Here it is mid-summer and we can’t believe how fast the time has gone.

Here it is mid-summer and it seems like we only just arrived. We realized that we have spent so much of our life overseas in Urumqi that we had developed something of a routine, in a good sense. We knew where to buy things, we knew where to meet people, we knew the buses, the traffic rhythm, the nooks and crannies. But here in Ili, after 4 months, we feel like we still don’t know it well. And it isn’t even all that big compared to Urumqi. I’ve in fact bicycled around the city, basically, only 25 km or so.

But we have noticed, bit by bit, people recognize us, we sort of have a few usual places to eat out, we have found an art store to which we make regular treks to buy brushes and paints, we ride our bikes along the crazy roads. It is slowly becoming familiar.

I am unfortunately still overweight which means finding clothes that fit is a challenge. Just nearby we walked by an aptly named store, I swallowed my pride, and we went in. Imagine our surprise when the clothes in this store turned out to be TOO LARGE for me!

Here it is mid-summer and already Michelle is planning for planning for the next school year! The kids are sure gonna be good learners!