Today's the day the travel begins from Texas to China. We finally got all the bags packed after taking over our aunt's house (while they're gone) and making a huge mess of the dining room with all our stuff. While it seemed like the things would never fit into the bags, everything made it's way to the bag. We even had some room for an extra trip to Walmart to pack some last minute food goodies.
The carry-ons are packed and loaded with snacks for Kanyon and M'Lynn. One full bag with nothing but snacks is a much for the mini flight to Dallas, but hopefully enough for the long haul to China. And the laptops are loaded with movies to entertain the kid for a while. We've again packed the new toy to reveal on the flight. Let's hope Kanyon still likes motorcycles and Hummers.
The summer has been great and busy at the same time. We've traveled tons of miles, seen almost everyone, and spent time playing with family. While it's always sad to leave, we are looking forward to being 'home' again in China and meeting all the new students. We can't wait!
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
August 19, 2009
August 18, 2009
Tuesday Morning Image
As we finished out our time here in the states for the summer, we had a great time fishing on the Taylor Ranch. We had a great summer visiting friends and family as we traveled around and back and forth. Please remember the travel/transition back to China. Also remember the friends and family who remain in the states as this time is as big a transition for them as it is for us.
August 11, 2009
Tuesday Morning Image
What an upgrade! Due to the Cash for Clunkers program my family finally retired Big Bertha after 396,000 miles. M'Lynn even took the old car out for it's last spin. Throughout the summer we have been traveling around by car and soon will board the plane back to China. Please remember the travel back to China, specifically for good health, good behavior on the 12 hour flight, and safety for us and our luggage.
Volume 3, Issue 8
With 9 days remaining in our time in the states, we are reminded of all the wonderful people who are behind us supporting the work done in China. Each time we hear someone say how much they enjoy the newsletters or email updates, we are encouraged and spurred on to continue the work set before us.
During the summer, we traveled and spoke at numerous fellowships and other gatherings. We hope you guys enjoyed the talks and for those who weren’t able to make an event we hope to see you guys next year.
Committed…
…to build relationships
We remain committed during the coming year to build relationships with our students, colleagues, and community members. Some of these relationships continue from last year and some will be new. Please remember these relationships especially with the group of 6 roommates we began last year, Zhou Jie our housekeeper, Summer a former student studying in Germany, all of our Pakistani friends and their families, and Young, a new relationship started at the end of the last term.
…to live as servants
Through the many activates during the year we live as servants of the Father, the school, and the students. We are looking forward to beginning some new activities for the students this coming year including more get-togethers with movies, food, games or other events. As well, we will continue to participate in the school events, English corner meetings, and office hours to provide any help we can to the students.
…to testify truth
In all we do in China, we are reminded of our Father and the way we are all called to testify truth in all things. As the semester progresses we will be able to see more clearly the ways truth can be incorporated into lessons, events and conversations. Please remember all the relationships asking for opportunities to testify truth and open hearts and minds to receive this truth.
…to serve in China
We are committed to serve in China long term and need your partnership. We are asking for more monthly and annual pledges that continue year after year. Currently we’ve raised 63% of our 2009-10 goal, lacking about $12,000 before we are fully funded. Please consider any way you can help. And thank you all for your support.
August 6, 2009
Final Summer Travels
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We are rounding the last corners before we return to China, or as a recent speakers put it “We’re on the short rows now!” It has been a great time and we’ve enjoyed every last minute of the time here in the states. As I said earlier on Facebook, we are almost running on empty with 2 weeks remaining. Not to worry, we have strength from the Father and are abiding in it daily.
Cities Visited: 14 - Midland (8 times), Garden City (3), Big Spring (3), San Angelo (2), Eola (1), Austin (2), San Antonio (1), Dallas (2), Wichita Falls (1), Quitaque (2), Turkey (1), Plainview (1), Lubbock (2), Amarillo (1)
Miles Traveled: 3428
Visiting Friends and Family: Priceless!!
We are rounding the last corners before we return to China, or as a recent speakers put it “We’re on the short rows now!” It has been a great time and we’ve enjoyed every last minute of the time here in the states. As I said earlier on Facebook, we are almost running on empty with 2 weeks remaining. Not to worry, we have strength from the Father and are abiding in it daily.
Cities Visited: 14 - Midland (8 times), Garden City (3), Big Spring (3), San Angelo (2), Eola (1), Austin (2), San Antonio (1), Dallas (2), Wichita Falls (1), Quitaque (2), Turkey (1), Plainview (1), Lubbock (2), Amarillo (1)
Miles Traveled: 3428
Visiting Friends and Family: Priceless!!
July 16, 2009
Road Tripping
After two weeks in Texas, we have pretty much seen the whole state. Check out where our summer road trip has taken us so far. And I wouldn't be surprised if we make another circle before the summer is over!
March 7, 2009
Texas Home Cooking
Grandma's Chocolate Pie
As I continue to live in China, I expand my recipes and experiment with anything and everything Texan. I happened upon a great website of a Texan expat living in New York. The site lists all sorts of Texas favorites. Click here to visit the site.
My new favorite dessert comes from this site: Grandma's Chocolate Pie. While I don't know whose grandma she is, she sure knows how to make a great chocolate pie. I don't think there is another dessert any better then this. (If you try the recipe out, note the one missing step to cook the pie for 30-35 minutes in order for the filling to set. Then add the merigne and cook again.)
Another great Texas favorite I recently discovered, or finally realized, that we had all the ingredients to make Chicken Fried Steak. So I got out the flour, tenderized the meat, and fried away. The meal was so great, I repeated the meal for M'Lynn's birthday and cooked it for our whole team! I also whipped up 2 chocolate pies to pass around at the party.
The pies are so good, I'll probably have to cook another one (or two) for my own birthday next month!
August 16, 2008
12:2 Time August 2008
Holding Pattern
We are officially in a holding pattern during the month of August. After living and working in the same place for over 2 years, we both resigned from our jobs and moved out of our apartment at the end of July.
The little red wagon gives them a tour around the farm
We immediately went from our former jobs to our next task. We drove home on our last day of work and returned home to load all the furniture onto a trailer. For the next week, we packed up our apartment and moved out of our apartment. We could not have tackled this project without the help of others and an endless supply of Starbucks coffee.
Being in a holding pattern has kept us very busy visiting with family and friends, many for the last time before we depart for China. The same day we moved the last box out of our apartment, we drove to San Angelo to spend time with family at the 10th annual Gramma Camp. There we painted crafts, took a cousins photo, and played dominoes all hours of the morning. Tagged onto the end of the trip for Gramma Camp was a family reunion which pretty much includes two whole communities.
For the next six weeks, we will be living out of our suitcases, either in our families’ homes or at training in California. The first half of August in Garden City and the last half will be spent in Quitaque.
During this time of transition, we are eagerly looking forward to the transition into our apartment and jobs in China, but also cherishing the time we get to spend with our families and friends.
We look forward to sharing with you the experiences from training and the first weeks in China.
Communication From China
As we transition to our new home in China, we are changing our email addresses, telephone number and other contact information.
We are working on getting our Skype account up and running. We are looking for Skype to be one of our main means of communication back to the states. If you have an account and would like a peek into the experience, give us a ring. (We are even up with a little video chat.)
Other times during the time in China, we will be sending out physical newsletters. The letters will arrive in an envelope labeled “Teacher Update.” We will try to get one of these letters out to you as soon as we are settled in Harbin in early October.
The most common form of communication while we are in China will be through email. Due to the time difference between the US and China (14 hours from US Central Time), email is the most convenient. We love to hear about what is happening in each of your lives. You guys are our window into our home in the States.
We look forward to sharing this experience with each of you. It is such a great opportunity and it could not be accomplished without each of you. We look forward to hearing from you guys.
Final Packing List
As we prepare to depart for China, we are packing the last items in our bags. Some items are purchased and others take up the remaining pounds available before our bags reach the 50 lb limit imposed by the airlines. So here are the final items to make the cut into our bags: 10 month supply of deodorant; Medicines (including Tylenol, Advil, Sudafed, Nyquil, Desitin, etc.); Frisbee; Chapstick; Vitamins; House slippers; Football; Coffee;
We are also packing our first care package to mail to ourselves before we leave: Fisher Price Nativity Set; Ranch dressing mixes; taco seasoning; vanilla; Dream Whip; canned pumpkin pie mix; chili powder; English books (both children and adult);
I’m sure there will be things that we forgot to bring and others we could have left at home. We’ll revisit this list later in the year.
We are officially in a holding pattern during the month of August. After living and working in the same place for over 2 years, we both resigned from our jobs and moved out of our apartment at the end of July.
The little red wagon gives them a tour around the farm
We immediately went from our former jobs to our next task. We drove home on our last day of work and returned home to load all the furniture onto a trailer. For the next week, we packed up our apartment and moved out of our apartment. We could not have tackled this project without the help of others and an endless supply of Starbucks coffee.
Being in a holding pattern has kept us very busy visiting with family and friends, many for the last time before we depart for China. The same day we moved the last box out of our apartment, we drove to San Angelo to spend time with family at the 10th annual Gramma Camp. There we painted crafts, took a cousins photo, and played dominoes all hours of the morning. Tagged onto the end of the trip for Gramma Camp was a family reunion which pretty much includes two whole communities.
For the next six weeks, we will be living out of our suitcases, either in our families’ homes or at training in California. The first half of August in Garden City and the last half will be spent in Quitaque.
During this time of transition, we are eagerly looking forward to the transition into our apartment and jobs in China, but also cherishing the time we get to spend with our families and friends.
We look forward to sharing with you the experiences from training and the first weeks in China.
Communication From China
As we transition to our new home in China, we are changing our email addresses, telephone number and other contact information.
We are working on getting our Skype account up and running. We are looking for Skype to be one of our main means of communication back to the states. If you have an account and would like a peek into the experience, give us a ring. (We are even up with a little video chat.)
Other times during the time in China, we will be sending out physical newsletters. The letters will arrive in an envelope labeled “Teacher Update.” We will try to get one of these letters out to you as soon as we are settled in Harbin in early October.
The most common form of communication while we are in China will be through email. Due to the time difference between the US and China (14 hours from US Central Time), email is the most convenient. We love to hear about what is happening in each of your lives. You guys are our window into our home in the States.
We look forward to sharing this experience with each of you. It is such a great opportunity and it could not be accomplished without each of you. We look forward to hearing from you guys.
Final Packing List
As we prepare to depart for China, we are packing the last items in our bags. Some items are purchased and others take up the remaining pounds available before our bags reach the 50 lb limit imposed by the airlines. So here are the final items to make the cut into our bags: 10 month supply of deodorant; Medicines (including Tylenol, Advil, Sudafed, Nyquil, Desitin, etc.); Frisbee; Chapstick; Vitamins; House slippers; Football; Coffee;
We are also packing our first care package to mail to ourselves before we leave: Fisher Price Nativity Set; Ranch dressing mixes; taco seasoning; vanilla; Dream Whip; canned pumpkin pie mix; chili powder; English books (both children and adult);
I’m sure there will be things that we forgot to bring and others we could have left at home. We’ll revisit this list later in the year.
July 31, 2008
Goodbye Midland Part II
We had created a list of things to get done/see before we left Midland. While we may not have accomplished all these things, we did get some of them done. Here is what we actually did on the last week in our hometown:
- Wal-Mart (at least 5 times)
- Restaurants: Chili's, Fuddruckers, Rosa's, Jason's Deli
- Starbucks (at least 2 times)
- No baseball (the Rockhounds were out of town, maybe we'll go before we leave the area.)
So we didn't get a chance to see some of the tourist attractions in our hometown. We know we will be coming back and there is always next year. Next year I guess the list should be called a"Hello Texas" as we will be catching up on all the things we missed while in China.
July 28, 2008
Goodbye Midland
When we were in China, we were encouraged to say goodbye to our city, students, and friends during the last weeks before we departed. We visited Wal-Mart, Ba Yi Square, the electronics market, the new campus, and other places one last time before we left. So in our last week in Midland, there are several things that we want to see or see again before we leave.
- Midland Rockhounds' Game
- Petroleum Museum
- George W. Bush Childhood home
- One last Life Group gathering
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Starbucks or Harvest Caffe
- Restaurants: Sonic, Rosa's, Jorge's Mexican Food
- HEB
- Visit the duck pond
- Walk around our neighborhood
As was the case in China, there may be some things we don't have time to get accomplished, but each time we travel we have a motto that we can always see these things when we come back. And more often then not, we have been able to return and check a few more off the list. We will be home to Midland each summer so we can revisit some of our favorites.
July 4, 2008
Six Flags, More Flags = More Fun
We had a great time in Dallas this past weekend doing all the normal Dallas things. Our first stop was Six Flags Over Texas. Not wanting to be sick like the previous times, I decided to take some Dramamine to ease the motion sickness. For a ride on a boat, that stuff works wonders, but when your first ride in the park is the Titan, Dramamine didn't stand a chance.
The Titan: 24 stories tall & over 85 mph
I did survive the Titan, but that would be the end of the roller coasters for the day for me. I walked through the rest of them. We figured that M could ride the rides and I would not be sick, so we both would be happy. That's the way the rest of the day went.
Watching as M'Lynn Goes Round
The lines were great, we finished all the rides by 6:00 pm and headed out of the park. We were heading to park at the Rangers game, when we realized the Ballpark is just across the street. So we returned to the Six Flags parking lot and parked at the far end to save ourselves from paying for parking twice. The game was filled with homers, and the Rangers won. Too bad if we had to pick we would both be Astros fans.
All Prettied Up for the Reception
The next day we headed out to the reception that was the real occasion for the trip. It was in a cool downtown antique shop/restaurant in Sherman. We had a great time hanging out with the ole GC crowd.
Leaving town on Sunday, we stopped at Cabela's to stock up on more warm weather gear for Harbin. Seems we can never have enough. We walked out of there and Outdoor World with tons of Extreme Cold wool socks, glove liners, and a double fleece face mask. All of this without the baby, who we were glad to see when we returned home.
The Titan: 24 stories tall & over 85 mph
I did survive the Titan, but that would be the end of the roller coasters for the day for me. I walked through the rest of them. We figured that M could ride the rides and I would not be sick, so we both would be happy. That's the way the rest of the day went.
Watching as M'Lynn Goes Round
The lines were great, we finished all the rides by 6:00 pm and headed out of the park. We were heading to park at the Rangers game, when we realized the Ballpark is just across the street. So we returned to the Six Flags parking lot and parked at the far end to save ourselves from paying for parking twice. The game was filled with homers, and the Rangers won. Too bad if we had to pick we would both be Astros fans.
All Prettied Up for the Reception
The next day we headed out to the reception that was the real occasion for the trip. It was in a cool downtown antique shop/restaurant in Sherman. We had a great time hanging out with the ole GC crowd.
Leaving town on Sunday, we stopped at Cabela's to stock up on more warm weather gear for Harbin. Seems we can never have enough. We walked out of there and Outdoor World with tons of Extreme Cold wool socks, glove liners, and a double fleece face mask. All of this without the baby, who we were glad to see when we returned home.
May 28, 2008
Warmed Over Death
What a weekend indeed! We traveled to Austin to visit my sister for Memorial Day weekend and had quite an adventure.
Thursday: We finish working for the day pick up the baby and head home to pack the car. The daycare says that another baby threw up on Kanyon necessitating the third change of clothes. Oh the adventures of daycare. Not to worry though, he has plenty of clothes. We get home and immediately take Kanyon out of his seat to feed him. Barf! All over M'Lynn. He thens smiles lots and eats some food. No big deal, so we get the car all packed and ready to head out. The car is all ready to go, we are just waiting to feed Kanyon one last time before the leave. Barf! That makes two not counting the one to start the morning before daycare. What are we to think, he just had some shots and has been fight a small cold, he's just getting all the congestion out of his stomach. He'll be fine, and he's smiling and happy.
We get into the car and drive off for San Angelo to rest for the night before continuing the trip to Austin on Friday. About 1 hour into the trip BARF! Immediately stop the car and clean him up. Well we're about half way there, do we return home or continue on with the trip. We decide to make it to the next town and see what happens. You guessed it, BARF! We turn around and return home.
Friday: After a good night sleep, we move on with our plans. Original plans are for me to go to Austin alone and leave the baby and mom at home to recover, but since the baby slept all night and was fine in the morning we all decide to go. We stop for lunch in San Angelo and continue with the trip with no incidents.
Austin Farmer's Market (1 of 3 photos from the trip)
Saturday: We spent this day in Austin with my sister. First to a Farmer's Market (actually much more of a health/organic food fair) then we walked around Town Lake. We have a great lunch and continued the afternoon in downtown Austin. In the early afternoon, M'Lynn started to feel a bit sick. You beat ya, she caught the daycare bug and spent the rest of the time in the hotel room sick. I continued the sightseeing with my sister and the baby.
Sunday: Now we both have the stomach bug. Not a good way to make the 6 hour drive home. But we do manage to drive all the way home. Kanyon behaves mostly, especially after we stop to buy a toy for his car seat (he is such a busy boy now). We stop at San Angelo again, but this time to rest. We are not eating anything and still not moving too well. We arrive to find that the bug has also infected the Grandmother in San Angelo. Upon leaving for home after a 4 hour nap, we are described as looking like "warmed over death."
Monday: A day of rest and relaxation. Nothing but sleep, and eating rice, bananas, and apple sauce. We have all since recovered and will always remember the memorable memorial day weekend of '08. We have only the memories as our camera battery was out and we didn't think to recharge it. It is probably best without pictures.
Thursday: We finish working for the day pick up the baby and head home to pack the car. The daycare says that another baby threw up on Kanyon necessitating the third change of clothes. Oh the adventures of daycare. Not to worry though, he has plenty of clothes. We get home and immediately take Kanyon out of his seat to feed him. Barf! All over M'Lynn. He thens smiles lots and eats some food. No big deal, so we get the car all packed and ready to head out. The car is all ready to go, we are just waiting to feed Kanyon one last time before the leave. Barf! That makes two not counting the one to start the morning before daycare. What are we to think, he just had some shots and has been fight a small cold, he's just getting all the congestion out of his stomach. He'll be fine, and he's smiling and happy.
We get into the car and drive off for San Angelo to rest for the night before continuing the trip to Austin on Friday. About 1 hour into the trip BARF! Immediately stop the car and clean him up. Well we're about half way there, do we return home or continue on with the trip. We decide to make it to the next town and see what happens. You guessed it, BARF! We turn around and return home.
Friday: After a good night sleep, we move on with our plans. Original plans are for me to go to Austin alone and leave the baby and mom at home to recover, but since the baby slept all night and was fine in the morning we all decide to go. We stop for lunch in San Angelo and continue with the trip with no incidents.
Austin Farmer's Market (1 of 3 photos from the trip)
Saturday: We spent this day in Austin with my sister. First to a Farmer's Market (actually much more of a health/organic food fair) then we walked around Town Lake. We have a great lunch and continued the afternoon in downtown Austin. In the early afternoon, M'Lynn started to feel a bit sick. You beat ya, she caught the daycare bug and spent the rest of the time in the hotel room sick. I continued the sightseeing with my sister and the baby.
Sunday: Now we both have the stomach bug. Not a good way to make the 6 hour drive home. But we do manage to drive all the way home. Kanyon behaves mostly, especially after we stop to buy a toy for his car seat (he is such a busy boy now). We stop at San Angelo again, but this time to rest. We are not eating anything and still not moving too well. We arrive to find that the bug has also infected the Grandmother in San Angelo. Upon leaving for home after a 4 hour nap, we are described as looking like "warmed over death."
Monday: A day of rest and relaxation. Nothing but sleep, and eating rice, bananas, and apple sauce. We have all since recovered and will always remember the memorable memorial day weekend of '08. We have only the memories as our camera battery was out and we didn't think to recharge it. It is probably best without pictures.
April 29, 2008
King of Western Swing
Welcome to Turkey, Texas. Home of Bob Wills, "King of Western Swing"
It was the tradition to attend the event each April while I was still living in Quitaque, and even a few times while I was at college. But it had been some time since the last time at Bob Wills' Day. This year being a very special year (my dad's 60th birthday) we decided to get the whole family together to celebrate the birthday, and go back to Bob Wills' Day.
Watching the Parade
The scene has changed over the years from partying and camping to crafts and RV-ing, but the small town atmosphere remains the same. It was great to be back at the parade where anything goes. There is never a theme, just bring out anything you think others might want to see. Let's see...we had some horses, 4-wheelers, Shriner go carts, Harley Davidson's performing as go-carts, some local HS cheerleaders, JH cheerleaders, Girl Scouts, a firetruck, ambulance, RVs, lawn mowers, old timer tractors, Texas playboys (Bob Wills former band members), some miniature horses, donkeys, and one last police car. And let's not forget all the candy and the Bob Wills' Day Queen!
We didn't come home with much else then candy, but did find some grand homemade ice cream, hot dogs, and a signature Bob Wills T-shirt to show off and wear around China. Mother actually bought a cool 1927 schoolhouse window (complete with certificate of authenticity) but where it goes or what to do with it no one knows. It is pretty cool to look at.
Old Phillips 66 Gas Station
If you are ever in town, or even in the neighborhood, drive on to Turkey, Texas on the last Saturday in April and see for yourself what Bob Wills' Day is all about.
It was the tradition to attend the event each April while I was still living in Quitaque, and even a few times while I was at college. But it had been some time since the last time at Bob Wills' Day. This year being a very special year (my dad's 60th birthday) we decided to get the whole family together to celebrate the birthday, and go back to Bob Wills' Day.
Watching the Parade
The scene has changed over the years from partying and camping to crafts and RV-ing, but the small town atmosphere remains the same. It was great to be back at the parade where anything goes. There is never a theme, just bring out anything you think others might want to see. Let's see...we had some horses, 4-wheelers, Shriner go carts, Harley Davidson's performing as go-carts, some local HS cheerleaders, JH cheerleaders, Girl Scouts, a firetruck, ambulance, RVs, lawn mowers, old timer tractors, Texas playboys (Bob Wills former band members), some miniature horses, donkeys, and one last police car. And let's not forget all the candy and the Bob Wills' Day Queen!
We didn't come home with much else then candy, but did find some grand homemade ice cream, hot dogs, and a signature Bob Wills T-shirt to show off and wear around China. Mother actually bought a cool 1927 schoolhouse window (complete with certificate of authenticity) but where it goes or what to do with it no one knows. It is pretty cool to look at.
Old Phillips 66 Gas Station
If you are ever in town, or even in the neighborhood, drive on to Turkey, Texas on the last Saturday in April and see for yourself what Bob Wills' Day is all about.
April 18, 2008
Midland Rockhounds
Spring has arrived! It is nice to be in "the tropics" (aka West Texas) during the early spring because it brings much warmer temps much earlier in the year. And as much as I love to wear shorts, this weather is great.
To celebrate the spring, we went to watch some of the great American Pastime. Not that we care too much for baseball, but it is a sport and it involves being outside. It was sad to realize that Kanyon now has been to a baseball game before he has gone to a football game. (And to compound the matter, it will be some time before he ever gets to watch football since we'll be in China ever football season.) It was great to watch the game, even if the home team didn't win (what a shame). We do plan to get out and watch more baseball before the year is up. We have to take in as many "American" things as we can before we head east.
Watching the Rockhounds in action.
You know you are in West Texas when the football stadium next door is 3x as large as the professional baseball team (it is Double A nonetheless). Capacity to watch high school football, 18,000. Capacity to watch pro baseball, 6,000. I am already missing my Friday night football, but for now baseball will do.
To celebrate the spring, we went to watch some of the great American Pastime. Not that we care too much for baseball, but it is a sport and it involves being outside. It was sad to realize that Kanyon now has been to a baseball game before he has gone to a football game. (And to compound the matter, it will be some time before he ever gets to watch football since we'll be in China ever football season.) It was great to watch the game, even if the home team didn't win (what a shame). We do plan to get out and watch more baseball before the year is up. We have to take in as many "American" things as we can before we head east.
Watching the Rockhounds in action.
You know you are in West Texas when the football stadium next door is 3x as large as the professional baseball team (it is Double A nonetheless). Capacity to watch high school football, 18,000. Capacity to watch pro baseball, 6,000. I am already missing my Friday night football, but for now baseball will do.
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