What a wonderful weekend. We could not begin to describe the beauty of this place or the smells, or the sounds, or the number of people. Guiyang is a city of 2 million people with another few hundred thousand in nearby villages. Amazing.

On Saturday we left school at 7:15 am headed for Huang Guo Shu Waterfall--the highest waterfall in China and another water fall there which is the widest waterfall. Soooo much walking. Nancy M. did well on the trek and made it to a point where she could see the beauty of the fall as well as hear the roar of the water. Many of us, including Claudette (what a trooper) went the extra 40 minute walk through the cave behinde the waterfalls to see it from the backside. Believe it or not we got wetter from the mist on the opposite side of the falls than we did when we were behind the curtain of the waterfall. It was an experience many of us will not forget. Before we got to the water fall, we stopped at a minority village to observe some of their ancient customs and practices. Tim, Josh, Chris, and Doug were challenged to arm wrestling with the Chinese men and we won 3 out of 4 of the challenges. The winners were rewarded with kisses from the young Chinese girls of the village. Then we had a wedding ceremony where Chris, Josh and Logan were led through a wedding ceremony. If they did not sing to their brides after they were sung to they would be punished. Well not wanting punishment, they sang a trio of "You Are My Sunshine". What a sight. Parents do not worry, Daddy Doug would not let the boys be alone in the after wedding room. He even had to push through the door to monitor the activity. It was a place where the brides ask for a "tip"--even after we paid 29 yuan (about $2.00 US) to get the boys married. So funny. The boys decided the brides were not worth a tip--go figure--and we went on to see a man walk on glass shards. This was followed by an exhibition of culutural dance and feats of daring and strength--walking on glowing hot metal plates, licking the same metal plates (oh yes even after they had been walked on), some acrobatics on blades of steel. Many of our group Chris, Josh, Anna C, Anna T, Danielle, Mary Ann, Tina, Logan, Christina, Wendy, all participated in a dance where at the end they received a reward--ash markings on their face--be sure to ask them about it.

Sunday found us meeting at 8:00 am for an inspriational message from Woody. He encouraged us in our work here. We are happy to have Chris and Woody Wooldridge with us for a few days. Then we left for the Monkey Park. It is a park where monkeys roam wild. I'm sure some of you will see pictures of Anna C screaming when the monkey got too close to her. Even Danielle braved getting close enough to have a picture taken. We were told to watch out because the monkeys would rob us of our food. HMMMMMM!! When was the last time you saw robber monkeys???

As we entered the park there was a beautiful garden and the team wanted a picture taken there. Well needless to say, we drew quite a crowd. It was hard to get one picture of just the team as the Chinese would come among us to have their picture taken with us or to usher their children in our group to have their picture taken. We decided we were the real monkeys on display that day as we drew many stares and comments. If people spoke English they would come to us to talk with us. At one point we walked past a pavillion where there about a dozen Chinese singing and playing instruments. We stopped to listen and we were invited to sing Auld Lang Zyne (sp?) with them then Adelweiss and one other song. It was a beautiful moment where two cultures half a world apart became one in song. We hugged our new friends and parted with warm hearts. They continued singing and playing with a renewed spirit.

You will have to ask about our Israelite experience--being led out of the Monkey park and trying to find our bus. I have a new respect for their leader. All took it very well. This was followed by a fabulous meal. So much food we could not eat it all. It was provided by our host Mr. Wu. We had so many different foods. All equally tastee.

Our last stop was at an ancient city for shopping at a market where we could bargain for items. Let's just say that Michelle, Deborah and Anna M. might have been the best bargainers. There was so much to see and experience there that we could have spent a whole day and we only had only 1.5 hours.

When we arrived back at camp, we had many smiling faces to greet us and to remind us of the real reason we are here.

Shout Outs:

David: Just wanted to let you know all is well. We are a little tired. It has been a challenge the level is much lower than I prepared for and each night I have to come up with a new lesson. Danielle has spent some time sharing--PTL!! Wish you were here. We love you and miss you. Linda Alley

Dad and Grandma. I heard that y'all were wonderng why everyone else has written something for the blog except for me. So... here's my message--We went shopping yesterday and found lots of fireworks, rubberband shooters and slingshots, but...Chris W and mom wouldn't let me get anything. I love you and miss you. Danielle

Hey Guys: China is completely awesome! There is so much to encourage us. I can't believe we're halfway done. Cya at the beach.. Christina.

Hi Family--Thanks for your lifting up. Happy Birthday, Mom. Love y'all lots--things are great. Anna T.

Hey Dad: The weekend was "interesting" (more stories when we get home.) Miss ya alot. Camp is going well. Tell everyone Hey!! Love you, Mary Anne

Hello All, Doing Great. Really tired. So think about that please. Class is very energetic. All is well. Chris

Mom and Dad, Hey, life is going good over all. The class is going good but at times very frustrating. I really wish you could come and see this place it is beautiful. I really am enjoying being here. I will see you all in about 3 1/2 weeks. Love you. Tina

Keep remembering us.

Doug, for the Guiyang Team