It's Christmas time and now your home.

*New pictures coming soon*

Just a quick note: It was so amazing to see Wei J's face when he walked out of his room Christmas morning. He was as suprised to see Shu Shu, Ayi, and Gong Gong as he was to see the toys. Although the toy packaging gave us some trouble, ; ) we played with him and his new toys.

S-I-L and Wei-J gave me this beautiful Willow Tree. It's called Child's Touch:

"For those who share in the wonder of a childs world"

So meaningful and special.

Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends!

So I keep listening to this Third Day song and crying... pretty much all day.

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are
But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas
As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights

I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow
But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life
And prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

Decorating the Tree!!

There are so many thing I want to write about, but I am just going to keep it simple.

These last few weeks have been super busy!
Yesterday was my last day of class. I have 5 finals and then I am a student teacher! : )
This semester went by so quickly!

As we decorated the tree, I couldn't help but think of the orphans. As tears filled my eyes, I felt the longing again... I wish that each of God's little ones could have a family to celebrate with. Compassion International sent me a kit to advertise their program to my youth group. It came with 6 pictures of children who are supported by people in the US. I've posted their pictures on the refrigerator to remind me... I don't ever want to forget.

This Christmas is so unique! My perspective is brand new.
While many people are fighting over toys, numerous little ones lack basic necessities.
I am definitely not trying to be negative; it's just that China changed everything for me.

My heart is overflowing... I am so overwhelmed that this is our first Christmas with Wei-J.
He is still the most amazing young man I have ever met! I never knew that my heart could expand to love someone, whom I just met a few months ago, so fully. I am so proud to be his auntie, (Ayi!!!). Also, I am grateful that we get the chance to be such a big part of his life.
I just want him to grow up and know that he is loved by many.

The first ornament! Hand crafted by orphans from Tianjin.
Their Beautiful faces flood my memories. They were so excited to say "Thank You" in English.

Getting Closer...Hubs always gets to put the star on top, (It's a tall person job)

Yeah, I'm so blessed. We have the best time laughing together!

Don't forget Marty!

I love my family!