The Next Day

Since kids typically spend the entire Children's Holiday wrapped up in hot costumes sitting around waiting for their 5 minute performance, the government decided to give the following day off, too.  That is the day to rest and recoup from another fabulous (albeit grueling) Children's Day Celebration!

The weather forecast called for perfect weather and I was itching to complete my unfinished list from winter break (day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4).  We had such big plans, but then the snow came.  Don't get me wrong!  We had so much fun playing in the snow.  But the unfinished list was haunting me.

So, the day after Children's Day we got up bright and early and headed out for a new adventure.  On the docket today was going to the top of one of Europe's tallest buildings, then lunch out, followed by a trip to our favorite park on the other side.  Too bad Justin had to work!!

My cuties 236 meters above our city

Yeah... this city is kinda big!

It's a LONG way down!!!

Noah holding his team's stadium in his hand.

My beautiful girls

We live way out over that way.

You can hardly tell, but we were able to see the entire Strait- from sea to sea.

She is too cute for words!

After we thoroughly examined the city we headed back down to the food court.  Praise the Lord (and I mean that!) there was a Papa John's pizza!  So, of course we noshed out on that yumminess!

The owner was so happy to see some cute little American kids
that he took them in the back and gave them a tour.

He emphasized the importance of fresh ingredients.
Now every time I try to give Noah some cut carrots he asks if
I soaked them in water to keep them fresh!

The day was going great until I got a bit lost trying to get to the park.  It didn't get much better once we arrived at the park and realized that every kid from that side of the city had also come to the park!

Looks fun, no?

See, I wasn't exaggerating!

Despite the park disappointment, it was a great day.  Really, Papa John's pizza covers a multitude of disappointments!  And the Sky Terrace was super cool!  Another fun adventure goes down in family history!

After Party

After a grueling day of folk dancing and beautiful costumes we went home to rest.  But, since it was the Children's Holiday, and although the big performance has its merits, it's not the funnest thing for kids, we decided to take the kids out to one of our favorite places.  It is a lovely government park/ nature preserve on top of one of the highest hills on this side.

We walked around and explored a bit.

Then we tried to find our building amongst the masses.

We watched the sun set as we waited for a table at the restaurant.

I still cannot believe that I live in this big city!!

After dinner we walked around one more time.

It really is a beautiful city!

Especially at night!

Our Cup Runneth Over

Yall, our pastors got here safe and sound!!  It was a very long journey for them but they made it!  We are so happy and blessed to have them here!  It is such an encouragement to have people from home see our lives, hear our stories, and share our world for a bit.  Not to mention the blessing of having them here to speak into our lives, remind us of the truth, and laugh with us.  Their visit has just started and I can already feel my spirits lifting!

Their presence was absolutely enough, but they also showered us with presents!!  They brought 2 huge bags full of the good 'ole American junk food that we LOVE!  HA!  They brought us cake mixes, brownie mixes, reese's peanut butter cups, Starburst Jellybeans, M & Ms, instant pudding, Reese's pieces, cookies, and peanut butter!!

Can you say YUM?!

They also brought things that are hard for us to get here like deodorant and good sunscreen.

As if that wasn't enough, our sweet church went over and above.  They gave us an iPad!!!  Can you believe their generosity?  I was in tears at their kindness.

We are so incredibly blessed to be part of such an incredible body of Christ.  They just give and give and give so generously to us.  Our cup truly runneth over!

23 Nisan

April 23rd is the big Children's Holiday.  School hardly gets started in September before classes start preparing for their Children's Day performance.

Noah participated in first and second grade, but he's pretty much over it now.  The girls, however, are a totally different story!  They LOVE the opportunity to wear the beautiful costumes and do the traditional dances.

Justin and I agreed that this was our best 23 Nisan yet.  We found out ahead of time when the girls would perform.  So instead of enduring the way too close, standing forever, push fest, we just hung back until Lucy performed.  Her class was about mid-way through, so the crowd had already begun to dwindle a bit.  Callie's class was dead last, so we could stand where ever we wanted to watch her perform.  Otherwise, we just sat on the side in the shade.  It was great!

Here are some pictures from the day.  Get ready, there are a lot!!

My little village girl.

Lucy says she is going to marry this little guy.

Sisters from a village out east.

Callie getting lined up with her friends from class.

Audience shot

Lucy's class getting lined up and ready to perform.

The boys getting things started.

Lucy in action.

Now it's Callie's class's turn.
The boys strut their stuff first.

Callie and her friends lined up waiting for their turn.

Here comes Callie!

Fast Feet

A traditional local instrument.

Callie and her friend after their dance.

At the very end of the day, the folk dance teacher joined the kids on stage.
Then everyone started to join in.  It was such a fun end to a lot of hard work.

I know he was thinking "when on earth are all these people going to quit dancing.
My hands are tired!"

Callie and her teacher.