Settling in and venturing out

Our first few days have been great. Our team is getting to know each other better, and we're beginning to understand what our work looks like here. We were able to attend an international assembly on Sunday and one in a home that night. It was neat to get to see how things change from culture to culture. We've been enjoying the people very much, and of course, Noah and Juliana are like celebrities. We were walking down the road yesterday and a little boy passed us, turned around to look at Noah, ran right into a parked car and bounced off. He was ok, and his dad just stood there and laughed. :) I got an opportunity to speak with the security guard that watches our building. He's very friendly, and we have a growing relationship in which he speaks only English and I speak only Chinese...needless to say they are pretty short conversations so far. Ask the Father that this would become more than just good conversation practice.

We love you all, and hope to report again soon. We do not have internet in our apartment, so connections are few and far between.

-Love, Jeff

Great travels

we made it. We're well. We'll say more when we've got more time. We love you,

Jeff

Here we go again.

After a couple of days at home trying to get things settled, we headed to Houston to celebrate Kristina's mom's 50th Birthday. I was also honored to officiate Kristina's sister's (Allison's) wedding. It was beautiful, and they had a great time. Then it was off to Longview for a few more days with family before we head out again.

I am preaching at Alpine Church of Christ in the morning. After lunch, we'll be heading to Fort Worth to finish our training at Richland Hill Church of Christ. Then Tuesday night we'll begin our journey to Qingdao, China via DFW, LAX, and Seoul, Korea.

We'll try to keep everyone updated on our progress as we go along whenever we can get internet access.

We've had a great couple of weeks, and we're ready to go.

-Jeff

Welcome Baby Garcia!

Sophia Micah Garcia was born today June 5th, 2008 at 4:48pm. She weighed in at 7lbs. 6 oz., and is 19" long. Mom (Brandon'a) and baby are both doing well. Here is Patrick and Sophia with a message to all of their friends. Enjoy!

That's one proud papa!

Here are her stats.

Juliana is taking it one step at a time.

Aren't we a pair?

She sure likes her spaghetti!

Juliana is walking. And we're running to catch her. :)

Noah is getting so big too. We went to the park today and we had a good time.

He said his favorite part was the ducks.

We're looking forward to seeing everybody on the other side of Texas very soon. :)