Keeping Up With The Joneses

Are you still here?

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 06:16:00 +0000

Are you still here?

The question we get asked daily. Followed by…how much longer are you here?

It’s been 3 months now since we landed in America, and hey it’s been pretty great to be around for so many activities, family times, and creating all those amazing memories. I know now that this time has been so needed for our whole family to reconnect with family and friends. I have told many people as well, I had no idea how important this time would be for Mia. She has had so many firsts in these last 3 months. First time meeting the extended family, first time on a boat, first time on a giant swing, first time driving through a drive thru, first time eating In-N-Out, first time seeing a bear, first football game, first time riding a horse, and the list goes on and on! All these adventures have been amazing memories that we have captured along with fun as a family. Our families have had the extra time to not just meet this little sweet, spunky girl, but to get to know her and we have seen her bond and tease and play with them. She knows her grandparents and Uncles and Aunties and runs to them for hugs in a crowded room. If our trip was any shorter, everyone would have missed out on the deepening of relationship we all needed.

I have to remind myself of the fact that Mia has only been with our family 5 months. 5 Months and it has felt so much longer, in a good way. We have been amazed how quickly Mia has adjusted to our family and life of adventure. Just 5 months ago our family grew and all of us gladly adjusted to the change. The first month was the craziest; it felt like I had a new child but yet a little bit of a stranger. It was just weird not knowing her likes, dislikes, her cry; is it serious, is she in pain or upset? However, slowly we all learned more about each other, Levi learned how to restrain and not cross her boundaries and is still learning. Noah learned patience in waiting for friendship, and Alleyah has learned many big sister roles. Morgan and I are learning how to teach with love and understanding that we have no idea what her past holds. I can’t thank the Father enough for giving us the ability to speak her language and the love we had for her years before we even met her. So going back to the time we have had here in America, it has not been wasted. We have had family days, and time away from distractions to just have a foundation for our new family together.

So, are we still here? Well yeah we are and even though we are in a state of feeling stuck we are also feeling blessed too. Last week we received a much waited email saying our immigration case has been expedited and that we will hear from the office soon. We did a happy dance and jumped for joy! Following a letter in the mail just 20 minutes later…drum roll please… it stated our adopted daughter’s citizenship has been denied!! What DENIED??? Now I haven’t fully done the research but I think we might be one of the only families that has gone through all the right channels and been denied citizenship to an adopted child. It is a mistake somewhere in the immigration office and someone misread her file. Denied? Gratefully, after many calls and emails, Mia’s case has been re-opened and she has an appointment this Thursday! If all goes well and no more bumps in the road, she will be an American citizen this week!!! Next step is getting her a passport and then a visa to travel back to Asia. We hope these few steps just takes 3-4 weeks to wrap it all up. However, the denied status was just a little unprepared stress, but we know He is in control. We are trusting that just like the last 3 months, Our Father has a plan and we have faith that He has it all and in control.

Updates will follow, as we know more, just keep our case in your thoughts!

Also a huge thank you to everyone who has blessed us and kept standing with us during our wait. We are so grateful to have such a great community around us. We have felt so loved these last few months.

First bike! Thx Grandpa for finding this used treasure!

P.S. Any friends from Asia, my kids would love to just show up and surprise the kids at school they are back J So lets keep our return a secret!

Summer 2017! We are back!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 07:17:00 +0000

Oh my! Has it really been a year since I updated you all by our blog? So sorry for those who do not have facebook or instagram. I realized that there are so many media outlets and some just like a little email versus getting on the social media to keep up with us. That being said…

Hey, we are here in America!! Oh and we have added to our family with the sweetest, adventurous little girl, Mia Jade. We are here in the US until we have finished our immigration appointment for Mia. We hope to find out soon what date the appointment will be. Until then, we love introducing Mia to our family and friends. The visit has already flown by and grateful we have extra time to be here.

Some have asked, “So how has Mia been doing with all the adjustment?” Well, she is a rock star in it all. She surprises us all every time we think she might be scared or timid, but nope, she just goes for it! Like riding a tube behind the boat and telling Grandpa, “Go faster!” Or sliding down a pool slide holding her breath from the top but jumping in loving it all! We do have a few hard days and it’s not all easy by any means. However, every week we see so much growth in all of us! As far as the rest of us, we all feel like we can’t imagine life without Mia, and everyday have some little laugh about how much she just fits in.

So, we have a lot going on, and so more to share and I will update this more regularly for sure. However, for now know if you want to hangout, have a BBQ or just coffee, we are here until Sept or maybe Oct, depending on her immigration. We want a chance to be with you all! Just send an email and we will work out the details!

Thank you all for being apart of our journey in life, hope we can stop in and be apart of your life as well.

One Last Week Of Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 16:11:00 +0000

Before the crazy begins, we just wanted to share about life over the past few months.

Besides kids getting on each other’s nerves and bugging each other to keep from getting bored, we have had quite the busy summer. We have been busy filling out adoption paper work, traveling for meetings, and embassy document visits. As well, the usual farming and daily encounters with local friends.

So where are we in the adoption process? Yeah it’s a hard thing to say, but somewhere in the 3-6 months range until Mia Jade is with us! We celebrate with every document handed in, we dance with any new information about Mia, and pray for her while she waits to hear she has us as a family desperately waiting to welcome her to her forever family. I wish we were further along in the process to show her picture, but the agency asks that her identity be off of media until things are close to completion. I CAN tell you; she is 4 ½ years old (almost Levi’s twin), they are 5 months apart. She is very smart and has the sweetest voice. We have not met her but have just received pictures and a video that I watch daily. She was born with a disorder where her skull did not fully close. She has a big egg shape lump on her head where her brain is protruding out. This may be the reason she was abandoned at only 2 months old. She has never had surgery. We will help her have this surgery after her adoption. As far as we know, the surgery will not affect her brain development. We are officially finished with our Home Study, which was a lot of paper work! The next big hurdle for us is applying for grants and hoping we can receive the funds for the cost of the adoption.

Other news…Morgan is heading to America! He will be in Kansas City for a gathering. Some of you might know more about it. We wish we could all travel and say hello, but it’s just not the right timing. Alleyah and Noah both start school in just a week. Noah is going to also start attending the international school Alleyah has been attending. It has been a huge blessing for her and we know it will really help Noah in his studies as well. This allows me, (Lori) to have even more time to train others here. I head up an activity that starts in two weeks that will continue for the next 5 months. We know that after the adoption we will all be heading to America to complete Mia’s citizenship. So, we are just going to send Morgan to be our representative J However, he is leaving during a busy time and will only be gone 2 weeks. He will only be in California for about 3 days. That being said, he will not get to see all of you. However, he will arrange an open house to anyone who has the time to check in and hear about things in California. We will let you all know!

So, as for our next visit we hope all of us, including Mia, will be there the beginning of summer 2017. We hope that during that trip we will have adequate time with everyone.

Ok got to go…only a week left to get things in order before things get even busier.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Blessings,

The Joneses

Mia Jade

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:37:00 +0000

Adoption!!

OK So many of you saw our post, it’s very exciting! We are adopting!

So what’s the story? Why? Who? And the questions keep coming. Here’s our story…

I wish our story were how I envisioned it many years ago. I have always had this thought we would one day adopt. I had dreams of finding this little person on our doorstep or a phone call asking us if we would take a little person into our home. Well, years have gone by, like almost 7 years of living in Asia. We have not received a phone call. We just have been dreaming of this little person coming into our lives for years. It’s hard to explain, but I even look at our current family photo and see a missing smile there, knowing God has someone else to add to the photo. Adoption keeps falling on our hearts. Alleyah (10 years old) has been praying for 4 years that we will adopt. Orphans are all around us here in Asia. It’s impossible to look away and we just don’t want to look away any longer. Every year Morgan and I take time to process the last year and the year to come. This last January while doing this we came across the desire to adopt again. To our surprise we felt like now is the time! So that's why now.

Who? So, we have had a desire to adopt a little girl for years. Then, when Levi was born here in Asia that idea was confirmed. You see, I labored next to another woman for a whole night. It was a sure deal we would both have a baby by morning. However, I already knew I was having a boy. During my pregnancy I was in America where you can find out the sex of your baby. Here it is illegal to find out that information. This woman was secretly hoping her baby was a boy. She delivered first that morning and we watched the father’s eyes as he saw his new precious baby girl. He looked at her with such disappointment and as he left the room without even picking her up said, “Its not a boy” and left. I had a c-section about an hour later. After Levi was safely checked over they brought him over shouting, “it’s a boy!” I was so excited to see his face and as they walked over for my first look they aimed his (boy parts) right in my face, “it's a boy!” and, I said, “yeah I know…can I see his face?” After a little while I was wheeled into a recovery room with 2 other new moms. One mother was the mom who labored with me all night and had that baby girl. Her husband never came those 3 days we were together. She sat there sad, alone, and I felt so broken. This little baby girl was precious, she was healthy and perfect. She was born with a purpose! We knew then that when we adopted we would choose a girl, yes choose a girl. Because a girl is just as valuable as a boy. Not just this situation has given us a desire to adopt a girl, but also the day-to-day praise we receive for having 2 boys. The strangers overlook our gorgeous daughter and just complement they boys. Again, we want to choose a girl.

Another aspect is how much the need is to adopt a child with special needs. So many children are given to the orphanage because they have a disability. Parents don't have the same resources here to care for a child with a need. Also, with the one child policy it has played into this factor. I won’t go into it here on open space. Anyway, the list is long for these waiting children. After Morgan and I started the process of adoption we have seen the need even more. The camp Alleyah and I attended was another opportunity for us to see the need. It was overwhelming to visit an orphanage in another city of over 800 children! These kids need and want families!

So all that to say, who? A little girl that's waiting for us, and we are waiting for her.

So that's our story, it’s not some amazing living-overseas one, but it’s just so heavy on our hearts we are moving forward. Most of you know that adoption is a big financial cost. NO, it’s not cheaper because we live here in Asia. It is the same big number as everyone else. However we do hope and pray for the grants allotted to children with special needs. We also hope that knowing orphans are on God’s heart more than we know, that He will help provide the need to see this child have a home. We are not sure where or how the finances will come. However, that is not our concern. Our concern is being apart of changing a little girl’s life.

Thanks for reading, and we can’t wait to one day, hopefully soon, introduce you to our little girl,

Mia Jade Jones.

Name meanings:

Mia (mine, desperately wanted, and beloved)

Jade (A precious stone of China)

And…This guy Dexler, Just one of many looking for his forever family. Please continue to pray for these waiting children.

Service Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 13:46:00 +0000

So to start this blog, I have to say…I am really excited! Some of you, who know me well, know I have had many experiences working with children with disabilities. I started way back in 3^rd grade when I was allowed to volunteer in the Special Ed. classroom as a student peer. It captured my heart and I knew this was something I would pursue in life. After marriage I received my degree and focused to move overseas. After we moved here I was honored to start the first Early Intervention Program here at the local orphanage. It was a hard experience because I had little language. But somehow I accomplished it. After 3 years of volunteering there our little guy Levi came along and I knew I couldn’t ‘do it all.’ I had to let go of my volunteering job at the orphanage. Though, they were doing great and ready to be on their own.

So, here I am, Levi is 3 and ½ years old now and I realize it has been too long since I have been able to help orphans or children with disabilities. As I was looking at this year 2016 I thought to myself… “I am a busy home school mom with many other responsibilities. So what can I do?” This was my question leading up to last week. Then this email came. “Service Opportunity” An advocacy camp for some children waiting for their future adoption and forever families. Just a one-week camp, to go meet these 15 kids who are on a waiting list for someone to choose them.

You see, the list of children with disabilities is huge; it breaks my heart. Families looking at the long list only get a few facts about each child. A name, age, a picture and maybe a sentence saying what type of disability they may have. That's it, good luck picking, you will find out more when you meet them to take them home. So, the more info you can read about the child the easier it is to know, that's the child for us. So here’s how I can help. I can go spend just one week with this person who has a boring adoption file. Find out what they love, who they are, how they communicate and to what level. Maybe find out if their disability is low functioning or high functioning. I already have been matched with a 9-year-old boy who is waiting for a family. All I know is his age, name and he is deaf. I can’t wait to meet him, and change his file because I know him. Last fall they started the first camp to help organize advocates for waiting children. Out of 22 children, 20 are now adopted! You might wonder if I still know American Sign Language. Well, I do but need some practice again. However Chinese sign and American sign is different. I will see how much we are able to communicate between the 2 sign languages, and who knows, he might know ASL and I might learn Chinese sign! I just hope I can change his file and his life!

Can you see now why I am so excited? So the end of April I will join others as a team to love on these children. There is a cost of $1,800 for my 9-year-old camper and I to attend this camp. We are happy to get the chance to do this! If you have a heart for this, let me know and you can partner to help send my camper and I to camp. Here’s to changing his life!

I will continue to post info regarding this camp and my camper. I just wanted to send out a blog explaining what’s going on and what I am up to.

Love ya all! Lori~

Lori and Noah Head To Cambodia!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:15:00 +0000

Noah and I (Lori) bought our tickets to Cambodia!

Why? Well, it’s been an amazing season of training others. These friends are getting ready to travel for 2 months, one month in Cambodia and one month in Thailand. Noah and I get the honor to visit half way through. Noah has a giving heart. He loves Christmas because he gets to watch people’s faces as they open his well thought out gifts. He already has been planning how he can pack a bag full of toys for the kids in Cambodia. I will be chatting with each person and processing the trip so far and how to see the rest of the trip go even better. The two of us will travel with the friends with a quick and easy hop over to Thailand where we will all meet up with Morgan, Alleyah and Levi.

Not only that, but we get to welcome my parents Nick and Shelia to Thailand! Some of you may know that we travel yearly to Thailand to meet up with others and also take care of our medical care. During that time we host a gathering. I have been overseeing the kids program for the week gathering. Last year I found that the ages 0-12 were easy, songs, crafts, stories, etc. I had a wonderful girl who helped work with the kids but…the teens were a challenge for me. Maybe, because I don't have teens yet. I found out those teens that live overseas don't just want to hang out with the big people. They too travel to Thailand every year and want to have fun. So I started to think, what can I do better this year? I love how things work, because as an outward processor (I talk out my ideas) I was chatting with my Mom about these teens. Little did I know it started an interest in her while I was sharing. My parents have been involved in TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) since 1998. It’s an amazing weekend put on for teens by teens, with just a little help from adults. Anyway, the idea came up, TEC in Thailand! Yes! These teens deserve a well planned time just for them, not mixed in with the little guys and not pushed into the adult talks, but just for them. Being overseas, most of the teens don't get a chance to have a youth group experience or even a group of 3^rd culture kids around them. But once a year they all get to gather, have fun, relate to each other like no one else can. Sometimes not even us as parents can relate to growing up in another culture. So after chats and dreaming with my parents, they decided to give it a try. They will have about 20-30 teens from many different cultures for one week! My Dad has already sent me the week full of talks and fun. I am really looking forward to seeing my parents in their element, as well as just seeing them!

So, we are getting into the holidays, but just around the corner Jan 1^st we start our travels. Please keep us in your thoughts for safety and health. I am just going to throw it out there that if any of you are looking for a place to give tax-deductible, year-end gifts, consider us. We have travel costs, yearly medical check ups and a hope to have a vacation at the end of it all in February during the Chinese New Year. We hope to stay in warm weather while we wait for the holiday to pass and everything opens up again. If you need more info shoot me a message!

Happy Holidays! Enjoy your Thanksgiving and all the family and turkey!

Blessings from the Joneses!

Alleyah's starting International School!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 14:21:00 +0000

Learning your limits, strengths and weakness. We are always learning new things about ourselves. It’s fun to learn your strengths and sometimes shocking to see something not so great as well. However, I see that in every situation we have a chance to stop and learn, observe and grow.

I am not sure if you have heard of “Strengths Finders,” but it has really helped me understand why I love some aspects of my job and dread others. My 2^nd strength on the chart is harmony…aka I hate, hate, hate conflict, but my first out of 5 strengths is (development). I love to develop people, programs, fundraisers, and foundational startups. I have also really enjoyed developing my kids, being a home school mother has been so rewarding to me. But here is the key, once programs are on their way, I see my limitations and that others can take it to the next level. I don't just quit, but I love seeing the foundations/development be taken to its full potential.

So, here I am. I have home schooled Alleyah for 5 years! She is totally not finished on the developing side of things, no, she is a regular pre-teen and sassiness happens in our house. I see however my strength has been to pour into her over these last ten years of her life and 5 years of education. But its time, I see that my strength has hit its limit. And, that's ok. I have grown so much in my patience for sure! I can keep home schooling her but she is ready for more! The next phase of her life she needs more than just Mommy. This is hard to say out load but its true. I have taught her our values and our love. I am ready to see how much more she can grow over this next year at the International School. It’s only 3 weeks away!

Before this transition happens for us all, we will be traveling to apply for Alleyah’s new passport! This will be her 3^rd passport! Both Morgan and I have to be present to apply for our child’s passport, which is kind of nice. After a busy nonstop summer it is forcing us to all get on the 24-hour train and ride to the big city! Our city does not have an American embassy, so we will be off! School shopping, McDonalds, Starbucks, and Subway, can’t wait! We hope to stay in a hotel with a pool and get a swim in too.

I hope it's a fun family time before the semester starts for her. I too will be leading a training course during the week starting this Fall. So yeah, my limit, I know its time, its time to see her take on a new phase of her education. I can see that not only will she flourish with something new, but it releases me to flourish in developing something new and continued home school for Noah. All of it brings life and joy!

The International School is not cheap like home school, nor is traveling to get her a new passport before it expires. However we know its what’s we are supposed to do and ask that you would send a thought our way that our needs would be met. It’s an added cost to our budget that we don't currently have. Stand with us! Lets see her go to school!

If you’re interested in finding your top 5 strengths do the test online! It’s called Strength Finders. See what strengths you have and find ways to bring life to your job, family, and community!

Goodbyes aren't fun.

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 13:35:00 +0000

We have been doing well, busy with many activities and watching people grow and flourish around us. But a huge struggle has been watching good friends leave. I am sure you have experienced a friend moving away and you can relate. However, I feel like it is 10 times harder when living overseas. Over the 6 years of living in Asia I cannot count how many friends have moved on. These last 6 months have been the hardest, because they aren't just friends, they are like family. We lean on each other during the hard times, we understand each other’s sacrifices, we live life together, and rejoice together. Even though their move is what is best or even perfect for these friends, it leaves a missing hole in our hearts. I can say I am ok about it all, but each goodbye hits harder for our kids and us. Close friends their age that they never know if they will see them again. That's been hard as a parent to know how to comfort them. Its almost bitter sweet when friends and family come to visit, because it’s 2-3 weeks of daily relationship, but then there is the goodbye that makes us cry harder each time we wave and hug goodbye at the airport. However, I’d rather go through the goodbye than not see them at all. I guess the longer you stay long term in a location the more goodbyes you will face. I truly do dream of eternity and not having to say goodbye again. This time on earth is short, and I am grateful I can meet and get to know so many, so deeply during my time here. A close friend here said to me, “The right friends come at the right time for the right season.” I like this, and yes it’s true.

Well, you might ask, “how long will you live overseas?” Umm honest answer…we don't know, gut feeling… at least another 10 years, but truth is we are here until our job is finished.

We have been working hard to see fruit. This last year alone has been so rewarding. It amazes me as I look back at pictures and see all that we have been apart of. Things like Starfish, agriculture development, local activities, and local friendships. Yet, it feels like we have just begun, and that's so exciting! How much more will we be a part of and what else will flourish during our time here.

Morgan’s Ag business of working with local farmers has been a dream come true. There are struggles financially and even let downs with broken promises. Many of you have been following our updates. Morgan has learned so much and has been given so much favor through this area of Agriculture. He is now managing 10 old style green houses along side a local farmer bringing training and foreign expertise. Government officials come to see what he is doing and are always impressed with his management. Some have mentioned how Morgan is a man of integrity and like that he follows through with what he says he will do. He also has come along side others in starting a small Indian restaurant. Morgan loves Indian food (some of you may know) but mostly has encouraged these friends to go after what was just a dream. If you tell Morgan your goal, be careful because he might just keep you accountable to it!

This fall Alleyah will start 5^th grade and a big change for her will be attending the International School in town. She will be in a combined class of 4^th and 5^th grade of 10 international (foreign) students. She has grown so much in this last season. Alleyah has reached 2^nd grade in her Chinese reading and writing level. She is very outgoing and is ready for the classroom experience. She can’t wait to be apart of sport activities and ride the school bus. Noah will continue home school and even get to have special days on the farm with Morgan. He has been enjoying his Chinese Art Class. He is a not so focused when it comes to school, but has a huge imagination on his free time. Levi will start attending a Chinese English preschool this Fall a few mornings a week. He too is very outgoing and wants to be just like his older siblings. He is very comfortable in Chinese and we hope this preschool can help strengthen his language and be fun. It also frees me up a bit to be apart of some activities through out the week.

There are other activities I won’t be sharing on such an open space, but it has been what makes it all worth it. Even when those so close to us move on, we know that this is where we are to be and serve.

Thank you all for keeping up with us and supporting us through the years!

Help Bring Us Home For The Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 03:35:00 +0000

This week is our fifth year in Asia!

We love our home, we love our friends, and really even on bad days we love our work. We have been so honored to call this our home. It has been such an amazing journey of learning so many things. We have reached goals and dreams and still have more to reach. We would love to come in person and tell you all about the great things going on here. We need to travel back to America about every 18 months for about 6-8 weeks. This is necessary so that we can update, teach, encourage others to go out, and to also be encouraged.

Well, its exciting that our trip rolls around this time during the holidays, because it's also been five years without being home for the holidays. So we are excited to be in America this holiday season. My mouth already waters at the visions of the thanksgiving table in my head. My heart smiles as I think about being with family Christmas Eve. I can't wait to sing Christmas songs with so many friends on Christmas morning! It's been five years since we experienced these things. My kids haven't seen Christmas lights and are starting to forget what it's like. One of my favorite memories as a kid was driving through streets enjoying the display of lights. So yes, we are ready to experience the freedom and joy this holiday season!

But! We do need help. To be honest we hate having to ask, but at the same time we know people need to know our needs. I am trying to better communicate these needs. So in order for us to return for the holidays, we have to raise an extra $6,000 for our family of five to purchase round trip tickets. So, if any of you would take time and see if this is your way to partner with our family, please do! We have it set up right here on our blog to give you a tax deductable receipt using a credit/debit card so it’s easy! If you would like to do it though the check, you can do that too. Shelia can give you details if you contact her at, bkintime@aol.com

Thank you for considering helping our family. Enjoy the pictures below of our Christmas tradition over the last five years here.

First Christmas in Asia 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Family And Friends Come To Visit

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:28:00 +0000

The month of May started a great wave of visitors for us. First, Morgan’s parents were able to travel here and see us in person! We traveled some and enjoyed being together in our city. It was a added blessing to have Grandma catch the kids up on their reading skills. Morgan’s agriculture project has grown a lot in the past year. It was a joy to bring Morgan’s parents and show them around the village and green houses. (Check the link for his new web page, chinabridgegap.com)

During their visit we also had returning friends from Pismo ca. visit with their two children. It's always great to have people come along side the work going on here.

After the Joneses visit, my Mom came with my Aunt and 2 other long time family friends. Again, showing them around to all the areas we are involved in, including Starfish-project and the green houses. I felt like they left with a real taste of life here as well. They came and blessed us in many ways!

The last visit was from Morgan’s sister and 9-year-old nephew. We had a great time of catching up and watching the kids play together. We traveled to different areas and enjoyed great food and tea!

After the wave of visitors passed it was time to get back to our daily schedule and everyday life.

However, it’s hard to not have the stream of family around. I have to remember how fortunate we are that our family and friends take time to come so far to see us. I do know how lucky we are. We feel encouraged, loved, supported, and connected.

Connection to family and friends is huge. I love the social media tools these days. Skype, facebook, even instagram. It keeps us updated on peoples lives in a small way. Our kids know what their cousins did for 4^th of July or how they celebrated their birthday. We know who got married or who had a baby. We see families’ together, American traditions, celebrations, and even the sad news too. It’s not the same as face-to-face…No, not at all, but a little is better than nothing! Yet, sometimes I wonder if Levi (2 years old) thinks his grandparents live in a computer. Maybe he thinks they are blurry but still he hears their voice. This past week, we got a chance to talk to my Dad who always is trying to get Levi to say “grandpa” but Levi for the past year has responded with the easy way out using the local word for Grandpa, “ye ye”. Well this week Levi said ‘Papa!” Close enough! Sometimes I like to just sit the computer on the table and let my Mom watch the kids scream and fight. It’s life, of course my kids aren't perfect, but that's real, there was even a silly yet touching moment of me yelling, “Levi don’t bite your sister!!” Hey Grandma knows now, Levi has a biting issue right? I love the connection we have, I could ask for more, but a little IS better than nothing. So when our family comes here! Wow! It’s so amazing, in so many ways.

And, thanks to all of you who send pictures or notes via the web. I just had a high school friend confirm some medical advise for a child. What a blessing to know I can ask a question and have the answer! But if anything…lay off the really yummy food we can’t get here. It looks so good!! Just kidding we really don’t mind, just don’t say anything when we do come visit America and gain 20 pounds!

Hope you all have a wonderful end to your summer. Keep posting!

快五年！Almost Five Years!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:41:00 +0000

Almost five years ago I was sitting in our cute little coastal home in Nipomo, Ca. Just numb with emotion. Wondering if I was ready for such a big move. Wondering if I would ever learn the language, wondering what my kids would miss out on, I wondered about the medical care and if my kids would ever be in serious danger. It was just after we had our final garage sale, we had nothing but a few packed suitcases. Morgan and I sat on the carpeted floor in our empty home. I lost it, I started to cry, I was so sad to say goodbye to all I knew. I was sad to say goodbye to the home I raised by babies in. I was sad to leave my family and take my kids so far away. I cried and Morgan cried too. It was hard, it was emotional.

I felt like I was uprooting this tree from the middle of an orchard. The orchard had old oak trees that have been there for generations, trees that have been so rooted, nothing could blow it down. The support around was strong, comfortable and peaceful. Then it was time to prepare for a transplant. It hurt to prune, and get rid of parts I thought were apart of me. It hurt to dig up the roots that were so tangled in with other trees, and some roots were so so deep. I knew I was in a process of transplanting my tree to another land. It was going to take time for my tree to take root, to find its water, to find other trees to root with, to stand with. The transplanting process was crucial, its either going to survive or not. Only time will tell.

During the first year my tree knew it was in new soil, it felt cold, dry, and lonely. It started to reach down for its water source and found water. The roots began to deepen and leaves began to grow. After time went by I knew the tree was going to survive, but then really how is the tree? It had leaves, and now new sprouts. The roots felt more comfortable, it wasn’t so cold anymore, and it felt like the soil became more familiar. Other trees weren’t so far away and the roots began to touch. The trees around were young, but still it felt similar to the old oak trees. Together the trees could fight against the storm and weather. The seasons passed and the trees became stronger, bigger, and deep-rooted. This tree has become a tree of the land, not a transplant anymore but a fruiting tree. A tree with fruit and branches that reached for the sky. This tree has survived the transplant. Its now a new verity, it’s not like the others, its different, and that's ok. The color of the flowers are different, but beautiful. Its roots underneath feel the same as those around it. It stands in the weather and fights the storm along with the others.

It’s still growing, and every once in while needs pruning, but in the end, it’s still standing in an orchard.

2013 Year In Review

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:43:00 +0000

Here we are, looking back over the last year. Every year I make one family photo book of the life we live. As I scroll through the pictures on my computer, I marvel at how fast it has gone and how much has happened. Faces of old friends, new friends, and family. One highlight was bringing Levi to America to meet his Grandparents, Great Grandparents and all the family! Another was watching Nick Hilvers (Lori’s Dad) arrive in China and eat at a run down meat stick shop. So many great memories were created this year as kids celebrated birthdays, packages, holidays, summer days, visits with friends and car rides to the village. So many people have shared meals in our home and many friendships have become stronger and deeper. We have a great community of friends around us and everyone makes this place feel like home. Traditions with friends and with our kids have created memories that will last a lifetime.

I broke down the year into 4 main areas of reflection for our family.

New Road: We went from English teachers to a foreign expert in Agriculture. Now our relationships consist of village farmers and agricultural government leaders. Versus before our main relationships were college students. We received our foreign expert visa Dec. 22, 2013 and are ready for all the possibilities of 2014! Morgan has worked hard to research, test soil, plant, train, and develop a green house for high elevation. The new road takes us out of the city to villages and visits with small farmers. We look forward to spending weeks and weekends at a time in one village as we spend time with our new friends.

Teaching: This year has been a boom of training others in many areas. A great group of friends are here to come together to see those who are ready to grow and learn and then share. We hosted 2 different programs and sent out friends to share all they had learned. We have been training our children in the way they should go, and Morgan has been training aspiring farmers in the agricultural area.

Starfish: This year the Starfish-Project started in March. Lori has been working with exploited women by providing hope and impacting lives. Lori has been impacted as well. In moments when watching a 44 year old women blow out her birthday candles for the first time with tears running down her face, because no one has ever celebrated her life before. Or moments when someone says they feel like it's the first time anyone has ever ‘really’ cared for them.

Provision: Many thanks to all of our friends who helped give towards Morgan farming project. Thanks to those gifts Morgan is able to do the dream he was given over 10 years ago and work with farmers in surrounding villages. We were also given a gift to provide us a new, well working truck so we can easily drive out of the city. Our monthly needs were also provided and we have felt so blessed and supported. Last thing is how we were provided with our new home. It came out of nowhere and we said yes to a new place to call home. It’s in an apartment complex with many little friends for the kids to play with. It’s cozy and very nice. We look forward to seeing all who will visit in 2014! Maybe it might be you!

We are so grateful for everything that has happened this year. We look back with joy and have expectation as we look forward. I feel like it has been a year of getting ‘set-up’ for more. We’ve hit our groove so here we go! Bring it on 2014, we are ready with visa in hand, and willing hearts to do His will!

Blessings to all of you in this New Year!

The Joneses

Child Development at it's best!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 14:28:00 +0000

Child Development at it’s best!

So quickly our little ones grow into young adults. They are not quite to adult hood, nor am I reaching the teenage years. However I wonder who my little people will be one day. Alleyah is now 8 years old, followed by Noah who is now 6 and Levi just 1 year.

I studied a great deal of child development in the States while attaining my education degree. Before I had children I knew a lot, but then I had children and now I know how little I really know!

But, I do always remember how children all have their different ways of expressing their selves. I have to say both my daughter and son are very much different in their taste of things. Noah can care less about his hair and Alleyah can spend 30 minuets on herself in the mirror. Alleyah finds a good shirt and wears it for days (if I let her) and Noah takes 3 to 4 tries before finding the right outfit for the day.

So here is my ramble. I am currently living overseas in a place where fashion is well…hmm, yeah not an issue lets say. I find myself pretty relaxed as to what my kids decide to put on for the day. But today my son caught my eye. He decided to match today. All red!

So I was thinking, if I were in America and sending him to school among many other kids, I would think about what others would say, or maybe think about what other kids would say. Instead here I am, letting Noah express his personality in RED. Instead of choosing his clothes for him, I decided, its ok, no one cares here. I then had to think about my own thoughts. Is it even necessary to change a little guys clothes? He likes it, he loves it, he is pretty happy in his choice. So if I tell him no, will it hurt his little personality? Yes, it would make him feel bad. I think sometimes I let my standards get in the way of child development, and positive parenting. Today however I think I did ok. And, now I smile at him with joy, “that's my boy! He’s the one in RED, can’t miss him!”

Kids are kids, so lets enjoy every minute!

Exciting News!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:17:00 +0000

Hi Everybody!

Some exciting news! We are traveling to America the end of June for few weeks! Yes, we get to show off our little Levi and reconnect with family. We are so thankful for the opportunity to take time and be with our family. The beginning of 2012 we spent a good amount of time visiting everyone, but this 2013 trip will be a bit short and a different focus. We want to see friends but know it is important to spend time with both sides of the family. Levi was born here in Asia as many of you know, and he has yet to travel to America to meet his Great Grandmothers, Grandpa Hilvers, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Morgan has been holding our current visa through teaching English on the weekends. So we have to honor the given vacation times. We will all fly out June 24^th, but Morgan will head back after 2 weeks to keep his teaching commitment. The kids and I (Lori) will stick around for another week. Lets just see if we can really get Grandpa Hilvers on the plane to travel back with me for his first trip.

We also look forward to taking the kids on a few home school outings. Alleyah has been studying about America in her 2^nd grade home school curriculum. What a great way to celebrate July 4^th in America and maybe go do some gold mining. We are grateful our kids can experience America a little at a time and always learn about their home country.

We have been doing really well the last few months. Asia feels more and more like home the longer we are granted permission to live here. Sometimes we chuckle how Asian our family is getting on the inside. Noah has no personal space, so be warned now, he might not know you but will sit right next to or almost on your lap to have a conversation with you. Levi is starting to eat and when we are out he can’t get enough of spicy noodles from his family’s plates. Alleyah has a style all of her own of mixed American/Asian traits. Right now we are most impressed with her boldness to speak the local language to people. She could almost teach any visitor all the cultural norms and what is different and the same. Morgan and I both really do love our home and the community that is around us. I have realized lately that it no longer bugs me to have people stop by during the day un-announced. I have picked up on the local hospitality and try my best to be ready to feed or host someone I was not expecting. But to be honest, I do still like the text that someone is on his or her way. My American blood is thick I guess. We also see how close friends around us have been the step-in family for our children and us. They have aunts and uncles of all different cultures that love to be there for them.

Though we have an amazing community, we still look forward to sharing time with our family back in America and creating memories. We can’t wait to see you all, hope we can see a few of you and catch you up on things happening here. A few months away!

Blessings

~Pictures from the last month~

Levi's 9 month picture! Growing so fast~

Alleyah is back in dance, her friend comes over after class.

Noah practicing his chinese writing, "6"

Morgan teaching how to make an American spaghetti dish at Noah's pre school.

Lori, with her new key board given as a gift!

Starfish office, exciting things these last few months.

Hi Friends!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:58:00 +0000

HI Friends!

So I have had some updates from our lives running through my head now for some time. But finding time to write it all down has been difficult. We have had a busy season, yet a joyful one in many ways. I can’t share it all here on a blog, but what I can share I will.

The first part of the season has been watching Levi turn into a very happy and smiley person. He is now 6-months and very healthy. He really smiles a lot and loves his big sister and brother. I get a kick out of watching his face as he follows Alleyah and Noah around the house. I just wonder what he is thinking? It is always a change of pace with a newborn, but this change has been fun and great. I managed to home school Alleyah during his long morning naps, and sometimes had to change plans up to feed or change him. Alleyah is a great big sister and didn’t mind the interruption from school in parts of the day. She is in 2^nd grade this year and I think she is very bright. Noah has been attending the local international pre-school. He goes every morning. It is in both English and Chinese. He really misses being home with us, but sometimes I think he imagines Alleyah and I watching movies all morning or something he doesn’t want to miss out on. He will have a real taste of home school for 1st grade this year after the summer break. Morgan has been busy out of the home teaching and some other “things”. But his season of Monday thru Sunday activities will slow down after February. He will slow down just in time to take the 2^nd grade home school teacher role to release me into the grand opening of Starfish in our city. Starfish officially starts the beginning of March. I can’t wait to watch the first women come through our doors. If you want to know more about Starfish check the link I attached to our blog, it will give the main idea. Trust me, it is pretty exciting!

Morgan took some friends on a trip to Nepal and Thailand in January. There in Thailand the kids and I met him for our out-of-country business. While in Thailand we always go through the medical check ups. We all passed the dental chair with no cavities, always a relief. We also sent each child through the immunization check and well… yeah no one likes those shots, but they had to get done. Morgan and I also got checked up and know we are healthy; Morgan apparently has arteries the age of a 20 year old. I guess noodles aren’t too bad huh? We ended our stay with a few days at a beach in Thailand to soak up the sun. We ended up getting pretty sick from a flu bug, but managed to swim and feel sand in our toes anyway. Oh and getting our taste of home at Mc Donald's!

Now we are back from travel in our little city of 2 million. The Chinese New Year is next week and the celebrations have begun. Fireworks light up our apartment complex at night. Most are just loud BOOM sounds, but a few have color. Next week will be pretty exciting. It’s the year of the snake and actually beautiful decorations of snakes are hung around town.

I thought I would respond to a language question asked on facebook here on my blog. The question,

“Sorry for the ignorant question but how do you handle the language difference? I'm sure you learned the language but how long did it take to be able to communicate effectively? As long as you have been there do you still struggle with it?"

So the answer is too long to respond on facebook. Here it is:

To put it simply, it is still a struggle to clearly communicate. Morgan and I have our different strengths when it comes to the language. Morgan has a great handle on the grammar of the language, and I do not. Yet, I love the vocabulary and can remember many words. How to put them together, well I think I sound like a 2-year-old sometimes. But one time I said that to a local friend and she said, “No, more like a 10 year old.” Hey, I will take it. We have lived here for over 3 years. I would say the first year was the hardest in language, but then finally got a handle enough to move forward. But it is not enough. Morgan and I can speak and understand, but we are illiterate. There are over 10,000 characters and when studying diligently, I think I knew maybe 150. Wish it was the simple 26-letter alphabet in English, but it’s not. I heard you need to know about 3000 characters to read a newspaper. My goal is to read a woman’s magazine! We continue to study through tutors to keep going. But it is difficult. I think Dutch is much easier. We both really love the language though, even if it is a struggle. We encourage our kids to speak both as well. Sometimes my close local friend and I can chat for hours and I leave thinking I am pretty awesome. Then I get in a taxi and the driver has an accent that is deep and tough and then I feel like a looser. I love to sing in both languages, and sometimes I dream in both too. I don’t know if we will ever be fluent, but hope to be very proficient and able to read and write someday.

Blessings to you all and Happy New Year!

Thanks for keeping up with the Joneses~

A Baby Story

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:27:00 +0000

Oh every blog needs one, so I had to write up the experience of having a baby born in Asia. Sorry guys, but I had to do it.

Morgan on his stool.

I thought this was all going to be simple because I am a scheduled c-section Mama. But of course I rubbed in the fact that I have never had a contraction after 2 kids and never knocked on wood. SO I guess I deserve pre-term labor and a whole night of contractions before the nurses would give me a c-section. My water broke at 9pm at night so I Skype called our family and let them know we were going to the hospital thinking it would be no time before our little guy came. I laid in an emergency delivery room bed with no room for Morgan to rest. He sat on a stool the whole night. I had contractions every 6-8 minutes but nothing worth calling in the only foreign doctor for me. They wanted to wait till morning. (It would be fine if I was going to have a natural delivery, but I was still going to have a c-section!) To be honest, that room was pretty bad, dirty and very uncomfortable. It was a room with other women with only a curtain to separate us. I heard and saw the other women in labor very close to me. Morning did not come fast enough, 6:00am they started the prep for my c-section, and even though I had a very close friend by my side to translate I still missed the little talk the nurses had to say.

They wheeled me into the operating room and that’s when I started to get a little worried. This room was very clean and very bright and we were impressed with it. I was so thankful they let Morgan come with me. They have never let a father come into the c-section/surgery room. So Morgan was also prepped, but maybe not for all he got to see. Morgan got to watch the whole c-section. They covered the surgery enough so I could not see but Morgan could peek as much as he wanted. He saw the intestines and much more. But…he also got to see little Levi John come into the world. That was the moment that made all the stress worth it.

1st picture!

They took me to recovery room and 2 friends watched my baby closely. After about an hour, they brought Levi to me and they asked me not to feed him for 6 hours! I did not listen and fed him for the first time anyway. I was in a lot of pain and they insisted on kneading my stomach and laid a brick on my belly! I was there on a full house day so I had to share a room with two other families. Morgan had to bring a foam bed to lay on the ground next to my bed so he could stay the night with me and the other families. He had to do all my nursing care, like empty my urine bag or manually lower or raise my bed so I could feed Levi. He also had to try and convince my nurses I really did need more then 12 hours of pain medication. Thank goodness he had Ibuprofen in his bag when they would not give me any more pain relief that first night. We had a lot of great friends helping with the kids and also getting us meals. It amazes me how much you have to do by yourself here. I also did not get meals through the hospital, friends had to bring me food during my stay too. We bought a package full of supplies for the baby (an upfront extra cost) and so this is why my little guy was wrapped up in pink. Every baby gets the same thing regardless if it is a boy or girl. However, Mom supplies I had to buy ahead of time, bed pads, paper towels for cleaning, etc. Pretty hard to think of everything, and I mean everything! I am not sure if I enjoyed being told every few hours that I am a very strange foreigner who does things differently. The families were very kind, but they had their way of asking questions but really the questions were statements. One question was, “did you just wash your hands with cold water?” Um, I guess new moms get sick if they wash their hands with cold water, but what else should I do, the hospital bathroom had no hot water? However I know they all loved having a foreign baby around. The families all introduced us to their visiting friends and family. Also, the nurses would take each baby one by one for their bath. Each baby took about 10 minutes. I started to wonder why Levi was taking longer than the others and when I looked out the door to the nurse station, I saw about 4 nurses passing around their cell phones with smiles like they just took pictures of something wonderful. I chuckled knowing they had pictures of Levi naked with each nurse on duty. One thing I had to let go from my experience in the States was never letting my baby leave my sight. At this hospital they never heard of this and therefore I had to just watch my baby leave the room for things like his bath.

Levi and his neighbor.

All of it was pretty fun to experience. I had 3 nights sharing a room and the last night I had my own quiet room with no extra crying babies or snoring families. I was excited to leave and take my baby home to be with the family. This too was unheard of that I was leaving after a c-section so early. The normal time is 1 week for c-section and 3-4 days for natural delivery. Still today I get the blunt statements how I should be resting in my house b/c that is what they do. The Asian tradition here is for the mother to wait 30 days before taking a shower or leaving her house. Also they recommend the baby stays home for 1-3 months. I really broke all the rules when I had to travel to Beijing when Levi was just 2 weeks to get his passport and circumcision. Well, we have survived the first 7 weeks of his life, so I think we are going to be ok.

Meeting Levi

Would I do it again? Um…if I had to, it would be ok, I would recommend it to a friend, just tell her to buy pain relief to take with her! Other than that we had some good laughs and now a precious gift, Levi John!

Introducing...

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:44:00 +0000

Introducing

Levi John Jones

July 29th 2012

6lbs. 3oz.

19.7 in.

We are so excited to welcome baby Levi to the world. Lori and Levi are home and doing well. Alleyah loves being a big sister again and is a huge help to Mommy. Noah can't wait to teach him how to play.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for Lori during pre-term labor starting at 34 weeks. We were concerned because of our location and lack of NICU care, but thanks to many prayers, Levi came at 38 weeks. Amen!

What? Pre-term Labor?

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Yep I guess so, pre term labor, so now I am sitting bored on a couch writing this blog update.

I am currently 34 weeks and feeling I am more like 38 weeks, but that might just be the age of my body this time around. Anyway, I really cannot complain at all about pregnancy, I really have it easy. I have no morning sickness, I can eat anything (including spicy foods) pretty much the only thing I hate in the 3^rd trimester is heartburn. Big deal right?

First I have to tell you how I started to see the difference in Asian pregnant women and me. See, I want sweets! Give me candy, chocolate, cake, whatever. But I realized as we took a 24-hour train ride a few weeks ago to Beijing, that Asians in general do not like sweets. I mean that food cart went by every few hours and I was hoping just once Snickers would show up. How did I forget such a crucial thing on such a long trip anyway? Instead of sweets on that food cart, it was pickled veggie packets, spicy nuts, roasted chicken feet, and soda. OK I will take the soda!

I have been finding my sweets and decided Snickers are a true heartburn relief. Also I love the Oreo flavors in this land. They have many and my favorite right now is birthday cake. But ok ok enough of that… lets move on.

Doctors visit. OK so in America I remember going to my baby doctor, arriving at the scheduled time, listening to elevator type music in a quite waiting room reading a magazine. I got to see my doctor after a few minutes and maybe asked to take a urine test before entering my own private room. We talked, she did her thing, and I was on my way about 15-20 minutes later.

Here?!?

OK so yeah nothing like that, and so this why I think I went into pre-term labor!!

You see everyone and their mother has no appointment. So you have to show up 1 hour before the office opens in the afternoon. At 1:00pm you stand in line for about 1 hour and get an appointment. Once you do that you walk to another building wait for another 30 minutes at your doctors waiting area. Then when they open the office door to the OB, run and put your book on top of everyone else’s. (Yeah, great sight, a lot of big belly women all trying to run) So it’s 2:30 and now you get to wait to hear your name. With in the next 45 minutes to an hour you get called in a room with the doctor and her 3 nurses at a desk and a computer. Here you get a small chat and then the assignment for the day.

So last Monday I had to do only 3 things, take a urine test, have an ultra sound to check the baby’s growth, and listen to the heartbeat. OK here I go, up to the 3^rd floor to get a number for the ultra sound. But, the elevator is crazy busy and it is somewhere on the 17^th floor, so I might as well just take the stairs. So I did. I got up there, handed my paper and realized I had to pay $13 before I can get a number. OK fine, I ran back down, paid, ran back up the stairs and got my ultra sound waiting number. They said about 1 hour wait. So I figured I should at least take my urine test, because I know it takes an hour to get the results. So, I went back down the 3 flights of stairs then over to another building and went up the stairs to the 2nd floor to take my Urine test.

***This is not an easy process. I am given a cup the size of a tablespoon with a handle the size of my pinky nail. Oh then I go to the restroom (squatty). Do you realize I am 8 months pregnant people!!!! Wait, how nice, they left the window open for all to see too. Nowhere to set this cup I have to pull up my pants with one hand trying not to spill the little cup. Then I go to a window with my tiny cup and they ask me to pour it into a test tube. Then come back in one hour to get results.)***

OK So, I go back to the other building, take the stairs to get to the 3rd floor again, wait..wait…wait…until almost 4:30pm and then I get an ultra sound. They give me a print out and I leave. I head back to the other building to pick up my UT results on the 2^nd floor (b/c my goodness it has been long enough) walk back to the original building and get to sit in a chair to hear the heart beat and… measure any contractions. All in Chinese so I have no idea what it says but find out at 5:45pm when I turn in all my paper work to my doctor that…ummm your having contractions. “I am?? I thought it was just pressure?” I said. This is my 3rd baby but it is also my 3^rd c-section, so I have never felt a contraction and therefore had no idea that this ‘pressure’ was a contraction. So she quickly checked me, saw I was effaced as well. She prescribed me a medication and said, “no more doing anything!!! You don’t want a pre term baby here!” SO I paid for my $4 prescription, walked back to the other building, got my medicine, walked out to the street, waited about 10 minutes for a taxi and then arrived home.

So I don’t know about you, but I think that will put any woman into labor!

I do really want to keep this little guy inside for at least 2 more weeks. So, all that to say, yes, I need to slow down, but here? Life is just different. Please lift this thought up for us.

Hope the next blog post will include pictures of our handsome new little guy!

The Joneses

We are home!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:31:00 +0000

It’s 2 weeks today and so far it has gone by so fast. We have all settled down in classes. Alleyah and Noah are attending a bi-lingual school in the mornings. Morgan and I have also started our language classes. It has been amazing to see things fall into place. Alleyah started back in here dance class. Morgan started coaching baseball again, and I (Lori) got to start my pregnancy visits at the hospital. The hospital will be a whole blog post of its own later.

We are happy and settling in our home again. The kids were sharing a room together before our trip to America. With our new addition in Aug we moved Alleyah to our office and we now have our desk in our living room. It’s all working out well. We also have some friends visiting from Pismo, California and love their hearts for this place. Also have had the adventure of returning to 2 pregnant cats that now have 8 kittens total! As soon as possible we will give them away!

Check out the blog run by a friend here in town, updates starting to happen to keep you updated on the Starfish-project here in our city. Find it at: http://illumestyle.blogspot.com

There are a few things that stand out again after our visit to the States. It makes me chuckle that these top 10 things were quite normal before, but are shocking again.

1. Back to the land of no clothes dryer.

2. Milk purchased in bags (very messy)

3. Our picture taken without permission

4. No road rules (except to honk at all times)

5. Nose picking is a social norm

6. Spitting is a social norm

7. Split pants and children peeing on the sidewalk

8. No shoes in the house

9. Making slurping noise while eating

10. Something breaking everyday.

Friends over to see the baby kittens.

Noah and his friend posing for a photo at baseball practice.

Alleyah back to dance class, so proud of her!

Thanks for following! More updates and adventures to come.

Made In China

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:18:00 +0000

I’m a little bit annoyed right now. I know everyone thinks that everything is made in China, but when you live there it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. You probably have no idea, so let me share my insight with you.

I have been living overseas for a short while now, just over 2 years. I have come to understand that the local markets are not going to carry the western food items my family likes such as, coffee, Mac n cheese, Italian spices, tortillas, and other things we eat. But what about clothing? The fact that I wear a size 9 women’s shoe and they don’t carry that BIG of a size is a bummer. Ok so I am considered huge in the land of Asia, I will let the clothes slide. But then how about decoration items, table place mats, picture frames, plastic plates, or scented candles. You name it and most likely you will not find it in China. I can however find cheap items like, pens, paper (not lined, they write characters after all), toilet paper, dish soap, etc.

So here I am back in America for a visit and of course I have a few random items to buy before our return to Asia. I never knew how annoyed I would become as everything I purchase really is MADE IN CHINA! For goodness sake! Really? From size 9 shoes, to Crayola products for the kids, I have found this to be true. I can’t believe I am going to fill a suitcase full of things from my list that are made in China. I am literally purchasing them here for a lot higher price and then flying back to where it was made. Give me a break!

But then again, we are guilty of the same thing…our baby on the way was MADE IN CHINA.

As I consider this thought, I find myself thinking about the silly things Americans fill their houses with. Americans really do have more than enough and then some. I guess looking at my Asian neighbor, they just don’t care for the same things and therefore it doesn’t make sense to sell 25 different colors and patterns of bath towels. I then look at the temptations and wonder, do I really need these things? Honestly, probably not. The shoes I do need, but the trap of the Target “dollar spot” items are probably not on my list. It’s amazing how quickly I feel the need to have something. So here goes one more month of just getting what’s on the list (like children’s medicine) and returning with a healthy amount of what we can carry.

So now I agree, everything is made in China, but you won’t find it for sale there. I guess that means I don’t need it in the first place.

Lori~

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +0000

Alleyah and her Daddy celebrating his birthday with In-N-Out

We are back in America after living in Asia for 2 and ½ years. We can’t believe the kids were only 2 and 4 years old and how fast time has gone. Before leaving Asia, we enjoyed the Christmas season in Asia. Then we traveled to America for New Years. After our long 12-hour ride, ready to be finished traveling and arrive in America, we finally landed in San Francisco. Morgan said, “We’re in San Francisco!” Noah looked very bummed and said, “Aww, when are we going to be in America?” We then escaped away with Lori’s family to the mountains. We celebrated Christmas in January with both our families and enjoyed every memory created.

Alleyah has discovered she loves Taco Bell more than McDonald’s and Noah really loves being with all the cousins and friends. Morgan and I keep thinking people know us, but really everyone just likes to smile whether you know them or not. Morgan also tries to honk his horn at other drivers as if he is driving in Asia. He actually turned into the opposite lane just to get a round a car instead of waiting. I think he is good now and is back to following the American rules.

Having great American food and shopping in a country with our sizes is very welcoming. So are the many friends who are excited to see us. We already had some time in central California and are currently in Oregon for a few weeks. Then in February, we head to Pismo Beach California and meet up with more friends and Morgan teaches in a school run through our company. We will be in America for Easter Holiday and then head back to Asia. We already look forward to be back to our Asian home again.

We have one last thing to update all of you on. I like how a friend said it, so I will share it here. We will have a little stowaway for our return to Asia. Morgan and I are proud to announce we have a little one on the way! Our baby will be born in Asia sometime in the beginning of August.

Hope to visit with more of you!

Alleyah describing her hand made gift to GG for Christmas

Teaching Grandma how to make home made noodles.

The kids getting a chance to see how they milk in America

Kids and their second language

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:35:00 +0000

This semester has been a little bit of a change for all of us. Alleyah is no longer attending the International School and is doing homeschooling. Noah is doing pre-K home school too, but his main goal is to sit still for 15-20 min. Noah enjoys having his sister home all day and some times frustrates her during her reading class with Mommy. Alleyah has been enjoying the home school and all the extra activities that come with it. She has a traditional art class, traditional dance class, and language class she attends in the afternoons. The afternoon classes are all done in her second language and she seems to be doing well.

Her dance class has really given her the desire to learn language. For 2 hours, twice a week she is in dance with children who speak no English. She had a little bit of a rough start not knowing for sure what was expected of her. Now she fits right in and enjoys her dance class. She has a dance partner to stretch with and they giggle and small chat with each other. They are becoming great friends and have a playtime set for next week. Alleyah also has an art class that is taught in her second language. She is learning shapes, more detailed colors, and new vocabulary each time. She also has a few neighbor children that come to the door every weekend to see if ‘A-lee-ya’ can come out and play. One time on our way home around 7pm the children were still playing outside. Alleyah quickly asked if it would be OK if she stayed out for a while to play. After 30 min she came and said, “Mommy they want me to go to their house!” She has a mix of both English speaking friends and the other.

Noah has a few small buddies too. However, they speak the local dialect and not the main language spoken. But they still can run and race and know who wins without clearly speaking the same language. Alleyah’s language teacher comes to our house and sometimes Noah joins in and plays the games. He asks everyday how to say something, but he still sticks with his favorite words, ‘milk, this, sister, brother, and auntie.’ He has a friend over twice a week and today’s word was ‘tiger.’ They had a game of growling and jumping around. Noah also enjoys watching his favorite movie over and over again. Sometimes I change the DVD to his second language as a treat to watch it yet again. However, the cutest thing about Noah is his English accent, not sure what it sounds like, but it is not American. Noah seems to understand most conversations, but will answer in English, and Alleyah can answer the simple questions. If we translate the question for Alleyah she can answer back in the second language. I think Alleyah more than Noah wishes she knew more language at this point. Her friends and neighbors are fun, but she wants to talk and get to know them more.

Alleyah had her first test in dance class a week ago. Yes, it was a test; they take every class very serious. She did well and the test teacher came over to me and with a surprise, said she thinks Alleyah did a great job and understands everything very well. There were about 50 kids on the dance floor doing their positions and routine and besides the blond/brown hair…well she looked like every other little girl. Her main goal is to do the splits and look like a ballerina. I hope you enjoy some pictures I took of her in dance and one of her art pieces.

After a month in a half I can see that home schooling has allowed us to do these extra things for the kids. It also helps our evenings to be more flexible and hang out with college students or local friends. It has taken Alleyah out of the English school setting and encourages her to develop her language. Noah just follows in her language steps.

So grateful we took the time to listen to our Father and seek what His will is even for our children’s schooling. It may change year to year in the future, but this year, so far, we can see how it is a perfect plan from Him.

Blessings,

Joneses

Prep Time

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:53:00 +0000

September has been a full month of getting back into language study and home school for the kids. Other activities are still going like volunteering at the orphanage, studies with friends, and weekly commitments. As October rolls around I start to organize the next few months in my head. We like to take every opportunity to have people over and I love the Fall Season. It provides reasons to give thanks, share our blessings with others, and months leading to Christmas Day. I love to plan parties and welcome those around us. It all builds up to the birth of Christ and we love it!

Some have wondered why we are waiting until after Christmas to return to America for a visit. I guess it is because by the time that day comes we have built up so much investment we don’t want to leave our friends at such a joyful time. I loved celebrating Christmas with 30 people last year who have never done so. We had our home full of local foods, people, dress, and shared our joy. I am already looking forward to Christmas and wonder who will be here. Who will be celebrating this year with us? I love having a Christmas tree in our window and watching people stop to stare at this tree. We are the only ones with lights around our windows and I hope they have a little understanding of why they are there. My mind is already getting creative as to how to use every minute leading up to that day.

So yes, we would love to see family for Christmas, so we have asked our families to wait on the celebrations until after our return. We hope to buy tickets soon, for Dec 28^th. After we get there I hope that Christmas lights are still turned on and we can drive the kids around and show them the lit up streets. I can’t wait till we can eat the traditional Christmas treats too. I also look forward to after Christmas shopping and buying things like shoes (can’t find my size 8 ½ anywhere! I have one pair of shoes left that I have not worn out.) We cannot wait to hug and be with everyone we miss so much!

Most people who live overseas like us take 3-6 months for a home-leave. We really want to get back to life here and not be gone too long, so we chose the 3-month home-stay. Easter is the first weekend of April so we decided to stay an extra week to spend this holiday with family. We plan to visit Oregon in January, Pismo in February and stick around the valley in March. Our weeks are already full the first 2 months and I wonder if these 3 months are going be enough?

We definitely have some mixed emotions about heading home. I love every minute here, but long for our visit. I guess after the build up of Christmas we get to celebrate with those who truly know the meaning.

We do need some extra help however. It is an extra expense to travel to the states, live in America for 3 months, and eat enough In-In-Out so we won’t miss it anymore. We do not receive funds through our organization and so it is on us to come up with these finances. If any of you are looking for a good reason to get a tax-deductable receipt before the end of the year, I have a good way to get you one. It would really help and I would love to buy our round trip tickets soon so the price does not keep going up. There are a few ways to give, one is right here on our blog with online giving and another through the mail to our organization. If you need info send us a note. ljones@sfreserves.org

We really cannot wait for our visit and if you want to hang out with us then send us a note for that too!

Thanks for keeping up with us!

Crab Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:43:00 +0000

OK so this Friday was Teacher’s Day. Now I know in America a teacher would get an apple, plant, card, coffee cup…you know. So when a student told us she was coming by to give us a gift I was expecting something along those lines. She arrived at our door with a bag of bread, box of grapes, yak jerky, meat snacks, and…Crab! I was so surprised, the crab was in a box and it was still cold with a picture of two big red crabs on the outside. She said her father bought it for us.

We had another student over so I quickly put the crabmeat in the fridge and continued our time with this great little brother of ours. After our little brother left Morgan and I were talking about the huge gift the girl left us. The next day was Saturday and like most of you we were out and busy most of the day. I did not even really think about the crabmeat except when I got the milk out and thought, WOW! That is strong, should we really eat it? You know we are pretty far from any ocean, (about 1000 miles) and well, we just don’t trust the seafood around here. But it has been about 2 years since we last eaten seafood, (except that one amazing dinner with my grandma last year, But you know…its still been awhile.)

Sunday afternoon we were doing our regular thing and Morgan decided to do something with this strong smelling crab in our fridge. I heard him in the kitchen and I walk over shocked to see that the crab was still alive!! It was alive in that box and about 20 small little things trying to escape! One fell to the floor and I jump with a scream, I could not believe it. I had live crap in my fridge for a day!! We started the boiling water and let the kids watch as Morgan threw them in. A few did not survive and so we decided to throw them out. One by one they turned the color of coral as my wonder started to think about if we were really going to eat these? The cooking was done and my amazing husband sat down to shell it. 12:30-5:00pm He finished shelling his last little creature. I say little I mean little, he had to use a toothpick to get the meat out. I helped some, but man, it was a tedious job. A box full of crabs and we shelled about 1 and half cups of meat. threw out the dead crabs and the shells and started to make a batch of crab cake mixture. Thank goodness we had a bag of clam chowder soup mix from my mom to make along with it. We sat down for dinner and the kids ate their tiny crab cake up so fast and wanted more, Morgan and I each got 2 small ones. We really made it stretch with some breadcrumbs. It was so good! seafood dinner for our little family!

While eating our dinner someone had lifted the trash from the outside can and dumped out all the dead crabs, maybe they were looking for live ones, maybe they were just checking out something you don’t see too often around here. I don’t know, but we have crabs in our front walkway now.

Anyway, It just geared us up for Splash Café and Red Lobster. We know what place we want to go to first for our visit in January, and if anyone out there wants to treat us while we are home, you know the place! Oh and don't be shocked to see canned crabmeat added to our care package list, it was too much work for so little meat. :)

Anniversary Time!

noreply@blogger.com (molojones) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:28:00 +0000

August we celebrated our 2 year anniversary in Asia! This month we celebrate a big one…10 years of marriage Sept 15th!

The time does fly by too fast. We moved here and our little ones were 2 and 4 years old, now they are 4 and 6 years! Wow I did not see time flying by so fast. Now that we are here we look back and see all the wonderful blessings in our lives over that time. We are so grateful for our life here in Asia. It has been a short 2 years yet many doors have been opened. Those open doors range from teaching university students to volunteering in the government orphanage. Our language study has helped us to have deep relationships with those around us and our house feels like home. Really an amazing two years it has been!

We want to share so much more with all of you face to face! That means we are coming to the states for a visit Jan-March. We can’t wait to spend time with family and friends and catch up with everyone. Though facebook is a big blessing we still miss out on how you all are doing. We hope to get to spend a good amount of time with people.

I just wonder if our kids will have a 3^rd culture experience and feel ‘out of place’ or fit right back in to their American roots. I also wonder if they will want to stay in America or be ready to be back in Asia where home is. All these things float through my mind as we prepare for our return. I wonder if Noah will stop on a public sidewalk and think it is OK to pee on the flowers? Or will Alleyah walk up to a perfect stranger’s kid and touch their cheek talking about an inch away from the child’s face? The culture shock was subtle coming here, but returning back to America I think will be more of a culture shock. Hearing everything in English and understanding everything people say all the time. Maybe the grocery store will be a shock to see an aisle full of cereal instead of instant noodles? Who knows what else will be a shock to our system even thought it is our culture. I guess if anything it is a good sign that we have adjusted here right?

Well we will keep you all updated as time comes closer to our visit. We really look forward to seeing as many people as we can.

If you would like to give towards our time in the states, especially round trip tickets, check out our new paypal option on our blog page. It truly would be a blessing!

The Joneses~

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Levi John Jones July 29th 2012 6lbs. 3oz. 19.7 in.

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Prep Time

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6lbs. 3oz.

19.7 in.