Planes: Travel to China takes about 16 hours with a stop in Tokyo. It is a long journey, but not the longest I’ve been on. I’m still seeking God for his grace to be able to sleep on my plane travels.

Trains: This trip to China has been a unique one as the Lord has created an opportunity for us to venture out and visit a town in central China. In order to arrive at our destination, we had to travel by overnight train. This is my first overnight trip on a train. I’l set up the scene: 2 bunks in a compartment. For safety, 2 men and 2 ladies would share the bay. I was surprised to see that we had a luxury coach. It had a western bathroom and was very clean. One of men sharing the bay shared his train experiences from Eastern Europe quite different. The 12 hour journey is filled with stops at towns along the way. You are rocked to sleep by the motion of the train. You are jolted awake by the sudden application of the brakes to slow the train down. All in all, I quite enjoyed the experience.

Our train ride back was a different experience. Same set up with bays, but the train was not the luxury liner we had experienced on the first trip. We enjoyed the coolness of the room provided by windows falling down every time a train passed from the other direction or a sudden braking. Would not be bad but it was really cold and add the wind chill factor in let’s just say, I slept with all socks, hats, gloves and apparel on to keep warm. What a wonderful adventure.

Rickshaws are carriages drawn by either a person pulling them or riding a bike. It is a nice way to see the city as we can go into back alleys that a car would not take you. I laughed as we had to balance the rides with shifting bodies around to evenly distribute the weight younger folks hauled more people and the older drivers took on fewer people. It was cold but enjoyable. Our tour took us around a lake in the center of the town. At one point man in a bathing suit runs in front of the rickshaw and jumps into the lake. I looked out and saw many men swimming across the lake. I guess it is the Chinese version of the polar bear club.

Ever since I was a young girl, I had always wanted to see the Great Wall, but I don’t think I ever thought that I’d be there three times (at least in one year!)

I always enjoy the Climb up and it’s getting easier and easier. (Photo below shows how steep it is. I’m standing on a landing looking forward).

Again, I was back in front of some of the people I’d met previously; I heard the following words a number of time, “People don’t come back every 6 months! Why are you back ~ again? ” They too, were amazed that I was back for the third time in a year. I would share that it is Love that sends me back to encourage them in their walk with Jesus. It was also to share that great Love with others. Open hearts on the wall on the way up and down. So, I’ll keep going and making the climb. I did find out that there is another section of the wall with a giant slide to help you get down. I was told it is quite the ride ~ I’m hoping that I’ll be able to see another section of the wall in the future!

By the way, my first snowfall experience of 2006 was on the on the Top of the Great Wall! (Honestly, at the time, there was more snow there than back home!)

The easy walk down A new Friend on the Wall

A visit to the elderly care center. I’ve listened to Dr. Ma tell her testimony three times in a year. I am further challenged in my faith as I sit and listen to her share. Here is a woman who at 65 had colon cancer and was told that there was nothing they could do. She told God, I can not die, I’ve not done anything for you yet. She started the elderly care center and was totally healed in the process. She’s 86 years old now.

Each time I listen, my heart is stirred more and more. From a natural standpoint, there are many needs and she shares how God is faithful to take care of all of them. From coal (yes, they burn coal to heat the little rooms), blankets to help them keep warm (shelter, not tight and warm like at home, but shelter), daily food (which arrived as she was sharing how God provides the meals!) and rent for the buildings (you can own a house but not the land and you pay rent). We sip on hot tea as we listen to her share then depart to see the seniors and pray for needs. Funny thing is that as I sat there I was wondering about the grandpas, we’ve visited and seen many grandmas but never elderly men. I was wondering where they were being cared for. God answered my question, on this trip, we visited and prayed for the grandpas. I was touched as some of them prayed for US! Yes, when we were finished praying for them, they lifted their hearts up in prayer for us. It was wonderful.

Praying Grandpa Grandma Reading Prayer for others

   

This morning we are going to the Three Self Church. The Church is to show that the government allows Christian Worship. It is considered the only approved Church. The majority of people who attend are the local people hungry for the word. Even though there are restrictions on what can be said, there is no way to restrain the Spirit of the Living God. The Holy Spirit moves and meets the Word of God and produces results. I’ve always enjoyed going and watching the Lord move and touch the hearts of the people ~ even when He’s “not suppose to”.

We arrived in Beijing tonight ~ for me it is the third time in a year.

How wonderful it is to be able to be on another tour. We have two children with this group. I’m excited to see just how they will be used to touch hearts.

The hotel we are staying at is on we have stayed at before. As I waited to get my room assignment, I looked back at the hotel gift shop to see if my friends from a previous trip, Rachel and Suzanne, were still working there. When I turned around, I saw was Rachel running towards me with her arms wide open. Her excitement to see me was ~ wow (don’t have a word). She does not speak much English and my Chinese is not all that proficient (yet), but we were still able to communicate. She handed me a huge handful of Chinese candies. We laughed and she said, Nice to see you again. Yes indeed it was! I had shared the gospel with her on a previous trip. The Fruit remains and it was nice to see the face full of joy!

What a way to arrive! As I departed the hotel each day, I’d say hello and the girls giggled as I’d drop off American candy on the counter, it was something that I started to let them know they are loved on the previous trip. Thank you Lord, for my counter girls.