Well it is Thursday in Qiqihar and we are all happy and well into this day.  This is our fourth instructional day and the students are soaking up all we have to offer not only in terms of English but also in terms of relationship.  More and more questions are coming forth as they see the light shine within us. 

Last night was the carnival and what a carnival it was.  From 3 legged race with Natailie and Lizzie to water balloons with Logan and Graham to face painting with Wayne and Joy.  The enjoyed throwing  balls at Lane and shooting rubber bands at tin cans with Anna.  Laughing, sceaming and more laughing.  Just a great time to let the students enjoy us and us enjoy them.  Relationships were deepened. 

Today found three classrooms taking a look at Christmas traditions—Helen, Rachel, and Rene had there student entranced by the story of the birth.  We just await the questions which come from this content.

Weather remains awesome.  So cool and refreshing in the morning and evening and a very dry heat in the afternoon.  We want it to continue.  Woody and Chris arrived yesterday afternoon and we all felt like a piece of home had arrived.  Lots of hugs and smiles. 

Lift us up as we continue to invite questions from all we meet.  We now have the hotel staff speaking some English.  Hello, Goodbye, good morning and we are working on “toilet paper!”  We remain an a source of interest for many who see us.

Here are some Shout Outs from your friends and family:

Susan, Family ad friends.  First week going too fast.  Have made friends with security gurad.  He has leaned a few English words to greet e each morning.  I hope to be able to sit with him at some point in our stay.  Everone enjoys each other, the love is all around us.  So exciting.  Love and remembering you all.  —Dave

Mom, Dad, Meg, Hag, JJ, sam, Ella, Bridge, Tee, and Caleb, Miss you all like crazy.  I am having so much fun! I can’t wait to see you all again!  Mom, dont let Buck grow up too fast while I am gone!  I am over my jet lag, praise. And our team is amazingly awesome! Sun is up at 4 and down at 830 and the mosquitoes are crazy!  Love Yall,  —Natalie

Hi.  Everything is great.  I am enjoying meeting neew kids each day.  The students are soooo respectful and eager to learn.  It is a joy Last nite we played outdoor games mainliy throwing balls through holes, etc. Am sleeping well.  Love the food all the veggies and meat.  Love you all, Mom Karen

Hey everyone love you miss you! Chris and Woody are here today.  I am excited to see them.  Class is going great! I’ve been playing Mao!  Mary Anne I miss you hope Hawaii is good! Carsoin se you in like 2 weeks.  Love you.  Mom and Dad miss you tell the siblings that too.  Friends love ya.  Jessica

Heat has let up—nnice cool breezes—bought PC some chicken feet!  Very spacious and beautiful campus.  Aspen had to g—ok.  Miss ou more each day!  Jasper

Hello to Annelise, Eden, Cordia and John!  Enjoy your visit with the family in FL. To our family at GBC your requests of the boss are being heard and answered in ways that give me thrills beyond measure.  Please remember us to the boss each day.  Gary

All is going verty well.  The students are very easy to work with.  Gma is holding up and is really enjoying the kids.  Went to WalMaart and an open market in town laast night—interesting experience.  Love and miss all, continue to think about us your thoughts are a great covering!  Rene

Hi All.  Camp is going well.  THe students are friendly and quick tolearn.  We went to Walmart last night and it was awesome! Thank youall for your thoughts and support.  We miss and love you all!  Balmer Crew

Mollie, miss you much.  Commit my foot to some air time.  I just hurt it again this morning and am typing this with an ice pack on it.  Not sure what is going on. Thank goodness Dave was here to pick me up and he will have to get me down 5 flights of stairs some way. Tell all hello.  Hope you are having some restful time alone.  Doug

Think of us often. 

doug for the team