What happens in Beijing stays in Beijing

Especially when your team is asked to sing :) Yes, that's right when we went to a morning gathering yesterday we were introduced and asked to sing a song. Being the flexible folks that we are, we rose to the challenge with a rousing rendition of "I Adore You." Let's just say, no one asked us for an encore :) The rest of the morning was great - we enjoyed being apart of it and it was so fun to meet everyone.

Later that day we went to Tienaman Square and the Forbidden City. It was a bit surreal to see these places in person that we'd only read about before.

Today was the first day our team got to work. At the orphanage, Jeff, John, Harvey and Jo spent the day playing with 10 kids ages 4-8 without an interpretor. Needless to say, that created some challenges, but they prevailed. They sang and they danced - I hear John does a mean rendition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" - ask him to show you when we get back. They also broke out the crayons and play-dough for some creative times.

The kids were so fun to be with. They were adorable and full of joy. Some had physical issues, but all were well disciplined and enjoyed the day with the team. Knowing that if they aren't adopted by age 14 meant their future contains a factory job is heartbreaking and made the day a little bittersweet for the team. As you think of it, ask that they would find families who can give then a home with a future.

Riding the subway in Beijing is an interesting event. The shear magnitude of 4 million people commuting in and out of the city a day is something to see. Trying to get Jeff's 6' 2'' frame in the crowded car required a shove from the subway attendant or he would have been left on the platform. I'm hoping my days riding the Paris subway has given me enough training to make it through tomorrow.

Reid and I spent the day giving our seminars. Once again, the language barrier was there, but not insurmountable. Our translator was a recent grad who studied English, so she and I bonded almost immediately - when she told a grammar joke at lunch I knew we were meant to be friends. The group we had was quiet at first, but after the first session we found a good teaching method and seemed to be on a roll. Our hope is that the information we communicated was helpful.

Tomorrow looks like it will be more of the same. John and Jo will head out to give their seminars while the rest of us have a play date at the orphanage. Thankfully we haven't had any major health issues, just the jet-lag and adaptation have made us a bit weary. Luckily there is a starbucks near by, so we've been able to refuel. As you think of it, please ask for good communication with those we interact with - both at the orphanage and the seminars - we really want our time here to make a lasting impact. Also ask for strength and perseverance and continued good health. We'll update you as the week goes on, but here are some photos to give you an idea of the day.

-Jen