on thanksgiving and hope

We were grateful to share a fun-filled week of praise and fellowship with our friends and family during Thanksgiving. It was a good time to gather together and catch up – with students and their studies; teachers and their classes; workers and their projects; and with brothers and sisters and their faith experiences.

For Thanksgiving we celebrated with a “blessing” bags festival. Our English study friends enjoyed bringing fruit and snacks to fill some bags and then were enthusiastic and creative in writing  “Thanksgiving” cards for the recipients – our friends who work on campus. The maintenance workers work 7 days a week:  cleaning, responding to requests, and in general, being available. As our campus is currently full of students studying for their masters and Ph.D.’s – there is no apparent designated day off anymore. We especially wanted to give them a small “thank you” and share some of the blessing we have received. 

It was a windy cold night, yet all participants braved lengthy travel times to arrive for fellowship and sharing. After a warm time inside putting the “blessings” together, we went out into the cold, winter night and walked around – knocking on doors and spreading some cheer. For our group, at least, the cheer was already near! We enjoyed singing; reading the Word; and giving praise for the things He has given us. We praised Him especially for a friend who made a decision to follow His Way! Amen.

Then Advent was upon us! And the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at church was scheduled for Dec. 1. We arrived at church at 9:30 am as usual and left by 8:30 pm after a wonderful day.

We studied together with friends – some new people joined our group this week while faithful friends continue to round out the group! We haltingly discussed theological topics and played some games as we waited for the party to begin. We were thankful for a warm evening as we were outside standing, singing and dancing for the two-hour celebration. It was amazing to spend the time in the Chinese-only environment and to feel right at home! Our friend Bob brought two new friends for the Christmas experience and we were excited to share our hope and peace with them. May the seeds grow and grow and get the water they need. 

It’s a merry Christmas season!