We are delayed.... Our visa's didn't not arrive in time to fly out this morning as we were scheduled. We are now planning to stay here at the MTC and put our energies into studying the Russian Language. We need/want and ask for your prayers to get us out of here (MTC) before we gain any more weight from the delicious and very available food.

Greetings, yes we are doing it again. When I asked my 4 year old little granddaughter "why is Grandma and Grandpa going on a mission?" her immediate reply was: "so you can teach people to pray to Jesus" Yes, we are going to Donetsk, Ukraine mission to teach people there, ourselves and even you at home how important it is to keep your hearts focused on our Savior. I have to admit I have dragged my feet, I was a little concerned there was no excitement in me. But this week, I got excited. Once everything is packed away, the house is rented, the luggage is packed. Now I am excited. I want to serve the Lord, I am excited to serve in this capacity. I selfishly want the blessings that are promised to us and our family by this service. And I want to share some blessings with you to share our prospective: Our toilet tank overflowed for about 6 hours while we were gone. How is that a blessing? We were here to do a thorough cleanup (who knows what our renteres might have done) we also found a potential lime deposit float and was able to replace it before it did it again. Our 16 year old truck passed inspection. That was a major blessing. I sold my car just before it exploded. Charlie left his truck so we had use if it as we needed. We were able to move all the furniture without back injuries. We found a temporary home for our large ornate buffet. We have the support of our children and grandchildren. These are only some of the more recent blessings the list is quite profoundly endless. WE LOVE YOU, we will miss you, thinking of you often (well constantly is more accurate) and we will love the adventure of Ukraine.

What else can I be surprised by.... Men in suits and ties, and workers in uniforms. China is big into uniforms especially at this hotel. Yes this is at our hotel in the front of the building.

view from pagoda hill of the beach, can you imagine that many bodies in May? Summer would be much more I am sure. As if it's not hard enough to manuvering to crossing the road without getting killed, the Chinese paparazzi's are eager for photos ever time you turn around. Today I got to hold my first bare bummed baby but I didn't get any photos on my camera just the parents got photos. Sweet baby nevertheless. Took a ocean tour with our friends. Students are so excited to see foreignors that they are clamour to have their photos taken of Americans. They really like the blondes and the white haired gentlemen. People out on the rocks looking for treasure shells. Lots of people lots of rocks. This picture was tak

en on the sly... these entrepreneurial street vendors were trying to pull a fast one as the police walked down the pier they throw their goods over the edge into the water. They as the police leave they bring it back up from the water and let up shop again. The goods are trinkets made from shells. This is the most delicious cheesecake, we found it by accident in a French resturant since we were tired of Chinese foods. The only problem was is there were 6 peices of cheesecake and 9 people so we all got a smaller portion. Darn, next time we eat dessert first!!!!! Let the other's eat cake. "Qingdao Branch" was in the home of one Korean family who eat week opened their home to all who wanted to attend. Sacrament was about 30 people we took up the kitchen and front room. Sunday school for the English speakers was held in the couples master bedroom. For the Korean speakers in the office/den and primary was held in the front room. Fast and testimony was so memoriable. The Brazilan woman spoke in Portugese, her husband translated her testimony to English and then the branch counselor translated it into Korean. What a miracle to hear her beautiful testimony of coming to China for her husbands employment with two children in tow. This little Korean girl 5 years old, stole my heart completely. She asked her mother if she could sit on my lap during church. I was mesmerized by my little Korean sister ROSIE!!!!!

What a classy water fountain..... gargolye looking faces spewing water for those brave enough to drink. Hard to see but all three are flowing. I am so happy to be here in China with this good man!!!! This park has so many interesting and intricate walkways... These ladies were singing and dancing in the party, so we joined in and danced to their singing.... When we don't we have grown old. This darling little one was afraid of me. Well it might be my wild outfit that day.. Gotta have good esteem to wear these colors right? Hey the Chinese man didn't even wake up and the baby didn't stir either.

Jinan is a fun place because we know how to get around and see the local sites which are fun and plentiful. We also might get free lodging from our current hotel. here are some local sights:

This is beautiful Lijang, I would love to take my visiting family here, but I am afraid it will be to expensive for such a short fast trip. But thought I would tempt you anyway.

German influence is a beautiful addition to the Chinese traditional architecture. Qingdao April 09 Three saints? I'm not sure the Buddist priest would agree but they actually have the priesthood. Some beautiful and some scary beach front views.