My friend, Kate, (the one with the little girl
Thank you to everyone who could come and thank you Kate for hosting (you are an amazing host)
The adventures of a man and woman and little gift from God. We lived in China for two years... moved and now the adventure continues in America. Blog Penned by Avery
Monday, June 27, 2011
Baby Shower and GREAT friends
My friend, Kate, (the one with the little girl
Thank you to everyone who could come and thank you Kate for hosting (you are an amazing host)
Baptisms with Captial Family
We reunited with our Capital Community Family today. It was so sweet to be back in our Fellowship and see friends that have been lifting us up while we work in China. We feel so blessed to be part of such a great fellowship. Tonight, our fellowship met for Baptisms. This part of the life of faith always fills my heart with JOY and my eyes with tears. We witnessed 27 men, women and children profess their belief.
A great crowd joined by a cloud of witnesses--
A husband and wife... the husband shared his story. As he said he is a man of few words... but the words he spoke were powerful and effective. Only one thing needed as Jesus said-- Follow ME.
A great crowd joined by a cloud of witnesses--
A husband and wife... the husband shared his story. As he said he is a man of few words... but the words he spoke were powerful and effective. Only one thing needed as Jesus said-- Follow ME.
Kyle
If you are a consistent blog reader... you might remember Kyle. We met him in China (very randomly) He happened to be from Apex, NC. He was in China for about 1 month doing work at the Orphanage in our city. The name of the group he was with was World Race (I think) They went to many different countries spending about one month in each area. ANYWAYS... he also recently came back to the States. He invited us to come to a "Welcome Home Kyle" party.
We had a great time meeting his friends and family.
Picnic
Last week, Wes invited me to go on a picnic. We had a great time enjoying a packed lunch and quietness at the lake. We went to Nutbush Recreation Park in Henderson and had the place to ourselves. The whole time we were there... I was amazed at the privacy and lack of people... I guess I am still use to being in China-- where you are... there are many others.
Here are a few pictures for you.
Us
Wes skipping rocks
Here are a few pictures for you.
Us
Wes skipping rocks
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
What have we been up to?
NOT MUCH :-)
It took me about 4-5 days to get over jet lag. I kept waking up at 3:00 am and not being able to get back to sleep. I didn't nap during the day... so I was just plain exhausted all the time. BUT things have progressed- I sleep through the night and feel great during the day.
So far we have
~Satisfied all of our food cravings- Bojangles, Chick-Fil-A, Hayes Barton, Wes had a steak at Ribeyes in Henderson. I finally had my Snickers Ice-Cream bar (I even did the honorable thing and had the 90 calories mini size)
~ Had a doctors visit- everything is great with our little one. We have our first American Ultrasound at the end of June.
~ We have been to Raleigh and spent time with Wes' Dad and Karen, had lunch with Wes' Mom, saw Maw Maw, Grandmother Thomas, Robert, JoAnn and Nate.
~ We have chilled in Henderson with my parents, Ashley and Salomon. The boys went tubing behind the boat. I will get pictures of this another time.
~ We have even done some shopping in a real mall (love you Crabtree Valley Mall), gone to Babies-R-Us, Target and Wal-Mart. We hadn't bought our little boy anything until yesterday. I saw a little outfit I couldn't pass up.
Each night we are at the lake, I like to see the sunset. As my dad says "it is a different picture every night" Here is the beauty that God painted a few nights ago.
It took me about 4-5 days to get over jet lag. I kept waking up at 3:00 am and not being able to get back to sleep. I didn't nap during the day... so I was just plain exhausted all the time. BUT things have progressed- I sleep through the night and feel great during the day.
So far we have
~Satisfied all of our food cravings- Bojangles, Chick-Fil-A, Hayes Barton, Wes had a steak at Ribeyes in Henderson. I finally had my Snickers Ice-Cream bar (I even did the honorable thing and had the 90 calories mini size)
~ Had a doctors visit- everything is great with our little one. We have our first American Ultrasound at the end of June.
~ We have been to Raleigh and spent time with Wes' Dad and Karen, had lunch with Wes' Mom, saw Maw Maw, Grandmother Thomas, Robert, JoAnn and Nate.
~ We have chilled in Henderson with my parents, Ashley and Salomon. The boys went tubing behind the boat. I will get pictures of this another time.
~ We have even done some shopping in a real mall (love you Crabtree Valley Mall), gone to Babies-R-Us, Target and Wal-Mart. We hadn't bought our little boy anything until yesterday. I saw a little outfit I couldn't pass up.
Each night we are at the lake, I like to see the sunset. As my dad says "it is a different picture every night" Here is the beauty that God painted a few nights ago.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Leaving Hengyang
For about a week prior to leaving Hengyang - I cleaned and cleaned and packed and packed. I decided to bring home all of my teaching clothes since I will be taking care of our little boy full time next semester. I thought I would give you a glance of what is necessary to do (in my opinion) to prepare our Chinese home for the summer. We will be gone about 3 months.
First, like I said I cleaned- dusted, mopped, put every nick-nack in a box, cleaned out the refrigerator, put all American goodies in plastic containers and in shelves high off the ground, all clothes into vacuum pack bags... probably lots more but you might be bored with details. The morning we left- all sheets went in storage bags and the plastic came out. We put plastic over everything in hopes to limit the 'black dust of China' on furniture. Here is our bedroom.
We planned to leave our apartment at 9:00 to go to the fast train station and at 8:13 some of our close friends came to "send us off." It was so sweet to have our friends there to wish us well and tell us how much they will miss us over the summer.
And the last curiosity question you may have- what did we bring home. 4 suitcases (mostly empty) BUT we want to need the bags to bring things back for the baby.
First, like I said I cleaned- dusted, mopped, put every nick-nack in a box, cleaned out the refrigerator, put all American goodies in plastic containers and in shelves high off the ground, all clothes into vacuum pack bags... probably lots more but you might be bored with details. The morning we left- all sheets went in storage bags and the plastic came out. We put plastic over everything in hopes to limit the 'black dust of China' on furniture. Here is our bedroom.
We planned to leave our apartment at 9:00 to go to the fast train station and at 8:13 some of our close friends came to "send us off." It was so sweet to have our friends there to wish us well and tell us how much they will miss us over the summer.
And the last curiosity question you may have- what did we bring home. 4 suitcases (mostly empty) BUT we want to need the bags to bring things back for the baby.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Home
We made it home to sweet America yesterday (Sunday) MUCH thanks to John- who helped with our flight and updated my parents on our progress and my parents for remaining super flexible.
We had an amazing flight from Hong Kong to Detroit (14.5 hours) Once in Detroit- it looked like we weren't going to make it to Raleigh that day- we were standby for a flight that had many other folks hoping to get on it. Our backup plan was to stay the night in Detroit and try the next morning. While trying to get a pay phone to work and praying- the overbooked flight began to board about 1 hour after scheduled departure. Wes said, "how about you go over there and see if there is any hope." So, pregno belly me... went to put on my Southern charm. It worked - I am so thankful Wes suggest to give it a try. We got the last 2 seats on the plane!! Literally praising the Lord as we boarded. One of the flight crew members let me use his cell phone to call my dad and tell him "we were going to make it after all" - 1 hour and 6 minutes later-- we arrived at the RDU airport.
We were greeted by a GREAT Welcome Home sign, Chocolates, Daisies and the best-- LONG HUGS from my parents. It was great!! We headed down to baggage claim and had another surprise- John and Becky showed up to also welcome us home and help with bags. We felt so loved to have a welcome crew. Once all the bags were snug in the car- we headed to Bojangles for dinner. At Bojangles-- my sister and Salomon (drove from Greensboro) and Karen came to enjoy our first taste of Mr. Bo's in one year. Someone has pictures of all the action... but it my camera.
After dinner we came back to the lake house, unpacked and hit the sack. I did great until 3:30 am... then not so great. I tried really hard to sleep but it just wasn't happening. I ended up getting up at 4:30 am.
My goal was to stay awake the WHOLE day-- jet lag trick. It was SUPER hard. I mean SUPER hard. We went out to Belks, JC Penny and Wal-Mart... ate Chick-Fil-A for lunch, took a boat ride... And I am proud to say... I made it all day. No naps. I saw the beautiful sunset on the lake.
And now- I have just finished one small load of laundry and it is 9:30-- I can officially go to bed. Good night all... we are happy to be back.
We had an amazing flight from Hong Kong to Detroit (14.5 hours) Once in Detroit- it looked like we weren't going to make it to Raleigh that day- we were standby for a flight that had many other folks hoping to get on it. Our backup plan was to stay the night in Detroit and try the next morning. While trying to get a pay phone to work and praying- the overbooked flight began to board about 1 hour after scheduled departure. Wes said, "how about you go over there and see if there is any hope." So, pregno belly me... went to put on my Southern charm. It worked - I am so thankful Wes suggest to give it a try. We got the last 2 seats on the plane!! Literally praising the Lord as we boarded. One of the flight crew members let me use his cell phone to call my dad and tell him "we were going to make it after all" - 1 hour and 6 minutes later-- we arrived at the RDU airport.
We were greeted by a GREAT Welcome Home sign, Chocolates, Daisies and the best-- LONG HUGS from my parents. It was great!! We headed down to baggage claim and had another surprise- John and Becky showed up to also welcome us home and help with bags. We felt so loved to have a welcome crew. Once all the bags were snug in the car- we headed to Bojangles for dinner. At Bojangles-- my sister and Salomon (drove from Greensboro) and Karen came to enjoy our first taste of Mr. Bo's in one year. Someone has pictures of all the action... but it my camera.
After dinner we came back to the lake house, unpacked and hit the sack. I did great until 3:30 am... then not so great. I tried really hard to sleep but it just wasn't happening. I ended up getting up at 4:30 am.
My goal was to stay awake the WHOLE day-- jet lag trick. It was SUPER hard. I mean SUPER hard. We went out to Belks, JC Penny and Wal-Mart... ate Chick-Fil-A for lunch, took a boat ride... And I am proud to say... I made it all day. No naps. I saw the beautiful sunset on the lake.
And now- I have just finished one small load of laundry and it is 9:30-- I can officially go to bed. Good night all... we are happy to be back.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Last Day
Today I had my last day of school with my Sophomore class. They are so fun. I decided on the last day we would have a party :-) It was a bonus that Wes came to my party too!! I think my students thought he was the prize for getting through their Sophomore year!! They LOVE him.
We ate Chinese snacks (and I made some American cookies for each student to try), we played games and took pictures. For this class I decided to do some special "awards" The Awards included- Most Improved, Most Inquisitive, Most Helpful and Best Storyteller (one of our focuses for this semester) It was a lot of fun. Each winner got a certificate and prize. Here are the winners--
Most Inquisitive-- the whole class was able to guess that Victor won this award :-)
Most Improved- Mandy - I am so proud of this student-- she showed tremendous effort in the past year that I have taught her!!
Best Storyteller!! - Edward. It truly is a treat to listen to him tell a story
Most Helpful- CiCi. ** note- I have not gotten taller- CiCi is SUPER short. She even had on about 3.5 inch heels today :-) 
Monday, June 6, 2011
First timers
Brownie Making
This weekend is Dragon Boat Festival weekend... another China holiday :)
We just had Monday off school/work so many students who live further away did not go home. I hung out with some of my sister friends. We went to McDonalds for lunch, made brownies (thank you Becky for the mix) and watched a couple movies. We had a great day. The girls were amazed by the brownies... each step of the way "OHHH ... AWWW..." I let them lick the bowl while they were baking and my favorite question "Where can I get this in China?" Ummm... you can't-- I hate to break their hearts.
Each of them ate 2 BIG brownies with milk... that was all after eating McDonald's chicken legs (Chinese item) and McFlurry and 2 zongzis (a Chinese food special to the Dragon Boat Festival) I didn't tell them that brownies aren't exactly healthy :-)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Children's Day
I sometimes joke with students about how many "holidays" China has... but many time I think it is OH SO TRUE!! June 1 is Children's Day. A day where children get whatever they want- candy, toys, games, McDonalds etc... Whatever they want.
We were slightly unaware of the fact it was Children's Day but quickly found out when we found McDonalds like this
It was a ZOO. Let me just imput- Chinese people do not know what a line is or how to wait in line. The cheer- Be aggressive... Be Be aggressive - comes to mind.
Later that evening we went to one of my favorite restaurants in Hengyang named Ethopia Coffee. It is more than just a coffee shop. On Children's day, a visit from Mickey Mouse and Minnie. I might have been as excited as the children in the restaurant. :-)
We were slightly unaware of the fact it was Children's Day but quickly found out when we found McDonalds like this
It was a ZOO. Let me just imput- Chinese people do not know what a line is or how to wait in line. The cheer- Be aggressive... Be Be aggressive - comes to mind.
Later that evening we went to one of my favorite restaurants in Hengyang named Ethopia Coffee. It is more than just a coffee shop. On Children's day, a visit from Mickey Mouse and Minnie. I might have been as excited as the children in the restaurant. :-)
Gifts for the Baby
Our Fellowship sent the cutest gifts for the baby.
Thank you Capital Community Fellowship!!
Our son is already well loved!!
Thank you Capital Community Fellowship!!
Our son is already well loved!!
Our First American Visitors
Wes and I were so excited to welcome friends from our fellowship- John, Becky and (their daughter) Mary Katherine to China.
John and Becky volunteered through Capital Community to keep up-to-date with the work Wes and I are doing in China. AND not only do they keep up with us through e-mail... but they decided to come for a visit :-)
We had a GREAT time!! Action packed days. Each night all of us were super exhausted but we had so much fun. Here are some snap shots from their visit.
They brought a 50 pound bag full of American Goodies!! It was like Christmas!! So exciting and tasty!
John vacuumed our massive living room. (Becky also helped around the house... I just didn't get pictures of her in action)
S. Studies with Students
John got to meet one of my Sophomore boys students-Edward (Edward is studying with Wes.) Edward LOVED John. He even invited John to go to an arcade and play video games :-)
Here is one of all of us with some of my girls students. New family.
We ate LOTS of Chinese food-- just to give them a taste of the local food and a taste of real Chinese food. I didn't take any pictures of these meals-- BUT we did go to McDonalds one day-- and of course I have to get a picture of this meal. They agreed with us-- McDonalds taste AMAZING in China.
John and Becky (and Mary Katherine)-- Thank you so much for visiting us!! You are welcome any time :-)
John and Becky volunteered through Capital Community to keep up-to-date with the work Wes and I are doing in China. AND not only do they keep up with us through e-mail... but they decided to come for a visit :-)
We had a GREAT time!! Action packed days. Each night all of us were super exhausted but we had so much fun. Here are some snap shots from their visit.
They brought a 50 pound bag full of American Goodies!! It was like Christmas!! So exciting and tasty!
John vacuumed our massive living room. (Becky also helped around the house... I just didn't get pictures of her in action)
S. Studies with Students
John got to meet one of my Sophomore boys students-Edward (Edward is studying with Wes.) Edward LOVED John. He even invited John to go to an arcade and play video games :-)
Here is one of all of us with some of my girls students. New family.
We ate LOTS of Chinese food-- just to give them a taste of the local food and a taste of real Chinese food. I didn't take any pictures of these meals-- BUT we did go to McDonalds one day-- and of course I have to get a picture of this meal. They agreed with us-- McDonalds taste AMAZING in China.
John and Becky (and Mary Katherine)-- Thank you so much for visiting us!! You are welcome any time :-)
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