Tuesday, January 26

Greetings!
Scott left with Roger and all the interns to travel four hours away to the beach for this year's retreat. (I know...suffering for Jesus). Roger had this all planned, down to the last detail. They even left on time. Unfortunately, they were soon back because the trailer was so heavy, it was rubbing against the tire and all attempts to fix it didn't work. So they loaded all their supplies in one of the vans, and all the people piled into the other. I think I heard them say that 19 were in the van! Off they went again! We heard later that they got there all ok and everything else went as planned.

Later in the day, Lynn and I went into the city to pick her son Steven up from his school. Lynn and Roger live in an industrial area, very crowded and very busy. Steven's school is in town not far from the row of embassy housing. Here the houses are very large, in fact I thought they were apartment complexes. Most had armed guards out front (big huge rifles....etc.) The Chinese embassy overlooks the bay - what a view! We had a little time, so we stopped and had a drink and guess what - a full glass of ICE! After Lynne assured me that they bought the ice I enjoyed a very cold drink and in this hot weather - really appreciated.

We picked Steven and his teacher, Honey up from the school. Honey stayed for dinner and we were able to have a "teacher talk". We often complain about our educational system and I am coming to learn that we have nothing to complain about. Here there are little supplies and teachers do not have to have a credential (although Honey is a fully credentialed teacher). Kids here pay a yearly tuition to go to public school. I brought some work with me (surprise, surprise) and was able to share parts of my next presentation with Honey.

Hope all is well with our family and friends so far away.