Sunday @ Hardin House

The Clarks and Hardins have recently started meeting together at the Hardins' home. It's been two weeks now, and already it's a HUGE success!

The idea was actually Gao Yan's (even though they're not able to attend because of other Sunday obligations), and it was orignially thought of as a way to get Margaret and ShenLi (and Elaine, when she returns soon) to meet and worship with the Hardins since they all already have kids. We hoped that maybe the family-focused environment would be encouraging to the parents, would get the Chinese children more involved, and would be something they could invite other families to visit. We try to sing more, have time for fellowship, and have engaging lessons for both the kids and adults. And like I said, it's going really well!

ShenLi has brought Linda both times -- whereas she'd not brought her to church at the Clarks' in quite a while. Also, she's taken over inviting and accompanying Junmei (the egg lady's sister) and her daughter, Leona. We also met and invited a Chinese sister who has lived in Nashville (!) for the past couple of years and has recently returned to HZ where she lives at Josh & Yan's old apartment complex(!!). She and her daughter, Grace, both came and plan to return weekly!

And, as a bonus, the Rays and Hendrixes -- not to mention, Bonnie's friends, the Hendrick family, and our old pal, Heather... We had nearly 30 people -- up from an average of 3 or 4 just a few weeks ago! Of course, some of the Americans are just visiting, but it did make for a great fellowship!

Soon we plan to have one or more additional family units visiting -- people that the Davises will introduce to this group -- people they met when they lived in town last year. In short... it's growing, and we're excited!

[to the Hardins: If you took pictures, maybe you can post some]