Random Picture Wednesday!

I have to say that China is on my mind a lot these days since we leave three weeks from today! THREE WEEKS! It does not seem possible, but we are excited about the trip and all that God has in store. We know that we will be busy working in the foster home in Beijing and the orphanage in Fushun, but we do have a day at the beginning of our trip and a day at the end of our trip that we will be able to tour around Beijing! These pictures show a few of the places that I am guessing that we will see. They are probably some of the most famous sites in China. The first one is of Tienanmen Square going up towards the Forbidden City. Tienanmen Square is basically the front door to the Forbidden City and the Square will hold over one million people. It was also the site of protests in 1989 which resulted in the killing or injury of between 200-3000 people. The second picture is of the Forbidden City. It is called the Forbidden City because for over 500 years it was off limits to anyone because it contains the imperial palace which was the royal home during the Ming and Qing dynasty eras. It is over 200 acres and was finished in about 1420. The last picture is of the Great Wall of China. The Chinese name actually means "long wall". It is over 4,000 miles long and is the longest human made structure. Parts of it was built in 5th century BC to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire. I am excited to visit these places because I enjoy Chinese culture, but I am more excited to see what God will do on this trip! Now that you have had your history lesson for the day, please remember to pray for us as well as all of the teams that are traveling. We will be able to meet up with the other four groups that are going to China on one of the last days of our trip. Pray especially for the children and nannies that we will come in contact with. Pray that they will be open and receptive to all that God has in store! THREE WEEKS!!