Friday, February 13, 2009

Oh the places you'll go!


Our journey and travels in China have officially come to a close. What an adventure it was! It was an incredible learning experience that we would not have been able to receive any other way. I learned more in six months than the majority of my life about poverty, Communism, industrialism, and the full capacity of a human soul. On a daily basis I came into contact with people who have or are struggling to triumph over the most grueling perils that society has hurled at them. China is a country on the cusp of reform with its enormous international cities in direct opposition to its meek villages made up of adobe shelters. To their credit they have come a long way from the backward thinking of the Industrial Revolution. However, in order to become the “open society” they consider themselves, they have much further still to go.
We were fortunate enough to go on a three week exploratory trip through much of China, as a capstone to our time there. Robert and I were accompanied by his parents, Tony and Nancy, and my mother, Wendy. We all got to know each other on a much different level, for better or worse, through our trips on cramped train rides, the ever-enjoyable souvenir shopping, and who can forget our many visits to the “squat potties”!
On the whole, it was an extremely memorable time for Robert and me and when all was said and done, our brief life in China is one we would never replace.

These are just a few highlights of the biggest highlights, so as not to inundate you with too many pictures. I'll add more in following weeks.




10 comments:

Jeppson Clan said...

Matt is JEALOUS of your red panda experience! He lofs dem... and I was jealous of your squat potties. hee hee.
Can't wait to see more pictures. Please tell me you took some on the train, I was wanting to see what your sleep car looked like.
Glad you guys are home!

Amy said...

Wow what an experience! Thanks for sharing with me! I love that you are a blogger! I should have known! I have a blog as well! Come check it out, we have lots to share! For sure now that you are back we should get together! http://thebrodycallfamily.blogspot.com

makana said...

I can't wait to see more pictures. I think that China is a lot more exciting than Houston... and you look so great! I heard about the squat potties. do you keep your pants on thought? i can'y quite make it work in my head.

Molly said...

Welcome home! Fun that your parents came to experience it with you.
And thanks for the "visual" of the squat potties...

Carole said...

I've enjoyed reading about your life in China. You must have come home with a grateful heart. Thank you so much for sharing.

Ashley Shane and Crew said...

Are you guys coming home to Utah?

Shandra and Christian said...

Wow....I can't believe your stay there is over! Looks like you guys had a blast. We miss you guys around here...second honeymoon in HI? You can stay at the Hastings B&B?

Amy said...

To answer you, my ideas are always based around great deals! I am a bargain shopper! I did the plane thing for Brody for only $70 and the trip to NY was $100 each round trip! The hotel was basically free because our friend gave us her discount! Crazy fun huh! We do need to try to do lunch or somthing, or maybe we could meet for dinner soon!

Ashley said...

Just amazing. I want to hear more of your stories and your reflections on life there. What an incredible experience!

Drew and Stormi said...

Where are the Stephensons??? Oh where oh where can they be? Miss you guys, hope you're both doing well!