It was a pretty good wall...

At least according to John. I thought it was pretty great, plus it was just amazing to stand on such a big piece of history.

Let me back up to the beginning of our day. I don't think I've mentioned our breakfasts, but they have a buffet as part of our room rates, so each morning has included eggs, orange juice, coffee and bacon (and I heart bacon!). After another great breakfast, we gathered and had a good time talking with the father. This country has really left an imprint in all our hearts, both by reminding us of our blessings and seeing the joy of the family here. We really asked the father to show us how to take these things back home so they don't get lost once we return to our lives.

After that we met our interpretor and headed out to the Great Wall. It's hard to describe, so I'll let the photos do that. After that it was a great lunch and a little shopping before a roast duck dinner with some friends here. It was good to laugh with them and hear updates from their end of things.

Tomorrow we head home. It's hard to believe things are coming to an end, but I know none of us will forget what the father is doing here.

--Jen

last day...

It's hard to believe things are winding down. Yesterday was the last day with the seminars and the kids. Jeff, Harvey and Reid spent a last day presenting. The participants shared their stories and left encouraged and challenged, with the team leaving humbled and encouraged as well.

Jo, Jen and John spent a last day at the orphanage. The kids and the team were all tired, and most of the kids took a much needed nap in the afternoon. However, that didn't keep them from singing several rounds of "Father Abraham." Actually, Jen and John did the singing while the kids did the actions. Leaving was a little tough, knowing the circumstances that these kids live in, but we're trusting the father to take care of them.

We got to try a traditional Mongolian BBQ with our two interpretors for dinner. The meat was excellent, and we enjoyed getting to know the interpretors better. After that we saw a Chinese acrobat show. The contortions were almost unbelievable to see in person. Even after a year of yoga classes at the YMCA I'm no where near bending like that :)

Today we get to do a little sightseeing with our interpretor before we head home. We'll head out to the Great Wall this morning, then shopping in the afternoon. Ask for natural opportunities with our interpretor and that she'll see our hope.

--Jen

Knees and Toes...

We're back from another tiring but fruitful day. John and Jo spent the day at the seminars. They had a great time getting to know the participants and hearing where they came from. We're not sure if it's a cultural thing or a testament to the morning speakers, but when Jo and John returned early from lunch the participants were napping...

Not so much for the kids at the orphanage. Reid, Harvey, Jen and Jeff headed there and were greeted with shouts of "Hello!" and "knees and toes!" John's rendition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" was so good the kids were still singing it the next day. Today, an interpretor joined us, so we were able to share stories and play some organized games. The kids were full of energy and really enjoyed playing with us. Play-dough and coloring pages were a huge hit, and as you can see, Jen's page wasn't quite as good as the kids.

Tomorrow is the last day with the seminar and the orphanage. Ask for perseverance and strength to make this last day count.

--Jen

It's three am, Jeff must want coffee...

Jet lag does funny things. On our first night, Harvey and Jeff woke up at 3 AM with nothing do to, so they decided to search for coffee. They grabbed a cab and, by drawing pictures, communicated that they needed coffee. After driving somewhere in the second ring of Beijing, they found an open McDonalds. Due to their ignorance and no Chinese language skills, they paid three to four times more than a taxi would have cost, which the realized that their fare back was only around $5. When it was all said and done, they paid around $35 for two cups of coffee and a great story. The lesson learned: make sure your cabbie has a meter running :)

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

some photos so far...

a busy street market















Jeff's idea for dinner...




















what we outvoted him for...

And, in case anyone was worried, we did find coffee today. Our caffeine needs should be met.

--Jen

We have arrived...

The trip went as smoothly as possible. We were very well greeted upon our arrival. We had the opportunity to go to a market/mall near our hotel this evening. Jeff challenged everyone to eat the live scorpions on a stick, but those will have to wait until later. Tomorrow we get to join with others for "the clasping of hands." We are very well watched over by the one who is able to take care of us.

--Reid