Our time is coming to a close here...our hearts are hurting yet we are rejoicing in the wonderful friends we have made, the sweet memories we will forever treasure and the many seasons of growth and fruit. Thankful to the Father for how we have sensed His presence like never before in our lives. What a journey to have walked this path and to know that He continues to carry His own.

We have been able to do some fun activities with our friends before our departure...

This day some of our college friends joined us for a hike. This is our favorite spot, it's just a 20 minutes from our home.

There they go leading the way.

Here we are about three/fourths the way up, a little winded, but ready to go to the top. It has been raining here a lot lately so it was a little slippery. I almost bit the dust several times, but thankful for friends who reached out their hands.
On a really clear and sunny day, this is even more of a breath-taking spot. Oh, what a marvelous Creator!


Here we are at the top having a yecan (picnic).

Our sweet XY turned 4 this past week. Since we are Texans (at least I am partially), we thought it was pretty appropriate to give her a play barbecue set.

Here we are with her little sis, HR. She is one of the most cheerful babies...we just love listening to her sing.

Aikman has tons of stickers on his hands if you can't tell. XY loves to "decorate" everyone.

We also visited one of our friends villages. Here is her former elementary school teacher enjoying his retirement...playing games with his buddies.

Our friends mother made us jaozi (dumplings) for dinner. It's always a fun time getting to help wrap the jaozi. We still have not mastered this skill, but I must say our skills are definitely improving.

We stopped by to see our friends and they had a full house that day giving facials. These are the most fun ladies!!