Ni men Hao,
I spent another day with the radicals. After class, Ana and I went with her classmate Nathan to lunch and to run some errands before we went to his house for about 2 hours. It was great. We got to be in a warm home. His wife made us coffee and trail mix. We sat at the dinner table and "did our hw". Afterwards, we went with Nathan and his secretary to a migrant school and picked up a girl who will be getting scholarship money from Nathans non-profit organization. After we picked her up, we drove to her home in another part of town where Nathan and his secretary interviewed the father and the daughter. They asked them things like "What are your dreams? What are your dreams for your daughter?" Things like that...
It was a great afternoon though because Ana and I learned so much about the underworkings of Suzhou, about the MASSIVE gentrification of land owned by low-income families. They are building new sky rise apartment buildings everywhere, hoping that Chinese will see it as a good investment and purchase them. This displaces the migrant workers to the north and to the south, making their commute longer. Nathan says its the migrant workers who make this city run. They do all the jobs no one else wants to do.... Remind you of some other minority group? Anyways, I'm still taking all of the afternoon in. It was very filled. I only just got back to my dorm room and its 8 30 pm.
Hope you and Pau Pau are doing well. I talk about you guys all the time.
Love You MUCHO!
Sarah
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Latest from China
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:39:23 -0800
Hello Hello!
My internet has been out, that is why you haven't seen me on Skype or received an email. Today is Monday, November 30. I haven't been sleeping well. I think I'm getting anxious on coming home on Dec. 21. It's coming soon. I'm excited to see everyone, eat American food again, and sleep on a mattress and no longer wooden planks.
Sunday was nice. I went to Suzhou International Fellowship (www.sif.com) and then to a home church that was conducted purely in Chinese. SIF was nice, large, non-denominational. Catered only to foreign passport holders. A gentleman in Ana's class picked up at the front gate along with his wife and their three kids. They were really kind to me. After SIF, they took me to this house church on the other side of town. It has been approved by the government, but is a bit more individual than the other 3-Self churches in Suzhou. It was a really interesting experience. The crowd was vastly different than that of the SIF congregation. They were the people from the villages, most were poor. The service was held in a small room, it was coldddd, but the room was PACKED. In fact, flowing out. We came late and sat in another room with about 15 other people and then another room was filled with chairs where people were also listening. I sat on the stairs. It was beautiful. The Chinese were quite vocal during prayer time. You could hear the emotion in their voices as they spoke to God. I wish you guys could've have been there to experience it. I'm not sure if I'll go back to the Chinese church, as it was hard to understand but I'm glad I went yesterday.
The people I was with on Sunday are quite the group of radicals. I both like it and dislike it actually. I like it because it always inspires me to be a better person, but on the other hand, I feel like I've let them down because I'm more complacent than they are. I've only got a few more weekends here in China, we'll see what God has got up his sleeve....
Hope you guys are well. Update me when you're able. I'm enjoying this verse for today:
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." -Colossians 3:12
Love, Sarah
Hello Hello!
My internet has been out, that is why you haven't seen me on Skype or received an email. Today is Monday, November 30. I haven't been sleeping well. I think I'm getting anxious on coming home on Dec. 21. It's coming soon. I'm excited to see everyone, eat American food again, and sleep on a mattress and no longer wooden planks.
Sunday was nice. I went to Suzhou International Fellowship (www.sif.com) and then to a home church that was conducted purely in Chinese. SIF was nice, large, non-denominational. Catered only to foreign passport holders. A gentleman in Ana's class picked up at the front gate along with his wife and their three kids. They were really kind to me. After SIF, they took me to this house church on the other side of town. It has been approved by the government, but is a bit more individual than the other 3-Self churches in Suzhou. It was a really interesting experience. The crowd was vastly different than that of the SIF congregation. They were the people from the villages, most were poor. The service was held in a small room, it was coldddd, but the room was PACKED. In fact, flowing out. We came late and sat in another room with about 15 other people and then another room was filled with chairs where people were also listening. I sat on the stairs. It was beautiful. The Chinese were quite vocal during prayer time. You could hear the emotion in their voices as they spoke to God. I wish you guys could've have been there to experience it. I'm not sure if I'll go back to the Chinese church, as it was hard to understand but I'm glad I went yesterday.
The people I was with on Sunday are quite the group of radicals. I both like it and dislike it actually. I like it because it always inspires me to be a better person, but on the other hand, I feel like I've let them down because I'm more complacent than they are. I've only got a few more weekends here in China, we'll see what God has got up his sleeve....
Hope you guys are well. Update me when you're able. I'm enjoying this verse for today:
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." -Colossians 3:12
Love, Sarah
Friday, October 16, 2009
You Know You're in China ...
Sarah is now two months at Suchou University outside of Shanghai, with two months to go. Adapting well, she is she riding the bus and eating in local establishments in this city of 6 million people. There is no blogging allowed and no face/book. The government is fearful it might engender another revolution.
She is running daily to work off steam and recently she was asked to run in a track and field event at the university. Preparing for the 4 x 1 - that is the 400 meter relay in which she will run 100 meters, she was laughing saying: You know you're in China when they run track and field using sections of toliet pipes instead of a baton.
Here are some others. You know you're in China:
- when you see people everywhere.
- when you are glad you weren't hit by a bicycle
or a bus while crossing the street.
- when people ride the bus carrying two baskets of eggs
and two squirrels in a cage.
- when people run backwards on the track
to balance off their yin and yang.
- when you can buy vacuum packed chicken feet in the local 7 - 11.
- when a man tries to sell you "undies" on the street.
- when babies wear open bottomed pants
and are encouraged to poop on the street.
- when people grow out their little pinkie fingernail
to clean out earwax.
- when you can get a great lunch for less than a dollar.
- when you find 10 barbershops on every corner.
- when you can belch at the table and no tipping is allowed.
- when they practice four major sporting events on the same tract:
baseball, soccer, track and field, and jumping rope.
- when you see people everywhere
(oh, I wrote that twice - there are alot of people)
She has a great sense of humor that balances the rigors of the classroom.
She is running daily to work off steam and recently she was asked to run in a track and field event at the university. Preparing for the 4 x 1 - that is the 400 meter relay in which she will run 100 meters, she was laughing saying: You know you're in China when they run track and field using sections of toliet pipes instead of a baton.
Here are some others. You know you're in China:
- when you see people everywhere.
- when you are glad you weren't hit by a bicycle
or a bus while crossing the street.
- when people ride the bus carrying two baskets of eggs
and two squirrels in a cage.
- when people run backwards on the track
to balance off their yin and yang.
- when you can buy vacuum packed chicken feet in the local 7 - 11.
- when a man tries to sell you "undies" on the street.
- when babies wear open bottomed pants
and are encouraged to poop on the street.
- when people grow out their little pinkie fingernail
to clean out earwax.
- when you can get a great lunch for less than a dollar.
- when you find 10 barbershops on every corner.
- when you can belch at the table and no tipping is allowed.
- when they practice four major sporting events on the same tract:
baseball, soccer, track and field, and jumping rope.
- when you see people everywhere
(oh, I wrote that twice - there are alot of people)
She has a great sense of humor that balances the rigors of the classroom.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Labor Day
About seven miles from where I grew up on the southside of Chicago is a community known as Pullman. Now absorbed as a neighborhood in the City of Chicago, but in the late 19th Century, George Pullman the builder of the Pullman Railroad cars fashion an independent "ideal" community for the workers at his plant. He provided housing - different streets and different kind of homes for the various strata of workers and management. He had his own newspaper and prevented other papers from being sold in his community, he build one church in the community for the workers. In the center of the community, he built a hotel which is still there today, named after his daughter Florence. It was a real company town.
But the workers were becoming disenchanted with his paternalism, exploitation, and oppressive nature of the community. In late June of 1894, the workers boycotted Pullman, leading to the two month long "Pullman Strike" that idled 125,000 railroad workers nationwide. Grover Cleveland ended the strike by sending the US Army and US Marshals into break it up - which they did after killing 13 workers, wounding 57 people. 6,000 workers did $ 340,000 in property damage (6.8 million in today's dollars).
In an effort to make amends with the labor unions of the day and to stave off further strikes and protests, Grover Cleveland proposed a national holiday known as Labor Day. It passed through Congress without opposition and was enacted into law in 1894. For his part, Grover Cleveland would lose the next election. Pullman would die a few years later and in 1898 the town of Pullman became part of the city of Chicago.
The Labor Movement would continue to make great strides for the American workers, providing them a decent wage for a day's work, workplace safety standards, and benefits that we take for granted today. But we are in a new age. In our global economy, what role will labor unions play? What hope is there for the American Worker? I have alot of questions, but few answers these days.
But the workers were becoming disenchanted with his paternalism, exploitation, and oppressive nature of the community. In late June of 1894, the workers boycotted Pullman, leading to the two month long "Pullman Strike" that idled 125,000 railroad workers nationwide. Grover Cleveland ended the strike by sending the US Army and US Marshals into break it up - which they did after killing 13 workers, wounding 57 people. 6,000 workers did $ 340,000 in property damage (6.8 million in today's dollars).
In an effort to make amends with the labor unions of the day and to stave off further strikes and protests, Grover Cleveland proposed a national holiday known as Labor Day. It passed through Congress without opposition and was enacted into law in 1894. For his part, Grover Cleveland would lose the next election. Pullman would die a few years later and in 1898 the town of Pullman became part of the city of Chicago.
The Labor Movement would continue to make great strides for the American workers, providing them a decent wage for a day's work, workplace safety standards, and benefits that we take for granted today. But we are in a new age. In our global economy, what role will labor unions play? What hope is there for the American Worker? I have alot of questions, but few answers these days.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The King is Dead
As a student of culture, I am fascinated by the public response to the death of Michael Jackson. Driven by a media frenzy, many are left scratching their heads - Why? Similar to the world's response to the death of Princess Diana twelve years ago, I was left me wondering if MJ was indeed considered an American version of royalty - the King of Pop. Curiously, I don't remember the same kind of stage craft around the death of the King of Rock and Roll - Elvis Presley.
As Princess Diana's death overshadowed the deaths of other luminaries like Mother Teresa and Victor Frankl, so MJ's death overshadowed other deaths and news coverage. Not even the death of American presidents (save JFK) garner this kind of public attention.
So what is it that has enamoured so many about Michael?
First, his music defined the GenX generation that came to age in the 1980s. Moon walking, sequenced glove, and music/dance videos became part of the culture. In some respects he recast and continued the civil rights message of the 1960s. I thought Al Sharpton's eulogy captured the heart of this theme.
Secondly, I find it curious how many "white guys" border on being hyper-critical of Michael and this media circus. On the other hand, women and many "so-called" minorities seem to express more compassion and mercy about this broken man.
Next, in regards to the actual funeral and accompanying hype - Michael lived on a big stage. His art/craft was exhibited on the world's stage. His foibles and flaws were also showcased on the world stage. It make logical sense that his funeral would take on similar magnitude.
As an artist, Michael was extraordinary. As a person, he was broken vessel. Try as he might, he never was able to recapture his lost and broken childhood. As an adult, he lived in a place called Neverland - a place for "lost boys." Maybe this too resonates with many of the people who mourn his death. I hope he finds peace in the next life. RIP
As Princess Diana's death overshadowed the deaths of other luminaries like Mother Teresa and Victor Frankl, so MJ's death overshadowed other deaths and news coverage. Not even the death of American presidents (save JFK) garner this kind of public attention.
So what is it that has enamoured so many about Michael?
First, his music defined the GenX generation that came to age in the 1980s. Moon walking, sequenced glove, and music/dance videos became part of the culture. In some respects he recast and continued the civil rights message of the 1960s. I thought Al Sharpton's eulogy captured the heart of this theme.
Secondly, I find it curious how many "white guys" border on being hyper-critical of Michael and this media circus. On the other hand, women and many "so-called" minorities seem to express more compassion and mercy about this broken man.
Next, in regards to the actual funeral and accompanying hype - Michael lived on a big stage. His art/craft was exhibited on the world's stage. His foibles and flaws were also showcased on the world stage. It make logical sense that his funeral would take on similar magnitude.
As an artist, Michael was extraordinary. As a person, he was broken vessel. Try as he might, he never was able to recapture his lost and broken childhood. As an adult, he lived in a place called Neverland - a place for "lost boys." Maybe this too resonates with many of the people who mourn his death. I hope he finds peace in the next life. RIP
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Anyone Seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?
I was feeling Eeyore-ish.
Counting losses and re-running no-win scenarios.
I attempted to spin the pain of loss and fear of failure
with the words of Paul: when I am weak, then he is strong.
You know – the stuff pastors do.
Yet I was unconvinced.
The valley remained cloudy, the forecast seemed bleak.
Reluctantly, I attended the scheduled meeting
and offered an uninspired devotion.
We prayed.
Then the question was asked:
“Anyone seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?”
I thought – “not lately,” but held my peace.
Others began:
A seven year old boy prayed for his father to attend church
Two weeks later he was there.
An estranged family gathered at a memorial service
Heard words of resurrection hope
and experienced reconciliation and restoration.
There were stories of healings from around the state.
I said to myself, I guess Jesus has not yet made it to Medford.
Yet still, I was warmed by the conversation.
I could have easily left the meeting,
But I was attracted to this good news.
The clouds began to disappear
As we ended in prayer,
I was reminded of the first witnesses of the resurrection
surprised by seeing Jesus
in unexpected times, people, and places.
This is the season of Easter
- a time of surprise
- a time of resurrection hope.
Anyone Seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?
(Published in the May 18, 2009 issue of the Eastwood Baptist Beacon)
Counting losses and re-running no-win scenarios.
I attempted to spin the pain of loss and fear of failure
with the words of Paul: when I am weak, then he is strong.
You know – the stuff pastors do.
Yet I was unconvinced.
The valley remained cloudy, the forecast seemed bleak.
Reluctantly, I attended the scheduled meeting
and offered an uninspired devotion.
We prayed.
Then the question was asked:
“Anyone seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?”
I thought – “not lately,” but held my peace.
Others began:
A seven year old boy prayed for his father to attend church
Two weeks later he was there.
An estranged family gathered at a memorial service
Heard words of resurrection hope
and experienced reconciliation and restoration.
There were stories of healings from around the state.
I said to myself, I guess Jesus has not yet made it to Medford.
Yet still, I was warmed by the conversation.
I could have easily left the meeting,
But I was attracted to this good news.
The clouds began to disappear
As we ended in prayer,
I was reminded of the first witnesses of the resurrection
surprised by seeing Jesus
in unexpected times, people, and places.
This is the season of Easter
- a time of surprise
- a time of resurrection hope.
Anyone Seen Jesus Alive and Well These Days?
(Published in the May 18, 2009 issue of the Eastwood Baptist Beacon)
God, the Grave Robber
A Prayer to the God beyond God
Architect, Body-Moulder, Breath-Giver
Mountain-Thunderer, Goatherd,
Sky-Dweller, Dream Stalker,
Freedom-Fighter, Desert Shiek,
Bridegroom, Wine-Grower, Potter,
Law-Giver, King-Breaker, Jealous Husband
Judge, Ruler, Priest
Father
Flame, Wind, Gentle Voice,
Grave-Robber, Spirit-Giver
Islam knows you
as the joy
that can only go
ah
- John Shea, taken from The Hour of the Unexpected, Chicago: The Thomas More Association. 1992. p. 70.
Architect, Body-Moulder, Breath-Giver
Mountain-Thunderer, Goatherd,
Sky-Dweller, Dream Stalker,
Freedom-Fighter, Desert Shiek,
Bridegroom, Wine-Grower, Potter,
Law-Giver, King-Breaker, Jealous Husband
Judge, Ruler, Priest
Father
Flame, Wind, Gentle Voice,
Grave-Robber, Spirit-Giver
Islam knows you
as the joy
that can only go
ah
- John Shea, taken from The Hour of the Unexpected, Chicago: The Thomas More Association. 1992. p. 70.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Good Friday, 2009: In the Name of Love
Upon invitation of some friends, Leslie and I attended a local Good Friday service at the First Church of the Nazarene. Richard Bath joined us as we entered into their worship center. The band was warming up on the stage and we found our places - center stage five rows up. Behind us was a contingency from Fountain Plaza, eight friends I worship with twice a year, including dear Marie. As the lights dimmed, the choir came in, taking their places. There was no program to read, no bulletin, only a phrase flashed across the video screens: In The Name of Love. My mind raced to the U-2 song and I mentioned it to Richard. A singer took center stage, the band began to play, and we were off.
The program was tightly woven together, albeit too loud and raucous for my tastes. (It was a strange contrast to the contemplative Maundy Service we participated in the night before with Taize music.) The music director had a strong and beautiful voice as did the other soloists. The choir was animated and zealously praising God. The pastor, David Grinder, got up and delivered a evangelical appeal at the end of the service.
There was a smattering of young people in the congregation, but mostly it was young families with children. I was mostly touched by the visual non-verbal testimonies of the people simply carrying cardboard signs describing the situation of their lives. Then they flipped them over to describe the resolution. Most effective.
Also, in the song that backup the parade of testimonies, the composer that laced the recognizable strains from the U-2 song: In The Name of Love. Very well done.
There was plenty of Christian language, some biblical references (though not cited), and a rock 'n' roll driven program. I remember thinking, if this is what happens on Good Friday, is there anything else left of Resurrection Sunday? Of course that question comes from a traditionalist with a modern mind set. I had entered into a experiential moment sufficient for itself characteristic of the Matrix of life in which we now live.
In the Name of Love.
r.t. miller
The program was tightly woven together, albeit too loud and raucous for my tastes. (It was a strange contrast to the contemplative Maundy Service we participated in the night before with Taize music.) The music director had a strong and beautiful voice as did the other soloists. The choir was animated and zealously praising God. The pastor, David Grinder, got up and delivered a evangelical appeal at the end of the service.
There was a smattering of young people in the congregation, but mostly it was young families with children. I was mostly touched by the visual non-verbal testimonies of the people simply carrying cardboard signs describing the situation of their lives. Then they flipped them over to describe the resolution. Most effective.
Also, in the song that backup the parade of testimonies, the composer that laced the recognizable strains from the U-2 song: In The Name of Love. Very well done.
There was plenty of Christian language, some biblical references (though not cited), and a rock 'n' roll driven program. I remember thinking, if this is what happens on Good Friday, is there anything else left of Resurrection Sunday? Of course that question comes from a traditionalist with a modern mind set. I had entered into a experiential moment sufficient for itself characteristic of the Matrix of life in which we now live.
In the Name of Love.
r.t. miller
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