Day 3 at camp Qiqihar finds us working hard and loving our time here.  All are physically fine and maintaining a balance between rest and exhaustion.  Whe we work we work hard which is from about 7 am to 8pm and when we rest we rest well.  Thankful for the accomodations HE has provided right down to the mosquito machines Jerry secured our rooms.  No more late night battles with buzzing bombers.  Teachers are working their curriculum to prepare students for the special days they have planned with HE will be honored.  This includes building relationships, vocabulary, and interest. 

Students are opening up more each day.  They are beginning to seek us out 1 by 1 for conversation.  They are eager to find out more about the US, our lives, and even the source of our JOY!  Yes they notice that we have something infectious and it is attractive.  Several of our teens continue to come to camp each evening to play and talk with the students.  This is a rich time for sharing personal stories and inviting questions.  Some of our teachers have been invited out by the Chinese Assistants and have enjoyed time of rich discussion.  Interesting how HE provides—place, time, opportunity, window, and words.  Lift us up that more of this will occur.

The students are very interested in all we ask them to do because we are willing to do it with them.  Roll on the floor, take off your shoe and smell your sock, sing head and shoulder knees and toes.  What an encouragement they are to us.  Their behavior is amazing.  Today was camp photo day—we found out very late yesterday.  When we arrived no one was in charge.  We scrambled and organized the students and staff for a whole camp picture, individual class pictures, and a teacher photo.  All in less than an hour moving over 120 people multiple times. 

this evening we have a carnival planned for the students.  It should be a great time as they will get to do things they have never done.  It looks like the weather will cooperate and we will have a cool evening.

Here are some shout outs from your loved ones:

Hey! Thank you all so much for your thoguhts; we have seen thier fruit so much already.  We have seen His hand working in small things, for which we are thankful and in big things by which we are awed.  It is only the 3rd day of camp and already I have found out eight times that I look like David Beckham and hve taken pictures with—as a conservative estimate—20 different girls.  He has opened doors and touched hearts by showing His love through us.  Please continue to think about us everday.  Love  —Jonathan Skinner

Still having an amazing time.  still feel like we are on vacation instead of here to teach and work.  We are getting fat as pigs and are being treated like Kings.  Ask Lane about his trip to the hopital.  He is fine!  We just ont’t let him weedeat the pison ivvy before his next trip to China!  Love you, miss you!  Gary, Beth (Dad and Mom)  P.S. If you ever come, don’ eat the Yak’s Mild dessert.

Dear Fam (not Sam) (this was the directors fault in last shout out  I apologize)  Today was a very special day for me.  I was able to spend time getting to know two Chinese assistants.  Need lifts for growing friendships.  All is great sonot deserving of where we are and enjoying everything.  Blue backpack is great, Clark.  Stdents love pictures of the family.  They said granny and G are very cute couple.  Keep up the god work family, firends and al at work.  We feel it in all that is happening.  These kids are great and the team is hand picked.  Love you all  —Ole man-Pops (Dave)

Der Mom aand Dad, Qiqihar is the Promised land compared to Senyang.  Don’t worry about me I am taking care of by all the adults.  It is amazin.  I miss you!  Chris, Lauren, Mari, Ctler, and Connor.  Miss your guys love you.  I’m having tons of fun.  Can’t belierve its been weeks but at the same time it does.  See you guy in August.  Carson Love you.  Nick Brian, Julia, Emma, Jake Miss you.  Have fun in Brazil Dad!  —Jessica

Oh TExas, I miss you so!  Today we strted talking about food and what came to my mind—chips and salsa of course!  Everything is still going good.  The students in my class are great! Avery ncie change from Shenyang!  I miss you guys so much and August is just around th corner.  Matthew, I miss you more than chips and sas, and I have taken a lot of pictures —Rachel

Hi everybody.  i am doing weill.  The eather is perfet here.  I made a lot of new friends.  Thank you all for mremembering me.  I have a new grandson here.  His name is Harry Tang.  Please also lift him up for me.  We are going to have a carnival tonight.  I know the students are going to have a 3onderful time.  Miss you all.  Anna

Dear Family I am loving my time in China.  It is a lot of work, but well worth it.  I am so glad I ame.  The kids are onderful—connected with 4 that I eath with all meals.  I love you all.  M0m (Karen Eakin)

Dear CCCS Family.  This is an amazing time.  The girls hve alll moved into a time of growth and grace.  We are making great friends and hope that they will become life friends.  All four girls are a great asset to the team and are a great bridge for us oldies.  Wayne and I are so glad to be here!  We know this is where we were to be.  They are so open to Wayne’s music and they laugh at my laught as you all do.  It seems to make me approachable.  Wyane and Helen and girls

Look forward to the next installment of The Qiqihar Story.

doug for the team