This morning all the incoming TIP facilitators/teachers plus much of permanent/semi-permanent staff had a field day and what a day we had!
Public transportation: We made our way around Beijing using a combination of city bus and subway. Really slick but with so many routes, it was a bit harrowing, at times, to ensure we were on the right route, the proper side of the subway, etc. Everyone made it back to campus safely, so all is good. The subway was very clean....and sooooo many people.
Stop #1 - Haiden church
Wow, this was an incredible experience! This church has received government approval to meet. A few years ago, it started in an alley and now is in a large church about triple the size of Second Baptist-Liberty. When we arrived, there was a line that wrapped around the block and doubled back. Can you imagine wanting to worship with your faith community so desperately, you would stand in a hot sun for over an hour? Once inside, every seat was taken and then some. The personal bubble space for the average Chinese person is very close so if there looks like there is space between two people, they will jump right in. We were like sardines all smooshed together.
The contemporary music was joyful and was sung in both English and Chinese. Amazing to hear "How Great Thou Art" with drums, guitar, bass, and Chinese voices pronouncing the words to the best of their ability. The sermon was "Being a Soldier of God" and Ephesians was the scripture used. They have 12 services each Sunday in Chinese and in English. Bible studies are offered throughout the week, as are classes for the new believers. Amazing!
Stop #2 - Temple of the Heaven
Marjie and I had already been to this site and it was one of our favorites. However, in the 95+ degree heat, we weren't lovin' it sooooo much. Everyone made the best of it but by the time we rode the train/bus for over an hour to get to church, stand outside in the queue for an hour to get in to church, sit in the semi-cool church for 75 minutes, ride the subway to the Temple, we were wilted and I know I was a bit cranky.
Stop #3 - Pearl Market
IF you like shopping (and I do not!) this would be Utopia for you! Five floors of booths covering every inch of marketing space with electronics, jewelry, silk, trinkets, shoes, t-shirts, etc. And it that isn't enough to keep you happy, after selecting your merchandise, the haggling begins. Twenty minutes later, you are exhausted but man, oh man, do you have a great deal to tell everyone!
Stop #5 - Dinner, finally!
Around 6:00, we finally stopped for supper and ate at a local chain, Hot Pot. It was the best Chinese food I've had since I've been here. Seating is on high bar stools on long cafeteria style tables. Each spot has a burner built into the counter. They plunk down a pot of hot water and set it to boiling. Marjie and I shared the vegetarian meal. A huge turkey platter sized plate was set between us heaping high with various greens, funky looking mushrooms (I loved them, Marjie wasn't a fan!), tofu, carrots, etc. Using the chopsticks, we added whatever we wanted to our own boiling pot. Not too bad, at all.
Stop #6 - Back to the dorm
What a day! I just stood under the shower head for about 15 minutes without moving. Ahhhh...felt grand to be clean again!
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