Tuesday, July 12, 2011

You Can Find Me Here For Now....

It was a great ride/adventure/opportunity.

But, now I'm back to writing about my:

life
thoughts
travels
family
church
happenings in my daily life in a corner of the world in southern utah.

You can find me here..

Come on over for a visit!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Fond Farewell


We have arrived safely at our lovely home and neighborhood in St. George.

Jenni had made us a Mexican casserole, home-made bread, filled the fridge with food for our fruit smoothies; Janessa had made a lovely welcome home banner; the neighbor kids put up a huge welcome home banner.

The kids called to welcome us home.

Jerry and Linda gave us Martinelli's and chocolate.

The friends/neighbors at church were gracious.

We're putting the boxes of things away, and throwing unnecessary things away.

We have lots to do over the ensuing weeks; doctor/dentist visits, taxes, financial situations, insurance, the important items of life.

But, I keep thinking it's time to go to class, time to prepare the lesson for my power point presentation, but those days are over.

This I do know: China changed me, and my heart will never be the same.

Tsai Jian

Sunday, July 10, 2011

From My In Box

Thank you for being so responsible...We will always ready to give you the warmly welcome. Karen

You know, I just felt so nervous before sending the gift to you, even when I'm taking the listening exam. I just cann't wait to show you the gift and see what's your reaction. Ginger

Always take care and be a fit lady,haha. Miranda

I used to be a shy boy, who tends to be very taciturn in the class.Hope you can remember my " BAZINGA!!" T-shirts and my guitar and it`s a great honor to have played guitar for you.
Wish you a happy voyage!
Harper

Saturday, July 9, 2011

It's the Little Things....

that remind me of why I love being in this country:

Brushing my teeth straight from the tap without having to wait for the water to boil each time.

Being able to access blogs and facebook.

Leaving a phone mail message; (there is no such thing in China.)

Getting a drink of water from any tap in the home.

Living within a short distance of things, instead of taking one hour and a half by walking, bus, and metro to go buy cheese.

Air conditioning.

Driving a car (it's old, but it works!).

Shopping for food that seems pretty safe and clean.

Using a public restroom without having to take my own toilet paper, soap, and towels.

Using a sidewalk for that: walking and not as a public urinal or spittoon.

Yet, even while I say all this: I have the utmost respect and admiration for those marvelous people we met in China.

They are good and wonderful. There is so much I would not want to change.

But, for me, I am used to the American way.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The Beauty of the Chinese Students Shines Forth in This Song

We'd said farewell; I'd dismissed them; but no one was leaving...

”Class is not over,”they said.

I looked at my watch...there were four minutes left. Imagine, four minutes and they were still sticking around.

“Okay,” I said, “Sing me a song! A song in Chinese. Issy come up here and lead them.”

So, they sang this song; it's a song of gratitude and thankfulness...and my heart was touched by their beauty, their innocence, their goodness!

You can see/hear it here: