One table of friends from near and far

Last weekend we celebrated Li Ci's birthday.

(At left, pink panda with green hoodie.)

What a gift it has been to know her.

Of all these, Li Ci has the most tender heart. She is always the first to lend a hand.

Party people were the same crew as usual, all the "siblings" who grew up in the orphanage together.

We were missing Wang Zhao though, because she works every weekend now.

The following weekend, Easter weekend, Mark and son Jonathan came to our home.

Mark and wife Joy are long-time friends of Drew's family, also from Minnesota. Their family of ten has been living and working in Shanghai for nearly two years, and will repatriate this summer.

Mark gave Drew the best and most needed gifts: listening, reassuring, understanding. 

I think Drew has extra courage today.

Jonathan was very helpful with Titus' homework, and demonstrated to Titus and Mike how to be a kind, self-motivated, adventurous, helpful guy. 

Our worlds, East and West, past and present, came together as we shared a meal together at one table.

Thank you Father for the diverse mix of people with whom we are graced to share life.

Thank you for the unique personality, experiences and perspective of each one.

Thank you for the moments we have to share ourselves.

counting the graces

thank you Father for

happy news of a new baby girl and loving care from Amber

long hike winding through woods, hills, graveyards, tea fields, around lakes and over springs

prayer with Drew this morning, Spirit guiding our words and changing our perspective

bracelets made by Titus and Mike

bright sun warming our sunporch to get us up and ready for Monday morning

being able to complete Titus' reading homework during the downtime at church

game date with Mike on the sunporch while everyone else was out

your mercy is new each day, you are faithful, constant, you will not grow weary or annoyed or ever give up on me