Monday, August 11, 2008

Let the Games Continue..

Went for a drive yesterday to my old home town of Victoria-by-the-Sea. This place just keeps calling me back every year with it's beauty and hospitality. This pretty much self sustained village has a population of about 140 people and that's including summer residents, but on a fine summer weekend you will find the streets lined with cars as people walk from one little street to the other. I was pleasantly surprised when I drove up to our old house to see this banner proudly displayed on it! It was the title of my last post! My hope and prayer is that one day we will own this little house once again. Perhaps this was a sign of what's to come. I can only hope and pray.


While the topic of the games is on my mind I have to be completely honest and I'm sure many of you feel the same, I have moments watching the olympics that I didn't expect to have. While watching the opening ceremonies there were times I sat there with tears streaming down my face trying to understand the obvious, why 43 billion was spent when there are so many that are doing without? I do understand that this has created many jobs for the locals and that much will be spent at local venues, shops, restaurants ect. but 43 billion? What about the ice storm this past winter not to mention the earthquake in May? Don't get me wrong, I'm swelling with pride for the country where the precious gift of our daughter will come from I just wish some of that money was used in a more humanitarian way and pray that some if any profit made will be. Without sounding too political I think the Chinese government would have gained massive amount of respect from media coverage if even a portion of the funds went to relief efforts. Please understand this is just my own humble opinion. It won't stop me from watching and learning all I can about the nation where my daughter will come from.

Kudos to Yao Ming who carried the Chinese flag in the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics and who responded to the earthquake in Sichuan province by donating 2 million dollars to the relief, but the real hero stood much closer to the ground at his right side carrying not one but two flags! This little boy braved the elements as he went back into his school and saved two of his classmates when the earthquake hit. My hats off to you little man. This was my proudest moment.


9 comments:

Shannon said...

Such a beautiful home. How wonderful to move back in it one day. I agree with you regarding the Olympics but sadly, we both know things don't work that way in any country. Lovely to see those proud people though. =)

Kim said...

I am with you on the Olympics , I have had some moments.. it really makes me think... I sooo wish we had our little girls home with us...
Have a Great Week..
Hugs..

Anonymous said...

That would be sooooo cool to someday play with my big sister in the yard we once grew up in!...sniffle...sniffle....

Mei Mei Lori

Shionge said...

I shared the same sentiment with you Debz and I think you captured the house beautifully ;D

Tracey and Mike said...

It's funny, the Chinese people are soooo proud that many of them seem oblivious to the money issue. Ran's foster parents have expressed to us how excited and proud the people of China are. They see this in a way as a "coming out" of sorts of China to the world.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

The olympics have been bittersweet for us...we are excited and sad at the same time!

Still holding out for the theory that things will start to speed up a little after they are over....a girl can hope can't she!!!

Lisa

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

I only got to see the last half of the opening... I was working but I must say that for me... seeing that little boy walk in and what he did... warmed the cockles of my heart... now I have lack of sleep from watching the games...

redmaryjanes said...

I choke up every time I see that little hall monitor! Talk about bawling! I was a mess when they told his story.

Nadine said...

Well said Debz.