Rock'in that Diaper Bag

Tonight had one of those rare moments when my super fantastic lover held me close, outside our van of screaming children, and whispered in my ear, “I’ll take the kids, you go by yourself.”

  “Where?” I asked, surprised by the offer

“Anywhere.” He replied, “Anywhere by yourself, I’ll take the kids.”

Then, by pure habit, I’m sure, I begin to protest, “No, you don’t have to take the kids. I need to get home and start icing a cake.”

“You know if you go home now that you won’t be icing a cake until the kids are in bed, and that wont be for at least another hour. I will take of bed time, you come back when they are already in bed and then you can start icing the cake.”

He was right, as usual. Tomorrow is our third child’s third birthday and as usual, I leave the cake icing to do at midnight the night before. Honestly, though, when else am I going to do it. I mean, have you ever tried icing a cake while all the kids are up? It is nearly impossible. 

My little sweet hearts, just like their mama as a kid, always want to help in the kitchen. My mom would rarely let me, declining my offer with a simple, “I just want to get this done.” How offended I would be, and now the tables have turned and I get it. Unfortunately, help from little ones often creates more work, more mess and takes more time. Unlike my mother, and being a homeschooling mom, I do create opportunities for my kids to cook and bake with me in the kitchen. However, when I am trying to get something done, in a timely manner that demands my constant attention, such as cake decorating, the last thing I need is to be batting little fingers away from my art, which will inevitably cause a cake decorating disaster. 

“OK, I will go somewhere.” I accept my lovers invitation. It is so like me to have to be talked into doing the very thing I long to have, “ME TIME!” I am a mystery to myself. Or still learning how to look after ME without the mom guilt. I am sure I will get the balance right in time to have grandkids, maybe. 

“So, where do grown-ups go?” asks my fabulous lover. 

“I have no idea.” I replied as I tried to fish through my baby filled mind for a grown-up location to just chill by myself and not look weird. Pub? Bar? No, I I want quiet, and relaxing. Coffee? I guess. I only have an hour or so, so I better move. 

Leaving my Mr. Wonderful with screaming, crying, overtired products of love (we have 4), I head for the nearest coffee shop. Feeling good about the me time, I head into the shop, confidently order my fave, Chai Latte, and reach for my wallet. 

Shut up! I scream in my head. Now, how do you confidently dig your wallet out of a diaper bag, with no baby. I can’t believe I just brought the diaper bag on a ME date. Well, WHATEV! I instantly made the decision to ROCK this diaper bag more confidently than I ordered. I picked the bag up off my shoulder and plopped it down on the counter. I am sure my actions were just screaming, “YEAH, I’m a mom, and PROUD of it! And YES I am totally BY MYSELF right now, because I have a super AWESOME LOVER who is totally watching our FOUR products of our AMAZING marriage. So, THERE!”

I paid for the yummy Chai, sat down at a table and proudly set my diaper bag on the table. What were others thinking in this crowded house of coffee, I don’t know, I actually never even thought about that until now. Who cares, this is ME time. I would like to think that this whole incident is a sign that finally, at the age of 32, I am maturing and becoming confident in who I am. About time! I raise my cup of delicious Chai, “Here’s to Me! Cheers”

American Thanksgiving

Our first American Thanksgiving as a family and of course I had to think of some fun traditions to start. One of my ideas was making turkey surgar cookies and decorating them as a family. To make it as mess free as possible, I made the cookies before had, made the icing, and put the icing in a ziploc bag, cut a small hole in the corner of it. This ziploc bag would serve as my money saving icing bag. (Pretty smart-eh?) So, I got Amariah all set up and gave him the go ahead to start icing the cookies. Then I made my second parent boo-boo of the day. I left the room, to go get the father. My first parent boo-boo was revealed as I returned- I had left the ingredients for the icing on the counter. PAtrick had entered the kitchen first and then shouted, "What are we supposed to ice the cookies with?" Right then I knew something was wrong. When I returned to the kitchen the corner of the icing bag with the hole was in Amariah's mouth, and he was using straight food colouring to decorate the cookies. He had drowned the turkeys.

The second tradition went much better, our own "Turkey Strut" around a nice park. Went spent over an hour walking around this park and playing on the play ground. The idea was to put the kids in a jogger and Pat and I would run. But 8 minutes into the run both kids were screaming. So, we ended up taking them out and just walking. During our walk 3 deer had crossed in front of us, they were so beautiful.

The rest of the day was fairly predictable and non eventful, we ate a totally delicous meal and just hung out at Grandma and Granpa's. Relaxing and Enjoyable.

I asked Amariah what he was thankful for this holiday and he replied, "DVD's and DVD players." Is this a sign that he watches too many?

----So I am at McDonal's right now. I just looked up and Amariah is wretling with some stranger boy. Hard to say who is winning. No one is screaming for help, so I think I will leave them.

What to WRite....

Oh Boy!!!! I am finally on here and I don't know where to start an update.....

E started to crawl. She has been moving backwards for awhile but today she started her first moves forward. So exciting.

Amariah, still not in a preschool or anyting, but I am praying and we will get him into someting regularly.

Patrick is working three jobs, for his dad, at a climbing gym and at Fed Ex moving boxes. He is working hard and we are praising God. one incredibly good thing about is climbing job, is that I can take Amariah to the connect gymnastics area and let Amariah play for free. Burn that energy!!!

We don't have the internet at home, so unfortunately these entries will be far and few between, : (

Well, I have probably overstayed my welcome here at McDonald's. I will finish checking the garage sale list and head home to Patrick.

Enjoying Life

We have got our own apartment here now and loving it. We were supposed to move in on Thursday, but then the landlords called and asked if Friday was ok for a move in date because she couldn't schedule the carpet cleaners until Thursday, such a difference from China. In China we moved into a completely filthy place filled with our landlord's crap (old purse, kite, phone, chains, water dispenser, toys, etc.) and then here we moved into a professionally cleaned apartment. I mean, we couldn't find a speck of dust it was so clean. All this to say, we love our new home. 

Patrick still does not have the desired CNA job. He is working construction for his dad's company and will soon start working at a climbing wall. But he is still looking for a CNA job. 

Tonight we went to the Great Midwest Balloon Fest. It was so neat. About 20 balloons launched into the air, and then later when it was dark they had a balloon glow, which was really beautiful. Unfortunately, the loud count down and then all the fire scared Amariah, so we left. But we had already been there for a couple of hours and then he fell asleep on the way home, so I think that he will be ok, : )

One my favourite things about being back is the garage sales. Whoever said China was cheap obviously doesn't garage sale. I have been overly excited about the deals I have found. For example, I got this black leather bag for a dollar. I remember looking at one very similar to it in China, and was tempted to buy, but good thing I didn't because it was a whole lot more than 7 RMB. I laugh at myself though- it is such an odd American event, if you would call it an event, that we do. We can put all our unwanted stuff out on the front lawn and complete strangers will come by, give us money for it, and take it away. It is odd, but there is something about getting a 'good deal' that is addicting, and makes garage saling a justifiable hobby. It is also a great excuse to get to know an area when you first move into it- which is the category I have fallen into. 

Anyway, everyone else is sleeping and it is time I hit the hay too (right after I check on-line for tomorrows garage sales- I now have an apartment to furnish LOL). 

 

Kari

update

Well, jet leg has been beat and we are finally on a regular schedule, PTL!!! God is good.

We haven not heard back from PAtrick's job interview. They were looking for someone with more experience than what Patrick has. We are not discouraged though because we know that God has a job for PAtrick. And not to say that he didn't get this one, we just haven't heard and we were expecting to by now. 

Patrick has been working construction with his dad for and he also has been offered his old job at the climbing wall. God is good, we have money coming in. 

It is official, we have an apartment. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 full bath, newly renovated with new appliances, light fixtures, carpet, flooring, shower, counters, and fresh paint. We get the keys tomorrow and start moving in the same day. Thank-you Jesus. 

Well, gotta run, kids screaming. 

In KC

This is just a quick e-mail to let everyone know that we made it to Kansas City Safely. The trip was amazingly smooth and the children slept most of the journey. It was the complete blessing of the Lord how well the children were for this long haul. PTL!

We viewed 2 apartments already, but we weren't that keen on either. We will look at more tomorrow. We know that the Lord has a home for us. 

Please remember Patrick in prayer as he has a job interview tomorrow, God is good. 

Thanks for your prayers. 

Patrick, Kari, Amariah and Eternity

Our final China update

I am sitting here eating dragon eyes (like leeches) and I can't help but wonder the next time I will have these. It is so hard to believe that this time has come so quickly. I am excited to go but I don't want to leave the relationshipd that I have here. This is always the hardest part of moving. Well, some I know we will see again, and the others we pray that the seeds planted will grow into a mighty harvest. 

I apologize for not keeping you more updated. "Keeping in touch" has never been my forte, but PTL I am here now writing. We still have so much to do, so I am keeping this short. We are leaving tomorrow, September 5. A friend is picking us up at noon and driving us to the bus. From there we will go to HK to catch our flight. WE fly from HK to Taiwan, to LA, to Houston, to KC. Yes, that is with 2 small children and a husband prone to get sick every time we fly. So, please pray for a smooth trip, for the children to be gracious, for the parents to be patient and in the mighty name of our Lord we will see no sickness. Thank-you Jesus. We have some great testimonies coming out of here and I pray that they will be used to glorify Him. 

We have an appointment to view an apartment this week. And Patrick has a job interview on Sept. 8th and KU medical centre. We are exciting about these opportunities and praying that the Lord has everything set up for us so we need not be anxious. 

Any further questions, please e-mail us. 

In Him, 

Patrick, Kari, Amariah, and Eternity

11 days to go

One thing that I have learned as a parent is that no idea is a great idea until the child has it.

Yesterday morning Amariah and Patrick were having a pillow fight, Patrick way of getting our 'teenaged-morning-attitude' three year old out of bed. Of course Patrick let Amariah win. Amariah stood on the bed, holding his pillow proudly when he looked and me and said, "Mommy, I fight Daddy good."  

"Yes, you did," I replied. 

Then Amariah's response was, "Well, of course, I'm Superman!"

I laughed.

From there we went to the 'fight to put the pants on.' Impatiently Patrick asked Amariah, "Do you want to go to school in your underwear?"

"Yes, I want to go to school in my underwear." 

I stepped in and said, "If that's what you want to wear, that's fine."

Patrick looked at me questioning my input. I assured him that the pants would get on and he agreed to go along with it. We then proceded to carry out our normal morning routine. When it was time for the boys to go to school, I scooped Amariah up, put him in the stroller and asked for the usual hug and kiss. Amariah looked at me surprised and rather concerned. 

"What's worng?" I asked

"I don't have any pants."

"Well, of course, your superman."

Amariah looked shocked by my response. "I want pants. I need pants to go to school."

Patrick asked, "You want pant?"

"Yes!"

"OK, I'll get some." Patrick got some pants and put them on Amariah. Then we were able to have our goodbye hug. 

Anyway, 11 days left. I am starting to get those butterflies in my stomach. I had a dream last night that when the day came for us to leave, I was no where near ready. So, today I would like to getting more accomplished to ensure that doesn't happened. 

One of the men that Patrick has been talking with return to university in Xi'an. Well, we know that there was a seed planted. We gave him a good bye gift and trust that it will bless him. 

I have been asked alot lately of what I am looking forward to the most for moving back to NA. Well, yesterday while at the play place was such a prime example of what I won't miss. We often take Amariah to the indoor play room for children when it is raining or too hot to play outside. Honestly, I hate going there. But what do you do when you have a three year old that needs to burn energy. So, Amariah is running around playing, I, as usual, can't help but noticed, and cringe, at the number of toddlers running around with the croch cut out of their pants. Yes, naked bums going down slides, sitting on the teeter-totters. Everytime you see liquid on the play equipment, which is often, you really can't help but think that it must be pee. There are public washroom right there, but I think we are the only ones who use them. 

So, Amarish is running around, the old ladies often try to touch him because he is white, he just growls at them as they get closer. Then yesterday 2 older women tried to give him food, some bread and a biscuit. I quickly intervene and say no thank-you. And as usual the ladies insist that it is ok. I repeatedly say no thank-you, and as usual they insist that it is ok. They are handing him the food and I take it away and give it back, they hand him the food, I take it away and give it back. They say its ok. I tell them it is not ok, he has an egg allergy and I don't know what is this bread. They say "no egg, just bread." I am not stupid, I know that almost all Chinese bread has egg in it and I know that the particular brand that they were giving him has egg in it. But as usual, they don't listen. I will NOT miss this daily fight with old ladies. So, I take the food and put it in my pocket and tell Amariah to go and play else where. 

Then shortly after that, a lady comes over to admire Eternity. The lady notices that I have a pair of jeans on Eternity (they are super adorable, little jean shorts). Anyway, this lady procedes to inform me that putting jeans on babies is bad and that I shouldn't do it. She started to grab at the shorts and wanted me to take them off. I thanked her for her concern, but I was ok with her wearing the jean shorts. She was astonished that I wasn't listening to her, so took it upon herself to send the next 5 minutes telling me that jeans on babies are bad. Well, I happened to noticed the time, and it was time to go. I called Amariah over and we got our shoes and left. This lady followed me out of the play place telling me that I should take the jeans off. I turned and thanked her for her concern and then said goog bye. As we left a Grandfather was holding his grandson over a potted plant, inside the clubhouse where the play place is, and was using it as a toilet. I guess the public washroom around the corner was too far away. 

So, that is a typical outting. What am I looking forward to...I know you can imagine

13 days to go...

I am sitting here eating dragon friut with a spoon and I can't help but think that this may be one of my last times eating fresh dragon fruit for a long time. That's ok, an easy sacrifice for the abundance of NA foods I have missed. The other day we went to The Fountain's, which is a Christian community centre. They had a buffet lunch and then activities for the kids. The buffet lunch was all western foods. I didn't realize how much I missed a good veggie sandwhich on rye until that day. The food will be sweet in 14 days times. 

Actually it is now 13 days until our departure from Guangzhou. We will take a bus to HK airport and then fly out of there to Taiwan, then to L.A. to Houston, to KC. It is going to be a long trip, but we are not dwelling on the journey but rather the destination. 

Yesterday we went over for lunch to one of Patrick's Chinese co-worker's home. She made us fish that was from her dad's fish farm in Hunan. It is always fun having a home cooked Chinese meal, even in China a home cooked meal often taste better than eating out. While we were there Amariah was entertained by their wii. Wii Mario Kart was his favourite. He enjoyed making the cars fly (which was driving them off of a cliff- not what your supposed to do). Either way, though, he had alot of fun and watching him play was entertaining for the rest of us. As we were getting ready to go, Anna, the host, brought out a gift for us. This was a complete surprise. What was more surprising was the weight. Patrick took the gift and was clearly put off by the weight. Anna laughed and admitted that it was a bit heavy, but she really wanted us to have it. It 2 quilts and 2 pillow coverings. It probably weighs at least 20 lbs. The whole way home we talked about how this significantly adds to the weigt of our luggage. 

So, Patrick and Amariah are back at school this week. Patrick's old class is no longer at the kindergarten because all of his students graduated and moved on to the primary school. Patrick went into work this morning not sure what class he would be teaching, especially since he only has one week left on his contract. Anyway, I just got a text from him asking me to pray because he got put into the new mini class, which are a group of screaming 2 year old's. LOL Last year Amariah was one of them. Now he has moved on to small class and he is very proud of how much he has grown up. 

Today, my goal is to finish some writing and try to clear more stuff out of the apartment. It is starting to look empty in here, but not empty enough. 

Luvs

A couple Good Stories

I have about a hundred stories floating around in my head that I have been wanting to write about. I know that with a blink of an eye this time will be gone and I want to have as many memories written down as I can. Time to just sit and write seems to be more non-existent lately. But hey, 4:53 am...I think I have found my moment of uninterrupted writting time. 

Patrick is currently on his one week summer vacation time. The next time classes resume all the students will have moved on to their next class. In Patrick's case most of his students will have moved on to the next school since he taught the highest level in the kindergarten. So, Friday was a sad day for him as he had to say goodbye to his students and will most likely never see them again. Since it was his last day, I decided that I would go and take pictures of him with the students. One of his students had given him a going away gift...a woman's hand bag. It was navy blue with elephants on it and a big pale blue bow. Patrick wasn't sure what to do with it. I told him that we could regift it, besides "its the thought that counts," right? I was thinking that maybe it was a mistake and the gift was for one of his women teachers, but as we left the school that day we passed the student's mother who asked if her son, Brian, had given Patrick the gift. Patrick assured her that Brian had. Maybe in China giving a woman's hand bag to a male is a completely appropriate thank-you gift. This also reminds me that giving bouquets of flowers to men is completely appropriate and commonly practised. I remember when the school principle gave one of the pther male teachers a bouquet of flowers, the poor guy looked so awkward...and then later threw the flowers out because he didn't know what to do with them. It wasn't a romantic thing, it was a "I appreciate you and want you to feel welcome in our school," thing. 

And for a couple cute Amariah stories...

The other night we were having chicken wings for dinner. We all know how eating chicken wings go...there's some bones, some cartilage, and meat. Amariah, while eating a wing, leans over the table, spits out something small and hard, then just 'as-matter-of-factly' says, "seed" and continues eating. 

Two nights ago I was reading amariah a book before bed. In the book it talked about differetn occupations, such as doctor, teacher, policeman. Then there was the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I read the question and asked Amariah. He sat there and pondered the question for a few moments and then answered, "I want to be bigger."

One more brief story, then I should try to sleep...

A Chinese co-worker of Patrick's, Danny, took our family out for lunch on Saterday. He has really appreciated Patrick at school and wanted to show it. The whole thing was so Chinese. We first were picked up by Harrison, another co-worker of Patrick's and that was an experience. It felt like we were driving with a 16 year old new driver in Chinese traffic. Part way to the restaurant I asked Harrison how long he had his licence. "Over one year," he replied, "But I haven't alot of opportunity to drive." "No kidding," I responded, and prayed we would make it safely. He finally parallel parked on the side of a street that didn't appear to have any buildings on it. All I say was bush. "Where is the restaurant?" I asked. Then Sunny, another co-worker, pointed to a dirt driveway and said that it was down there. We started down this dirt driveway, and it definately looked a bit...odd. But low and behold, a nice building made out of bamboo appears with a lovely pond in front of it. 

Danny's family was there waiting for us, his wife eager to hold Eternity. We were happy to have our hands free for a bit, by allowing Eternity to be held. Danny ordered the food. I started to talk to Harrison who was on my left and was helping Amariah, who was also on my left, drink his tea. Eternity and Danny's wife, Fanny (most Chinese people pick their own English names) was on my right so I couldn't see them in this moment. Patrick leans towards me and says, "I am going to go get Eternity." I immediately sense a problem, so I am looking at E and Fanny, who is smiling big because she was so proud to have held a white baby. Patrick politely takes Eternity back and then returns to his seat beside me. "What was the problem?" I asked. "She spoon fed Eternity coke." he replied. "What!" was my reaction. Patrick looks at me and says calmly, "It's alright, I have her now." Patrick didn't need to say anything more. I knew that we are in a different culture, these people are being kind and taking us to lunch, it's going to be fine. 

The food arrived and it was delicious. We had 4 fish dishes. I commented that we had ordered alot of fish and that it was all good. Sunny responded, "Yeah, and we only bought one fish." I didn't understand, so I said, "One fish?" "Yes, and it was 6kg" she replied. I still was a little confused, so I questioned further. "Danny bought a fish?" Sunny, then made the whole thing clear, "Yes, Did you see the pond out side?" "Yes" "We bought one of those fish in it and they were able to get 4 dishes out of it for us. Isn't that good?" "You mean, that pond isn't for decoration?" "No, that's the fish they use to make the meals." 

As we left the restaurant I took pictures of the pond and we all looked at the fish and commented on how they were going to be some customer's meal. 

Anyway, putting the stories aside...

We have E's passport, visa, and tickets. We have already started to pack... 2 weeks, 5 days..... God is Good

25 days and counting down

The registration went smoothly....PTL!!! So, finally ALL of the paper work is set for our departure. What a testimony this has become. You know, sometimes He leds us to the Red Sea so that all we have to lean on is him and only him, then, supernaturally, He can make a way. We also bought out tickets. This is a testimony too. Patrick and I have been following tickets for months, and then yesterday we found the cheapest flights so far for the day our visas expire. Totally Him. Just not too long ago those same flights were higher. That was from HK to LA. The flights from LA to KC were a bit more, but over all it was still cheaper. We were at the school, on the schools computers when we found these flights on a HK website. Patrick went and asked a Chinese co-worker if we could borrow his credit card to buy the tickets and then we would pay him the cash. This co-worker said, "OK, no problem," and handed over the card. I am in awe about of the favour the Lord has on us in this school. We have tickets to fly out of HK on September 5 and we will arrive in KC the morning of the 6th. Please continue to pray for us as we feel we have alot to do in our final 3 weeks here. 

Victory

PTL!!! He is GOOD!!! So, I went into the city to see about this issue surrounding Eternity's passport. I was confident in approaching this and had no worry in me whatsoever.  We have spent the past week in prayer, prophesying over this, claiming the promises, speaking the scriptures over this, and what we asked for has been done. PTL!!! Last night while praying together, Patrick and I were reminded that it isn't about how much faith you have, because the Word says that even faith the size of a mustard seed will move the mountains, but its about who you have your faith in. Our faith is in the Almighty. So, we have gained vistory over another battle, the issue of Eternity's visa- we now have that visa. The next step is getting registered, which Patrick went to go do right now. Then after that, buying tickets. The battles aren't over yet, but we have the victory. While in the city, I also had the opportunity to minister to someone, divine... He has it all planned out. I will write again when we have the victory over the registration. 

Going into the City

Quick update, 

Yesterday, after not receiving the call by 1 pm, I called the person that is helping us with our situation. The news was that Patrick, Amariah and myself all have our passports back with extended visas, PTL. The good news is that we do not have to go to HK. Amariah and I were only extended until Sept. 5. This means we are planning on arriving in Kansas City either before or on that day. However, Eternity's passport was not released, so I am going into the city today to see about this. So, keeping our heads up and praisin Him. 

Goose!!!

Today is a beautiful sunny day with a bright blue sky. PTL!!

Today is also the day we are awaiting a phone call that we are trusting will have good news for us. This is the week, that we are trusting we will have everything lined up to buy tickets. Our desire is to leave in 4 weeks, but He will guide our steps. 

Thank-you for your prayers. Please continue to stand on this victory with us. 

Updates on the kids:

Eternity is growing like a weed. She is rolling all over. Grabbing at anything she can to put in her mouth. She sits up pretty good hanging on to something for balance. Yet, she so desparately wants to sit all by herself and is trying hard. And I don't know exactly what it is, but Amariah makes her laugh and laugh like no other. 

Amariah is still loving being a big brother. He recently moved to the 3-5 Sunday school class and he is so proud to be with the big kids. Yesterday during sunday school he played duck duck goose for the first time. One of the older kids said, "GOOSE!" when they pat Amariah's head. I stood on the side ready to cheer him on. I wasn't sure that he understood how to play. But he jumped up and started to run around the circle of kids and in the right direction too. "Go Amariah, Go!!" I yelled. Amariah was running his hardest, then about half way around the circle he paused and had a pondering look on his face. "Come on Amariah, Run!" I shouted. Just then Amariah jumped between 2 students and darted as fast as he could through the circle and plopped himself back into the place he started. The student he was racing was just approaching the seat, seeing Amariah already seated, he looked confused. With a big grin on his face, Amariah turned toward me and shouted, "Mommy, I did it!" his teacher looked at me and said, "Wow, he is really clever." I smiled and replied, "Yes he is."

So... we are not in Hong Kong.

Please keeping praying, we really need it right now. 

Praisin Him

A quick update...

Yesterday we got Eternity's passport without a problem. PTL. I then went, with a Chinese friend, to the PSB (Pulic Secruity Brureau) to apply for an exit permit for Eternity, which is absolutely essential for her to leave the country. Anyway, they would not let us apply for this exit permit because we did not have a police registration form from the local police. This you are to get when you have a passport for the baby, which I didn't know before. So, I came home. This was about lunch time and all government offices close from 12 -2:30 (nap time- literally). I met Patrick for lunch, I just got some Chinese take-out (eggplant mystery) and we came home to wait for 2 hours to go and get Eternity registered with the police. As annoying as waiting around was, getting registered went smoothly, PTL!!! Now we have to wait to Monday to go back to the PSB and apply for an exit permit. We are trusting the Lord that we will be able to get that within 24 hours because Patrick must leave the country on Tuesday. Please continue to agree with us in prayer that this is already done and that the whole visa process goes smoothly. 

The Passport is Here

Thank-you for your prayers concerning Eternity's Passport. We got a call yesterday afternoon saying that it has arrived. I am actually heading out the door right now to go and pick it up. From there I will head to the PSB to apply for her exit permit. This is a visa that allows her to exit the country. 

Thanks again for agreeing with us in prayer, 

Newspaper vs diapers

 I am in the middle of hanging the laudry to dry. The sky is overcast once again, and I hear thunder in the distance. Are wi in for another Typhoon? It is hard to say. Sometimes we can see the thick black clouds in the distance accompanied by the flashing of lighening and the crashing of thunder, but we the storm never comes near us. The is what happened yesterday and I may be the case again today. 

As I hang the laundry I also find myself filled with thanks as I remember a time, just a few months ago, when the clothes could hang for three days and still not be dry. In this season, however, and the reason for my thankful attitude, the clothes can be dry in matter of hours. I love the sun. As I am typing this I am further reminded of clothes dryers. This may sound funny, but I actually forgot that they existed. The thought of a clothes dryer. I never forgot my knowledge of such a machine when the clothes never dried outside, but know that there is no problem with them drying, I have forgotten that they exisit. Anyway, I could ponder this for while. But....

For another PTL moment. Patrick and I made another, yet divine we believe, connection yesterday.I am eager to jump at opportunities with this connection, especially since our time here is growing shorter by the minute. Of course, if it is truly divine, then HE will make is happen, and we simply are the pawns under complete submission to the master trusting Him to us effective way. please pray that, that if we are to join with this connection for a great purpose that it will be done. 

We were walking home the other day from picking up ingredients for making dinner when we passed a mother holding her small baby, maybe the same age as Eternity. This baby was wearing the traditional, completely common, "peek-a-boo" outfit. I know I have mentioned before that the Chinese babies and toddlers wear outfit/pants with the croch and bum missing/jsut not there. The purpose for this is so they can go to the bathroom and not mess their pants. Yes, they just go wherever, whenever. I will spare the stories of the sitings I have seen- they are rather revolting. Moving on... I have been told that it is not good that I put a diaper on my baby, "It's not healthy," some say,"It's not good." I am sure that their intentions are good in Chinese advice giving to a Canadian foreigner who appears like she has no idea how to raise a baby (they don't stop to think that I am not Chinese, therefore just becasue my ways are different, it doesn't make them wrong or bad). 

Anyway, back to the story, we are walking past this mother holding her baby wearing the peek-a-boo bottoms. The mother is holding the baby in one hand and a piece of newspaper under the baby with the other hand. The baby clearly just released waste and the mother was using the newspaper to clean up. "So, diapers are bad, but used newspapers are ok?" I thought to myself. The mother got up and disposed of the newspaper in a public garbage can. Newspaper? I so DON'T understand this Chinese mentality against diapers. After seeing that, I am definately no more closer to adopting that Chinese methods of baby raising than I was when I got here. Disposable vs cloth- that I understand. Store bought disposables vs used newspaper, I do not. 

Anyway, the skies are now looking rather dark. Maybe we are going to get that Typhoon after all. Maybe I will hold off on hanging the rest of the clothes out to dry. I think that I will go through our stuff again, pack what we are no longer using and add to the give away pile. Fortunately there are a couple of pregnant women at work that I will be able to bless with the baby stuff. 

As for a prayer request, Pray that Eternity's Canadian passport arrives by or before August 2 and that we will be able to get an exiting visa with in 24 hours of that so that we can leave the country by August 4, when our visas run out. We plan on heading to Hong Kong on August 4th to apply for another visa. Agree with us in prayer that all of this goes smoothly. 

I was told that I gave the wrong e-mail addy for us, so here it is again. thejonesadventurers@gmail.com 

A Typhoon Experience

The weather today is a little gray. I think that we may have another storm rolling in. It apparently is Typhoon season. We, to my knowledge, have only experience 2 here this year so far. The lastest one was last week, and here's the story:

Since it was pay day we decided to go out to eat, to this Chinese style "Western" food restaurant. I had spaghetti, which was pretty good, but not like home, and Amariah and Patrick had china's version of pizza, which isn't that great when you know what the real thing tastes like. And we also ordered fries for an appy. After we made our order, Patrick was said, "I bet we get the appy last and all of our meals come at different times." We like to guess when our meals come, becasue here in China it is like they cook one meal at a time and bring them out as they are done. We have learned to set aside our North American restaurant manners and to eat your food when you get it, otherwise if you wait until everyone is served, whoever was served first will be eating a cold meal. So, my speghetti came first. I like to wait a few minutes to see, if by chance, the other meals follow directly after. While waiting my few moments I noticed that another man in the restaurant also just got served his spaghetti. "I bet they had two orders of spaghetti, at the same time and that is why mine is done first," I though to myself. 

During this time we noticed that it was getting really dark outside, really fast. Flashes of lightening and the sounds of thunder soon followed. I had thought that I heard thunder earlier and wondered if a storm was rolling in. My suspicion was proving to be correct. 

I began to eat my meal when Amariah announced that he had to use the toilet. A facility that is not commonly provided in restaurants here. Patrick new of a public toilet that was not that far of a walk away, so out into the stormy weather they went. It hadn't started to rain yet, but the wind was strong, and the thunder loud. The restaurant workers were busy pulling in the tables they had set out side. It always amazes me how fast the storms roll in here. It starts of with seeing some black coulds, hearing a little thunder, seeing the wind pick up and then BAM torrential downpour. I was praying that Patrick and Amariah were back before the downpour started. (Our appetizer of fries arrived). Just when the rain started, that was when Patrick and Amariah entered the restaurant again. Amariah shared that he only got "alittle bit wet." I was glad. Patrick said that Amariah was scared of the thunder while they were outside, but he was a strongman and got through it. 

By this time it was raining so hard we could hardly see out the restaurant window. "Well, I guess we are hanging out in here for awhile."  The boys started chowing down on fries as I finished my spaghetti. The personal pizzas soon followed.  Patrick started to pick all the ham off of his (Chinese processed ham- disgusting) and Amariah dipped his in ketchup. What can I say, it's different here. 

As I looked at the fries sitting there as the boys ate theor meal, I was once again reminded that even after nine month of being here, I can't shake all of my North American habits. What was the point of ordering an appy? It's China, we knew it wasn't going to come before the meal. 

After about 20 minutes the rain let up to a drizzle and we were able to walk home. 

Prayer Requests: We have applied for Eternity's Canadian passport, which we were told to apply for it 2 weeks before exiting the country, which is what we did. Our visas run out August 4th and we are having to go to Hong Kong to Renew them. Please pray that her passort comes in time for us to get an exiting visa for he so that we can all go to HK. I know that our Father will take care of everything, please agreeinig with us in prayer. 

Not everything is as it appears

We just returned from a beautiful time at our local pool and during our time God reminded of an incredible lesson.

Do you ever have moments when you smell, hear, see, taste or experience something that takes you back to a time when you had that similar experience. For example, just recently I have discovered this amzing ice coffee bevereage at 7-11, it has become my favourite drink and a perfect treat on our recently hot hot days. I reaized that everytime I drink it I am taken back to my break times in California during my time with YWAM. Everyday during my training session at YWAM I would look forward to the breaks so that I may enjoy the ice coffees and a banana nut muffin. It was one of my favourite times in my life, being with a group of passionate believers hungry for more of God, and relaxing with these believers with an ice coffee is a sweet memory. The ice coffee that I discovered at 7-11 tastes just like the ice coffee of YWAM chico, and maybe that is why I love it so much. 

Anyway, being at the pool today, I had another sweet memory visit me. I was laying on a lawn chair, in the summer sun, palm trees all around and a clear pool swimming pool in front of me and for a moment I forgot I was in China, but I was in Hawaii, on vaction, soaking up the rays. It was completely relaxing and I didn't have a care in they world. When I came back to the present I felt God whisper to me. He was allowing me to have these sweet memories of past times visit me to remind me that it doesn't matter where I am but I can enjoy life if I choose to. These sweet whispers from God was like water to my soul. The reason for this is because I have been caught in a cycle of, "the grass is greener on the other side" way of thinking. The grass may look different in different places, but I can enjoy it all the same, if I choose it. Another lesson in enjoying everyday, and not to allow my thought life to be consumed with thoughts of the future. By thinking about it, it sure doesnt make it come any faster. 

Another fun story...

I was walking along the side walk, on my way home, enjoying the summer sun. I noticed a grandad walking along the side walk toward me pushing a baby stroller. "That is so sweet," I thought to myself. I love seeing the older generations loving the new generation. As this grandad approached I was getting ready to peer inside the stroller and make a sweet comment, on what I assumed would be his grandchild. Right when he was close enough I leaned over the side of the stroller with a big smile on my face and ready to make googly eyes at whoever was in there, only to find myself grinning at 4 cans, of what looked like beer, and a bag of rice. I quickly stood up straight, with the big grin still on my face and walked right on. The older gentleman pushing the stroller wasn't fazed one bit. He just kept walking like everything was normal. Not everything is as it appears.