With today being a weekend and all offices closed we had the chance to put business affairs aside and tour the city. We started at a Buddhist temple and happened to arrive on the female (although I guess there are not really genders in regards to a Buddha but they created one for the women and children and thus she is known as a "she" Buddha) Buddha's birthday. She is the goddess of compassion and the temple was packed with mostly women worshiping and bringing offerings. My heart ached for the emptiness in such practices and found my mind jumping to scripture such as: Deut. 8:12b "They have turned away quickly from what I commanded them and have made a cast idol for themselves."
We then toured the Old Chen House. Chen ("Chan" in English) is the most common last name in Guangzhou. The families came together to pay for and build this ornate home as a place to pray for their deceased ancestors. The China government came in and took the home from the families and now it is used to display the areas most valuable treasures in jade, embroidery, ivory and porcelain. Finally, we did a little shopping to finish our tour.
Our day ended with Visa pictures for our child and a group dinner at the Cow and Bridge Thai restaurant. (Plus a little more shopping on the way home!)
A thumb sucker! How sweet!
ReplyDeleteLivvy is just too cute! I can already tell she's going to fit in really well with the girls and everyone else. It sounds like you have had quite the experience in China but are ready to come home too. Hopefully all goes well with the transition and again. I can't get over how cute L is. Take care!
ReplyDelete