Beijing in the Headlines

Beijing is making headlines....but not the good kind.  The yucky kind, I say that because the pollution levels have been record breaking and in the hazardous zone for many, many days this winter.  The last couple of weeks, we have not seen the sun.  Basically, imagine a blanket of smog over the whole city to where you cannot see many yards in front of you.  Today, Grace's school field trip was cancelled due to hazardous levels and low visibility and they have been keeping the children inside, no outside recess.  Yes, the pollution in China, not just Beijing has been reaching world news.  The government has stated that they have shut down various factories, but we cannot see any positive affects yet.

Daytime Yesterday

Normal Daytime

Extremely clear daytime

All of these pictures are looking from the same window in the same direction.  :)

Yesterday, I bought some face masks for the four of us.  One or two days, we can handle, but weeks on end of smelly, dirty, smog is not good for our health.
Here are a couple of thoughts: 

1. Our family has chosen to live here.  We have the choice to leave and someday we will, but the millions of Beijingers and citizens of other big cities in China do not have the choice and opportunities to leave the country.  This is their home.  I am praying for a miracle for them.
2. This pollution could deter us from living here, but Jeff and I are praying that we will stay despite this obstacle, for as long as God is using us here. God gave us a job to do and until we feel like He has completed it, we will stay.

So.....here are our new masks.....Grace loved hers because of the colors.  Jack didn't mind his either because it was blue and had mickey mouse on it.

On my way to buy the kids masks

Ready to get on the school bus