Random China Topic: Air Pollution

Time for another glimpse into my trip to China, today's topic is the pollution that we encountered mainly in Beijing.

I need to begin with our arrival or really just before our arrival. As we are making our approach to Beijing the pilot informed us that we would be experiencing a "bit" of turbulence. A bit my foot! I nearly lost my lunch! There is a lot of debate about what caused the turbulence, I'm convinced that the pollution had a major part; while John thinks that I'm nuts! As true as that may be, there was a ripping thunderstorm in the area and right after we landed there was a tremendous downpour. Whatever ... I KNOW I'm right!

Back to the topic at hand ... the pollution was sickening! Road signs were covered with a slimy film and looked like it had been dripping off of the bottom. As we approached the city later in the week, it was like driving into a fog.

 

The Chinese had a handle on living with the problem. I saw many wearing masks especially those riding small motor bikes and mopeds.

On a personal note, no sooner than we landed both Susan and I when into complete nasal lock-down. We had some allergy medicine and it helped a bit but neither of us really felt that we had any real relief. I'm positive that I carried a low-grade headache for most of the time I was in country. I know that I woke up every morning with a low-grade headache and after some Motrin and Sudafed I was able to get rolling.

More topics to come ... Pastor Steve

Special Note for T. Mark

T. Mark, 

Invited your folk to come to Clear Lake for the 4th. We had a cookout in the rain but everyone was able to eat inside and the rain let up just in time for us to all go down to the lake front and watch the fireworks.

Good time were had by all! Love being able to have your folks over to hang out with our church people!

Trust all is well with you ... keep checking in!

Pastor Steve

Random China Topic: Fireworks

Yesterday being the 4th of July and watching another incredible fireworks display over Clear Lake, I thought I would post a blog on fireworks in China. I'm pretty sure that China manufactures more fireworks than any other nation ... I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I got that one right.

My introduction to fireworks in China began at 4:30 AM the first morning after we arrived. Because the Chinese do not use DST, the day is well underway by 4:30 AM. I was awakened by a barrage of firework in the field next to the orphanage in which we were staying.

Rolls of 500 or more firecrackers and concussion bursts (you know the kind ... they go up, flash of light followed by a thunderous BOOM). I seriously thought we were under some sort of an attack! Small arms fire and mortar rounds!

Why would the Chinese be shoot off fireworks at 4:30 AM you ask!?!?!?! To ward off evil spirits from the ground on which they were going to begin building on that very week! I'm not kidding you a bit! For two days, at 4 AM, people showed up to get a head start on spooking the spooks off the property so they could begin to put in the foundations for the new building going on that property.

If that really works ... after the display I saw last night over Clear Lake ... Let The Construction Begin! we ought to be good for about 6 months!

I Remain,

Pastor Steve

July 4th 2010

 Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of you a blessed and safe 4th of July. As you enjoy the time off and time spent with family laughing, eating and watching fireworks may we never forget the price of that was paid for our freedom.

I'm so very thankful as I reflect today about my Dad and the men and women throughout the years who served our country, many of them giving the ultimate sacrifice so that I can celebrate on this day!

Thank you to all who have served, are serving and especially to those who gave all.

I Remain,
Pastor Steve

Random China Topic: Transportation

One of the most incredible things about China is the massive number of people; now that in and of its self is not a profound statement but when you consider that all of those people need to be able to get around ... now you've stumbled upon an interesting topic!


In this post I'm not so interested in the way the Chinese drive, I cover that in a later post but I want to try and help you understand that if it has wheels and can be somehow powered it will be drive n on the road!


I saw in China everything from the high speed train to cars and vans to motorcycles, mopeds, bikes, three-wheelers and walkers. The riders/users of all of these modes of transportation were of all ages!


I think my favorite was the Jinbei, an 11 passenger van. 3 rows of 3 and 2 up front.

 Here are some other modes of transportation seen in China: (These are stock photos - I did not take these)