Morning Sequence

Things are going well here for us in Beijing. This morning was another example of what I would call "Morning Sequence," drawing the theme from a yoga title. Some of the "non-negotiable" items that go with me, even on an overnight trip, are yoga clothes and a yoga mat. I have been practicing yoga here daily, along with Yoga Journal podcasts (Jason Crandell is a favorite). My first morning here, I woke up at 4:54 and have gradually adjusting to Beijing time.

Breakfast is served in our hotel from 7-9:30 and includes Chinese and Western food. Among my favorite daily items are: noodle soup, prepared fresh in front of me, hot tea with soy-bean milk (also hot), noodles or rice, vegetables. Eggs seem to be a big part of the diet in China, actually, and I have my own personal "omelet man" (like my personal "fruttovendolo" in Italy!). I simply appear before my omelet man, and he makes me one. No conversation necessary (because we speak zero words in each other's language).

The showers in our hotel rooms are also not to be forgotten or dismissed. These are part of the "morning sequence" that I relish! When I arrived here, my shower-head worked, but I noticed a "hose" in the shower that was lonefully attached to the wall. When I saw Bob and Ellen at breakfast the following morning, Bob asked me about the shower, and said, "How about the magic wand?" I told him, "My wand isn't on - just the shower head." And he replied, "Oh, Kristin, you *need* the magic wand!" So, during my next shower, I beckoned the magic wand, and since, have looked forward to my morning shower and morning breakfast.

After breakfast, and before getting on with our day, Bob, Ellen, and I have met in their room for "Morning Prayer." We borrowed this from Beat Rink's innovation at the Crescendo Summer Institute (where we met!), in that many of the teachers gather before "Tune-In" (chapel) and pray / have a Bible study before beginning the day. Ellen and I have been reading "Acts" together weekly, so we've continued that here as well.

I am grateful for my time here, for the amazing blessings and opportunities that this trip has presented so far, and for my "family" - here, in Europe, and celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States.