So, the kids have learned a lot this week about the upcoming Chinese New Year. Trey informed me that the kids are supposed to try and stay up as late as possible tonight (on the eve of the New Year) to bring good luck to their parents. The later they stay up, the more luck they bring. My response "come on, do I look that naive?" Apparently, it is a true custom so we are, of course, participating in it. However, Craig said no caffeine-induced awake time...they have to stay up as late as they can naturally. :) Way to put your foot down, dad! I hope to post a picture tomorrow of the kids with their dragon costumes on. They are very proud of them. Kyra is doing a sleepover with one of her friends tonight so we didn't get the picture taken tonight, but tomorrow!
CHURCH
It is very amusing to me that attending church here isn't much different than back home. We went to the contemporary service this morning and sang the exact songs we've been singing back home - we knew them all, closing with the sending song "Open the Eyes of My Heart"...too funny! Most people have gone away on holiday here so it was a little empty in church, but still good to start getting connected.
SECOND ATTEMPT AT THE FISH
Craig and the kids made a second visit to the underground of Billy's Bakery and picked up five new fish, as well as some additional care information in an attempt to keep this next batch alive. We also learned that this is not the right season to buy a turtle as they tend to dry up and die. Wish we would have had that information the first time around. Wish us good luck!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Mt. Dew is Found on Hong Kong Island!
I just wanted to take a moment to thank those dear friends of mine that have been praying for me and my Mt. Dew addiction. You can stop worrying about me...my loving husband was quite diligent in attempting to find some Mt. Dew on Hong Kong Island - and he succeeded!! I think he was feeling a little guilty about his long trip or he might just love me so much he'd do that for me. I have to say that I MIGHT be able to give it up. Don't get me wrong, I'll enjoy the 8 cans that he bought me...but it is tasting a bit sugary after not having it for a couple weeks. I might get past that though!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Air Shipment Arrives!
So, I am so excited! Our air shipment finally arrived with our computers. So, I got right to work at getting them set up. I plugged in my Mac...took two minutes and we are up and running. So, then I went to work on the brand new PC we purchased for the kids (the last one was on it's last leg but used it until we left). I specifically searched the pc to make sure it was compatible with the different electrical voltage and sure enough, the manual says it is. I looked all over it to make sure I was plugging everything in correctly. I plug it in and turn the electrical switch on and BOOM! I had a little blast. Oops...apparently there is a very tiny switch to slide over about 1/8 of an inch to switch the voltage. Now...the nice new computer doesn't turn on. Technical assistance suggested I send it to a friend or family member in the states to have it serviced...or not. I'm replacing the part myself...as soon as I find it in Hong Kong! Never a dull moment here.
"God Things"
I just have to laugh at some of the "back home" connections we have had. As it turns out, the son of the Edina woman that I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs that we happened to run into in the hallway the other day, is in Kyra's class! He also plays hockey. Although, Kyra has become less inclined to play hockey here as the program we have her currently in only has 3 girls in it...and none of those are her friends from Eden Prairie. We're still working on her with that as we know that she truly loves to play...so maybe in a little time.
Also, the principal of the Upper Primary (Trey's school section) is from Fargo, North Dakota.
Reality Check
Trey is enjoying the "basketball program" although I've learned how high/different sports expectations have become for us given the Eden Prairie programs that we are used to. To participate is quite expensive here and today the leader asked the kids if they wanted to play dodge ball instead of playing basketball. I quickly texted Craig (in Australia) and said "are you sure we have Trey signed up in the right program...I'm confused...what are they thinking wasting our time on DODGE BALL...isn't that for Phy Ed?" I think Trey was a little disappointed at first also as I know he really looks forward to being able to play basketball with other boys his age, but by the end I could tell he had a lot of fun and was starting to build those initial relationships with some boys. Isn't that what it should be about? For that, it is worth whatever amount of money...even for dodge ball.
Drinking the Water
So, to save money on groceries, I've been encouraging the kids to drink water from the tap. My lecture went something like "we are not so spoiled that we can't drink the water from the sink. Do you know how much the bottled water costs here?" Oops...not such a good idea...I can't remember what the parasite or whatever is, but diah..... (sorry I just can't even say it) for 10 days or more if you get it, is enough for me to pay for the bottled water!
I hope to get some pictures posted soon!
"God Things"
I just have to laugh at some of the "back home" connections we have had. As it turns out, the son of the Edina woman that I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs that we happened to run into in the hallway the other day, is in Kyra's class! He also plays hockey. Although, Kyra has become less inclined to play hockey here as the program we have her currently in only has 3 girls in it...and none of those are her friends from Eden Prairie. We're still working on her with that as we know that she truly loves to play...so maybe in a little time.
Also, the principal of the Upper Primary (Trey's school section) is from Fargo, North Dakota.
Reality Check
Trey is enjoying the "basketball program" although I've learned how high/different sports expectations have become for us given the Eden Prairie programs that we are used to. To participate is quite expensive here and today the leader asked the kids if they wanted to play dodge ball instead of playing basketball. I quickly texted Craig (in Australia) and said "are you sure we have Trey signed up in the right program...I'm confused...what are they thinking wasting our time on DODGE BALL...isn't that for Phy Ed?" I think Trey was a little disappointed at first also as I know he really looks forward to being able to play basketball with other boys his age, but by the end I could tell he had a lot of fun and was starting to build those initial relationships with some boys. Isn't that what it should be about? For that, it is worth whatever amount of money...even for dodge ball.
Drinking the Water
So, to save money on groceries, I've been encouraging the kids to drink water from the tap. My lecture went something like "we are not so spoiled that we can't drink the water from the sink. Do you know how much the bottled water costs here?" Oops...not such a good idea...I can't remember what the parasite or whatever is, but diah..... (sorry I just can't even say it) for 10 days or more if you get it, is enough for me to pay for the bottled water!
I hope to get some pictures posted soon!
Monday, January 19, 2009
First Day of School...
Our first day of school is here! The kids were great. I'm going to have to get used to making three lunches every morning. I'm already missing the hot lunch program at Eden Lake! I got to ride the bus to school with the kids and Keely got to go with too. There is a "bus mom" who shows you where to sit and to remind you to buckle up! Their school bus is more like a small chartered bus, not your usual yellow school bus. I think we fill half of our bus from the kids in our apartment building alone.
MORE MINNESOTA...
I walked Trey to his class this morning because he was the only one that didn't get to pre-meet his teacher and see where his classroom was or anything. He is actually in a combination grade class, which means there are both 3rd graders and 4th graders in his class. Anyway, the principal was asking us where we were coming from and we said Minnesota. He then informed us that Trey's class would be having a temporary student teacher in his classroom that is from Minnesota. Of course he does! It turns out she is from Bethel College. I guess I should not be surprised anymore, but it is truly amazing what small world it truly is.
Phew! First day off and started...now if we could just get our air shipment with our computers!
MORE MINNESOTA...
I walked Trey to his class this morning because he was the only one that didn't get to pre-meet his teacher and see where his classroom was or anything. He is actually in a combination grade class, which means there are both 3rd graders and 4th graders in his class. Anyway, the principal was asking us where we were coming from and we said Minnesota. He then informed us that Trey's class would be having a temporary student teacher in his classroom that is from Minnesota. Of course he does! It turns out she is from Bethel College. I guess I should not be surprised anymore, but it is truly amazing what small world it truly is.
Phew! First day off and started...now if we could just get our air shipment with our computers!
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