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Where do I start? It was a wonderful, if long and busy day. I got up around 5:20 (yes, this is Mary) and slowly got ready for the 9 a.m. departure for Beijing touring. I would have slept later, but the sawmill in the bed next to me prevented further sleep. I hope she doesn't kill me for telling the world! We had a nice breakfast in the hotel and loaded up on the bus. Today we saw Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. We had lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant and toured the pearl factory. On the way to lunch, our guide Sherry was telling us what we would be having to eat. She said that it would be Kung Pao Chihuahua. She went on to explain that there would not be any dog on the menu as that is a winter dish only. We then went on and toured the silk factory, where I spent most of the kids' college tuitions on silk comforters. After all of that, we had a Peking duck dinner. I was the object of much laughter when some of my food fell off my chopsticks. I was somewhat startled when it rolled down my leg and into my sandal. Jason Merrell was sitting across from me and asked what happened. I had to tell the whole table that I had a pea in my shoe. Of course, they all thought I said I had peed in my shoe. I was quite embarrassed. Oh, speaking of which, I was the brave one who used the squatty potty and almost got left at the Summer Palace. The entire group was standing there waiting for me to finish and come out. Also quite embarrassing! All in all it was a fun day. The weather was warm, but not unbearable. Unfortunately it was extremely smoggy and the pictures will reflect that.
Charlie is on the airplane now on his way to this side of the planet. I am looking forward to him being able to meet the gang. That reminds me...yesterday at the SF airport, I asked Liz to be on the lookout for red bandanas on carry on bags. She asked my if that was how I could locate my gang members. I told her all my homies would have them.
Tomorrow we will attend a church service at the Beijing International Fellowship, climb the Great Wall and go to the jade factory. After dinner we will be able to see a Chinese acrobatic show. Charlie should be here in time for the dinner and show. Early Monday we will be off to Changchun and should have Timothy in the early afternoon China time. Please continue to pray for us. We have had some opportunity to show the love of Christ and look forward to having more as the days go by.