Nov. 9

We had an amazing weekend - I already told you about Sat.... So, here goes Sun.:) We woke up at the crack of dawn to leave PHF by 6am! We drove several hrs. to the Great Wall at Mutiyanu (sp?) The sights were fun to see:) We actually saw a wedding processional - about 5 black cars with red flowers all over them (it must have been a good day to marry b/c we saw 3 different processionals). Judy expained to us that the groom and his family/wedding party drive to the bride's home to pick her up and take her to the ceremony - very fun to learn and see about this Chinese Wedding tradition. We finally made it to the Wall and took a ski lift to the top - very fun but not if you're afraid of heights - i tried not to think about it and look down:) We took some group pics and then went walking - it was the "greatest work out" ever! Holy cow!!! And such amazing sights!! We had a few girls also want to take their pics with us - kinda fun being "celebrities" LOL The best part was the "bob sled" type of ride down - we flew! it was great until we ran into a VERY slow old man:( oh well:)

Then we had a 3hr. drive to the "Dirt Market" - I hadn't been here before... it is kind of like and organized garage sale of Chinese stuff! I think we got some good deals on stuff and I am thinking that I am done shopping! We have mastered the bartering for the best price!! Thanks to Steve's advice we us the "F.E.L.T" method - F=flirt with the person - E=examine the item - L=low ball - T=take a walk. It works every time! It is especially fun when you take a walk and they keep following you and then give you the price you want:) Although, it's fun -it can be exhausting and I'm glad that I am done shopping! I did get some cute pics of some little boys in split pants - so precious:):)

After our experience at the Dirt Market - we rode the Subway to the Nite Market! It was quite the experience - i never thought that i would ride a subway all over Beijing!! We got the the Nite Market safely and the first thing that we did was eat at McDonalds - it was WONDERFUL! Just like at home:) Never thought that I'd be excited to eat there! But it did give us a little bit of home:) The area that we went to is the Wangfujing area - we actually stayed very close by there the last time we were in Beijing -but 3 yrs. ago we never ventured out - and i think i am glad - i would have been nervous with the boys... This area had some neat/nice stores and also the "fun" area - where they had scorpions and starfish on a stick - as well as other meat "item" on a stick... A few team members were adventurous (Damon & Whitney) and tried the scorpions!! NO THANKS! They said that it tasted like crunchy cajun spice... We spent a few hours in this area and topped off the evening with an ice cream cone from McD's! - wonderfully yummy!!

Then it was back on the subway to drop off 8 members of our team (Steve, Andrew, Jessica, Judy, Whitney, Jeff, Joel & Tamara) with Evzn and Christy - E. and C are "student's" here from Steve's Valley forth mem Ch. - so they are going to be doing some E. in the University district - On the subway earlier in the evening - we actually met about 3 people that was just coming home from thier Home ch. - so we gave them a "book" and took their # - I think the team is hoping to meet up with them!

Then it was a 1 1/2 hr. drive home - and wouldn't you know it the bus ran out of gas 1 mile from PHF and it was 11pm!! Luckily we were able to call for help and quickly make it home:)

We are meeting John from Harmony today - please P. that the L. uses us and that we have our eyes and hearts open to what we are supposed todo for him - we havent gotten clear direction on our purpose for this week:)

Love and hugs to all - maybe pics later!!