Tuesday and Wednesday were quick days so i'm putting them together.
Tuesday went without a hitch. I got the girls up at around 7:00. They were down stairs having breakfast. Again, Michelle was the last one down. We had toast and milk and orange juice for breakfast. I explained to them the plans: They were going to Stanford, then come back for a pool party. The girls shrugged at the pool party, not their style. But they went along with it. I told them that after the party, they would go with Mike for a few hours because I was busy and Victoria was at TNT. They understood.
Also during this time, I sent a quick email to host family mailing list. "Beware of the clothes, they turned our dryer blue". People laughed, but we got a few responses on how to fix the issue.
We piled into the car and off we went. We arrived again at Church, with some confusion on the parking, but eventually everyone got to their destination. I double checked the plans for Wednesday and off I went.
I spent my day doing errands and then going to the Venue for Matt's Wedding, which is why I couldn't pick up the girls. Victoria did her TNT workout, which is why she couldn't pick up the girls. So Mike cared for the girls while we were busy. He took the girls to Valley Fair, which can only be chaotic with 3 teenage girls in a shopping mall. They went to the Coach store, then the Apple store, and then the Sees Candy store. Michelle came back with a few boxes of candy. Hopefully for her family and not just for this trip. Mike also took them for frozen yogurt for a dessert treat.
When they arrived back, it was 10:00, and they were tired but had lots of fun. Mike checked out the pool table and our bar and was immediately eager to come back... almost immeadately after the Chinese Kids leave heh heh.
I told the girls they had to go to bed, that tomorrow (wednesday) would be a 5AM start. We had to be at Church at 6:00, for a 6:20 bus ride to SFO, for a 8:40 Flight. Whew. This'll be close.
I forgot my alarm is 5 minutes early. I don't think the girls liked missing out on those 5 minutes. But they got up and got ready. Around 5:30, they come down and Victoria had toast ready, and jammed already. We piled all their suitcases into the car and everyone jumped in. We flew down 85, and got to church on time. Mike was ready with Doughnuts and coffee. The girls got out and we told them goodbye. We gave them a quick hug and blessed them as they left.
We joined the other host families, discussing their experiences with the kids. Everyone had a positive experience and enjoyed their time with the kids.
I'm happy we did this. I was so unsure about doing it, but I'm glad that we offered our homes and that we were able to influence the kids lives. We don't know when we can do it again, as Victoria and I are planning to start our own family. But when the time is right, I hope we can do this again.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Chinese Students Day 5 (Monday)
Since Victoria was late for work, she decided that I should drive the girls to Church. Not a problem. But we worried that the girls wouldn't be up on time. But I did tell them I would get them up and they needed to be ready.
Come 7:00AM, they were up getting ready. I had breakfast ready for them too; some toast, milk, and breakfast bars. They slowly came down and had breakfast. Michelle turned out to be the slowest. she was always the last one down. I don't know if she really was the slowest, but that's just how it turned out.
We loaded into the car and drove off to Church. Church was a little crazy. There is construction going on, and the directions around the parking lot were not what was explained. But I figured it out and dropped the girls off into the back door of the Old Worship Center. So then they went on their way.
They went to Valley Christian, then to Berkely, and then back. There wa s some confusion between the bus driver and Mike, but the kids made it back, though later than planned. Victoria picked them up and brought them home. I started the Macaroni and Cheese, with Sausage and Green Beans. We told them this was one of our favorite meals to make. They loved the sausage. They seemed to eat all of the meat, no matter what we put out.
During this time, Eva had asked about doing some laundry. Victoria said sure. They collected clothes and threw them in the wash. Then into the dryer. as I'm doing the dishes, I hear a burst of laughter. Zheng and Michelle come out laughing. I walk to the laundry room and Victoria goes, "Their clothes turned the dryer blue!!! They have dye in their jeans and now our dryer is blue." Egad! That's funny, but now we are worried it will come off on our clothes.
Victoria wanted to make Chocolate Chip cookies. As we did that we took a quick sidetrack; we started talking about my Chinese Name. Eva really perked up, saying "Now I get to teach you something!" I showed them my Chinese name, and they showed me how to write it out. The rule is "Left to right, top to bottom" then showed me the certain strokes to make the Chinese name. It was very educational. and I'm glad they showed me a part of my family history and how to do it. Grandma was 86 years old when she showed me, so the drawing was not as complete, plus she has some arthritis so the character didn't come out exactly right.
The cookies finished and we enjoyed a few of them. Then it was into the Billiards room, where I gave them a quick lesson on how to play. Evan got it quickly and was lining up shots. Zheng and Michelle needed some tweaking, but eventually were able to hit the cue ball with some force.
After a few games, it was time for bed. I reminded them the wake up time, and off to bed they went.
Come 7:00AM, they were up getting ready. I had breakfast ready for them too; some toast, milk, and breakfast bars. They slowly came down and had breakfast. Michelle turned out to be the slowest. she was always the last one down. I don't know if she really was the slowest, but that's just how it turned out.
We loaded into the car and drove off to Church. Church was a little crazy. There is construction going on, and the directions around the parking lot were not what was explained. But I figured it out and dropped the girls off into the back door of the Old Worship Center. So then they went on their way.
They went to Valley Christian, then to Berkely, and then back. There wa s some confusion between the bus driver and Mike, but the kids made it back, though later than planned. Victoria picked them up and brought them home. I started the Macaroni and Cheese, with Sausage and Green Beans. We told them this was one of our favorite meals to make. They loved the sausage. They seemed to eat all of the meat, no matter what we put out.
During this time, Eva had asked about doing some laundry. Victoria said sure. They collected clothes and threw them in the wash. Then into the dryer. as I'm doing the dishes, I hear a burst of laughter. Zheng and Michelle come out laughing. I walk to the laundry room and Victoria goes, "Their clothes turned the dryer blue!!! They have dye in their jeans and now our dryer is blue." Egad! That's funny, but now we are worried it will come off on our clothes.
Victoria wanted to make Chocolate Chip cookies. As we did that we took a quick sidetrack; we started talking about my Chinese Name. Eva really perked up, saying "Now I get to teach you something!" I showed them my Chinese name, and they showed me how to write it out. The rule is "Left to right, top to bottom" then showed me the certain strokes to make the Chinese name. It was very educational. and I'm glad they showed me a part of my family history and how to do it. Grandma was 86 years old when she showed me, so the drawing was not as complete, plus she has some arthritis so the character didn't come out exactly right.
The cookies finished and we enjoyed a few of them. Then it was into the Billiards room, where I gave them a quick lesson on how to play. Evan got it quickly and was lining up shots. Zheng and Michelle needed some tweaking, but eventually were able to hit the cue ball with some force.
After a few games, it was time for bed. I reminded them the wake up time, and off to bed they went.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Chinese Students Day 4 (Sunday)
Whew, after an exciting Saturday, what is in store for Sunday. Well first, I have responsibilities that dictated part of our day. I had to take my Mother-in-law's car into the shop for repairs.
But at home, Victoria cooked the girls Waffles. She also showed them how to make Chocolate Milk, which they were amazed with (normally it's is already made). They had a good breakfast, while I sat in the waiting area at Firestone.
The girls came and picked me up and off we go. We were going to Big Basin, where there are redwood trees and some nature. We walked around and found the Mother of the Trees, 329 Feet tall, which is 100meters. Then the Father of the Tree which was 270 feet. It was amazing to see. The girls really enjoyed the scenic walk. We saw some fallen trees as well. Their diameter was almost taller than these girls.
After Big Basin, we went to the Great Mall. Specifically Nike, which is where Zheng wanted to go to. She spent the entire time there. Oh well. We didn't have much time since the car was waiting, and we had to get them back to Church for the High School party.
We dropped them off and they listened to a more interactive sermon; the High school kids could ask questions during the sermon, but "more of the same singing" as Eva says. Then they went to the "Hours" house (or Ours house) for pool party and food.
That's where we picked them up. Again right when they got in the car, they all fell asleep. When we were almost home, I told them, "its late, and you will need to get ready for bed and go to bed." Then I told Eva, "Make sure you are up!" and she goes "You still remember Friday?!?" haha.
And the girls did it. They took showers and off to bed they went.
Victoria and I figured out that since I am the male figure, they will do what I say. It is part of the culture.
But at home, Victoria cooked the girls Waffles. She also showed them how to make Chocolate Milk, which they were amazed with (normally it's is already made). They had a good breakfast, while I sat in the waiting area at Firestone.
The girls came and picked me up and off we go. We were going to Big Basin, where there are redwood trees and some nature. We walked around and found the Mother of the Trees, 329 Feet tall, which is 100meters. Then the Father of the Tree which was 270 feet. It was amazing to see. The girls really enjoyed the scenic walk. We saw some fallen trees as well. Their diameter was almost taller than these girls.
After Big Basin, we went to the Great Mall. Specifically Nike, which is where Zheng wanted to go to. She spent the entire time there. Oh well. We didn't have much time since the car was waiting, and we had to get them back to Church for the High School party.
We dropped them off and they listened to a more interactive sermon; the High school kids could ask questions during the sermon, but "more of the same singing" as Eva says. Then they went to the "Hours" house (or Ours house) for pool party and food.
That's where we picked them up. Again right when they got in the car, they all fell asleep. When we were almost home, I told them, "its late, and you will need to get ready for bed and go to bed." Then I told Eva, "Make sure you are up!" and she goes "You still remember Friday?!?" haha.
And the girls did it. They took showers and off to bed they went.
Victoria and I figured out that since I am the male figure, they will do what I say. It is part of the culture.
Chinese Students Day 3 (Saturday)
(Yeah I know i'm behind. it's be a busy weekend)
Before Saturday, we had talked to another host family, Doug, about meeting up. He wanted to meet up around 10AM. Victoria said that was a bad idea. 1) she needed to get her run in, and 2) these girls are TIRED. So we decided to let them sleep in a little.
Victoria was gone, and I woke everyone up about 9:30. They got up and Victoria returned. She got showered and I prepared breakfast, Eggs, Lil' sausages, and Toast. They loved the lil' sausages, and were not into the Eggs. Maybe it is culture and they are unsure about the eggs. But they eventually finished their plate!
At 11AM, Wendy brought Zach and Taylor over. Both were shy but as normal they warmed up to our new friends. They loved Zach's Spiky hair. And Taylor said "I did his hair today".
We took a drive over to Santa Cruz. At this point Doug called and said, "yeah we slept in". We went to the Surfer's museum where a wedding had just taken place. It was kind of cold. We walked down the the Fisherman's wharf and shopped and bought candy.
Then we hit the boardwalk and it was busy busy busy. We ran into Mike, the Westgate Church High School leader and they were leaving. Then finally we met up with Doug and his 2 boys. We took the kids on Giant Dipper which they enjoyed and Victoria almost lost her hat (it flew off, but landed in the seat behind us). Wendy, Zach, Taylor and Eva went to the kiddie rides.
By the time we met up again, we were falling behind schedule! We had to get to Church at 6:40, and it was 5:40! We didn't know what traffic would be like. Fortuneately, I found some sneaky backroads, and we got out (and I drove fast). We barely made it to church on time.
This was their first exposure to out Church Service. I was a little disappointed that no one mentioned the Chinese Students. Yet at the same time, there were alot of people (leaders) that were absent. We also had Communion, which confused our girls even more.
Afterward, we went to Red Robin to get some American Burgers. That's when we explianed to them about Jesus Christ and what he did for us and what Communion was. We believe Eva got it, as she understood religion through Buddaism. We shared some comparisons between the two. They were all surprised at how "Active" our church was. Standing, singing, clapping laughing. Not boring, such as sitting doing nothing. They felt the excitement. I think it helped them understand praying, since we do that before our meals.
Also at Red Robin, big SHOUT OUT to Sean our waiter. He was very patient with us. We told them the girls were visiting from China and we needed extra time to explain to them what we were getting. He brought us french fries before we ordered. Then for dessert, he took a sundae, and split it into 3 cups, which isn't really allowed. It was needed for the 3 girls; they couldn't share one. He took care of us very well. I gave him a big tip in thanks.
We got home at 10PM. and the girls were O U T. In fact, every time we got into the car, they were napping. As much as we tried to give them more sleep, I think the Jet Lag is still effecting them. But for now, a long Saturday is finished and an upcoming Sunday awaits.
Before Saturday, we had talked to another host family, Doug, about meeting up. He wanted to meet up around 10AM. Victoria said that was a bad idea. 1) she needed to get her run in, and 2) these girls are TIRED. So we decided to let them sleep in a little.
Victoria was gone, and I woke everyone up about 9:30. They got up and Victoria returned. She got showered and I prepared breakfast, Eggs, Lil' sausages, and Toast. They loved the lil' sausages, and were not into the Eggs. Maybe it is culture and they are unsure about the eggs. But they eventually finished their plate!
At 11AM, Wendy brought Zach and Taylor over. Both were shy but as normal they warmed up to our new friends. They loved Zach's Spiky hair. And Taylor said "I did his hair today".
We took a drive over to Santa Cruz. At this point Doug called and said, "yeah we slept in". We went to the Surfer's museum where a wedding had just taken place. It was kind of cold. We walked down the the Fisherman's wharf and shopped and bought candy.
Then we hit the boardwalk and it was busy busy busy. We ran into Mike, the Westgate Church High School leader and they were leaving. Then finally we met up with Doug and his 2 boys. We took the kids on Giant Dipper which they enjoyed and Victoria almost lost her hat (it flew off, but landed in the seat behind us). Wendy, Zach, Taylor and Eva went to the kiddie rides.
By the time we met up again, we were falling behind schedule! We had to get to Church at 6:40, and it was 5:40! We didn't know what traffic would be like. Fortuneately, I found some sneaky backroads, and we got out (and I drove fast). We barely made it to church on time.
This was their first exposure to out Church Service. I was a little disappointed that no one mentioned the Chinese Students. Yet at the same time, there were alot of people (leaders) that were absent. We also had Communion, which confused our girls even more.
Afterward, we went to Red Robin to get some American Burgers. That's when we explianed to them about Jesus Christ and what he did for us and what Communion was. We believe Eva got it, as she understood religion through Buddaism. We shared some comparisons between the two. They were all surprised at how "Active" our church was. Standing, singing, clapping laughing. Not boring, such as sitting doing nothing. They felt the excitement. I think it helped them understand praying, since we do that before our meals.
Also at Red Robin, big SHOUT OUT to Sean our waiter. He was very patient with us. We told them the girls were visiting from China and we needed extra time to explain to them what we were getting. He brought us french fries before we ordered. Then for dessert, he took a sundae, and split it into 3 cups, which isn't really allowed. It was needed for the 3 girls; they couldn't share one. He took care of us very well. I gave him a big tip in thanks.
We got home at 10PM. and the girls were O U T. In fact, every time we got into the car, they were napping. As much as we tried to give them more sleep, I think the Jet Lag is still effecting them. But for now, a long Saturday is finished and an upcoming Sunday awaits.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Chinese Students Day 2
Ahh Day 2 begins with someone over sleeping!!! No, not us, one of the students did. The Jet Lag has probably caught up with her. But she scrambled and, as she said the night before, "We know how to get ready fast". So she did!
Victoria got them to Westgate Church. But no one was at church to receive the kids. Uh oh. So she waited with them. Finally another host family appeared, so she had to leave the kids with him. As she raced away to work. Her statement to me, "You're going to have to take them next week." I told her, "no problem."
Being Friday, I had a soccer game to play. Fortunately, it was a 7:00PM start (rather than our 5:15, or 11:15 start times). So Victoria was able to pick them up and bring them to the game. The game ended with a tie, 3-3. I played poorly the first half, where I touched all 3 goals I gave up (I should have saved them). Being down 3-2, into the 2nd half, we tied it up. Then (apparently) I put on a goal-tending clinic. Stopped everything that came my way. Everyone was really impressed with my gameplay.
After the game, I introduced the girls to my team. Steve and Sandy really enjoyed meeting them. And then, when we were getting food, Rob enjoyed talking to them too. Other people I knew in the facility were asking "Are these your family?" I'd go, "Yep, for the weekend." and explain to them what Victoria and I were doing.
After Pizza, we brought them back home. We could tell they were tired. Victoria and I planned out our Saturday, and the girls went up to a room and laughed and played. We heard them from outside. ha. They were enjoying themselves. Eventually we heard the showers go on, and then the bedroom doors close.
Saturday, we plan to let them sleep in. They seemed really exhausted, jet-lagged, and busy chasing their schedule. Some were nodding off at dinner. We figure we should give them time to recoup. Then it'll be off to the beach, and some sight seeing. Should be fun for them today.
Victoria got them to Westgate Church. But no one was at church to receive the kids. Uh oh. So she waited with them. Finally another host family appeared, so she had to leave the kids with him. As she raced away to work. Her statement to me, "You're going to have to take them next week." I told her, "no problem."
Being Friday, I had a soccer game to play. Fortunately, it was a 7:00PM start (rather than our 5:15, or 11:15 start times). So Victoria was able to pick them up and bring them to the game. The game ended with a tie, 3-3. I played poorly the first half, where I touched all 3 goals I gave up (I should have saved them). Being down 3-2, into the 2nd half, we tied it up. Then (apparently) I put on a goal-tending clinic. Stopped everything that came my way. Everyone was really impressed with my gameplay.
After the game, I introduced the girls to my team. Steve and Sandy really enjoyed meeting them. And then, when we were getting food, Rob enjoyed talking to them too. Other people I knew in the facility were asking "Are these your family?" I'd go, "Yep, for the weekend." and explain to them what Victoria and I were doing.
After Pizza, we brought them back home. We could tell they were tired. Victoria and I planned out our Saturday, and the girls went up to a room and laughed and played. We heard them from outside. ha. They were enjoying themselves. Eventually we heard the showers go on, and then the bedroom doors close.
Saturday, we plan to let them sleep in. They seemed really exhausted, jet-lagged, and busy chasing their schedule. Some were nodding off at dinner. We figure we should give them time to recoup. Then it'll be off to the beach, and some sight seeing. Should be fun for them today.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Chinese Students Day 1
Victoria and I signed up to share our household with some Chinese students that were visiting the United States. This program was set up with Westgate Church. We have our worries and our concerns, but so far it has been a very exciting and pleasent experience.
We have 3 teenage girls with us. They all speak a little English. Though they are really trying hard to learn more words.
This first day, we met them and we knew we would have problems remember how to say their names. but two of the girls chose english names. Eva and Michelle. Zheng didn't find a name she liked. That's ok though.
We took them to a Japanese store (thanks Victoria) in hopes that they would find something that would make them familiar. Zhao says "This feels very Japanese" well yeah. sorry. They also said, "we want to try American food!" Victoria told them "Don't worry you will"
Tonight we served Alex's Pasta, after Victoria's sister Alex. It was different for them, not exactly spaghetti. We showed them how to pray, and I don't know if they understood yet. We talked about fat people, dogs, colorful people of San Francisco, and dialects.
Later in the evening, they gave us gifts. All were very nice. A handkerchief, a jewelery box, and a set of chopsticks. We were excited to receive these little gifts.
Tomorrow they are going to Stanford which should be fun for them. Victoria has to get them up early. But for day one it comes to a close.
We have 3 teenage girls with us. They all speak a little English. Though they are really trying hard to learn more words.
This first day, we met them and we knew we would have problems remember how to say their names. but two of the girls chose english names. Eva and Michelle. Zheng didn't find a name she liked. That's ok though.
We took them to a Japanese store (thanks Victoria) in hopes that they would find something that would make them familiar. Zhao says "This feels very Japanese" well yeah. sorry. They also said, "we want to try American food!" Victoria told them "Don't worry you will"
Tonight we served Alex's Pasta, after Victoria's sister Alex. It was different for them, not exactly spaghetti. We showed them how to pray, and I don't know if they understood yet. We talked about fat people, dogs, colorful people of San Francisco, and dialects.
Later in the evening, they gave us gifts. All were very nice. A handkerchief, a jewelery box, and a set of chopsticks. We were excited to receive these little gifts.
Tomorrow they are going to Stanford which should be fun for them. Victoria has to get them up early. But for day one it comes to a close.
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