Time flies…

Can you believe that August is only two days away? We have already received information in the mail about starting 1st grade, preschool registration, along with a school supplies list, and  a “fees and tuition” statement. I was just getting used to having the kids home full-time and now they will be off to school again in a few weeks.Time flies!

I don’t think I like the feeling that time is flying. I don’t like the feeling that at any moment I will be looking into the faces of grown children! Many older and wiser friends (and strangers in the  grocery store)  keep reminding me to “enjoy them now because they grow up so fast.” Well I am trying my hardest to do that, but time keeps getting away from me.

I hope that you are finding ways to enjoy the time you have right now. And while your at it, enjoy some pictures of my four little time travelers. =)

Ruby Roo at 4 months old

Our "three big ones"

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A Blessed Wednesday Event

Last night was a blessed evening. One of our students and friends decided to be baptized just days before returning to China. A private baptism was held at our church where about 20 of S.S.Y.’s Christian friends joined her both to witness her baptism and to celebrate her new life in Christ. We praise God so much for this wonderful gift. We also ask that you would help us pray for her as she returns to her unbelieving family and friends in China. Please help us pray for Christian support and spiritual growth for S.S.Y. and her family.

Romans 8:38-39

³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

S.S.Y.'s baptism

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Annual Fourth of July Party

What a wonderful weekend! If any of you know us at all, you know we love a good party! This weekend we hosted one of our three major annual events for internationals, the Independence Day Party. (The other two are the International Thanksgiving Feast and the Chinese Christmas Party.)

Our goal for these parties is to celebrate an American holiday for the internationals. We invite church and community members to participate along with the internationals. For each event we pray that new people will come and get to know us and hopefully, as a result, make a connection with a Christian community member.

This year we had over 75 internationals and church members in attendance. It was so much fun. We started with a potluck dinner and a BBQ, followed by conversation, games, and water and sand play. As it grew darker, we let the children (and adults) enjoy some sparklers and then the fireworks began! We enjoyed wonderful weather and minimal mosquitoes!

Please help us to praise God for a successful event and also pray for the relationships that were formed and/or strengthened during the event. Thanks so much for your continued support! And Happy Fourth of July!

Please enjoy the pictures below!

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Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth! Love, The Schmidt's

Leona with her sparkler

Diane enjoying the celebration

Annual Fourth of July Party for the Internationals!

Say "cheese" Xiao Mei!

Xiao Kuai and her mother's first Fourth of July Party

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