China trip with China Venture Services, 2004

Photographer Becky Piper (M.Div. 2005) documented this Cross-Cultural Experience. Becky accompanied a group of high school youth from her internship congregation in Tacoma, Wash. The trip was led by Pastor Steve Ray.

A warm welcome from our friends at the Xinyang Health School. The people we met were very friendly and gracious. Don't forget to pack small gifts to give to the new friends that you meet!
	It was a powerful experience to worship at a local Christian church in Xinyang. (The church is the building on the right with the cross at the top.) Our group heard a young female seminary intern preach--for almost 2 hours! Although I could not understand the words, I understood the intensity!
	Be sure to visit the tea market in Xinyang and learn the proper tea preparations. The area is well known for its mountain green tea, show in this picture.
	To experience China is to experience the regional specialty foods. This interesting dish was very tasty!
	Here is another picture of a meal during the trip. Be ready to try may different foods and make sure that you can use chopsticks!
	The streets of Xinyang.
	The dorm at the Xinyang Education College. Very comfortable.
	My wonderful home-visit hosts in Xinyang.
	Xinyang market - vegetables
	Mmm! eels!
	More fruits and veggies, and always a smile!
	In the park near the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The man is writing a poem by dipping his paint brush in water! People gather around him to read the poem before it evaporates. Then he begins again...
	Adventures at Rooster Mountain - gondola ride
	After the gondola ride down the mountain, we bartered for a van to take us on a bumpy mountain road, and then hiked to this waterfall.
	The top of Rooster Mountain with my middle-school friends from Xinyang.
	The Great Wall of China must be experienced in person. Several sections have been rebuilt and are open for tourists.
	The climb is steep and the sun is warm, but the views are breathtaking. Remember to bring an umbrella!