loving our neighbors

God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.
Exodus 2:24-25 (nlt)

Teachers & students: We spent more than a week in Qinghai traveling to rural schools, evaluating and encouraging teachers, and visiting students. While living conditions are simple, the people are enthusiastic, warm and welcoming.

On the road: We came across many interesting things as we spent more than 2 hours each day driving through the countryside to and from schools. We visited schools at both the northern and southern edges of the school district. Around every bend we encountered animals, vehicles, meandering pedestrians and beautiful mountain scenery.


New friends: As we were the first foreigners that many of the students had ever seen, we generated a lot of chaos wherever we went. The brave ones crowded in close for "hellos" and high fives, while others quietly followed us around and watched from a distance. 

Lunchtime: Each day we were served plates heaped with chunks of pork and fat and bowls of noodles and broth. Vegetables were scarce. While we appreciated the special fare, we always ask for simple meals of noodles or "stew" like the students eat.  



Treats: Our hosts were very excited to share a snack of potatoes grown in the village. When our driver showed up with a bagful of "organic" steamed tubers, our friends could hardly believe we could limit ourselves to only one. Everyone had a happy potato memory to share from their childhood. We still prefer french fries ...