|
|
8/10/2008 |
| |
|
| |
OLYMPICS 2008 |
| |
|
| |
Sunday, August 10
It has been a remarkable day. I got up at 3:45 in time to fix breakfast for two friends that were going with me to the Chun Jie Three Self Church where the President was going to worship this morning. After eggs and toast we loaded up and headed for the downtown church. We had to be there very early to go through security. Once there we were ushered to the security check point and underwent mild procedures, really. Then we were taken into the fairly small sanctuary where there was a row saved for us. With our group was the head of Dallas Seminary, the CEO of Bible Study Fellowship International both of which have led programs this year for the Chinese nationals. Dallas Seminary led a English camp/vacation bible school this summer for the 2nd time ever for about 200 Chinese children. BSF has started bible studies for the first time to be recognized and approved by the authorities for Chinese women. They are working toward extending that to men in the near future.
Also on our row was our pastor, Tom Lowder. Tom and his wife have been in China for 20 years, but he grew up in Wichita Falls and went to UT Austin with numerous of mutual friends. He then attended Dallas Theological Seminary before coming to China in the 80's. Besides me and our other friends we were almost the only westerners there.
The service was great. We sang many familiar songs, but in Chinese. Some of the children from the English camp sang Amazing Grace and Edelveis in English for the President. After the service, Bush was ushered out for photo ops with the children and he gave a short speech. He came with Laura of course, his dad, George Sr., his brother Jeb and his wife and his sister. Barbara, George and Laura's daughter was also with them. It was great to see them with three generations...and they sat one row ahead of us with no one between us but a secret service person and a few of his entourage. There were American and Chinese secret servicemen every where...and I know they were relieved when he was back in the car and whisked away.
So our three, Tom, John and I then met up with another friend for lunch in San Li Tun (the night spot area) for a sandwich and a quick walk to Workers Auditorium to watch Olympic Boxing. The venue, though it was built in the 50's, had been completely renovated...great views, lighting and thank heavens...air conditioning. This was my first Olympic sports event and my first time to ever go to a real boxing match. It was quite fun. We saw boxers from China, Russia, Ireland, Camaroon, Australia, Brazil and a few other countries that I don't know. No knock outs, but some near shut outs. This was an early round, so no medals yet.
The Chinese are doing many things really well in running the games. One of their most effective initiatives is they have volunteer tents all over the city and they have manned them with very well trained college students. They welcome you, they give great directions and they are so cheerful. It puts on a great face for the country.
Now I am back at home, tired and dirty. Ready to eat some left over pizza and chill, watching the same Olympic coverage as you. Tonight is China verses the US at 10:15 pm...you'll be watching the games over your eggs and toast.
|
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
posted time 10:16:14 AM |
| |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
