Beijing Day 2

On the way to the Great Wall, we had the chance to drive past the "Birds Nest" and the "Bubble" from the Beijing Olympics.  It was unbelievable to see in person some of the buildings that mesmerized us so recently.  All the ladies in the mini-bus recounted, in amazing detail, about Michael Phelps (not once was "gold medal" mentioned or the amount of medals!). 

The section of the Great Wall that was  chosen for us did not have gondola rides, escalators or elevators.  It was conquered by human power.  It was breathtaking and breathtakingly cold!  Jennifer and I made it up to the second tower after many rests.  Even my mother was a trooper-she made it to the first tower.  It is hard to describe how steep the steps are or how mountainous the area is. 

We then headed to an old part of town where we were taken by a rickshaw into old Beijing.  We were not expecting much beyond a pre-packaged "how wonderful everything is" tour.  We were wrong.  We all had a chance to visit with a retired artist who was proud of his work and family.  It was a really nice chance to visit with an older gentleman about Beijing.  It felt odd however sitting in his home without sharing Christ.  Thankfully God gives us prayer so the three of us all prayed silently for the man that he would know The Artist!

We also had a chance to visit a jade factory and visit a "unique" acrobatic show.  We are exhausted but having fun.

Tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou.

Here's a few prayer requests we would appreciate you lifting up...

1) Safe travel to Guangzhou
2) Our hearts and minds would be prepared for meeting Abby on Monday!
3) A lady in our group named Elizabeth is feeling very ill (she ingested some water).  She is not adopting a daughter but is here with her sister who is.

Olympic Venues

The Great Wall