more from China

We've moved on to our final destination here in China. We are not in Tianjin, it is the 3rd largest city in China (about 11 million people). There are buildings as far as you can see in every direction and people absolutely everywhere. We have been treated well by everyone that we come in to contact with and have loved the experience of assimilated into the culture, don't get me wrong...we are stared at everywhere we go, but the Chinese need to get used to the pale faces as the Olympics draw ever closer. Tianjin is hosting soccer, handball, and ping-pong, the people in the city are very excited.

greetings from China!

This is a picture from "The Temple of Heaven" in Beijing. Google it, it's pretty interesting. We have been all over this city and have had some awesome experiences. I am here with the Chinese Bridge for American Schools run by the College Board and Hanban (Chinese Language Agency run by the Chinese government). It has been a privilege to be here and have this chance, what an opportunity! I will post another picutre tomorrow, I am off to the Great Wall today! This last pic is at one of the welcoming ceremonies...we've had camera crews and local TV station all over us since we've been here. Pretty cool.

fishing fun, and still more prayer needs...

Mommy wanted one last swimsuit to complete her shopping for Mexico so Case and I took the opportunity to run out to the river. We had a big time (as usual) caught a few fish on the fly rod, touched them all (eeeuuuh, slimy daddy!), threw some rocks, and got to drive daddy's car! Too much fun. Here's a few pics.

Thank you for the prayers for Allison's mom, she is at home for a few days but still struggling a bit, we know she will be ok. We'll keep you updated. Also pray for us as I embark on my trip to China tomorrow. Allison and Case will be making the Texas Grandparent's Tour so pray for their safety!

prayer request

please keep Case's KK (my mom) in your prayers...she is currently in the hospital....no info yet...they are running all sorts of tests...all I know is that they have ruled out a heart attack based on enzyme levels .

6/21/08 Update . . . thank you for your prayers, emails and calls. KK is still in the hospital. They are thinking that her 'episode' was a result of a blood pressure spike (high bp runs in the family and she is already on meds, the meds just weren't working like they should) they are adjusting the meds. No damage to the kidneys & liver according to the ct scan. No cardiac issues (thank God)and no sign of Stroke (very possible when blood pressure gets that high) Her Crohn's disease is flared up and causing some irritation, but they think that is more a result of what is going on currently and not the cause of Wednesday's episode. Pulmonary test results weren't very good and she will meet with a Pulmonologist today. We area also waiting on a few other results that are coming from regional labs instead of local, so since it is now the weekend it may be next week before those come back.

6/22/08 Update . . . Mom was released from the hospital, but will continue to see a Pulmonologist, meds will continue to be adjusted as needed, etc. Thank you all for your prayers. Case and I are going to see her (and Papa Doc) later this week while J is gone. She insisted that we not rush to A during all of this, that we come when she was out of the hospital and feeling a little better...so that's the plan.


love,allison

MARRIAGE

8 years today! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!! :)

Visit with KK & Papa Doc

C & I went to Abilene for a short visit while J and a few buddies were in NYC for the Yankee games...I'll leave the posting of those pics to him.