Xi'an

I was able to visit Xi'an before coming to the orphanage. I saw my precious little friend, Li Dan Dan and met her family. I had an absolutely wonderful time in Xi'an, though I didn't do much sight-seeing. I was only there a few days, and my purpose was to visit with Dan Dan. Maybe I'll be able to go back sometime and see more places, but I loved just being with her and her family.

She loves her father. She says he and his motorbike are cool!

This is Dan Dan and her friend who lives in the room about their's.

Dan Dan's mother and a little neighbor kid. This little girl is so skinny!

Dan Dan's family live in a small room in an ally in the city, but it is clean and comfortable. They leave the door open and have a blanket covering the doorway. Every time someone would stop by, Dan Dan's mom would ask them to come in and have something to eat, but most would not. Just this little girl did. She is 2 or 3 years old. She is so quiet and sweet! I really like her.

Dan Dan's father took the Dan Dan and me to a park by the river. When we were leaving their house, Dan Dan's mother asked her father how we would get there, and he said the three of us could go on his motorcycle. She replied, “Faith wouldn't dare ride on that!” I said that I would, and away we went! That was so much fun! We were going about 25-35 mph in the city, and when we got to the highway we went 45-50 mph. Dan Dan's father was in front driving, Dan Dan was behind him, and I was sitting side-saddle in the back. Many women here in China sit on the back of their guy's motorcycle, and, since it is summer, many of them are in skirts sitting side-saddle. It's not really too dangerous. There are not a lot of accidents here, but we did come within inches of a car that tried to pull out in front of us. That was the only scary part. I think if a person really wants to see China, one of the most enjoyable ways would be to sit on the back of a local friend's motorcycle or electric scooter-bike and see the life of the people here and enjoy the ride! But just be sure your friend is a good driver—the traffic here is crazy! Whether you're crossing the street, or or riding in a car or on a motorbike, you can reach out and slap the vehicle next to or in front of you—you really get that close just about every time you go out. And I have seen many little kids crossing the street all by themselves!

I thought this bridge was cool. I really like bridges, and China is full of them! I was sitting on the bike when taking this picture.

It was wonderful getting to meet Dan Dan's family and friends. I love them all so much and hope to go back there before returning to the U.S. Dan Dan's parents are really very good; they love and discipline and take very good care of their children. It is very encouraging to see her mother trust our Father, and I hope Dan Dan will make the decision to follow Him like her mother has done. I was able to talk with Dan Dan a little bit about how important it is to honor her parents and please our Father. She is not the most obedient child and not the nicest big sister, but will do better when given firm direction. I have many more pics of my trip to Xi'an, but am having trouble getting them up. I don't like posting without pictures, but I'll go ahead and get up what I can.