September Status
It’s hard to believe September is over and October is upon us. While we weren’t nearly as busy traveling as we had been in the summer, we still were kept on our toes. We started our teaching schedule at the school. This has been a good start so far. We have reestablished relationships out there and are working on new ones. One young lady who became a believer in the Spring endured many hardships as she told her family, but is persevering and sharing with fellow classmates. One of the biggest struggles we have been having is adjusting to all the new regulations that have come about due to the restructuring. Nothing overwhelming, just having to learn, or relearn, logistical stuff. We do have an understanding of the economy, so we are lifting up all obstacles associated with that situation and want to thank all of you who continue to support the work over here. So here’s what our September has looked like.
Mike bought an electric bike, well not a bike actually as there are no pedals. He has enjoyed using it to go to school, take Chewie to the vet, and pick up groceries; but mostly to laugh at people sitting in the congestion known as Chengdu traffic. Chewie has surpassed 70 pounds, and we found out he has the same birthday as Anna. He enjoys being a puppy, a huge one compared to most dogs over here, and is trying hard to learn not to greet our guests with a holy jump. Our Sundays are still a blessing. We meet with other families and have a time of praise and worship. We recently added a kids’ Sunday school time due to our growing kid population. In addition, we are both going to group times every other week. The men meet on Mondays and the women on Wednesdays. This has been a great time of encouragement and growing. 
Earlier this month, our Indian friends, all medical students studying here, invited us over for a ‘home-cooked’ meal. They did all the cooking, but they used multiple kitchen areas in their dorm. It was great, and the food was very good as well. Anna was quite jealous, but since she was in India this summer, we weren’t too worried about it. Hopefully she has given everyone an update on her summertime, if not I’ll give her a stern talking too. She does have a job possibility this summer, so those who have been helping her as she has severed in Greece and India will get a reprieve. She will be coming over to visit us this Christmas break. Her new role as RA has been challenging, but she is doing a great job herding all her girls. Kenan has improved at school and is whining much less than before. His school recently had a service project day and he came home completely exhausted. Mike has started helping out with the chess club at Kenan’s school. This has been fun for him as it has been several years since he played. Trish was able to go out of town for a women’s retreat. There were several women there and a great time of reconnection and bonding was had by all. She then went south with some of our partners for an agricultural training. Mike had gone last year with one partner, now six of them have had the training. This will give better access to our
areas and allow them opportunities to work. Prior to this, we took some time with our friend Kirk and went bowling. While it was great fun, watching scramble to find shoes to fit three people who wear size 14 was amazing. (Mike actually ended up in a 12) As I write this, it is China’s national day, much like our July 4th. We have a few days off from school and will have a team retreat to an amusement park where we will play and make plans. Next week is busy as Trish will be leading a language training that our teammates will attend. Mike will help out with kids, homeschool and anything else that comes up. At the end of the month, some good friends from Tennessee will visit as they seek to take the truth out to our people.
We never what the future holds, but we can be at peace because of Him. We will continue to serve, teach, grow, work and walk alongside you as we glorify Him.
Mike bought an electric bike, well not a bike actually as there are no pedals. He has enjoyed using it to go to school, take Chewie to the vet, and pick up groceries; but mostly to laugh at people sitting in the congestion known as Chengdu traffic. Chewie has surpassed 70 pounds, and we found out he has the same birthday as Anna. He enjoys being a puppy, a huge one compared to most dogs over here, and is trying hard to learn not to greet our guests with a holy jump. Our Sundays are still a blessing. We meet with other families and have a time of praise and worship. We recently added a kids’ Sunday school time due to our growing kid population. In addition, we are both going to group times every other week. The men meet on Mondays and the women on Wednesdays. This has been a great time of encouragement and growing. 
Earlier this month, our Indian friends, all medical students studying here, invited us over for a ‘home-cooked’ meal. They did all the cooking, but they used multiple kitchen areas in their dorm. It was great, and the food was very good as well. Anna was quite jealous, but since she was in India this summer, we weren’t too worried about it. Hopefully she has given everyone an update on her summertime, if not I’ll give her a stern talking too. She does have a job possibility this summer, so those who have been helping her as she has severed in Greece and India will get a reprieve. She will be coming over to visit us this Christmas break. Her new role as RA has been challenging, but she is doing a great job herding all her girls. Kenan has improved at school and is whining much less than before. His school recently had a service project day and he came home completely exhausted. Mike has started helping out with the chess club at Kenan’s school. This has been fun for him as it has been several years since he played. Trish was able to go out of town for a women’s retreat. There were several women there and a great time of reconnection and bonding was had by all. She then went south with some of our partners for an agricultural training. Mike had gone last year with one partner, now six of them have had the training. This will give better access to our
areas and allow them opportunities to work. Prior to this, we took some time with our friend Kirk and went bowling. While it was great fun, watching scramble to find shoes to fit three people who wear size 14 was amazing. (Mike actually ended up in a 12) As I write this, it is China’s national day, much like our July 4th. We have a few days off from school and will have a team retreat to an amusement park where we will play and make plans. Next week is busy as Trish will be leading a language training that our teammates will attend. Mike will help out with kids, homeschool and anything else that comes up. At the end of the month, some good friends from Tennessee will visit as they seek to take the truth out to our people.We never what the future holds, but we can be at peace because of Him. We will continue to serve, teach, grow, work and walk alongside you as we glorify Him.
On a recent note, Mike's father passed away and is now home with his Father. Thanks for all who have been lifting up this situation. Mike will be in Georgia until October 22nd.
More Indian friends Some of our students The boy and his dog
Prepping for paper National Day Teaching baseball
delivery
posted by Masters Heart | 1:11 AM
|
1 comments
