Jy and Thaomee Xiong have been H.E.R.O. Club members from the start and still very much devoted to it.  This year they organized the crafty part of H.E.R.O. Clubs annual Christmas Party and help plan meetings and events.  The distance doesnt stop these girls from getting involved in the club.

So you ask yourself why China?  Well, last semester these ladies tested their intelligence by learning a difficult language, Chinese.  Chinese culture and language had always had a grip on their interest from childhood Chinese fighting moves.  As soon as they heard, Jy and Thaomee jumped to the opportunity to study abroad in China undertaking their curiosity in the culture.  What a great way to truly learn the language?   So Christmas past, too fast for the Xiong family, and Jy and Thaomee were on their anxious way to China.  They left the airports of America in early February and are now currently walking on the streets of China.  Wow!  How impressing.

Jy and Thao are the first to study abroad in our immediate Xiong family.  Jy also studied in Thailand last summer as an English teacher in one of Thailand's small universities.  While Jy was there she ran into some minor trouble, leaving our parents worried to death [but thats a whole other story]. 

Now parents, relatives, and family are worriedly waiting at home to hear from these girls.  How are they doing?  Have they been eaten by glacierous mountains?  Or have they found themselves lost in the bamboo woods of an angry panda?  Who knows, so far? But dont worry yourselves too much.  Im sure that they are fine.  Besides they are both so short they probably fit right in.

Regardless of the warnings, the words "no", and "it's too dangerous" these girls are now doing what they always wanted, to be independent and see the world.  What a great way to do that, girls.   Hopefully they keep up in their studying.  Have fun and come home safely! 

Chee Xiong