50th B-day: I had a nice quiet 50th birthday party back on October 22nd.  We got some Muslim Beef or Local Beef sold by Muslims. They have the local monopoly. It is half the price of the Western Style grown in other places of China and about 1/6th price imported from Australia or the USA. Anyway, I got a chunk that looked tender and Elaine wrapped it up to make look like Pot Roast. We then invited some old friends of ours over.  A Canadian couple that started the Wicker Basket or the local Western Bakery.  They now have 3 stores. We also used to have water fights with their boys when they lived here. We have had had some good times throughout the years.

Our Extension: As many of you know we are making plans for a change. Our thoughts back in June were to arrive back in the States by December 1 for that was when our Visas ran out, but I got to tied up with the Company Registration. In March, all Representative Offices were ordered to have an Audit before June 1.  I got this done and then the powers to be ordered a renewal, which got done in June and July.  When I returned home from the USA to attend my father's "Celebration of Life" I was greeted with a 3 year registration.  All this put a change in the plans.  A financial investment, a good 10 year reputation and now 3 years without chasing around for a renewal. What a deal! I should pass this office onto someone else.

In late August, I advertised the sale of the office in the local Ex-pat newsletter.  I interviewed with 3 groups of people.  Two of these groups wanted it with one eventually dropping out for the fear of doing business.  They were teachers and pastors and just did not feel comfortable with it.  The other group, 2 women, one a Hakka and the other Chinese from Indonesia are thrilled to join in. They see it has a definite answer to prayer. I say, "join in," for after discussing with them and my helper, Fred and the Government Commercial Bureau, it is better to leave everything in my name for at least the next year and possibly 3 years. It is all new territory here and we will have to see where and how it unfolds.  We also need to move slow.  Too many changes quickly only raise "red flags" for those governing.

To be honest, this has taken a lot of energy and time to do all this. There has been a lot of new requirements, which means a lot of running around and waiting and lectures from officials, but once set up then it should be a lot easier. 

In addition, Elaine wanted to spend a little more time with a few of our Chinese friends, especially Nina and Nancy.  She hopes to work with Nina in developing her English Training School. Clara and Colman also felt the move by December 1 was too rushed.  A slower move will also help us emotionally as we separate. 

All that to say our new target date to return to the USA is before April 1. We want to be home to celebrate Elaine's mom's 90th.  My mom's, Elaine's and Clara's birthdays are also in April.

The Shuffle: (Elaine) After we returned from our trip to Thailand this past September, we advertised our apartment and furnishings. One family, came to look and it fit their needs perfectly, especially the fact that we were selling all our living room, dining and appliances. Most of the things are old and 2nd hand so the price was easy for them to do. We will be moving out next week and they will do some painting and fixing and move in Dec.1.

As mentioned, we will stay through March and we needed a place to stay. The same week, while all the above was going on, we were able to find a fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment in North Kunming, The family was going home for several months and wanted to rent out their place. I call it my little vacation home because everything is there for our use. This also helps with our move because I can sell off many things we wont need. 

So this next week we will be completing our sale and move just before Thanksgiving. Then the countdown to the return to the States for several months then our next plan is....

Thailand:  We have always been drawn to Thailand and we actually were surprised that we ended up in China.  In the Summer of 2010 we really felt that the Lord was saying to us "prepare to move". It has taken over a year and although we will not actually move there until 2012 or soon after for we feel that we have to return to the States and spend time with family. Most westerners here go home every few years for 6 months to a year as part of their contract.  We, on the other hand, have never had that work out for us. It seems strange to be leaving for good but we feel at peace about this. We want our supporters to know that we still need their help because we fully intend to return and begin a new chapter in our work overseas. We will need your prayers and will appreciate your continual financial support. We hope to visit with all of you while we are home.

English Club Update: For over 2 years now, just about every Saturday morning we attend the English Club. The core group is Nina, Nancy and us. Though others do come in for a few weeks at a time. Most recently, Miranda has joined us. She is a recent college graduate who has already spent one year in Tehran, Iran for one year teaching Chinese. She is hoping to do further study. She, like so many that attend, is a Christian. Another recent attendee is Andy.  Andy is from Harbin, which is in the Northeast of China and every year they have an Ice Festival. He is now in Kunming after 2 years in the Netherlands and 8 years working as a Tour Guide in Beijing. With their travels, they have added an interesting mix to the group.  They both have very good English skills.

One thread common through all the attendees is traveling in foreign countries. Either, they have already traveled to or wish to travel and study more.  For instance, one couple lived in Malta for 2 years. Another went Russia, another to the Maldives and of course our American friend Kirk, who has been to over 100 countries.

Eagle Scout Almost Official:  Colman has finished his last badges and sent out his recommendation letter requests and now it is just a matter of meeting with the local scout leaders for a "Board of Review, " which means it is all done but the ceremony.  The ceremony is planned for December 15th.

Last night, he returned from another Camping excursion with the scouts.  This time, they were at 11,000 feet in the Tibetan area of Northwest Yunnan. Besides camping next a river with below freezing temperatures, they went Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and helping another scout do his Eagle Project. Which was building a playground for a school. The 3rd night all the boys were treated to a hotel stay by JJ Fetcher, a former Navy Seal and former head of the The Boy Scouts of America, not because the boys couldn't take the cold temperatures, but all their gear would be frozen for an early bus trip back. JJ lives with his Chinese wife here in Kunming and we are grateful for the help he has given to Colman during his last year of Scouts.

(See Photos)

Small Circle: Above, I mentioned the couple from the Wicker Basket. Back in 2002, we went with them and another couple who were managing a Nordica restaurant, which Elaine helped set up the Kitchen and train the cooks in the original location, to a local park for a Picnic. The latter couple was from Sweden. This Swedish couple introduced me to the Company I got my Rep Office from and still have. Well, during this time, a son of the Canadian couple and daughter of the Swedish couple got married and now live in Sweden.  Now, this son recently asked me to travel with him in China to visit some plywood factories. He wanted my wood and Chinese business experience for it was the first time he came to China since around 2000. He also knows nothing about wood products, but he does now!

Chris, the son's name, and the company he works for, is now looking into Wooden Pallet Production. He asked if I knew anything about Pallets.  I told him I grew up making pallets.  My father built pallets for over 30 years, so, yes, I know about Pallets. Well, he often contacts me to discuss pallets and plywood. We hope this will turn into a positive event and we will be able to earn some to help with the much needed financial help. 

Prayer requests:  Elaine's  Dad (87) Fred was diagnosed with melanoma in his right upper leg and will have an operation before Thanksgiving.He will be in for 3 days and have 5 weeks of chemo. Pray for him and for Elaine's mom Jessie (89) for peace and strength. Pray for Doug's mom, Marilyn, and those who are taking care of her as she slowly declines mentally. 

Thanks for thinking of us!

Doug, Elaine, Clara and Colman Culver