busy week

it's certainly difficult going back to work after 3 weeks off. it was an exhausting week. but the kids were great, and I'm glad to see them again. it's just all the administrative details that make the job too stressful at times.

but we managed to book a trip to Vietnam and acquire a dog this week! yikes! we're going with a couple of friends, flying into Hanoi. we're really looking forward to it! the weather is getting colder here. down to -10, which is the coldest it's been so far here. I guess it's harder to handle here because of the wind, and because we walk around quite a bit more than we would in Canada. thankfully the bus is so cheap! it's about the equivalent of 2 cents! we love it!

the dog we've adopted is from our neighbours who are moving to New Zealand for awhile. she's really cute. not sure what kind yet. but she has golden/brown curly hair like a poodle, but she has a shorter nose. she's slowly getting used to us. she barked a little when she heard my mom talking to us on Skype. she just barks for a moment at strangers, but then is very friendly.

we continue to be blessed by our church. we really sense G-- preparing us and molding us for things in the future. whatever it might be, we are surrendering our lives to him and allowing him to use us wherever and however. and for now in our lives, that's right here. the people at our church are all incredible people. one natural characteristic of all people living here is that we're all risk-takers. we've stepped out in faith because He has called us. and this somehow creates and unique bond between us all. we know most of these people are in our lives for a short period of time. many are in fact leaving within this year. but that doesn't stop us from having fun and encouraging one another.

I'll keep this one short because I know the other recent ones were quite long.
zaitian!