tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31908022731808270702024-03-13T09:13:00.194-05:00Shining City FoundationDouglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-18967195290783599202013-07-31T01:58:00.000-05:002013-07-31T01:59:02.145-05:00Concluding Thoughts - Homeward BoundAs we conclude our amazing journey we thought we would share some highlights of our trip as a final post from the Beijing Airport. Here they are:
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<br>Being together,
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<br>Visiting the Kunming infant orphanage that SCF is supporting and spending time with the babies,
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<br>Tea with a Monk at the Zhongdian Lamasery,
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<br>Visiting the school project at Tsing Yi - buying desks with money from sister Jennie and mom - Max and Jake teaching a boy about football - the first of the Wartburg Orange balls as a way to make friends and bring smiles to faces,
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<br>Hiking in the Himalayan foothills,
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<br>The beautiful mountain drives,
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<br>The "road" trip to the REMOTE village where we worshiped in a church and ate AUTHENTIC food in a village that had never seen young or female foreigners,
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<br>Spending time with the dentist and doctor at the Ren Li Clinic; delivering more dental equipment to them; and have them so proud to be using the equipment we have previously delivered and purchased for them,
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<br>Climbing to over 14,900 at the Snow Mountain Glacier,
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<br>The amazing and sometimes strange meals and food - yak, squid, grasshoppers, shark lip, fish fin, chicken tongue, quail eggs, and soft pig bone just to mention a few,
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<br>The boys becoming master bargainers in Zhongdian and Old Town LiJiang,
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<br>Walking the food markets and seeing a completely different culture of buying food and supplies - including live animals,
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<br>Learning of the success of the SCF scholarship initiatives including Orphan J who is blind,
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<br>Visiting the Education Center that SCF has helped develop,
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<br>Visiting a place of worship on Sunday,
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<br>Meeting with the "bottle man's family" to learn of their continued efforts to impact the lives of others,
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<br>Dinner with Dr. Ruth (who SCF supported through medical school) and her husband, Gao Ming, to learn of her life saving medical career to date and her vision to have her own clinic in a remote area,
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<br>The Great Wall where we indulged Scott on photo ops, had Martha's famous cookies, a Coke (and Beer), the Doctor, tossing the football, and riding the sled down the mountain,
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<br>A walk through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and most importantly,
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<br>Coming Home to those we love and who love us!Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-13432272060939611772013-07-30T06:58:00.000-05:002013-07-30T06:59:40.890-05:00The Great Wall<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZifnhzdDB6osIeK2Q2wSHv_H5Rbjm6_QlNWBIvpsSIP7wwtJ8kZPJbu0cIXJ4EI_-HiA5J2TJph9p32z7VKS9qeT-c7-yEKIgooOey8CXGwebB50I9Ww7DfKTr18N74adAbSUiNFsAvb/s1600/image-780890.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZifnhzdDB6osIeK2Q2wSHv_H5Rbjm6_QlNWBIvpsSIP7wwtJ8kZPJbu0cIXJ4EI_-HiA5J2TJph9p32z7VKS9qeT-c7-yEKIgooOey8CXGwebB50I9Ww7DfKTr18N74adAbSUiNFsAvb/s320/image-780890.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377097113886466" /></a></p>
<br>Today everyone was ready to call it a day after a three hour plane ride, but the group continued on to the Great Wall.
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<br>After an hour long bus ride out to the Wall we became surrounded by people attempting to sell us stuff. Ice cold water, t-shirts, and all kinds of things we didn't need. After going through the tourist trap we arrived at the gondola and arrived at the Great Wall.
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<br>We researched and found that the wall is 13,000 miles long. The group only covered about 100 yards of the wall, and Steve found the one spot with a breeze and shade.
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<br>The group was obviously getting on edge with Scott as he had many different photos he wanted to take with many different things. These included Drake Cheer shirts, the Doctor, and Martha's famous cookies. They will hopefully all be appreciated.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhuKrPtaVUGhrsoxGv_mwaCQmOJgOj0OpxGaUEPALFsa8Ix1VIDhgq3rh0aDvxRw1GHq4H9HQPoOn4eq5wGqmnvz_cglqzRoOr7hDmDI-HhlZWwXP0EbUfIjn-2ETJRJC4YciBYbI3_-Y/s1600/image-782863.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhuKrPtaVUGhrsoxGv_mwaCQmOJgOj0OpxGaUEPALFsa8Ix1VIDhgq3rh0aDvxRw1GHq4H9HQPoOn4eq5wGqmnvz_cglqzRoOr7hDmDI-HhlZWwXP0EbUfIjn-2ETJRJC4YciBYbI3_-Y/s320/image-782863.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377101531457794" /></a></p>
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<br>Be Orange.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIDweI0PQ8KNayf_8dwkYRIOVdcdKecCwzKiwgVMkQf4oxoBYP31mQIZJpug1eiZDPUXqSZaVy9MD3pcIYyF4O-ZgS2T4uq0kAQkQkLu2E3pxQOVRCwafJm4AtONvD9gHkHcC6G6K9KNt/s1600/image-785339.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIDweI0PQ8KNayf_8dwkYRIOVdcdKecCwzKiwgVMkQf4oxoBYP31mQIZJpug1eiZDPUXqSZaVy9MD3pcIYyF4O-ZgS2T4uq0kAQkQkLu2E3pxQOVRCwafJm4AtONvD9gHkHcC6G6K9KNt/s320/image-785339.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377117048866258" /></a></p>
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<br>Go Drake Cheer!
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvJMyuNNCD9-FRMqo8gCtCjHc9aWCzsWOJwShBFzFrNR5qgPOH4xH6SU0keIodLJ9hkWzzEvsNKlQBwwVuK4OcrfiIasmLLKMpeen0ekl_AlnGA6co6ooUOpl9rvEnbYrcghyphenhyphenYoRsggQ/s1600/image-788241.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvJMyuNNCD9-FRMqo8gCtCjHc9aWCzsWOJwShBFzFrNR5qgPOH4xH6SU0keIodLJ9hkWzzEvsNKlQBwwVuK4OcrfiIasmLLKMpeen0ekl_AlnGA6co6ooUOpl9rvEnbYrcghyphenhyphenYoRsggQ/s320/image-788241.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377126740016738" /></a></p>
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<br>A Coke toast for Mr. Tyler.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzdQUZ2WdYMdVb5PDcbGapS0_8HaR-rVC_4-rSqZCp4grP09LYGWfI0HeGAYnTdgwPt4Qzb6cX204IDzOV78DjWBOMGYdGCXydkWNVamDexs9vcrU-bIE5TzfvilAPQw6bBhjFLOdDFQh/s1600/image-790916.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzdQUZ2WdYMdVb5PDcbGapS0_8HaR-rVC_4-rSqZCp4grP09LYGWfI0HeGAYnTdgwPt4Qzb6cX204IDzOV78DjWBOMGYdGCXydkWNVamDexs9vcrU-bIE5TzfvilAPQw6bBhjFLOdDFQh/s320/image-790916.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377140935342882" /></a></p>
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<br>Martha's famous cookies at the Wall.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI3shHAchS2IKok3p5-CcKpXwCMYwsiMfVu5MTifs3XVR5E1RRI3Bs1RHzdENAw6aj2REQyutweUBRqsUMWtuXEuFdoPuiaqmZ5EqcWrwf1nTbzPnfa-F9DA3Bw2mNjDBcgk4L2m_ISup/s1600/image-792886.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI3shHAchS2IKok3p5-CcKpXwCMYwsiMfVu5MTifs3XVR5E1RRI3Bs1RHzdENAw6aj2REQyutweUBRqsUMWtuXEuFdoPuiaqmZ5EqcWrwf1nTbzPnfa-F9DA3Bw2mNjDBcgk4L2m_ISup/s320/image-792886.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377147927176306" /></a></p>
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<br>The Doctor makes it to the Walk for a toast.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lXxX6WOX4KHBjeGZWOnwA8eNdMtZnKCL9P6f3B1Ojm3rVvxLtsNoY2mp0eAlsapXzHN_ti2WrS0sZnBUIMsrm4ZRS9_TMf7411pepqx2rGZCKK_BvvcsF34QostuvpM8S87DSk1HVDPA/s1600/image-795116.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lXxX6WOX4KHBjeGZWOnwA8eNdMtZnKCL9P6f3B1Ojm3rVvxLtsNoY2mp0eAlsapXzHN_ti2WrS0sZnBUIMsrm4ZRS9_TMf7411pepqx2rGZCKK_BvvcsF34QostuvpM8S87DSk1HVDPA/s320/image-795116.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377159820899186" /></a></p>
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<br>Drake Women's Basketball gets a shout out.
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<br>Jake and Max were possibly the first people to throw a football on the Great Wall. After multiple throws the ball bounced off the wall and landed in the bushes "on the good side."
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnr3bxJOBE8zMBus5t2Hg-Ka-uTTB0Wi_9vhEl4Sgtot7xLNSH4WIqL21uP5GpAFFVntfkTMyMoXMY80xBmYHBRwq9TQJvHOXPmtSx_qtBTNIiKZrlC1G40xq0jFvsOOc4wrtGT7DkzvN/s1600/image-797258.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnr3bxJOBE8zMBus5t2Hg-Ka-uTTB0Wi_9vhEl4Sgtot7xLNSH4WIqL21uP5GpAFFVntfkTMyMoXMY80xBmYHBRwq9TQJvHOXPmtSx_qtBTNIiKZrlC1G40xq0jFvsOOc4wrtGT7DkzvN/s320/image-797258.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377166410806962" /></a></p>
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEsrO9BmnfYDWJDgTB64NQ_jCw68H70njHN5JdzJeMLMvAnkXXnm0qNExHO3L3GSHXpUMYmf025geUmcBeA1fGGsoETy70vtgF2LFKa3S__OfZ9XjE4H4qF_N0BLmNFuUdeOwv-ssaLza/s1600/image-799704.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEsrO9BmnfYDWJDgTB64NQ_jCw68H70njHN5JdzJeMLMvAnkXXnm0qNExHO3L3GSHXpUMYmf025geUmcBeA1fGGsoETy70vtgF2LFKa3S__OfZ9XjE4H4qF_N0BLmNFuUdeOwv-ssaLza/s320/image-799704.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377176660303602" /></a></p>
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<br>Jake and Scott used their bartering skills to trade two Wartburg balls for an ice cold beer. Even though the women was decked in communist clothes, the deal was nothing but good ole' capitalism.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLSuOZynmPJiBf0gIGEHxzov4dFceD7pwPp8UU37RKIb8vMujbUeaIaFaEq01bQ30tQdm2P8lQXkMiCmSbdpTwmny1-z0PHtZZrZxOx4zOdhmanwuR43y2H9DVcB2LOVSyMa5QpuFkf0F/s1600/image-701438.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLSuOZynmPJiBf0gIGEHxzov4dFceD7pwPp8UU37RKIb8vMujbUeaIaFaEq01bQ30tQdm2P8lQXkMiCmSbdpTwmny1-z0PHtZZrZxOx4zOdhmanwuR43y2H9DVcB2LOVSyMa5QpuFkf0F/s320/image-701438.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377185926765650" /></a></p>
<br>The descent down was one full of energy as we went down a toboggan ride. David, our interpreter, was doubtful as the first sign said "toboggan is simple" followed by "toboggan is dangerous." The ride was eventful and everyone made it down safely with safety advisors telling the boys to slow down the entire time.
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Pv0E0GevYyOWuJCk2amsNjh3i26I4O72c-NxVeyDcJDvz7y8F9IvSkiHcbG9REP_pNxvHzoIHoeC4qUdg4AMU6QUVtZLZm-At7OY6eo1-d0JUcdARb2brnnF31p0mjqkolDIQS-VvWwW/s1600/image-703542.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Pv0E0GevYyOWuJCk2amsNjh3i26I4O72c-NxVeyDcJDvz7y8F9IvSkiHcbG9REP_pNxvHzoIHoeC4qUdg4AMU6QUVtZLZm-At7OY6eo1-d0JUcdARb2brnnF31p0mjqkolDIQS-VvWwW/s320/image-703542.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377192696013058" /></a></p>
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM73VXlLgT8VEd_W1y70J5tjWjShixG51Is1GCugLO9qAqdxy8QhU7bAh2bpHhjAsP8hwte_poa3UeGQmLK1rUQ_7xr5tEsznSlZoglTlBB3xnzRXIVfWeHlLSsBvjBEk9y1eQzpXrw07/s1600/image-710164.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM73VXlLgT8VEd_W1y70J5tjWjShixG51Is1GCugLO9qAqdxy8QhU7bAh2bpHhjAsP8hwte_poa3UeGQmLK1rUQ_7xr5tEsznSlZoglTlBB3xnzRXIVfWeHlLSsBvjBEk9y1eQzpXrw07/s320/image-710164.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5906377221528360850" /></a></p>
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<br>After caving in to the tourist trap and buying some t-shirts the gang loaded up the van and headed for the hotel. Deciding to get room service and plenty of rest as we have a long journey ahead of us - after we go to Tiananman Square and the Forbidden Palace.
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<br>Everyone is ready to be home. Max and Jake's reflections on the Great Wall.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-86707750705558590632013-07-28T19:47:00.000-05:002013-07-28T19:48:05.869-05:00Relationships are Key to Changing the WorldOur work in China through SCF and related projects with Rotary Club of Des Moines AM, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, are based in trusting relationships with caring people.
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<br>On Sunday we had a full day of relationship building and site visits with numerous projects we are involved with in the LiJiang area.
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<br>We visited the new Education Center that grew from the successful homeschooling of two children to 26 current students from K-12 (US equivalent). The upper grade students will fly to Hong Kong to take their SAT and ACT tests from entrance to US colleges and universities.
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<br>We spent significant time with a friend who is helping us facilitate scholarship funding for a blind girl we met at the LiJiang Ethnic Orphanage school many years ago. She is now 16 and in a special school in Kunming and working to be self sufficient.
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<br>We met with one of the doctors we put through medical school who has some amazing experiences in life saving medical treatment. She has a dream to build a clinic in a remote area and serve those most in need.
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<br>We also went to the market where EVERYTHING you can imagine is sold - and some things you can't imagine.
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<br>It was a full day that again brought home the significance of trusting relationships necessary to have a positive impact in the world.
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<br>Pictures will follow.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-61798674132278995512013-07-26T23:05:00.000-05:002013-07-26T23:06:11.839-05:00Greetings from 4680 Meters<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin34mEWKn2cw64jTf26PVwjYlTE6LEMGjTc-c5qrtuyFe26esSnVovJJQwWY3lJJ-t28HwEVrYsg3Lbm32ba2ijzyzqBRA7Et2V_DFlN9fB1ZSMlP6AXkxyutoxh9zUtUO6evGj4hOeEas/s1600/photo-771840.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin34mEWKn2cw64jTf26PVwjYlTE6LEMGjTc-c5qrtuyFe26esSnVovJJQwWY3lJJ-t28HwEVrYsg3Lbm32ba2ijzyzqBRA7Et2V_DFlN9fB1ZSMlP6AXkxyutoxh9zUtUO6evGj4hOeEas/s320/photo-771840.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5905141827498356370" /></a></p>
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<br>Scott Raecker sent you this message that was typed with one finger on a small touchpadDouglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-17039498455327541832013-07-25T23:06:00.001-05:002013-07-25T23:06:26.370-05:00A trip to the dentist in Ren Li<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdlmbJY5Ymg33iNKt6rjlSLYoTwXbadbFSxVjb93XmHMTBi5u7wCrV3oNz7l8oyApWQEFacJswsW6VdJ8cEHxlFEtJ93uqOlssQod0mWInZlFrklObvyKnBVyG_LGOPNaknIFdxN-FLc4/s1600/image-786370.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdlmbJY5Ymg33iNKt6rjlSLYoTwXbadbFSxVjb93XmHMTBi5u7wCrV3oNz7l8oyApWQEFacJswsW6VdJ8cEHxlFEtJ93uqOlssQod0mWInZlFrklObvyKnBVyG_LGOPNaknIFdxN-FLc4/s320/image-786370.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5904770805567672082" /></a></p>
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<br><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cHhqRemgEbUw6OGfi8u0_i4YTIl7n8HY84OpHrjD-9ZugAkpMO_RlcVoxXmSo-0TTDeaorHMBo8WELwRiPLF1JaC7hZf6YU4hpHtCI_YXntC1vzmwcT-ABJ1lxwBxCPJ5J8osd2jTZqT/s1600/image-790032.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cHhqRemgEbUw6OGfi8u0_i4YTIl7n8HY84OpHrjD-9ZugAkpMO_RlcVoxXmSo-0TTDeaorHMBo8WELwRiPLF1JaC7hZf6YU4hpHtCI_YXntC1vzmwcT-ABJ1lxwBxCPJ5J8osd2jTZqT/s320/image-790032.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5904770820219336898" /></a></p>
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<br>Today we journeyed to the Ren Li Medical / Dental Clinic.
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<br>We delivered toothbrushes donated by Delta Dental through Jeff Russell, and dental equipment from Dr. Dan Bartlett, the Dr. Hall Fisher family, and the last hand pieces from the Dr. James A. Raecker family.
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<br>It was a joy to be recognized by the dentist and doctor who remember us from our prior visits and delivery of equipment.
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<br>We were so thrilled to see dad's photo displayed and the knowledge that his equipment is being used and is making a positive difference in the lives of others.
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<br>Jake is in the process of applying to dental college and just finished a dental internship in Denver - so we thought it was a good time to take a look at what the future holds (in a dental chair purchased by the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM).Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-67380451333739371472013-07-25T11:12:00.001-05:002013-07-26T09:43:48.103-05:00Off the Beaten Path there is a Church in the Wild<div style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we awoke in northwest Yunnan Province. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is one of those days that has been in the making for nearly a decade as we planned to travel to a remote village where SCF and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church have partnered on a significant project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, on these trips we learn as much about ourselves as we do the people we encounter, and today was just that kind of day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We started the journey in two taxi vans for a trip we anticipated to take about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In about 20 minutes we had arrived at the road that would take us to this remote village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you can see from the pictures in the previous posts, "road" is a generous term for what was more of a rock pathway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided this was an exceptional path for a donkey or horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately we were in small minivans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the first of what were more than 50 switchbacks, it was clearly evident we were not going to get to the village in the minivans so we started to walk up the path as the vans made progress without us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we walked, we encountered many friendly Lisu villagers who were working hard to repair, or in places, build the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about an hour the vans started shuttling a few at a time up the rest of the mountain as the path became more firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steve, Jake, Max and Scott had worked their way ahead (slow and steady wins the race was the encouragement that Steve provided several times) so they were the last to get a ride up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Steve and Jake walked the furthest today, and after some fairly loud and demonstrative "international communication" between Scott and the driver – Steve and Jake were picked up to ride the remainder of the way in the same van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shall we just say it was a ride we will never forget!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did arrive safe and actually created history as Cindy, Max and Jake, were the first foreigners of their age (Jake and Max) or gender (Cindy) to ever visit these friendly people – in the history of humankind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first stop was their new church for a quick visit before making the hike to their village home complex which includes all aspects of living including their livestock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We entered the complex to them flushing out their pig-pen which it appeared had not been done in some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Timing is everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They treated us like royalty<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fixing a very large meal. So much food that our leftovers fed the rest of this multi-generational family of many members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had eggs, pork, bamboo, chicken, pickled something (we think beans), and fish (Scott ate the very large eye, all on his own, and was just able to keep it down).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the meal we went back to the church where he villagers (who were not repairing the road) joined us for worship and praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lisu sang to us – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus</i>; and we sang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amazing Grace</i>, and together we sang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Jesus Loves Me</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was then a series of prayers, and we Raecker boys offered up our traditional family prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Following prayers we presented infant quilts made by the Gloria Dei Quilters and infant hats made by Cheryl Gilg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the Wartburg Orange balls came out to make the children happy as well as Iowa pins for the elders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also distributed red wrist bands that say, "Keep the Faith" that have been a rallying prayer for our SCF founder and board member, Brad Peyton, who is standing strong and keeping the faith as he experiences the healing power of prayer in his battle against cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then received beautiful Lisu bags as gifts and parted our ways after a closing prayer and a receiving line of all members to bid us goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had an uneventful minivan ride down the path in less than 30 minutes and made our way to the road for the 6 hour, or more, bus ride to LiJiang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is where we are now, high in the mountains, where it is raining and our driver is doing an exceptional job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Closing today with our family prayer that we offered at the village church and to those of you following us:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Heavenly Father, hear or prayer. Keep us always in thy care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help us always to be good, and to do the things we should. Loving those who love us so, and kind to everyone we know. And bless those who are near and dear to us, wherever they may be. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-20839391424193774822013-07-25T01:15:00.000-05:002013-07-26T09:40:26.804-05:00More on the Road #3<div class="mobile-photo">
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Check out the wrists on our new brothers and sisters.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-15381191011542866692013-07-25T01:07:00.001-05:002013-07-26T09:40:16.913-05:00More on the Road #2<div class="mobile-photo">
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We thank Him that we have arrived!
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<br />Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-59747646285634101922013-07-24T20:52:00.001-05:002013-07-26T09:40:06.018-05:00More on the Road #1<div class="mobile-photo">
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<br />Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-28066268636938506522013-07-24T08:21:00.001-05:002013-07-26T09:39:23.281-05:00On the RoadToday the team had breakfast at the Compass with Joe who is the owner.
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We then went to his bakery which is called the "In n Out." He also has a shop and rents space to several others.
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We then embarked on a 7 hour bus journey that would best be described as:
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Jake: Scenic and the fastest 7 hour bus ride of my life.
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Steve: Breathtaking. Spectacular.
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Max: Mostly untouched land and completely unimaginable.
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Scott: One of those - "You had to be there moments" in life.
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We followed the Yangtze River and then connected up with the Mekong River and arrived in a VERY small village that we are not sure of the name.
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Jake made friends immediately with some kids using the orange balls from Wartburg.
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Rooms were $9.63 each so we splurged and got two. Dinner for 9 was $30.60 - and it did include three warm beers.
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Tomorrow we head to an even smaller village where SCF and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church embarked on a significant project.
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We are anxious to meet these friends who are Lisu.
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We have found the world to be shrinking ever more as we stay connected through the iPhone5.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-17060387080274725522013-07-23T11:36:00.001-05:002013-07-23T17:49:16.334-05:00Challenging Roads Lead to Wondrous Opportunities<div class="mobile-photo">
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Jake and Max have again been tasked with the blog for the day - with a few additions from Steve and Scott. It would have been posted sooner except Scott had to narrow down his 590 pictures from the day to match what we wanted to write.<br />
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Our day began with a western breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and bacon at the Compass Café, which is one of many business aspects that the Compass utilizes. After a hearty American breakfast we set out on our next leg of our journey to a village called Tsing Yi.<br />
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David, our guide, had a small mix up with how big our vehicle needed to be. So, we crammed nine people into a van with four in the way back. It should be noted that the Chinese drivers seem that air conditioning is pointless as the driver, and Steve, went back and forth turning it on and off. We found that the temperature was the least of our worriers as we embarked on the "highway." Filled with pot holes and being a fairly narrow road we became a little on edge. However, the good Lord looked over our driver and got us everyone to the village safely.<br />
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As we arrived in the village we were greeted by a school full of youngsters. This school is a project of Vic, another one of our guides. The kids were initially shy, but they began to light up as we taught them how to say Go Hawks and Rose Bowl (it was obvious Dan and Deb Timmons had not made the journey this year). The children then became ecstatic as we handed out six Wartburg Orange balls. After they caught the ball the children were then greeted with a high five from the big foreigners. The kids finally got the hang of sharing and throwing the balls back and forth to each other. This then began to cause mayhem as Max realized throwing three balls in the air at once really gets these youngsters going.<br />
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The school itself is in need of a lot of repair due to vandals breaking windows and causing damage to the school. These vandals believe the children do not need an education to herd yak and collect mushrooms. We were reminded of how little some people have and how things that seem to mean nothing to us make a big difference to others. The school has so many needs for the 60 children who attend. They have two teachers who each make $2,250 ANNUALLY! The children are taken into town once each month for a shower. It appears that the right people are in place to enhance the basic needs of the school and Vic intends to continue to include SCF in his vision for the future of these students and this area. <br />
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We capped off our day at the school by using funds that were donated to SCF from our Aunt Jennie - who is a teacher. We presented these to the school teacher who will use the funds to buy new desks for the kids.<br />
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As Jake and Max left the school yard to go look at the basketball courts they spotted a younger child in the field. Jake waved him over and he ran with glee. They decided this was an ideal time to teach a young Chinese boy how to play catch with an American pigskin. Needless to say he had some great coaches and the kid was a natural. He began running routes around the courtyard. It reminded us of the tailgates in the dental parking lot back home.<br />
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We then made our way to one of the teacher's houses where we shared a great view from their roof and not so great yak butter tea. A large dog chained to a not so large tree seemed to bark at anything that was in plain sight. We then left the premise and entered another hour long bus ride.<br />
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The next part of our day included going on a hike/tour with our guide Andy who is originally from upstate New York. He has lived in China for six years with his wife and three young boys and they all absolutely love life here. We started the tour in his village where we had the best yak butter tea we have experienced. We also enjoyed very good conversation with this guy who was trying to figure out his calling in life. We then took our tour in his old fashioned Jeep coined the Beijing Beater. He was such a great guide hat he even found a roadside stand so Scott could get a Coke in his Tyler's Bottling shirt.We hiked in the foothills of the Himalayas and enjoyed fresh air and piles of yak dung. We saw amazing sights and it was well worth the time and money spent.<br />
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We concluded our day with a Yak Hot Pot at a local restaurant and some time spent in Old Town. Another great day filled with the love of family, adventure, and building relationships to make a difference in the lives of others.<br />
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Tomorrow will travel 6 hours by bus to the Wexi area. The next day we can either walk an hour ad a half or ride a tractor to an area that has friends of SCF. As small as the world has become, there are still a few places that don't have Verizon coverage so we will be off the grid for the next couple of days and catch up with you when we arrive in LiJiang.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Scott Raecker | Executive Director<br /> Character Counts In Iowa</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> Ph: 515-271-1911</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://by2prd0310.outlook.com/ecp/Customize/" tabindex="0" target="" title="http://www.CharacterCountsInIowa.org"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span title="http://www.CharacterCountsInIowa.org"><br /> CharacterCountsInIowa.org</span></span></a></span><br /> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Our projects include:<br /> CHARACTER COUNTS!<br /> Ethics in the Workplace<br /> Excellence & Ethics Regional Center<br /> Pursuing Victory With Honor</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
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Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-16189897551524739732013-07-22T10:02:00.001-05:002013-07-22T10:02:57.783-05:002 Brothers, 2 Cousins, and a Monk.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KYqrFXlXpIwLSTqqy8FSSdLnwXHoYmsAGmH9Z9QDjQZ_vkQgdflLTveIcIJfLD2jterH6oBBHtJxtkzIDMp5PBcVGk0v86dC12uxfLjwzI-EwBb8HILaD9baVnwZJI7ozePHyuJ6HCFS/s1600/Compass+BAM+Presentation-777783.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KYqrFXlXpIwLSTqqy8FSSdLnwXHoYmsAGmH9Z9QDjQZ_vkQgdflLTveIcIJfLD2jterH6oBBHtJxtkzIDMp5PBcVGk0v86dC12uxfLjwzI-EwBb8HILaD9baVnwZJI7ozePHyuJ6HCFS/s320/Compass+BAM+Presentation-777783.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5903455649828165266" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkupTneE_Bk6G58diZtep1Opg-CxNJ7icli-3hBGdIvdI2e8oiMpEQsoNGuLHjpO_xsNHiMfRkY5pZxdYjkk08nuiYcqVWCVJKSyLh0JzNQ-RkgEAXFWKGuq98kLoJ6LuU7AuL3UASqXB/s1600/Lamasary-779414.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkupTneE_Bk6G58diZtep1Opg-CxNJ7icli-3hBGdIvdI2e8oiMpEQsoNGuLHjpO_xsNHiMfRkY5pZxdYjkk08nuiYcqVWCVJKSyLh0JzNQ-RkgEAXFWKGuq98kLoJ6LuU7AuL3UASqXB/s320/Lamasary-779414.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5903455654939977298" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FV3e11mGpMQoTQlUTR3d1uNnNhWRn8lxxvMfxOGx4f-pGAfvsw7CcevkcK0yC6Ad4vA4yh6R0Kd_p4BB8NPiqOimRsnQYS7mZzHUaOEV2Z1nH45QYF7CbKfyjvBLRAWvfYmTs97rVSbc/s1600/Gathering+wisdom+with+the+Monk-781022.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FV3e11mGpMQoTQlUTR3d1uNnNhWRn8lxxvMfxOGx4f-pGAfvsw7CcevkcK0yC6Ad4vA4yh6R0Kd_p4BB8NPiqOimRsnQYS7mZzHUaOEV2Z1nH45QYF7CbKfyjvBLRAWvfYmTs97rVSbc/s320/Gathering+wisdom+with+the+Monk-781022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5903455660864950498" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNf1kliK3C79c-4ljvm54JWneY30ViUH3j6CR5cVu1iBNR3NexSdXhvmw09U2icS9k58sdyGBId2KpVWJVkPW9Cm9yL3b-YT-rKTHxDWDTsKYRHAjc0ZO2gujNsTNgH9dM7ps861fcP42/s1600/Gunga+La+Gunga-782523.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNf1kliK3C79c-4ljvm54JWneY30ViUH3j6CR5cVu1iBNR3NexSdXhvmw09U2icS9k58sdyGBId2KpVWJVkPW9Cm9yL3b-YT-rKTHxDWDTsKYRHAjc0ZO2gujNsTNgH9dM7ps861fcP42/s320/Gunga+La+Gunga-782523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5903455664842183138" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuByiwMlLF3cqzOk6dezHP3TInvLQZhJVB0ktK_VeemnQvopB2dhVepQgNNz_NGXLC4otMmpHETIybJe9RXk8IrFv-zAcC7NClDE01tvkiLIpvQRDJdbe4uA5SmE_Hwvo6te6V55KGVio/s1600/View+from+the+top-784572.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuByiwMlLF3cqzOk6dezHP3TInvLQZhJVB0ktK_VeemnQvopB2dhVepQgNNz_NGXLC4otMmpHETIybJe9RXk8IrFv-zAcC7NClDE01tvkiLIpvQRDJdbe4uA5SmE_Hwvo6te6V55KGVio/s320/View+from+the+top-784572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5903455672633442818" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyztMOSc3qU_xQWFwuvQgkfGy02nZxpRZezhKpU2IAR4b4n4pCk5wtZJOQ6da0s8U1_A5KcPJvRE6TD97hO07Ja6lPI2LKqbtLlafbYtTLaXKCAvuQ_770bR0OPHUFI0CVF7gNXjlDO2d/s1600/Dampa-786156.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyztMOSc3qU_xQWFwuvQgkfGy02nZxpRZezhKpU2IAR4b4n4pCk5wtZJOQ6da0s8U1_A5KcPJvRE6TD97hO07Ja6lPI2LKqbtLlafbYtTLaXKCAvuQ_770bR0OPHUFI0CVF7gNXjlDO2d/s320/Dampa-786156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5903455684349899554" /></a></p><div style="direction: ltr;font-family: Arial;color: #000000;font-size: 12pt;"> <div> <p> Hey everybody! This is Jake and Max and we just want to thank you all for following us on our journey and we wish you could all experience what we're living each day! </p> <p> </p> <p> Today began very early with a 6:30 flight from Kunming to Zhongdian (Shangra-La). This new place is much more to our liking as we've finally gotten out of the big city and are now in a more rural setting. We've made camp at a hostel/loft homestay that's called "The Compass". This establishment is just a small part of the Compass organization that follows the BAM (business as mission) ideology. It is a cohesive organization that is engaged in multiple principles. Business (café, lodging, consulting, etc.), Church (disciple and leadership), and homestay (the people who are involved in this program all live together). Essentially it is a social entrepreneurship platform that trains people as leaders of Christ. We sat through an hour presentation of The Compass' business model and it was truly spectacular (Compass BAM Presentation photo). We couldn't stop thinking about how we could adopt this model and do the types of things The Compass does in America. </p> <p> </p> <p>After the lecture, we headed to the worlds second largest Lamasery - where Buddhist monks practice (Lamasery photo).</p> <p> </p> <p>We expected to just observe this structure but were surprised to be invited for tea inside the home of a monk who is long time friends with David, one of our guides. We sat and drank for 2 hours (Gathering wisdom with the Monk photo) and Max and I each presented him with some spur of the moment gifts: a Wartburg Orange from me and an American football from Max. He was humbled with these gifts and as we left he requested a picture with all of us....to be taken on <em>his </em>smartphone (Gunga La Gunga photo). It was an absolute unreal experience and one you can not truly appreciate or understand how surreal it was unless you were lucky enough to be present. We were all visibly stoked the entire time and it was one of the highlights of my life. After that we toured the Lamasery and all of its intricate details and glory. We somehow managed to make our way up the roof of this structure that sits on top of a hill (view from the top photo). What an amazing view of the countryside and tree covered hills that surrounded us. </p> <p> </p> <p>Later in the day we ventured around the city and walked through the market where all of the towns people go each day for their food because they don't have refrigeration. Smells ranged from exotic spices to fish well...really well... past their freshness date. I would assume that this market would not meet American health standards. As we continued to walk I realized how small of a world we live in. Besides being able to e-mail our friends and family each day, we had the pleasure of running into Dampa, who is one of the 3 doctors that the SCF has put through medical school. To think that in a country of over 1 billion people this would take place makes us all feel so small (Dampa photo). </p> <p> </p> <p>Tomorrow we will have the pleasure of sleeping in for the first time this trip. This is something that Max and I are extremely thrilled about and we will for sure be taking advantage of this opportunity. We will be taking a hike to roughly 14,000 feet (we're currently at around 10,000) and we hope to meet some nomadic yack herders and enjoy some yack butter tea.</p> <p> </p> <p>Once again, thanks to all for following us on this enlightening journey. </p> <p> </p> <p>~~Jake Arlyss Raecker & Max James Hawkeye Raecker~~</p> <p> </p> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> <p><font size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black"></span></font><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"></p> </div> </div> </div> Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-75453842565779885062013-07-21T16:22:00.001-05:002013-07-21T16:22:32.786-05:00Kunming Infant Orphange<div><span></span></div> <div> <div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><span></span></div> <div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Good morning from Kunming where we will leave in just a few hours for Zhongdian - better known as Shangri-La.</span><br> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our experiences at the Kunming Infant Orphanage are difficult to put into words. Pictures and words do not capture the emotion of the many special moments that took place.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just about the time you start asking - "why have we travelled three days to get here and what is this all about?" - an experience like we had at the infant O happens and your world view changes.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We held, fed, and played with over 25 infants today - all abandoned by someone who did not want them. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We talked to a blind baby who just wanted to reach out and touch another human, a baby with a cleft palate who had a great giggle, and a baby without a hand - how could not stop waving.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There were many fun memories today from eating fish eyes to chicken heads, a spectacular evening meal in a centuries old restaurant, a walk around a beautiful full-moon lit lake that is a model for Disney, and another grueling day of plane and van/bus travel.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And finally, after three days of travel, we encountered our first experience for the main purpose to our being here.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How can we build relationships and provide the support to make a difference in the lives of others?</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">SCF supports the infant O at $400 a month which pays for just a bit more than the monthly salary of one of their 22 employees. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have a feeling we will probably do more. Time will tell.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We now move to our project work in the Himalayan plains around Zhongdian.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As access allows we will keep you posted. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Quote of the day: "We discovered the universal language of a child's laughter today. Put your finger out and they will grab it and if you tickle them - they will laugh - regardless of their place on life." Steve Raecker</span></p> </div> </div> Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-26935907494093407072013-07-21T05:56:00.001-05:002013-07-21T07:38:58.627-05:00Infant Orphanage Pictures tell the Story of the Day<div class="mobile-photo">
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Cheryl Gilg's hats are a big hit.
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Quilts for everyone from Gloria Dei Quilters.
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Joe Mauer
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Deb's bracelets were a highlight for the workers.<br />
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James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans..."
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<br />Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-62951507162976581222013-07-20T17:48:00.001-05:002013-07-20T17:48:16.196-05:00Man Van Experienced<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH67DatfoIANvlPvIe7IxIp8e1PJtVXDzmF-4zXz8GsWbg9DFQDmP53D_V0B3Ofx-DdCBbw2K5nAdYlm94slDBCsxmaxG5Q521jCXgMyoSLJeWsSLix0nxbTA5c2tT6p3MypbHVjQq4nwe/s1600/image-796196.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH67DatfoIANvlPvIe7IxIp8e1PJtVXDzmF-4zXz8GsWbg9DFQDmP53D_V0B3Ofx-DdCBbw2K5nAdYlm94slDBCsxmaxG5Q521jCXgMyoSLJeWsSLix0nxbTA5c2tT6p3MypbHVjQq4nwe/s320/image-796196.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5902833387104100594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-a6bZU4FEGfDcNPz5ANoCGMzlRRPMbhSchSiXGupXRUKjd3AWpdwwP0oFn7o0i0Gyk2aF-vVvCwBrAWyu0Yvf_GxfQGme75wFTkVSdCoHGLWJab2Vb8cxw550mGBTTrWDQQpgIFDxZV0/s1600/image-798687.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-a6bZU4FEGfDcNPz5ANoCGMzlRRPMbhSchSiXGupXRUKjd3AWpdwwP0oFn7o0i0Gyk2aF-vVvCwBrAWyu0Yvf_GxfQGme75wFTkVSdCoHGLWJab2Vb8cxw550mGBTTrWDQQpgIFDxZV0/s320/image-798687.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5902833396257668786" /></a></p>
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<br>Six people 14 Bags. Man Van Hall of Fame!Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-66667730064495384782013-07-20T08:36:00.000-05:002013-07-20T08:37:20.963-05:00We Arrived<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwMKRhi9decqsCSih3_VP77D4OwUdCfCrkPipI7LIucnvkRbT9eMnnJzQ3pU5hC1p7r4O2JshmY3kOAUDDLOWd7GbOG8_Z7rycelxN27tBGgbyFdbFmUK0AieEEW7EWtcV0z5NbaAYjI1/s1600/image-740964.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwMKRhi9decqsCSih3_VP77D4OwUdCfCrkPipI7LIucnvkRbT9eMnnJzQ3pU5hC1p7r4O2JshmY3kOAUDDLOWd7GbOG8_Z7rycelxN27tBGgbyFdbFmUK0AieEEW7EWtcV0z5NbaAYjI1/s320/image-740964.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5902691414221929218" /></a></p>The boys in Beijing with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the background.
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<br>We had an extensive and exhausting travel day. We finished packing our bags around midnight Thursday and left the house at 4:30 am on Friday. After a stop in Detroit we arrived in Beijing at 2:30 pm on Saturday. We arrived on time and with all our bags. And had a stranger in customs shout out Go Hawks after seeing Max's shirt. It is a small world.
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<br>We are 13 hours ahead of Iowa time - so change am to pm, or pm to am, and add 1 hour.
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<br>We were met at the airport by our contact, David, and a driver with a blue man van. A tight fit with six people and 13 total bags.
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<br>Beijing continues to grow and the smog and traffic reflect this fact. From the airport we visited the Temple of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
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<br>We are now at the Rosedale Hotel which is very nice and will fly to Kunming in the morning.
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<br>The day ended with a wonderful Chinese meal that included Shark Lip, Fish Fin, Chicken Tongue, and Quail Egg soup.
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<br>Scott Raecker sent this message from ChinaDouglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-19283239138429899582013-07-19T06:05:00.000-05:002013-07-20T12:45:59.076-05:00The Journey Begins<div class="mobile-photo">
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And the journey begins. Following three years of planning and a year of preparation we are on our way.
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Steve, Jake, Max and I appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts as we make our way to China to positively impact the lives of others.
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Thanks to Shining City Foundation board member Doug Pals for setting up the blog spot.
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Hopefully this post from the iPhone works.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-54031275112062158332013-07-12T23:41:00.000-05:002013-07-12T23:41:19.656-05:00Preparations Continue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Max and "Quilt Queen" Karen</div>
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Thanks to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Quilters for</div>
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making over 60 quilts we will deliver when we are in China.</div>
<br />Scott Raeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05201348737205827869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-87712938998643334782010-08-11T18:31:00.001-05:002010-08-11T18:31:53.050-05:00Home Sweet HomeAfter 11 days, 13 plane flights, and 7 different overnight stays our team is <br>thrilled to be in Chicago waiting for our flight to Des Moines.<p>It has been an amazing journey with a special group of friends who are <br>committed to making a difference in the world.<p>We will keep you posted as we process the trip and new opportunities as they <br>develop.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-72657044657497086992010-08-11T01:57:00.001-05:002010-08-15T20:19:37.457-05:00<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGJLKGztWYI/AAAAAAAAKBg/fz2KgFyNVqg/s1600/IMG_4794sm-784001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504044331598436738" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGJLKGztWYI/AAAAAAAAKBg/fz2KgFyNVqg/s320/IMG_4794sm-784001.JPG" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGJLKkoWE3I/AAAAAAAAKBo/4WBU-l8Vw-c/s1600/IMG_4359sm-785921.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504044339603837810" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGJLKkoWE3I/AAAAAAAAKBo/4WBU-l8Vw-c/s320/IMG_4359sm-785921.JPG" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGJLLMk6qSI/AAAAAAAAKBw/oy9Uq07gnm4/s1600/IMG_4420sm-787987.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504044350326876450" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGJLLMk6qSI/AAAAAAAAKBw/oy9Uq07gnm4/s320/IMG_4420sm-787987.JPG" /></a></div>Finally have internet connection! We are waiting our flight in the Kunming<br />
Airport to go to Beijing, after being delayed and hour but not cancelled!<br />
Sunday, we visited the RenLi Clinic to hand out dental supplies then headed<br />
to a Naxi home for traditional dinner and dancing. Food was….. very ….<br />
interesting and hard to identify, as an added bonus to dinner and dancing we<br />
got to witness the drowning of a chicken, and the pleasure of watching the<br />
plucking and cleaning throughout the rest of dinner.<br />
Next we headed to the Lijiang School, where we played with the kids and<br />
toured the facility. Dad says things have changed so much, because of the<br />
development around the school.<br />
Monday, Dad, Emily, Scott, Rebekah, Doug, and I walked to the top of Old Town to a<br />
Roof Top Restaurant where the view was amazing! Deb and Dan went to Tiger<br />
Leaping Gorge. <br />
Hopefully we will have more access to the internet in Beijing where we can<br />
update more!<br />
Leslie (with help from Deb)<br />
P.s.<br />
If you already saw this when it still contained VERY large pictures, sorry.<br />
Haha Deb and I have been fired from our job of blog posters, and as you may<br />
have already noticed Scott has resumed his position. NOW! We are in Beijing<br />
Airport ready to board! See you all very soon!!Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-66790912936212978032010-08-10T21:08:00.001-05:002010-08-10T21:08:59.265-05:00Forbidden City<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGIGO1o1yAI/AAAAAAAAKBY/qAI6FxDd1OY/s1600/IMG00162-20100810-2031-739267.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGIGO1o1yAI/AAAAAAAAKBY/qAI6FxDd1OY/s320/IMG00162-20100810-2031-739267.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503968546586478594" /></a></p>We are soon on our way to the airport after a stop at the Forbidden City.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-70721349898872693932010-08-09T23:12:00.001-05:002010-08-09T23:12:51.693-05:00Next Blog<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGDRw1Y8xsI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/1uFk66cE6xs/s1600/IMG00156-20100809-2309-771693.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TGDRw1Y8xsI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/1uFk66cE6xs/s320/IMG00156-20100809-2309-771693.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503629381542397634" /></a></p>Here is a photo Leslie and. Deb crafting the next blog post in the Kunming <br>Airport.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-7454657670605548032010-08-09T19:35:00.001-05:002010-08-09T19:35:44.989-05:00Travel UpdateOn our last day in LiJiang we split up in the morning to cover more ground.<p>Deb and Dan to Tiger Leaping Gorge with David.<p>Brad, Leslie, and Doug to the Black Dragon Pool.<p>And Scott, Em, Rebecca and Cindy to the open air market and back to the <br>school.<p>The afternoon we spent some time in Old Town and then flew to Kunming where <br>we met another of our scholarship students - Dr. Ruth.<p>Today onto Beijing and home to USA on Wednesday.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-65866568801346843072010-08-08T12:19:00.001-05:002010-08-08T12:19:55.582-05:00LiJiang<div style='font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000'><P><SPAN>My day ends with the "Blue Screen of Death" on my laptop and waiting to send a post on the hotel computer - so this will be short and without pictures, which is unfortunate because there are some great ones today.</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>After a full and unexpected day of travel yesterday, and only 3 hours sleep, we started our 8th day of the trip before 6 am and took a flight from Kunming to LiJiang.</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>The photos today would have shown things like:</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>Emily meeting her pen pal of four years, Rebecca, who lives in LiJiang</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>Our team delivering dental equipment that my dad had donated from his practice to dentists who were so over-joyed that tears streamed down their faces</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>You would have seen the new dental chair purchased by the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM and SCF</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>The team joining Naxi women for traditional Naxi dancing after our Naxi home lunch - the one where we also have the picture of Emily - as the Honored Guest - eating the fish eye</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>You would have seen the team doing business with Mr. Kahn - the Bottle Man - as we picked up the bottles we ordered to help support his micro-business</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>You would have seen the team touring the enhancements to the LiJiang Children's Ethnic Orphanage - our longest standing initiative</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>Doug and Brad playing basketball with the boys</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>All of us assessing the negative impact of the significant commercial building just inches away from the living residence's - causing significant damage</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>The team listening to over 50 Kindergarten children sing to them just before an extended recess - where we introduced the concept of Matchbox cars and everyone enjoyed playtime</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>A picture of Leslie walking from the K-school hand in hand with the cutest little girl and the biggest smile on both their faces</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>Dan, Deb, Brad, and Leslie on the roof top of La Mu where the team had dinner in Old Town prior to a brief stroll before calling it a long and good day.</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN>As it is - you will need to use your minds eye - and when I can get things running again - I will send the photos of the day for you to share in the experience with us.</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN> </SPAN></P></div>Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3190802273180827070.post-459435789059394612010-08-07T10:42:00.000-05:002010-08-07T10:44:23.578-05:00Patience<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TF1_VywLCZI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/NXqT_dHsS9s/s1600/IMG00143-20100807-0706-763579.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-i6cDzsNhF8/TF1_VywLCZI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/NXqT_dHsS9s/s320/IMG00143-20100807-0706-763579.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502694332094417298" /></a></p>Every trip we have taken to China we learn as much about ourselves as we do <br>those we seek to serve.<p>Today we have all been given a lesson in patience - as for the first time in <br>five trips our plans have changed due to travel delays.<p>Actually the second time, as the seven landslides in Tibet the last time <br>were certainly a delay. However, it was more exciting to dig out of mud with <br>Monks than sit for hours in the only airport in the world that sells NO <br>beverages.<p>Everyone has been wonderful and a special compliment to our two seventeen <br>year old travelers (and Deb) who have made the most of it and been a joy and <br>motivation for the rest of the team.<p>Right now the plan and best option is to take an 11:30 pm flight to Kunming <br>and then fly to LiJiang at 7:30 am and we will be back on schedule.<p>On the last trip digging through the landslides I set a simple rule - never <br>travel to China without an ISU engineer. This year, confirmation of the <br>baseline for our teams - never travel without people who know the language <br>and how to work within the system.Douglas Palshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08510591835273900795noreply@blogger.com