Today's revelation:
Did you know Werther's Originals were made of pure butter and fresh cream?! And there's me scoffing loads of the things thinking they're some kind of health sweet.

Last night was a great evening with an old friend "K"– one of the first Chinese guys I got to know in Sheffield (seems so long ago but was only 3 years). He took me to a fantastic Cantonese restaurant and treated me to my best meal yet. I avoided the extreme stuff and went for pork, chicken and beef and pigeon. (The latter was excellent, but I left the head- a bit...beaky). Then off for a wander down the river bank and a coffee and chat. Very helpful insights into the life of a workaholic lawyer here in Shanghai. The memories of a calm and happy time in Sheffield were strong for him. They seem so for all returnees. That is I think a positive thing that could be harnessed for getting returnees together. That shared experience has strong emotions attached. Hoping "K" can join us for karting on Saturday with other returnees. Pray.

Today's tourist visit with Master Qiang was to the Long Hua Si Buddhist temple. Having thought much about idolatry lately it was quite shocking to have such stark and monstrous images in one's face and to see people actual prostrating and praying before them. Are the 'acceptable' idols of the heart more or less gross as they bubble up incessantly from the 'idol factory within' (Calvin) stealing our worship from The Only Worthy One.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols."1 John 5:21