Only 2.5 days to go and we are loving it

June 29, 2011 at 2:15 pm China time, 2;15 am USA Time

We have less than 3 days left in China.  Yesterday we had a 2 hour team meeting that was a special time for the team.   Today we had another long meeting and each team member and many of our Chinese friends got to share about their favorite memory about China and the friends they have made.

We will go to special orphanage today for 3 hours that will have 30 handicapped pre school and elementary school children. We will take gifts and play music for them.  Tonight will be the wedding rehersal for Jack and Shirley.

Tomorrow we will all dress up and be in Jack and Shirley's wedding.  Phil will perform the wedding, Steve B will be the best man,  Corinne will be the maid of honor, Dave H will be the father of the
Groom, Steve H will play music, Amber will play wedding song, Cassidy will play music music along with several others. It will be a busy day.
China Dave

Daily Blog from Cassiday

Team Member: Cassidy

Date: June 28, 2011

Today's Activities: L's Birthday, Laser Tag, Lunch with the president

My Blog Entry: Today was a very busy and exciting day. It was L's birthday and we were all so grateful to be able to spend it with her. After watching the boys skateboard in the parking lot waiting for our bus, we visited a tomb from the Ming Dynasty. It was very beautiful. Then we went to play laser tag. We geared up in US army costumes with Harley Davidson patches and sweet Chinese uniforms. We were sweating before we even started. The first round was in the Jungle, and we were swarmed by mosquitos. Thankfully, the staff was prepared with a mint bite medicine which really helped calm the welts. We then played in the parking lot for a quick, every man for himself round. Some of the boys chose to listen selectively and sniped everyone from a tower several meters away. Through it all, we had a great time. However, we were all glad to change out of our sweaty uniforms and take a shower. An hour later, we were all dressed and ready to have dinner with the president of Guilin University of Technology. We had a very nice dinner, and the President and the two vice Chairmen were very kind and respectable. Because everyone needed some rest, Dave wisely set the "lights out" an hour earlier so we could get some sleep. The students had their exams today but they are in our thoughts and we are hoping to spend more time with them later this week.

Water Rafting and Walking Street

Team Member: Megan Flinn

Date: June 25, 2011

Today we spent a lot of fun time with the Chinese students. It was wonderful to be able to spend time with them outside of the classroom. I spent the time with a girl named S. She was a sophomore and a beautiful girl. After a quick stop to have noodles we went to a place to ride bamboo rafts down the river. The scenery was amazing! When we got off of the bus, there were many people trying to sell simple water guns. We didn't buy any, but when I was on the raft, my driver gave me one to use. This started a great water war! I am sure there will be a lot of retaliation from the team members because I got many of them very wet, but it was worth it  Having fun like that was a great way to cross over the cultures, as many Chinese students joined in on the fun! There was one student, N, who also got a water gun from his driver and tried to soak me. Our tour guide's wife, C, told me that I was her "partner in doing crime" - quite funny!

 

Going shopping in Yangshuo was wonderful. We didn't buy much, because they don't allow you to bargain too much, but the experience of the place was wonderful. We walked down a cute small street that was surrounded by beautiful mountains. We found a cute little restaurant owned by a man from San Diego. They served pizza, and it was wonderful to have a taste of home. We found out from him that the area is known to all of China for having the best rock climbing! We saw a lot of westerners, from Europe, but they didn't speak English. It was really a wonderful WONDERFUL day with the students, getting to know them on a social level, outside of the classroom! It was a great day!

 

On the bus ride home, S turned to me and said "Today is my best memory from my sophomore year." That comment made all the traveling and the jet lag worth it. . . . a truly wonderful day.

Some New Friends

Daily Blog from Mandy and Ellie - June 22, 23, 24

Team Member: Mandy Orcutt

Date: June 22^nd 2011

Today's Activities: Climbed Mountain & went to classroom

My Blog Entry: Ni hao (Hello)! Today was a very long, exhausting, yet fruitful day. We started our day by climbing a mountain at six o'clock in the morning. It had very steep steps all the way up but getting to the top made everything worth it. The scenery was spectacular. You could see the beautiful Guilin Mountains and the Sun rising. We then got to sing together and talk to the Father. At nine o'clock we went to the University at the Yanshan Campus. We went to two classrooms; one before lunch and one after lunch. The first classroom welcomed our team with food, drinks, a video, and a song. After they shared all that they had prepared, our each team member went up and introduced themselves in front of the class. Those who played instruments shared a song with the class. And at the end our whole team sang Viva La Vida. Then we walked around and talked to students.

          After lunch we went to the second classroom where they welcomed us with more food and drinks. They had a couple of games for us to play and a few of their classmates sang songs. We played a game similar to charades and another game where you are tied to a partner and balloon and had to pop the other team's balloons. In our last game everyone held hands around a circle and when they were about to start Dave counted to three and ran and dragged everyone to the center and back including myself who made the mistake of standing next to him in a game.

          Later on that night after dinner and coming back to the hotel many of the team members went to get "midnight meat" or "mystery meat" as the guys would call it. It is basically just meat on a stick (beef, pork, or chicken) with some type of seasoning or sauce that its grilled in. The reason the guys call it mystery meat is because they always get it late at night.

  

 

Team Member: Mandy Orcutt & Ellie Carnuccio.

Date: June 23rd & 24th, 2011

Todays Activites: Two new sisters joined in the Family

My Blog Entry: Today I didnt feel that good so I decided to stay back at the hotel with several adult members of the team and with L.  L wanted to do whatever I was going to do so she hung out with me all day. In the morning she took a nap because she was exhausted from going to bed late and getting up so early.  While she slept I helped Linda sort books and t-shirts and got some books to give to L.  When L woke up we went to a coffee shop with Dave and Linda and met up with Phil, Lauren, Steve, Jack, Shirley, Davey, and his new wife Ting Ting.  We ordered coffee and it came with free eggs and toast. The toast was like garlic bread but it was still so delicious.  All the food here is delicious and so much healtheir than food back home.

Anyways, L got to talk to Phil, Lauren, and Steve about Marraige, Politics, News, and the father. She also taught me chinese checkers and more chinese words like good morning (Zhou Shan How) and how to write them as well.

              When L and I got back form the coffee shop she wanted to read The Book with me and we went through a devotional book that Dave and Linda had given us.  I explained many words and things from The Book to L and she began to understand so much.  I asked her if she ever accepted The Son into her heart and she said "no" but she wanted to. So we talked to the Father together and she accepted the Son.  It had finally became clear to her. We were both filled with joy and told the team.  Everyone was so excited!  Later on we had dinner than went to the night market and bargained for many items such as fans and jewelry and hair pieces.

              The next day I (Ellie) stayed at the hotel with E.  Last year she was my very good friend.  I told her about the Three Beings last year and she told me she didn't know what to think of it.  This year, i wanted to talk to her more about everything so she stayed with me. I talked to the Father with some other girls on the team before she came.  I asked that He would bless our conversation.  He did.  E is now my sister. She said, "I believe, with as little knowledge as I have right now."  I am thanking my Father as much as I can. This is so crazy!

Love Ellie and Mandy

calling instructions

To call a team member,
Dial access number 484-237-2003 
pause
Press *0 for English
dial pin code  (email angie angiedweldon@gmail.com for pin code - we can't put pin on blog for fear of scamming)
pause
dial CARE Team cell phone and then the # sign

Steve B and team cell phone number is 011 86 182 7836 6572
Dave and Linda's cell phone number is 011 86 134 5769 6091 if you need them.
Steve H cell phone is 011 86 136 6783 6025
Peter L cell phone is 011 86 136 6783 6765

Remember that China is 12 hours ahead when you call.  Best times to call is between 8 pm to 1 am, and 5 am to 10 am USA Time.

Our Skype name in China is: careteam2011

Pictures of the Team

Calling the Team

If you would like to call the team, see the instructions in one of the post below.

Steve B and team cell phone number is 182 7836 6572
Dave and Linda's cell phone number is 134 5769 6091 if you need them.
Steve H cell phone is 136 6783 6025
Peter L cell phone is 136 6783 6765

24 Hour Train Ride!

Team Member: Chris Benzing 

Date: June 20

Today's Activities: Shopping and 24 Hour Train Ride

My Blog Entry: Our last day in Beijing began early as we all packed and cleaned up our rooms to leave for one stop then a 24 hour train ride. We stopped at a mall with multiple levels of various things. Many of the students bought gifts for those who have helped support them in this cultural exchange.

      Then we had this wonderful fish meal and Austin Allem ate a fish eyeball as I recall. During lunch our table enjoyed great conversation with a Chinese Student and learned about his family and upbringing. We were able to encourage him and he was very thankful for our words.

      After lunch we had to drop off two beloved Chinese student that lived in Beijing and it was very difficult, some of us began to tear up as we realized we were leaving them. They also were emotional but trying to hold it in. It's apparent that the relationships we build go deep.  

       We finally got to the train station and it was very hot outside. It seemed like there were a million people also at the train station. We got to one room that was overcrowded and then found out there was another room so we went there. A couple of us began to mess with the hacky sack and the next thing you know we were running towards the train. The person responsible for taking us to the train seemed to forget about us. But that was no deterent for us. So we all ran like wild people. And someones bag broke open but I was leading the charge so I dont know who it was but Dave cleared that quickly and we all squished into the train car within minutes! It was quite the rush, nobody will forget that. As soon as the last person jumped on Dave called for a head count and we were all there. Then the train left! WOW what an experience!

Team Update: One the Train

i just got off the phone with my dad (dave) and the team is en route to guilin on the overnight train. they are doing great and having fun entertaining each other during the long hours on the train. they got on the train at 4pm last night and will arrive in guilin at 3pm (3am our time) today.

they are almost back to our lovely guilin!! i'm sure they will have lots of friends ready to meet them when they arrive!

keep thinking about them as they enter the next days and weeks!

- angie

A very long and busy day in Beijing

Team Member: Dave and Linda 

Date: June 19

Today's Activities: Sigh Seeing in Beijing

My Blog Entry:  We had a great day on Sunday: got up early, broke up into teams, and spend some time talking to our Father.  We had great meals all day but some of the team members are still eating food they brought from home because they are not sure they will like Chinese food. Others are gaining weight with the great food. They will all learn to like the food I am sure.

We visited Tiananman Square, The Summer Palace, and also toured the city. Some of the team took Rick Shaw rides to pass the time.  The team has bonded well and we are learning how to support each other and encourage each other.  

We will board the train today at 2:45 pm and take a 24 hour train ride to Guilin China. We have to take enough water, bowls of noodles, and bananas for the team, so that is more to carry as we rush to board a train in 5 minutes with a team of 30. We have picked up a few of our Chinese friends in Beijing that will go to Guilin with us. We invited our tour Guide, Lucy, to go along with us and be on the team along with Jack and Shirley.  It is really a gift to have Chinese students on our team and to experience the relationships that are built during this time.  We have been able to meet up with two Chinese friends who now live and go to school in Beijing.  They have been staying at our hotel with us.  Good conversations and time together!!!

Even though Beijing has been great and it's a must see when you travel this far, we are anxious to get to Guilin to begin our Cultural Exchange at the university there. 

Blog June 16

Team Member: Linda 

Date: June 16

Today's Activities: getting to china

My Blog Entry:  I'm longing for china!!  There are so many things I love about china – steaming bowls of noodles, ancient (and I do mean ancient) buildings from past dynasties, amazing art, the color red everywhere (it's a lucky color to the Chinese), fried bread from the street vendors, masses of people everywhere, hospitality like no other place I've ever seen, open air markets, eating with chopsticks, and good friends from past trips.

This year, we will witness the marriage of our longtime friend, Jack and his fiancée Shirley.  We will meet new students as we go to the classrooms at GUT (Guilin University of Technology) to help with spoken English.  We will experience Chinese culture first hand as we interact with so many Chinese friends from past trips who are coming to Guilin to see us.

It is almost 3:00 PM and we are sitting at JFK waiting for our 4:30 flight to Shanghai.  It has been an uneventful trip so far which is a good thing when you are traveling with 28 people!!  We met at CFC this morning amidst a large group of parents, family members and friends to see us off.  After sharing thoughts together, we boarded the bus and were off.  

I will look at the Chinese people differently this year because every little Chinese girl I see will remind me of my little granddaughter who will be coming home soon.  My daughter and her husband are adopting, and will most likely make their journey to China in July to bring Emery Lin home.

Hopefully our next blog entry will be from the amazing land of China.  Hope all is well in your world!!

We're off!!
Linda

Blog for June 17

Team Member: Steve B

Date: June 17

Today's Activities: Flying and More Flying

My Blog Entry: 

Well friends, it's the team's first update of the trip. I can't sleep on the plane, so I figured I would write the update. 

After a safe arrival at JFK airport, we got through security and customs without any issues. We were set for our flight about 2 hours 

before they began to board, so we passed the time in the airport waiting area by playing some hacky sack, various card games, 

and several instruments including guitars and mandolins. It was quite the talent show for those watching. I'm not sure how creative I 

can be as far as describing our flight. It consists of sitting, standing to prevent those dreaded kankles, then more sitting. I did, however, 

meet another Drexel student on the flight with whom I exchanged emails and will hopefully see back on campus. Chris Benzing was also 

talking to a Chinese brother on the plane who was a professor in the States. The Father has always given us some interesting people to 

meet on the plane rides. We are all very anxious to land and get to work. Anyway, that's all for now. We'll check in when we land I suppose. 

Peace and blessings!

Daily Blog Entry

 

Team Member: Dave, China Man

 

Date: Saturday, June 18

 

Today's Activities: 4 hours of sleep and then The GREAT WALL OF CHINA

 

My Blog Entry: We finally got to the hotel at about 4:30 am and to bed about 5:30 am, making it a 36 hour day for many of the team. Some could sleep on the plane but others could not sleep. The Flight was delayed 3 hours in Shanghai (Shanghai'ed in Shanghai, as they say), so instead of arriving at 12:20 am, we arrived at 3:45 am.  It was a long day but the team is well and everybody is very happy to be in China.

 

We first went to the Pottery manufacturing plant (a must see stop in Beijing, so they say) and then on to the Great Wall.  Many of the team went to the top of several peaks and to several Pagoda's.  We spend over 3 hours climbing and having a blast taking pictures and making friends with new people.

 

Lucy is our tour guide and friend and Mr. Ming is our driver.  Jack and Shirley showed up at 5:30 pm and then we met Joey and Chuck at the hotel. They are both going to school in Beijing now for masters degrees.  Jack and Shirley will travel with us and go to Guilin where we will marry them on June 30. 

 

The team is doing great and they are adapting well to China and are very excited to see more and meet many new friends in Guilin.

 

Love from the other side of the World,

 

Dave

Team Update from Steve B

Team Member: Steve B
Date: June 17
Today’s Activities: Flying and More Flying

My Blog Entry:
Well friends, it’s the team’s first update of the trip. I can’t sleep on the plane, so I figured I would write the update. After a safe arrival at JFK airport, we got through security and customs without any issues. We were set for our flight about 2 hours before they began to board, so we passed the time in the airport waiting area by playing some hacky sack, various card games, and several instruments including guitars and mandolins. It was quite the talent show for those watching. I’m not sure how creative I can be as far as describing our flight. It consists of sitting, standing to prevent those dreaded kankles, then more sitting. I did, however, meet another Drexel student on the flight with whom I exchanged emails and will hopefully see back on campus. Chris Benzing was also talking to a Chinese brother on the plane who was a professor in the States. The Father has always given us some interesting people to meet on the plane rides. We are all very anxious to land and get to work. Anyway, that’s all for now. We’ll check in when we land I suppose. Peace and blessings!

Team Update from Linda

Team Member: Linda
Date: June 16
Today’s Activities: getting to china

My Blog Entry: I’m longing for china!! There are so many things I love about china – steaming bowls of noodles, ancient (and I do mean ancient) buildings from past dynasties, amazing art, the color red everywhere (it’s a lucky color to the Chinese), fried bread from the street vendors, masses of people everywhere, hospitality like no other place I’ve ever seen, open air markets, eating with chopsticks, and good friends from past trips.
This year, we will witness the marriage of our longtime friend, Jack and his fiancée Shirley. We will meet new students as we go to the classrooms at GUT (Guilin University of Technology) to help with spoken English. We will experience Chinese culture first hand as we interact with so many Chinese friends from past trips who are coming to Guilin to see us.
It is almost 3:00 PM and we are sitting at JFK waiting for our 4:30 flight to Shanghai. It has been an uneventful trip so far which is a good thing when you are traveling with 28 people!! We met at CFC this morning amidst a large group of parents, family members and friends to see us off. After sharing thoughts together, we boarded the bus and were off.
I will look at the Chinese people differently this year because every little Chinese girl I see will remind me of my little granddaughter who will be coming home soon. My daughter and her husband are adopting, and will most likely make their journey to China in July to bring Emery Lin home.
Hopefully our next blog entry will be from the amazing land of China. Hope all is well in your world!!
We’re off!!
Linda

we arrived!

The team arrived in Shanghi this morning!!!

Calling the CARE Team in China

To call the CARE Team in China or one of your friends in China, use the CARE Team calling card.  It is free for you to use.  We will have 4 Chinese cell phones.  The main number is 182 7836 6572.

To call a team member,
Dial access number 484-237-2003 
pause
Press *0 for English
dial pin code  (email angie angiedweldon@gmail.com for pin code - we can't put pin on blog for fear of scamming)
pause
dial CARE Team cell phone  011 86 182 7836 6572 and then the # sign.
Steve B will answer the phone.

Remember that China is 12 hours ahead when you call.  Best times to call is between 8 pm to 1 am, and 5 am to 10 am USA Time.

Dave and Linda's cell phone number is 134 5769 6091 if you need them.
Steve H cell phone is 136 6783 6025
Peter L cell phone is 136 6783 6765

Also our Skype name in China is  careteam2011

Enjoy
Dave

CARE Team Schedule (as much as we know today)

CARE Team Daily Schedule

Each day, no matter where we are in the world (planes, trains, hotels, or airports), the team will be spending time together first thing each morning, 7:00 am China time (this is 7:00 pm USA time, China is 12 hours ahead), to meet as a team with daily sharing, daily thoughts, and music.   

June 16 – Meet at CFC at 8:00 am.  Last minute preparations.  Load Bus at 10:00 am. Arrive JFK 1:00 pm, China Eastern Flight MU588 at 4:35 pm.  Music by Stephen at CFC and at NY airport.  It will take us 30 hours of travel time to be at our hotel in Beijing.

June 17 – Arrive in Shanghai, China at 7:30 pm China time. China Eastern MU5186 to Beijing at 9:50 pm, Music by Jeffery in Shanghai between flights

June 18 – Arrive in Beijing at 12:20 am, at hotel by 2:00 am check-in.  Wake at 10:00 am for breakfast and meeting, Music by Nathan, then off to the Great Wall of China then the evening in the city.

June 19 – Beijing China – Up at 6 am, 7 am team meeting, Music by Austin, Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and then the evening at the Chinese Acrobats.

June 20 – Beijing China – Up at 6 am, 7 am team meeting, Music by Stephen, Visit Silk Street Market, Shopping, the 23 hour train ride north to south in China. T5 train leaves at 4:08 pm, or the T189 departs at 6:46 pm

June 21 – Train ride to Guilin arriving 2:51 pm or 5:51 pm.  Music by Jeffrey on the Train Ride to Guilin.

June 22 – First morning in Guilin. Up at 6 am to climb mountain on campus for team meeting on top of mountain overlooking the Campus and Guilin City.  Music by Nathan on the mountain

June 23 – Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Austin, Travel to classes and meet with students. 

June 24 - Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Stephen, Travel to classes and meet with students.

June 25 – Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Jeffrey, Day with Chinese Students for trip down Li River and time in Yangshuo to shop and hang out.

June 26 – Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Nathan, Day in the country with Chinese students for Picnic, climb the waterfalls, play laser tag, etc. 

June 27 - Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Austin, Travel to classes and meet with students.

June 28 - Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Stephen, Travel to classes and meet with students.

June 29 - Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Jeffrey, Travel to classes and meet with students.

June 30 - Up at 6 am, team meeting at 7 am, Music by Nathan, Travel to classes and meet with students.

July 01 – Sleep in Day, up at 7 am, Team meeting at 8 am. Music by Austin in Guilin, Last day in Guilin. China Eastern flight MU5694 at 9:55 pm to Shanghai.  Arrive in Shanghai at 11:55 pm. 

July 02 – Arrive at Shanghai Hotel at 1:00-2:00 am.  Sleep, up at 7 and off to airport.  Music by Stephen at Shanghai Airport, China Eastern MU587 at 12:00 noon to JFK.  Arrive at JFK at 2:15 pm.  3:00 pm bus pick up at JFK.  Arrive at CFC at 6:00 pm.