Scott's Apartment in China

So I finally got some photos of Scott's apartment in Wuxi! Now I can put a visual idea of things when he talks about his apartment. He said that the apartment is new and clean. Not the best of neighborhoods, as he and Sean laugh about that. They say it is okay though. When the arrived, they needed to purchase items for the apartment. They have bought a few items and will set things up more as they go along.

I got an email this morning from Scott with the subject title as "saw Maggie at church today"! Yep. He goes to a branch in Shanghai and Maggie, our niece, came over and sat down by Scott! He was very surprised! Because, even though we knew that Maggie was in China, we thought she had been in Bejing all this time~~ Last week when Scott went to the branch, Maggie had gone a small trip and wasn't there. What a small world. How fun to find family members across the globe!

The apartment is furnished by the Chinese government and had some pieces of furniture. Let's take a tour!

Here is one of the bedrooms. It came with a bed, desk, night-stand, and small dresser. Needed to buy: sheets, pillows, blankets. There was also a need to purchase towels.

Here is the kitchen. Quaint space with a bit of working room. . . . You'll notice the small frying pan on the right side of the sink. At the last minute, I gave Scott the pan and a wooden spoon to go into his suitcase. Looks like it is being used. The apartment didn't come with anything in the kitchen. Purchased: bowls, plates,silverware, dish-soap, etc. I see that they have two burners, probably a fridge on the left there, and not sure, but maybe a microwave over the stove? I'll have to ask.

This is the living space. You'll see that these guys have a sofa, TV, table and chairs, air conditioning, and there are curtains in each room.

Scott said that this is their "sun room" just off the kitchen. Provided: washing machine, which is new like everything else, and a wash sink on the side. Looks like an adventure to me!

Scott's Chinese Company

A week ago, Scott left for China to set up his new office and apartment. Scott has formed a company just outside of Shangai in the town of Wuxi. It is about an hour and a half northwest of Shanghai.

He has started a Chinese Consulting company specifically for the Chinese, but will also help foreign companies with Chinese business. This has been in the planning for over a year now and his partner is Sean. Sean was born in China, but moved to the states for school, then stayed for jobs.

The goal of this trip is to set up the apartment and the office. Basic items for the apartment like sheets, dishes, cooking ware, etc. Easier to buy those things there, than to lug them over in a suitcase! Setting up the office needs phone lines, internet, furniture I would guess. Scott hasn't sent photos of the apartment yet, but below are a couple of the business office building. It is a brand new building, so when they got there, discovered that the office isn't quite finished yet. Should take a couple of months. However, the name of their company is on the sign in the lobby. (see photo)

While Scott is in China, he will travel a couple of times to Japan for other business. I really miss him while he is gone and he will be gone for several weeks this time. He is doing a good thing and I support him in his endeavors. When I get photos of his apartment, I will post them.

Scott and Sean in the lobby .

The building looks really nice!

Matthew's UCLA Graduation, June 12, 2010

So here we are, the next day, June 12, 2010 in Los Angeles to attend Matthew's graduation from UCLA! Those that would go was Scott, Sarah, and myself. We left Saratoga at 4:30 am and drove down to LA. We had called Matthew when we got in, but he wasn't available for us. When we arrived, we hadn't had breakfast yet, so we found a mall close to Matthew's apartment and found a place that served breakfast. This was about 10:30 am. After eating, we drove over to Matthew's place and changed our clothes.

Matthew drove us to campus in his car, as he knew where he was going! Arriving on campus, we took in the beauty of the place and walked around a little. We climbed those famous stairs and spent time around the library. Matthew met up with a friend and then it was on to the graduation ceremony.

The ceremony was held in the Ballroom at Ackerman Hall. The place was full and there were many excited family and friends. Those conducting the program asked that when the graduate was presented to stand and be recognized as well. I was very proud to stand and cheer Matthew on for his dedication and efforts. He earned the most difficult life science degree on campus, Neuroscience.

These are the events of the day:

Matthew had not tried the zipper on his gown to see if it worked until we

arrived on campus. Scott had to help him work the zipper. . .

Of course, there were phone calls, and friends to meet up with. Naturally, we needed to wait for him to make his plans. It was a beautiful day!

Matthew, Sarah, and Scott

Getting to the library.

Myself, Matthew, and Scott.

A pretty spot on campus.

Those famous stairs that lead to the library.

It is blurry, but here is Matthew being presented on stage.

Below, Scott, Matthew and myself in the Ballroom.

We were so glad that we made it to the graduation! Three in a row! Matthew took us to a Persian restaurant that he liked for an early dinner. Back to his apartment and backed up his things into the two cars. Scott and Matthew headed over to a friend to say goodbye, and Sarah and I started our drive back home. Arriving about 11:30 pm, we were all very tired, to say the least.

I feel very blessed by the events of this week in June. I love my children and all that they do. There has been much hard work for the four of our children to graduate, on different levels, and different experiences. I had been anticipating the four graduations since last year when I realized what would be happening. I was looking forward to the events. New milestones for our family. Then adding a wedding into the mix, our family has been greatly blessed.

Jonathan Graduation from Redwood Middle School June 11, 2010

A day after Katie's graduation, Jonathan had his graduation from Redwood Middle School. It was June 11, 2010. It was hotter than the day before and not as comfortable to sit through! Grandpa even went and bought cold waters. Before the afternoon was through, I had a sunburn on my neck!

This is another "I can't believe it" moment! Jonathan is our youngest and seems like last week when we brought him home from the hospital! He is growing so and is getting taller all the time. He has almost caught up to me. . . . It seems impossible that Jonathan will be entering high school in the fall. Wow! There is no more elementary or middle school for us!

The graduation was too long, too hot. but fun none the less. After the ceremony, the parents put on a party at the school. Jonathan had a great time and came home with some goodies! Flashing sunglasses, gift cards and good memories.

It is blurry, but this is Jonathan shaking hands with Mrs. Kelly Green, yep that's

her name, the principal of Redwood.

As you can see, Jonathan just loves having his picture taken!

Still unsure of the camera. . . .

Finally. Katie, Jonathan, Scott, Martha, Grandpa.

Below, Scott, Jonathan and myself.

Time to Catch Up!!!

There has been so much going on these past few weeks! I have put aside some time today to catch up on what has been keeping our family busy. There have been three additional graduations, Girls Camp, Zions Camp, getting ready for Scout Camp, just to mention a few.

Now, Tropical Storm Agatha

A couple of days ago, I thought that Scott would just be delayed a couple of days while they cleaned up the ash at the airport from the volcano eruption. Now today, I received an email from him that they may take a bus to San Salvador on Tuesday and take a flight home, through LAX, to SFO on Wednesday. It's possible that he may be home on Wed. I can only hope so.

The first tropical storm of the season landed in Guatemala on Saturday. It's name is Agatha. The torrential rains was making it difficult to clean up the ash. After searching online for any updated news, I found photos of much flooding and great mud slides. I can't even imagine what these people are going through. I also wonder what Scott and the rest of the Rotaplast team are dealing with. I hope and pray for their safe return home. Here are a couple of photos of what is going on down there.

Scott in Guatemala

For over a week now, Scott has been in Retalhuleu, Guatemala working as a volunteer for Rotaplast. Rotaplast is supported by Rotary Club International. Rotaplast sends groups of volunteers out to do surgery on children with cleft lip or cleft palate. This work takes place all over the world. Clinic's are also held in Mexico, Brazil, China, Philippines, Egypt, and many other countries. This is Scott's second trip to Guatemala. Last time he was in Guatemala City. These volunteers work very long hours and improve the lives of these children, and their families, as they restore dignity to the child's facial features. Many are bullied at school, therefore, stop going. Some have many siblings that will teach them at home. The Guatemalan people are so very grateful for this wonderful gift. They say it is a gift from God.

Here are some photos that I have taken off the Rotaplast blog.

This is the first day of interviewing the families and getting health information. Not all children are taken for doing the surgery. Some are sent home. If they are sick, or have other reasons, they will have to wait for the next time.

This is the non-medical staff. Scott's job is to recover and count the instruments used. Get the tools cleaned and sterilized for the next surgery.

Here is Scott with some medical staff; a few of the doctors and nurses. I believe there are about 26 medical and non-medical volunteers working on this mission. This includes, surgeons, dentists, nurses, record keepers, translators, and others.

The staff had Sunday off and traveled to see an archaeological site. A well deserved break!

The rest of the photos are a few of the children and their families. Some children were brought by mom and/or dad, grandmothers. One family had two daughters that needed help. Many traveled by foot or bus. For some, it took 15 or so hours to get there.

Elizabeth's BYU Graduation!

Yay! We attended Elizabeth's graduation from BYU last week and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to share this special moment with her. Elizabeth has been dedicated to her Nursing studies and was rewarded by graduating with honors; Phi Kappa Phi, Cum laude. The general graduation ceremony was held on April 22 in the Marriott Center. There were 6,100+ students graduating. The keynote speaker was Elder Christofferson. We are proud of her and her accomplishments!

Elizabeth & myself

Elder Todd Christofferson, Elizabeth, Dave

Martha, Elizabeth, Dave, Scott, Jonathan

The happy graduate!