PAST

December 09, 2001

NEXT

* Forbidden City *
This is a scanned photo from the Forbidden City in Beijing China. I took this picture in December of 1995 while I was over there on a business trip.

My first trip to China was definitely an incredible experience. I learned a great deal about other people as well as myself. We, as humans, often get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we forget sometimes how lucky and fortunate we are. We are constantly bombarded with little road blocks and inconveniences but we have to remember that they are merely small and insignificant hurdles in the overall scheme of things.

I cherish the friendships that I made on my trips to China and will always remember the amazing hospitality that these wonderful people bestowed upon me. My temporary living conditions were very quaint compared to my normal standards but comparatively, they treated me like a king and I was very grateful.

I recall a friend had invited me over to his house to have dinner with his family. I arrived at their small one room apartment with just enough room for one bed, a small table, and small kitchen area. They didn't even have their own bathroom. What amazed me the most was how happy they seemed to be in their lives. How they were so excited to have a guest at their home. While waiting for dinner I turned to play with their young child who was sitting on the floor, making strange noises. As I knelt down I noticed that the sounds he was making were primitive little car sounds. He had two small stones that he was playing with, pretending that they were two cars. I had a great time playing with him and dinner was fantastic.

Always remember, "No matter how bad things may seem at any given time, they could always be worse."
Be thankful for what you've got.