friends and family,
greetings from the city that never sleeps, and that includes us. 
it is much harder to get sleep up here because we have no secret place to sleep like we did down in philly, and the cops kick everyone out of central park at 1 a.m. we have heard that if they catch people in there after they’ve kicked everyone out they just arrest them which isn’t a part of the streets we would like to experience so we end up staying awake every night until 4:30ish when it begins to get light. then we go into the park in an out of sight spot and finally stop killing the sheep as they bounce over our heads.
yesterday we went to redeemer pres, church, and for those of you who don’t know of it or of dr. tim keller you must check them out online. www.redeemer.com go listen to some of tim keller’s messages. they are wonderful. the place was great and the message was very good and convicting, and that was followed by the best soloist i think i’ve ever heard in person. it was unreal. this however is not outweighed by the fact that nobody sat near us unless they had to because of a lack of seats and the only conversation we had other than the necessary “get up and greet your neighbors” was one guy… oh wait he didn’t give conversation… he just patted ben on the shoulder, smiled and quickly walked by. sad since the confessional prayer was about helping the homeless and the poor and the widow and the orphan.
it’s also amazing how ungrateful the homeless can be. we encountered this woman at a shelter for food last night. she was complaining quite loudly about how the portions were too small and that “if they’re going to do God’s work they must do it right” she then went on to tell us she was a prophet of God. mmhmm… time to move on i think because there is no winning a discussion against a “prophet of God.”
well, life had gotten a little better than when we first arrived. we have a list of some food places and found a better place to play for money. its better.. but still not great. well… i can smell myself contaminating this room and feel the need to move on.
we love you and appreciate your support every day!
dimps and shaggy
July 1, 2008 at 1:55 am
Tim-Bob,
Just finished reading your entire blog. Kind of cool. I’ve thought of you several times but forgot the blog address so just got it from your Dad today.
I got in about 2:00 this morning. Helped Reuben pack and he and Karen are off for NH. I guess I’m getting hard hearted and steel myself for these things but your good old Dad was shedding a tear or two.
Less than a week ago I flew out to the earthquake zone in western China where our company has started 6 tent schools for kids. It was an awesome trip and made me think of you because of the changes I went through. Difference is I came back to my “current life” in a short time.
On Tuesday evening I left a board meeting and ate at Burger king in the new Beijing terminal, (largest building in the world) before flying to Chengdu. Wednesday breakfast was in a 3 star Chinese hotel in Chengdu it would be a strange breakfast to most Americans. For lunch we ate in a small restaurant in an earthquake stricken city. They were killing the ducks and chickens next door and several buildings nearby were collapsed. Wednesday evening we ate in a little peach orchard next to an Army field hospital at one of the tent schools. A local family cooked dumplings for us. Their house was mostly collapsed so they were under a tent. We drew water from the deep hand dug well not far from rice paddies. By noon Thursday I was back in Beijing having lunch with my students.
I just realized I am probably being mean talking about all of those meals. It’s just that it illustrated all the changes. At least we were eating all of the time, not like you.
One other thing we saw was a little village where three 16 year olds had started a little school for the elementary kids who didn’t have a school to go to. My friend had gotten them a tent and a small white board and some books. They were so serious, so poor and so dedicated.
Hope to see you in the fall and share some of our experiences.
Proud of you and what you are doing and learning. Good writing.
Stay safe. Guard your heart.
Uncle Phil
Uncle Phil
July 1, 2008 at 1:58 am
even your emails are starting to smell a little! Keep on keepin’ on Little Brothers. Now you know how NOT to act when you have that opportunity. You two will remember this trip forever…and food is something you can have plenty of l8r. Mayo Chicken for the both of you!
“What a long strange trip it’s been!”
Dimps…I thought of you today (And every day) when I saw a certain harmonica player running through downtown. Looked like he (JH) was doing the chicken dance and running at the same time! LOL
See you soon!
July 1, 2008 at 2:10 am
Hey Dimps. Ive tried to call that number….
I hope all is well.
praying for you both.
July 1, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Hey guys!
I hope you are both staying encouraging and spurring one another on towards Christ.
Tim I hope your able to sleep when you get the chance. Glad to know you guys are eating alright.
My prayer this week for you guys is that you learn to love deeply. Because love covers a multitude of sins (its somewhere in Eph) I pray that you continue to love the unlovable. I am so proud of you guys for being willing to leave all the comforts God has blessed you with so you can further His kingdom and continue to glorify God. Thank you for not making those comforts more important than God’s glory and God’s people. Please continue to teach us as you make this journey. For women its a journey we aren’t able to make so take us with you as much as you can through your writing.
July 1, 2008 at 11:06 pm
tim and ben- i’ve been praying for you guys! every time i walk the streets of dc i’m reminded of you! i just caught up on your notes and it’s so encouraging to hear about your experiences. you’ve reminded me just how big our God is, and how challenging our mission as Christ-followers. keep learning the lessons He has for you. love you guys…
July 2, 2008 at 1:58 am
Ben,
You have wonderful friends. I love all the Marley and Grateful Dead quotes. I pray all is well with the both of you and think of you everyday. I’m sooooo proud you are my nephew. Keep learning and loving. Nothing is random. Every since Kalyn passed I’ve learned that significant truth. Trust in the Lord for all you do. Never mind that last statement you’ve always done that. Much much much love. Aunt Lynn
July 2, 2008 at 11:44 am
Beloved ones,
Once again, I live for hearing from you. Thank you for your updates, and phone calls. To hear of your plans, my heart feels lighter.
You both amaze me. I know this time in your lives will be used in ways you can’t even imagine at this point.
Love always, moma Lisa
July 3, 2008 at 2:21 am
Chasing the Moon! Finished!
Can’t wait to see you bro! We are leaving for our Big Vacation so I will be out of contact for a week. Then we will plan the Subway big give away!
Love….and nothing else!
July 4, 2008 at 3:35 am
Wow Ben, it’s so cool that you spent time at Redeemer Presb. During my time in China, Joan and I listened to his messages every Sunday. Redeemer sent us his messages on CD. Even though I never met him, I feel like I know him.
I’m so thankful that you both have been refreshed and encouraged. I believe God will continue to guide you and keep you.
It’s good to know your Keeper never sleeps.
Psalm 121,
Nikki
July 5, 2008 at 3:39 am
i love you guys. all of us here in florida are praying for you. i hope to hear ore from you soon.