Little Sapling: Happy Gathering Day

_[Summary: Children of Promise: Little Sapling is a non-government organization that, along with its Christian friends, serves in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities. They see the small children with disabilities as the young seedlings that, although requiring extra good care, can grow into trees of wisdom. The following is a recent update on Little Sapling’s involvement in the lives of the children. Go here to find out more about the organization.]

On November 12, 2011, volunteers from Little Sapling zestfully prepared for Happy Gathering Day. Although only four children were coming due to the outpour of rain and dismal weather, the volunteers still decided to hold a party for the few who were attending.

The party began with a surprising but exciting introduction of the kids to the compere, who was dressed as the cartoon character Arale. With Momoko Dancers (other popular cartoons in China) and the volunteers, Arale performed entertaining dances, in which he invited two children to join him on stage. The two girls were smart and determined to work hard to learn the dance.

---

_Afterwards, volunteers dressed as the little dog Wangwang, Uncle Cow, and Owl vividly told their animal stories to the children. With the physical representations and passionate storytelling, the children were more able to fully understand the stories. The kids manifested their understanding by smiling, nodding, and laughing happily.

---

_Additionally, they performed various songs, such as Clapping Hands with Joy, and the harmonious atmosphere inside warmed up the chilly, cold air outside. Although only few families attended and not all of the planned activities were performed, the volunteers of Little Sapling still felt they had reached their goal: having the kids joyfully participate in and appreciate the wonderful presentations. Happy Gathering Day, regardless of wind and rain, was still full of cheerfulness and rapture.

[This article was edited by Ally Nguyen, U.S. TFish Intern.]

---