The Great Wall

Since the village is short-staffed and it is the weekend, the staff prefers that our team does not visit the children’s homes today and tomorrow.  This makes us so sad, but we do understand that the children need some down time to rest and have a semi-normal life on the weekends instead of having visitors constantly coming in and out.  This was the perfect time to do some touring and see China. 

A Chinese structure on our way to the Great Wall

A very fun metal tree sculpture outside our bus window on the way to the Great Wall

This is the entrance to the Great Wall.  This little walkway is full of souvenirs 

The cable car that took us up to the Great Wall

Our team ventured out to the Great Wall today and, oh boy, was it fun!  We took a ski-lift up the mountain to hike the wall, and the view was spectacular.  There were two choices after that about coming down.  We could either ride the ski-lift back down or drive a toboggan down the mountain.  We all chose the toboggan.  It was a hit because it was so much fun!  We then visited a pearl market where they had some tourist-type things to purchase for our loved ones back home. 

On the wall

On the wall

On the wall

This is the section of the Great Wall we walked on

Our Indy group just after walking the Great Wall

KFC in China

Our team had a marvelous time today; however, our thoughts and our hearts were never far from Shepherd’s Field and the children here.  It seems that often our conversation turned to talking about the village.  It is difficult knowing we are on the grounds and can’t see the children except if they happen to be outside playing.  But this time is useful to soak in the culture of China.  Doing that helps cement our love of China and its people in our hearts.  We can take that love back with us to continue to help the orphans of Shepherd’s Field.  Our teams’ hearts are full, and we can hardly wait to share all we have seen and done here in China when we return home.