A hot air balloon ride to China...anyone??

I guess I needed my four-year-old to rekindle my sense of adventure for our future trip to Dalian, China. Each child in Erin's class (she's #6, that's not her age) dictated to the teacher where he or she might go if they could, and how would they like to travel (car, plane, hot air balloon)? I can tell you honestly that most 4-year-olds want to travel to the beach, Disneyland, or McDonald's (by various modes of transportation). Not our child! I am proud to say that Erin is the only one on the whole wall that proclaimed that she would like to go to China! I guess she's as tired of hearing us talk about the ifs and whens as much as we are tired of discussing it.

There is news to report however! I have been reluctant to add to the blog because I was fairly certain that my frustration and growing apathy would be obvious - I did not realize that six weeks had passed since my last entry. I apologize and will try to update weekly from here on out. Anyway, Mike has been in discussion with those holding our lives in the balance and we are approved for a mid-May departure. You may be asking..."So, is this for sure???" To which I would reply, "Well, we thought having our plane tickets and movers scheduled was for sure last time, but..." See, there's that apathy I was talking about! Anyway, as far as we can tell, everything is moving forward with the project in China. Hiring will begin in the summer and Mike has lots to do to get things ready for the trainees.

I have been truly grateful to have these months to relax a bit, to enjoy our Arizona winter, to have all the extra time with family and friends. Now we will regain focus and begin making the lists and following our calendar for the countdown. We have been keeping in touch with our friends, Damon and Yukiko, who moved in the beginning of January. They have had some challenges but are doing really well - they are keeping an eye on our place which is right across from ours. Because of the delay in our move there is no guaruntee that the place we chose will still be available when we get there. Oh, and Mike and I may also have to go through the "medical exam" again because the government requires that you do it within six months of your move into the country. If you need a refresher on that subject, go back to Mike's October blog. Interesting how the exam at the time was traumatizing...when it was over, it was rather hilarious...now I'm back to being traumatized!

Well, this should catch you up a bit. I will follow up and fill in the blanks when I can!