tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76501840487445601122024-03-14T02:25:38.969+08:00Eastons in the EastEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-39633389714731210802011-09-23T10:46:00.008+08:002011-09-23T11:44:34.741+08:00August?Ummm... So we don't live in China any more... I'll fill you in a little more on what life is like for us these days, but before we came home we did a little bit of traveling. First to Turkey to visit my cousin and her family as well as connect with some of the ISU students who volunteered there this summer. Here's a few highlights. It's old news, so I'll keep it short.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting cousin Owen<br />and his mom and dad of course<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szJqVtPMkic/Tnv6S_3iZmI/AAAAAAAAAkE/LctL3PN5RtI/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szJqVtPMkic/Tnv6S_3iZmI/AAAAAAAAAkE/LctL3PN5RtI/s400/IMG_5474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655388961382753890" border="0" /></a>Making friends<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AlFdHxrryY/Tnv05oHgpFI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Gd0qc5VFiEE/s1600/IMG_5845.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AlFdHxrryY/Tnv05oHgpFI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Gd0qc5VFiEE/s400/IMG_5845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655383027952428114" border="0" /></a>Checking out the rugs at the Grand Bazaar<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_OTQ5vixOc/Tnv041CMo0I/AAAAAAAAAjc/alancIDZq3Y/s1600/IMG_5731.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_OTQ5vixOc/Tnv041CMo0I/AAAAAAAAAjc/alancIDZq3Y/s400/IMG_5731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655383014239937346" border="0" /></a>Hajia Sophia<br />(if you don't know about this place check it out - the history is amazing)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryLuMAfUO4w/Tnv0MunOHLI/AAAAAAAAAjU/DoRzi8QE8iw/s1600/IMG_5657.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryLuMAfUO4w/Tnv0MunOHLI/AAAAAAAAAjU/DoRzi8QE8iw/s400/IMG_5657.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655382256601930930" border="0" /></a>Nora found it to be a very educational experience that she will remember forever<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkziIg6D3L0/Tnv4FEPBAII/AAAAAAAAAj0/sDoA9aDiX8o/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkziIg6D3L0/Tnv4FEPBAII/AAAAAAAAAj0/sDoA9aDiX8o/s400/IMG_5629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655386523013546114" border="0" /></a>Mike and I got a day away to tour the ruins of Ephesus. So sweet to walk the same streets as apostle Paul and the gang. The other thing I like about overseas travel is that everything is so open. In America they'd have everything all blocked off but overseas - if you wanna climb on the oldest stuff ever - not a problem. Heck you could probably take a pillar home with you if you want.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZP_WVnqmxQ/Tnv0MLgzpUI/AAAAAAAAAjM/51drZi88yhQ/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZP_WVnqmxQ/Tnv0MLgzpUI/AAAAAAAAAjM/51drZi88yhQ/s400/IMG_5538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655382247179789634" border="0" /></a>Then we were off to Kiev, Ukraine to see my friend Lindsay and her family<br />Lindsay and Andre are committed to sports ministry in Ukraine with FCA.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwHQO7n5qDY/Tnv4FquzWoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/4Fh1SbEpykY/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwHQO7n5qDY/Tnv4FquzWoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/4Fh1SbEpykY/s400/IMG_5866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655386533347416706" border="0" /></a>That's right - puttin' out the vibe in the capitol city<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPr7RHOZOWw/Tnv1QledvLI/AAAAAAAAAjs/kGNDdguIPcg/s1600/IMG_5870.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPr7RHOZOWw/Tnv1QledvLI/AAAAAAAAAjs/kGNDdguIPcg/s400/IMG_5870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655383422380391602" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-36936757164988184462011-07-23T22:27:00.005+08:002011-07-23T23:36:47.586+08:00Foreigner No More<div style="text-align: center;">Everyday for two years we walked down the street where children and adults point and call us "foreigner." In just a few days we will be leaving the city that we have called home for the last two years and head back to Ames, where people still might laugh and point, but probably not because we are white. Our last few days have been filled with good-byes, packing, debriefing and rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eating at one of our fav. restaurants</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nora takes a spin on the turn-table.</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R2hxnqK0eQ/TirassBmKpI/AAAAAAAAALI/tgwPpi7_P_w/s400/IMG_0601.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632554745247181458" /></div><div>As we wrap up our time here we are feeling thankful and excited. Thankful for the things we have been able to see and the ways we have been used here. Excited as we look toward the next season of life that the Father has in store for us. Mike has accepted a job working with international students at our home church. I am going to be Nora's mom and hopefully a little part time social services work mixed in there somewhere. </div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> In other news we were doing a little online shopping and bought a house!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll be around after mid-August so stop on by. Jello molds, casseroles, and gifts of manual labor will be accepted throughout the month of August. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><meta charset="utf-8"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQmEMnfTjck/TirhmnwDQbI/AAAAAAAAALQ/4xh-LYJBbtw/s400/DCP_5268.JPG" /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>And Just for fun - </div><div>Things we're looking forward to in America</div><div><ul><li>Spending time with family - especially those Nora hasn't been able to meet yet</li><li>Frozen food - Seriously the thought of having the option of cooking dinner in 30 minutes makes me a little giddy.</li><li>Eating steak</li><li>Mt. Dew</li><li>Fixing up our house - oh, yeah and seeing it for the first time</li><li>DRIVING</li><li>Seeing the stars</li><li>Cornerstone</li></ul><div>Things we'll miss about China</div></div><div><ul><li>Cheap fruit and veggies</li><li>Riding our bikes</li><li>Talking to people who have never heard the name Jesus</li><li>FOOD</li><li>Our awesome friends who are so hospitable, loving, genuine and a little goofy.</li><li>Every day being an unpredictable adventure</li></ul><div>Things we won't miss about China</div></div><div><ul><li>Every day being an unpredictable adventure</li><li>Living on the 5th floor</li><li>Advice about how our baby is too cold</li><li>Pollution and traffic</li><li>Getting my feet moped with toilet water at the super market</li><li>squatty potties </li></ul></div><div>
<br />If you didn't receive our final update summarizing our term overseas, send us an email and we can certainly get it to you.</div>Mike Eastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484733513311081929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-11652309943481871752011-06-04T21:43:00.008+08:002011-06-06T15:45:01.129+08:00Italy Noodle and Manliness<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUhuKVcieDE/Teo9Cx16vaI/AAAAAAAAAjE/0zyNe3GSASE/s1600/IMG_4907.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUhuKVcieDE/Teo9Cx16vaI/AAAAAAAAAjE/0zyNe3GSASE/s400/IMG_4907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614367003419262370" border="0" /></a>I wish that you all could meet this group of friends. Some have been brothers and sisters for a long time, some are still young, some are still making up their minds, but they all have amazing stories. And they are hilarious. They started the semester as strangers, but now they are starting to study together and laugh together like a family, and we're so glad to be a part of it. Here we are in one of the study rooms in the dormitory. Check out the decor in this room, it's especially special. Winnie the Pooh stickers, soccer posters, Christmas tinsel, and a still life portrait of fruit.<br /><br /></div>I don't think Nora learned much at this particular study<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaVuY1Nyrs8/Teo8jv6L1vI/AAAAAAAAAi8/-_tLwPSOBk8/s1600/IMG_4912.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaVuY1Nyrs8/Teo8jv6L1vI/AAAAAAAAAi8/-_tLwPSOBk8/s400/IMG_4912.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614366470324344562" border="0" /></a>Last weekend we had them over for Italy Noodle aka spaghetti.<br />Everyone was very impressed with my cooking skills , even though they watched me dump the pre-made sauce into the pot. The garlic bread was especially interesting to them since they don't use butter. I explained that butter is like oil. They wanted to dip into the tub with a spoon to have a taste, but I convinced them to wait till it was on the bread.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CISkYLuDck/Teo8EXhOioI/AAAAAAAAAi0/EsGrN-t_KiI/s1600/IMG_5000.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CISkYLuDck/Teo8EXhOioI/AAAAAAAAAi0/EsGrN-t_KiI/s400/IMG_5000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614365931201268354" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N9m6SuD99Y/Teo7lBzADaI/AAAAAAAAAis/v2iUMG845xw/s1600/IMG_5008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N9m6SuD99Y/Teo7lBzADaI/AAAAAAAAAis/v2iUMG845xw/s400/IMG_5008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614365392794291618" border="0" /></a>Man picture<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BiffcjrEC7w/Teo7DZJgHlI/AAAAAAAAAik/vX6FEdmEXlY/s1600/IMG_5030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BiffcjrEC7w/Teo7DZJgHlI/AAAAAAAAAik/vX6FEdmEXlY/s400/IMG_5030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614364814947130962" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-44558068862027592152011-06-04T21:11:00.001+08:002011-06-29T19:24:01.014+08:00Belated Father's Day<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width: 425px; height: 494px;">A little bit late, but still fun. A big fat THANK YOU to Jeff Ritzman and Doug Easton for being awesome dads and awesome grandpas. We'll see you soon!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height: 6px; background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif");"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height: 482px; padding: 0pt 6px; background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif"); background-repeat: repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0pt 0pt 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" /></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; text-align: center; padding: 0pt;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1Act2jRi4bs3KQ&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/1Act2jRi4bs8/1Act2jRi4bs8cW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1307191877000/0/" /></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height: 55px; background-color: rgb(244, 244, 233); text-align: center; padding: 15px 0pt; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial,sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span>5x7 Folded Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial,sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height: 6px; background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif");"></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-80527015041896738532011-06-03T17:26:00.003+08:002011-06-04T21:31:10.503+08:00Summer teams<div style="text-align: center;">We need a bigger place!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa2v7_KQhnY/TeipG3uMPKI/AAAAAAAAAiM/HKGBTg27yf0/s1600/summer%2Bteams"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa2v7_KQhnY/TeipG3uMPKI/AAAAAAAAAiM/HKGBTg27yf0/s400/summer%2Bteams" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613922871019322530" border="0" /></a>One of my favorite sights is a gigantic pile of shoes at the front door. This week we had ALL the summer volunteers come to our house and it was awesome! Look how much fun we're having... Makes you want to come to China doesn't it?<br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-70716182658179087282011-05-30T11:42:00.005+08:002011-06-03T17:03:43.447+08:00Wedded BlissThis weekend our friends Pei Pei and Kiki got married! They are some of the first people that we met and we were so excited that they invited us to share this special day with them. They have been so faithful to the Father with their time and resources and I can't wait to see how the father will use their marriage.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dQAxfaksxM/TeMTgSzbsqI/AAAAAAAAAhU/J7uXyzkmKog/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dQAxfaksxM/TeMTgSzbsqI/AAAAAAAAAhU/J7uXyzkmKog/s400/IMG_4946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612351006158074530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YfNZcePod5M/TeMTg2zbhXI/AAAAAAAAAhc/vxwszZCZmJ8/s1600/IMG_4950.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YfNZcePod5M/TeMTg2zbhXI/AAAAAAAAAhc/vxwszZCZmJ8/s400/IMG_4950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612351015821739378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec5417ofRhY/TeMThee7JHI/AAAAAAAAAhk/FwZNUzF_vNE/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec5417ofRhY/TeMThee7JHI/AAAAAAAAAhk/FwZNUzF_vNE/s400/IMG_4965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612351026473149554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN2iQCGTclc/TeMUpNMrSHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/ZA_DpH6RjOY/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN2iQCGTclc/TeMUpNMrSHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/ZA_DpH6RjOY/s400/IMG_4981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612352258783791218" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2__oGdLTG0/TeMUpgNxO1I/AAAAAAAAAh0/euZIiu3Yy74/s1600/IMG_4994.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2__oGdLTG0/TeMUpgNxO1I/AAAAAAAAAh0/euZIiu3Yy74/s400/IMG_4994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612352263888649042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec5417ofRhY/TeMThee7JHI/AAAAAAAAAhk/FwZNUzF_vNE/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec5417ofRhY/TeMThee7JHI/AAAAAAAAAhk/FwZNUzF_vNE/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG"><br /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-32035632790204442562011-05-30T10:42:00.004+08:002011-05-30T11:21:01.045+08:00Ode to Gu La Rou<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMlw9g2KVik/TeMFmTErsuI/AAAAAAAAAgs/xqLW-doy4m8/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgOvwZHR8-o/TeMFmO4G1PI/AAAAAAAAAgk/DazsaNarzCc/s1600/IMG_4476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgOvwZHR8-o/TeMFmO4G1PI/AAAAAAAAAgk/DazsaNarzCc/s400/IMG_4476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612335715020362994" border="0" /></a>As our time in China gets closer to an end, I'm realizing that there are still so many awesome things about this place that I still want to tell you! Mostly food. So this is my ode to gu la rou aka sweet and sour pork. I don't know what it is about this dish, but for whatever reason we just can't get enough of it. Chinese people don't eat it very often, but that's probably because it's mostly made of ketsup and sugar. I can't begin to tell you how many conversations we've had over a plate of gu la rou. Here are few more of the "the usual" dishes that we often eat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">cabbage<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CB9ED0t4Qg0/TeMFmvbXXtI/AAAAAAAAAg0/LPt2mjpWKZ4/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CB9ED0t4Qg0/TeMFmvbXXtI/AAAAAAAAAg0/LPt2mjpWKZ4/s400/IMG_4514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612335723758182098" border="0" /></a><br />Green Leafy Vegetable<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82xnc9pjDlE/TeMKz0G79NI/AAAAAAAAAhM/3EnSnrGonpA/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82xnc9pjDlE/TeMKz0G79NI/AAAAAAAAAhM/3EnSnrGonpA/s400/IMG_4475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612341445911114962" border="0" /></a><br />Sugary corn pancake with sprinkles<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNhK6WZ_MxE/TeMKzD2j8pI/AAAAAAAAAg8/EEaLtSPEF2g/s1600/IMG_4515.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNhK6WZ_MxE/TeMKzD2j8pI/AAAAAAAAAg8/EEaLtSPEF2g/s400/IMG_4515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612341432957530770" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eggplant<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9f_pZtrJNA/TeMKzsLhC6I/AAAAAAAAAhE/1NHxNNmuKX8/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9f_pZtrJNA/TeMKzsLhC6I/AAAAAAAAAhE/1NHxNNmuKX8/s400/IMG_4519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612341443782839202" border="0" /></a>Potatoes<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMlw9g2KVik/TeMFmTErsuI/AAAAAAAAAgs/xqLW-doy4m8/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMlw9g2KVik/TeMFmTErsuI/AAAAAAAAAgs/xqLW-doy4m8/s400/IMG_4477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612335716146852578" border="0" /></a><br />And many many more<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Disclaimer: These pictures were maliciously stolen from Micheal Anderson<br /></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-67716079484538460302011-05-29T22:57:00.004+08:002011-05-30T00:41:11.273+08:00Coming soon to an America Near YouI'm not exactly sure what that title means, but if you haven't heard we will be returning to the motherland in less than two months! We initially committed to two years in China, but had the option of staying longer. This was a HARD decision. There were just so many things to consider...<br /><br />God is really blessing the things that we are doing here - does that mean we should stay? We are really passionate about some of the opportunities we'll have in America - should we go home? The work here will never be done - so maybe we should stay? We miss our community of family and friends - should we go home? In America we can have a house and a car and Hickory Park and Mt. Dew - hmm, we should definitely go home. Shoot, now I have to think about right and wrong motives too? After many conversations, some tears (which I'm blaming on pregnancy) and much deliberation (seriously, we deliberated our buts off) we decided the right thing for our family is to come home. We still have lots to do in these next months and want to finish well here, but we are also looking forward to things to come.<br /><br />Mike has accepted a job with at Cornerstone in Ames where he will be reaching out to international students at Iowa State as well as convincing American students to come overseas. We feel like our time in China has given us lots of life experiences that will help us in this new role. We know what it's like to be in a place the doesn't make any sense to you. We know what it's like to feel lost and stupid and confused and frustrated. But we also know what it's like to feel loved and thankful when someone takes the time to show you the ropes and share their life with you. We have been shown so much hospitality here and I hope that we will be able to do the same for international students at Iowa State.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To close this post, here a few pics of our lil' Cyclone.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NlU5VIKSac/TeJ1pJ9g73I/AAAAAAAAAgM/dGAj_KjKxUw/s1600/IMG_3613.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NlU5VIKSac/TeJ1pJ9g73I/AAAAAAAAAgM/dGAj_KjKxUw/s400/IMG_3613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612177435566075762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQCRoY6_azc/TeJ1puere_I/AAAAAAAAAgc/HOPslWXddlc/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQCRoY6_azc/TeJ1puere_I/AAAAAAAAAgc/HOPslWXddlc/s400/IMG_3538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612177445368855538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RdbLryZmE8/TeJ1pTiDi4I/AAAAAAAAAgU/ZBc5zyK3ZKQ/s1600/IMG_3549.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RdbLryZmE8/TeJ1pTiDi4I/AAAAAAAAAgU/ZBc5zyK3ZKQ/s400/IMG_3549.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612177438135257986" border="0" /></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-18392973250952055622011-05-04T12:33:00.004+08:002011-05-04T13:30:03.299+08:00Easton's vs. SummerSummer in China is full of 100 degree weather, "special" smells, and lots of sunbrellas, but for us summer means volunteer teams. Which means summer is coming in 5 days! Yikes! This summer 46 people are coming in six teams to our city to work with university students. We have a team of high schoolers from our home town and a mixed ages team from Virgina, and the rest are students from Ames and Iowa City. The most effective people to reach college students are college students so we are really excited to see what the Father will do through them this summer. Most of the teams will be on the ground for 1-2 months. Each team will have a campus or two to focus on. They will live near campus, eat at the cafeteria, and meet friends with the hope of sharing their lives and some Good News.<br /><br />Mike and I were both positively influenced by workers on the field in the past. We love hosting students and we consider it a big part of our decision to move overseas, but it's a lot of work. Finding hotels and rooms to meet in, making schedules, partnering with locals and casting vision to all those people on top of maintaining the groups that have already been started AND having a three month old kiddo is a recipe for one insane summer. We are up for the challenge, but we do ask that you keep us in mind as you are talking to the father.<br /><br />Oh and I forgot to mention that we are moving back to America at the end of July (more on that later). For us that means that we'll also be trying to pack and debrief ourselves from our time abroad. And for the on going work it means that there are some very new student groups that only have a few more months left to learn to function on their own.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Px5-2-RLDFQ/TcDiv3mXNxI/AAAAAAAAAgE/lIHLIkxfl64/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Px5-2-RLDFQ/TcDiv3mXNxI/AAAAAAAAAgE/lIHLIkxfl64/s400/IMG_0238.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602727248455481106" border="0" /></a> Here we are with the teams from last summer. <br />This year we'll have twice as many - I hope our couch can handle it!<br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-87513951258028610672011-04-27T20:26:00.004+08:002011-04-27T20:50:33.221+08:00Easton's in the East(er)Apparently I'm getting a little post happy, I'll keep this one short. We spent Easter with our Suzhou family, and it was awesome for two reasons. Reason one: Because He is Risen. Reason Two: Potluck. About four times a year we get together with co-workers and have a good old fashion potluck. It doesn't get much better than feasting on home made American dishes. Can I just say that I think potlucks are a lost art? Seriously, you only have to make one thing, but you get to eat like twenty things. It's brilliant. Following dinner was an all ages Easter egg hunt.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Unfortunately Team Easton only found two eggs, one of which was stolen from someone else, then re-hidden to be re-found by it's rightful owner. Leaving us with a grand total of one. Maybe next year Nora will be able to find her own eggs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_CtsOH5CR0/TbgMubZnBQI/AAAAAAAAAf8/FogewsqV4B8/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_CtsOH5CR0/TbgMubZnBQI/AAAAAAAAAf8/FogewsqV4B8/s400/IMG_3239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600240128403899650" border="0" /></a><br />This picture makes Nora looks like a puppet<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGvKNCh2p2E/TbgMt3W-xeI/AAAAAAAAAf0/oryJp1JcjaI/s1600/IMG_3231.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGvKNCh2p2E/TbgMt3W-xeI/AAAAAAAAAf0/oryJp1JcjaI/s400/IMG_3231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600240118729197026" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-3337821340505760432011-04-27T19:14:00.006+08:002011-04-27T20:15:09.909+08:00Easton's vs. SuzhouI always think it's sorta weird to live in a place that your family has never seen, so we were really excited to have Jane and Marie come stay with us. Suzhou is a bit of a tourist destination so there are lots of sights to see and things do, but mostly we were excited to show them some of our daily routine. Some of our favorite things were taking them to the supermarket, introducing them to some of the students, eating and hanging out at home playing with Nora.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Fruit at the supermarket.<br /> Don't be fooled, these particular fruits look a lot better than they taste.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMOtoYaBz-A/TbgAEdz5iJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/bj76rK6nYls/s1600/IMG_7293.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMOtoYaBz-A/TbgAEdz5iJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/bj76rK6nYls/s400/IMG_7293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600226213356996754" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Suzhou is famous for it's gardens.<br />Nora decided to stop and smell the roses at Tiger Hill, except they were tulips.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYXVTALsORo/Tbf8cR52mUI/AAAAAAAAAfE/rCLpEBFeFAM/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYXVTALsORo/Tbf8cR52mUI/AAAAAAAAAfE/rCLpEBFeFAM/s400/IMG_3094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600222224431094082" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLMVgtn-ijo/Tbf8bz5SvmI/AAAAAAAAAe8/uOLUK-n4Oow/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLMVgtn-ijo/Tbf8bz5SvmI/AAAAAAAAAe8/uOLUK-n4Oow/s400/IMG_0136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600222216375680610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Suzhou is known as "the Venice of the East"<br />These boat rides are one of my favorite things to do here.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJhtVSDNMxg/Tbf--A93cKI/AAAAAAAAAfM/Q3-bzGeKE-s/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJhtVSDNMxg/Tbf--A93cKI/AAAAAAAAAfM/Q3-bzGeKE-s/s400/IMG_3157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600225003023331490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33TiSMYg2XM/Tbf--eNUyZI/AAAAAAAAAfU/SJkxe668LV8/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33TiSMYg2XM/Tbf--eNUyZI/AAAAAAAAAfU/SJkxe668LV8/s400/IMG_3200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600225010872797586" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the silk factory we learned everything I ever wanted to know about making silk. (which isn't really that impressive because I have never pondered it.) The white silkworm cocoons are placed in water and then this machine unravels them and winds them into strands of silk which is then woven into cloth. Yep, now you know.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyto8cCdACI/Tbf--6FH4bI/AAAAAAAAAfc/vnRPJYJTPuI/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyto8cCdACI/Tbf--6FH4bI/AAAAAAAAAfc/vnRPJYJTPuI/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600225018354590130" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When in China...<br />Em and Jane going to the mall to get some Subway and Burger King.<br />This was fun, but I'll appreciate the drive through in America.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34eFQesjbw8/TbgHzZqLxUI/AAAAAAAAAfs/TTOJfumO24U/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34eFQesjbw8/TbgHzZqLxUI/AAAAAAAAAfs/TTOJfumO24U/s400/IMG_3206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600234716277753154" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-36152794140477997112011-04-27T18:29:00.006+08:002011-04-27T19:13:31.579+08:00Grandma Jane and Aunt Marie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--u2ByJYooEU/Tbf2aBnfIlI/AAAAAAAAAe0/na60gD0vNgc/s1600/IMG_7246.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma Jane and Auntie Marie came for a visit!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmLTZmk2hqo/TbfxlIc8kBI/AAAAAAAAAeU/ruG1gdaXPxo/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmLTZmk2hqo/TbfxlIc8kBI/AAAAAAAAAeU/ruG1gdaXPxo/s400/IMG_2930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600210281884848146" border="0" /></a>First Chinese food in Beijing. <br />Chopsticks - 1<br />Jetlag Jane - 0<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slXPLH-rmsc/Tbfyo-6BfyI/AAAAAAAAAes/Etqf10jHIVI/s1600/IMG_7159.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slXPLH-rmsc/Tbfyo-6BfyI/AAAAAAAAAes/Etqf10jHIVI/s400/IMG_7159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600211447553556258" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Marie at the Forbidden City<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiHNYxxvvwc/TbfxldMpP2I/AAAAAAAAAec/l1tPEQqtx6k/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiHNYxxvvwc/TbfxldMpP2I/AAAAAAAAAec/l1tPEQqtx6k/s400/IMG_2941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600210287453618018" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chillin' on the Great Wall with a Panda<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wROnP2k2kc/TbfxlllxMTI/AAAAAAAAAek/KunMrHsBXic/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wROnP2k2kc/TbfxlllxMTI/AAAAAAAAAek/KunMrHsBXic/s400/IMG_3016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600210289706479922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with Aunt Marie on a wonder of the world. No Big Deal.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--u2ByJYooEU/Tbf2aBnfIlI/AAAAAAAAAe0/na60gD0vNgc/s1600/IMG_7246.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--u2ByJYooEU/Tbf2aBnfIlI/AAAAAAAAAe0/na60gD0vNgc/s400/IMG_7246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600215588629586514" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-21283036247620374392011-04-27T17:49:00.003+08:002011-04-27T18:26:31.693+08:00Mini Van Excitement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nUB2RcmH-4/TbfnuARWLqI/AAAAAAAAAd8/R3QNZP9ZEJU/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nUB2RcmH-4/TbfnuARWLqI/AAAAAAAAAd8/R3QNZP9ZEJU/s400/IMG_2911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600199439191256738" border="0" /></a>To most of you this may look like just your average mini van, and you would be right, but to us this picture represented a day of independence and freedom! We have traveled to many a Chinese city, but a couple weeks ago we took our first road trip in a year and a half and it was awesome! The seven of us piled in a friends borrowed mini van and away we went. The drive was only about an hour and a half but in true road trip fashion we brought along plenty of snacks and music, and stopped at a rest stop along the way. Usually traveling includes lots of taxis, trains, pushing through crowds, bad smells etc. but this was amazing! I felt like a teenager riding in a car without adults for the first time. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What was our destination? Changzhou Dinosaur Park. Complete with rides, museums with mostly real dinosaur bones, and gardens. I would say this picture does it justice. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mub2iwLpPZk/TbfnutjRHNI/AAAAAAAAAeM/YsBfmzJZOGY/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mub2iwLpPZk/TbfnutjRHNI/AAAAAAAAAeM/YsBfmzJZOGY/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600199451346017490" border="0" /></a>After the park we ate some Korean BBQ with friends. Nora is only two months older than their kiddo, but I had already forgotten how little and floppy she used to be. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmcNHCvWD5o/TbfnuQbtoRI/AAAAAAAAAeE/BGs3IlcySRI/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmcNHCvWD5o/TbfnuQbtoRI/AAAAAAAAAeE/BGs3IlcySRI/s400/IMG_2925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600199443529703698" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-77141913172926931892011-04-11T20:52:00.000+08:002011-04-11T21:14:10.946+08:00Run Away! I mean retreat.This weekend groups from two campuses met together for a retreat. Not everyone could make it, but we ended up with about twenty students that made the trip across town to study the Good Book and play.<br /><br />Fun Fact: When students want to hang out the word they use translates to "play" so I often get messages asking if I want to play. Like.<br /><br />I would say that close to half of the students that came weren't believers and most that were, are less than 6 months old. When your audience knows so little about the Good Book it's difficult to decide what is the most important things to teach so we themed it around the greatest commandment. Love the Father and love people. One of our co-workers was kind enough to do the teaching in Chinese which was really great. Although we have been studying for a year and a half we still aren't proficient enough to do lead groups like this, so we are thankful when the students are able to hear the Father's word in their own language.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The retreat was a slumber party at the apartment of our volunteers.<br />Here we are doing some morning calisthenics. I don't know why we did this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ok5f_Y0Y5g/TaL1tiamaYI/AAAAAAAAAd0/rrzd9Qtm1Zg/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ok5f_Y0Y5g/TaL1tiamaYI/AAAAAAAAAd0/rrzd9Qtm1Zg/s320/IMG_2768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594303849828870530" border="0" /></a><br />Nora has been out going to groups almost every night this week plus this crazy retreat. She is a champion of babies. Here we are eating lunch on the bus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1JjBavu1tg/TaLzbEDNyfI/AAAAAAAAAdc/1bCjPUMq_D8/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1JjBavu1tg/TaLzbEDNyfI/AAAAAAAAAdc/1bCjPUMq_D8/s320/IMG_2808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594301333416823282" border="0" /></a><br />After the sessions we headed out to play at the park by the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8KcRHXK284/TaLwXuEyihI/AAAAAAAAAdU/NwA2B0fsgOA/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8KcRHXK284/TaLwXuEyihI/AAAAAAAAAdU/NwA2B0fsgOA/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594297977443355154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XL2xfjdnog/TaLwXYxwVQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_OLvZR9Fn54/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XL2xfjdnog/TaLwXYxwVQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_OLvZR9Fn54/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594297971726374146" border="0" /></a><br />It was a beautiful Saturday and there were tons of people out playing and flying kites. It's fairly common for Nora to draw crowds of strangers. Sometimes we stop and talk to someone on the street and five minutes later there are fifteen people standing around. Last week someone tried to feed her a strawberry. Seriously, people she's not a pet monkey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g85ZKxw0Un8/TaLwW4zJinI/AAAAAAAAAdE/izpEcUg_Ctw/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g85ZKxw0Un8/TaLwW4zJinI/AAAAAAAAAdE/izpEcUg_Ctw/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594297963142285938" border="0" /></a><br />Gotta watch out for pick pocketers. It's always the ones you least expect.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a66khmAmuNs/TaLuxIyl5FI/AAAAAAAAAc8/O2til6YoxBI/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a66khmAmuNs/TaLuxIyl5FI/AAAAAAAAAc8/O2til6YoxBI/s320/IMG_2843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594296215088260178" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one's just cause she's a cutie face.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pT9enCIW8tI/TaLuw1Z6CFI/AAAAAAAAAc0/CIe4VrW35zw/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pT9enCIW8tI/TaLuw1Z6CFI/AAAAAAAAAc0/CIe4VrW35zw/s320/IMG_2845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594296209884448850" border="0" /></a><br />Teaching football to a group of college students that have no basic understanding of the game. Harder than you would think.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8_43JZGdXw/TaLuwX1tmcI/AAAAAAAAAcs/g-md9o7TpJQ/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8_43JZGdXw/TaLuwX1tmcI/AAAAAAAAAcs/g-md9o7TpJQ/s320/IMG_2859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594296201948010946" border="0" /></a><br />Typical Chinese grandma. <br />China is such an interesting mix of the past and the modern. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yW16lF1nGbg/TaLtYn6U1uI/AAAAAAAAAck/hyd7umfcFCg/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yW16lF1nGbg/TaLtYn6U1uI/AAAAAAAAAck/hyd7umfcFCg/s320/IMG_2861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594294694433838818" border="0" /></a><br />Oh look, here's another cutie face.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aeXNFdzY84/TaLtYLNrljI/AAAAAAAAAcc/N2QU7jY0eXo/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aeXNFdzY84/TaLtYLNrljI/AAAAAAAAAcc/N2QU7jY0eXo/s320/IMG_2876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594294686730393138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHDkPGRYVfY/TaLtXxsrLEI/AAAAAAAAAcU/t2tEumLDjNk/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHDkPGRYVfY/TaLtXxsrLEI/AAAAAAAAAcU/t2tEumLDjNk/s320/IMG_2894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594294679881067586" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-21739873324523568742011-03-31T10:37:00.006+08:002011-03-31T11:21:04.360+08:00A week in review<div style="text-align: center;">Laundry. Lots and lots of laundry. I'll never take my dryer or my dish washer for granted<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4NamaVLht0/TZPrIC6iLvI/AAAAAAAAAb4/mn28ARti-dI/s1600/IMG_2560.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4NamaVLht0/TZPrIC6iLvI/AAAAAAAAAb4/mn28ARti-dI/s320/IMG_2560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590070085950779122" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Nora finds her thumb and some head control<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLuCWHiDlKk/TZPrHmL2ZcI/AAAAAAAAAbw/ARs2RMEWYKA/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLuCWHiDlKk/TZPrHmL2ZcI/AAAAAAAAAbw/ARs2RMEWYKA/s320/IMG_2748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590070078238778818" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">bath time<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrwW4xw7P9U/TZPpqA9RWSI/AAAAAAAAAbo/1znRatXVNI0/s1600/IMG_2554.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrwW4xw7P9U/TZPpqA9RWSI/AAAAAAAAAbo/1znRatXVNI0/s320/IMG_2554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590068470517684514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This cutie is the daughter of the waitress at our neighborhood restaurant<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt5f6l36_k4/TZPppzoRyII/AAAAAAAAAbg/Bf7_ezD35fw/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt5f6l36_k4/TZPppzoRyII/AAAAAAAAAbg/Bf7_ezD35fw/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590068466939971714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with some students at one of the many weekly group meetings<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhT0AhQlHE4/TZPppiJy5rI/AAAAAAAAAbY/IhADRbRhwhI/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhT0AhQlHE4/TZPppiJy5rI/AAAAAAAAAbY/IhADRbRhwhI/s320/IMG_0485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590068462248715954" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-21814593984978972492011-03-09T16:18:00.004+08:002011-03-09T17:43:57.362+08:00Friends of NoraRight now Nora cant give anyone eloquent words of encouragement or grand acts of service, but still she can bless others a ton which is really her main purpose right now. The trick is to keep myself from getting in her way. When the grandma selling sweet potatoes on the corner wants to put her dirty finger in my little one's mouth, or when a friend is holding her and her and little head is wobbling all over the place I just want to swoop in and rescue her. But Nora doesn't need rescuing because the Father created her to be healthy and strong and generally laid back so that he could use her for his purposes. Here are a few pics of Nora with some of our closest friends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioDxIDQAHWE/TXdBIMW6VNI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/fUVwM2HH8a0/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioDxIDQAHWE/TXdBIMW6VNI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/fUVwM2HH8a0/s320/IMG_2478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582001872161101010" /></a><br />This is Fofo, the wife of one of the group leaders, she's expecting their first baby in June and I'm so excited for them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBWk3Mb6-FM/TXdBHmiypKI/AAAAAAAAAbI/78pjSalvTAY/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBWk3Mb6-FM/TXdBHmiypKI/AAAAAAAAAbI/78pjSalvTAY/s320/IMG_2472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582001862010381474" /></a><br />I love watching these college boys as they overcome their fear of holding babies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4QUYGuyP8/TXdBHcAT3VI/AAAAAAAAAbA/w12ICGWQx0M/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4QUYGuyP8/TXdBHcAT3VI/AAAAAAAAAbA/w12ICGWQx0M/s320/IMG_2470.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582001859181403474" /></a><br />Notice Nora's awesome snowsuit inside the restaurant? That's because its 40 degrees and there's no heat and the window is open. She's a champ. Even with all that pink they still think she's a boy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCphBaJ0MGA/TXc9uWQc_tI/AAAAAAAAAa4/3czOz5jJhpM/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCphBaJ0MGA/TXc9uWQc_tI/AAAAAAAAAa4/3czOz5jJhpM/s320/IMG_2469.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581998129606885074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG7QZ3qCUFU/TXc9uBC2yII/AAAAAAAAAaw/gCRaOPnEpQ4/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG7QZ3qCUFU/TXc9uBC2yII/AAAAAAAAAaw/gCRaOPnEpQ4/s320/IMG_2468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581998123912710274" /></a><br />Nora has a special talent for dirtying her diapers very loudly at very inopportune times. I had just handed her over to Kiki and she let one go. Just so you know its funny in lots of cultures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2befKZypIA/TXc9t79SMmI/AAAAAAAAAao/E-n-Zq4S_uA/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2befKZypIA/TXc9t79SMmI/AAAAAAAAAao/E-n-Zq4S_uA/s320/IMG_2435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581998122547163746" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-80943062407664967622011-03-09T12:52:00.002+08:002011-03-09T13:23:56.586+08:00MathedSo I try give people the benefit of the doubt and not assume that stereotypes are true of people but sometimes, they are true and it makes me laugh. This picture was taken in the stairway of our apartment and it's a pretty good example that "Asian's are smart."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xFWY8I6bHA/TXcHogJ_BKI/AAAAAAAAAag/VHFHfO_AMBI/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xFWY8I6bHA/TXcHogJ_BKI/AAAAAAAAAag/VHFHfO_AMBI/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581938655556994210" /></a><br /><br />In America if a kid is going to be bad and write on the wall it's usually just scribbles, a funny picture or maybe even an F-bomb if the kid is feeling really rebellious. What does a Chinese kid choose? Math. Take that grown-ups, I just mathed on the wall.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-51168913845674029632011-03-04T00:02:00.005+08:002011-03-04T00:09:30.889+08:00For Your FYI<div>Just so you know, if you're ever buying diapers in China, the Pampers with the Asian baby on the front are more cost effective than the ones with the white kid on them.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y4fSEIQBKs/TW-8U7YgU1I/AAAAAAAAAKU/w2OM2lr-XBM/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y4fSEIQBKs/TW-8U7YgU1I/AAAAAAAAAKU/w2OM2lr-XBM/s400/IMG_0479.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579885531059213138" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I27BBulxVcI/TW-8UgK2fKI/AAAAAAAAAKM/lVgAXEb1BhU/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I27BBulxVcI/TW-8UgK2fKI/AAAAAAAAAKM/lVgAXEb1BhU/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I27BBulxVcI/TW-8UgK2fKI/AAAAAAAAAKM/lVgAXEb1BhU/s400/IMG_0478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579885523754187938" /></a><br /></div><div>Which pack does The Norster get?</div>Mike Eastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484733513311081929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-81385597819427005182011-02-23T10:35:00.006+08:002011-02-23T16:03:22.774+08:00Thailand Part 2Chillin' with a lemur at the night safari. They're so fluffy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0_Gpb9A5aA/TWS5W41v05I/AAAAAAAAAaY/fVRFq9_N4Qw/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0_Gpb9A5aA/TWS5W41v05I/AAAAAAAAAaY/fVRFq9_N4Qw/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576786041457595282" /></a><br /><br /><br />Our co-workers held a baby dedication for us during our conference<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feoY5dkBS3s/TWS3yl4xgZI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9_18C0X5ilE/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feoY5dkBS3s/TWS3yl4xgZI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9_18C0X5ilE/s320/IMG_2236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576784318383096210" /></a><br /><br />This is Fa, Wa, and Tiffany they were Nora's childcare workers during the conference. It made me so happy that their names rhymed! Just try to guess which one is Tiffany<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7iJJ9INPYV4/TWS3yeAspbI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PVLoJEIb8cQ/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7iJJ9INPYV4/TWS3yeAspbI/AAAAAAAAAaI/PVLoJEIb8cQ/s320/IMG_2221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576784316268848562" /></a><br /><br />Just because she's aNORAble. See what I did there? I am so dang clever.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdZPSYlUZJc/TWS02RgWeVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/KE1ePGJ_Iw8/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdZPSYlUZJc/TWS02RgWeVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/KE1ePGJ_Iw8/s320/IMG_2213.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576781083096545618" /></a><br /><br />Mike and a buddy at a Moi Tai boxing class.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ASKtXCvtcY/TWR1eeYC3oI/AAAAAAAAAKE/eVVzRmeLThI/s1600/IMG_2129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ASKtXCvtcY/TWR1eeYC3oI/AAAAAAAAAKE/eVVzRmeLThI/s400/IMG_2129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576711405001956994"></a><br /><br />The Eastons' woke up at 5am to go watch the superbowl. Mike dressed Nora that morning and when the Packers won he took her on a victory lap. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEZbAtuvP60/TWR1dxolV3I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/kPhJn3LS9ic/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEZbAtuvP60/TWR1dxolV3I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/kPhJn3LS9ic/s400/IMG_2078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576711392991729522"></a><br /><br />Nora loves Asian women. This woman worked at the breakfast buffet at the hotel - she offered to hold her for us while we got our food!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bTm2l678Zw/TWR1dnDf4pI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/l52oHpelI2Y/s1600/IMG_0465.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bTm2l678Zw/TWR1dnDf4pI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/l52oHpelI2Y/s400/IMG_0465.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576711390151828114"></a><br /><br />We had a great trip, but we're happy to be back in China again. Too bad we couldn't bring the nice weather with us. We all have colds, and Nora is confused cause she has to wear pants.Mike Eastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484733513311081929noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-48033182661147826132011-02-07T22:05:00.002+08:002011-02-07T22:08:56.886+08:00Scooters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xCFWwLs_KxE/TU_8w6s_lZI/AAAAAAAAAJs/nUl5yzN8cpE/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xCFWwLs_KxE/TU_8w6s_lZI/AAAAAAAAAJs/nUl5yzN8cpE/s400/IMG_2025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570949181402486162" /></a><div><br /></div>I traded it for the van...straight up. I can get 40 miles to the gallon on this hog.Mike Eastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484733513311081929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-41211867510031636442011-02-02T21:48:00.002+08:002011-02-02T22:10:04.140+08:00Shoot girl, let's groove tonight<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzWNMLsxJ93vXFVrjdm56_L0UblAnINU9nC4TCBWicOlfsplnZ534vW1W5mK0AUXNRPJXKtjbDbHCgx2IuTfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Nora loves her some daddy dance partiesEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-78903153508467360162011-02-02T18:53:00.003+08:002011-02-03T00:08:26.722+08:00Chillin in Chiang MaiA few pics from the first couple weeks of Nora's life. Chillin' in Chiang Mai with the rents and the kid.<br /><br />Meeting grandma and grandpa Ritzman for the first time at the Chiang Mai airport<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUk0amePJUI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/UM2kffE049g/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUk0amePJUI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/UM2kffE049g/s320/IMG_1691.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569040045828941122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUk0aTKYNoI/AAAAAAAAAZw/WACsOBIr6ig/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUk0aTKYNoI/AAAAAAAAAZw/WACsOBIr6ig/s320/IMG_1693.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569040040645375618" /></a><br />Hanging out at the Night Bazaar. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkzhCTShfI/AAAAAAAAAZo/hjtfm2mx8mc/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkzhCTShfI/AAAAAAAAAZo/hjtfm2mx8mc/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569039056866805234" /></a><br />A visit to the temple<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkzgwU7PVI/AAAAAAAAAZg/zrIE5o41hhU/s1600/IMG_1743.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkzgwU7PVI/AAAAAAAAAZg/zrIE5o41hhU/s320/IMG_1743.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569039052041829714" /></a><br />No big deal, just chillin' on an elephant<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkyKvcwnYI/AAAAAAAAAZY/4boMzotWJ54/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkyKvcwnYI/AAAAAAAAAZY/4boMzotWJ54/s320/IMG_1806.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569037574337502594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkxeDTiDCI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/pMgLoq1b6jg/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkxeDTiDCI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/pMgLoq1b6jg/s320/IMG_1825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569036806573394978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkr4xMPKjI/AAAAAAAAAZI/5MgA6n9CA40/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkr4xMPKjI/AAAAAAAAAZI/5MgA6n9CA40/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569030668497660466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkr4ky_IKI/AAAAAAAAAZA/0OjfFWOuLh0/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkr4ky_IKI/AAAAAAAAAZA/0OjfFWOuLh0/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569030665170526370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkr4NlhZHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/5w-Tow32YEU/s1600/IMG_1886.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUkr4NlhZHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/5w-Tow32YEU/s320/IMG_1886.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569030658940036210" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-6573365776635115542011-02-01T18:45:00.004+08:002011-02-01T19:24:46.418+08:00Birth StoryI know it's been a little while but here's how it all went down. At our 39 week prenatal appointment Nora weighed in at a whopping 4.13 kilos and was gaining steadily. Dr. SuperDuperchai said that if she got up to 4.5 they would automatically do a c-section and at that point there were still no signs of labor. It was a little discouraging because it sort of felt like a natural labor was pretty unlikely and like every 39 week preggo woman, I was pretty tired of being pregnant. After consulting some American nurses we decided that it was going to be best to go ahead and schedule a c-section and just get the whole thing over with. <br /><br />We made the decision on a Thursday night and Friday afternoon we showed up at the hospital (without an appointment) to see the Dr. We thought that since it was a weekend we'd probably have to wait till Monday. At 2pm we talked to SuperDuperchai, who was down with the plan. When he asked us when we wanted to have it done, we said as soon as possible to which he replied, "I'm free at four today." Done and done. Mike ran home to get our stuff (which we had not packed yet - even though I'm pretty sure your supposed to do that like a month in advance). By the time he got back I had signed the consent forms, got an IV and was prepped for surgery. I saw him for about 15 minutes and then I was off to have a baby. <br /><br />Everything went well. The anesthesiologist gave me an epidural during the birth. I was a little concerned that I could still move my feet, but apparently it was fine because they had already started the procedure and I didn't even know it. At one point in the surgery the anesthesiologist leaned over me and said "The baby is being boooooorn!" That was kinda awesome. I felt myself getting lighter as they lifted her out, and then I heard her cry. Which, I have to admit, made me cry a little too. I got to see her and then they took her to Mike while they knocked me out for the rest of the procedure. <br /><br />Our hospital room was awesome and recovery went really well. <br /><br />Baby Burrito!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUfsf5gmwQI/AAAAAAAAAYs/EIxfHO3Tjxk/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUfsf5gmwQI/AAAAAAAAAYs/EIxfHO3Tjxk/s320/IMG_1653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568679497024585986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUfsfhd6cUI/AAAAAAAAAYk/7ADrhWPZY9Q/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUfsfhd6cUI/AAAAAAAAAYk/7ADrhWPZY9Q/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568679490570842434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUfsfOVtOMI/AAAAAAAAAYc/EQ6m-NhjRlY/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUfsfOVtOMI/AAAAAAAAAYc/EQ6m-NhjRlY/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568679485436147906" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-3105196559125760882011-01-30T13:51:00.002+08:002011-01-30T14:05:22.243+08:00Drivin and Drinkin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUT_fHxhqXI/AAAAAAAAAYU/N0mysu9nkX8/s1600/IMG_3929.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sLTosbhj_jY/TUT_fHxhqXI/AAAAAAAAAYU/N0mysu9nkX8/s320/IMG_3929.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567855949464578418" /></a><br />A few nights ago Mike, Nora, my dad and I went to the store across town to pick up a few things. In an earlier post I talked about the song tiaws that we use to get around the city while we are visiting Chiang Mai. When we came out of the store there were a bunch of song tiaws lined up, but the drivers were no where to be found. We hung out for a while and then one guy came up to us from the restaurant across the street. He asked us where we wanted to go and then went back to a table of men drinking beer, where they discussed who would take us, and one guy came over and drove us home. We were half way home before we realized that it was possibly a bad idea to catch a ride home with a someone who had just finished drinking. Stuff like that just seems so normal these days.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04819445927914681554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7650184048744560112.post-28182841199822693882011-01-17T01:43:00.008+08:002011-01-25T14:46:51.892+08:00Nora<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xCFWwLs_KxE/TT5wfqzkrcI/AAAAAAAAAJg/8w_rLof7i8M/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xCFWwLs_KxE/TT5wfqzkrcI/AAAAAAAAAJg/8w_rLof7i8M/s400/IMG_1596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566009878845369794" /></a><div>
<br /></div>It'd be cool to say we had some God-moment for picking our daughter's name, but really it was the first name we both really liked as we looked forward to having kids. The judge is still out on the boy names for us, so we're glad Nora came out the way she did after both Thai and Chinese doctors said "maybe" a girl.<div>
<br /></div><div>As we were exploring possible boy names we came across the meaning of Nora in our handy dandy baby-names iphone app. Nora means "light." It's part of the Hebrew word Menorah, which you know to be the set of candles Jewish people light at Hanakkuh. It's been really fun in recent weeks and days to be drawn to the meaning and significance of light in the Bible and to have our prayers for our daughter be the same. As you pray for her we'd love for you to join with us in these two things:</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Matthew 5:14-15 says: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23249" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">14</sup> “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23250" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">15</sup> Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Also: Isaiah 49:6)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="woj">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><div>What a blessing it would be to have a child that's a light to her friends, teachers, c0-workers, and to the people in the ends of the earth. Also our prayer comes from the following verses:</div></span></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Also Psalm 19:8; 27:1). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><meta charset="utf-8"><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">
<br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">Light reveals what is true about our surroundings. When light isn't pure or bright it can lie to us and make it hard to see the right path. God's light reveals lies not seen in darkness and reveals clearly what is the truth path when there are so many. This is a challenge for everyone, but especially as a young woman, she needs to clearly see in all situations what is truth and what is a lie so that she will stay far away from lies about God, life, or herself that are just too easy to believe. John 8:31 says that the truth will set us free. There's so much freedom that comes with knowing that you're in the truth and on the right path. Our hope is that she will always see truth illuminated by God alone and find freedom in that.</span></div></span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div>Mike Eastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484733513311081929noreply@blogger.com0