Thoughts...

Dear Family:

As I sat here today I pondered on how fast the time is passing, and realized that our stay here is getting short. It makes me very emotional - I have learned to love this beautiful country and her people. I realize every day what an impact this year will have on the remainder of my life.

The people of China are so refreshing and loving and accepting. I know that I must sound like a broken record, but the things I say are so true......
Sunday when we went to our little Branch, the Korean members were so happy to see us and greeted us with such love. I have learned to love them as my family and they are so dear to us. The babies are just like our own grandchildren. I get such great "loves" from the Yoon's baby - he thinks that I am wonderful and allows me to give him kisses and hugs. And the Yoon children are treasures, just like their Mommy. And our little Relief Society is exceptional, with the Koreans sisters reading their portion of the lesson in Korean and us reading ours in English, both understanding the sacred feelings we share.

Today is February 11, 2009 and the Chinese are STILL doing their Chinese celebrating with fireworks.....
Monday night, was the celebration of the lantern festival. We went down to "May 4 Square" and there was a fireworks display like I have never seen before.
The Chinese were lighting paper lanterns and letting them drift into the atmosphere. The sky was covered with paper lanterns, of all colors. It was a beautiful sight to see. We went with the Millers and Victoria Brinton and it was one of those memorable evenings we will not forget. There were about 2,000 people there and they were all lighting lanterns and sparklers. And the sky, on all four sides of the square, was lit up with a breathtaking fireworks display. It went on for the four hours we were there and as we got on the bus it was still continuing. AND, it continued well into the night. . .
It still continues today !!!!

We have the Browns, visiting from Beijing and we took them down by the ocean today, to the Naval Museum. It was great - the men especially loved the ships, airplanes and the submarine that can submerge in 40 seconds. We spent the afternoon at the museum and met Marvin Woo and his wife Betty and little YoYo for a Cantonese dinner.
But the highlight of the day, for me, was this morning when we went to the little markets across from the University.
I have not been there for about 4 weeks and I saw all the little vendors I have grown to know. They were all so happy to see me and the little vegetable woman had a big hug and kiss for me! She always gives me the best vegetables and fruits she has and there is always a "freebee". And the little man, with the cockeye, that sells the coats and vests. I call him Charley - he is always so happy to see me and he loves to barter with me. He pulls the funniest faces I have ever seen - I love dealing with him. He makes me feel so happy, and glad I saw him. Another familiar, kind face was the woman in the bakery. How blessed I am to have such friends. We do not understand one word each other speaks, but we understand each other. People I will always treasure when I think of China and my time here in Qingdao.

We have been busy trying to organize ourselves for our classes next semester, it is nice to know and understand just what is expected of us. We are looking forward to the students returning - we miss them. They are the REAL reason we are in China and we are anxious for classes to start.

I know that our lives will seem very slow and boring when we get home. I have plans to take some classes at the University and finish projects I have started.
Please keep in touch with us - we need to hear from each of you.

Much Love, Mom