White Waterific

Today was far more amazing than I could have ever hoped for. I have a lot of pictures and stories to tell, but first I would like to get one thing off my chest. God is so good. I see time and time again that God honors obedience. In a very real and amazing way. It has been happening, and is happening currently.

Yesterday afternoon Sid asked me if I would like to join him and the other Bieke staff(physical therapist, biologist, planners, bosses, etc.) to go "rafting." He didn't give me much more information, because I don't think he really knew much more information. He is in the lower left hand corner. As you can see, he is pretty unsure of what to expect. Boy does his facial espressions change during the day.

We passed the most beautiful country side. It is so different in China. The drive there was like 4 hours, but I couldn't get enough of just looking out the window at everything. The bus ride itself was as cool as the scenery out the window. Even though there was the language berrier, they made me feel like I belonged, and treated me as one of them. When I say them, I mean they treated me as if I was a worker right along side of them.

we joked around.

They tried to get me to eat "chicken leg."

Then finally, we arrived! Ohh yes. These people are great. I have so much respect for them too. They all care about each other. They are very kind and respectful to each other. They work 6 days of the week side by side with each other, long hours. But when it is time for them to interact outside of the work environment, they strive and enjoy each other to the fullest. I just think about some of the jobs I have had in the past, and the relationships I have had. I am not talking about Vision Scapes, but some of the jobs I have had, people just didn't really care. I think that says a lot about what they are doing. They know they are helping people in a big way, and they have a lot to be proud of. Every single person in this picture deserves a medal for caring.

I didn't want to buy another camera in China, so I left it in the Bus. I don't have pictures of the rafting experience, just and end picture. But the 3 1/2 hours on the river were non-stop amazing. Stunning views, and rapids, and amazing water fights. Ya see, they allow you to buy water guns, and they give every one a bowl to scoup water to fling at will towards any other raft. It was so cool. Out of probably over a thousand people I was with out a doubt the only American. Probably the only American with in a 100 mile radius. So I heard, "hello how are you?" about 25 or 30 times on the river today. I loved every second of it too.

This is where it all ended. Such a great time. A bonding experience, and memories that will last me a life time. Ohh, also, it seems that everyone was informed about what happened with Chelsy. All of the females became a little more friendly, and that was a plus+. Did I ever mention that Asian women are the most beautiful women on the planet? Cuz they are. As if they day couldn't get any better, IT DOES! They don't want to go home on an empty stomach, so out to dinner we went. Hey, look at that simle on Sid's face now. He had a blast today too. I was honored to go today, I had an amazing time, I saw god in those mountains, and I got to hang out with hot Asian ladies. Life is good.

A very wise and close friend sent this to me.
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.