You’d think that climbing the Great Wall yesterday would have tired us out more than today. But, somehow, Chinese airport security lines, pat downs, piling into a bus to drive us out to the plane where we climb stairs to board, a bit of a rough 2 hour flight, a long wait for our baggage, rain, and traffic that made our 1 hour drive into the city a 2 hour drive tired us out more. I can’t imagine why.

One team member told me she felt a little weird sharing pictures of the Great Wall and all these amazing things she’s getting to see and experience, like people may think she’s on a really exciting vacation instead of what this trip is about. But, these days are so important to the work. When we do things together that are hard, we learn things about how each of us is wired that we wouldn’t know if we just jumped right into the work. And, we serve each other in our weakness before we serve others. Our most effective relational tool come Monday is our relationships with each other.

As I’ve learned how Leslie loves selfies, I’ve learned how much she enjoys being part of a community.

As I’ve watched Kyle, I’ve learned that he is quiet as I suspected but he’s also willing and fully able to engage.

I know that Todd loves to explore and does a great job loving and shepherding his daughter.

I’ve learned that the Father is revealing Himself to Katie and April already and that the wrestling they have been doing already has led to growth–before we even arrive at the orphanage gates.

I’ve learned that Cassie is courageous and is willing to try hard to overcome physical challenges of long days and lots of walking, and that PJ is dedicated and committed to loving her well as she does.

I know that Kelsey and Erin, despite their skill and knowledge in medicine, are so humble and see themselves as equals on this team.

I’ve learned that Gigi is patient and always a team player.

And, I know that Angi doesn’t just want to experience this because her son was here; she’s full in.

And, I’ve learned that not one of us is willing to try any of this.

Ick.

 

 

The team arrived with smiles on Thursday evening. And, looked brand new at breakfast before we headed out for the day (several cups of cappuccino each certainly helped). Today, we were tourists complete with a big ole bus for the 14 of us. First stop? The Great Wall. Because you can’t come to China and not see it. You just can’t.

The fog/smog was thick. But, those who had never seen it marveled at it just the same. It didn’t matter.

One of them asked me how many times I’d been to the wall. And, I couldn’t answer; too many times to keep track of. Does it get old? she asked. Not when I’m coming with people who have never seen it before. Their expressions. Their constant stops to take another picture. Their surprise at the steepness and the uneven steps. Their obvious humility when they hear they are walking on something that started to be built 2000 years ago. It makes each visit of mine new again.

These first couple days we spend together are now throwaways. We share adventures and laugh a lot, share food from lazy susans, help each other with chopsticks and tissue when needed, take lots of pictures together and sometimes with random people….all of it brings us together so that when Monday morning comes around, we are the unified body we desire to be.

I spent some time with some of our folks in Baoding this evening. Had an incredible mango smoothie with my friend Maddie along this street.

Walked bag to Frank and Helen’s apartment. Had homemade Chinese soup Helen made for me. Played Uno with Caleb. Raced cars down a slide with Grace. Finished off my evening doing Drew’s old job, snuggling with Caleb at bedtime.

All while my phone is buzzing with messages about which gate to meet at and who has found who.

The team is on their way!

While I sleep in my hard-as-a-rock bed tonight, they’ll be flying over the North Pole. I’ll board a bus in the morning and head back to the Beijing airport once again. But, this time, I won’t be flying out anywhere, I’ll be one of the paparazzi waiting in Terminal 3 welcoming this crew to China!