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“You’re not Steve,” was the first thing the students told me as I walked to the front of the classroom. It’s true, Steve’s their teacher, but so am I. The semester was off just like every other one in China with questions about the teaching schedule and textbooks. All the questions have been answered (btw, the textbook was correct too) and the semester has begun here at Harbin Engineering University. This year I’m tag-team teaching Senior students American Literature with Steve and Robin. We are examining famous works of American Literature through the lens of modernization with the hope of truly determining if becoming modern is all it’s cracked up to be. Please remember the students as they begin their final year of studies here; ask for open hearts and minds as we challenge old ideas and share good news.

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.

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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.

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We took one last outing before we return home for the summer to visit friends and family. Across town there's a Botanical garden filled with grass, flowers, pines, and the general smell of outside. It was great to get outside and enjoy the cool weather this time of year. We weren't the only ones outside, there were brides everywhere. Each one was dressed up posing for numerous pictures around the gardens. At one time, we could see 5 different couples taking pictures and we saw many more throughout the gardens. Please remember these young couples as they prepare for their new life together.

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During the past term, we have built relationships with these freshmen girls. It has been incredible to see the friendship progress far enough that they are comfortable going to our refrigerator to get something to drink. At one time, these girls even said that our apartment felt like home. We are thankful for these relationship and are hopeful for the future. Please remember these girls as the study for finals, travel home this summer, and return next year, remember the relationship being built and hope for the future.

Tuesday Morning Image

Before the push for the final exams, freshmen and sophomore students participated in a “sports meet.” The event is similar to an elementary field day often held in the States. Students choose different events to participate in including this 20? legged race. The sports meet serves as a welcome to spring and as a final hurrah before the students go off and hibernate studying for their finals. For most classes, the final exam counts up to 90% of the score for the term putting the students under extreme pressure to succeed. Please remember these students as they study and deal with enormous pressures.

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Students are out in full force. With the weather being great, many couples look for places to hang out together. Remember that often the students share a dorm room with 6-8 other students. So if the couple wants some time alone together, they must look for other place. Please remember these young relationships that they would be pure, respectful of each other, and healthy under the extreme cultural and societal pressures that bombard and tempt couples.

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China mourns the Sichuan earthquake that took so many live one year ago. Please remember those who lost homes, children, fathers, mothers, friends, and countrymen. Ask for continued healing physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Tuesday Morning Image

Almost anywhere you travel around Harbin we find vendors selling food to those passing by. The food could be meat, veggies, toufu, or any number of things but most likely it is sold fried and on a stick. We refer to this food as "street food" or sometimes "hepatitis on a stick." While we have never been sickened by any of these foods, safety and health should be lifted up. Please remember all those who are eating this food that they will remain healthy and nourished. Also remember those making their living by selling these foods.

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Retirees in China often move back to live with their children. They take care of the grandchildren while the parents are out working. Early each morning, many retirees come to the park to exercise. These exercises include the fan dancing pictured here or others including basketball, rollerblades, dancing (a waltz not two-step), or playing the music for those dancing. Please remember these retirees as the exercise in the parks and often care for their grandchildren during the day.

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Since spring has arrived, many people are now lining the streets selling their goods like this lady and her eggs. These vendors moved indoors during the winter. It's such a great time to walk down the market streets and see the vendors out selling again. Please remember these workers as they sell to make their living.

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These eggs were colored by our students to celebrate the holiday this weekend. The holiday celebration was the first time for most of the students to hear the story behind the celebration. Please remember these seeds that were planted that they may grow into beautiful fruit.

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While walking around out neighborhood I noticed this old house. Many people in China live in places I would never imagine were inhabitable. Please remember everyone living in these unimaginable conditions.

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Continuing our tour inside Wal-Mart, we find the laundry detergent section. While we find this normal, it is packaged in a smaller bag (not a box) and it has a handle. Remember that we don't have a car, so everything we buy we have to carry home (as is the case with almost every other Chinese.) Please remember all the shoppers as the travel to and from the stores with all their goods that each shopper will have great attitudes as they walk, or crowd onto the buses (us included).

Tuesday Morning Image

Many of you ask about the Wal-Marts in China. This is a picture of one that we often walk to for some of our shopping. Most times we don't head to Wal-Mart unless we know specifically that this is the only place to find the item. For example, we head to Wal-Mart if we need to buy baby wipes (Parent's Choice is by far the best, and cheapest) found only at Wal-Mart. Please remember all those walking to go shopping as the roads and sidewalks are covered with ice daily.

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Spring time has arrived in Harbin. The weather is warming into the 30-40s most days now. And instead of spring time rain, we get spring snow! Please remember everyone as they travel about the city. The snow melts during the day, but freezes again each night.

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An old picture from our first year in China of my freshmen students in Nanchang. This week marks the end of our vacation and the first week back in the classroom. We are reaching out specifically to the freshmen class here to build relationships that will last over the next three years. Please remember all of those on our team here as we begin the new semester.

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Every time we head outside to any event, we are the center of attention. Added to the fact that we are foreigners, we have a baby, we are extraordinarily tall, and we speak English. All these make us stick out here everywhere we go. I am reminded that I should always stand out everywhere as a follow of Him. Please remember all our brothers and sisters (ourselves included) around the globe to always stand out for Him.

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The 24th Winter Universiade Games open tomorrow in Harbin and run from Feb 18th-28th. Collegiate athletes from across the globe come to Harbin to compete in these mini-Olympic type games. The events are being held throughout the city of Harbin and at the closest two ski resorts. We are planning to attend two events, figure skating and ice hockey. Learn more about the events of the 24th Winter Universiade on The Official Website.

Please remember these athletes as they are traveling, competing, and visiting Harbin. Also remember the event organizers and the event proper that it will be successful.

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Another photo from Thailand. These are paper hot air balloons with a small flammable wax circle wired to the bottom. Once the flame is lit, the Thai will wait for a couple of minutes for hot air to filled the balloon before sending it off. Traditionally these are sent off during a festival on the full moon in the twelfth month of the lunar year (last year in November).

The unusual ritual of launching Lanna-style floating lanterns (khome loi or khome yipeng) is a unique aspect of the Chiang Mai Loi Krathong festival. Traditional belief has it that when these huge lanterns are set adrift and float away, so do the troubles of the residents in the community.

Please remember all those who are not looking to Him for fulfillment.