Doing great

Hi



We are doing great and our internet seems to be moving at a snail's pace at last. At least it is an improvement. Our group today went to the safari park. We decided not to go along. It'll interfere with Simon's afternoon nap, so we worked on the blog this morning and then walked around looking for Chinese outfits for Simon, Garrison and Noel. They don't have many choices for boys.



Now we are back in our room and enjoying peanut butter and jelly as well as cucumber chips. That's right: not a type-o. I've heard about the crazy flavors of chips here, so when we went to the grocery store, I of course had to get a few to sample. I passed on the prawns, but did purchase blueberry: not bad, but just doesn't seem to be right. We also got cucumber, lime, sweet spicy flavor, and good ole salt and pepper. We'll let you know how things turn out.



We walked to the fish market yesterday morning before church and Gary got to hold an eel. Simon wasn't too excited about it. We didn't have much time to explore before church, so we'll make sure to visit again. Church yesterday was good. . . good to worship with other believers and good to experience feeling very different and very lost at times. The service was in Mandarin and English. They did their best to translate, but things can get lost. We did feel like we needed to "come, now is the time to worship". We sang to twice, so they much have really wanted us to be there. One of the Chinese songs had the characters as well as the pinion (spelling?) so we tried our best to sound it out. Being the only blonds in the place gave us a feeling of what Simon might feel at our church and school. We did miss Holland Heights and George's sermon: we look forward to being with you next week!!!



Nights are going great. Simon is sleeping well: we thank God for this each night. He is learning more English, yet talks up a storm all the time. If only we could understand this little guy: soon, I know. He is very obedient and we have so much fun with him. The only word that comes to mind is delightful. He is a delight. He'll be a great addition to our family. God is so very good.



We are a bit homesick at times. . . o.k. often. We try to keep busy as this helps, but we are ready to be reunited with our kids. We ask God to give us what we need each day and to enjoy our time here.



We relish your comments and covet your prayers. Thanks for following along and joining us in the journey.



Love

shanda, gary and simon