Day 18

Today we headed over to the office for 10am. For an hour or so we met with a man who is doing m work in Beijing. It was great to learn from his many years of experience in China. About 20 years ago, 80% of all Chinese lived in the countryside and only 20% in the city. China has experienced what could be considered the largest exodus humanity has ever witnessed. Today the cities hold over 50% of the population; which is expected to grow in the coming years. While the numbers are unclear one can safely say that the number of migrants surpasses 5 million. People from all over mainland China flee to the city in hope of a more prosperous future. Besides the impact on villages in the countryside, cities like Beijing are quickly becoming overwhelmed. The migrant people make a large portion of the urban poor. The urban poor is not strictly a challenge for China, it is just that it is overly intensified.

After our meeting, the six of us headed off for lunch. Our Mandarin class took up most of the afternoon. On the way home Grace and Gen went shopping at the local market. Mike and I headed home only to encounter what would be a series of unfortunate events. When I turned the key to the apartment it broke off inside the lock. When we went back to the key smith across the street and explained the predicament but he was not very helpful. He was essentially being rude, black-mailing us and asking a ridiculous price. But thankfully our friends were generous with their time and effort. Our friends at the local hot pot offered to take us to another key smith. I call them our friends because for the past two weeks or so Mike and I have been slowing working on establishing intentional friendship. Every day Mike and I go and get a Bubble-tea for 3 yuan and sit and chat with the girls. Out of this relationship, the manager of the store allowed for one of the workers to leave work for a bit and take us to her friend. Unfortunately, her neighbor wasn't around but the kind gesture was duly noted. However, Karma was able to connect with a friend who could come and fix the lock. We were so greatfull by the time he came. We had been negotiating, and looking for a solution for approximately two hours. Karmas friend fixed and replaced the lock for only 100 yuan. This was a lot cheaper than the first key smith who wanted to charge 270 yuan. Anyways, after the ordeal was over Karma, Mike and I went over and had dinner at the local hot pot. (that is where are friends work) From there, Mike and I took at taxi to fellowship. We were a bit late but it didn’t matter too much. After fellowship I did some homework and relaxed. Another day in Beijing, Peace