Beijing Tour

Hello Everyone!

We have just finished a long but nice day of touring. Beijing time 8:45pm on Saturday, Oct 4. NC time 8:45am on Saturday, Oct 4.

Interesting Note: Steve has now made it 72 hours WITHOUT Mtn. Dew. Wow!! That is a record!! There is Pepsi in China, but no Mtn. Dew. I mentioned to him that maybe this is a good time to stop drinking Mtn. Dew. He responded by challenging me to stop drinking coffee. Well, I'm not sure about that! I understand his delima! Maybe this isn't the trip to give up caffeine totally. Our bodies still aren't sure of the time change. :o) I guess for now just pray that Steve can get used to Coke!

We have been "out and about" in Beijing today! This week is the National Holiday. There are many, many, many more people in Beijing than usual. Sherry (our guide) told us that yesterday alone there were hundreds of thousands of people who visited Tiananmen Square. To say it was packed today would be an understatement!! We toured Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. These places are beautiful--very intricate and detailed.

I've been thinking today about the people here. As we toured these places, we learned alot about Chinese tradition. Bigger, better, more expensive, a definite order or ranking -- all of these things have been important as a way to represent a dynasty. I couldn't help but think about our lives. Aren't we the same way. Power, money, stuff. We've come to think about bigger, better, more as the fulfillment of the "American Way." Christ reminded me of how His grace is sufficient and in our weakness He is strong. Jesus Christ is all we need! Power, money, stuff -- it comes and goes. But the peace that passes all understanding--WOW! :0)

The couples in our group are very nice!! We are enjoying getting to know them.

By the way, caucasians are very curious to the chinese people. Especially those with blonde hair, blue eyes. Many people in our group were stopped by chinese people to have a picture taken with them. Steve had his picture made with several Chinese people. That was an experience, too!

Enjoy the pictures!

We love you all!!!

Steve and Toni