Good Morning from the Himalayas!

Good morning from the Himalayas. Yesterday we were in the foothills, today we are up in the Himalayas at Zhongdian, but it is also known as Shangri La from an old 60’s book/movie. It is definitely beautiful up here! The drive was incredible. It’s much colder here than I thought it would be, so I’m all bundled up!! I really wish I had a heavier jacket, but I’m not sure where I’d pack it. My suitcase is filled and starting to bulge over with souvenirs!

We visited one of China’s national parks while we were here in Shangri La. We saw horses, yak, and pigs all roaming free in the countryside. The Yak were very close to us just munching on some tasty grass. As we hiked through the hills, we saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the world…literally. It’s amazing to be able say that I’ve been in the Himalayas and even hiked there! Too cool! The altitude was not fun, however. By the time I finished my 3-mile hike I thought I might pass out. People were carrying cans of oxygen with them if that tells you anything!

There really aren’t many words to describe the beauty I’ve seen here. When we were in Lijiang, we climbed up a huge hill to see an incredible Camellia tree that is very special to the city. Then hiking in the Himalayas, well, it’s almost been a spiritual retreat in a way. Seeing all of God’s overwhelming beauty that is just boundless and endless has once again awed me. I can say I have felt all the prayers and the Lord’s presence while I’ve been traveling here. Thank you to all those who have been praying and please continue to do so.

Now of course no blog would be complete without a typical Melissa goof up, so here’s another one for you. While we were in Lijiang, I was dying for some Western food. I’m not a fan of Chinese food in the US, but I’ve been trying to at least try different types of food here. I have found a few things that I like here, but I sure do miss Mexican food. On the way home, I want rice with cheese dip and a taco!! I’m calling it in!! In my quest for Western food, I really goofed. Amy and I were eating dinner with a bunch of our group when we saw “Wild River Shrimp” and “Onion Rings” on the menu. We thought BINGO!!! Now I should mention that Lijiang is nowhere near the ocean…and river shrimp? What was I thinking?!? Well we each order a plate of shrimp and out comes the tiniest shrimp you’ve ever seen with eyes, shells, tails- the whole thing fried without batter!! They are just crispy little creatures that shrank when they were fried to a crisp. I did try one then immediately spit it out. Our guide was just laughing hysterically when she said “And you guys thought you were getting Long John Silver’s didn’t you!!” Oh well, the onion rings were all right, but not quite American!