this is Hong Xin, She is almost three years old, and is Abby's niece. They always shave kids heads when they are babies and think it strange that we do not.
Abby showing Sophia around. She especially loved the pigs and when daddy gave them names like Bob, Marge, and Judy, she thought it was hilarious. He did this I think because the original names she gave them were: Mommy, Daddy, Isabella.
is it me or in most pictures is Sophia eating something? I have no idea what this snack is called, but I really liked it, and I can't even really describe it either...sorry.
neighbor friends in the kitchen
Abby's older sister preparing our meal.
they were so sweet to cook things they don't normally eat, that they know we like. this was pork (mainly fat), green onions and lots of ginger. plus potato cakes (like hashbrowns). we also had noodles that you dip in a lemony/cilantro sauce, among other things. It was really good. My favorite dish is one that tastes like collard greens in the southern US, it is served everywhere around here, and we were delighted that it appeared on the table as well.
I put Bella down for a nap in Abby's bed, and thankful for the mosquito net, as I had just killed one. She cried for a little bit, and we explained we let her do this. She soon went to sleep. It lasted for about 30 minutes, her sleep that is. For other naps she did not fare so well. She had maybe an hour sleep all day...oh well.
eating and having fun
instant friends
dancing and playing
the toilet, below is the inside. This is a standard squatty. It is not as bad as it may seem and it did not even smell. Their house overall is pretty nice, their shower area is really nice and they have solar water. We have been to much poorer villages.
Sophia and Hongxin trying to take a nap, yeah right. did not last long, especially when Sophia said: 'she poked me in the eye with the blanket, and demonstrated the event.'
Abby gave us these delicious smelling flowers, and some pomelo and peanuts to bring home.
We had a great time visiting her family, and some others. It wasn't without stress, but it was very enjoyable and just to spend more time with them was a real blessing. We were so glad we went. I was optimistic to think we would make it back in time to use the car for other things. We got home at 6:30, incredibly tired. Both girls slept the whole way back. we all got ready for bed and crashed.
Today is actual mid-autumn festival. On my run last night the moon was almost full. We will be moon watching tonight! Happy Mid-Autumn day!
