Americans often forget that they are the only ones in the world who celebrate Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is a holiday that is indigenous to America, just like turkeys are birds that are indigenous to America.  However, the Chinese love Thanksgiving, and if you can get them some turkey then they really love Thanksgiving.  

The kids obviously have school on Thursday and Friday so we celebrated Turkey Day on Sunday night at the orphanage.  Each table had a full spread of apples, oranges, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and chocolate snacks.  The menu for the evening was eggplant/peppers/potatoes, sweet potatoes, fish, and turkey - yes, turkey!  If you are used to having American turkey for Thanksgiving then you probably would have been pretty disappointed with this turkey, but it was a real treat for the kids.  Each family had prepared a skit or song for a performance which followed dinner.  We were also joined by a famous Taiwanese actor who shared his story with us and gave thanks with us for all of the blessing we have received.  Though the turkey was far from satisfying, the celebration fantastic.  Each family worked hard on their performances, and if you were a guest and didn't have something prepared, you had to come forward and do something impromptu.  The Headmaster evern gave us a improvised Kung Fu performance - impressive for a man who is 70+!  We taught the kids "Give Thanks" in Chinese and each family sent a representative up front to share what they are thankful for.  Many of the kids were overcome with emotion as they expressed their thanks to everyone who has made it possible for them to live at our Angel Orphan Training Center.  They know the magnitude of the opportunity they have been given, and for that they are truly thankful.

Family 6 at the feast.

Family 2 singing a song entitled "Love"

The 8th graders reading "Thank You for Thanksgiving", directed by Ms. Marjorie.

The Family 6 boys singing a chinese pop song.

Our guests.  赵擎 and his friends.

Our violin players had their first recital in their still budding musical careers.  The charity that has donated violins and lessons for our kids hosted a performance of which our kids played a part.  Our kids enjoy playing and they practice regularly.  They have only been playing for a few months but it is exciting to think what beautiful music they will make as they continue to be diligent.  

As a reward for their hardwork we went to the Beijing Zoo after the performance.  Monkeys and tigers are always a big hit with elemntary age kids (the Beijing Zoo has a couple white tigers that are stunning to look at).  

October 1st, 2011 marked the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.  China celebrates every year with a week long vacation that is observed by everyone.  We were treated to a day in Beijing eating McDonalds and going to the Forbidden City.  Even though the Forbidden City is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world, about half of our kids had never been.  We had a tour guide teach us about all of the history and symbology contained within the enourmous red walls of this former dwelling of the Chinese Emperor.  

The Girls of House 4 posing with statues at Wang Fu Jing

This is the well that used to supply water for the Forbidden City

The whole crew on the escalator at Wang Fu Jing heading for the golden arches

The main courtyard at the Forbidden City