Picnic for Families

On May 28, thirty one families came together to enjoy a picnic in the park. Most of these families attended the Family Retreat in 2014 or 2015. It was a great time of green grass, blue skies and good friends.

Park Fun

Fun times in the park have become a regular highlight of our summers.

For those families who participated in previous activities like Family Retreats, this time served as a family reunion. For other families, this time was a chance to receive love and acceptance from a community, perhaps for the first time.

We had some new faces this day.  Leah (above and to the left) is one of our newest volunteers. She was eager to bring a special clay for the kids to make sharks or fish or snowmen ... whatever the kids imagined. Some creations were quite good!

Other kids just loved being present, enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery with friends.

Blowing bubbles was once again a big hit. Even the adults enjoyed it. We were thankful to have some bubbles remaining from the Family Retreat.

Like most celebrations in China, there was a time of singing. It always amazes me how seriously these young men take singing. We were invited to see them participate in a music class they attend; their teacher donates her time to bless individuals with disabilities. It's so great that such service is becoming more common.

As we departed, the question on everyone's mind was: when's the next time we can gather together?

~ Kevin

May 23 Picnic

Within a few hours of our invitation, 50 families affected by disabilities signed up to come to our picnic. Due to various situations, only 40 families could actually come today, but it was still a wonderful day. Even children who were immobile expressed how much fun they were having. It is an honor to be able to bless these children and their families. And of course, we're delighted that Molly and Hudson also loved the picnic.

~ Kevin

Picnic of Joy

For our picnic for adults with disabilities, we had about 40 adults come. About half of them are blind, and the others have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Because several of the individuals are like-minded, the picnic often felt like a celebration. Our new friends may not physically see, but wow, they can worship. Their joyful love and praise for our savior was contagious, inspiring, convicting. I want a heart of worship like that!

~ Kevin