Sunshine Park Fun

On March 14, we invited two Sunshine Homes (day training centers for young adults with intellectual disabilities) to have a picnic in the park.

The volunteers read through "You Are Special" by Max Lucado with the young adults.

For lunch, we prepared American sandwiches of peanut butter and jelly and ham and tomato. The only twist was that our sandwich makers often joined all of those ingredients together as part of one sandwich.

 Our friends from Canada joined us.

This is Esther, one of our most faithful volunteers. Her physical disability does not stop her from blessing others.

One of the Sunshine Homes thanked us by performing a dance for us.

A few days earlier, we attended a musical performance presented by a different group of friends affected by intellectual disabilities.

I (Kevin) was privileged to visit the Zhang family in their new rent home. It was a great week to build community with young adults affected by intellectual disabilities.

~ Kevin

October 17 Day Camp

For this day camp, we served 21 families, the majority of whom we have known for a few years. They have attended various activities in the past, including day camps, picnics, English classes and family retreats. These families come together as family.

As the key message today, we focused on Max Lucado's book You Are Special. Thanks to book donations from a group in Beijing, we have used You Are Special several times with the children, but this was the first time we discussed it with the parents. Although a children's book, the themes were significant for the parents. Even into break times, mothers continued discussing the book. 

I (Kevin) led simple English songs.

The kids also enjoyed drawing and crafts with beads and modeling clay.

Shirley, who had read the book You Are Special to the kids, taught the whole group an accompanying song.

Helen served as the emcee for the kids as they sang solos, recited poetry or played a flute. Even kids who could barely speak wanted to participate.

Although this photo does not show the whole group (65 individuals participated), all of the children are present. Also, the volunteers from Dayna's newest group of students are in the photo.

After the group photo, several families took individual shots before having to say good bye.

This little guy was our youngest participant. His nap began as the day camp ended.
~ Kevin