A Very Chenzhou Christmas!

Merry Christmas, all!

I received pictures today of the kids in their clothing! I'm so excited to see how happy they are. :)

I just wanted to say thank you to all who helped out this year. It means so much to me and these kids! Because of you, they were able to have a Christmas as well!

Here are some pictures for you all to enjoy!

All of my donations which FILLED three very full suitcases

Sweet 20+ year old with her new clothes :)

MuShu!

Lily... whose forever family is naming her Ellie! :)

Sweet Lulu!

Someone raided the candy canes... ;)

The Older kids with their presents!

Look at those smiles in the back!

God Bless, and have a Merry Christmas! :)

Lesson learned.

“God’s plan isn’t always what you expected, but often more than you could ever hope.” - Pastor Steve Murrell

It’s funny how at the end of every year I look back and review everything that’s happened. Whether it be good or bad. Most of the time my year doesn’t go as planned. And I remember thinking in these situations… “why can’t everything just go according to plan? Let’s stick to the book.”

And then I realized… They are according to a plan. But not mine, His.

As I look back on these happenings though, I’m grateful for the unexpected. One, they keep life a little bit interesting. And two, the Lord teaches me lessons through these.

And even though they may not be fun at the time… It’s my favorite way to learn a lesson. I love it when the Lord allows me to see for myself the rules and lessons we must learn. It always means so much to me when He trusts me enough to give me an insight of what it means to be more like Him.

Like learning faithfulness. Trust. Unconditional love. Compassion. Forgiveness. Peace.

Those are only a few lessons 2011 has brought me.

And though the situations that caused some of them may not be what I planned or expected…. It’s more than I could have hoped they could be. They are a lesson learned.

To YOU be the Glory

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17

Chenzhou Christmas is on it's way! A big thanks to all of my friends and family, through them I received enough clothes to send over. It took a lot of time and packing, but it is finished. :) I sent 3 very full suitcases full of clothes and little activities for the kids. I found 3 students traveling home for the holidays who are taking them, and then they'll be shipped to the orphanage.

I had a few panic attacks when I didn't have enough curriers and A LOT of stuff to send... But the Lord pulled through like He always does and sent two more angels to carry the luggage :)

During the process I had a lot of people who were donating saying how amazing I am and can't believe I'm only in high school and doing this. Where it's flattering and I'd love to take credit for it all, it's not me. It's all the Lords work, and I'm honored that he's working through me. He has given me a heart for these children and I'm just happy to help in anyway. HE receives the glory. ALL of it. I am nothing without him. I'm worthless and incapable of doing anything without him. So for that, He receives all the credit.

So in that light, I'm thankful the Lord has provided for me to figure out how to do this. I've had a few learning experiences along the way, but it's only to prepare me for next year ;). I'm grateful that He has placed this passion in my heart to help this kids, and led me to do so, and carried me through it all. I'm do thankful for everything He has done for us, and everything He has made me to be. He receives the glory. He is the one who has made all things possible.

Anyways, I hope to get pictures in a few weeks whenever the orphanage receives the packages. I can't wait to see it all! The kids are going to love it. Again, thanks to everyone who has helped out. I really do appreciate it. It's going to be such a huge blessing for them, because I know they've needed warm winter clothes. Such a blessing. Thank you all... And have a Merry Christmas! :)