Beijing. The capital city of a country comprising 1.3 billion people. Alone, this city holds 20 million residents and spans thousands of years of history. The Great Wall reaching from the northeastern to the northwestern tips of China was originally constructed over 2000 years ago. It was expanded and developed more recently (i.e., around 600 years ago) into what it is today. Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world, bracketed by gates that were built in the 1400s to protect the city. It is the place where the establishment of the People’s Republic of China was first announced in 1949, and it has been the site of numerous national events and political protests since then. Surrounded by such significant landmarks and inspired by such fascinating history, Heather and I decided that we could not pass up this opportunity to do one particular thing before we left this ancient city. That one thing?
Irontribe.
You see, about a month ago, Heather and some friends convinced me that I needed to get in shape, and cross fit was the way to go. I agreed to go to a “Friend Day” one Saturday morning, thinking that maybe it would be “friendly.” Not the case. I was miserable, and after a short 15-minute workout, I was lying on the floor. My heart was beating fast, my legs were threatening to explode, and I could hear a parade of people walking by me and whispering in hushed tones about how bad I looked.
I was hooked. I clearly needed to get in shape, and Heather and I immediately signed up for the introductory class. We’ve been doing that for a few weeks now, and we are determined to keep the work-out routine consistent in China. So today, we decided to do some WODs (WOD stands for “Workout of the Day”) in some pretty historic places.
First was the Great Wall of China. These massive brick stones spanning thousands of miles once protected the Ming Dynasty here. Today, Heather and I scaled this wall only to get to the top and do some air squats and burpees. You can check out the action here:
Next was Tiananmen Square. This WOD involved a 2-mile run to the Square. There, under the watchful eye of Chairman Mao’s gaze, we did pushups…
Situps…
Lunges…
And then we paused to commemorate this momentous workout before our 2-mile run back to where we’ve been staying.
There’s a saying in China that “he who does not reach the Great Wall is not a real hero.” Today, Heather and I didn’t just reach the wall. Instead, we did what few, if any, Chinese have ever done before: a WOD on the wall. And thus we added another page to the storied history of this great city.
In all seriousness, we had an absolutely wonderful last day in Beijing with the boys. They were troopers, climbing up considerably steep portions of the Great Wall all the way to the top of the section we visited. We thank God for the priceless time He has given us with them in these days before their world turns upside down (in wonderful ways, of course!). And we praise God for His beauty on display everywhere we turn in this truly historic place. See this last video from the top of the Great Wall.
Jesus is sovereign over history and Lord over China, and He deserves the praise of all 1.3 billion people who live here. Please continue to pray for “Winter” as we will have one more opportunity to be with him tomorrow morning before flying to our next city, where we will meet our new daughter, Lord willing, in less than 48 hours!
Posted by Tracy Williams on November 19, 2011 at 11:20 am
Joey and I are glad to see you guys doing so well, the LORD has blessed you for your faithfulness. Your friends from Anacoco
Posted by Tina Marie Thompson on November 19, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Thanks for sharing this it’s so fun..I know you don’t know me but God has used you to change my heart..keep up the good work!
Posted by Administrator on November 19, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Way to go!
Posted by Rob Compton on November 19, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Thank you for including us in your video journey. Love ya bro, but betting on Heather for endurance.
Posted by Chris Caughran on November 19, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Oh, it’s Heather for sure!!
Posted by Donna Houston on November 19, 2011 at 6:21 pm
What a great day! What priceless memories and treasured time with family!! God is good! We continue to pray for your journey!
Posted by suzanne mcdaniel on November 19, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Blessing to you and your family and your most precious newest addition. I will be passing thru BHM tomorrow on our way to a cheer clinic at UofA and plan to attend service at Brook Hills – the date just hit me that you mentioned in Secret Church you were leaving in 3 weeks for China.
Sorry we will miss you but know that you are in our daily thoughts and prayers. Hopefully this will be one of many opportunities for me to visit as my youngest daughter wants very much to cheer for Alabama. I have to get used to saying “Roll Tide Roll” and not think of doing laundry!
Have a most glorious Thanksgiving whether you have turkey & dressing or pork and gyoza!
Suzanne McDaniel
Glasgow KY
Posted by J'net on November 19, 2011 at 7:02 pm
From a fellow CrossFitter….LOVE IT!!! There’s actually a CrossFit commercial with some people WODing thru parts of China. Maybe you guys will be the next CrossFit models!!
You’re all in my prayers as the minutes must seems like hours until Gotcha Day!!!
Posted by vickie grimes on November 19, 2011 at 8:56 pm
What joy to be included on your journey!!!
Much love to you all!
Posted by Anna on November 19, 2011 at 10:59 pm
So awesome to read your journey. We were in China 7 mos. ago adopting our son. So it is great to relive it through watching someone else’s journey. My husband and I just finished reading “Radical”. It was awesome! Can’t wait to see how the Lord leads us. Right now we are in the midst of our 2nd adoption, this time a girl from China. The Lord bless you on this journey!
Posted by Andi Vanderhoff on November 20, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I saw the title WOD on the wall pop up the other day and just starting to read your blog I didn’t know you too are CrossFitters. Now we share a few passions. Very excited for you to meet your daughter.
Posted by Forrest Walden on November 21, 2011 at 8:18 am
Your coaches at Iron Tribe are so proud to see you guys doing your “homework.” Praying for you as we know today is the day you get to meet your long awaited daughter! Keep up the great work and we look forward to getting you back into the program upon your safe return.