More Dahlonega pics

Our camera is breaking! The pictures are turning out strange.

Dahlonega Trip with Chinese Friends

Last Saturday (August 2) our family took 19 Chinese students to our old stomping
grounds of Dahlonega, Ga. The students are here working on their Masters at Kennesaw
State University for four semesters. We went to Amicalola Falls State Park, Dahlonega for
gold panning and a mine tour, shopping on the square in Dahlonega and then ending with
a visit to the outlet mall before returning them to their apartments. Some other
American friends joined the group to help drive and build friendships. It was a FANTASTIC day.
Our kids were great troupers and we love these new friends. Phil and I are very
happy and tired today.
We aren't as young as we were before when we would do these full day trips:)
There are going to be many more opportunities with students this year that we are looking forward to and we are praying for helpers to join with us and our team
to have the same joy of building international friendships!

phil and sons construction

Last month Phil rebuilt my parents' deck. John and David worked with him for a couple of days.
Earlier this summer they redid their back fence. The boys love earning some extra money
and we love them learning some carpentry skills and putting in a day of work or at least
a half day! David thinks working with Dad will a common thing with home schooling. It doesn't work
out that way too much because Phil isn't always working for family who understand David's work schedule or
his need for breaks and soda.:) He has already set aside some work boots
to wear when it is colder and he wears work jeans.