Challenging Assumptions

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

As I write this postcard, I am in my fifth and final week here in the Guangdong province of southern China. It’s been an incredible journey – one that I will never forget.

As I reflect on my time here, I must make a confession. I came here with a lot of wrong assumptions. Of course, if we are honest, we can all look to times in our lives when we’ve made wrong assumptions about people or things. That can be good, or bad, depending upon your individual circumstances.

In my case, I am glad to say I was wrong. My preconceived views of this beautiful country and its people were not tied to the realities of everyday life I see here. It had been skewered by the lens of political and religious differences, while real, made me unnecessarily cautious.

The Chinese people are warm, hospitable, beautiful, and most willing to help a stranger. So, enjoy a few pictures of this remarkable country, and as you do, think about old assumptions that you’re holding onto. Perhaps it’s time to let them go.

Until next time,

Doug