Hi Jared

And here's yet another student, all the way from California!

Jared and Drew's brother Peter were in the same fraternity as undergrads at UC Berkeley. Jared has studied Chinese well, and now he's migrated to our neighborhood to begin a MBA in the same program that Drew is currently finishing up.

by the way
ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE want to apply for this tuition-free, small-stipend, free dormitory, 3-year master's program at Central South University??? Spread the word to anyone who has a good foundation in Chinese language. It's a sweet deal and we can getcha connected.

Jared is doing awesome adjusting to his new home in Changsha. He is considerate, humble, organized... he is problem-solving, making friends, observing, exploring, and seeking to understand the culture from within.

For our family, he has come in a good season. We all appreciate his friendship and the support he's given, helping babysit the kids, washing dishes, baking muffins for National Teachers' Day, helping with Titus' birthday party. Our boys really enjoy and admire him.

Drew and I were reflecting on how in every season there has been provided Family uncle role-models for Titus, Jonathon and Michael. We appreciate all these guys. Uncle Zhang moved away for work, Uncle Li you know passed away, and there was Uncle Shi and Uncle Liu, who graduated and are now studying abroad in Germany and the US, respectively. PLUS -- the best ever -- Titus was left with a big impression from quality time with Uncle Peter, Uncle Ethan and Uncle Paul this summer in Minnesota! Looking forward to more of that next time...in 2015?

It's not like we could possibly plan or arrange something like this, a Family uncle for every season. But there has always been a solid guy in our lives, and now it's Jared. We are so happy that he's here!!! 

counting the graces

thank you Father for

visit from Qiufen

always enough time for everything that NEEDS to be accomplished

Drew's constant love, acceptance, unity and encouragement

someone had an accident in his pants on the playground but it didn't leak (moms give thanks for these things!!!) 

certainty of my hopeless depravity and certainty of Father's gracious gift of forgiveness through his Son's atonement

birthday party photos to enjoy