NDNorth: Children's Day!

It’s Childrens’ Day in China (June 1st), and the small folk of the local orphanage are in for a treat. They are dressed in their best and are patiently awaiting the show to begin.

The children have front row seats for the performance. They are trying very hard to be patient as they wait for it to begin. The nannies have clothed them in their brightest outfits, and adorned their faces with stickers to add to the celebratory atmosphere.

Michael is so happy to be out with his friends. The smile on his face is pure delight!

Stephanie looks very happy to be one of the children being celebrated on this holiday. But her smile grows even bigger…

…as she is handed a pure, sugary delight.

Rina has her own serving of cotton candy. However, she doesn’t seem too certain about trying out this new treat.

Emerson has NO reservations when it comes to this delicious confection. He grabs the stick and wholeheartedly finishes the sweet concoction.

Caleb is giving enthusiastic applause for the performance. Clearly, he enjoyed it.

Evangeline is grateful that she can sit on her nanny’s lap and snuggle. For her, this is the very best part of Children’s Day.

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this post was written by our volunteer, Ruth

NDNorth: An afternoon in the life...

It was near perfect weather. The sun was out. The temperature was warm. And the children of New Day North were excited for an outing.

They are so ready in their bright red strollers. They can hardly wait to get to their work of the day: PLAY!

Chad’s smile is winsome, but there is great joy hidden behind it.

 

Evangeline is quietly enjoying the glider with her nanny close beside her.

Mindy says, “Higher, please!”

Michael looks a bit unsure, but his smile indicates he wants to slide again.

Clara loves the chance to practice her walking skills outside in the fresh air.

Clearly, mastering the slide is no problem for Emerson

Caleb loves the warm, powdery sand.

 

The smooth riding strollers and the adventurous spirits of the children cried out for a race. Ready, set, go! Chad and Evangeline are the winners!

Could Stephanie’s face be any more joyful??? She loved this afternoon outing.

Sadly, the time grew short, and the outing had to end. But the tired smiles of the children and the nannies demonstrate the success of the afternoon activity

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this post was written by our volunteer, Ruth

NDN: Spring Birthdays!

We celebrated four birthdays last week for our March-May birthday kiddos!

Isaiah turned two, Caleb turned three, Michael turned six and Clara is soon to be three! Big parties are the most fun, so we celebrated all together with cake and candles and lots of singing.

  

Presents are pretty fun, too! Caleb got a new shirt and some coloring stuff.

 

Clara and her nanny opened up her birthday presents together. That pink top is going to look so nice on her!

 

 Ok, time for cake! Those sprinkles sure do look tasty, don't they, kids? Three candles for Caleb...

Clara: "You go first, Caleb, I'm not sure how to do this. Are you sure this is safe?"

...and he goes for it! Nice work, Caleb!

Ok, it's Clara's turn now!

Your turn, Isaiah!

Wow - six candles sure is a lot. Michael joined our little family in July of last year, so this is the first birthday that we've been able to celebrate with him. What fun!

Not sure what to do, Michael? It's okay, we'll help you...

Michael got a book for his birthday, and he loves having it read to him. There are few things better than being read to by your nanny.

 

Happy, happy birthday, precious ones! You are so very much loved and celebrated. We love celebrating with you so much, but we all hope that you will get to celebrate your next birthdays with forever families. Until then...  let's eat some cake.

NDNorth: From the Bottom of our Hearts

Christmas in January... why not? The children and nannies at our In-Orphanage Care Center celebrated a combined Christmas and Chinese New Year party this week. There was anticipation... 

...and snacks for young and old, complete with pumpkin bread and eggnog. 

As everyone gathered round, Christmas songs were sung in cheery Christmas spirit.

The children then helped pass out gifts to their nannies. Merry Christmas, Ida! 

Merry Christmas, Leah!

Rina helped to give Diane her gift.

Why, thank you, Rina!

All of the children received new outfits, and what fun to open them up and try them on! 

Just for you, Ding! 

You're so pretty in yellow and purple, Ruby. 

Rina strikes a pose in her snazzy new jeans

What a little lady, Evangeline! And did you get two dresses?

Chad was adorable with his dinosaur and matching outfit! 

Could Caleb be any more dashing than in a sweater and overalls? We think not. 

All together now! 

All of the children also received a group gift, from generous local sponsors. 

The new toys were so intriguing, even Grace had to try out the tunnel!

But there was more! We not only wanted to wish each other Merry Christmas, but also a Happy New Year. There were reflections from 2016, remembering events that had happened and dynamics that had changed. 2016 saw children adopted, new arrivals, as well as growth and health in the children. 

Traditional Chinese New Year "red envelopes" were given in honor of the upcoming Year of the Rooster!

Belated as it may be, we truly want to wish you and your families all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from the bottom of our hearts! May this year be full of newness, accomplishments, joy, and growth. 新年快乐！