just don't get 'the snivles'

Ben's birthday is coming. We celebrated with water guns and friends Saturday. I was grateful that Ben didn't mind the rain. He will turn eleven on Thursday.

So back to Friday afternoon for a moment. I returned to ISB for Ben's fifth grade class poetry reading. I love that Ben enjoys writing poetry.

ISB has complied with the Chinese government's request that the local schools closely moniter their students' health. So on every door there is a colorful sign that reads'

If you have a :

cough

runny nose

sore throat

fever

please report to the nurses office for a quick check-up.

I'm not giving any medical advice, Oprah knows that's not a good idea. I'm not necessarily even giving any when-travelling-in-China advice. But I think the sign might well include an exception for those who would like to claim their basic human right to privacy and common sense.

When we arrive in China we're handed a health screening form. It is always a source of good humor. I love the question "Are you travelling with the fecal matter?"

Since I always have two children in diapers I have to pause at that one.

When I read the questionaire, I confess that I try to be to be honest, but philosophical. "Really...what is sore?"

Never admit to having "the snivles."

We're not sure what that is, but it can't be good.

I hate pandemics. I miss the that's-just-going-around kind of humane compassion. Now everyone wears masks and looks at others like they're germs instead of people.

You don't realize that the right to have swollen glands and move about freely in society is so precious, until you hear friends buzzing about the local health checkpoints and your daughter comes home with a fever and you worry that she'll get whisked off to a local hospital.

So see we do deserve hardship pay.

So I am grateful for prayer. It keeps me grounded in the idea that "all things will work together for your good."

Bethany had to miss a friend's birthday party Saturday because she wasn't feeling well. It breaks my heart more than theirs I think. I love to live my childhood again through them. I want Bethany to learn compassion, so I asked her what would help her feel better. We brought her a little stuffed dog and a gerber daisy.

I was so grateful that everyone was well for school today. It's Monday and this morning is the dress rehearsal for the middle school production of The Magic Paintbrush. I am proud of Sam because when he found out that they needed young children in the play, he volunteered Olivia. He has really taken her under his wing and she has had a great time with it. So I am praying for Olivia because she is so excited.

I have way too much to do to sit here, but I'm also holding William. I'm grateful that I can type with one hand. We are leaving for the U.S. on Saturday and this time I will not be packing out ten people at the last minute. Never said that before.

So since this will be one of the last from-China posts for seven weeks, I want to post, to my right and yours, some interesting pictures.

Of course food. I always miss this garlic kale when I'm away from China. And I love dipping these little fried rolls in sweet milky stuff.

These guys wash our van. They're amazed at how big it is. A couple weeks ago we got out and chatted with them about the building they just put up that's getting torn down now. The characters on the building say "tear down." The man told us the government has too much money to waste. Actually, all the buildings along that long street will be torn down to put up a commuter train. That's good for our Shunyi community but I feel bad for the shop owners. I hope they will be compensated well.

I may also include a picture of a horse-drawn carriage pulling bricks. If William allows. It seems he is "travelling with the fecal matter."