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| BIG IN JAPAN
Actually being big in Japan has been a pretty good thing, since they revere big men here. :) I got to Japan on Monday and have spent the past couple of days visiting relatives, seeing old friends and touring Tokyo. Sorry it has been a while since my last post, but I have not had internet access for some time, and the team kept me busy too. But have a look at Japan. It is beautiful and clean here.
ASAKUSA
This is my mom (right) and my mom's cousin (left) at Asakusa. It is a temple and outdoor market. It was beautiful and the souvenirs here were mega-expensive, so we just bought some snacks (Japan has even yummier snacks than China or Korea!! But they are also way more expensive). My mom's mom's two youngest brothers and their families live in Japan. At one time, my mom's whole side lived in Japan. In fact, My mom was born in Osaka and lived there until she was 5.
OLD WORLD ELEGANCE AND NEW WORLD BEAUTY
Women (both young and old) still wear kimonos in Japan. It is not too common, but all over the place (the supermarket, the train station, dept. stores, etc.) I saw women in these intricately woven throwbacks. Actually, I thought all the women I saw in kimonos were so attractive. There is just something about asian women in traditional garb, be it a Japanese Kimono, a Korean Hambok or a Chinese silk dress. So attractive. Koreans should wear Hamboks. :)
JAPANESE RAUMEN
My first (and last) dinner in Japan was at two different raumen places. Raumen is a popular dish in Japan and I had to eat a bowl when I first came. My mom and I were referred to two places. The first was a pork based broth place and the second was a soy sauce based broth place. Both were awesome. I could eat this everyday. The noodles were nothing like the instant kind I have eaten. Sapporo Ichiban is not ichiban (#1). The real stuff is so much better. This pic is of the pork based broth raumen. Raumen is so popular in Japan, they even have a raumen museum in Yokohama. We also ate Korean BBQ. The restaurant we ate at is owned by my relatives. It's called Keijoen and is located in Yokohama. We had Kobe Kalbi, Naeng Myun, Hae Mul Pa Jeon, Jab Chae, Yook Hwe Jang, and Bibimbab. It was the best Korean meal I have ever had, anywhere. It was so fresh and tasty. The Kobe Kalbi melted in my mouth and the Naeng Myun Noodles were thicker and chewier and just better. We also ate delicious tempura. The Japanese know how to eat. Especially the Korean-Japanese. Especially my relatives. :)
OLD FRIENDS
From left to right, it is, Theresa Cho, my mom, Yoon Yu, Young Kee Yu (aka Verbal of m-flo and Teriyaki Boyz), me, and Carl Cho. Carl and Theresa were visiting en route to Singapore where they are starting m*ssions work with Go Fest Asia. Carl & Young Kee are my former students from Boston so it was so nice to see them with their wives. Yoon, Young Kee's wife is also from my old ch*rch. She is as sassy and funny as ever. She gave me this "rare" Japanese candy. It turned out to be mutton flavored Genghis Khan Brand Caramel. I almost yaked. My mom liked it. Go figure.
I was so happy to see these guys. Seeing them made me remember the old days in Boston. I am so proud of both of them. Young Kee went to GCTS and Carl went to Wheaton Grad School. They met at BC and have been best buddies since. Now both are in ministry (Young Kee, music and Carl, overseas m*ssions). So honored to be in both their lives. :) Pr*y for both of them as they minister. Carl & Theresa are still fund-raising, so if anyone wants to support them, let me know. They can use your pr*yers as they prepare to spend the next three years in Singapore. Young Kee and Yoon can use your prayers too. Being in the music business in Japan is a challenge. But Young Kee has been so bold about his faith. Pr*y that Carl & Theresa will bless the tsunami-hit areas of Asia and pr*y that Young Kee and Yoon will be salt and light in Japan.
PR*Y FOR JAPAN
I will leave you with this. Japan is a hard, hard place for the g*spel ministry. Buddhism and Shintoism have kept people in the dark and because it is so financially prosperous and nice here, there is little room for G*d in people's lives. This country needs pr*yer and so do my relatives. None of them go to ch*rch, but my mom has been reaching out to them and gave her cousin a Japanese-English B*ble. Pr*y for G*d's mercy on their lives. | | |
| THEY'RE HERE!!
Our friends from CCPC came in on Sunday night safe and sound, except they stranded Esther at the Beijing airport! :( But she got here on the next flight safe and sound too. Pr*ise God! We took them out to a great dumpling house for their first authentic Chinese meal and they all loved it. Here are some pics:
Here is Esther grabbing for one of the yummiest dumplings in Zhengzhou, David looking lovely and jetllagged, John buried in his bowl of rice, and JC the guy (an English teacher friend), JC the girl, and Evan looking hard.
That's Amy intently observing David comment on the Chinese food, Mincha helping herself to thirds, Mison hiding as she grabs another piece of pork and Diana, trying to see if Esther is speaking English, Chinese or Korean. As you can see, we ate ALOT! Dumplings, Meat in crepes, vegetables of all sorts, noodles, and more dumplings.
On Monday, we took them on a walking tour of Zhengzhou. We went to the Henan Museum and the Zoo. Here they are. Aren't they adorable? :)
BEGINNER'S ENGLISH
Amy, Diana, Mincha, and Evan were given one of my students to teach the oral English class one on one (Lisa was not able to make it, so Evan couldn't have the class. Thankfully, there will be another one on Friday). Here are some pics. . .
Here is Amy with Chen. It was a challenge for Amy, since Chen's English is most rudimentary, but she stepped up and did a fantastic job. Using her knowledge of phonics and her leadership skills, she helped Chen in just the way he needed. She was furiously writing on the Markerboard and making sure he was following. They couldn't have much of a conversation, but I am certain she left a great impression. (Chen is not wearing his glasses to impress Amy. SO CUTE!!)
Here is Diana with Leo. I overheard them talking about life in America and about where Diana went to college. It was neat to see how naturally Diana conversed with Leo. It was like seeing two friends. Amazing. I think Diana has a knack for teaching oral English. She didn't even need the lesson plan I prepared for her. Maybe China is calling her . . . . Leo has just tasted peanut butter for the first time and that is why he looks like his mouth is pasted shut. :)
Here is Mincha with Martin, intently going over the lesson on cuisine. Mincha was so patient with Martin as she helped him to pronounce all the vocabulary words. I asked Martin after their one on one time together if it was good or bad. He put his thumb up and said "Zhen Hao" which means, "The Best!" Always better for guys when three pretty ladies teach the class. I had to tell Mincha to stop the class. I think she would have gone on for a long while.
While they had class, Evan and Mison spoke with and spent time with Eva, Wendy, David and Sarah (some of Esther & JC's Oral English Class). It was so nice seeing them in a circle talking and getting to know each other. David and John went to a local B*ble Study. It was held at a Zhengzhou resident's apartment. What an experience for them. To take part in a bi-lingual B*ble Study with Chinese friends. Amazing Grace indeed!
Pr*y for this team: their health and well-being (Amy stayed up the whole first night without sleep!), for G*d to keep their minds and hearts open to see what He is doing in this great country, and for Esther, JC, and myself, that we would lead well.
Seeing them made me miss home.  Made me remember how much God has blessed me with such a great family and such great friends. In case I haven't said this to you in a while, I love you.
More pics and stories to follow!
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| FOOD IN CHINA II: KAIFENG
One of the best eating expereinces I've had so far was in Kaifeng. Every night (except in winter), at 6:00 P.M. an announcement in made over a PA system in the central square and within moments the city transforms. Vendors in their little carts line the streets. Tables and chairs are set up, lights go up and huge crowds of people start to go from cart to cart ordering all sorts of foods. Here are some pics. . .
KAIFENG'S NIGHT MARKET
As you can see, the streets get crowded. The carts to the right are where the fun begins. I think we must have tried over 10 dishes. Oink, oink.
STREET VENDOR
It is a frenzy of activity and this particular vendor also cried out to passer-byers to try his food. So, we did, and it was so yummy. It was like Korean mook with red pepper sauce and minced pork meat. I was trying to finish the whole dish and Lisa yelled at me because it was our fourth stop and she didn't want me to get full. Little did I know there were 10 other dishes to come. Dag. Leftovers are common place in China. In fact, in certain rich sectors, it is etiquette, when you are out at a restaurant, to order way more food than you can eat. It is a sign of being a good host. Love this country. I wonder what would happen in a showdown between me, who likes to finish his plate, and a great host in China. Wonder who would cry uncle first. heh heh.
SMELLY, TASTY TOFU
The first thing we ate that night was roasted chestnuts. They were hot and soft and moist and really sweet. Then we ate jelly candy that was made in ceramic pots and originated in Hong King. The third thing we ate was this smelly, tasty tofu. You can smell it from a mile away because it is pungent. It smells nasty, but it tastes awesome. It has some sesame seeds, red pepper and a funky sauce. Kevin (Lisa's friend) told me women usually do not eat this because they are afraid it will make their breath stink. Lisa ate alot of it. And Kevin was right. hahahaha.
KAIFENG'S DUMPLINGS
That is Kevin on the left and Lisa on the right. They are eating fried dumplings. We also had steamed dumplings. Kaifeng's dumplings are supposedly the best in all of China. They were the best I've had in China. Before the dumplings, we also had cured meat, mutton on a stick, a vegetable and rice cake dish, a pork crepe sandwich, lychees and more chestnuts.
HOT PEAR APPLE SOUP
China has these pear apples that look like big bartlett pears and taste like korean pears. This pear apple soup was one of three desserts we had. It was hot and sweet and if I wasn't stuffed, I would have eaten more of it. We also had this sweet rice and dduk ball soup which had sesame and sweet stuff in the middle. It tasted like mochi and was warm and delicious. I would have eaten more of it, if Esther didn't eat all of mine and Lisa's and Kevin's. I think she ate 20 mochi balls. It was her favorite dish. We also had this sweet sticky rice dish. All the desserts were great. Next time I will pace myself better and guard my mochi from Esther.
Well, hope you enjoyed. The team is coming this Sunday. Pr*y for the team, their travel and safety and health. Pr*y that G*d will open their eyes to see what He is doing in China and fall in love with this country and with the m*nistries they encounter while they are here. | | |
| KAIFENG
This past Sunday, Esther and I took a day trip to Kaifeng with one of my students, Lisa. The city is only 40 minutes away by car, so we went after service. It was a great, great time in an amazing little city. It is near the Yellow River, so it has had a terrible history of flooding (Between 1194 and 1938 the city was flooded 368 times), but it also served as the capital to 6 dynasties (Later Liang, Later Jin, Later Han, Later Zhou, Northern Song, Jin) between 907 - 1234 A.D. Here are some highlights:
Kaifeng's Forbidden City
We were in Kaifeng during their annual Chrysanthemum Festival, so the city was beautiful, flowers everywhere. Here, at Longting Park, is where their Forbidden City used to be. It was destroyed by invaders in the 12th centruy, but this Dragon Pavilion was built up in its place. There are also 2 man-made lakes that surround the Pavilion where we saw people swimming. Remnants of their Forbidden City and their city wall can still be seen and it pre-dates Beijing's Forbidden City by 500 years.
Bicycle Rickshaws
That's Lisa & Esther on a rickshaw. We took a leisurely ride around one of their lake parks. Kaifeng is much cleaner and greener than Zhengzhou and their population is only 4.6 million compared to Zhengzhou's 6.3 million. There are no tall buildings because of flood danger and also because they do not want to damage any of the buried remains. They have lots of parks and lakes and gardens. Lisa is one of the sassiest girls I have ever met. Later, while we were shopping, she actually turned around and, out of no where said, "F*ck You!" Then she asked me what it meant. While Esther was rolling on the ground, I tried to explain to my student that she just cursed out her teacher. After turning a nice rosy red, she apologized. But I think deep down, she was laughing. What a sassafras. Pray for G*d's mercy and saving grace on her life.
1000 Armed, 1000 Eyed Guanyin
This statue is one of many at the Grand Xiangguo Monastery, also called The Temple of the Chief Minister. Though China teaches atheism and discourages religion, there are many Buddhists. The Guanyin is the Chinese Buddhist deity of compassion and mercy. It needs its 1,000 hands and eyes to care for the many. You can tell this is old because it still has Indian Buddhist influences present. The temple was beautiful but freaky. It was sad to see so many who did not know J*sus. Pr*y that the truth of Chr*st will prevail in China.
Next, I will post on Kaifeng's Night Market. That was one of the best dining experiences I have had thus far in China.
Got this set for only $7.00 too. | | |
| FOOD IN CHINA
Every week I will try and dedicate one post to the food I have been eating here. Everything has been delicious and cheap and thank the L*rd, I haven't gotten sick yet. By the time I return to the States I should be about 400 lbs. Yummy + Cheap = Fat Hank. The food in China is very different from the food in Chinese restaurants in the US. Both are good. Have a look. . .
STEAMED BUNS
These fist-sized buns are awesome. There are ones filled with pork, vegetables and vermicelli noodles, tofu, and egg. I'm sure there are more fillings, and I will try and find out every one of them. Two of them makes a good meal, three of them will get you stuffed. I like to eat three.  COST: 6 - 12 CENTS EACH
FRIED NOODLES AND SOUP
The bowl on the left contains fried noodles similar to lo mein but thinner. It contains sprouts, green onions and cilatro, if you want. It has a soy based sauce. The bowl to the right is a beef broth soup with mushrooms and radish and other mystery stuff. I loved the noodles, but the soup was just OK. I think the fact that the soup was only lukewarm and not piping hot made a difference for me. COST: 18 CENTS
PORK & PEPPER IN CURRY SAUCE PITA SANDWICH
This pita sandwich was discovered by Esther. It is delicious. I have eaten it three times already. The peppers are not hot and the pork is really tender. The curry sauce is subtle and tastes like the curry in Korean Curry Rice. My thumb looks huge compared to the sandwich in the picture, but the sandwich is a good size. I usually need to eat a steamed bun or something else with it to be full. Oink, Oink, I know. COST: 18 CENTS
Well, that's it for this edition. So much more to share, but I will do it over time. I calculated and realized that you can eat well for about $5.00 a week. Simply amazing.
Great book. Asks questions that I never knew I so wanted the answers to, and then, provides answers which astound me. | | |
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Lifetime
