Learning About the Election

We've been having fun these last two weeks learning about our government and the election process. To me this is one of the most important subjects to learn about because some day they will need to VOTE! I can't believe how many people vote but know nothing about how government works, the issues, etc.

We've spent some time in our Bible lessons discussing what makes a good leader. We've also read about the Constitution, the Capitol and the White House. Hopefully, we'll get to visit Washington, D.C. in the next year and they will remember some of what we've learned. We've also had fun watching Schoolhouse Rock videos about the government and excerpts from Saturday Night Live. Here are some pictures of the kids with their projects, at our county Republican headquarters and with our yard signs. We've got a lot more to learn between now and next Tuesday.

From HS for GOP

From HS for GOP

From HS for GOP

From HS for GOP

From HS for GOP

It's been said that we have the kind of leaders that we deserve, so we should pray, "Lord, make us deserving of better leaders."

Our Evening in Puerto Rico

OK, so we really didn't spend the evening in Puerto Rico! But we had a real treat last Friday night when Lillian and Raymond Isaac (natives of Puerto Rico) invited us over for some traditional food. I had been talking to Lillian about how to cook plantains, and it seemed a little complicated. I told her she'd just have to demonstrate, and I'm glad she took me seriously! Caleb was also very interested in the cooking process.

We had sweetened plantains (you use very ripe ones for this):

From Puerto Rican Food

And we also had double-fried plantains (made with green ones and served with a sauce for dipping):

From Puerto Rican Food

We also had a salad made with avocados that Raymond had actually brought from Puerto Rico (you can legally bring in certain kinds of fruit):

From Puerto Rican Food

We had roast pork:

From Puerto Rican Food

and rice with "pigeon peas":

From Puerto Rican Food

We also had pina coladas:

From Puerto Rican Food

and pineapple flan:

From Puerto Rican Food

We also had a little birthday cake that I brought along since it was Terry's birthday!

From Puerto Rican Food

Besides all the great food, we had a great time visiting with our new friends. We have known the Isaacs very casually for years, but this year Lillian and the boys are participating in the TEACH Co-op, so we've been able to get to know each other much better. They live less than five minutes from our house. We are trying to figure out what to cook for them. Any suggestions?

Weekend Getaway

Terry and I spent this past weekend at a cabin near Gatlinburg. Terry's parents kept the kids in Knoxville, so we didn't have to worry about the subtitle on this sign when we hiked to Charlie's Bunion.

From charlie's bunion

I don't know who Charlie was, but apparently he had some pretty bumpy feet.

From charlie's bunion

We also hiked to a spot called "The Jump Off." I was tempted, but Terry talked me out of it.

From charlie's bunion

You could see Mt. LeConte from both the Bunion and the Jump-Off. Mt. LeConte is the second highest peak in Tennessee and infamous for the hike we took there without a trail in 1992.

From charlie's bunion

All in all, we hiked for about 10 miles.

We're Back!

I decided to start putting content on our regular blog again. I'll still add some to our China blog, but we are actively "living life" here in Johnson City, and I thought it my be time for an update about that.

Today we decided to get out and enjoy the fall color. We headed to Erwin, Tennessee and went to where the Nolichucky River intersects the Appalachian Trail. We hiked about 3 hours on the AT. It was a beautiful day - warm and sunny! Here are some photos:

From nolichucky hike

From nolichucky hike

From nolichucky hike

From nolichucky hike

From nolichucky hike

Our fall has been a busy one so far, but we've been trying to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. Earlier this week we took a group bike hike on the Creeper Trail. We've been going to lots of soccer games (Rebecca, Nathan and Caleb are all playing). Co-op is in full swing and Rebecca and I are both teaching classes this semester. Rebecca is also learning to drive! Caleb and Noah were both chosen for parts in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at the community theatre in Kingsport. They start rehearsals this week, but fortunately the soccer season is coming to an end, so we will pretty much replace soccer with theatre.