Well, here is Volume I, Issue V August 18, 2006 of International Updates, Status of Current Programs: China: We have our next three families packing for China as this is being written. They will arrive home with daughters from Shaanxi Province. Referral times have now exceeded the twelve month mark, unfortunately. We do not know how much farther the wait time may climb! ! added by Catherine. Travel time still happens predictably 6-8 weeks after acceptance.

Steve's mother sent a Whale Calandar for 2007 and Vicky is thrilled with the news of the adoption. There was news that Anli was coming from China but alas her VISA was denied and she is not coming. Perhaps there will be a picnic for Barker families and their precious little ones in the Autumn. On campus, we continue with our Jenny Craig diet and there will be a reception for the discussion of the new Dean & President here tomorrow. Steve will meet with the committe with Mitzi Budde, and John Yeih who is from Taiwan. They went to Taiwan and are now back. Joyce Mercer and her family moved in on the circle as well as Stephen and Cindy Hess-Edmudson who were flooded out of their house. They gave up and moved to the new faculty residence. They love the secular circle. A new host of dogs has gathered on the circle to roam.