The Earth is Filled with His Glory

In December, our city's zoo received a very special gift, two pandas. In January, on the first day of our Asian New Year Holiday, over 100,000 folks lined up to see them. (Our city is hoping over a million people a year will come to visit them.) Since we had been privileged to see pandas before in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Beijing, and Hong Kong; we waited until a weekday morning in late February :)

We saw a variety of animals from all regions of the world, but we most enjoyed seeing the animals native to this island (especially the Formosan macaque or rock monkey).

Our favorite part of the day, however, was definitely the Butterfly House. We stayed for quite a while watching the butterflies eat, fly, and land.
Esther and Jack even had several butterflies land right on their bodies. We were all amazed at the many colors, shapes, and sizes. Our island has over 400 different species of butterflies.

A few days later, we also had opportunity to visit a local mountain and get a look at the beautiful plants, trees, and bushes Father has place on our island:

Star Fruit trees
Papaya treesApricot blossoms
Jasmine Tea Flowers

Of course, what's an outing without food! We were pleasantly surprised to find one of our favorite foods, steamed bar-b-q pork buns, available at a snack stand at the zoo.

But, if you're not into this kind of Asian treat, you can always go down the street for pizza.

Peking Duck Pizza....Elizabeth's favorite! Here's hoping it's available on the college dining hall menu next fall.

Esther's Entries

During the past two weeks, we were blessed to travel to another country to experience some great R & R & R & R & R (relaxation, refreshment, renewal, retooling, reunion). We even got to spend some time with five friends from Montana, volunteering in the children and youth programs!!
This year, a photo and essay contest was held. Esther entered ten photos and had two selected for the show: She also won first prize for her essay entry in her age division. We thought you might like to read it too. Thanks for all of your thoughts on behalf of us and the people we serve.
I have eight Asian Cinderellas. In Asian culture, eight is a lucky number. Although I do not believe in luck, I know that I am incredibly blessed to have met them. Outfitted in cuteness, they can instantly light up a room with their smiles. However, my Cinderellas do not live in a fancy palace or even a regular house. You see, these Asian beauties are orphans.

Having fended for themselves most of their lives, they long for attention. They have no parents or family members to love them the way they deserve, yet these girls are truly amazing. Each has a story behind her beaming smile. Some were found in garbage cans, some were dropped off on orphanage steps, and a few have physical deformities. All of their faces display the hardships they have undergone, but mixed with the sorrow is hope. They cling to the momentary joy of being loved and count down the days until the “foreign aunties” come and bring them toys. When we enter the room, pony tails swoosh and polka dotted dresses twirl as they came rushing towards us. Their bare feet dance next to ours, their tiny hands reach out to be held, and their little hearts beat with undeniable strength. They overflow with laughter and curiosity. As they chime in with the praise music we sing together, I can see their expressions of joy. They are so grateful for a few toys. They are so happy with the simple act of having their fingernails painted, and their joy in cuddling stuffed animals is contagious. They live simply, play hard, and love deeply.

The only tiaras they will ever wear are paper birthday hats, but they are all precious jewels in the eyes of God. My eight Asian Cinderellas may be fatherless in this world, but they have the Prince of Peace and King of Kings watching over them.