Our Year of the Dog(s) is officially over. For nearly a full year, we had at least one dog and on several occassions there were three, but on Wednesday the last one was picked-up and we are now dogless! We did have a good time with them and even miss the noise and funny antics that happen, especially when there is more than one. The primary caregivers have already slotted the Chinese New Year onto the Calendar for their return.
Seeking Reps!: We are currently in the process of ordering a larger batch of Coffee Beans and Tea to be shipped by Sea. If all goes well, with the quality and shipment, it should arrive at Don Engstrom's place some time in late October or so. In the meantime, we are looking for folks who could be sales representatives. All the details are still under discussion but input on how others wish to work would be welcome!
Sa Wa Dee Time: Sa Wa Dee literally means, "Greet the god within you" in Thai. Of course, when it is used so often the meaning can be dulled. Much like "God be with you" and "Good bye." Anyway, we used some Air Miles and used the Train and Midnight Bus to travel to Southern Thailand for 10 days.
We had a quiet and relaxing time, especially so with all the Westerners not traveling there and the wonderful discounts that were available. There was a great clean beach and water. We ate a lot local Seafood. One evening, we had BBQ'd cow tongue and udder! Clara and Colman did some Go-Karting and they enjoyed this very much. Aside from eating as much Thai as we could, Elaine loved just walking around the wonderful Grocery Stores. One store in Bangkok was indeed incredible. It even offered Pizza by a Chef from Rome!! As for me, I bought a couple of shirts that fit!! It is interesting that China rarely has my size, in Thailand I am a XXL and in the USA I am Medium or a Large. It is all a matter of perspective.
Leprosy Village: Rounding out a rather full summer for Clara and Colman was a 2-day excursion to a couple of Leprosy Villages. They went to help clean houses, cut hair and generally anything they could do that these folks have difficulty doing themselves. Colman and Clara spent most of their time doing road repair. With all the rain, the roads in and out of the village were hazardous, so they and some others broke up used old roof tiles and laid them on the road so vehicles could have better traction. They came home with sore arms and shoulders.
When I asked Colman what the houses were like, he said, "Oh, they were the typical Chinese Countryside House made of mud, dirt floors and a lightbulb." Clara then piped in, "You should have seen the bathrooms!" Elaine and I both gave a quick reply, "Been there, done that and we do not need to hear." We all laughed.
English Fan Club: This past Saturday, we were invited to the English Fan Club by our good Chinese friend Anna. It is a time for some Chinese who want to improve their English. We met at the local Public Library and talked and discussed for over 2 hours. The Topic was the differences between Western and Chinese Interpersonal Relationships. We went through many topics such as, Marriage Cermonies, The Use of Titles and those in Authority, Sex and Young People, Responding to Compliments and Religion. One young man had many questions about God, Church, Jesus, The Cross and Faith. It was great fun to discuss and to hear what the Chinese from the ages of 17 to 35 are thinking. Elaine, Anna, myself and one Spainard who joined us half-way through were over 45!
Starting School: Clara and Colman are starting their third week of school this week. The first week was busy for me for I was downloading new software and generally upgrading the computers so they could do their school. This seems to be pretty well-ironed out, but now we need to get used to the downloading and uploading of assignments, papers and tests! We are starting early so we can end early and hopefull visit the USA during the summer.
Musings: Provision and the Future 3 R's: Since our return to China in August 2008, we have seen God's continual provision. Similar to many people around the globe, we were affected by the Economic Downturn. There were times, when our water was threatened to be shut-off and we had run into a main office to pay one day before the deadline. Another time our phone and Broadband was cut and I quickly went in to pay the bill. There were other instances, but we were always able to pay. To be honest, we have had many these instances here in China and after 10 years our belief in Provision is only all the stronger.
Having mentioned the above, we still have items of concern before us. Namely, the 3 R's of Rent, Renewal and Return.
1. Our Rent in Chinese money is the same, but 20% higher in USD, so we are now looking at $5500 for a one-time payment in January. Hopefully, all will be available at that time or I will have to negotiate with the Landlord for more time.
2. Company Renewal is not nearly as expensive as the Rent, but I will have to renew Clara and Colman's passports and this may mean a flight to the USA consulate in Chengdu. There is also an added step in the company renewal process that involves documents be sent to a Government Office in Stockholm and then to the Chinese Consulate and then mailed back to me. I just hope they do not demand me to fly to Sweden to do it!! Again, if I do have to go, I will use the recourse of negotiating with the powers to be.
3. Returning to the USA. We hope to visit the family and friends next summer. Currently, we are preparing ourselves for the possibility of only 1 or 2 of us returning or simply at different times. Colman still wants to do the Boy Scout Camping in Japan and often I am busy in late May and early June, so we will see!
Of course there is still school payments we need to contend with.
So, we hope you continue to think of us as we trust for the finances to be covered!!
Regards,
Doug, Elaine, Clara and Colman Culver
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