Better than The Great Wall

Today (Sept. 3rd), according to our calendar, we had planed to go to the Great Wall for a day of sight seeing. However, we realized that we wanted to spend more time with the kids here at SFCV (with each day it seems it’s not enough time), it was an easy unanimous decision to pass on going to the Great Wall. What a rewarding day it turned out to be.



In the morning, while Elissa went off to spend time with Noel as usual, Mary and I went to Samaritan's House (the medical clinic for the most medically compromised kids here). In this clinic, every staff is praying for miracles especially for two babies: Jody and Joelle. Please lift them up to the Father in your prayers. These babies in Samaritan's House don’t have many visitors, so every chance we have, we’d go to hold them, to bless them, and to talk to them. They crave physical touch. I wish there were more of us to hold each of them. After the Clinic, we went to the House of Blessing, where Robert and other kids who do not go to school were. Robert’s hands and legs are not functioning well; all he has is his little torso which he rolls on the floor to get to us before other kids can make it. Then he asks to be picked up in order to read books with you. After reading the books, I got a chance to feed Robert (joint and bone deformity). He was so happy. He made my day. Time flew.


In the afternoon, we were invited to celebrate Clay’s (Guest Relations Coordinator) birthday. We were all touched and moved by children’s burning anticipation and excitement about this surprise birthday party. When Clay walked into the Educational building, the kids screamed, “Surprise!” The older kids who could, rushed to him, hugging him and handing him their presents. Some were on foot and some in wheelchairs. I was choked and my eyes welled up with tears witnessing how much love these children had for their “father.” These children didn’t have much, but they were so excited to give those small wrapped gifts and hand-made birthday cards they had prepared for him. In addition to their presents, they prepared a performance for him. They had been practicing for a long time – ever since we arrived here at SFCV. There were songs, poems and even a magic show. Words cannot describe how much joy and love everybody felt in that room.


Afterwards, they all sang, “Happy Birthday” in English and in Chinese. Despite their physical limitations… These kids sure can sing!!! Fruits and snacks were passed around to every child. As I was standing in the back and taking pictures, little boy, Eric, shared his snack with me. I melted… heh, heh…

After the celebration, we spent the rest of the afternoon in the playground with the kids. What a day it was…better than any Great Wall!

~ Julia