We met this family via Colt’s soccer team. They have a 4.5 year old boy who also plays soccer. They want him to be friends with English speakers so they have quickly tried to become our best friends 
It’s kind of funny – but we don’t mind because we have been asking for some friends, right?
They take David and Colt out to dinner every Tuesday after soccer. They come over almost every other day, and always bring lots of fresh fruit, eggs, or vegetables. Our whole family has gone out to dinner with them twice now, and they really are kind. The dad is a doctor in a clinic he owns in the countryside. I’m very interested in volunteering there at least once a week if possible to learn more about their way of medicine and to serve/build relationships. It’s about 1 hour from my house. . . we shall see if it works out or not!
The kids play well together. Our kids are too accustomed to speaking Chinese with other local kids and no matter how many times we remind them to try to use English with Ben (that’s what his parents want him to be exposed to), “they just can’t.” Colt says his mind won’t let him haha. This family actually has 2 sons. The older boy is 12 and goes to a boarding school during the week and comes home on the weekend. We met him for the first time last weekend.
The mom’s Chinese name means fall, so I named her “Autumn.” She’s a hoot! She just comes over without notice, skips waiting in line at restaurants and walks right to the front. . . really quite funny to be around. She called one morning at 8:40am and said she was almost at our house. She wanted to take us on a bike ride. We rode to a park, hiked for about an hour, then rode back. We were gone for 4+ hours! You just never know what to expect with her.
Talking and riding on a busy road isn’t the best idea :)
Autumn and Haley
David and I have been riding our bikes and exploring the city as much as we can. We have found so many villages hidden in these back roads. It’s amazing how they are tucked away right in this city we live in!! None of them are Miao people. . . but it’s still so neat!!
Cool view
It’s amazing how you can be in the city one minute and village/farms the next minute!
A bit steep. . . don’t make a wrong step!
I would say your new friend “Autumn” is very spontaneous. I found it funny that she takes you on a bike ride and it lasts for 4 hours. I love the pictures of the area that you send us and your adventurous side that lets you go out and explore. I have forgotten what city you are in. I want to find it on a map and locate you. Tell Colt to try harder to speak English so his new friends can learn.
We so love this journey you are on….wish we were there to share a bike ride