Sweet Sweet Is Thriving!

When my workload gets very heavy, it’s a great encouragement to take a look at the joyful faces of children who were once orphans in our Children’s Homes and who are now happily settled with their very own families.  It really energises me to keep going with the work we do. What a wonderful reminder of God’s goodness when we see the joy these children bring to others!  The little girl you see here is one of those happy children.  Emma Si Tian was left with us when she was a baby. Nichole and Daniel Baker adopted her three years ago. Here’s part of a recent letter from Nichole.

Our daughter, Emma, is turning four on October 23rd and every day I am so thankful for the love and care that you provided for Emma's first year of life. Words cannot express the gratitude that we have for Christian Action and the wonderful people that love and support the children of Qinghai Province.  All of you are amazing and wonderful in so many ways.

I am slowly working with Emma on her Mandarin.  She is probably progressing more quickly than I am!  We are hoping to make a family trip to Xining when Emma is around eight years old and I would love for her to be able to have at least a small grasp of the language.  Would you let the foster family know that she still loves dumplings and noodles!  It is amazing to watch her with her noodles!

She is such a smart little girl! She is spelling and almost reading on her own. She is counting and understands easy math concepts.  She enjoys drawing and painting, and of course, writing her name.  She loves her swimming lessons and it is such a pleasure to see her learn and grow in so many different ways.  She is still the happy, giggly girl that she was when I met her for the first time in Xining. She is also a very loving and compassionate little girl and has empathy for those around her, trying to help in her own toddler way.

Without the love, support and nurturing that she received in her first year of life, I'm sure that she would be a different little girl.  I truly believe that all of you made a tremendous difference at such an important stage of her life and mere words cannot even express the thanks that I send to you half a world away.  I was looking through my photos the other day and it just makes my heart melt seeing your staff with Emma.  I think of them so often.  You are so fortunate to have such wonderful care givers to aid you in your stewardship.

Thank you for taking care of our Sweet Sweet and for trusting us to care for her during the remainder of her life.

Thank you all for your prayers and donations for bringing joy to children like Emma. Please continue giving for this great cause.