Till we get there

Happy Birthday to my Mother !

2012-01-13T09:21:00.002+08:00

O Come All Ye Faithful

2011-12-14T09:37:00.000+08:00

December 12, 2011

Piano duet by two of my students, Yao En from Singapore and Anna from China (adopted by American parents)

I Trust You Lord

2011-11-30T13:09:00.000+08:00

Who are the people in my neighborhood?

2011-10-14T13:46:00.000+08:00

On this crisp October morning I set off to buy some chicken in a local market and came
across these people along the sidewalks. Friendly people in Tianjin !

Fun with Grandkids in Summer 2011

2011-09-11T18:06:00.001+08:00

Growing Fryers in the Chicken Coop

2011-08-31T22:05:00.000+08:00

These chickens came in the mail as little baby chickies a couple of months ago. In a few more months they will become...well....food for a growing family. Fried, boiled, baked. Delicious.
Meanwhile it is the job two little girls (6 & 7) to make sure they are watered, fed, and cared for every day rain or shine.

Take Joy my King in what You hear

2011-08-31T21:58:00.002+08:00

Water balloons and Sparklers

2011-08-10T07:57:00.000+08:00

Armed with water balloons and sparklers and a game of Go Fish packed in my overnight case, I was off for an exciting weekend with grandsons Antonio, Joshua and Caleb and their parents Jamie and Heidi. Needless to say...but I will say it...we had FUN !

Hanging out at the New House Construction

2011-08-06T00:32:00.002+08:00

These five kids don't even mind the hot Georgia sun as they dream of a new home being built right before their very eyes !

Warm Summer Night in South Carolina

2011-07-31T21:57:00.001+08:00

Scarlet & Sophia, the cutest twins in the world !

2011-07-22T04:53:00.000+08:00

Running through Sesqui Park in South Carolina !

With mom and dad at a picnic in Georgia.

Country Road Take Me Home

2011-07-22T04:35:00.000+08:00

Loving life in Georgia with a few grandkids.

Italian music just makes ya wanna move......

2011-07-05T22:47:00.003+08:00

Everything except the bones

2011-07-05T08:15:00.000+08:00

Yesterday after lunch at Carrabas Grandpa Mark asked Caleb, 5, if he enjoyed his lunch. Caleb replied, "Yes, I ate everything except the bones !"

Five on a Bench

2011-07-04T06:52:00.000+08:00

Five grandkids after lunch on Sunday. Three brothers and two sisters.
We are certainly enjoying our summer here in the good ole USA !

Five in a Flag

2011-07-04T06:48:00.000+08:00

These five precious cuties belong to Tim and Allsyon -
they took a picture of each of their five kids around 5 months old wrapped in a Spanish flag.
Little Levi in the middle is now five months old.

California Highlights !

2011-06-21T00:18:00.002+08:00

My two aunts who live in California. Aunt Bette, left, is my Dad's little sister, and Aunt Gwen, right, is my Mom's little sister.

Three generations of "Mr. Prescott"

With our California grandkids, Abby and Aaron.

With Uncle Tommy and Aunt Bette at Spring Lake in Santa Rosa, California.

At Black Bear Cafe with the Eddings family.

Matthew runs the Mexico Half Marathon

2011-06-21T00:02:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Sunday June 19, 2011 Matthew who lives in Mexico ran the Mexico City half marathon in two hours and 11 minutes. That's him in the neon yellow shirt. Can't miss him. He has run in two Chicago marathons and many other races, but this one was the first one above 6,000 feet. I am one proud mom !

Golfing , Go-Karting, and Ice Cream

2011-06-20T06:31:00.000+08:00

What better place to be on a hot Saturday afternoon than Frankie's Fun Park. With two sons and one daughter-in-law and three grandsons. We had so much fun....even when it rained on us before we got finished. Refreshing !

YaYa's Bragbook

2011-06-01T12:27:00.000+08:00

Baby chicks

2011-06-01T11:11:00.000+08:00

Check out the latest addition to our extended family!

East meets West - "Can I be in your picture?"

2011-05-15T20:30:00.000+08:00

While walking through the park one day

2011-05-14T20:35:00.000+08:00

I saw little children playing in the water fountains,

with their parents and grandparents

Then I saw a group of people singing some familiar songs and one of them waved me over to join them. What a blessing to be with these people from another province who had come to this famous park in Tianjin to sing and to share. I don't know their names and will probably never see them again on this earth, but I know for sure they are my brothers and sisters and we will meet again when we all get HOME.

.....

Good times with the Kids in China

2011-05-01T18:16:00.000+08:00

Matthew, Lina, Samuel and Rebeca Reed came to see us in Tianjin, China on April 8 ~ all the way from Mexico to spend about three weeks with us.
After many hours of travel here they are walking towards our apartment. It took about a week to get over jetlag. They were very flexible and helpful and loved learning about the Chinese language and culture.

One day we took a walk to a market that sells bicycles for all ages. We got one for Rebeca and another one for Samuel. They are foldable, so they ended up stuffing them in suitcases and taking them back to Mexico with them!

Samuel is in to soccer now, so found a little Chinese neighbor to play with. Samuel got up with his dad to watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona
which played around 4 AM China time !

This little girl was outside and her
mama saw how friendly Matthew was and placed her in his arms. This happened several other times while they were here !

Riding bikes together to the school.

They loved playing Rummikub and we all
played together several times.

Matthew and Rebeca strategizing.

(Stay tuned for more in next post)

Friends - Silver and Gold

2011-04-05T20:02:00.000+08:00

   When I was young, I learned a song about making new friends. "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold" ~ We are so blessed to have friends - from different parts of the world.
   Here are a few examples of special friendships in our lives. I went to an Indian themed party with some teachers, teacher's wives, and others who work at our school.

English Corner every Friday night with our Chinese friends, some we've known for several years.

Mark is explaining "cursive writing" in English.

Community work day - helping scrape and paint an arbor in our neighborhood last Monday. (spring break)

During the Ladies Retreat here in Tianjin in March, at a Thai restaurant with special friends.

A Snowy Day in China

2011-02-27T16:21:00.002+08:00

Our Grandkids - 2011

2011-02-23T14:23:00.003+08:00

KimyalBible10minute

2011-02-23T07:58:00.000+08:00

Substitute Teaching for 1st Grade

2011-02-22T19:13:00.000+08:00

Today I had a great time subbing for Miss B while she attended some important meetings. I only stayed for half of the day. There were 19 kids there today, and with the TA (Teacher's Assistant) we got everything done.

Here are few of the girls waiting in line for lunch.

I peeked in to the art class to see what they were doing.

These cute outfits were part of the decor on the second floor.

Lunch time in the bright cafeteria.

Library time with Mrs. Ma.

Samuel loves to read. Here he is checking out some books.

During a break, I watched as this little girl beat all the guys in arm wrestling !!

Thank you Jesus

2011-02-04T09:10:00.000+08:00

Tim holds baby Levi

2011-02-03T01:09:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-17T17:13:00.000+08:00

We will soon be on our way to the USA for Christmas - after not seeing our LOVED ONES since last Feburary - First we go to California to see Dan, Danielle, Abby, and Aaron (our newest grandchild who was born on November 10 !) We'll also visit other family and friends while there. Then we will wing our way across the country to South Carolina for Christmas with some more of the gang. Ouma (my mom) will be there, too, so we will be three generations for a few days ! Mark only has two short weeks of vacation so must get back to work in China on Jan 1. Meanwhile I will take a trip to Mexico that was cancelled last summer, to see Matt, Lina, Samuel and Rebeca. Then I will be in SC and GA for the month of January and part of February. Tim and Allyson will have their 6th child in early February and have asked me to be there to help out - I said YES ! Mark and I will miss each other for six long weeks, but are thankful for this opportunity to be with family. I am somewhat relieved to miss the LOUD fireworks of Chinese New Year (Mark LOVES it) and also the coldest part of the bitter northern China winter. We have so much to be thankful for - God is good.

Walk Through Bethlehem

2010-12-09T13:38:00.001+08:00

The ECC (Early Childhood Center) had their annual Christmas program last night. The three classes sang special songs for their families and friends. I LOVE little kids !!!

Here are the little lambs getting ready to sing "Away in a Manger"

Megan the little shepherd girl is loving this rehearsal !

Here is Mrs. Boyer with her Kindergarten class.

Little Joseph and Mary ~

The little lambs were having way too much fun ...

The angels singing a lullaby.

Kindergarten class singing Away in a Manger no crib for a bed

Santa's lap

2010-12-06T08:13:00.000+08:00

Borrowed from my friend, Kim Smith's blog

santa's lap

Moyer and Keturah dressed up in their Christmas best on Saturday for a picture on Santa's lap.

Every year the international school hosts a Christmas bazaar, and as long as Mr. Prescott has been around, he's posed as Santa for this festivity. We ordinarily know Mr. Prescott as a faithful teacher and honest neighbor, so there's no stranger anxiety at play here for either of our kids. And although Keturah's not looking thrilled, we're chalking that up to the cold she was coming down with, not our friend in the red suit.

At least this year we didn't make the same mistake we did last year!

Last year, we dressed up both the kids, then on our way to the bazaar realized that Moyer had no context for being expected to sit on Santa's lap. He was two and a half, and hadn't been exposed to any Santa media. Wanting to use this wonderful "we-dont'-live-in-the-West" opportunity to introduce Santa to Moyer personally (instead of through commercials, cartoons, and Santa decor), we realized that a five minute cab ride really wasn't sufficient for the whole Saint Nikolaus story. Still wanting to pose with Santa for a picture, though, we told him this:

"When we get to the bazaar, Moyer, there will be a very tall Christmas tree, and Christmas carols, and treats to eat, and do you know what else? Mr Prescott! He's going to be wearing a special red Christmas suit, and you get to sit on his lap and get your picture taken with him!"

And it worked just fine.

But this time, we remembered the night ahead of time, and Patrick told Moyer all about St. Nick. Can you believe that at three and a half, our little boy when asked, "Do you know who Santa Claus is?" had no idea?

We're grateful for the chance to introduce the history, charity, and generosity behind this jolly character to our kids.

We're grateful as well for the jolly character (and lap!) of Mr. Prescott. A fine-Father-Christmas-figure, indeed.

Santa's Lap Outtakes:


~This is the most engaged Keturah looked, but Moyer missed the photo op!~

~Moyer's version of "smile!" while Keturah's concerned with her stuffy nose!~


~Santa lovingly telling Keturah to take her fingers out of her nose for the picture. Our poor girl was really stuffed up!~

The Two Pianos

2010-11-30T15:11:00.005+08:00

This week it finally happened. We had sold our piano and were buying another one from a friend who had already moved back to the USA.

On Tuesday afternoon the switch was made. Fortunately (for the four piano movers) it all happened in the same neighborhood.

First they came to my place - Building 16- and carefully carried my piano down TWO flights of stairs, put it on a wheeled cart and rolled it all the way across to Building 3. Our friends live on the FIFTH floor and have a narrow stairwell, but on the phone the movers assured her that it could be done. It took 30 minutes for them to carry the 600+pound piano up to the fifth floor apartment. As soon as they set it down, they collapsed on the floor exhausted. (that's what my friend's housekeeper recounted)

Then they headed downstairs, back to Building 19 where the piano I had bought was located on the SECOND floor. They proceeded to move that piano down two flights, and then up two flights to my SECOND floor apartment.

They were young strong Chinese men - and I was impressed with their stamina and endurance !!! That was A LOT of work ! I wish I'd given them more than the small fee they had quoted earlier. But, they smiled as they walked out the door......XIE XIE....Zai Jian !

All in a day's work !

FOURTEEN reasons to be thankful !!!

2010-11-23T18:55:00.001+08:00

Four little dears on a John Deere in Georgia, USA

2010-11-18T17:17:00.001+08:00

Abby's new baby brother, Aaron

2010-11-11T17:25:00.000+08:00

Walking down Memory Lane - the REED BOYS

2010-11-11T17:16:00.002+08:00

Latest Grandkid Pictures - Fall 2010 (5 of 13 grandkids)

2010-11-10T09:20:00.000+08:00

Antonio Joshua & Caleb Reed

Scarlet and Sophia Prescott

An Hour with Moyer

2010-11-02T16:41:00.000+08:00

Once in awhile Moyer's mother, Kim, and I schedule a play date for him to come over to my place to just hang out with a "Grandma", since his Grandmas live so far away. And you can be assured that I love playing with little kids. So, this morning he came with a bag full of legos and a big smile.

He liked my little bowling game - knocking over panda bears.

He brought out his legos and built a tower.

And then it was time to go home over the bridge. From Building 16 back to his apartment in Building 10.

"We're almost to the fourth floor, Mrs. Prescott ! "

As a father......

2010-09-20T14:35:00.000+08:00

I am so glad that my heavenly Father has compassion on me and loves me. When I saw the picture of Tim crying with his two boys, I thought of this verse and wanted to make a little collage of our sons as fathers. And Mark as GRANDfather. How comforting to be God's child !

Quiet Time in the Morning with Mama

2010-09-15T10:11:00.000+08:00

Hannah and Lauren are getting up early with their mama these days----copying her wise example.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up......."

China Day - February 2010 at TIS

2010-09-13T14:32:00.000+08:00

Every year we celebrate CHINA day at school to coincide with the Chinese New Year festival.

It's my favorite celebration at our school.

My dear Chinese teacher, Su Laoshi chats with Music teacher, Emmy.

Corey is the PE teacher - here he is with his son

Here is my teacher, Su Laoshi, with my friend Mary Balzer

"Daniel" and "Matthew"

2010-09-10T14:32:00.000+08:00

Here are two of the nicest guys - I met them about two years ago in a small village where they were attending an "Agricultural School" - learning how to plant seed....and to PLANT SEED. They come from families who taught them from a very young age how to love their Creator. Now they are in Tianjin studying English and learning more. The one on the left, Daniel, recently went to a neighboring country to share. They are both from Inner Mongolia.

Our Dozen Grandkids 2010

2010-07-19T12:59:00.001+08:00

Cookies for Mr. Prescott !!!

2010-07-13T18:38:00.000+08:00

On two different days in the past week we have been blessed with some little friends bringing cookies to help Mr. Prescott feel better. First we got a phone call from 6 year old Elizabeth asking if he was allergic to anything, and then if we would be home that night. No and Yes. Elizabeth, along with her older sister, Rebecca came over, accompanied by their Dad, with mittens, warm hats, and scarves and a plate of Christmas cookies. You see, Mr. Prescott is the school's SANTA every year, and they remember !! They presented him with a big plate of cookies they decorated and talked each other into continuing their plan of singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Their mom told us that it was all their idea. She had just suggested that they pray for Mr. Prescott. What special people we are surrounded with !!

THEN, we got an e-mail from Moyer and Keturah's mom asking what Mr. Prescott liked. We finally decided on Chocolate Chip Cookies (yes, WE....I helped him in his decision making process). So on Tuesday morning around 10 AM the doorbell rang and there they were with the cookies. I had kept Moyer here fifteen months ago when he was not yet two and I'm not sure he's been back. BUT he remembered that I let him watch some Thomas the Train episodes on my computer and asked me about it. Even taking my hand and asking if we could do it again. What a memory this kid has ! SO, we did say we would plan a time soon when he can come over for a date to hang out with us to watch Thomas the train (on YouTube).

So, while we aren't able to be with our grandkids this summer....we are enjoying and loving on someone else's grandkids. What blessings from the Lord ! Our lives are in His hands and we follow joyfully.

A Day at the Beach

2010-07-13T18:03:00.001+08:00

Featuring Grandkids Hannah, Lauren, and Timmy and their sweet Mama. Papa Tim stayed at home with little James and of course had many chores to do at the farm. It surely would be fun to run on the beach with them some day. Until then we are really enjoying the pictures they send of their day in Charleston, South Carolina !!!!

Hui Jia !! ! Vamos a casa ! Let's go home !

2010-06-27T13:43:00.000+08:00

After a very successful total knee replacement in Matilda International Hospital in Hong Kong. Mark said thanks and goodbye to the staff on the 2nd floor, the ones who took care of him for nine days.

An Open Letter to my Mom from Hong Kong

2010-06-14T19:21:00.004+08:00

June 13, 2010

Dear Mother,

Here we are in the Matida Hospital in beautiful Hong Kong three days after Mark's total knee replacement surgery and all is well.

We are so grateful to our wonderful Lord for His lovingkindness and loving care and for being our strength in weakness. His eyes search to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on our behalf, His children.

Mark has had trouble with his right knee for a long time, and last December slipped on the ice making it worse. So he finally went to an orthopedic surgeon in Beijing, who is actually from Hong Kong and only goes to Beijing twice a month for consultations. Dr. Kong is a wonderful, soft-spoken surgeon with an excellent reputation. Our school insurance pays for the whole thing except for transportation and my lodging.

The last month of school for Mark was a busy one...spring trip with 7th graders, final exams, many meetings, preparations, packing up his classroom for the annual painting of the school, farewell parties, graduation, regular Bible studies, regular English corners with Chinese friends....SO, we scheduled the surgery for after school was out.

On June 9 we flew from Tianjin to Hong Kong. It was turbulent about a fourth of the time...but we made it !!! Then it took three busses to get from the airport to the hospital which is located on the top of a lovely green mountain. Since Hong Kong was a British colony they all drive on the left hand side and there is definitely a strong British flavor even though there are mainly Chinese people here. Very international city.

This is a small, very modern hospital where most everyone speaks English. Random fact: The movie, Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing was filmed in 1949 in the same area as this hospital. Mark's room has a beautiful view of the harbor and skyscrapers and every day the weather is different...cloudy, clear, misty. We love it. But today the visibility is about zero and I feel like we are in a cloud. It's hot and humid outside, and inside the AC is too high so I am wearing Mark's terrycloth white hospital robe.

The night before the surgery I had some fears and anxieties, especially hearing the anesthesiologist talk of all the worse case scenarios as well as the best case ones. I know that the Lord is always in control and that our times are in His hands, but I was struggling. I prayed and read the Word, and in the middle of the night the Lord gave me the words in the song of How Firm a Foundation...

FEAR not I am with thee O be not dismayed......you know the rest. I truly felt upheld by His omnipotent hand and had perfect peace.

It was a long long four hours that he was in surgery, and I took a mini bus to a local grocery store to buy some food for me. I'm staying in a nice room very close in the same complex as the hospital. I came back and waited in his room til he got here .....I was so glad to see him awake and smiling...although groggy and tired. You know what it's like...as you have been through surgery, and also have seen Daddy go through it.

The Doctor is amazed that Mark has felt little or no pain. He has felt discomfort in lying flat on his back for long hours. Every day they have him up doing simple exercises with his leg.....

I went up to the 3rd floor maternity ward yesterday to see the babies. It's a very small hospital and very homey. There were only three babies up there, and then they rolled in a brand new little baby boy and I saw the American father beaming as he took photos of them weighing and measuring his little son and then wrapping up in swaddling clothes and laying him in a little crib. Precious moment I got to witness. Then the next day I went up again and saw a young Asian mother walking down the hall with her little baby girl in her arms .......as I was looking in the window, she asked, "Which one is yours?". REALLY ! I gently said, "Oh I am just up here looking at the babies......my husband had surgery downstairs recently." I was flattered.

This same lady told me that she has an 11- year old son and is from another city in China, not far from Hong Kong. Her husband is a business man, so they could afford to have the baby delivered in this hospital so she can have HK citizenship. In the mainland they can only have one child. So people who can afford it find loopholes. She did tell me that her son is worried that they won't care for him as much now that the little sister has come. He has been "the little emperor" for so long.

Yesterday I went to a very famous place called The Peak , only about 5 minutes away from here. It's a huge shopping center and lookout point with amazing views of Hong Kong harbor. We are way way above all the skyscrapers and sometimes above the clouds ! I wandered around the shops, bought a few things. I wish Mark could have been along with me. Not fun by myself.

I wanted to find a place to get a manicure (in our city they are everywhere) but this place is quite POSH, so I asked a shopkeeper and she pointed around the corner to a place called "Vunderful Feesh" (Wonderful Fish)....I went to see what it was and found that it was a place where you sit around a little pool with your feet in the water and little fish eat off the dead skin cells of your feet. I had heard of it before, but just didn't want to do it. I probably would with a bunch of fun women. Friends say that you go away with your feet feeling amazingly smooth and soft.

The nurses here are so nice and friendly. One is a young Filipina nurse named Girly. She said she is 6th of 8 children and her mother said she couldn't remember all the names.....so she just said Girly. Her little brother's name is Boyly. Really !

I'm hoping to venture out on Monday or Tuesday into the central part of the city to an outdoor market area just for fun. And there are several good Christian bookstores , too. Most of the time I am right by Mark's side, but he doesn't mind me leaving for a few hours.

Guess what ! Dan and Danielle are expecting a baby boy in November !!! He will be the first Prescott grandson. AND Tim and Allyson are expecting another baby in February !!! Hannah and her siblings told us on SKYPE the other night and we were so excited. That will bring it up to 15 by next year !

(We always include baby Luke in the count)

Well, if all goes well, there are four days left in the hospital and then we will go by taxi back to the airport and someone with a wheelchair will be there to help Mark get to the plane. We just have economy plane seats so we hope it won't be a problem. THEN when we get back to our apartment he will have to walk up two flights of stairs.

I miss you and can't wait to hang out with you and Deborah.

I love you,

Marilyn

"Your lovingkindness is better than life thus will I praise You" Ps 63:3

Meanwhile back at the farm in Georgia

2010-06-14T16:34:00.000+08:00

Here is the latest from Tim's e-mail report in his own words:

Well well well.

It has been a while since you got an update from us. This entry picks up just days after the last one.

Remember, Hallie, the milk cow? Sure you do! Well, days after we saw her leave and days before we saw her come back (in boxes to be put in our freezer) a new cow joined the family.

It is a long story, and I will try to brief it. She was for sale and we bought her!

But in reality it was not that simple.

We tried to buy this particular cow from a dairyman in Madison, GA back in October of 2009. We visited the cow and left with a "Thank you Mr. Farmer. We will discuss the matter and get back to you soon."

In that "soon" period our little boy Luke was born and died within hours. Our lives, as you know, were shaken and as you can imagine, buying a cow was the last thing on our minds at the time. When the dust settled we tried to get back in touch with the farmer but found that we had lost his number. We were out of touch for three months and had given up on the cow.

Out of the blue, Mr. Farmer contacted us and said that he would be glad to send us his extra milk for free. For the following months I would commute to Madison (45 minutes away) about twice a week. I would leave some 20 gallon drums that he would fill with his extra milk (for our hogs), and on the days I would go get them I would also take some large mason jars to collect some milk for our own house use. Our own milk cow, Hallie, was producing less than a gallon a day and drying up so we appreciated the

extra milk. The milk stored in the large drums went straight to my thankful pigs.

The farmer and I spoke about cow number 56 often. The reason he had originally offered to sell her to us is because he was getting out of the business. When he contacted us about sharing milk with us she was no longer for sale. Why this cow?

Well, she was a 'show' cow in earlier days (not that she is old now). Her showing did not consist of competition but rather of "show and tell" type events like kids days, or old folks visits. She was the only one he chose out of his herd to go with him because she was docile and friendly. He also spoke of her 'rating' and 'pedigree' and her calves and milking. All of these things were positives and in my visits to pick up the milk I was able to watch her closely. She was always on the back of our minds but we no longer had high hopes of having her.

A few months ago, however, we decided to ask again about buying her. We reminded him that we had tried to buy her last year but had lost contact. He took a while to get back to us, but when he did we were devastated to find that he wanted two and a half times more than he had originally priced her. Frustrated we declined to buy. Weeks went by and again out of the blue he offered to sell her to us at just one half more than the original price. She was bred back with a heifer (had just been (AI) artificially inseminated with sexed semen: guaranteeing a female calf) so we finally decided to buy her before he changed his mind again. I tried to coordinate a surprise for her to show up on our farm with a pink bow on Allyson's birthday (HOW ROMANTIC!) but two days before he was to drive her to my farm

I received a text that felt like another (of many) kick in the gut. He matter of factly told me that the cow came back into heat (meaning she didn't take to the AI from the previous month). I said "Well certainly you will sell her to me for the original price, then, if she is not bred back with a heifer calf" (By the way, it may be a good time to explain here that when it comes to milk cows, a new baby boy is barely worth $20 at birth and a girl is worth $200-$400 or even thousands depending on other factors)

"NO, price is firm!"

I growled to myself again. It is really impossible to describe to you the array of emotions I have felt with this particular friend. Allyson has been able to experience this 'array' with me and well... all I can say is "WOW". I said "We'll take her!"

And soon after, our new cow "56" "Donny" came to our farm, and we were all thrilled.

She came with Jersey registration papers. She was bred back to Smart Bull which didn't guarantee a heifer but at least she is bred back. She came with a chain around her neck which makes her much easier to handle than our previous cow. She milks 5+ gallons a day. She is friendly with everyone as you will see in the pictures. She is a better cow than the other one in ALL respects although I must say, I liked the taste of Hallie's milk better.

The very best part of the story is that I have finally been able to use my portable milking machine.

A Godsend! Milking is still a chore but it is no longer painful and at times tormenting. I did have to hand milk her for a month until I got my milk machine back from someone who borrowed it. Milking that many gallons by hand is quite draining. So, I am MOST grateful for the assistance of the milk machine.

So there, you have officially met Donny. A name we continue to struggle to get used to but the cow has fit in very nicely and we are all very pleased with her. If you come visit, you will finally be able to interact with a nice cow. Allyson and the kids were fearful of Hallie as she sometimes charged at them and didn't like to be petted. Donnie enjoys company, enjoys petting and I even hug her quite often.

Hospital Room with a View

2010-06-11T10:35:00.001+08:00

Mark had a total knee replacement on Thursday, June 10 in Hong Kong, China. He is under the care of the orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kong who works at Matilda Hospital here and goes to Beijing monthly for consultations. Since Mark had severe osteo arthritis in his right knee which was getting worse with each passing day, surgery was recommended. About 4 days after school was out we flew from Tianjin to Hong Kong for the week stay. What a beautiful place ! The hospital is on Hong Kong island near the Peak, a very famous place here. This is a very old hospital, but also very modern and highly professional. We are very pleased with everything here. We are also so thankful to our loving Father for His unfailing love and compassion to us, and for all our family and friends for their encouraging words and prayers for us. I had been struggling with fear and anxiety the night before the surgery. The next morning the Lord gave me this verse before his surgery: "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble, so we will not fear." Psalm 46:1

After his first physiotherapy treatment...getting up and walking for the first time...he felt no pain, just tightness. Stay tuned for more news.

The Crowning Glory of the Aged !

2010-06-02T12:21:00.003+08:00

Mark's Letter to the Senior Class

2010-05-20T19:12:00.009+08:00

When they were in 7th grade - five years ago.

The TIS Senior Class of 2010

Every year Mark has his 8th grade students write a card of encouragement to each Senior student. Here is his accompanying letter.

To the Senior Class:

Please accept these cards as my gift to you. Those of you who have passed through my 8th grade class know that I take this very seriously. Some of you did this yourselves....when the current 8th grade students were in 4th grade. Although it is an assignment, when I explain who you are, what life transitions you are about to experience, what temptations you will face...my students begin to see the seriousness of life through your eyes. When a student tells you that he will pray for you, he means it....or I would not let them say it.

I know almost all of you....some for 6 or 7 years. You have been, and always will be, a blessing to my heart. I will pray for you....all of you. It has been, through God's grace, my honor to know you, to teach you, to harass you and now, to give you to Him. I trust Him with your life, do you?

You may have already learned this....sometimes life is messy. You will look for answers, consolation, peace, healing, and for truth....something upon which to base your decisions, your hopes and dreams, even your sanity. I contend that there is only one source for all of this. His name is Jesus. He is the Christ....the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world....your sins.....and mine.

His Word is perfect. His Word is alive....before the foundation of the world He is. He never lies. He never changes His mind. He loved you on the Cross....that has, and never will change. His Word is not some obscure, outdated book. It is alive and active. It will show you who you really are, if you are willing to be honest. It will always tell you the truth....and the truth will set you free. You will find that in a world which wants to take control of you. Freedom is precious.

So, go on into the world. The Lord will help you to make a difference in the world without being part of the world. Seek His will in all things. When you're not sure if you are doing what He wants, keep on doing something for His honor and glory - not your own. Pray without ceasing. Ask Him for forgiveness. Forgive. Be patient. Be kind. Be generous. Be courageous. You are not alone. He will never leave you or forsake you.

Come back and see me. I love you very much.

In His Name,

Mark Prescott

Grandkids Skyping each other

2010-05-19T09:49:00.000+08:00

Puppies for sale !!!

2010-05-14T12:37:00.002+08:00

I was asked to make a flyer for Tim and Allyson since they like my collages. Here's what I came up with. The puppies are cute, but my granddaughters are way cuter !!!

Third Annual Little Girl Party - May 9, 2010

2010-05-13T15:03:00.005+08:00

Every Spring TJ and I decide to have our party for little girls. This year two of them are moving away to another country and we will miss them.

So we ordered pizza and had a grand old time together as you can see !!! There was face-painting, manicures, watching old movies, drawing. Their parents took advantage of this free babysitting and went out on a date.

Our Georgia Kids

2010-05-13T14:35:00.004+08:00

Hannah and Lauren help their mom make bread, Lauren feeds the puppies, Tim preaches to his kids in an old abandoned church near their home, James fearlessly faces a chicken in the yard, Lauren and Hannah hold cute puppies, Papa Tim entertains little Timmy while he cleans up a spilled smoothie, the four kids on Mother's Day, Papa Tim playing with the puppies, and Mama Allyson with her four little angels.

Happy Birthday TWINS !

2010-05-04T19:29:00.002+08:00

Here is Mia and me on our April 25th birthday we celebrate together every year.

She is moving with her family to U.A.E. this coming summer and I will miss her

very much !!!

Three New Friends

2010-04-06T19:20:00.003+08:00

Every Sunday we go to the Tianjin International Fellowship, which is open to foreign- passport- holders- only according to the Chinese law. Many countries are represented from all over the world and we enjoy getting to know some of them. Recently we met three young men who are students at Tianjin University on scholarships from their countries. Here they are from left to right - Jonathan from British Guyana, Omarie from Antigua, and Enock from Kenya. They have been here since last summer and are quickly mastering the Chinese language. They plan to do five years of studies in China. The first year is an intense study of the Chinese language, then for the next four years they will study (IN Chinese) engineering (Jonathan and Omarie) and agronomy (Enock). These guys are smart, gentle, kind, and best of all, they are Christians. We love to be with them !

Matthew, Lina, Samuel, and Rebeca Reed

2010-03-26T13:06:00.000+08:00

Little Timmy picks flowers for his Mama and sisters

2010-03-22T10:58:00.003+08:00

I thought I would let my daughter-in-law, Allyson, tell it in her own words in a recent email to me.

The other day Timmy went out to the land (our other property) with Tim. He was so happy and grateful that Tim was taking him. When Tim was loading Timmy into his truck to go out there, Timmy said,

"THANK YOU FOR TAKING ME TO THE LAND, PAPA!!!!!" with a huge smile on his face. :)

On the way back home, Timmy was so sleepy from not having had a nap that he fell asleep in his carseat.... it's only a 10 minute ride home. Take a look at what he was holding for Mama and the girls.

He made sure not to drop them. Precious little man! And then he was happy to present them to a very grateful Mama, Hannah, and Lauren once he woke up. We all proudly wore them in our hair as we ate dinner together.

Have a great day!

Love, allyson :)

Grandpa Mark's 60th Birthday Celebration

2010-03-19T16:59:00.001+08:00

Qingdao

2010-03-15T18:07:00.003+08:00

Recently we went to Qingdao to a women's retreat. Here is a man on the train peeling an apple for his son.With two friends, Ceci and Barb, on the waterfront of this lovely city.
With Kristen, my friend since 2003

February Fun in the USA

2010-02-16T05:10:00.004+08:00

Three sons and Mom
Celebrating Mark's 60th with some of the grandkids in Georgia
Nine of the 12 grandkids - ages 1 - 8
Tim with sons Timmy and James

Allyson with the kids and snowman they built

Joshua swinging highCute Caleb
My mom on her way to the doctor.
Scarlet and Sophie laugh at Grandpa
Craig and Leah with twins, Sophie and Scarlet in Columbia, SC

January 2010 ~ Beginning of a Great New Year

2010-01-19T20:42:00.003+08:00

One Sunday at our International Fellowship it snowed. Here are some excited University students from the Philippines playing in it for the first time. Saturday we went to a big electronics store and saw these cute little old ladies in the parking lot dancing. We couldn't figure out the occasion nor the brightly colored bows but they were so happy and seemed to enjoy dancing out in the cold weather !

Part of our lives here..getting in and out of taxis. We ride our bikes, too, but when it's a long way away we use taxis. Some of our most humorous and fun times are talking to taxi drivers. I really think we've learned a lot of our Chinese that way !
Four very special friends who come over occasionally for food and FOOD.
Three-year-old Moyer with his weekly Sunday doughnut.
The day Mark decided to walk to the bus stop. He usually rides his bike even on the coldest days, but it had just snowed and he decided to be safe.
Ice crystals forming on the inside of my kitchen windows. It must have been below O Fahrenheit.
Our two special friends Betty and Lydia.

Chinese Wedding !!!

2010-01-12T19:48:00.002+08:00

James Delzer and his bride JiaXi were married last Saturday here in Tianjin. They are both teachers at our school.
Here they are at the reception dressed in Chinese traditional clothes.
During the service he washed her feet as the bridesmaid sang "How Beautiful"
Very happy and cute couple. He has been in China for three years and does quite well with the language. He's from Minnesota, and she has never been to the USA. They hope to go for a visit next summer to visit his family.

A few family pictures sent our way

2010-01-04T19:38:00.007+08:00

The Christmas Season So Far

2009-12-14T09:21:00.006+08:00

Christmas in China. We love it. Since this is a country that sadly does not celebrate the real meaning of Christmas we enjoy the concerts, parties and decorations by international friends. We do see the occasional Christmas tree in stores and decorations in downtown stores and even hear imported Christmas music played over and over again in certain grocery stores. "Frosty the Snowman" "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth" (the OLD versions) And some clerks wear Santa hats. One recent Saturday we were downtown and two men goodnaturedly laughed at Mark and called him "Sheng Dan Lao Ren" (old Christmas man)..their word for Santa Claus. And he didn't even have on his red hat..! Maybe it's the white hair and beard, do ya think?

Right after Thanksgiving we went out to get a tree in a little store in the busy center of Tianjin.

The first taxi driver refused to take us, but the next one had no choice as Mark stuffed the over six foot tree into the front window and we told the driver where we lived. Mark tipped the driver and he drove away contented and puzzled ....

The ECC always puts on a very cute program. I LOVE IT !!!

Here is Lily, adopted daughter of our friends the Kuritars, sitting in the rocking chair next to the

Christmas tree in our good friend, Melinda Ackermann's Junior Kindergarten room.

Fall pictures of our Grandkids

2009-11-29T16:38:00.002+08:00

Here they are ~ all 12 of them. Georgia, South Carolina, California and Mexico. We were so blessed to be able to see them and their parents last summer. They are some of the many reasons our hearts sing for joy !

JAMES is ONE !!!

2009-11-19T12:27:00.002+08:00

Here he is - youngest of Tim and Allyson Reed enjoying his chocolate birthday cake !!

Happy Birthday TWINS !!!

2009-10-29T12:41:00.003+08:00

Scarlet and Sophia Prescott are now THREE !

Pumpkin Patch with Aunt Fran

2009-10-29T12:37:00.003+08:00

Here they are ! What would FALL be with out a visit to the Pumpkin Patch !! Tim and Allyson, their four kids, along with Tim's Aunt Fran, enjoyed a lovely day together in Georgia !

Precious Baby Luke

2009-10-29T12:30:00.002+08:00

Our precious baby grandson is now in heaven with Jesus. Luke was born prematurely to Tim and Allyson Reed on October 19 and was too small to survive. We all mourn this loss, and anticipate a grand reunion with him and all our other loved ones who have died when the time comes and we are all HOME to be forever with the Lord. Til we get there !!!!! Maranata !

Party for Little Girls

2009-10-29T12:21:00.001+08:00

This is the second year in a row that my teacher friend TJ and I have hosted a party for little girls...just something we enjoy doing ! ;-)

2009-10-05T19:58:00.001+08:00

Unforgettable Pedicures and Manicures

2009-09-21T14:36:00.005+08:00

Hannah, 5, and Lauren, 4, decided it would be a great idea to paint our toenails and fingernails on a lazy summer afternoon in Georgia. Of course I loved the idea and didn't even get upset when Hannah accidentally spilled red polish on my leg and foot. She was holding the little bottle in her left hand as she was polishing my toes with her right hand and the bottle kept tilting and tilting until I wondered what that cool stuff was dripping on my legs. To see her surprised look and loud, OH MY GOODNESS ! was hilarious. Of course we had to re-enact it for the camera. These and many other adventures are what made my summer one of the best yet !!!!

Our Dozen Grandkids

2009-09-15T14:23:00.000+08:00

Timmy sings again !

2009-09-11T21:33:00.004+08:00

Timmy the Two Year Old sings Praises

2009-08-21T03:28:00.003+08:00

Here is little Timmy, almost two-years-old, singing early in the morning out on the front porch. I think you will recognize the song from this precious little boy.

2009-07-24T08:15:00.000+08:00

Lauren and Hannah Reed with their kittens.

Fun in Mexico

2009-07-16T10:00:00.005+08:00

YaYa's Brag Book

2009-07-15T10:02:00.006+08:00

Summer Fun with the Kids 2009

2009-06-20T01:18:00.005+08:00

Little Timmy loves to watch his parents milk the cow twice a day. Tim and Allyson milk "Hallie" the cow every morning and evening.

Uncle John greets Hannah after a long time.

Hannah picked lots of strawberries

Jamie and Mark after church

At the strawberry patch with a bunch of cousins and aunts and uncles in the great state of Georgia (where I was born many years ago !!)

Caleb hands a huge strawberry to Uncle John

Caleb Reed, 3 years old

John gives milk to the lambs - Stormy, Sunny, and Rainy

John's favorite lamb is Stormy
Ice cream at McDonalds on a Sunday afternoon in South Carolina

Jamie and Heidi's three sons Antonio, Joshua and Caleb

Aunt Bethany loves here nieces and nephews

John at the end of our strawberry picking time

Scarlet and Sophia- twin daughters of Craig and Leah Prescott

I had more fun watching the grandkids pick strawberries than actually picking them. It was a definite "grandma memory"

Swimming pool on the deck on a hot day

The twins

John barbecuing shish-kebobs in the rain.

Kindergarten Graduation ~ Class of 2021

2009-06-05T08:20:00.000+08:00

School Janitor muttering "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear ....."

2009-05-29T10:22:00.000+08:00

Transportacion ~ un video para mi amiga Gemma

2009-05-26T14:06:00.003+08:00

Asi que, un dia yo decidi grabar parte de mi viajecito que hago los miercoles para mi amiga Gemma. Por eso estoy "hablando" con ella en el video.

So, one day I decided to record part of my little trip I do every Wednesday for my friend, Gemma. That's why you hear me talking to her.c

Top Five Reasons to buy a Chinese Darth Vader Mask

2009-05-25T14:24:00.003+08:00

In Tianjin there are five kinds of days to ride bikes - when it's cold, when there is pollution, when it's clear, when it's rainy, when it's windy, when it's just right,( so very rare) and when it's hot.
Today it was hot. But I still wanted to go to the store. I went wearing sunglasses and then stopped on the way home to buy my "Darth Vader Mask" . I began to think of all the amazing purposes this great mask has.
So here are the top five reasons to buy your very own Darth Vader Mask:

1. It is cheap. About $2.00
2. It keeps the dust and wind off your face.
3. You don't need to wear sunglasses
4. You are in style
5. No one recognizes you.

Only three disadvantages:

1. You look like Darth Vader
2. Your hair gets all messed up
3. If you try to drink your water it gets a little tricky.

We live in that pink building in the background.

I love being the subsitute teacher !

2009-05-22T16:26:00.004+08:00

Second Grade I only had less than two hours with these kids on Thursday morning. They are a lively and very fun bunch of kids. Recess time

Sara, the blondie, is everyone's friend it seems. That morning she brought some silkworms she had found to give away and they were all so excited.

Silly picture.

First grade - the boys love to play soccer every chance they get........ The girls sit quietly on the side lines telling me that they can't play because they don't have the appropriate shoes for soccer.

These kids have computer class with portable wireless laptops. The assignment that day was to type in a very long web address to get to some educational games. For some just that task took almost ten minutes.

It was Gloria's turn to lead in the multiplication flash cards.

Going around a bus

2009-05-22T16:04:00.003+08:00

The other day I was biking to school with my right hand on my camera and my left hand on the left bike handle. Approaching a bus from behind, with people getting ready to get on, here is what one does here instead of waiting. It always works. Sometimes you have to race the bus if it starts up sooner than you expect. LIFE IN THE FAST LANE. What a ride ! Being a lefty makes it right to go around the left, right?

Another Walk Down Memory Lane

2009-05-17T20:04:00.003+08:00

Here is a little movie I made back in 2005 after a summer visit in the USA with a lot of very special people....mainly grandkids. There were only seven then.....now there are 12 and we are so incredibly blessed to be able to visit them as often as the Lord permits. Children are a heritage from the Lord, gifts from God !

God Loves You

2009-05-12T19:57:00.002+08:00

The Kindergarten class sang in Middle School Assembly last Monday, May 11. These kids are so cool !!! I'm their music teacher on Wednesdays and have loved getting to know them this year ! They will be graduating to first grade on June 2.

Roll over Beethoven !!!

2009-05-04T16:48:00.003+08:00

Here is my own version of "Fur Elise" by Beethoven played on my 60th birthday in Madrid, Spain. I've been playing it with this Spanish beat for years, and finally it's been recorded (sideways.....whatever !).

Madrid, SPAIN !!!

2009-05-03T17:48:00.013+08:00

Ab out thirty-four years ago our family went to Madrid, Spain to live and work. We lived in the ce nter of Madrid for the first four years and then in 1979 moved to La Poveda (Arganda) on the outskirts of Madrid where we bought an apartment. That was our home for the rest of our time in Spain. We've owned that apartment for thirty years now and recently decided to sell it. Matt, my second son who lives in Mexico now, has been helping me during the last two years with all the paperwork, phone calls, legal aspects and information. We needed to go to Spain to get the apartment ready to sell and to sign many papers with a lawyer (inheritance issues), notary, a bank, a realtor. It took several days to do all that, but we perservered and got most of it done.

Well, since we love Madrid so much we just could not help but enjoy ourselves to the max ! We both arrived the same day (April 16)...Matt from Mexico City and I came from Beijing. Many of our dear Spanish friends offered places to stay, a car to use, cell phones, and invited us over for meals. We are so blessed. Needless to say, we still love Spain and the Spaniards. A beautiful country with beautiful people and customs. It had been five years since Matt had been in Spain, and it had been eight years for me, so we were super excited about being back. I loved being in a country where I was not stared at for looking so different, and where I could speak and understand the language. Many of our old friends welcomed us with open arms and hugs and kisses. And many of my friends are now Grandmas (Yayas !) like me, so of course we all wanted to talk about our grandkids.
I've known Gemma since she was a young teenager and now she is the mom of three precious boys and wife of our dear friend Carlos who became a Christian when he was a teenager. I stayed with them for over a week and we got to catch up on many years of being apart. She treated me like a queen all the time ! I loved it.

We were able to attend the Arganda church and share about Mexico and China. Here we are with good friends, Jesus and Esme.
I've known all these ladies way over twenty years now ~ they still meet occasionally for brunch (without me !!!) All have lived in Spain for a long time. I was so happy to be able to get together with most of them and we all got to share our stories.

Birthday Buddies

2009-04-08T21:19:00.002+08:00

The Kiepke family came to Tianjin the year after we did (5 years ago) and we discovered that Amelia, soon to be SIX has the same birthday as me - April 25. (We celebrated early) So every year we do something together. Her big sister, Cassia was EIGHT last month - so we all went out for pizza together along with their parents, Raelene and Eric. These girls are adorable as you can see. They know how to ask for the bill, or for a take out box, or napkins all in Chinese and love living in China.

Fun Piano Lesson

2009-04-02T09:09:00.004+08:00

Anna is my best piano student. She is also my only one! Each Wednesday her mom brings her to my apartment for her weekly lesson. She's quick and very intelligent. I remember going to the orphanage when we first got here to China with Kristen, her mom, and seeing little Anna before she was even two-years-old shyly smiling at us. She was adopted by the Pollock family about four years ago and recently turned six years old and will be in 1st grade next August. We know many families here who have adopted Chinese children.

Pizza with Little Friends

2009-04-01T18:57:00.003+08:00

Every Tuesday some of us volunteers at the local orphanage take about seven kids out to Gold's Pizza, owned by a kindhearted Korean friend who pays for it all ! This week we had a fantastic time with these kids and they were so excited about the whole experience~ the taxi ride to the restaurant and being able to eat out, a very rare treat.

This little guy, who is mute, created this on his chopstick.

Here is the owner giving a little girl a new coat.

Our kids in Mexico !

2009-03-29T12:51:00.006+08:00

Matt and Lina moved to Mexico last December to live and work. Here is Matt checking his watch at the finish line of the 10K race in Mexico City. Chedra is their new dog - and they learned that "my dog has fleas"

The city of Tenancingo where they live exports flowers all over the world.

Rebeca and Sam doing homework. Another lefty grandchild ! (like me)

In Monterrey, Mexico

Rebeca tasting bean soup from the crockpot.

Samuel helps his dad adjust a new table.Rebeca being creative with the coat hangars on washday.

Scarlet~Sophia~Spring~South Carolina !

2009-03-29T12:41:00.003+08:00

Here they are----- twin daughters of son, Craig and his wife Leah enjoying life as two-and-a-half year olds. Can hardly wait to see them in June on our USA visit "home" !!!

Hannah is five ! Happy Birthday !

2009-03-28T15:43:00.004+08:00

Hannah Elizabeth Reed just turned five years old and we think that she is beautiful, smart, and very sweet. She is our granddaughter, oldest of four, born to Tim and Allyson Reed. They live in Columbia, South Carolina but will soon move to Crawfordville, Georgia to live in her great-great grandmother's house !