Our wonderful city
They are so precious!
What a way to get around the
city. Let's just say they have
great weaving skills
We are thankful for a
comfortable bed
No need for a pet, there were already
fishies in our apartment
Home Sweet Home...and we think the lights are pretty groovy too
We are throughly enjoying ourselves whether it is meeting new people, venturing out into our city, or spending time at home. Yesterday we had our first dinner guest and I must say it was quite an adventure. For some reason my cooking skills seem to be struggling a bit. Our friend was extremely gracious...so I guess I will try again sometime in the near future. Who knew making instant pudding could be so difficult. The last week or so, has been full of getting things done for our apartment and adjusting to life in the city. Our tutor has been absolutely wonderful going with us to purchase the basic necessities to picking out our curtains. Now that we are pretty much settled, our hearts are excited to focus more on work and learning the language. We are so thankful for your support and hope you enjoy seeing a glimpse into our new life in the East.
Yesterday, we ventured out to one of the larger grocery stores in our city. As soon as we began shopping we noticed 2 small boys and 2 teenage girls following behind us as they giggled and said hello. They would immediately go hide behind the stands after we acknowledged them. We have had this happen many times before, so we just smiled and said, ni hao or hello. As we continued shopping we would turn around and there they were. When we reached the rice and beans and other foods in large bends, they were putting there hands in them and smiling at us. (Here the kids think it is quite fun to touch the food, I am trying not to let this bother me.) We shopped for at least 30 minutes and they stayed close by the entire time. As we were pulling away in the cab they had followed us even outside. It's pretty interesting receiving so much attention for just being the new folks in town. Those children were so precious...their joy and interest in the foreigners captured our hearts.
Aikman and I have been learning that the more we smile at people the more likely they are to return the smile. There was also an older woman in the store who saw Aikman passing by and proably thought what is that tall, blonde man doing here. As I passed, I simply smiled and she gave the warmest smile I think I have ever received. Here we are the different ones, but what we are finding out is that it is the the small things you do that are so important. We are feeling more like one of the locals everyday. Oh, how we love the people in our city and their graciousness. Today as we walked we had a man from a store yell out "Welcome to Poohville!" This filled our hearts with the greatest joy.
