Henderson Happenings: Christmas Happenings

We have been enjoying the holiday season in every way. We love reading Christmas books in the family room with the Christmas tree and mantle all lit up. Christmas candles burning. One of Amy's favorite stories is Max Lucado's Cripple Lamb. The recurring statement from the book seems to reverberate with her. "God has a special place for those who feel left out". More than once, after reading the story, Amy has told me how she felt left out when she was in China. The other sheep are unkind to the little lamb because he has a lame leg. Amy seems to empathize with him so much. She has a tender little heart.

We have watched Christmas videos and enjoy Amy's reaction as she sees the classics for the first time. Amy and Anna look for elf on the shelf every morning....even though we are not making much of Santa and such this year as we don't want any confusion. The girls understand elf and Santa are just for fun. I had to make things clear for Amy as she kept asking me if "Santa is good or bad. " " Mean or nice. "
" Will he hit me? "

Amy is learning all about baby Jesus born in a manger. Christmas is the celebration of His Birthday. We use our Nativity to tell the story. She calls the wise men, the three "surprise men" because they brought presents to baby Jesus. She sings Christmas songs she has learned....Joy to the World, O Come all Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger and Jingle Bells. She even sings her version of ...Gloro..ooooo..ooooooria..in ex a deeeooo!
We often play Christmas music as we work on all kinds of crafts and baking. Such a happy time of year as we make wonderful memories and enjoy being home together, the house so festive with decorations. We have things that smell good and light up in every room. The girls each have their own Christmas tree in their room. Amy has to eventually turn hers off in order to go to sleep. She says it keeps her awake. It is fiber optic and the colors change. Glad she knows her limits of sensory input at bedtime.

It was this time last year, we saw Amy for the first time as we received her referral picture. Amy Joy, her name being impressed upon my heart even as I had no idea of what she might be like. Finding out after she joined our family, of the JOY this child has in her spirit and the JOY she has brought to our lives. Such a happy girl, full of life and laughter, in spite of all that her past entails. God knew. I am glad I listened. He was right. Joy is the perfect middle name and I will never forget how we were matched together with Shi Chun Niu whom we now call, Amy Joy Chun....... just days before celebrating the Joy of Christmas. This year, she is with us, celebrating her first Christmas and taking in the wonder of the season. We are thankful and have hearts full of praise for all He continues to do for us on this journey.

Remember His marvelous works which He has done. 1 Chronicles 16:12