Our Branch President is from the UK with a great English accent. He announced that there would be a Christmas Party for all the expats in the branch prior to the mass exodus for parts unknown during the Christmas holiday. Saturday, December 7 from 4-7 at the FG Bistro we gathered to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, I must say it was the most international Christmas celebration I remember attending. It is such a great experience to absorb the international perspective of people who live here including all the U.S. Consulate contingent who have lived all over the world. All adoptions for China are handled through the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou so that brings many western couples here to take up temporary residence while they wait for the paperwork and other requirements to be completed. It is safe to say that six continents were represented, what a great blessing to actually participate in the global spread of the gospel and listen to the great stories of each individual.
It is a great blessing in our lives to participate with such great people, some who have taken long routes to the Gospel, some who were born in to the Gospel and others who have been the strength of the Gospel wherever they lived. Each person is a "Child of God" with purposes undefined in Guangzhou. The adventure continues to unfold every week as we attend our meetings at the Ramada Inn third floor by special permission from the Chinese government. The highest level of living life in the Gospel is when your example is the only spoken piece that can be uttered. People receive the message by your actions and behavior; a very humbling thought.
We enjoyed a very traditional dinner, turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, pumpkin pie and creme brûlée. Indeed a treat for the taste buds. Much to the surprise of all the children Santa Claus found our international gathering
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