238 (March 25, Monday)

238 - That is the AQI (Air Quality Index) this morning here in Beijing. But you cannot tell inside the apartment, except for the view from the 18^th floor. Hazy, smoky looking is how I would describe it.

Yesterday we traveled with the Kappel family to the Great Wall. I capitalize it because it is the iconic landmark here in China. There was still a fair amount of snow on the north-facing slopes of the wall. We marveled at the scale of the project considering that many centuries ago there was no mechanization. Later I will write more at length about the wall with some spiritual parallels. We left the Kappel’s apartment around 10:30 AM (traveling from the Koslicki’s apartment to the Kappel’s by subway). The time with Joe, Lauren, Josiah, and Elisabeth was excellent.  Little Josiah (2 1/2) was a great sport, climbing the steep steps with determination. All of us were holding his hand or assisting him at some point. We were able to share about our lives, our parents, our struggles in the Christian life, etc. When we returned to their apartment around 4:00 PM we spent time just fellowshipping and sharing our lives together in Christ. We explored the normal expectations of pastoral ministry over here in the big city. Truthfully, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Same challenges, new city.

Today is day five of our trip. We move over to the Yips (an Australian couple with two small children) for the next three nights. Later today we tour Beijing with a young couple in the church (no names). I have been meditating on 1 Corinthians 15 in preparation for the message this Easter Sunday. I am preaching verse 58: “Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil in the Lord is not in vain.”