Danny, what would we do without you?

Danny is a student at Spring Arbor University in Michigan (where Chip & Mallary used to live and work), but he is a native of Beijing and home for the summer.  Danny was an ESL student of Chip's when he first came to America.  Two years after living and studying in the states, his English is fantastic.

Today Danny said, "You helped me when I came to America, now I am helping you in China."  And boy did he ever!  He helped us get cell phones and SIM cards.  He helped me figure out how to order vegetarian dishes. He also came with us to Wu-Mart, and translated product boxes so I would know what I was buying.  And he showed us a great whole-sale clothing market.  We are so grateful for his help!

Chinese Acrobatics

Tonight I went to a Chinese acrobats show.  It was an incredible performance of strength and flexibility.  I absolutely loved it!  As a former gymnast, I have great respect for their talent and training.

Check out some videos on youtube.

(We were not allowed to take photos, so I found these on Google images and they really do capture what I saw!)

The Three-Self Church

We attended the Wagashi Three-Self Church in Beijing last Sunday.  Three-self churches are controlled by the Chinese government, but are self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting. 

I was surprised to see people rush and press to get in the doors between services.  It was quite crowded in the sanctuary and there was even seating outside and in a separate room.  We got seats in the main sanctuary when some people sacrificially gave their seats to us because we were guests.  The Chinese are very hospitable.

The service was in Mandarin, but we were able to wear headsets with the English translation.  The sermon was about examining your heart for selfishness and arrogance--similar to sermons in the states.  Joy was truly evident on the face of the pastor!

(Sorry the pictures aren't great.  They are all I have, and I wanted to share the experience with you.  If you respond, please remember to follow communication guidelines.)

McDonald's Delivery

That's right.  McDonald's delivery in a backpack on a moped.  I'm lovin' it!

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came to sacrifice on alters and offer prayers to heaven for a good harvest.  Emperors were known as the "sons of heaven."  The Temple was built around the same time as the Forbidden City.  It is surrounded by a calm and quiet park which I much appreciated after a week in this loud and busy city. 

Our days this month are filled with classes on Chinese culture in the mornings and time to explore Beijing in the afternoons.  It is great to be able to go visit the places we are talking about in our classes.  China has such a rich history!

Read the information about the 70-year old door above--a fun little history fact!

Blueberry potato chips?

Check out these blueberry potato chips!  Crazy, huh?  But not half bad.  Thank you, China, for a little bit of variety in my diet.

The Forbidden City

We visited The Forbidden City--home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties (from 1425 to 1911).   It covers 7,800,00 square feet.  It is huge!  The last emperor lived there until 1926 (even after the dynasty had fallen).  If you haven't seen "The Last Emperor," it is a movie that I would highly recommend.