Happy Birthday, Hudson!

Lilly's present to her baby brother. This child is destined to be an artist. She draws all the time. This is a drawing of her and Hudson each holding a balloon. Notice his name in the picture below- Lilly asked us to spell it, and she did the rest!

Today is Hudson's 2nd birthday. This is the first time we have ever had a child in China celebrating a birthday without us as we waited for travel. It is certainly difficult because you wonder if someone will celebrate his special day with him. I know he likely will not receive a single gift unless our package arrived in time. With Chinese New Year being this week, it likely has not made it to his orphanage yet. That makes this mom's heart sad. I hope someone sang to him, hugged him, kissed him, and said "Happy Birthday Zhe Zhe" (Ju Ju) My only comfort comes in knowing that this birthday will be the last birthday he celebrates as an orphan. Next year he will have a yummy cake, ice cream, and probably too many gifts. . . but most importantly, he will be surrounded by a family who loves him.

Our bake sale was quite a success today. Thanks to the generous donations of delicious baked goods from family and friends, we made $316. Thank you all so much for contributing and thank you to the many kind folks who stopped by our table to purchase some yummy treats or to simply offer a donation to help the orphans at Baotou Social Welfare Institute. Our family's goal was to raise $200 during the month of February. Here is an up-to-date look at God's provision:

Valentine's Babysitting Event: $100

Bake Sale: $316

Donation Can at David's office: $12 and some change

Donations from Shelby and Katie (after babysitting jobs): $8

Donations from Emily: (a sweet friend of Shelby and Katie's): $5

To- Date Total: $441

The "Show Crazy Love to Orphans" Campaign for February is still underway, and we have about 15 people who are fundraising on our behalf. We have several others who have pledged donations. Our goal was $5,000. We may or may not meet that, but we are so thankful to be on this journey to Hudson and to have supportive friends to help us along the way! Thanks to each and every one of you who have helped in some way - big or small - we appreciate you all!