Titus, You're Cute

Reverse Culture Shock

I've only lived in China for a year and a half. When we moved to China, I knew that I'd likely experience culture shock, and I intentionally took on the attitude of a Chinese culture-learner. I thought that returning to my home culture, for this summer, would be natural. But in fact, I'm surprised at how difficult it was in the first weeks.

Part of the difficultly is related to my role as the home-manager mother. In Changsha we are just a little family of three -- very independent and autonomous. While our extended families are gracious, accommodating and kind for allowing us to stay with them, I miss being Mom of the House.

Another part of the difficultly is related to my role in the community. In Changsha my purpose is very defined and every day feels rich, full of relationships and seeing Abba work through me. Here in Minnesota, I want to be a servant, encourager and disciple-maker, but I feel directionless. Where to start? Who? What are the needs? Where are the opportunities? Our life is divided between Hutchinson (most of our friends) and the Twin Cities (Chinese community). Not to mention I'm having a baby right smack in the middle of the summer.

I am seeking to be thankful and content with the plans my Abba has for me. If you do think of me, this would be a fitting thing to uplift.


Rachel



p.s. today is baby Michael's due date!

p.s.s. Drew is not experiencing so much reverse culture shock -- for a number of reasons, one being than he is gifted as an adaptable, content guy.

Swimmer Babies

I feel like my life has come full-circle, taking my son to swim at the exact same community pool where I spent many summers as a kid. Nothing has changed.

Titus did awesome at the pool -- repeatedly dunking himself under the water and liking it. We always say that he likes swimming because he was born in the water (waterbirth). He must have swallowed about a gallon of water, though.

And here's the bathing beauty with bathing cutie at 39 weeks! That's right folks, Michael is expected to arrive in the next couple days. But I'm as certain as anyone can be that he's going to be born late.


I'd like to write a post about reverse culture shock. Maybe I'll get to that later this weekend. Happy 4th of July!

Rachel

.

Fun on The Farm

June 19th -- Happy 25th Birthday Drew!!!


Titus has a new best buddy named Gunnar.


Buildin' stuff with Dad and Grandpa.


Watering Grandma's flowers.


Pickin' peas.


Flying Uncle Paul's remote-control plane.


Shootin' clays.

Nick & Erica came from Birmingham!!! They went flying with Paul the pilot.


Chinese Culture Nights: Tons of food, lots of guests, a couple culture-learning games. Big hit. We'll be having at least three more this summer. Do you want to come?


The creek is flooding at my Grandmother's house.


Four generations: Jen, Ruth, Rachel (w/Michael), Titus.


Fish kiss? or...
nice kiss?


Drew and Grandpa were working hard -- trimming trees and makin' fence to extend the horse pasture. Then Grandpa won't have to bail so much hay.


Driving the skid-loader.

.