Stacy asked me to post more often, so......

End of Semester Two

As of today, the kids and I are officially on summer break and the gloomy fog-smog mixture that has hung over the city for the last few weeks finally disappeared this morning, leaving a beautiful clear blue sky. Yeah! Rodney has one more final exam on the 4^th of July, after which we plan to go to Home Plate, a local restaurant that imports their meat from Iowa and makes great pulled pork and BBQ brisket sandwiches, to kick off our celebration of America’s Independence. I would love to hear any other ideas you all may have as to how we might celebrate this fun summer holiday without the beach, firework shows or swimming pools. My creative juices just aren't flowing...

Expect the Unexpected

Ian landed a tutoring job on Saturday mornings. He inherited his student, Marlin, from a friend who moved back in the States for a year. Marlin is eight years old and has a fun-loving personality. His mom and dad speak English very well, but they want Marlin to have more conversation practice in English. 

Last Saturday when he came for his tutoring session, his mom and dad both waited for him in our apartment. We had some American friends from our home church visiting as well, so we all had breakfast together.

Rodney had a great conversation with Marlin’s dad (二林), while his mom (长春) sat in with Ian and Marlin. Little sister, Elisa, who was born in America while her dad was there on business, played with Amy while the grown-ups talked. (I learned recently that parents of Chinese children born in America typically have their Chinese citizenship revoked as it makes life in either place less complicated. Interesting.)

As the tutoring time was wrapping up, we were invited to join the family for lunch at a hot pot restaurant they wanted us to try. We accepted and met them there a few hours later. Marlin’s dad has some connections with the management, so we had a lovely private room and even some entertainment after dinner—a changing faces dance and a noodle-pulling demonstration. We are hoping that we will have an on-going relationship with this family.

Noodle pulling demonstration.

Changing faces dance routine.

The whole group after lunch. Yes, I got my hair cut very short...

Due to some visa issues leaving some friends “stranded” back in the States, a young man from Cedarville University in Ohio who was scheduled to be with them has been staying with us for the last several days. He  wanted to live in China for a couple of months to help with some English camps and to get a feel for what life is like for those of us living here. Paul is a wonderful young man, and we have really enjoyed having him around. In this photo he was following Rodney’s example from earlier in the day by wearing my apron while he helped out in the kitchen. The apron (a present from Lauren Brown) says “Serve with joy,” and that’s definitely what each of these sweet kids was doing at the moment.

Blue Skies!

We took our visiting friends to see the Olympic venues today. Great day for photos here.

We also happened upon a snack shop that sold some interesting treats. I know the pictures would be much more impressive if they showed us eating some of these critters, but this will have to do!

Want one, Leane Hepburn? Maybe we could bring it home in our luggage!