by Amy
Oh, I can hardly even express what a great week+ we had with John and Sarah! I still cannot believe that they came all this way to support and encourage us! Oh, I feel so loved! We had a GREAT time! I'll try to give a quick (yeah, right) picture recap....
One of their first days here, we walked down the street about half a mile to a small town square. It has a few little jungle-gym type things for the kids to play on. It's one of the few places in town with some grassy areas - great for playing baseball! The weather was great for getting out!
After playing at the square for a while, we wanted to take them to one of our favorite local restaurants. They specialize in making dumplings. Unfortunately, we we got there, we discovered that the restaurant had been torn down! It's crazy how often that happens to us. It seems like building are constantly closing down or being destroyed here! So, instead we went to a little dive near the gate of our apartment complex.
That night they unpacked their suitcase a bit and put together two baskets+ FULL of stuff they brought us from the States. Wow!! Not only did John and Sarah buy tons of stuff to bless our family, but so many friends from Louisville sent stuff. We were absolutely overwhelmed with the notes and gifts from so many! What an amazing blessing.
After such a long day, my sweet friends were wiped!
After such a long day, my sweet friends were wiped! 
Would you believe we woke them up and made them stay up until after 11pm playing Settlers of Catan? What kind of friends are we anyway?
On Monday, Brad and John were on 'kid patrol' so Sarah and I could go out to lunch (at Pizza Hut) then get a foot massage. What a great afternoon! We talked from 11:30-4:30 - non-stop! And, later that night, while John was a special guest teacher in Brad's class, Sarah and I sat on my bed and just kept on talking! Clearly, we had a lot of catching to do after 2 years!
On Monday, Brad and John were on 'kid patrol' so Sarah and I could go out to lunch (at Pizza Hut) then get a foot massage. What a great afternoon! We talked from 11:30-4:30 - non-stop! And, later that night, while John was a special guest teacher in Brad's class, Sarah and I sat on my bed and just kept on talking! Clearly, we had a lot of catching to do after 2 years!
Another day, we had fun taking them downtown to a big square. My kids love to chase, I mean feed, the pigeons.
When we go downtown to this square, we often hit McDs for lunch! Yes, John at the "cucumber -extra-special-spicy-sauce" Quarter Pounder. He liked it.... 
We also had fun taking John and Sarah out for local BBQ. It's definitely the dirtiest restaurant we frequent. And, several people have confirmed that their kabob skewers are actually old bicycle spokes. (Fire kills germs and dirt, right?!?) But, they put some chicken and garlic on a skewer (spoke) and it's pretty good.
Then, for their last few days here, the four of us went up to the big city up north. It was really great! We played Hearts and Settlers, hit the Silk Market, slept late (until after 9:30am - that's unheard of for my husband!), walked (and rode) through a park, hit a Starbucks, and watched an acrobatic show.
We also shared our hearts, prayed for one another, and cried together -- well, Brad and John didn't shed any tears.... Oh, what a sweet visit. My heart was so encouraged and strengthened by having my dear friends come experience our side of world!
