Attack of the killer Ladybugs!?

We moved to a new place recently and we were greeted with 100+ unwelcome roommates! Our bedroom and bathroom were infested with ladybugs! I know, they can be cute with all their bright colors and spots, but when there are swarming in your room and while you shower, its disgusting!

We read up on these ladybugs and found that they are the dreaded Asian ladybugs. They come into the house during the winter and most of the sites say once they're in your house, its too late!! If you don't believe us, check out the link: link

I know they are the good bugs and you shouldn't kill them, but J couldn't stand it. She wanted them out! And don't worry there are many more outside our window sill.

On a better note, we are really liking our new place. Its a very small, rural village of mainly farmers. Life here is very quite and peaceful. While we walk to the village, we can even see a shepherd walking his herd of sheep. We are really looking forward to this month as we work with special needs orphans and in the local medical clinic.

Wo de hanyu bu hao (My Chinese is not good)

This past month we spent time mainly learning the language and meeting up with mentors and other individuals. We gained a lot of insight on how the work is being done here and how its a process. For many of the people out here, it has been a 10 year journey of listening, growing and preparing before even coming out long term. Not that they were idle during those years but actively taking steps towards the future. It has reinforced the wisdom that before you can truly be used to change the world you need to change yourself (actually He needs to change you). There is still a lot of refining that needs to be done in our lives and we are so glad that He is not done with us yet!

On a lighter note, this past month, we are thinking J's language has improved on the street. Here's a common scenario while we bargain for our winter clothes:
-P points out something he likes(without saying anything) and walks away. Then J goes into the store and bargains with the owner in only Chinese. After a good price is agreed upon, P comes in to try it on. Then the store owner always responds to J: "What? I didn't know you were bringing an American friend?! I would have given you a higher price!"

P's language has improved as well! He has gone from understanding 2% of a conversation to 30%.

Random Pictures

Before...
And After...

Maybe we can get a job correcting spelling and grammer mistakes!

Olympic Figures

Pineapple Fried Rice...