Smiles: the cure to all stress

Hey All... I know, I know I've been MIA for a while :(

Mico, my Guest Relations partner in peparations!
This girl is awesome!

You know that feeling you get as a student this time of year? The semester is coming to an end, you're working hard on projects and papers, and beginning to study for finals, stressed out of your mind....? Remember that feeling? Feeling like you had so much work that needed to be done, but all you really had the energy for was a nap? But what pushes you through those hard and difficult times is the realization that IT'S COMING....SUMMER IS COMING! haha! Well, I have to admit, I've been feeling that way a lot lately. The pressure is on, There's so much going on, there's is a lot of work still to be done, but summer is coming...interns are coming...volunteers are coming...teams are coming to help us as we care for these awesome kids. It's awesome to know and I have to keep reminding myself that this craziness is just a season.

These last few weeks have been a time of learning for me, learning more about who I am in Christ, learning more about my place here at SFCV, and more about how I can better myself professionally. As is every season of learning, it's been a challenge, but it's been well received.

Up late working hard with Zai

Playing Twister! They love it!

I'll be very honest with you all, work has been crazy busy and at times pretty stressful lately, yes, summer is coming but there is much to do and prepare. Therapy is great - things are moving right along and the kids are making great progress. We've made some minimal changes in our program and it's taking some time for every to fully adjust - which is totally OK and normal. Things in the Guest Relations department have been busy: emails, phone calls, running here and there, coordinating with interns and teams etc, it's been great and I'm ecstatic to have them all visit us this summer, but it's also kept me pretty busy. I've always been one that works well under pressure and can usually manage (somewhat) with a lot on my plate, so I don't mind at all, but it always seems to me that God chooses some of the busiest seasons of life to teach life's great lessons. This season is no different. As I mentioned before, it's been a challenge, my heart doesn't always want to always accept the Lord's leading and He's allowed me to stumble and bumble along in certain situations, just to be reminded that I need Him every step of the way. My heart and soul have been challenged, but refreshed at the same time. As I'm learning more about who I am in Christ and how I fit in here at SFCV, God's abounding grace has been there to accompany with every lessons, task and challenge.  When I first moved to SFCV, I thought I pretty much knew my role - I was the new therapist....and that was it. These last few weeks, I feel like my role and responsibilities have expounded and have increased - which is at times daunting but overall a great feeling. I've been excited to find new ways to give myself and my skills to help serve and care for these incredible children! They're so worth any amount of stress. I mean, one smile from one child melts all that stress away anyway... I mean just look...

Their smiles are everything. They can brighten any heart and bring joy to any soul. All that being said, I'm still so honored to be here in China and at SFCV. I love my team, I love my kids and I love my Savior for knowing me so well and bringing me here. No matter how crazy or stressful work gets, I have no complaints because I know it's all well worth the momentary struggle, because, Golly THE KIDS ARE SO CUTE! Ugh, some times it just kills me - they're so amazing!
Your prayer's are always appreciated, especially as our team, kids and campus prepare for all the awesome summer events to come. Thanks friends.

Until next time...