Day 3 Recap: The Journey to China — Today is Really Tomorrow July 9th
What do I mean by that?
The moment we landed in Fuzhou, we were officially 12 hours ahead of East Coast time. Technically, I can say all 37 of us have been accelerated into the future. That’s still amazing to me—how time zones can put us an entire day ahead of our hometown. It’s like we stepped into tomorrow while everyone back home is still living in today.
And let me tell you, your body knows. You think you slept on the plane, but jet lag laughs at you. Your stomach doesn’t know if it wants breakfast or midnight snacks. It’s wild. We landed feeling like we’d time-traveled, and in a way… we did.
Of course, in Hong Kong, we already knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore—but arriving in Fuzhou made it official. With some challenges and delays getting through customs, we once again saw the Hand of God reminding us that delay is not denial. Maybe this was another test of our PPPP training in real time. Yours truly has never prayed so hard in his life, lol.
One thing about security officers around the world: it’s their property, their territory, and their rules. Rule #1? Comply. Try to prepare ahead of time, but always be ready for changing regulations and very personal personalities. I’ve heard it said, “new levels, new devils,” but I want to offer this: not every challenge is the devil. Some are just part of the process of elevation.
With that said, the moment we got through, it felt like favor followed us in. Our host NANA greeted us with so much personality, joy, and professionalism. And suddenly, those faceless names we’d seen in emails became real-life smiles, handshakes, and people ready to serve.
I had set the expectation with our group that this would feel like a mission trip—but the welcome committee and that sleek, comfortable bus showed us real quick: this is an elevated mission trip. It’s on!
And let me pause here to shout out the talk of the evening: the bright orange swag bag waiting for each of us. Listen, this bag was next level. Thoughtfully packed with items we didn’t even realize we’d need: ponchos in case of rain, fans for the Fuzhou heat, essential oils for headaches or nerves, and our official sheet music book for the joint choir performances. It wasn’t just a gift—it was preparation.
And don’t even get me started on the hotel rooms. Many of us were met with breathtaking views of the Minjiang River and the Kuliang mountainous area. It was serene, peaceful, and majestic—like something out of a travel film.
After checking in and having our first Chinese-style lunch (which came with a full spread and all its flavorful glory), a few of us headed out again for a formal welcome banquet.
And I kid you not—it felt like a wedding reception meets presidential gala. Elegance. Ceremony. Honor. The kind of event that makes you grateful you packed that suit and tie.
We were treated to a nine-course meal—yes, nine. Dishes just kept coming, beautifully plated and full of flavor. In between bites, we were offered a selection of teas, including the famous jasmine flower tea, which literally bloomed in the pot. It tasted just as floral as it smelled—soft, fragrant, and unforgettable.
What made this banquet even more significant was that it included Fujian provincial leaders—people who have influence over culture, education, and diplomacy in this region. Their presence made it clear: this wasn’t just a warm welcome. This was an official recognition of the purpose behind our visit.
Why Are We in China?
An old colleague of mine was approached with a powerful question:
“Do you know of a choir that could represent the U.S. at a festival about singing for peace?”
That’s what this is. This isn’t just a performance trip. This is part of a long-term cultural bridge—an intentional effort to plant seeds of peace and understanding between the youth of China and the U.S.
The event is called:
Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival.
And it’s a smart investment—because it’s rooted in the next generation. Let’s be honest, older generations are often stuck in their ways. But as Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
This trip is just the beginning.
Stay tuned, Professor Anderson
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