ChinaBird

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll Greetings Friends! That's what this post is all about...friends and growing old. I'm so thankful for all the friends that God has given me. Since moving away from my family, I've come to realize how vital a role my friends play in my life. I have a handful of core friends here in China that make living here possible. No, I haven't forgotten all my dear friends and loved ones back in Chicago that love me, pray for me, and support me, but having a core group here with me is essential. These last few weeks I've been thinking a lot about home and I have to admit, I'm a little homesick for Chicago. Don't misunderstand me, I LOVE what I do, I love the kids and friends that I work with and I wouldn't trade where I'm at or what I'm doing for anyth...

Hey Ya'll! Meeting and falling in love with Zai! This is Zai, the new face, mascot, and newest member of the SFCV Therapy team! Zai is an 18 month old, Golden Retriever that we adopted from a family in Shunyi who could no longer care for her due to a family illness. 4 weeks ago or so, our staff weighed and measured the benefits of getting a therapy dog for our kids and then decided to reach out to some of our contacts about adopting a dog that would fit our needs. 2 days later, we got a call from a Vet in Shunyi that he had just taken in a Golden Retriever that was in need a new home. The next weekend, Joanna and I made the 2 hour drive to meet her. The second we saw her, we knew she was perfect for us! She was well behaved, she didn't bark, bite or jump, wasn't interested in other dogs and just kept to herself - she was calm as calm could be. We took her for a quick walk and told our Vet friend that we most certainly wanted her. A bit later, we were on our wa...

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...