August 10 The Great Wall happened today!

August 10 The Great Wall happened today! A dream of over 10 years came true today. I remember when I was much younger, my Poppa Chuck promised to take me to the Great Wall of China. I have always had a fascination for traveling and the world. At the time I believed he would take me someday. I had no concept of distance. Anyways, I’m pretty certain he said this just to get me in a better mood. A way to pacify whatever mood I was in. Well, PTL because my Poppa Chuck made good on his promise. Although he was not physically present with me as I hiked up stairs for 12 minutes to get to the base of the wall, he definitely walked alongside me in spirit as I explored and awed at the captivating beauty of the Great Wall. Because of his support, I have been blessed with a dream come true! It was the first baby blue sky day we have had here in Beijing and what a blessing to have it on this day! A group of us decided to take the killer trek up the stairs to get to the wall, while the majority of the group rode ski lifts to the top! I loved the walk up because it was through forest type of vegetation. It was beautiful- hot yes, muggy yes, sweaty very much so, but beautiful nevertheless. Once we got to the top you can see the mountain ranges surrounding the valleys on either side of the Great Wall. What a magnificent view and feeling. It is a bit scary to walk around on the wall because there are very steep inclines. And whatever you walk up you have to walk down. Dad you would’ve died from fear of being that high with the ability to potentially fall! But I tried to brave it out haha  A group of us also stood on the edges of the wall for a pic and at that point, my legs were shaking uncontrollably. I couldn’t help it: my legs had just walked up about a trillion stairs, and if I took a wrong step, I would be falling about twenty/thirty feet backwards off the wall! It was exhilarating! I couldn’t believe that I was on the wall all day! My group who I was hiking with got semi-annoyed with my continually exclamations “You guys! Holy Cow, we are ON the Great Wall! This is crazy who does this?!” I repeated this statement throughout the day- it is truly a dream moment to walk along the wall. To see that part of history, and to see so many foreigners fascinated by this great piece of Chinese politics! It’s the poli sci in me!! Anyways, the day was truly amazing! Along with the experience of a lifetime, I was able to have one of the most incredible conversations with two women who are so in love with their Savior: my teammate Megan (who I have a great admiration and respect for) and Abbie (a sweet Georgia peach). Megan and I first met Abbie when we began our running club here. She enjoys running too! Anyways, on the hike down off the wall, us three had a heart to heart. The Spirit was so present in this time of fellowship, rawness and sharpening of one another. I was deeply moved and encouraged by their personal walks, their testimonies, and their value of the Word. I hope to seek the Word as earnestly as they choose to and apply it to my life in an honorable way as they do. I was blessed by the conversation. The day ended with the best thing in the world (apart from the Father): a chocolate chip cookie! My first since being here in Beijing! YES!! Sooo good and worth the high price I paid for it!!