Ni Hao from Jilin, China!

The journey began at 3:15 a.m. on June 1, when our 13 suitcases, 14 carry-ons, 3 car seats and 1 stroller  (and 7 people) were picked up to go to the airport.  Thirty-five hours, three flights, a train, a bus, and a van ride later, we arrived at Chongwen-Kalapp Training School- our new home sweet home!

We live on the far side of the first floor of the building on the far left.  There are five other apartments in the building.  Continuing across to the right, there is a garage/storage shed, another apartment building, the school, and the white house has many functions- kitchen, storage, offices, etc.  There is also a large garage for the school vehicles.  Behind the school and house are a basketball court, volleyball/badminton court, picnic area and small playground.

The area here is lovely.  We are a few kilometers outside of town, in the foothills.  Everywhere we look, there are beautiful trees and small farms.  The farms all appear to be planted and maintained completely by hand.  There are chickens, goats and cows to be seen regularly roaming the land, looking for food.  The cows come right up to our fence- much to the delight of Eleanor & Rebekah.

This picture was taken from our back door.  The next picture is from the kitchen window, and if you look closely, you will see a cow in the background.

The girls are having a great time, and seem to be adjusting very well.  Eleanor is going to morning kindergarten, and Rebekah gets to join her for recess and snacktime.  There are several other American children living here at the school, and they have lots of fun playing together.

James has a full schedule of teaching and tutoring, both here at the school, and at remote locations.  This is a picture of a weekend class he teaches at a local school library- the name of the English training class is "Jingle Bells English"