Hello, Hello, Hello....

Well the first few days of our trip and we're already learning to be flexible : ). Please forgive our lack of communication, it's been super difficult to get on the Internet. We've finally figured out a way that "should" keep us connected at least while we're in Hong Kong (thru Wednesday). Jared's ipod has been great to get online some, but we were unable to post anything of substance so here goes....

We arrived safely with all of our luggage!! (Always something to be thankful for). Hong Kong is such an amazing city! It is huge, and there are so many people everywhere. We are certainly in the minority most places we go, this calls for lots of stares but, I reckon it's fun to be a celebrity for a while : ) haha. We are currently staying at a local University for a training Camp we're attending before going to China. The sessions began last night at 7 so we had the whole day to head into the city and play around. We managed to find our way around the city taking train after train after train to get into the city. There were so many stores and the city has a real NYC feel to it with taxi's, big buildings, etc.

Lunch was fun, we ended up just walking into a restaurant and picking and choosing from a very strange menu... turns out we chose the right things and we had some fun new experiences with Asian cuisine. The food has been different but the team's been so great and is adapting. We've also been daring at times and haven't gone wrong so far : ).

Then we took the opportunity to take the 5Star ferry across the harbor to Hong Kong Island... it was so beautiful and the city seems to go on for miles and miles. We've been taking some good photos and should we find the right cords we can perhaps upload some. Then it was back to the University for our Camp opening session. We are meeting some amazing people from all over the world who are doing some amazing things and sharing the good news to their local communities. It is so humbling to see, them sing in freedom! I know a few of us had some tears watching this.

We've had almost a full day of Camp today. Learning loads about China/Hong Kong... Stephen and I are busy with Team Leaders meetings and the rest of the group are enjoying playing in the rain at sports training workshops. The weather is very hot and humid so it's been a refreshing change.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts! We're all excited for great things that are on the horizon. We love you and miss you all!

Christine

Doing well. Jet lag hitting hard tonight. Still only internet access is with an iPod touch.

Arrived safe and sound...off to the city before our first meeting tonight

Super Sam (Samantha)

Hey my names is Samantha Gonzalez, this is my first trip and i have been looking forward to it. I just graduated college and now i just got a job at a University as a head softball coach. I hope to use the skill to help and encourage this young kids. I hope to go on many more trip in the future because I feel that this is what am meant to do.

Jessica Stuart

Ni Hao! I am Jessica Stuart and I am stoked about our trip to China! I am a Junior at Sterling College, majoring in biology and art. This is my first team trip anywhere and can't wait to discover what my number one father has in store for us!

Big E (Ernest)

Hello my name is Ernest Newton and this is my first trip with Sterling College. I have one more year of college and I am majoring in Exercise Science. I have only been overseas one time and that was to Europe so I am ready to enjoy this experience!

J-ROD (Jared)

Hola....(Oh wait thats Spanish) Ni Hao (there we go, I knew it was in there somewhere) Anyways my name is Jared Brown, and I am from the big Metropolis of Augusta Kansas. This is my first trip with Sterling College. I have 2 more years at Sterling, majoring in Athletic Training and Exercise Science. I have been on several trips before to Mexico, so this will be the first time I have been overseas. I am very excited! Well thats really all I can think of for the moment, So there was a brief intro into the life of Jared Brown, I am sure you will be hearing more from me as the trip goes on.
Peace