Beijing China
Beijing is currently going through major surgery as preparations are underway to host the 2008 World Olympics. A city of 16 million people, 21 billion US dollars is set aside in hopes of creating a leading world metropolis that is cutting edge yet timeless with its imperial architecture.
Our hotel is in the heart of Beijing, not far from Forbidden City - a magnificent palace with grand pavilions, spacious courtyards and gardens. This is the setting of the “Last Emperor”. (I must watch this film again; it will certainly take on a whole new meaning.) Adjacent to this is Tiananmen Square where many political demonstrations have been held. It is hard to imagine that as recently as 1989; two to three thousand Chinese students were killed in a bloody massacre as they protested the current communist regime.
The Forbidden City
Our friend Susan is our guide as we visit the Great Wall. It makes its way across mountains and through valleys, extending from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert. Gazing at this massive masonry wall with its many towers it almost appears invincible. I wonder if the wall around Jericho was similar to this structure.
The China Wall with Susan
Everywhere across the city we see billboards promoting the “China- Africa Summit” being held in Beijing. The theme of the forum is friendship, peace, cooperation and development. China hopes to build political trust and increase cooperation in trade. This could be a milestone in history if these leaders can join together. Africa is special to Gene and me and now China is a close second. We are grateful that we can be here at this historical time.
It’s stirring to hear all that is happening in the underground church in Beijing. As we sit in a restaurant grilling thinly sliced beef and vegetables over hot charcoal, we hear stories of government officials being baptized, youth being raised up to bring change and North Korean refugees tuning to God. China is fast becoming the strongest Christian nation in the world.
Gene can always find a Starbucks!
Our hotel is in the heart of Beijing, not far from Forbidden City - a magnificent palace with grand pavilions, spacious courtyards and gardens. This is the setting of the “Last Emperor”. (I must watch this film again; it will certainly take on a whole new meaning.) Adjacent to this is Tiananmen Square where many political demonstrations have been held. It is hard to imagine that as recently as 1989; two to three thousand Chinese students were killed in a bloody massacre as they protested the current communist regime.
The Forbidden City
Our friend Susan is our guide as we visit the Great Wall. It makes its way across mountains and through valleys, extending from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert. Gazing at this massive masonry wall with its many towers it almost appears invincible. I wonder if the wall around Jericho was similar to this structure.
The China Wall with Susan
Everywhere across the city we see billboards promoting the “China- Africa Summit” being held in Beijing. The theme of the forum is friendship, peace, cooperation and development. China hopes to build political trust and increase cooperation in trade. This could be a milestone in history if these leaders can join together. Africa is special to Gene and me and now China is a close second. We are grateful that we can be here at this historical time.
It’s stirring to hear all that is happening in the underground church in Beijing. As we sit in a restaurant grilling thinly sliced beef and vegetables over hot charcoal, we hear stories of government officials being baptized, youth being raised up to bring change and North Korean refugees tuning to God. China is fast becoming the strongest Christian nation in the world.
Gene can always find a Starbucks!
posted by posebyselena | 10:34 AM
1 Comments:
hey MOM...and DAD :0)
sooo...yeah, dad is a starbucks maniac! i want to go to japan or china SOO bad! you KNOW THAT! grr..
well, im so happy you giys got the chance to go so now u can take ME!
anyways, love and miss you!
love - sheila
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