• July 3, 2008 - Chinese Characters and Some Great News
This neat image I scanned from the newspaper shows how Chinese characters transformed from pictographs to their modern forms. Quite fascinating! Horse is one of the easiest to "see."
Thank you, readers, who prayed and who left kind words here at my blog. The very afternoon after I posted that, we put down a deposit on a wonderful apartment. We looked for only two days and found IT -- the "perfect" apartment. We've never found an apartment that quickly. It was an amazing answer to prayer. We sign the contract this weekend.
It was one of those times when all three of us KNEW this is the one! There was no discussion among us, just our secret glances trying not to show how much we loved it.
In China, you look first and then discuss price. So if it's obvious that you adore the apartment, the landlord will not be so willing to bargain. We have what we call the Eyeore strategy. Since we can speak in English and those around us generally don't understand, we can say what we want but we have to say it in a tone that expresses dissatisfaction. Just imagine Eyeore saying, "I love it. This is the best apartment we've seen. It's just what we want. Can we move in right away?"
Here is a list of what makes it the "perfect" apartment:
- The location is such that Sprite can play outdoors safely and in the midst of some semblance of nature.
- We will have both a guest room and an office/homeschool room.
- The kitchen (by Chinese standards) is large and well equipped with storage cabinets and room for more.
- It's on the second floor. (That means not a lot of stairs to climb.)
- The landlord's furniture is acceptable.
- Best of all, the view from my kitchen window, right above the sink where I'll wash many dishes, are green trees! That was one of those tiny requests that I made to Father as we were praying about a place. But He was so kind to give even that to me.
Of course, I know there is no perfect apartment. And time will show all the problems and quirks at this one. But it fit all of our requests.
There is a light at the end of the suitcase, er, I mean, tunnel! Next week I'll give you a photo tour!
Happy Independence Day to all my
American friends all over the world!
America -- the land of the free
and the home of the brave!
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Posted by Anonymous 
• July 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Your "eyeore talk" made me think of a story my grandparents told me about a time when they were traveling in the Netherlands. They were riding on the hotel elevator with two Dutch ladies. The whole way up to their floor, these two women made fun of "the funny looking Americans." As my grandparents left the elevator, my Grandpa turned around and told them (in Dutch), "You should be more careful what you say. You never know who may understand you."
Well, at least it worked in this case, and I'm glad you will be living in your "dream home."
Thanks for tagging me. I'll have to think on it a bit.