SEOUL & STAR WARS

Michele left today for Seoul to pick up some items and help Rae (a friend with us) renew her visa. I remember being in Seoul last year and getting lost not once but twice! It is a maze city with the likes of New York. No one sleeps. Crazy driving. GOOD times!! I told Michele as she walked out the door. "Honey, expect to get lost. It is part of the adventure. I'll be yarping for you."
And so here I stand, 3 days, with 3 kids, and a Star Wars marathon to partake of (yes, they are loving all 6 of them!). "Messy" Yoda, "Luke Warmwater", and Darth Vader are invading our days. Light saber wars in the living room, capes and masks/ face painting, and funny talking...Not to mention Lego Star Wars on the wii. (that has taken us 6 months to get through and there is still more to finish!) Pizza, fun, late nights, and everyone getting along in harmony...it's my dream! I tell Jack, "Jack Skywalker, I AM YOUR FATHER." And he says, "NO!!!" What a blast!

Anyway, we are doing well here. Facebook is blocked here now (which is a bummer for communications). Skype still works and so does e-mail. Another day in China...Another day of service and love.
GB

THAT'S LIFE!

China brings many interesting adventures.  Things that you laugh at now and one day will share with your grandkids.  Things like…”One time I went on a retreat and slept in a 6’ x6’ room, and I am 6’ 1” (kind of felt like jail time).”  Or “Squid is really rubbery tasting, stay away from pig feet, and yellow custard looking stuff is not supposed to be in chicken.”  Or there is always this story…

We went for an early morning jog (exercise time) on a retreat.  A student gave me a flower he picked as a sign of appreciation.  I said “thanks” and for fun put it sticking out of the beanie I was wearing.  A few seconds later I heard some laughing and another student tapped me on the shoulder.  He said, “Teacher, when you put a flower on the back of your head it says that you are selling yourself to others.”  Needless to say the flower/weed came out suddenly.

Every day is a new story and we find ourselves laughing at ourselves often.  I know that people think we are the weirdest people around.  Oh well, that’s life.  Here’ my great words of wisdom…

“The more you can laugh at yourself, the more people will laugh at you too.  Then everyone feels better.”

A HUMBLE MEAL

(sorry I haven’t updated the blog recently, things get blocked on this end sometimes)

The other day we were invited to a have dinner with a friend.  This mother has become a good friend to the family.  As we entered her house we found a small table with various foods laid out on it. As I look around I noticed there was no furniture in the room.  Not even a plant.   The only thing there was a TV on a stand in the corner.  Another room the kids went to play in was completely empty.  And then it struck me…Here is a friend who went out of her way to bless us at a tremendous cost personally. She could have spent her money on other things besides us, but chose a meal over things.

As we ate the food and shared our lives I was reminded of what really is important in life.  It’s not our surroundings, but the relationships we develop over the years with others.  The person with so little is just as valuable and important as the one who has much.  

Take the time to give thanks for those in your life.  And the next time you share a meal with another remember that it is more than food that you share.  GB

SMILE...

Years ago I remember reading a story about a lady who was cooking tortillas and one of them made a burn mark that looked like the face of Jesus. People for miles around came to see the tortilla. She put it in a glass case and had it blessed by a priest. Well... here is a picture of our little miracle.

It is not the face of Jesus, but of the walmart smiley face! We laughed at such a strange thing to come out of a green pepper! We didn't put it in a glass case (we ate it), and no one blessed it in a special way (except for the meal prayyer). And in case you are wondering it ended up in scrambled eggs with tomatoes and mushrooms.
Anyway, maybe it was a simple way of reminding us to smile. OR maybe it was a divine message telling us that a walmart is coming our way!

We are getting ready to move into a different apartment this week. Lots of crazy things to do.

LIFE IN CHINA #4...

Recently while touring this great city we came across a store with all kinds of gadgets. Everything in it is 2 yuan (equal to 29 cents). Those of you who are active bargain shoppers would find this place a sort of homecoming. Who would have thought that you could get stainless steel silverware for 29 cents each! Only in China...

You know that it is turning spring here in China when every store starts putting their clothes and items out on the streets for sale. It is like one massive garage sale. Banners, baloons, and even singers standing at corners trying to win your attention. Maybe they've cornered the market on "garage sale bands". Next time your out just follow the music. I'm sure you'll find some great deals. I've found that very few things we buy in China really last (what an irony since in America everything is "made in China" and seems to hold up well)

Happy shopping!!

Jack's 3rd Birthday

We celebrated Jack's birthday this week. It's amazing to think that he has lived in 3 different countries by the time he turned 3. He had a blast with all his new toys from mimi and poppy. He is now being potty trained (which is a wonderful present for mom and dad!).
Anyway, a traditional hanbok is what Korean kids wear. It finally fits him after 3 years.
We also had a wonderful party at the school at a Sunday lunch time. And many of the teachers and friends joined us in celebrating. Everyone loves Jack, and he is warming up to them.

Teaching blooper...

So today I came to school and walked into class. Everyone was normal, no big deal. Then I looked up and was shocked. I saw on one kid's desk a bottle with what looked like beer in it! I'm thinking, "what's he doing bringing beer into class?" The bottle was shaped like a beer bottle and the insides looked like beer (even the foam!). So I said, "____, no beer in the class." (Take into account that I don't know the legal drinking age in China. Many countries it is a lot lower than America. These kids are between 18 and 22 years old. And just yesterday he told me he liked to play pool and drink beer.) He looked at me puzzled and then the class just laughed.
I had to investigate. So I went over to his desk and opened the bottle to smell it. It wasn't beer. Just a carbonated, funny, "beer-look-a-like" drink, in a bottle shaped like a beer bottle! OOPS! Another mistake to add to the list.
So next time your in a foreign land and see a kid sitting at his desk in school with a bottle in hand...remember to ask what it is first!

LIFE IN CHINA #3

Tumen holds a wonderful pizza place called "Happy Nara". Here you can experience pizza in a whole new way. You can try their amazing combo pizza with corn! Oh, and there is no sauce really...really. Or you could try their volcano pizza. (I thought it was sauce that would explode all over you as you bite into it, sending you into a "tomato sauce heaven" frenzy.) That was too good to be true! It simply means there is yellow cheese in the crust. (I still don't get the "volcano" meaning). Anyway, all the pizzas come with extra grease which is an added bonus to your combo or cheese pizza.
Anyway, when there is no pizza hut around the corner, you find that Happy Nara Pizza is a weekly delight for the whole family. Even the "corn combo"!
So next time you order a pizza, remember the "corn combo" special in China! It comes in extra large with yellow kernels! You could pick them off and make popcorn if you would like. It makes a great dinner/movie date!

LIFE IN CHINA #2....

So about two or three times a day we hear "Jingle Bells", "We wish you a merry Christmas", and "Santa Clause is coming to town" over a loud speaker! It's like the ice cream truck coming down the road. The kids get excited, run to the window waiting for....the water man!
Yes, he comes on a 3 wheeled bicycle playing his tunes and carrying portable jugs. (We call him "Santa") I guess the water is the drinkable kind people can purchase for home.
So next time you hear the ice cream truck circling your neighborhood, remember this... there are a few kids in China excitedly racing to the window to see the water man! And Christmas comes everyday here! Feliz Navidad!
Later

LIFE IN CHINA...

So I decided to get a haircut. The school has a cosmetology department where you can get a haircut, but I decided not to go there. I didn't want to feel obligated to go back if I didn't like it. So Hannah and I headed out to see what we could find (and experience). I told Michele that if I come back bald she'll know why.
Anyway, getting a haircut in China is quite an experience. They wash your hair (as you sit in the chair). Then they cut it...very fast...kind of like Edward Scissorhands. Then they wash it again!! And here's the kicker...all for 10 yuan ($1.50)! No tip is required in China for things, yet I tried. She wouldn't take it, just smiled and waved good-bye.
Hannah and I decided to give her an English name. I think "Barb" the barber works!
Until my hair grows back.... later.

A NEW DAY

Well, school has started and I thought I would give you a picture of my class. Only 10 students, but it gives me some more personal time with them. They are very interested in learning (some more than others) and are doing quite well. Many want to become translators or go on in business.

Life in China is full of surprises. Like when you take your kids down by the river and you are bombarded by older people want to know why you have 2 Asian faced kids! People stare as they go about their business, but down by the river people are just walking and passing time. People have heard about foreigners adopting Chinese kids, but now they can actually see a family. I know HE is using this to break down walls. Many doors have already been opened to befriend people around town.
In an Asian world where people grade you by your social class and sucesses, we are becoming a physical illustration that there is something more. LOVE goes beyond cultural differences and social statuses (stati? Yes, I'm the English teacher).

We have also finally found french fries, butter, cheese, and fruit loops. (Sorry no pics...they look the same as in America.) Most of it is located in Yanji (like "Can-Gee") about 45 minutes away. But at least it is available. It was like a dream come true! Our taste buds did the happy dance, and all of a sudden everyone was just a bit nicer that day:) Until next time...

First day of school

Well, the first day of school came today. At 8:00 I walked to the school (5 minutes away) and got to my class. 3 hours of teaching English to 11 students. It was quite interesting to say the least. The kids were very outgoing. Each of them have English names (Deborah, Anna, Kaitlyn, Conner, etc.). One boy didn't have one so I gave him the name "Bob" (wonder why?)
I shared my story and life and they were all amazed at our multi-national family. I shared some music (great way to learn English). I thought the "beatles" would be a hit but no kid had a clue who they were (this is not your father's generation). Most loved Korean pop music (we'll find that out on Friday).
My father-in-law called me on skype during the middle of class. So at break time the kids got to practice their English on someone half way across the world. They were all amazed.
All in all it was a success and I think they enjoyed it. One kid shared with me some of his music which was what I liked as well. After class we talked a bit about the real "important things" of life. I could tell he was glad I knew where he was coming from.

On another note...I've learned a great Chinese proverb today. It goes like this, "Tall man with kid on shoulders need to duck low in China while walking under doorways" (sorry Jack!)

A Teacher's Retreat

Thursday and Friday we were bussed to a place just outside of Yanji (2 hr. bus ride) for a retreat for teacher's and their family. Actually it was information on team building, school schedule, and school guidelines. Hannah, Jack, and I, took this journey (by faith), while Michele, Lia, and Rae stayed back.
It was quite fun trying to listen to translations and keep Jack entertained. He was a trooper. Except at meal times (he doesn't like new foods and he is vocal about it!) Hannah found a friend and that helped with the boredom. (most of the kids were 4 and under). We spent many times out in the cold playing on the exercise equipment.

We sat on the floor for teachings and meals, totaling 23 out of 24 hours on the floor. (once again 1" cushions were available...I think it is a trick to make you feel like your comfortable) I think I am developing callouses on my rear!

I was asked to lead some songs a few times and yet they had to be easy English songs with no words about DAD...(that's a challenge). We ended up playing nursery songs! (seriously) To lead adults in "Old MacDonald had a farm", and "If your happy and you know it", or how about "Row, Row, Row your boat" (in rounds of course) was quite humbling. God continues to break me. In fact the second time I led in songs I noticed an hour later my zipper was down! (oops! Once again humbling!)

The floors were heated, but some parts were extremely hot. Much like sitting on the sidewalk in Phoenix during the middle of summer without shorts! Ouch!! In fact, as we laid down on a blanket to sleep it was so hot I thought I was going to get burned. Jack and I moved to a cooler place because I thought he would roll over and get burned. Good thing. One guy's keys were in his jacket pocket and the remote entry to His car melted! That's hot!

We slept in a room of about 5 guys. People came in late at night and turned on the lights to get stuff. Kind of like a late night wake up call! People got up around 5:00 a.m. to get going on their day...sitting in meetings. (got to get the best seat on the floor)

Rice is becoming by arch enemy. Little white grains plague me at every meal. One day I may even stand up and tell rice a thing or two about itself.

Anyway, we finally made it back home...exhausted, overloaded with information, and lacking sleep. That's why it is called a "retreat" right. You get away exhausted and come back exhausted. At least you have the memories, right?

I've "hit the wall" as they say. I just hope I've run hard enough to run through it. My DAD knows what He is doing though.

WORDS FROM DOVE

We have found dove chocolates to be a small joy in our world. A whole bag only costs $1. But as we open this delacacy we have found much encouragement not just from the chocolates, but from the wrappers. Here are some of the words we have gotten from the "DOVE":
"Think without limits"
"Be a role model for someone"
(my favorite) "Forget the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey instead!"
Potholes are everywhere in this place...I know I've hit a few.

So as we eat our chocolates and dream about the finner things in the U.S.A., we are encouraged in many ways about being here. HE finds a way to reach us and bring joy to our hearts for the day.

Let it snow!!

Well, we arrived in China safely and are learning to adapt and survive "China-style". I'm not sure how cold it is but there is ice everywhere. You feel it when you step outside. The homes are nice and toasty though.
Yesterday we had a few inches fall. Hannah and Jack were the first ones out to make snow angels and have snowball fights. As we played we heard many people shoveling the ice off the roads so that cars could travel safely. I thought, "What a great way to show others you care for them." Many hands make a light load. That morning Hannah and I took up a shovel and joined in the ice capades clearing the roads. Nothing like getting your hands dirty (or wet in this case!)
All in all it was a great experience. People stare at us because we look so different... and maybe there is something else.

READY...SET...GO! (And a possum challenge)

WOW! I can't believe we are almost to "lift off" time! We have spent months preparing and yet in the past month it has been utter chaos getting the last minute details done. The furniture, a car, and the house is all sold (or in the process)! Passports are set, visas are done, yardsales are done (thank God for that), and we are excited to go.

Packing has been a huge trial. How do you take 13 years of marriage, 3 kids, and a house full of memories and stuff and cram it all into 2 pieces of luggage, at 50 pounds a piece? Think it is easy? Here is an equivalent test for you. Buy one large, very disturbed, and slightly foaming at the mouth possum and try shoving it into a lunchbox! You may get scratched and cut a bit as you go, maybe lose a finger or two, and maybe end up in the hospital with rabies, but at least you could say you did it! (Not to mention you would make the "stupidest people in the world" list for late night TV.)

Anyways, it all works out in the end. You realize that space bags are a gift from God, parents' homes are wonderful storehouses (thanks a million moms and dads), and that possum loves his new home!

Write you next time from the other side of the sea. China is 16 hours ahead of Arizona. (I could tell you what tomorrow is like!)

Anniversaries, Birthdays, & the tea cups at Disneyland

We had the grand opportunity of celebrating our anniversary (13 years) and Lia's Birthday (5 years old) at Disneyland! Hannah had been once when she was 5 and now it was Lia's turn. (By the way, you get in free on your birthday to Disneyland for 2009). We had our share of pictures with princesses and fairies, and riding on Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Star Tours, and of course the tea cups! I was smart enough to just watch this time and not go on the tea cups. (I learned my lesson last time.)

The tea cups aren't really a ride. Rollercoasters are rides... even the "Flying Dumbo" is a ride. Rides are to be fun, not nauseating! Everyone got on smiling, but 3 minutes later you're not smiling as much! People get on excited to do nothing but spin in circles until your head hurts and that Churo they just ate wants to say hello to their neighbor. They fake a smile when they get off, but deep down everyone really knows what's going on inside. Their head is rattling "OUCH! You Idiot, what did you do that for?" Their eyes are tearing, not from joy but pain. Their mouths are laughing, but really would rather be saying, "Watch out below!" (can you say "Mount Saint Helen's"?)

Who pays $95 just to get into Disneyland (the happiest place on earth) and make themselves throw up? We are a strange and sick society. And yet we go long to go there often!

All in all it was a blast! I'm sure I would go back too, there's no place like it.

We're home now and preparing to leave in February. On my list: packing bags, selling items, and of course opening a new theme park called "Dizzyland" while charge $100 to make people forget their woes by focusing on throwing up. Smile for the camera...truly it will be a magical and happy place.