We set off early this morning for our tour. First, we made our way among the thousands of people in Tiananmen Square. Our guide said it was unusually crowded due to the recent Chinese holiday. Mark's side began to hurt so we stopped and our friend John prayed for him in the middle of the square. What a moment! To stand with Mao at our backs and call on our Mighty God. I don't think any of use will forget it. We then moved with the flow of the mob of people into the Forbidden City. At one point we had to cross a narrow bridge with at least a thousand people crossing with us. Another memorable moment - getting elbowed and just praying "Lord get us over this bridge." We have decided that the Forbidden City should be named the Unending city as it goes on and on. The architecture is simply magnificent and we had to keep pinching each other and saying "Can you believe we are at the Forbidden City!" We then took our bus to a factory/restaurant for lunch. Yes, the sounds funny, but it is a government run traditional copper vase factory and you take a short tour before you eat. Lunch was wonderful. Kids- How about some fish? We then shopped a little and reboarded the bus for the Great Wall. We climbed to what we deemed the "top". If it weren't for the uneven steps it might be a little less of a workout. It was breathtaking to look out at the beautiful landscape and the sheer feat of building the wall. I can tell you this for use- no soldiers ever ran up that wall!! So after our triumphant of getting to the "top" we headed back down. Now, that was scary!! One misstep and you are rolling down like a bowling ball! We made it safely down and back to the bus. By the time we sat down, Mark was in a lot of pain and pretty much back to square one with his pleurisy. We all told him to take it easy and not climb the wall, but he felt it was a once in a lifetime moment. I agree and now it is 3 am and neither one of us can sleep. His is due to pain and mine is due to an oncoming sinus infection. We have both started our antibiotics and hope to recuperate today. We fly out this morning (Sunday here) for Nanning. We will try to post as soon as we can to let you know of our safe arrival. Please pray for our health and that our first moments with Joy will be peaceful and joyous. We miss you all!
1 comment:
Although this post has long since ended I had to tell you, as I read them backward, I went from crying to laughing when I got here. I can see you two discussing the "once in a lifetime moment" (which I would agree with) and then later hear you two in the room lamenting over your health issues. smile. I'm envious of the sights you get to see and the emotions your experiencing. Like waiting for the moment of crowning. But more so, because you are there to give and save a life. Hers and your own. I applaud you both- Jess
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