Dear family and friends,

What a beautiful day it was at Nan Dai He yesterday.  The rain has lowered the temp slightly and it was a gorgeous day for teaching and activities.  The Chinese hosts set up a wonderful barbeque last night.  It featured a special sauce on a variety of meats, chicken wings and breasts, lamb and beef and lots of veggies, even whole garlic, all covered with a honey, pepper and a Tabasco sauce that was out of this world.  We had boiled peanuts and pea pods at the table, all served with Tabasco flavored hot rolls from the grill.  We had dance lines going, soccer, basketball and small group discussions before the big feed.  After another birthday cake and celebration for one of our translators, Frank, the hosts set off a big bonfire behind the hotel on a cement slab.  It was a great night of bonding with all of our students.  The weather could not have been better and, almost miraculously, there were no mosquitoes.

Today we are going to make up a beach afternoon session.  It is our fifth straight day of teaching.  Tomorrow will be our final day at Nan Dai He since the kids depart on Friday morning.  Many are tired as they tend to stay up too late at night.  We continue to ask for your lifts in order to reach the youth.  We lifted many of the students up to our CEO today by name, and request your assistance in that effort.  Our time for impact is running short, so we need much help from above.  There are still a few minor health concerns, but rest is available as we have a great team of helpers to pitch in where needed.

With much love,

Jack and Bess

Shoutouts:

Hi Everyone, I can’t believe it is already Tuesday night and we are in our last few days of camp. Exciting things have been happening  I am loving these kids more everyday.  Classes have been so rewarding! There is a group of exceptional girls that needed differentiated instruction and they have gained by leaps and bounds.  Teaching them is truly delightful.

Yesterday I was feeling a little tired and faint, so I crashed last night for some needed rest.  Several staff here have been ill but so far I have been fine. Thank heaven the hives are OK.  Charlotte, my roommate, spoke at the University in Beijing this week about a book she wrote concerning Chinese history.  She and I are sharing great experiences and laugh ourselves silly.

Jim, I trust you had a safe trip to see Al.  Tell Rebecca and all I send my love.  If you see Leatrice and the ladies, tell them I am thinking of them.  Love and miss you, Donna

We’ll be home soon!   Missing you, Love Mom and Naomi

Hello Everyone,

Our time in China has been wonderful.  Anna Leigh and I hve been on quite an adventure!  We have managed to break our toilet about 50 times in 10 days.

The children are wonderful—their eyes, brains and hearts are so willing to learn.  It is Wednesday, we are headed off to teach and we still have so much to do.  I miss you all and can’t wait to see you next week!  Love, Elizabeth

Hello Matt and family.  Hope your trip was great to the NE!  I bet Holly did superb.  Love also to Chris and family, coming home soon and can’t wait to see your smiling faces   Call grandpa and give update, please! Wow, it is going so fast.  Hi Tracie and family, hope your trip is going off without a “hitch.” We are lifting you guys daily.  Hi Shane and family.  Can’t wait to see you and hug your necks. Only 52 days til  wedding.  Time is flying by, huh! Love, Jack (Dad)