Hello from Shanghai!

7 people, 26 pieces of luggage and 22 hours after leaving Fayetteville we arrived safely in Shanghai on Thursday night. Friday morning we went to the 'house' (still don't know what to actually call it - duplex, townhouse, house, living quarters!). Lots of details to still be worked out - like the smell of mildew from our air conditioner, the internet, getting dishes/beds/etc - but we slept here last night and that was better than at the hotel. We went to the girls school for a back to school party yesterday - was weird to be around so many families and not know anyone - guess we should get used to this for a little while! The girls start school tomorrow - a little on the quick side but school has already been in session for 10 days so don't want to get too far behind. We've had some fun shopping adventures - Lindsey, Andy & our driver Mr. Xu made a major excursion to the Carrerfour - the driver did the interpreting for them (which was interesting since he doesn't really speak English either!!) We have eaten out for all our meals until this morning - now the fun begins as we try to 'cook' at the house with no pots/pans and just a smattering of food that we could recognize. We have peanut butter & jelly always as the backup!

We sure do miss all of our family and friends and Fayetteville!! We know that there are big things in store for us here - just need to get through this transition period! Love you all!!!