Trains and Taxis - December 3rd

Our second day here was perfect. We had a great night's rest in comfy beds, with only slight "jet-lagged-kid" interruptions, enjoyed a free breakfast, and then, after repacking for the next four days, we headed out into the busy city for lunch with our friends here. We ate at a dumpling house and found that Daniel really likes pumpkin and rice soup. Then, we said good-bye to our friends and headed by taxi to the Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to a city to the south. Riding in two taxis into a foreign city with no interpreter is a little scary when you evaluate all the what ifs, but we felt so secure and cared for by the One who really is in control.We had instructions for purchasing tickets written out for us, so it was no hassle. Then, we boarded the train, not realizing that we had assigned seats, but no one seemed to care, as the trains were relatively empty and we didn't exactly look like we knew what we were doing! (They let the foreigners get away with a lot.)

We covered the two hour car trip in 30 minutes, going up to 333 km/h (207 mph). We felt like we were floating! After a rather long and very interesting hike across the train station to the taxi stop - and no complaining at all from our kids! - complete with broken elevators, long flights of stairs, and small crowds of people who couldn't seem to believe their eyes that we had four children (something they don't even have a category for in this one child society), we got to the taxi and handed him the address of our friends. After scrutinizing it, he seemed confident enough for us to load into his taxi and another one to follow him (our luggage and bodies needed two of these small cars). It took about an hour across this city to reach our friend's apartment. The driving here is crazy to us. They just go every which way, heading in front of cars, coming centimeters from bikes and other types of carts, and I am not at all comfortable riding with my babies on my lap and not strapped into seat belts, much less car seats. This side of the world is so different with regard to safety precautions. (Maybe in a later post you can see the candle David had on his birthday cake this week...definitely not something you'd find for sale in the US unless someone just wanted a lawsuit!)

Our friend met us as we drove up to the apartments, and we were soon in a warm, cozy, loving home. Our friends have only been here since early September. They arrived with their family of 6, their youngest little one being a little over 3 months old, and they only had an apartment...not even beds or furniture. You would be so amazed if you could just be with them for a little while, and experience what their life is like. They have learned so much about the culture, language, and set up a comfortable home that serves their family well, all in the 3 months they've lived here with their four little ones. They have such a refreshing attitude about the inconveniences in this country, and their kids have adjusted so well. It is such a testimony to the grace of God. I was telling someone about their plans to move a few months ago, and I remember them expressing concern that their move would be such a major transition...and with four little ones! But they have done beautifully, and all the strength and glory goes to the Lord. He is able and sufficient to take care of His children!

All of the kids were so happy to play together, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner with them. Thomas and Daniel basically went to sleep at dinner; the kids had such a long day and we were all still recovering from jet lag. We headed for bed as soon as we could. What a great day, and what a great God!