Catching Up (Cause4Life, Chicago and Home)

Hello Friends, remember me? It's Naomi! I know it's been over a month since my last post, but if I'm being brutally honest, life has been intense and crazy busy. So sorry to keep you all waiting, but alas I'm back and blogging. Here's what's been happening in the last few weeks:

The C4L team, plus a few others

In early June a lovely group of volunteers came to SFCV with the Joni and Friends Cause4Life internship program (the organization and program through which I first came to SFCV). This group of 7 women were incredibly awesome! Not only did they come to love on our kids, but they also helped me my performing clinical and therapeutic evaluations for some of our therapy kids. I was and am SO blessed by their service and recommendations. It was such a sweet and unique experience to work along side them. Having been a cause4life-er myself it was cool to see the impact they left at SFCV through their simple acts of kindness and service, and to see the girls bond and become a team, and unite in their love for Christ - it was awesome! They have been a blessing and encouragement to me.

Meeting Elisha James, with Jordyn and Emma

On June 12th I headed back to Chicago to see my family for the first time in 6 months and to renew my Chinese visa. There's an old saying that states, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." I can not tell you how accurate that statement is. Living overseas, away from my family and friends has made me a little more emotional and helped me to learn the value of the precious time we're given. Can I tell you, I CRIED (not joking) on the airplane when the Captain came on the PA system and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and for those of you who are U.S. Citizens, Welcome Home!..." IT FELT SO GOOD TO BE IN THE CHI! Seeing my parents for the first time was pretty incredible too, it felt so good to be wrapped in their loving embrace.

While I was away in China, my dear sister-in-law had given birth to her first son, my nephew, Elisha James Preedin. Immediately leaving the airport I headed straight to my brother's house to meet my precious nephew. When I arrived I was greeted by 2 of the world's cutest smiling faces, my nieces, Emma and Jordyn. My heart was elated to see them, hold them, and kiss their little cheeks! Holding Elisha for the first time was pretty surreal, I could hardly believe that this moment had finally come. Guys, he's SO ADORABLE!!

I love this little guy so much!

Ready for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals!

Most of my time at home was spent with these 3 cuties, it was good to be home and surrounded by my dear friends and family. Since it's summer, I made sure to soak up as many rays as possible at the beach and the pool, take in a White Sox baseball game and numerous days and nights catching up with old friends. Needless to say my stay was relaxing and refreshing. One of my favorite events while I was home was: The Blackhawks.Period. If you know me then you know that I LOVE hockey....Chicago Blackhawk Hockey that is. I was so happy to be home to see them win the Stanley Cup again. It was such a blessing to be able to watch and celebrate our team with my loved ones! SOOO HAPPY FOR ANOTHER BLACKHAWKS SUMMER!

Met my great nephew, Ashton Scott
Andrew Preedin for the first time
at family dinner.

One of the Sunday's I was home I had the pleasure of making dinner for my whole family....yes, that's correct ALL the Preedins, all 17 of us, plus a few other family members. As crazy as it was, it was SO FUN!! Before heading to Chicago I had Lily teach me how to make authentic Fried Rice and my favorite Chinese dish, Gān Bīān Dòu Jiâo (spicy green beans). Guys, Lily is such a great teacher because the food was AMAZING (If I say so myself)!! I greatly enjoyed gathering with the whole fam and sharing stories, memories and some of favorite Chinese cuisine.

Meet ILY Bear

July 7th I finally headed back to China. As happy and elated as I was to be in Chicago with my loved ones, my heart was torn the whole time I was there. You see, China is my life right now, so even in those 3 weeks that I was away, my heart so longed to be with my kids. I missed them dearly while I was away. It's hard because no matter where I am in the world, there's a part of me that is always missing home (either Chicago or China). So Last week we headed home, I say we because I have brought I Love You Bear back with me. Some of you may remember my tales of TeddyBear Thomas? Well ILY Bear is Thomas' sister and it's her turn to travel China. Sadly, our travel plans were disrupted several times, but thankfully we made it home in good time. Can I tell you how good it felt to be back with the kids? truly indescribable!

Since arriving home, it's been a time or readjusting for me. As always, Jet lag usually gets the better of me for 5-7 days and then readjusting to all the summer activities we have going on here at SFCV. It's been good, slow, but good. I'm so blessed and grateful to be where I'm at in life. Ok, I've said a lot - and caught you all up.