Trying new things!

Ok, so this is not going to be as long as the other, but I will have to post another in a few days because we have to write a report about our trip to the Great Wall and Silk Street market (which we did today!)

Just wanted to drop a note and tell everyone thanks for the prays about my luggage. I have received one bag (my big bag with most of my clothes) and I'm still waiting on my bookbag, which included my textbooks... sooo continue to pray! Also, continue to pray for the victims' families of the earthquake. They have opened several blood banks around the area in which we live for the victims and we have seen a lot of organizations trying to raise money. It is interesting to see the reports on the news here (in Chinese of course) and how ppl are handling the situation... just glad that the Premier is working with other countries now.

Also, I have been settling in and started to venture out - food wise. WE have eaten stomach (mostly cow, but sometimes pig) a few days in a row, have eaten lots of tofu and tried several non-descript vegetables (which are all cooked of course). The best dining experience so far for dinner has been the "hot pot." This concept is basically like that of the Melting Pot (which I know mom, it isn't my favorite, but in a city with everyone dripped in sauce and not necessarily fresh, it has quickly moved up the chart). The food is dipped in a hot boiling sauce (usually spicy) and then you can order whatever you want. It is always fresh and since we get to cook it, we are sure it is done correctly. The only problem is that our first experience with the hot pot menu was all in Chinese.... soooo I was the lucky one to literally point and choose dishes based on their characters and if I knew what they were or if they just looked cool! WE ended up with several interesting htings (including the stomach)... You quickly learn to try many things or go hungry... and RICE is a must at every meal, which i have to say i'm quickly getting sick of.

Besides the food, we are just trying to stay afloat of the classes. We have class from 8-12 every day and then usually have to spend the majority of the rest of the day studying. It is very intense language program and we are moving quite quickly along. (Stephen we have finished 2 lessons in one week!) I believe the experience will be a positive thing though and am happy that in one week I already feel less overwhelmed than I did on day 1. Since I don't have my converters and stuff for my computer (in the other bag still not here), I am writing this on another person's computer. So I will try to keep this one short. Will post again in the next day or two a longer one about the Great Wall (which was amazing, but my calves are killing me!) and about the Silk Street market. Love to all! Miss you!

Oh, I will try to post pictures later! XOXO!