Saturday, May 7, 2011

Ni' Hao from China!

What an amazing day we had today. We woke up to blue skies and sunshine and headed to the Cloisinee factory at 8:00am. It took about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. to get there. The traffic here in Beijing is CRAZY!!!

We toured the factory which was very interesting. The techniques date way back. Workers use copper and bend it into a design and glue the copper down to the vase. It then goes through a process of being filled with powdered enamel. It is a very tedious process. The results are gorgeous, brightly clored pottery. We couldn't afford much, but we bought Emma Claire a tiny owl for her bedroom and a tiny bracelet for her to wear.

We then ventured to the foot of the mountains where we were to see the Great Wall. We took a cable car up to a point where it is a more manageable climb to the top. It was BUSY!!! Many Chinese people come each year to see this wonderous feat that the Chinese were able to build. It is VERY steep, but Jason & I were determined to make it to the top and that is exactly what we did! It was gorgeous up at the top. The mountain range was vast, and it demonstrated God's great power and might. We stood in awe of the greatness He displays to us through his creation. It struck me that I haven't seen but a smidge of His creation, makes me long for the day when all of that will be revealed! I was also reminded that we are but a speck on this earth, but God knows every detail of us. Those people climbing the Great Wall next to us are His people. He knows them, loves them and longs to have a personal relationship with them. Not because of what they've done, but out of pure love He Chooses us! What a privilege it will be to share that love with Emma Claire!

After the climb we made our way down the mountain and back onto the cable cars to reach the bottom. We were bombarded by gift shop owners wanting us to buy their stuff. We kindly smiled and said no thank you! We drove to a tourist stop for a family style Chinese lunch. It was delicious! We all enjoyed spinning the lazy susan and trying to eat with chopsticks!

On our way back to our hotel, our bus driver drove by the Olympic village. We were able to see the Water Cube and the famous Bird's Nest. We also saw where the athletes lived. Of course, the government spent a lot of money to beautify the area near the village. We would have liked to stop, but it wasn't part of our schedule.

Dinner time rolled around and another couple in our group ordered McDonald's delivery, so we did the same. It was really cute, this man wearing a helmet and a HUGE backpack brings your order right to your door. Everything was hot and was a good reminder of home. Even though I don't eat McDonald's burgers at home this one tasted good. We are exhausted tonight. We were able to talk to the kids on our international cell phone and I couldn't finish the conversation because I was crying. We miss them SO much! It is difficult too, because some of the families have their children here with them and we are reminded that our kids are on the other side of the world away from us. It's hard, but we know they are in good hands. They seem to be having a blast with Grandpa and Grandma and are gearing up for a day full of soccer and t-ball. Hang in there Gramps and Gram! Thank you for loving our kids. BIG hugs and kisses for them!

It's time to sign off. We need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is a visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Hutong Tour. Emma's culture is so rich with history. We are grateful we can take some of it in and share it with her someday. Speaking of Emma Claire.......only 2 more sleeps and she will be in our arms!!!

Love to you all from the other side of the world!

Jason & Lisa

Avarie, Evan & Ella Fern,
It was so great to talk with you tonight. You sound like you are having fun! Have a great day with all your games and a wonderful Sunday at church! We love you SO much! Your sister will meet us in just 2 days! We can't wait to tell you all about her!