I was going to post about this while in China but find it very appropriate this morning.
There were so many traditions and values about China that I loved. As we drove through Chinese customs into Hong Kong I couldn't help but cry. Bittersweet tears. I was bringing my beautiful child home. She no longer lives in an orphanage. An orphanage that did a phenomenal job with her (especially loving her) even with limited services. I looked back to China thinking about what she will miss that is so difficult to teach and show her in this country.
In China, tradition was still widely respected. They still care for the elderly. They either live with them or they have the proper means for care. They don't expect a government to send a check to their parents each month or expect a non-profit organization to bring a meal by each day. They take care of the ones who cared for them...
Three level houses where three generations live
We were given the utmost respect everywhere we went. It had nothing to do with nationalities. In China, they work hard to get jobs and what they have. You see it when their work is performed. They don't expect the government to send a check when they aren't working. They don't expect to receive aid and free medical if they never worked to earn it. They don't feel entitled to receive something if they don't earn it. We were shocked at all the lengths people would go through in China just while performing their job! If they didn't feel up to standard they gave us several apologies. Jeremy and I giggled thinking why are they apologizing for not inconveniencing us!! We were used to poor treatment at home all the time.
China is a communist country. I love having freedom in the US. I am saddened by the paths we have taken over many many years that have brought us to here. My dad once told me it's way too difficult to get back what's far gone. If each of us could spend a week in another country to experience the ways and attitudes then maybe that would help change this nation.
Teach our children to love, pray, work, give, and NEVER EXPECT!
Much love, hard work, and prayers for years ahead!
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