Greetings from China!

Dear Ones:

I want to write and share some thoughts and feelings because I pray that I never forget the things I see and feel while living in China!
There are so many things I see, smell, and touch that are forever ingrained in my soul about China.
It is a place I would never have imagined, I would even want to see, but I have fallen hopelessly in love with the country and her
people and customs. I truly have become a "Chinacan".

I will treasure many memories of China and the ancient classrooms at Qingdao University. One of the memories that will always bring
a smile to my face, is the lighting system in the classrooms! As I walk into the classroom every morning, all the students are sitting
in their seats, waiting for me, with smiles on their faces! What a welcoming sight for these old eyes!
I automatically turn on the light switch in the classroom, as I walk in the room because it is usually dark in the room. BUT - no lights
turn on! I try a second and third time and STILL no lights turn on! It has taken me approximately 14 1/2 months to realize that the
electricity is NOT on in the classroom...... However, as I am teaching my class, out of the clear blue sky - the lights suddenly come on!!!!!
I am sure the Chinese think they are conserving energy this way...

When we go shopping at "RT Mart", about twice a week, we really see and learn alot! This last Friday afternoon, as we boarded the number 202
bus we saw a little boy get on the bus with his "Ni Ni" (Grandmother) They sat in the seats in front of us, where I could closely observe them......
It is customary in China that whenever anyone boards the bus with a small child - they get a seat! I have seen old people stand up and
offer their seat to a young mother with a small child OR the child will get the seat and the mother stands! Also - if an older person boards the
bus - a younger person will immediately offer their seat! SUCH gracious, kind people - so thoughtful of children and the elderly. By the way,
I am one of the recipients of the offered seats!!!!! I must be in one of the mentioned categories!
Also, there are a couple of older ladies that seem to have the same shopping schedule we have and they always smile and chatter to me!
We always make sure they are allowed and helped onto the bus and assured a seat.

One of my most favorite things to do at RT Mart is to go to the meat counter!!! Roger just stands back and lets me do "my thing"....
At the meat counter, it is a "fight" to get to the front of the counter! Those seemingly kind, shy, unassuming little women can be vicious.
Shoving, pushing and bumping is allowed at the meat counter and believe me - it gets pretty nasty there... I make it a game or personal
challenge to make it to the front of the line, in as short a time as I can!
Friday, two old gals had their shopping carts wedged so no one could get near the front !

I know some of you will find it hard to imagine BUT I was at the front of the line within 2-3 minutes.!!!!!
I just started to poke at the meat in the bins and kinda nudged my way in... It helped that I caught the eye of
one of the ladies and smiled a big smile at her and said, "How are you today pengyou ( friend)"... She shoved all
the other gals back and made a place for me!!! I spotted a choice roast over on the chopping block which had
not been thrown in the meat bin AND she even told one of the butcher's to fetch it for the American!!!
And he did!!!!!!!!
I love this place..... I don't think that I have ever felt so loved and admired by anyone. They are so kind and thoughtful...

We are looking forward to coming home in January for about 7 weeks to put our house back together.
There truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME.....

We love and miss you ALL.
Dad and Mom