Gansu Amity Teachers' Spring Meeting: We travelled to Hezuo, the main city of Gannan, where two of us teach at the University. Gannan is part of Gansu, but is also known as East Tibet. It's famous for its rolling hills and sweeping grasslands. The scenery is breathtaking, as is the altitude. At 3000 meters above sea level, climbing the stairs to the fourth floor of our hotel was an expedition.

It was too early in the spring for green grass and wildflowers, but lambing had begun.

Hezuo is also known for its wild pigs ; they amble about the city streets and congregate in the suburbs.

Our meeting was productive and refreshing, as always. (This was my fourth regional meeting since coming to China.) The weekend included Palm Sunday, and Ruth and I planned the private worship service for our group. We modified and incorporated a scriptural version of the Stations of the Cross, interspersed with silent prayer and selections from Irish singer Noirin Ni Riain.