Beijing, Ready, Go!

I'll be leaving for the Olympics in less than 2 days, it's really exciting, even though I'm still much preoccupied with following the Olympic events going on now in Beijing, while trying to remember what I still need to pack for my 3 week trip. This will be my longest vacation in the last 3 years, and I'm definitely looking forward to a time of fun and rest.

This year has passed by rather quickly, but at times it's also felt long for me. I really miss home and this break comes at just the perfect time, as I'm trying to think and reflect about what my future plans are and where God is leading me to be in the next few years. The constant theme of my daily struggle continues to be learning how to let go and trust in God, so I hope this trip will be one that I don't find myself trying to fret over details, but rather just trust that things will happen and fall into place as they inevitably will occur.

I will be traveling to 4 cities, Shanghai, Beijing Shenyang, Tianjin. And it just so happens that all 4 cities are holding Olympic competitions. My airfare, tickets and rent is quite cheap, so I think I might be able to stay under a $3000 budget for the whole trip, which would be quite amazing and makes my frugal chinese side very happy. So I got a nice camcorder to record the exciting things we'll be seeing, I hope to capture many memorable moments.

While nothing in China ever happens without controversy, I am happy to say that so far it's been a great Olympics. Yes, there will always be controversies over things like why they lip-syn using someone else's voice at the opening ceremony, why they pre-recorded some fireworks, why the chinese gymnasts look like they are 14, why can't people access controversial websites, etc, etc. China is not without it's shortcomings, there are lots, but the nation should deserve some credit for working hard to be a good host and trying their best to show the world that we are a nation of people who genuinely embrace the opportunity to show hospitality to others. Perhaps we still need to learn how to handle criticism with more grace, how to respond to embarrassment with dignity, and not always trying to look perfect at the cost of betraying truth and honesty. There is still long ways to go, and lots of things to change... but I'm hopeful that with each passing day, China is being made better when others scrutinize it's actions and criticize its shortcomings, that we will rise to the occasion and show everyone that this nation is changing for the better.

I will try to post pictures during the trip. But if not, I will definitely post about them later.