Kailei's First Confession

So today Kailei made her first confession today.  We are so proud of her but the journey wasn't easy.  Poor thing has been terrified every since she learned what she had to do.  I think she just doesn't want to admit any wrongdoing on her part.  She was great about memorizing her prayers and she dutifully did her workbook so I thought it would go OK but not so.

Prior to her class meeting today she spent 40 minutes in Daddy's arms crying.  She rallied for a little while in class and we had a pizza party with her classmates prior to the advent service.

It was a short service and all was going well.  We rapidly got in line in order to avoid the long waits and then the tears came again.  The line was long so I popped in first.  When I came out I attempted to send Kailei in.  She was not having it.  She was scared and crying and just beside herself.  Meanwhile everyone is watching us and trying to talk her in there.  I did tell her that she did not have to do it now and so did the priest.  We wanted her to be ready but that didn't seem to cut it either.  I let someone else go and told her we were going to go ahead and leave and we would come back another time.  When that person came out, she decided to go inside.  I was shocked but I think she just wanted to get it done too.

She came out and did her penance but was still unsure about the whole thing.  She commented that, "If you didn't make me do it Mom, I would have never done it."  She has also told us that she is OK with doing it once a year but no more than that.

Well, it is done and she is very relieved to know her first communion only involves saying "Amen."

The Davison Christmas

We had the Davison Christmas today. Merle and Phyllis drove up for the festivities. A soup and sandwich spread was enjoyed by all. The kids had a great time as usual and were grateful for the gifts they received. Merle is looking better and the best gift for us all is that he is feeling well right now.

Anticipation in Hong Kong

(Zeb was cleaning recently and came across this.  He wrote it in China when we were adopting Kailei.  I had not seen it and he recently shared it with me.)

Nine July, two thousand five, Hong Kong.

Anticipation, though not for a show

Busy streets, people, autos, shops and carts

Interesting Asian take on Italian cuisine.

Bamboo scaffolding supporting steel and concrete

Neon lights illuminate and draw the eye

Shops stay open late, attracting crowds

Street market sells an eclectic mix

Several blocks of tiny, mobile stores

So many deals, but no cheap sneakers

And no size thirteen or XL

The harbor beckons, something is going to happen

A strange thrill

My hand on Jackie Chan's stone handprint

A buzz is building here

Crowd is gathering along the water

Looking across the bay

Lasers and fireworks, choreographed

Colored lights reflect off rippled waters

Firework smoke haloing building towers against an overcast night.

Photos and video don't do it justice

Head back to the hotel.

Still anticipating.

MWCC Holiday Celebration

Got together with the Mom's with Children from China (MWCC) group this pas Friday night.  We had our annual holiday gathering.  We were minus two families this year who we missed dearly but hope to have them next year.  As usual we ate, we crafted, we talked, and we watched the annual slide show I put together.  I'm going to insert it below but because of copyright issues, the music is stripped out of it.  Trust me, the music adds a lot but you will be able to see the adventures we had this year.  We are truly grateful to have such good friends in our life.

Getting in the Spirit

Keara's Choir Concert

Every Thursday morning this school year Keara has been getting up a little earlier to attend choir practice.  She really enjoys it and we got the chance to see the results of all her efforts on Thursday night.  We just loved the whole concert.  I'm sure we will be hearing and seeing more of Keara in choir. Way to go Keara!  We are so proud of you! 

Just Because