Another Funny Story

25 07 2008

There is an obvious language barrier that rears its ugly head from time to time here in China. I have been amazed at the high level of English that all the Chinese seem to have. However, there are times when confusion and misunderstanding happens. Sometimes it can be funny.

Here is an actual conversation I had at lunch one day when Heather and I were having lunch with our co-coaches for our small groups – Lily and Lydia:

LILY – How long have you been married?

HEATHER – A little over four years.

LYDIA – Wow!

LILY – Brian, what do you like about Heather so much?

BRIAN – That’s easy. The thing I like most about Heather is the fact that I know without a doubt that she loves God more than she could ever love me.

(LILY & LYDIA exchange shocked, confused looks at each other as I sort of freak out thinking I answered a question wrong.)

LILY – Did you just say that Heather loves guys more than she loves you?

BRIAN – No, no, no!!! I said that Heather loves “GOD” more than me, not “GUYS”!

____________________________

Ah, the language barrier strikes again.





One More Full Day of Camp

25 07 2008

Today is a bittersweet day at Leadership Camp. Things are starting to wrap up as today is the last official full day of camp. As I currently am sitting in the lobby of a five-star hotel across the street from campus stealing their wi-fi, I am getting ready for parents day here at camp. The leadership has invited all the parents of the students going through the camp to come for the day to experience all that their kids have learned. Since China is a stinkin’ huge country, I am not sure how many parents will actually make it out here to Weihai.

Yesterday was another eventful day. I have some extremely powerful stories that I cannot wait to share with you when I get back to America. I will tell you that we had a crazy time called “Sunshine Craze” where the small groups went through a series of games and obstacles to earn points. Some of the stations included egg toss, mystery dinner, sticking candy to somebody’s face, foot-washing, downing a two liter in one minute, and much more. It was a blast. After dinner, all the small groups performed their dramas they have been working on all week. These dramas had some extremely serious topics, but turned out to be communicated quite comedically. (From all that I have heard, Kelyn Bain was incredible in his drama.)

Our work here is almost over. We are definitely on the downhill. In the words of my good friend Israel Lewis, FINISH STRONG!

Here are some pictures from yesterday including the meat stand that is currently saving my life…

By the way, the New York Yankees have not lost since I have been in China. They are currently starting a three game set in Boston, so I hope that continues. If they keep winning, I might have to take one for the team and stay in China till after the World Series – now that is a true fan!!!