windy and cold

There are some families with us who believe that Chicago should give up its title as the Windy City to Beijing. We spent much of the day outside and the wind was punishing and brutal. We were in the Forbidden City for about three hours. The wind and cold made it difficult to appreciate what we were seeing. It was an incredibly impressive place. It had one building that served no other purpose than for the emperor to have a place to change his clothes and rest. I couldn't help but draw an obvious contrast with the Eternal City. The Forbidden City was called such because the common people were forbidden from entering on account of the royalty and majesty of the emperor. Yet our Lord, the sovereign king of all, calls is all great and small to come to Him. "come into Me all ye who labor and I will give you rest." we also spent some time in Tiananmen Square. It is a massive open square used for many official and public functions. Our guide was reluctant tongive is any information about the student uprising that occurred there in the 80s. Then tonight we saw an incredible acrobatic show. We were told the performers had begun training when they were 2-3 years old.
I've got to brag on the kids. They stick it out through the wind and cold today with very little complaining. We were all quite rosy-cheeked when it was over.
We are all well--just very tired. Going to sleep has not been a problem. We have been waking up quite early as our bodies are not sure what day it is yet. We are looking forward tomorrow to going to an open market and touring the emperors summmer palace.
Today we are thankful for gloves, blankets and ear muffs. We miss Oreo and ESPN. Thanks for your prayers.