This was almost the post you've all been waiting for
After a few weeks of searching variations and spellings, scouring maps, and finally having my sister in the US google for me, I found a Catholic Church. I had been looking for St. Anthony's in Futian, but I couldn't find the street, and without a phone number I couldn't find out when Mass times were or directions. However, there is another officially sanctioned and still in Communion church in Nantou. It is closer to Shekou than Futian is, too, which is an added benefit.
I had a girl in one of the shops here call the church and get directions and Mass times.
On Saturday Myles and I took a practice run to it in a cab. About RMB 25, so not too long (my last trip to Futian, which I haven't blogged about and will at some point, cost almost twice that). We walked up the hill to the church, which was locked down and closed, but I could see the courtyard and a statue of St. Paul.
All systems were go to make it to Mass tonight at 8 pm (the other option is 9 am). I really really really need to go, you know? As much illegal activity I've witnessed and heard about practically in front of my house, I have to wonder how much anyone is really going to care about my minding my own business in a church pew (I know...famous last words). We ate dinner early enough and then......two thirds of our family had bad reactions to something we ate. Repeatedly. And not the female third.
So I will try again next week for Pentecost. It's been hard, with the current visa rules (Randy does not remember the caution against religious activities when he first got his visa), because you hear horror stories about Christians and foreign Christians being arrested recently, but how great of a witness am I bearing if what is keeping me away is my fear of being separated from my husband and son, and then what good will any of that do the both of them if my actions completely turn them off from religion..........anyway, in case there was any doubt in your mind I am much too ordinary a person.
We'll try again next week, though.
I had a girl in one of the shops here call the church and get directions and Mass times.
On Saturday Myles and I took a practice run to it in a cab. About RMB 25, so not too long (my last trip to Futian, which I haven't blogged about and will at some point, cost almost twice that). We walked up the hill to the church, which was locked down and closed, but I could see the courtyard and a statue of St. Paul.
All systems were go to make it to Mass tonight at 8 pm (the other option is 9 am). I really really really need to go, you know? As much illegal activity I've witnessed and heard about practically in front of my house, I have to wonder how much anyone is really going to care about my minding my own business in a church pew (I know...famous last words). We ate dinner early enough and then......two thirds of our family had bad reactions to something we ate. Repeatedly. And not the female third.
So I will try again next week for Pentecost. It's been hard, with the current visa rules (Randy does not remember the caution against religious activities when he first got his visa), because you hear horror stories about Christians and foreign Christians being arrested recently, but how great of a witness am I bearing if what is keeping me away is my fear of being separated from my husband and son, and then what good will any of that do the both of them if my actions completely turn them off from religion..........anyway, in case there was any doubt in your mind I am much too ordinary a person.
We'll try again next week, though.
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