It is very late now, nearly 2 AM, but I think if I do not write these words down now that I will forget too much about my blessed Thursday. Thursday was really wonderful for me, such a blessing. I got up early this morning and had some breakfast with Mama Deng (Jessica's mom). Then, she gave me a set of keys so that I can come and go freely. She left quickly after that. I spent time looking at all of the beautiful creation Papa made from this building's roof. The view is simply gorgeous here!!! :) I enjoyed worshiping my Papa from the rooftop. I spent time in His word reading Ruth's story. It was good to spend time with my Father this morning.
Next, I made a call to an American friend here which led me a little later out the door and across town. I couldn't catch a taxi, so I headed by sanlunche (a little two-person box pulled by a motorcycle) across town to meet my friends. I prayed and asked for my Father's help. He led me to a drop-off spot nearby my friend's house despite the sanlunche driver not knowing the way to exactly where I told him. In any case, my dear Papa heard my requests and provided for me. Within minutes, old friends met me on the street, and we headed for their apartment. It was so good to see them and meet new friends and other old friends. :)
I talked so much. My brain was really bouncing everywhere like a raquetball let loose hard in a small raquetball court. I shared so much, and the friends enjoyed hearing the stories and seeing some of my now nearly 500 pictures. I headed out with many of these friends to eat lunch. It was nice to eat with them. :) Immediately following lunch, Erika (an old friend from Louisiana) and I headed to Shejiang, about 30-45 minutes by car away from Meizhou.
Shejiang is a suburb of MZ and is essentially an industrial town with many factories. It was good to see my old friends and students Angie, Jade, Nancy, Anna, Kelly, Sara, and Susan. We toured their three factories extensively. While it was really delightful to see them, visiting their factories was extremely sad for me; it was so hard to keep back my tears so as to not sadden and confuse my friends.
What made me so sad? Let me tell you. At Angie's factory students age 10 to 18 work eight hours a day for only 15 yuan. That is all they are paid for a whole day! (That is a very little amount of money over here in China.) She told me that without their labor during these students' summer holiday that the factory cannot keep up with the orders from abroad. Her factory makes products sold in Bath & Body Works and Hobby Lobby. These American companies buy them at extremely low prices and make SO much profit. It is heartbreaking!! I despise American capitalism and frugality because I have seen and heard first-hand from living in China how it comes at the DEAR price of deplorable working and living conditions for the Chinese people I love so much!! I know that the products I saw today will be on the market in America and elsewhere in the world especially in December, and it can only make my stomach churn with disgust.
Erika and I cut our visit short because Mama Deng was making a special dinner for me. I didn't ask for this, but Mama is such a kind and gracious mama. Thus, I knew we needed to be back for the dinner. It was truly WONDERFUL! Mama cooked well tonight! After and during dinner Jessica, Erika, and I had a long, mostly serious talk. It was intense and reminded me of an overwhelming conversation I had years back with American friends shortly after the war began in Iraq. After that we headed out for a little shopping and a walk to the local university so I could learn the way; it is a helpful meeting spot for me while here. :)
A friend came to pick us up in his cute little car, and we headed off to take Erika home. Then, the friend driving asked if I'd like to go get coffee. I enthusiastically said "yes." Off we headed again to go down by the lovely (at night time) river to go to the coffee shop. It was super nice there, and I enjoyed delightful Italian coffee. We headed home but then stopped for Hakka soup on the way back. The driver and Jessica's friend were hungry. This little alley was hopping with people and food at nearly midnight. Jessica said that they sell food until 2 or 3 AM. WOW!! For me, all this powerfully showed me how much the driver simply wanted to be my dear friend. He did things the Chinese way and paid lots of money for lots of food and a gift for me and Jessica. I was already blessed so much today that I was in awe of how much my Father had showered me with graciousness and bountiful gifts. I truly don't deserve any of this, but He continues to tremendously bless me.
Well now, it's 2:19 AM. I will head to bed to rest up. I am spending the day with Erika and helping her clean in just a few hours. You all have a fabulous day! :)
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