We have had the pleasure of knowing four great couples these past 10 months. They have been here in Tianjin teaching English--two couples at Nankai University and two at Tianjin U. Their example of living here with just what they brought in their suitcases (as opposed to our luxury of having household goods shipped over) has been inspiring. You can get by with much less than what I used to think.
They come from a diverse background--artists, teachers, dancers, coaches, etc., and yet they all love serving others. They have been a tremendous help in our local congregation.
But now it is time for them to return to the U.S., to grandchildren and families. Some have careers to return to, but most are retired.
We all got together in downtown Tianjin to cruise the river.
It was just two months ago that we visited this same locality when Deborah came to visit, and I hardly recognized it. The green trees of summer soften the concrete buildings, and the Chinese do a marvelous job with their landscape lighting. Buildings that look drab and gray during the day really come alive at night!
The "Eye of Tianjin" ferris wheel is built on a bridge, and we went right underneath it. Again, the lighting really was fun.
With each of the bridges--and there were several--it looked like we could jump just a few inches and touch the overhead beams. But we didn't. After all, this is China, and you never know what might be considered an egregious error on the part of a foreigner. I'm not saying it would a serious thing, just something more on the order of a faux pas.
Wish my iPhone camera handled colors better. The sculpture was scary/beautiful--like most gargoyle-type ornaments. The entire down-town was beautiful.
As we cruised along, we had a great view of the St. Regis Hotel. Such a cube! There are a number of architectural wonders in Tianjin and Beijing.
And then we realized it is hollow in the middle.
The cruise was a great way to celebrate our friendship and have a last fling. We will miss the Ferrells, Borens, Suggs, and Johnsons. And we look forward to the eight new people coming in August. BYU only sends out the best, and we can't wait to meet them!
We have had the pleasure of knowing four great couples these past 10 months. They have been here in Tianjin teaching English--two couples at Nankai University and two at Tianjin U. Their example of living here with just what they brought in their suitcases (as opposed to our luxury of having household goods shipped over) has been inspiring. You can get by with much less than what I used to think.
They come from a diverse background--artists, teachers, dancers, coaches, etc., and yet they all love serving others. They have been a tremendous help in our local congregation. 
wow, how pretty! those buildings look great with all the lighting.
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