Through our eyes and in our footsteps

Day in and day out, this is where we are. To me, it feels so well-worn in and comfortable.  

I wish you could experience it right here with me.

You'll notice that the photos span late spring through early winter;

moments we experienced right here in our neighborhood.

Mike's classmates at the spring class rocket launch hosted by Drew.

Normal trash situation downstairs.

Community is easy to find, never will I take this for granted.

First grade classmates.

Staple shop: Eggs, rice, grains, dried beans, salt, oil, vinegars and sauces.

So filthy, but so endearing with hundreds of family memories attached to it.

Oh! I mentioned these photos were all from our neighborhood.

Well, this one is an exception. Indoor rink at the mall downtown, across the river.

Back to our apartment building, first floor. Do you know what this outward facing mirror is for?

Grandma and Grandpa, in keeping with tradition, set it here to deter ghosts from entering their home.

Any wandering ghost who catches a glimpse of his reflection will be frightened away.

Bad air quality day. Thumbs down.

Matcha cupcakes with Wang Zhao and Li Ci.

Hardware store -- it's been a fixture of our lives here. These folks all know us, and we know them.

Piano lessons with Mrs. Shi every Tuesday after school.

Michael's expression here reminds me of Drew's dad.

Something about Titus' eyes resembles Drew's brother Paul.  Do you see it?

Wang Zhao and Drew refining her resume.

Annual family celebration of our marriage anniversary, the beginning of this family.

One purpose is to listen carefully as Mike and Titus tell us how they feel things are going.

This year, the boys said Drew should play more with the kids and Mom should not get angry so much.

Leslie is one of our very best friends, since 2009.

She offered to make a pie with Titus and Mike while Drew and I got to chill on our own.

Introducing Titus and Michael's sisters: Natalie and Pearl.

They found a deadish baby bat in an interior AC unit.

And then big J.Wu and little J.Wu joined the party!

Jared is back in our neighborhood.

He is a faithful friend who brings so much value and fullness to our lives.

Mike busted open his chin on the bathroom sink resulting in stitches.

When he slipped while showering, he was standing on the trash can, which he had set atop the stool,

in order to reach the mirror so he could write his name in the condensation.

He actually broke a chunk off the sink with the impact -- like a tae kwon do master, KA CHAA!

Ethan makes an appearance! Hey Ethan!

Preschool. Such a blissful time.

 

 "The Funny Teacher" as the boys call her, at the South Church.

What would I do without this couple?

Parents of Titus' classmate, they have been my advisors and friends as I try to figure out what is expected in elementary school. Their daughter is wearing the pink jacket.

Just your typical Wednesday night in November, when I nearly died because I was cackling!

Giving thanks. Banjo debuts.

Gingkos line both sides of the entire lane below our apartment.

Where's Titus?

After reviewing these photo memories from just the past few months, I feel so rich and rooted.

We've only been in this city for seven years, and just four years in this neighborhood, but the paths already feel well-worn, like I could walk around blindfolded, making stops at all my usual places, and even know who to greet at the corners and little shops.

I want to express my gratitude to God, for a life that is inundated with meaningful friendships and little delights at every turn. It feels real, dynamic and deeply fulfilling, especially so because we were unconnected at first, and now have grown our roots bound up with these neighbors, in this little locale.

What do you find delightful, endearing, familiar or homey about your location?

Down by the riverside in July, after eating donkey at an outdoor restaurant.

Goodnight, Changsha.

counting the graces

thank you Father for

reviewing these pictures and recalling all the richness that you've poured out in our lives

I fail, you do not, I need you constantly

people are excited about Reuben's adoption and Lydia's recovery

Drew's team made their goals this quarter and resolved a big sale-shipment-fraud problem

prominent voices like Rachel Evans speaking up for justice, equality, human rights -- denouncing hatred, bigotry, racism, misogyny

cheer of vintage Christmas vinyls, lights, Chipmunks tunes has come to our home!

Mike breaking into song, "Fix my eyes, on you..." and requesting "song prayers"

a major step forward and the key office worker willing to help us out specially as we process papers for Reuben's adoption

friends laughing on the phone

Titus reading his Chinese texts very well, he is learning, wheeeeeww relief

dreams of minimalist living in the country, "delight yourself in the Lord..."