Well actually, the games began a number of days ago but we're here now having seen 2 softball games where the USA dominated. Monica Abbott pitched a perfect game last night against the Netherlands. A perfect game is when the opposing team had no one reach base, no hits, no errors, no walks, and obviously no runs. It may sound boring but it was anything else. Today we saw the USA dominate China 9-0 with all 9 runs being scored in the first inning. Cat Osterman pitched the first 3 innings and was relieved by Jennie Finch for the last 2. Normally softball games last 7 innings but they have a 7 runs mercy rule after 5 innings so both were cut short. We didn;t mind today because it was scorching hot!!
Last night's trip to the ball park was a "cultural experience" in that we rode the subway to the game. The trip took about an hour and a half from our apartment. China has "volunteers" everywhere and some speak English. They were very helpful for the most part in getting us there. The bus from the subway stop was no where to be found by many of us so we did have to complete the last leg by cab. Today we skipped the experience completely and took the cab from McDonalds near our apartment. The cost was 63 RMB (yuan) or about $10. That's an hour cab ride! Not bad pricing by any standard.
Our new apartment is small but nice in a gated neighborhood occupied mostly by ex-patriots. We feel very safe. They also have a convenience store and laundry on the property. Very nice for snacks since we are avoiding most of the "local fare". There is a place we might try before leaving but not yet.
We have been practicing prayer opportunities that I learned from Mal B. Since we came here 4 years ago I have prayed for China, for the people of China and their leadership. Riding the subway I remembered Mal saying something like "its one thing to pray for a group but another to look at a person and ask the Lord to reveal Himself to them in a personal way, to cause them to seek Him and to save them eternally. You may very well be the only person who has ever prayed for that someone in their entire life". As we travel, tour, attend events, we have been practicing that discipline. It occurred to me today that it works the same way at home!!
Much has changed since we were here 4 years ago. Jesse said then that the place needed a pressure washing Guess what? Most of it got one!! The venues and people have been shined and readied for this "coming out" party. One look past the glitz and the same poverty that most of the people face is still there. The people are very proud for this moment. They also are enjoying the commerce it has brought and I suppose when life is scratched out, that's fair. However, the lostness of people will not be changed by commerce or pressure washing. The people on the street are mostly still shocked to see us (westerners) on their streets. They stare, not rudely, but as if to say "what in the world..".
We were able to use Skype yesterday and make a phone call home. Even cooler, Caroline's Macbook has a camera and she was able to vido message with a few friends and see each other as they talked.
Too long for now. Until tomorrow GO USA!!
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