After a nice breakfast, we left for Huangshaun at about 9:15. It is approximately a 3 hour drive to Huangshaun. The team seemed more rested and refreshed this morning. There is a good road in terms of safety, dual carriageway and signage from Hangzhou to Huangshaun. However, between the poor suspension on the bus and the very rough roadbed, we jolted our way up and over the mountains to our destination, arriving at 1:15. Our bodies took a beating! Peter led us in a devotion based on the 23rd Psalm on our way through the mountains. He likes the way in which we are representing our church and country as we meet the Chinese citizenry and church members. We are all hoping that we are doing well at our task.

Our local guide, Jack, met us as we got down from the bus and immediately took us to lunch. And the lazy Susan once again did its magic. Duck, chicken, fish ball soup, chicken soup, sweet and sour pork, beef, vegetables, and an entire fish for each table was complemented with Orange segments for dessert.

After lunch, Peter took us next door to the Huangshaun church. Peter’s friend Pastor Esther Ma is the senior pastor there. The church is wonderful. Nine years old and well-kept. They have a brand new Sunday school/office/meeting rooms building under construction and it is very impressive. Next to this new building is their existing dormitory facility for receiving visitors and mission groups. It is another important piece on the campus that Pastor Ma has put together. Pastor Ma is a very warm and energetic leader who is doing good things for her church and also for the regional and provincial council of churches. It was a pleasure to meet her and see the progress her church is making.

Jack then led us to the city museum of art, including "inside painting". Using this technique, the artist paints, in reverse image fashion, the inside of crystal objects such as vases, tea pots, or small vessels. It requires great skill and patience. Long wire tools, bent in a specific way are the tools used with this technique. We watched as a master artist worked on a new piece. Of course, the ladies in the shop would like us to buy the expensive objects which were for sale. It is beautiful and unique work.

Dinner was once again at a local restaurant with all of the same food described previously served on the omnipresent lazy Susan.

All in all, today was a good day. We were so excited and pleased to see all of the good things going on at Pastor Ma’s wonderful church. More evidence that the Christian church in China is on the march.

Blessings from the Team

Monday, October 21: Hangzhou to Huangshaun