Mom and Dad in China

We love our life in Changchun, but it's even better with mom and dad here!  They have been here three days so far.  Check out what we've been up to:

Mom and dad came to church and patiently sat through an hour a half service in Chinese.  I wrote on my bulletin translating as much as I could of the sermon and taught them important characters to watch for on the screens as we sang worship songs.

Meeting church friends

Giving them a tour of the always hoppin' downtown of Changchun.

Mom and dad got to attend our program's graduation and meet all these folks with whom we have learned and studied Chinese this year.

 

Making friends on the bus--this woman spoke English and enjoyed talking to my mom.

Touring our campus

My Japanese friend performing a pretty awesome skill for my parents.  It's called 空竹, originally made from hollow bamboo, today it is a plastic cylinder on a string that is tossed in the air and caught in different positions.  Very entertaining.

Posing after the performance

Chinese barbecue on the street

An animal being cut up for meat.  "What animal?" we asked.  A dog.  Hmm. . .sorry we asked.

Rides on crowded buses.  Mom is smiling in this picture, but this really isn't her favorite thing about China.

Most Chinese people don't wear deodorant, and with the summer heat and their arms in the air like that, well, you can imagine how those crowded buses smell.

 Dad, Chip and our friend, Gabe, headed out to a national park to hike this morning.  Below are some photos of their outdoor adventures.

They climbed to the top of a tower and rang this big bell nine times for peace (平安）

Great view from the top

We are headed to a mountain for a few days.  Check back later for an update on more adventures with mom and dad in China.