30 September 2010 ~ Love From Home

I've just love watching people receive care packages from home here at DAIS. Boxes get hugged like best friends and a relaxed, serene look comes over the recipient's face that says, "Ah...home." They take things out of the box ranging from cashews to clothing, hold them close to their heart, and breath in the scents of home. Some things get shared with those who are near and others are coveted and stay hidden in the box. Just today my friend Brandi shared a Reece's Peanut Butter Cup with me that came in a care package from her mom. Nothing has ever tasted so good!!

It was like Christmas morning and my birthday all wrapped up into one today when Jason (DAIS's guard) said, "Kimberly, you have a package!" Bless you, Aunt Deb, for the wonderful care package full of the comforts of home...soft, luxurious, 400 thread count sheets and plush, sumptuous, cloud-like towels! And I just love the dragonfles, Deb...they're perfect.

Customs only held the package for three days, my passport for one, and I was only taxed ¥8. I was expecting something more like ¥800 or at least ¥80 and was quite pleased when I was told it would be only¥8...that's a whopping $1.20!

I love you bunches, Deb! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

29 September 2010 ~ What a Difference!

After having a wonderful chat on Skype with Aunt Deb this morning (while she was melting from the heat and I was snuggled in a blanket), I checked out the weather on my Google home page...woohoo! What a difference! Hope it cools down soon for you folks!

28 September 2010 ~ Wildflowers of Dahaishan

27 September 2010 ~ Laughing Buddha

In China the Laughing Buddha is known as the "Loving or Friendly One." I just can't help but giggling and smiling whenever I lay eyes upon him! My dear friend Craig gave me a statue of the Laughing Buddha as a going away present before I left. It's now in my shipment...somewhere out there! Craig, your precious gift will have even more meaning when it arrives now that I have been in the mystical presence and experienced the grandeur of these spectacular

Laughing Buddhas!

"When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky." ~ Buddha

I LOVE this quote! I'm constantly looking around, realizing where I am and giggling with delight! Buddha sums up my feelings perfectly! : )

Buddha's belly...ya gotta love it!!

26 September 2010 ~ Daheishan Temple Hike

My friends Jon, Ely, April and I took an amazing spiritual journey today over Daheishan (Big Black Mountain). We explored a series of Buddhist temples and hiked the temple-like, awe inspiring peaks of Dahieshan. It's been called the "wonder of the southeast corner of Liaoning Province" and I know exactly why...

Jon and Ely at the beginning of our journey.

April getting into the Spirit.

These red strips of cloth are tied on trees and statues by visitors making wishes and remembering loved ones.

Purchasing the red cloth at the entrance of the first temple.

The doors of the first temple.

Jon pointing out the temples we were about to visit and trails we were about to hike...

Buddha figures exhibit a multitude of characteristics that communicate subtle meanings and intentions. The most important of characteristics are the mudras, or hand gestures. This is a Buddhist hand gesture to expel demons. I recognized it as sign language for "I love you."

This one is tied in memory of those who are now my angels.

The path was lined with statue after statue with a beautiful yellow cape draped about its shoulders...

This one is a wish for more laughter in the world!

Laughing Buddha's toes...

The altars were numerous and ladened with gifts from family members and friends to those who have parted this world...

April and I lighting incense to leave burning at the temple in memory of loved ones...

Placing the incense in memory of Mom.

After leaving the first temple, we walked down a beautiful tree lined path to hike up and over Daheishan.

As we headed up the trail, we heard the beautiful, serene sound of a flute. It was perfect for the occasion and added to the quiet, restful feeling of the mountain and its temples. When we found the source of the magical music, I asked the gentleman to play for us and he was more than happy to oblige. The sound echoed across the mountain and filled my heart with peace and love. Thank you flute man for this precious gift...

April and me

Nature's temple...

On top of the world...

A group shot at the top.

A long, steep staircase down to the next temple...

The entrance to the third temple...

Rubbing Laughing Buddha's belly for luck...I love it!!!

The statues were awe inspiring!

One can never get enough luck!! Especially from this big guy!!

Another steep staircase to one more temple...

Thank you for this glorious day shared with good friends, Buddha, and the Spirit of Nature.