Gift Idea #3

It's time for a quick update.  School is still going fairly well, we're preparing for the Christmas show.  My kids are pretty good, but of course, I've got to keep it accessible and keep them interested.  The school needs to renew my visa for the next year.  I've never had any problems with that, but there's always a first time, so I would appreciate prayer for this process.  And now, it's time for the next installment of gift ideas.

Idea #3: A Favorite Health/Beauty/Cosmetic Item (Solids Only)

While good travelers learn to be flexible about most things, many have a special personal product that cannot be dispensed with. Some may use a special razor blade; fortunately, I have a good supply of Mach3 blades, and mine dull slowly because I care for them well. Others may have a special skin care product that they feel is best for their needs.

While Chinese consumers also buy these products, there is a reputation of inferior quality in goods made for the Chinese market. This is definitely true of cars, simply because the fuel quality here is inferior. Android-type smart phones sold here are unable to use the Google Play Store due to legal restrictions, but the Taiwan models are so enabled. I have heard that a certain brand of razor blade, purchased in China, may be inferior to blades of the same brand purchased in Germany. (I have not tested this personally.) Authenticity can also be questionable. I have been using Crest oral care products here, purchased at reputable stores, and found no problems so far. Other people's mileage may vary.

Also, generally only the biggest international brands are available in China at regular stores (along with the Chinese brands). If there is a very special product that someone uses, which must be genuine, and can legally be mailed, your favorite expat teacher would probably appreciate a resupply. Close family members will probably know what that product would be.

Prayer Requests

First of all, praise God for a positive experience leading worship on Sunday.  Myself and two Chinese women singing, another Chinese woman playing piano, leading a mostly Chinese congregation of about 200 people in worship songs in English and Chinese.  The musician was a visiting daughter of one of our translators, skilled but short of practice time.  God blessed our voices and hands, and worship was good.

Next, please pray for our worship team, that we would have people with the necessary desire and talents available for practice and worship each week.  Musicians are particularly in short supply.  Our best musician is recovering from a C-section, expected to be out for a few more weeks.

Also, please pray for my visa renewal process.  I have no reason to be anxious, I have had no trouble before, and this should be a quite straightforward renewal with the same employer.  However, one never knows, and visa problems can be intractable.  Prayer is never out of order.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for praying!