Pomp, Circumstance and Ceremony

Well, this is it "the show". We enjoyed Chinese food for breakfast and were alerted when to make our way across six lanes of traffic to the orphanage and the official ceremonies.

A marching band was playing as the officials walked down the street to the meeting hall where the media was waiting for the arrival of the mayor, his entourage, and of course mine! We gathered in a large room with a marble conference table set with flowers, water and gifts.

As soon as all the officials arrived we were ushered to the top floor, followed by dozens of camera men, film crews and the crowd holding up personal cameras and cell phones to capture the parade of who's who or who knows who.

We took our places on the stage at our personalized stations. Johnny, my interpreter for the day, tried to keep us informed of when I was to speak and what exactly I was to say. He and Lynn had diligently translated the official letter from the Assemblies of God World Missions, painstakingly accessing the internet trying to figure out the correct terms and finally deciding to use the English term as a proper noun (Assemblies) would not be translated into Chinese. When I was signaled to go forward - I did so without hestitation. Looking out on the crowd was humbling. I thanked them for the opportunity to come and represent the organization as well as my country and people who had a great love for China, its people and its children.

Johnny, hesitated from time to time and whether it was fatigue or his business in Shanghai - who knows, but the Director soon gave the "cut it short" signal and that was the wrap up. I wound up not reading the letter - but it was the most perfect gift for this auspicious occasion.

After all the speeches had been made, the children of Jinan and Taian orphanages performed. The first song (sung by the albino boy from Jinan) was about "Momma". The two women who sat beside me were wiping back the tears. For once I was glad I couldn't understand.

The variety of performances ranged from fan dances, an army patriotic display and group songs and reciting thanking everyone for caring for them. The last was the Taian children doing an interpretation of the Chinese opera skit. It was a wonderful display and tremendous celebration to be a part of.

There was a tour of the facilities by the media and then the press. We walked over to the orphanage and went up to visit the baby room. Several of the children from last year were out of the cribs, in braces, crawling and moving around in other ways. It was encouraging to see.

We joined the rest of the dignitaries for the official lunch. It was very formal (we sat with the Mayor of the city) with much glad-handing, drinking, toasting and "bottoms up."

We made important contacts and the Director of Beijing services for all social welfare agreed to help us get into further orphanages in the future. We left with great hope and future for the larger ministry opportunities. We went back to Jinan with the bus carrying the kids from the Jinan orphanage. It was fun talking with them and sharing time on a more friendly personal basis.

By the time we got to the hotel, the kids all got out and helped us carry our bags into the hotel and took group pictures. We waved at the bus and had them teach us the words for "see you tomorrow."

We had no idea what the circumstances would be when the dawn would break on our tomorrow.