Another week has gone by, we can't believe it is almost time to come home. We only have 4 more classes, then exams begin and it is home sweet home! We had a great week-end in Qingdao with friends, we did a lot, I can't believe how much and were exhausted when we got home but it was worth it. Qingdao is a seaside city of about 8 million and beautiful, clean and clear and organized. We were able to get around by bus and stayed in the Qingdao University guest housing where some more BYU teachers live and one couple were there, the others took advantage of the holiday just as we did, and they were so kind and sweet. We had a wonderful experience on Sunday attending Church with them. It was quite the experience, mostly Koreans, a couple from Brazil and of course us American's and some Chinese as well who are married to Americans so they can attend our services. The spirit there was so strong and such a beautiful meeting. We met in the living room of one of the members lovely apartments for our sacrament service, then in the master bedroom for the English speakers for Sunday School, the Primary back in the living room and the office and kitchen were occupied by Koreans and Portuguese, my what an experience!
We have started our packing and can't believe we have accumulated so much "stuff", how will we ever get it all home? We have already sent three boxes, hopefully they arrive as mail doesn't always get where it is supposed to from or to China. They were important things like dragon kites for the grandsons and of course kites for us as well and winter clothes, etc. I am packing another box to send then we will see how much we can get in our suitcases. I haven't gotten our plane tickets as yet, here in China you can't get them until three weeks before you leave and we think we will come home on or around the 7th of June.

May 6, 2009 8:07 PM 

Jo Anns Joys

We've had a fun week-end, went to Weifang which is the "Kite Capital" of the world.  We bought several kites for family at home and  were pleasantly surprised at our hotel.  It was so nice to have a bathroom that you didn't have to squeegee when you finish showering and there was a TV with two English channels and so clean.  It was a joy to get away for even a week-end and we were with friends so that made it all the better.  We played cards after a walk to get ice cream and just enjoyed a good time.

Today we went to the largest Vegetable Garden Show on the earth and we know that all 8 million people that live in Weifang were there, it was not a lot of fun walking through such crowds however we had our pictures taken a lot.  Some Mother's would just put their babies in my arms and take pictures, then other children posed with us, it is always fun to be the center of attention, even in a crowd.

The bus ride home took about 2 1/2 hours and we were able to sleep a little and read and talk with our friends and the weather was beautiful.  We had a great time now we are preparing for our classes this week, tomorrow will be another busy day.  We are dreading the packing we have to do shortly but look forward to coming home to our family and friends.