Lisu Diary

Lily is writing this entry to give a different perspective:

We started on our journey to the Salween Valley last Friday after a short delay because I managed to gash my knee on the hotel steps just as we were departing. Providentially, Dr. J (and Ruth) who met up with us the night before was able to expertly bandage it, and we were on our way. Travel days are long (10-12 hours) because of unexpected delays: sporadic construction projects, cows who stray onto the roadway, geese who refuse to move, and market days crowding the road with stalls and shoppers. Thankfully the biggest challenge of the road trip
has been learning to use the roadside toilets.

On Saturday morning there was a special family gathering for us in Liukhu. This branch of the family loved to sing, and as we drove into the courtyard young and old lined up to greet us with song. There was a short concert of family favorites, some of which we knew, but also songs which were new to us.

Arriving in Gongshan Saturday night, the other team members went on up to the home where a special family reunion was already in progress. I stayed at the hotel to rest my knee. There was dancing, singing, and storytelling and eating that went late into the night. The next morning I joined in the festivities, and it was truly a joyous occasion. We were each given an opportunity to give our greetings, and there was more dancing, more singing, and more storytelling. When we left, all 400 people at the reunion lined up to say goodbye to each of us personally. What love they have for us!

We spent the next two days visiting two families in the Gongshan area. It was great to see their homes and how they live. Even though their lives are very different, our family connection binds us--as they say, blood is thicker than water!

The only disappointment we have had is that we were unable to share with our relatives the video that we brought with us because of circumstantial problems. We did leave the DVD with them, so they will have an opportunity to view it at a later time.

Wednesday and Thursday were travel days back to Kumming. As we chatted on the bus, it is evident that we return with full hearts and excitement for our branch of the family here.

Tomorrow we will do some sightseeing and will spend time debriefing the trip.