Here is the scoop: I remember our first trip to China and how I CRAVED hearing the English language by the time we got home. I believe this has made me more sensitive to how our dear son could be feeling right about now. He is progressing so well with his English. He has worked through the first two levels of Rosetta Stone English this summer, and I'm very proud of his accomplishment. But Chinese is his first language. It seems to me that he must crave the familiar at least from time to time.
So as I was out and about town yesterday I found myself following a big, white van. But this was no ordinary white van. It had red writing on it that said, "Cincinnati Chinese Church." Whaaaaaa? We have a Chinese church?
As I contemplated possibly following this vehicle to its destination, I decided to not be, well...a stalker. It turned left as I turned right. I decided if I happened to be anywhere near where it eventually parked I WAS going to get some information from the driver. Imagine my surprise when we BOTH approached the Target parking lot - from opposite directions!
The driver got out of his van, I got out of my van, and I walked FAST to catch up with him and get his attention. By the time I caught up with him, his wife had caught up with both of us. They were a charming couple who gladly gave me the address and directions to their church, along with details about when to show up for the services.
I was so excited to get there this morning so our sweet boy could hear the sermon in his first language! And guess what we parked next to? THE van!
The church had an awesome set up. The songs, announcements and preaching were entirely in Mandarin Chinese, but they offered Ethan, Tikvah and me little FM radios with ear buds. Someone (we never did spot who) translated everything and transmitted it over a low power frequency to our radios.
There is just something about a room full of people singing praise songs in Mandarin. I could listen to it for a V-E-R-Y long time. And thanks to the translator (whom we hope to spot and actually SAY "thanks" to the next time) we enjoyed a good sermon too. But best of all, Isaac got to REALLY understand the sermon this morning!
