Lean on Me

This video sums up our most recent day camp, where we taught the motions to "Lean on Me," and the spirit of our work here in general. What a beautiful community we are part of here in China!

Talent Show 2015

Whether on stage or in the audience, this year's talent show was amazing. It was so full of joy and community. It was both theater and precious reunion. Thank you, Lord!

~ Kevin

Coming Together

Whether young or old, abled or disabled, it is such a privilege to build friendships and to encourage each other.  

Coming together to watch the movie Chronicles of Narnia was great, but the best part of this afternoon was seeing each other again. Several of these individuals took part in April's adult retreat.

This young lady has attended the Family Retreat twice: once in 2010 and again in 2015.

This young man was so excited to have guests that it was hard for him to contain his energy. Thankfully, he stayed still long enough for a photo.

It was good to see Clyde again. Although he is still paralyzed from the waist down, he is able to sit up well, and he is regaining strength. We pray for the rebuilding of mind, body and spirit.

~ Kevin

Fun in the Leaves

Molly had a get-together with several of her classmates at an agriculture college campus to enjoy the autumn leaves. 

This is also the time of year when our neighbors place cabbages out to dry in preparation for making sauerkraut this winter. (This is the closest we get to taking our kids to a pumpkin patch!)

Happy Fall, y'all!

~Dayna

Roaring Birthday Fun

Molly turned 8 this month! She decided back in March that she wanted a Jungle Safari birthday party, and she began making plans. We had endless conversations about decorations, games, food. There were multiple checklists involved.

She had her heart set on dressing up as a lion for the party, and Hudson played the role of safari guide.

We ordered a cake from a bakery across the street, and it was no problem for them to match the lion on our decorations.

 Molly enlisted the help of Kevin's mom to send vines and paper leaves along with various other jungle-related decorations. We tried to camouflage our newly installed internet cable wire with Happy Birthday letters.

Molly created a coloring station for her friends. She drew a crocodile, lion, monkey and elephant that we photocopied for the kids to choose one to color.

Kevin was a big hit as storyteller! Hudson helped him hold the visual aids.

 Children representing six different countries attended.

After eating cake, the kids went on a treasure hunt for gold coins.

Molly changed into a zebra outfit and took pictures with her school teachers (above) and her summer tutor (below). 

We held her party the weekend before school began, and her birthday fell on a Monday this year (Labor Day in the USA). I baked brownies and she celebrated together with her classmates that day.

 

 Each student made a card for her and presented it during their afternoon celebration.

 It touches my heart to see how loved Molly is by her many friends, classmates and teachers. This was her fourth birthday to celebrate in China, and she has blended her language, gifts and talents into this hospitable country we call home. Happy birthday, Molly!

~Dayna

A Wedding to Remember

A neighbor asked Molly and Hudson to participate in a friend's beautiful wedding. It was quite different than the traditional Chinese weddings we've attended in the past. We learned the groom had lived in Canada for eight years, so many Western-style elements were added. The ceremony and buffet reception were held outdoors at a golf club.

Here's a 27 second video of their walk down the aisle:

Molly told me the emcee is saying: "Welcome the cute, beloved babies walking down the aisle with the rings. I hope they have a wonderful day. Now, show the rings!"

I was amazed by the amount of flowers! Typically, artificial flowers are used at weddings, but not this time. They were gorgeous!

The kids carried the actual rings tied to the flowers.

Can you spot them?

Musicians played beforehand, and there was a fancy juice table. (We arrived at 9 a.m. and the ceremony began at 10:30. Lunch followed.)

Dozens of people were taking photos.

The kids had a fun time, and we were thankful for the chance to participate.