圣诞快乐 from SFCV!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's holly, jolly and filled with so much cheer!
Christmas in China is so different than the USA, but we don't let that stop us from celebrating this special time of year. Earlier this month, the kids gathered all donned in red, with christmasy hats and headbands galore to celebrate our Savior's birth! And what a day it was!

I know I say this a lot, but our Christmas party with the kids has to be one of my most favorite days each year! The excitement, joy and wonder in their eyes and hearts is tangible. Every year, Santa makes his first stop of the season at SFCV and gives each child a special Christmas present. Their smiles say it all. Of course, there are some that are not so fond of "old saint Nick" but most of the kiddos LOVE seeing Santa and are so eager to see what he has brought. It's a jolly filled day with dancing, games, presents and cake.

Unlike years past, I won't be traveling back to the USA to spend Christmas with my family, due to some difficulties with my Chinese residency. Being away from my family for Christmas is a big deal to me, but if I have to be away, there's no place I'd rather be! Although a bit sad and missing my family, my heart is so full spending such a sweet time of year with some of my favorite people! Their happiness, drive and love for life is so contagious, and a daily example of the love that Christ has for me. What better way to send the holidays than loving on some adorable kids!

Let me just say, If you or someone you know is struggling with the materialism of western Christmas or just not feeling the jolliness of the season, just take a look at the joy on these kids faces. I can assure you, they will help you see the joys of the season in a new and refreshing light.

From all of us at SFCV, Merry Christmas to you and yours! 圣诞快乐!

Merry Christmas from the Bright Star's Therapy Program!

Comments

She's Determined to find a Family...and So Am I

I'm dedicating today's post to a very special little girl. A girl who loves without boundaries despite her physical limitations. A girl who's joy is printed like a map and worn on on her face. A girl who is smart, innovative, intelligent and eager to learn. A girl who is growing up fast and desperately longs for a forever family of her own. Today is about a girl named, Charissa. Charissa joined the SFCV family back in 2009, when she was just 3 and a half years old. From the start, Charissa's life was challenged, shortly after birth she was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida, posterior Meningocele and Cerebral Palsy. When she was a baby, surgeons placed a VP shunt to treat the Hydrocephalus and her Meningocele was removed. Since her surgery several years ago, Charissa has progressed wonderfully. Despite her inability to control her body from the waist down, she has become a very independent young girl with an excellent outlook on life. Over the last 7 ye...

Ni hao from Shepherd's Field Children's Village!!

Ni Hao from Shepherd's Field Children's Village! It's hard to believe that I have already been here for 1 whole month! Some mornings I wake up and and feel like I'm still dreaming, I'm so blessed to have this life be my reality. I would like to thank each and every person who has loved me, prayed for me and helped to support me. You have no idea how blessed I am by your faithfulness and God's goodness! Thank you! My arrival at Shepherd's Field on October 1st was ideal, I unknowingly came during October Holiday,which is a week long celebration of Chinese Independence, during this holiday all of our children are out of school and there is no work for local or foreign staff. Arriving during Holiday was quite nice, since it allowed me time to adjust and settle into my new home, get over my jet lag, and really reconnect with other staff members. It was especially nice to reconnect with the therapy team that I had work so closely with over the summe...

Great China Adventure: Auntie Nai and Thomas take Hong Kong!

Hello there friends and faithful readers! Thomas, the night we met Allow me to introduce you to Teddybear Thomas. Thomas is my special friend and traveling buddy. We first met when I was home, in Chicago, for Christmas. He originally belonged to my 3 year old niece, Emma, who in turn gave him to me. The night before I headed back to China in January, I got to spend some quality time with my 3 nieces. I could go on for hours about how much they mean to me and how much I love and miss them, but for times sake, I will refrain. I will say this, these three little girls make it very difficult emotionally for me to be away- I love them SO much! That night, while saying our goodbyes, my heart was flooded with emotion and my eyes with tears. Emma in all her sweetness did all that she could to comfort me. In her efforts she gave me Thomas to travel with, care for and love, so that,"I wouldn't miss her so much." As overjoyed and blessed as I was by her simple act of kind...

ChinaBird

Search This Blog