from the China Kasowskis

Hello dear Four Families!

How great to be able to keep in touch with you all this way! Thank you so much Betsy!!

We are doing well. All good to report.... Isaiah recently celebrated his 1st bday, K2 is almost half baked in my belly, and language study is coming along well for Matt and I. Recently we were talking about how encouraging it is to consider the progress we've made in language since we arrived. Usually we focus on how much we still yearn to be able to communicate but can't, but actually, we have come along way from when we landed- by God's grace! We are grateful!

As for our sweet boy- since it's becoming more spring-ish weather here now, I try to take him to our apartment complex courtyard park area most every day. He is one of the youngest runners down there and he gets lots of comments for how joyful he is as he toddles along, most glad to see a little dog to chase after or some other kiddos to smile at for a second... while he keeps on walking. This boy LOVES being on his feet and prefers to keep them moving just about every minute he's awake! Also, he can respond to Zaijian (good bye) with a little wave and Duan, Qi Lai (bend, stand up) when it's called out to him now. His favorite things are balls (Ba), dogs, and books.

For Matt's 30th Birthday a few weeks ago, several of his close friends here "kidnapped" him and took him outside the city for a guys day hike... I think it hit the spot for my husband who has been itching to get outside the city and be with the guys. It was fun that he really was surprised by it all too!

We really look forward to reading more of your postings as well! Once again, thanks for getting this going Tengesdals! Blessings to you all- in Christ.