Ni Hao (Hello) From China!

Hello Everyone!

Rachel and I have made it safely to Shanghai! Mabel met us at the airport and we are on our way to Pingxiang to move into our apartment. Once we get to the train station we have at least another 8 hours of travel. It will not seem long at all though, we are taking the fast train and Mabel and her son David provide excellent company.

Some quick highlights from our travel and first day in Shanghai:

• The closer we got to China, the more we noticed how out-numbered we were. Once we got on the plane, we just assumed that no one would speak english anymore. If they did, it was a nice treat.
• The 12 hour plane ride wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. It was very confusing though. I never new what time it was or how much longer we had before we arrived. They fed us three different times, so I couldn't even base it off when I ate. I will say though, after about 6 hours in a small seat I got real jealous of first class seats.
• After we landed we went though customs - much easier getting into China than the USA. At least that is what Rachel has told me. I would believe her.
• Mabel and David pick us up and we went out to eat - Incredible. If you think you have had good Chinese food you are very wrong. I had to eat with chop-sticks and I still stuffed myself it was so good. We ordered a dish that had bacon in it - my word! Our favorite so far.
• David, who is about 8 years old, just after meeting me threatened to put me in a coffin! (Rachel thinks we'll get along great... :] ). Turns out that was a new vocabulary word and he was practicing. Whatever the case, it was real funny.
• Mabel's first impression of us was amusing. When she saw all of our bags (3 each!) she called us camels! :]
  

Please spread the word that we have arrived safely. We no longer have the use of social media to help us. Also, if you wish to receive regular updates about our adventures and are not already on the list just let us know. (To those whom it may concern: if you have a super secret job such as running the youth group or saving the world before breakfast, you may want to have someone forward these updates to you. Not sure what they filter or what is safe.)

Blessings from some international pilgrims,

Later