in the Father's plan for me to teach in China.  My first visit to China was with the Kellers in January 2013, and now it is fun to connect with them every semester as a resident here.  They both have the gift of hospitality and desire to serve others, which makes it fun to visit them in whichever city they live.  They are good at inviting people into their life and at making people feel welcome.  They have many circles of friends that when mixed together feels like one big family.  Their encouragement, love, wisdom and sense of adventure is a continual blessing to me.  It is always a joy to spend time with them and their family.

Shaunda, SJ, Janice, Amanda

Mike and J

The Kellers had a full house during the holiday as our mutual friends Janice and Shaunda were also visiting.  I met Janice in Changchun in January 2013 on my trip with the Kellers, and I met Shaunda in Beijing in August 2013 during teacher training.  It was fun to hang out with this crew during the holiday; sharing stories, laughing, sharing meals, being entertained by the kids, exploring the city and just relaxing.  I love how the Father puts the exact people you need in your life at just the right time.  I also love how He grows, strengthens, maintains and sustains friendships across the miles.

We were brave (or crazy) enough to join the holiday crowds in the heart of the city.

We were excited to walk through the Muslim Quarter to shop and take pictures of the street life.

 

Photo Credit Janice Edge

Visiting a like-minded friend that paints scrolls and fans.

Yángròu pàomó = flatbread soaked
in lamb soup = lunch!

With orange soda made in Xi'an!

After lunch we walked around Dàyàn Tǎ, the Wild Goose Pagoda.

The norm when walking around with
cute foreign children!

 

Another highlight of the trip was driving an hour outside of the city to see the Nestorian Daqin Pagoda.  It was built in the 7th century by Syrian Christians who traveled to China on the Silk Road and settled in the mountains outside of Xi'an.  It was fascinating to learn the history of the Pagoda and amazing to stand on the Holy Ground.

 

We topped off our holiday weekend with dinner at Peter's Tex Mex Restaurant with friends.  Legit Mexican food!  Food and fellowship, so good for the soul!