Day 12

Today, I experienced and witnessed a lot. After Mandarin class the gang and Karma and Carmen headed down to Tienanmen Square. As we walked around you could definitely feel the history and importance of this sacred place. From Tienanmen Square we walked to the underground street market. It is like 3 stories under a mall. The Chinese certainly know how to conserve space. Dinner was ok accept for the fact that I accidentally ordered tofu. Throughout the evening we walked through a well known shopping district. The city lights were unbelievable. We also stopped at the outside street market. It was a cultural experience all by itself. As we walked by the many booths, we were greeted by many vendors shouting as they tried to lure us in to buy food. There were so many exotic foods. Here is brief list: starfish, silkworm, centipede, scorpion, emu and sea urchin. It was heartbreaking to see the many homeless people rustling through garbage bins for food. During my short stay in China, I have not until now seen poverty this clustered and overwhelming.
It was a cold night. Once we were back in the neighborhood the four of us went for a massage. Mike and I also tried out what is known as cupping. Cupping is a traditional Chinese practice which has been around for over two thousand years. Glass cups are attached to your back which are used to suck out toxins in your body. It actually works.
Although the massage was rejuvenating physically it was depressing mentally. The girls at the massage parlor work so hard. Many of them have migrated from the countryside to big cities like Beijing in hopes of a better life. The two girls at the massage parlor commute each day from the suburbs of Beijing and work from 11am to 2pm. One of the girls was holding back tears as she talked to Mike. The poverty and despair I encountered today has been overwhelming. At times like these the one true hope becomes an urgent reality.
I desperately want to learn to converse and speak the language. As I had my massage I felt helpless and handcuffed as I couldn't communicate effectively. Until I learn the language more fully, I have to ever more rely on my Father. This was certainly a overwhelming day. Trusting in Him