It’s been 10 days. Early on December 7th, he left Philly for Beijing to visit, encourage, pat on the back, hug as needed, and bring a very heavy suitcase or two full of things from home. In addition to some bags of coffee and other treats that aren’t easy to find on that side of the globe was literally a mountain of Christmas cards. 50 lbs of them to be exact. Our mailman has been really fond of us lately, I’m sure, as the families and supporters of these 20 teachers sent hundreds of cards to our home for Mark to pile in a bag devoted only to cards and hand deliver them.
I wish I could have been there to see their faces and their tears as they opened each card and read the words written freely without any codes. While I know it’s hard for them to be there and miss their families during such a special time, I know that celebrating Christmas together as a team is a celebration they will remember the rest of their lives. And, this Christmas at home, celebrating with Helen and Caleb as they are here, not all that unlike the teachers in China, separated from their husband and Daddy and larger family, is one we all will remember the rest of our lives too.
Santa is on his United sled right now, heading back to the North Pole. And, Mrs. Claus and her friend and our five little elves are counting down the hours.
