The Compound

Sounds a little bit like Southern Utah or even Texas, but that's what we call our apartment complex and surrounding area. That's right, we now live on a compound in China. At least it's U.S. soil. It's located at the U.S. Consulate, separated by locked gates so random Chinese citizens can't wander in. Our compound bubble is completely enclosed and safe, which has been awesome for the kids. They can finally, finally, for the first time in their little lives, go outside to play on their own. Here are a few pictures of the grounds:

At the top of the tennis court we have a pool, a nice pool with an oversized "luke-warm" tub where the kiddos float around. We are so happy to have it! I hear our pool is the cleanest in Chengdu and I believe it. Apparently the medical officer has taken water samples from several pools at other housing locations and the schools, and has found e-coli swimming around, among other things. Like I said, I'm grateful for our pool. The "Chengdu" gets cleaned from it every day, even throughout winter.

Let me just say, after looking at the above pictures, that I've had a change of perspective. Back in September when I took those pictures I wasn't too thrilled with where we live. Now, looking at those patches of sun on green grass, I've changed my mind. It looks like Heaven after living in the dark for the past 6 months.

Now: The Lone and Dreary playground

Our apartment on the 2nd level

And yes, these pictures were taken around noon time, not in the early a.m. or late p.m. hours. This is our reality right now. I can't wait for spring/summer to return to our little compound so we can all commune in light and harmony and peace and love and all that good stuff.