Staci and Martin's Guestbook

haha, I find what your dad said pretty funny :) but i can see how people staring all the time, expecting you to do things that you just aren't going to do, etc be super annoying after awhile. comes with being in a bigger city (when you're in the city), and a whole other culture. may be annoying, but i can see you adjusting to it more and more, i think the good times you're having shall make up for it! love you!!!

Wow, Staci...just wow! You are so right, life does goes on whether you are there to witness it or not. The balance/struggle/juggle of knowing that is hard...on both sides of the mirror...for friends/family not with you for a year and for you because you are so far away. Extra effort has to be made on both parts to keep the puzzle pieces in sync...and adjusting at the same pace...if that's what both parties want. Much like the dance of marriage that's a balancing act each day! So, enjoy the homesickness to a degree...cause that means those are the ones you truly miss and will fit back in their puzzle so neatly when you return...cause while life goes on, you and Martin, the missing pieces, have left a void in all our lives...but at the same time we are happy that you are getting to experience things we've never dreamed of or though possible because of other choices we've made in life! Know that your experience...good and bad...will all be wonderful memories that you will carry throughout your lives! I am so glad we are coming to visit you and experience only a very small portion of what you guys are learning/living each day as you go on this amazing journey you have chosen. We love you!

Oh Martin, so so funny...

You sure know how to make us smile.
As soon as I read the part about having to sing Matt started laughing, everytime that night starts to fade in my mind I am reminded of the awesomeness of Martin and Mariah together forever. Martin-you'll always be my baby. Doot a doot.

sounds like a wonderful end to a hectic week for you guys...and you will find yourself busier than you think Staci...even if it's just catching up on reading and/or sleeping! Now's the perfect time to learn how to knit...with the "nowism" of your schedule...you should be able to produce some fun things to give as gifts! Love you.

Well, it definitely can't hurt Martin...but then again, maybe you should just eat the salted eggs that were in the mooncakes you guys received as well...those have to have some medicinal purpose! Wish I had gotten to hear you sing Billie Jean and do the moonwalk on your sprained ankle...definitely an actor!

Much more than an apple for you!
A hilarious rendition once again of your special teacher's day! I would love to see the twiol and moon dancing you did! You are certainly providing them with a lot of entertainment and making memories for them as well as you that will last forever! I'm going to show Sonia the pic of the box--she'll know about it too. I hope it helps you. I'm glad to hear you are into your relm there Martin---here's to more joy and laughter, mama

I love you Stac!! You have the uncanny ability to crack me up and make me think deeply at the same time :) Lots of hugs to you two, and I promise I will only make you take a few pictures with me when you get home!

Hugs
Hi Staci, here are some hugs for you! We experienced things like you are experiencing while we lived abroad, and we looked like the locals (except for Aaron's white hair-when we were in Portugal everyone rubbed his head EVERYWHERE we went). It is frustrating. People cannot fathom a world beyond their world. You are having an amazing experience. If I could send you red vines I would. They always make me feel better. HUG HUG HUG Love, Sue

China
I can't wait to have that feeling of missing China, these past few days have been horrible in Long gang. I just keep asking myself "How much can we really take as human beings" thank god our bodies can cry to relieve itself.

I was totally impressed by the speech Martin...I sat glued to the TV...thanks to a reminder call from Noel on the road. I had totally forgotten the speech was today! Let's hope that all of Congress agrees with President Obama and gets this bill passed so all of Americans will/can have health insurance. Now, go out there and have a wonderful Teacher's Day in China!