Sunday Afternoon Along the River

 One Saturday morning early in October, I spent a couple of hours with treasured friends and their two little ones. Sunday morning they boarded a plane for the States and, when they return to this side of the world after the New Year, they will move to another city. I worked and lived and worshiped together this family for over two years and saying "Good-bye" was really hard. As I left for fellowship on Sunday morning, I almost instinctively packed my camera alongside my Bible and headed out into the warm autumn day. I knew I was in need of more "healing photography." I am so grateful for God's incredible grace to work through this hobby that I love to powerfully and intimately bring joy to the sorrowful places and peace to the restless places in my soul. Praise Him for His steadfast love and deep, Daddy-like care for me!

A beautiful day to wash your bike!

 

I LOVE the way the sunlight is playfully reflecting off the water and lighting up the bridge!

 Where the road along the river ended, I was captivated by music being played in the park. Three older men sat in the shade of a pagoda--one played the erhu, one the pipa, and one sang well-known songs in traditional Peking opera style. Several others sat near the pagoda, reading the newspaper, chatting with friends, and playing chess as they enjoyed the beautiful day and beautiful music. I joined them, sitting on the pagoda's bench for a long time, letting the music relax and warm down deep. What a privilege to be able to live in this place!

Erhu, a traditional 2-stringed Chinese instrument

Pipa, another traditional Chinese instrument

 As I headed away from the river and toward the bus stop, the road that stretch before me was bustling with park-goers and lots of brightly-colored snacks. I celebrated the lovely afternoon and God's goodness with a bag of purple sweet potato chips and some honeydew-flavored cotton candy!

Purple and orange sweet potato chips (and, yes, they ARE naturally this color!)

Canteloupe (bottom) and candied haw fruit (wrapped in rice paper, on the rack) on sticks

LOTS of yummy, colorful flavors available!

I went home with my empty places filled-up.

Thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. ~ Ps 107.8-9

He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. ~ Ps 78.15