So the China Trip was amazing. i cannot even describe the feelings i have when i look at the pictures or remember the things that happened. what i can say with pure and unrestrained truth, China impacted my heart in such a way that i am not who i was five months ago, and for once, i am ok with the change.
I was privileged to be able to join the Vanguard Singers and Band for their China trip this past summer. while there we had many concerts planned for various churches, schools, universities, and even for various government officials. most of our plans were rocked though, as on may 12th, a giant earthquake shattered the province of sichuan, one of the main areas in our tour. it even affected concerts in beijing, though not for structural or safety issues; the government issued a memoratorium which lasted three days in which public entertainment, including singing, was prohibited in reverence to those lost or killed in the quake. most of our government concerts were cancelled, and we had alot more free time than usual.
our first night in Chengdu, the Capital of the Sichuan Province, a few of us were wandering around the city to pray and get a feeling for the culture and people here, as it is vastly different from the beaurocratic feel of beijing. what we found on the streets that night was probably one of the most impactful events to ever chance upon me in my life thus far. we entered into the main square of Chengdu, Tian'Fu square, and stumbled upon one of the largest candlelight vigils ever in the world. in this less than one mile square area of the city, there were over 160,000 Chinese citizens gathered to revere the lost. we were the only foreigners there, and we stood out. but not in a bad way. many people expressed their gratitude, shock, and awe that we were there at all. they all wanted to know our thoughts on the earthquake, and wanted to thank us for showing our support. we were each given a candle to light, then hold for thre minutes, then blow out. after blowing them out we turned them into a gathering depot where they were then distributed to those living in the quake zone without any electricity. we were in that square for a good three hours just absorbing the emotions of the place. to hear and see so many chinese people lamenting their losses, and standing strong with one another. it was just amazing. i cannot even describe it.
anyways, china was amazing for other reasons. i got to go to the great wall, and toboggan off of it! i got to tour the forbidden city, the temple of heaven, visiting Panda's in Chengdu. and lots of stuff like that.
another of the stories that have stuck with me is one of our concerts in sichuan. we were singing for the survivors at the beichuan school, and there was one girl who was sitting on the front row. Rusty and Jayanne were singing the prayer, and she was sobbing. which is crazy, as most chinese people do not wear their emotions on their sleeves. after the song ended, we sang another song, (peace like a river) and we each got to pick a student to come up and do the hand motions with us. so i chose her. and she smiled. then after words she hugged me. and jayanne, who was standing next to us. we tried to explain to her that Jesus loved her, and when she finally understood our broken chinese, she started sobbing again, but this time it was through a smile. it was beautiful.
most of the rest of it is a blur, but those two memories will always be with me. that and the constant rumblings of earthquakes. and the Spirit of God moving in such a beautiful country.
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