Great Wall

We were up this morning bright and early to make our trip out to the Great Wall. I walked downstairs for breakfast at 6:30 am, (I know some of you are shocked that I was eating breakfast at 6:30 am...so unlike me) and when I got downstairs I saw that it was pouring rain. I teased Geneva, my roommate, later about wanting a good rainstorm while we were here, because I really didn't want it on the day we were to walk the Great Wall. We set out anyway and by the time we arrived at the wall the clouds had dispersed and the rain had stopped. I never had really thought much about how big the Great Wall is, but seeing it today made me realize what an amazing thing it is. It goes on for miles and miles and it is not in the best terrain. I cannot even begin to imagine what it was like building it. We made our way through the little maze of people selling their goods, and were soon on our way up the wall. We chose to ride up on a ski lift. The view was breathtaking. It was an incredible reminder of just how awesome our Creator is. It was hard to take it all in. Once we were up we began our climb. Many of you know what a klutz I can be and walking up and down stairs that had no set height proved to be interesting. At times the step was so big I felt like I was working out every muscle in my legs and other steps were so tiny that I could take 2 or 3 of them at a time. Most of the group we were with walked most of the way up, but Dad, Kirsten and I continued up higher. It was cool to get up near the very highest point and look back on where we had been. Dad and Kirsten walked to the very highest point that we were at, but I got left behind because I wanted to take a few photos and we were short on time. We caught up with the group again and were soon to head back down to the bottom. This is where it got fun. We rode toboggans down the side of the mountain. It was so much fun. I am terrified of heights, but there was no way that I was going to pass that up. Being on the ground as we went down helped with my fear because I couldn't tell how high I really was. Our group persuaded our Chinese guides to go down on the toboggan as well and they loved it. Each of us arrived safely down at the bottom of the mountain and were off to tell the world about our experiences. I am continually amazed at the incredible people of this nation. I learn so many things each day of the rich heritage the Chinese people have and grow to love this place more and more. My only wish is that Jerrel and the kids were here to experience it with me.
Each day we begin by spending time together in the good book and those times are my favorite times together as a team. We see the provision of our Creator each day we are here and for that we are eternally grateful! It will be good to be home and share more with each of you about the work that is being done here.
Lisa