Gift of Pearls

Our fabulous guide from the Confucius Institute, Alice Zhou (pronounced "Jo"), who has been in Alabama at Troy University since last September, got a special treat when we arrived in Beijing. Her husband, Mr. Fu, brought their 7-year- old daughter, Grace, from their home a few hours away to visit Alice.

Alice and Grace had not seen each other since October, so the visit was very special, though too short. Grace is a beautiful, shy, sweet little girl who looks like her mother.

Mr. Fu was so very gracious to our group and presented us all, even the guys, with lovely necklaces of pearl. It was such a generous and unexpected gift. We were all touched by Mr. Fu's thoughtfulness. You can see the pearls in the picture with Paige, Alice and myself.

- Peggy