Life in Full Swing in Xi'an

The meat market!

Kelley and I have been hard at work since our return to Xi'an. It has been an incredibly busy two months! We've settled in to life in China again and are moving many things forward.

Kelley buying a pillow.

Our language teachers gave us a progress test that included listening, speaking, and writing in Chinese. WE had great results. Both us and our teachers were very pleased with our language progress. For those of you interested in keeping track, Doug has the slight edge having scored 1 percentage point better than Kelley (keep in mind that Doug is writing this blog entry!).

Crazy hair day during
Spirit Week

Our son Isaac is running for student body president at his international school here in Xi'an. They narrowed the field down to him and a good friend of his. Last week they campaigned at the school and speeches are today. We're so proud of him. We'll let you know how things turn out.

Happy Birthday Renee!!
(pictured at only 4 years old...She's all grown up now!)

Back in the States, it's my daughter Renee's birthday today! We had a fun time Skyping this morning and talking about her week and our upcoming plans for Christmas time with her and her siblings. I am so blessed to have wonderful children.

There was recently a funeral in our
building complex. These are traditional
wreaths for a funeral

Here in Xi'an, Kelley and I are excited about the continued connections we are making. We regularly have opportunity to speak. Kelley has been asked to lead a women's group starting this week. Next month, we have our first public opportunity to speak in Chinese. Amazing to think we haven't even been here a year yet and already we are making presentations in Chinese.

Kelley with a Little girl that she
bought a sucker for. She was
just at the doctors office.

We are beginning to translate materials for groups in the Northeast. These materials will be used by numerous fellowships and clubs that see a need for helping those trapped in life controlling addiction.

 
We are thankful for excellent health!

Bless you all,
Doug and Kelley

Back in Xi'an

It's coming up on one month since we arrived back in Xi'an. It has been a busy first month as Isaac started 10th grade two days after arriving and we began language study and other efforts the following week.

This arrival was far different than arriving last January. This time we were returning to a familiar place instead of arriving in middle of winter with the priority of finding a place to live and a headquarters for GTC - NA. We are excited to be back! The focus is clear.... more language study, continue to build relationships, and pursue opportunities for GTC.

This year will include trainings for leaders interested in the work of GTC, purposeful travel to other areas of the region, and a regional conference for Northern Asia.

We had a wonderful summer in the United States. It was a blessing to see family, friends, and have many opportunities to speak and share our experiences and accomplishments with you. We met many new friends as well. Thank you to those who came to the gatherings in Iowa and Minnesota. If we didn't see you, let's make sure to connect this next summer. We will hold regional gatherings again and also inform you of speaking engagements in hopes that you will be able to attend one of them.

Here in Northern Asia, many opportunities are quickly emerging. Please remember us as we progress through these months. We will keep you informed.

We greatly appreciate each one of you. Thank you for supporting us in the ways that you do.

So.....
We're back in China, and everyone is healthy!!!!

Gatherings Scheduled for Iowa and Minnesota

It has been a wonderful time back in the States connecting with Family and Friends and sharing news about our first 6 months in China.

Doug was able to speak to students in the leadership institute chapel at MN Teen Challenge, and also visit with Pastor Rich Scherber (pictured below) to present a gift of thanks for MN Teen Challenge's support of GTC-Northern Asia. (The inscription on the gift read "Global Teen Challenge Northern Asia Headquarters established January 2012 in Xi'an, China").

We are so blessed to have special friends who have generously provided us housing while we have been back for these 8 weeks. Thank you Carlson's, Hildebrand's, and Taylor's!

We still have a significant amount of funds to raise before we return to China (we are currently at the halfway point of raising funds to meet our budget). The great need is for monthly supporters. Please pray about your participation in this pioneering work.

We have scheduled two gatherings and hope to see all of you there!

                        Iowa Gathering                                              Minnesota Gathering
                 Thursday, July 26th, 6-9pm                                   Saturday, July 28th, 2-4pm
                         Waverly, Iowa                                                   Redeeming Love C.
        Please call 651-280-0466 for directions                          2425 White Bear Ave. N.
                                                                                              Maplewood, MN  55109

Please plan to join us and hear what is happening in China and prayerfully consider how you might particpate in this Kingdom Work.

Bless you all!