This place made little orphan Annie’s orphanage look nice. We took a trip to play with orphans and it was quite a site. I won’t get into the details and didn’t take pictures of the worst stuff, but I like to think the girls are happy for what they have now. 
Handling the holidays…Christmas, China-Style
China thoughts from one of my friends. She is a much better writer than me…
It’s been a long time since I’ve written. Don’t judge. Life has been hectic. I’ve got one kid in each school division this year: elementary, middle and high school. To say that life is crazy is an understatement. Add to that the fact that we live in CHINA and hopefully you’ll find it in your hearts to forgive me.
The holiday season, Christmas season, is upon us. As expats in China, our holidays are readily accepted here. Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, Christmas. The Chinese have way more holidays – So. Many. Holidays. They’ve got Chinese New Year (actually a week), Tomb Sweeping day, October holiday (another week), Dragon Boat Festival, Ghost Festival, Moon Festival… the list goes on and on. Add them all together and there always seems to be something to celebrate in China!
There are also some “shopping” holidays. I compare them to our “Hallmark” holidays in the US…
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Day 55: Photo of the day
Sadly my neighbor broke his leg and will be in a wheel chair for a while. This is the second attempt at a ramp for him. The first one was about a 45 degree angle and there was no way the 100 lb. wife was going to be able to get him up there. Even this angle would be tough. I felt sorry for my neighbor trying to explain that the ramp was too steep to the Chinese workers. This is an impossible conversation.
Ramp for neighbor
Day 55: Soccer Day
Today the 3rd graders at American schools across Shanghai met at one of the schools for soccer day. Kennedy’s team was undefeated! We have a great class.
Day 54: Beginning of 3 day trip to Nanbeihu
Callaghan left today for a 3 day trip to Nanbeihu for team building with her class. They are doing all sorts of outdoor activities. Callaghan is having a great time, but did not like having to eat real Chinese food for the first time since we got here.
Day 53: Callaghan’s first soccer tournament
Soccer
Callaghan has become quite a good defender. She sure does miss her Albion gals. She can keep up with these boys. Watch out – she will be tough when she gets back!
Day 52: Grace Orphanage
Day 39: Recap of Subway Scavenger Hunt Challenge
We did a subway scavenger hunt around China to see some of the sights – It was like the Amazing Race. We didn’t even get to half of the places but saw some interesting things. 
Day 41: Pearl Market
Pearl market has lots of fun jewelry. A must see if you come visit me here in China! 
sueshanghaitaitai 