That means “Merry Christmas” in Chinese…in case you were wondering!
Things have been incredibly busy in Beijing lately…the Jackson’s are gone, Marcus and Alex are gone, and the Cooper’s went on a short trip to Hong Kong last week…so I kept Nash over 4 days. Wow, I definitely have a new admiration and appreciate for single parents!! 
We had a lot of fun. I bargained for my last gift last Friday, packed up and headed to Texas (via Toronto) on Monday and am enjoying the time with my family and friends. It was hard to leave my sweet friends in China & I will look forward to seeing them again! They are truly a blessing.
I held a Christmas party at my apartment on Saturday evening for my seekers groups and a few other friends. I decorated the house, made cookies, and we had a great time laughing and playing games!! Most people left by 11:00, and the last person did not leave till midnight-we were able to have a really deep and powerful conversation. It was a very blessed evening!!
Then, last Sunday we had the church Christmas party and it was awesome!! I counted about 100 people who were in attendance for the church service, with MANY of those visiting for the first time and that number grew as we began the party. Our Chinese teacher, along with several of the ladies from our Wednesday morning study and their kids came!! I discovered how much talent we have in our church! They did wonderful in their singing, acting, and story telling. There was even a Santa appearance! The poor guy got mauled-they loved him!
Everyone seemed to have a great time, and many were able to hear the story of Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas for the first time. I have found it so interesting that you will see Christmas trees and decorations everywhere around here, but the majority have no idea what it is about. I pray that seeds were planted and that many of them will return and have the opportunity to learn more about the greatest message of all! 
Our latest LST team arrived on Saturday the 19th with John, Brandy & Zane Sloan and on Sunday with Paul Reding. We signed up several readers on Sunday and are praying even more will come. Please pray for this team, that many seeds will be planted, hearts will be open and they will have a blessed time in Beijing-especially as they are away from family during Christmastime. We are SO glad they came and are looking forward to what God will do through them!!
I hope and pray you are all having a wonderful & blessed Christmas and holiday season, filled with awesome reminders of God’s amazing grace, love and mercy! I am thankful for each of you and the ways God is using you! May you always remember the most amazing and beautiful gift of all…
Katherine