Greetings from Asia! We are privileged to be here because of the good news that compels us to live with, learn about, and love those on this side of the world. Also, as the holidays in our home country are now upon us, we find ourselves so thankful for the many friends and family who are lifting us up and who are a part of our team. Jadynn has some more good news to share with you from this distant land, "I am going to be a BIG sister!"Our desire for our family to grow has not always followed "our plan." This good news comes after more than a year of waiting and hoping again for a baby. However, we are excited and thankful for this gift from our Father, and His perfect timing. Robynn is now in her 2nd trimester, almost over morning (or all day) sickness, and looking forward to our newest family member joining us the first week of June, here in Asia. Thank you for your thoughts for a healthy and happy pregnancy!
Here are some more glimpses of the land that we now call home.
A Buddhist temple in our city, which we toured with our language teacher who worships there.
This is where the offerings of incense are burned.
In the south where we live, the mountains are green all the time- the views are amazing!
A small village near us with very beautiful murals and architecture.
A park in our city, Jonathan and his friends climbed the 999 steps to reach the tower in the distance.
A large meal that we were invited to in another province.Honestly, getting accustomed to the food has been a journey for us. When we first arrived, we were eager to try many new foods, and now that we have been here nearly 6 months- and after a few sicknesses (including Robynn's morning sickness which made it almost impossible for her to eat anything for a couple of months), we are not quite as adventurous as we once were, and we find ourselves often longing for familiar food.
We know that there are many seasons that people go through when leaving their home culture and becoming accustomed to a new one. It's great that there are plenty of healthy foods, fruits and vegetables that are available here. We are hopeful that we will continue to discover new foods that we like and cultivate thankfulness for the food that we are offered.
Fried wasps! These were included in a recent meal we had with some friends. The one rule that we have found to be true is, if the food looks familiar and it looks like something you want to eat, most of the time it's not what you expected. However, if the food looks strange, like nothing you have ever seen before, most of the time it's really good! These wasps were a big hit at the meal, and they tasted great!
Of course, rice and noodles are a family favorite at every meal (even breakfast), and there is no shortage of those here.
Jadynn's best friends. Both of these girls live in our apartment complex.
Our college friends who are all in training to be English teachers.
At a late night performance, Jadynn wore her warm pajamas and sat with her favorite college girls.
Our house has become a favorite gathering place to play games, practice language, and share.
A new friend we met at the park.
Our little butterfly dancing in the living room.
When Jadynn sat down next to this Asian grandpa we weren't sure what they would have in common. However, they had quite an interaction, and from the looks of it, perhaps discussed their different choices in foot wear. We thank our Father that through His strength and might we have the opportunity to share with many people whom we have very little in common with outwardly. Our cultures and language separate us, but as we continue to make efforts toward forming a bridge, we know that we all have one very important need in common, and that is what we have come here to share. Thank you for your thoughts.
All our love,
Jonathan, Robynn, Jadynn and Baby!
