March, 2026
We are back in China! Here are some stories we would like to share:
Cindy and I were blessed to be able to travel around Asia
before we came back to Xi’an, China to teach. We were able to go to 4 temples
and do work there. Each one was a special experience. The temples were Hong
Kong, Okinawa, Japan, Taipei, Taiwan, and Bangkok, Thailand. I served the last
7 months of my mission on Okinawa and that was the first time I have been back
since I was there back in 1980. I experienced such a flood of memories and
loved being back in Japan even though I can barely communicate! Attending the
temple in Okinawa was something that I could not even contemplate when I was
there.
Florence
and Emma in Nanchong, China
Last weekend we went to Nanchong to visit two African
students, Emma and Florence. Our branch president asked if we could visit since
they are the only members there and don’t get to partake of the sacrament.
We arrived on a Friday night and went out to find a place to
eat. It is an adventure each time we go if they don’t have the menu in English.
We use a translator app and we hold our camera up to the Chinese characters and
it translates the characters into English. The problem is that many times the
translation makes no sense. I took a picture of the translation below. Needless
to say, we did not order that dish. We did order another dish there and it was
delicious. My new saying is, “Life is too short to eat stupid chicken!”
We were able to have to the sacrament with Emma and
Florence. They are both from Liberia. Afterwards we went to eat at a hotpot
place. The city is located in Sichuan which is known for its spicy hotpot. “A
little bit spicy” means that it will burn your lips off of your face, but it is
still so good. We had a delightful time with them laughing about “stupid chicken.”
They are both learning Chinese and Emma started laughing after the waitress walked
away saying that she accidentally called the waitress, Uncle.
On Saturday there was rain with almost no visibility, so we just
hung around our hotel. Emma and Florence were like a bright ray of sunshine for
a rather dreary trip. We were inspired by their desire to be educated and
improve their lives. On the train ride home Sunday night, Cindy and I discussed
how wonderful the trip was because of them.
Longtaitou Festival, or Dragon Head Raising Day.
Doug and I were walking along a food street on Friday, March
20. We noticed how many people were
getting their hair cut. The place where
they give haircuts on the sidewalks was busy, and it was almost dark. Piles of hair were under each haircutter’s
feet. We commented on it but didn’t
think much about it.
On Saturday we went to lunch with Dr. Feng and Franklin. We noticed that Franklin had a new haircut. We commented that it looked nice. Dr. Feng said that he got his hair cut
too. He told us the following:
On the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month
is haircutting day. Basically, meaning
that on the second day you are supposed to cut your hair
because it is when the dragon raises its head. Longtaitou Festival, or Dragon Head Raising
Day.
Many people wait until this day to get their hair cut. If they get it cut in the new year before the
2nd month then it is a bad omen.
Their brother or uncle could die.
He joked that if an uncle gives a red envelope to his nephew and it is
not very much money, the nephew will threaten, “I’m going to get my hair cut
before the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month.”
I love to observe how Dr. Feng often tells us of traditions
and good luck symbols. He often laughs
about them, but he acts on them. Like he
waited to get his hair cut on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar
month!
Driving with Franklin:
We have been back in China for about 3 weeks. Since we have been back, we have met with Franklin quite a few times and have had several dinners with Dr. Feng and Na. Franklin has been somewhat reserved and serious-minded, but today was different. Dr. Feng generally just asks us if we want to “go with them” on a given day. This given day we were driving along the rural roads southeast of Xi’an. When they picked us up, we learned we were heading to eat lunch and look at flowers.
We ended up in Lantian, famous for the Lantian man, and had a delicious lunch. After eating, we loaded up in their car and headed out. Franklin started talking. His English words seemed to flow. Dr. Feng always has the soundtrack of Franklin’s recorded songs playing in the background as we drive. Franklin started singing along with his soundtrack louder and louder. He has an amazing voice! Dr. Feng turned up the volume. Doug rolled down his window slightly. I can’t fully describe the joy of this moment. Franklin singing out, “Desperado Why don't you come to your senses?” “Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona….” “On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair….” Doug and I sang along with him. Pure Fun! Franklin’s back. We’re officially home in China.
Kindness:
After class as we were walking out of the building, we passed 2 foreign students. We said hi. They were really friendly and wanted to talk to us. We asked them where they were from, and the girl said, “Iran.” The guy was from Ecuador. The girl from Iran asked where we were from and we hesitantly said, “America.” She got excited and said “We love America. It is so nice to meet you.”
We talked about China and their studies. She
had the prettiest smile. She gave us her name, which was hard to remember
and pronounce. She said her name stands for kindness. I said, “When
I see you again on campus I will call you Kindness.” I was once again
reminded how people-to-people interactions from two different countries
emphasize understanding and empathy. Wars and misunderstandings are at a
different level, and it is so wonderful to meet common people and feel a unity
and a humanity towards each other.
My brother Jeff:
I had a very difficult week last week. I got a call that my brother Jeff had passed away unexpectedly. I was just devastated and so sad. I felt so far away from home. Life is so hard at times.
I wrote a poem which made me feel better. Jeff loved to write poems for all occasions and he was so talented. Here are a few of my poem stanzas that I would like to share about my brother Jeff.
“You got this today,” his final call,
His strength endures, embracing all.
Deep roots planted, steady, true,
My brother Jeff, I will miss you.
Too short a time, the pain so deep,
A brother lost, I long to keep.
But sixty-two years, a gift untold,
A love remembered, brave and bold.
He taught me wisdom, showed me grace,
Left gentle footprints in this place.
Though tears may fall, and shadows loom,
His love remains, dispelling gloom.
