Our hearts are full of gratitude — Messages from Adoptive Families in the U.S.

On Christmas 2024, together with the volunteers from Village of the Stars, we completed a “major project.” Our Christmas Wish List Campaign attracted participation of 75 American families who have adopted children from China. Chinese friends from all over the world purchased nearly $30,000 worth of Christmas gifts for these families.

The campaign started in early December 2024 and continued right up until Christmas. Many adoptive families expressed their deep gratitude after receiving the gifts. In this issue, we’ve compiled their feedback as a follow-up to the 2024 Christmas Wish List Campaign.

Love that goes both ways is beautiful. Every gift and every message we sent brought warmth to these families.The heartfelt gratitude and joy they expressed in return are the best rewards for all of us.

Messages from Adoptive Families in the U.S.

Editor: Luo Xin

1. Anita Haney Lee

We have started receiving our packages. The kids are so excited. I told them they were from Chinese who care about them. I read them the notes. All of them looked dumbfounded that a stranger cared enough to think of them

Putting together a list is one thing, but actually receiving the items by delivery from strangers is unbelievably to them and our family. We are so blessed to have a group who wants to give back to our kids. Thank you village of Stars!

My son doesn't look very enthusiastic but he really did love the gifts sent by village of Stars. My daughter also loved everything she got. My other boy has not slowed down for a picture but will soon. He loved each and everything he received also!

2. Dawn Patrick

We got to enjoy winterfest at carowinds and Audrina actually enjoyed it which was a huge blessing.

I want to thank everyone for all the thoughts and hard work put into blessing us all. May God bless you all in the new year

3. Stacy Richard

so many years as we opened packages today. It was extra sweet for our kids and we are still trying to process my husband’s heart attack last week. He is doing well, praise the Lord! The gifts brought so many smiles to our babies. Thank you for all you do to bless all of us! God uses it in mighty ways 💗

He loves it!!!! 💗💗 thank you!!!

4. Joanne Greco

Joseph just got his first gift on his list. Thank you Xin and Clyde. This gift was purchased from China.

I’ve received some heartfelt comments. They’re beautiful notes.

5. Angel Jarvis

So many blessings to be thankful for this year . Even in the wait for Meilyn , I’ve seen God work . I’ll thank him always   For these lessons: patience , grace , forgiveness ….. “ give thanks in ALL circumstances “ …. Choosing thankfulness even in her absence … Thankful Mackenzie and London Grace get to experience the love from so many chinese people across the seas and nearby as well . “ For the Greatest of these is Love “💗

God is so so faithful. In his time , Meilyn will be united with her twin …. I have that faith , it will be so .

Thank you all again for allowing us yet another opportunity to be blessed by others …. We are always humbled and so so grateful 🎄🎄

Blessings arriving in the Jarvis home today ….. the girls love and appreciate your thoughtfulness and love ❤️ Merry Christmas 🎄 to our chinese family

Yes . The notes are really , at least as a Mom , the best part … I’ve had several who mention they are praying for our family and Meilyn

So many blessings …. It just overwhelms my heart

As we get closer to Christmas , I just once again want to say thank you for the many blessings that come from this group . Not just in the way of material goods , but in the love that is shared on a daily basis through prayer and knowing someone is there to listen . We so often get caught up in the receiving , we forget the sacrifices made by the givers . That’s one less gift under their tree , so we can have one more . My children this year wouldn’t “ do without “ . But I have to constantly remind myself this isn’t about me . It’s an opportunity for the giver to receive a blessing from God . I have found myself guilty of that on many occasion…. Denying someone else an opportunity to bless and receive a blessing themselves . It’s also such a special gift that my children know comes from other chinese people which makes it all the more special . Each gift wrapped in love . But today , I just truly Want to say thank you to all you givers . You’ve filled our home with love the past few days and we couldn’t be more thankful , or grateful . Merry Christmas to each of you , and may your own homes be filled with as much joy and happiness as you’ve shown ours . ( say a prayer for Mackenzie as she has just not really rallied since her surgery . Thank you )

Our cop runneth over with All the love we’ve received . The packages were not only contained a gift , but he gift of love wrapped in a tiny little note that brought encouragement and words of affirmation …. We are so so blessed !! Merry Christmas dear friend and May God richly bless you and yours

6. Beck Drake Paul

I am so amazed and feel so much gratitude for all the love being shown to our kiddos and family. We are going through some crazy and tough times right now and this group came around at the perfect time. Thank you so much for inviting me Sindy and thank you to all those who have helped with the wonderful gifts, the prayers and blessings that have been provided for my family.

7. Mandy Litzke

Beyond humbled and so very, very grateful for the blessings received for our children and family!

We are so grateful and appreciative for the thoughtfulness and generosity of those who have sent blessed our family. The notes that accompanied our gifts have deeply touched our hearts as well. Thank you.

8. Ashley Kellogg

Thank you so so much!  The kids are excited about their new wok!!

Thank you all SO MUCH. Words will never be enough.

We are so grateful for the gifts!!  But more than that, the connection my 4 Chinese children feel towards their people is the greater reward!  They know people who care about them that look like them. And that means the world!  Considering they came from abandonment of their parents and, in a way, also a country that saw their needs as a burden.  This had lightened their hearts in a way, in their limited understanding of their situation.  They love to tell people ‘the Chinese people got this for us’.  Thank you for taking the time to love on our kids. For taking the time to write notes they’ll always cherish. For going out of your way to send money across the world to make a kid smile. We are forever grateful for the connection and the generosity and the love you have shown us all.

The Kellogg’s

9. Darren and Brittany

This came today! I wish I had videoed his “YES!” Thank you so much

10. Tammy L. Holcomb

I'm so thankful for this amazing blessing Im saving our gifts for Christmas morning since it's been a very difficult year and without this blessing we would not have anything under the tree. Can't wait to see their faces and explain how angels sent them gifts.

Abe has been playing chess all day. We have had the best and calmest Christmas yet. No major meltdowns. Such a blessing

11. Callie Troyer

We got our first package yesterday, and Gideon was SO excited for his “special ramen”! It’s been nearly impossible to find around us for weeks and weeks, and it is one of the only foods he really looks forward to. When we told him it came from a family who lives where his brother Sam still lives in China, he was even more excited. Thank you! ♥️

12. Joanne Folkenflik Griffin

We have been receiving gifts. We love them all. Thank you.

13. Angela Johnson Campbell

Ours are going under our tree, too! I wrapped all the gifts in the same wrapping paper to identify them and from is “VOH”! They are going to be so surprised! We are so extremely thankful!

I wish to express my deep gratitude once again for the blessings that you all have bestowed on my children and the others. I had your gifts wrapped in a different paper so that my girls would know who sent them. To know that someone from their home country who never met them cared enough to send a gift made their hearts feel full. They absolutely loved all of their gifts from Village of Hope. They made their Christmas perfect! I continue to stand in awe of your kind hearts and generosity. It means the world to me that my girls have this tie to China! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will enjoy the remainder of the holiday season!

14. Rebecca 'Thomas' Harder

Dear Village of Stars,

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving on our family. Our kids were so blown away by your generosity and kindness. My kids kept saying, “Wow! I cannot believe how kind all these people are.” “The notes are so sweet!” My son from China was overwhelmed by the kindness of others from China. It made him feel loved, especially since he didn’t have such a great experience during his years in China. In fact, this made him want to go back and visit China.

So thank you so much for making this Christmas extra special. The last year has been so difficult on our family, and this brought a bright light to our family.

Love,

The Harder Family

15. Carolyn Aldridge

We are putting ours under the tree wrapped, also. Thank you, so much!! This has been an answer for prayer!!! Thank you for loving us!!!

16. Robin Magana

Thank you so much for all of the gifts! What a blessing they are! Merry Christmas! ❤️

17. Michele Lee Houde

Good morning ☀️ I am wrapping our gifts too- i have been struggling to make ends meet and these gifts are a wonderful blessing.I have taped the precious notes to each one so on Christmas morning, as they open the gifts they will also know that their Chinese community is thinking of them😊

18. Annie MaCoy Roman

The Roman Family is saving Nicks gifts under the tree. We are so incredibly humbled at the generosity of VOS volunteers.

The Romans are so grateful to all!

We are so grateful for CNY gifts. We do not have names of donors. How shall my son send his thank you notes. He is so touched by your generous kindness!

We are so humbled by the beautiful gifts received last month from Amazon.

The basketball is a constant around in our house.

Not to forget The New Year decorations; table cloth, ornaments, red thread bracelets and sushi making book and sweatshirt were amazing!

Our family will think and pray for all of the VOS gift givers as we wntere into 2025 and the Lunar New Year as well.

Nicholas thanks you and sends you all a big virtual hug!

Please continue to pray for his mouth procedures  coming up this spring. God is so faithful and He has carried us all through life's challenges. We praise His name always.

The Roman Family

19. Sindy Core Ost

Dear Village of The Stars,

It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and sharing your love and dedication for families like mine who’ve adopted children from China.

I’m speechless about the blessing you gave my family and were very grateful as we’re getting ready to move our family across the country.

My time spent assisting Clyde, Xin and the Village Of The Stars team is a blessing to me and no gifts are needed in return. The last few years it’s given me the greatest joy to be a small part of it.

I wish you all a very blessed and beautiful holiday season and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any more projects that come your way.

With Love and Light,

Sindy and the Ost Family

This note absolutely touched our hearts!! From one high school girl to another.

20. Karen Bales Rubenstein

This is probably been one of the hardest years of my life. Everything is in upheaval right now. My house hasn’t sold and we are struggling horribly. Thank you, @Xin Luo  and Clyde for bringing some Christmas cheer to us. You’ll never know how much you are appreciated.

21. Cheryl Lynn Trautwein Bacco

To everyone at VOS , I want to express my sincere gratitude for everything that you do. We are so grateful for the gifts from the community. The best thing about this is the connections that we will always share.  Thank  you again from the bottom of my heart from myself and my children. God bless you all. Cheryl Bacco & children

22. Jillian Shelton

we are wrapping ours in special paper as well so they know it’s from VOS. I cry every time a gift is delivered.

The kids were most happiest with the gifts from VOS! What a beautiful reminder to them that they are remembered and loved

23. Ashley Julian Rohats

Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts. We are placing the gifts wrapped under the tree. I did explain to the boys the love and kindness of those who sent them these gifts. They are shocked by the love from those from the country from where they were born.  It’s so beautiful to see their eyes and expressions in thanks to you all.

Thank you so very much for your beautiful notes. You are such a blessing to our family and we are truly grateful. Thank you just isn’t enough. Merry Christmas and much love, The Rohats Family❤️

24. Heather Lychelle Fox

I’m so sad we can’t personally thank people

I’ve been on the phone for an hour and a half with Amazon trying to figure out how I can send a personal thank you note to the people who have blessed us. After talking to six representatives, the conclusion is that I either need their email, their phone number or to tell them in person how much I appreciate their gift. I tried explaining these are strangers and that is not an option to contact them.

I am sick to my stomach to think that people will feel I’m being rude by not thanking them. I am so appreciative of the love and I just want them to know. Would it be possible to publish a thank you note from each family after Christmas?

I just wanted to thank you guys personally for everything you've done for the adoption community. Let's know that they weren't forgotten.They weren't pushed out of their culture.either their mental or medical reasons.That, to me, it says, like, just, it just, it heals. It's so healing for a lot of these kids. I see it here in the adoption community.a lot about the kids going through more than our biological kids go through. Kids born here with their parents, mentally, in their teenage years.because they felt unwanted, and for them to get this blessing and to see, it's not that I wasn't wanted, I think it helps them understand circumstances better. I think it helps them to see, like, when people ask, I tell them my kids were most likely left at the orphanage because they needed medical care, so it wasn't that they were not loved by their parents, they needed care that their parents couldn't provide. Now, I don't know if that's true or not. Sorry. We're all sick. We have strep.For them to know that they're cared and loved by strangers even, I just think that mentally does a lot for them, and I just wanted to thank you guys.It's fun for a lot of people and it takes fun things to build connections and it takes a lot of the burden off financially. Even, you know, the least little bit takes that burden off of a lot of families and I just wanted to just thank you guys for that. I don't think, I know you know that everybody's appreciative, but I don't think that you guys realize, you know,How much it relates to people, because as an adoptive family, we don't realize going into this, the adoptions, that it's going to set us aside. A lot of people don't know how to react and handle our children if they have developmental issues. Physical issues, if it's hard or something like that, that they can't see, a lot of times it's fine. The kids fit right in. But for us, families that have children with developmental issues, it separates us a bit. I don't think a lot of us were aware of that.because we love our children so much and we don't see that everybody else sees them as different. So I think for some families, it adds a bit of isolation. I know it limits some things that we could do as a family. But, yeah, you just push through. I just want to thank you guys.

25. Tammy Tarter

All of you generous donors will be part of our family's Christmas morning celebration. We are so grateful for our China family here with VoS!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the beautiful gifts!! Our kids know about your love and generosity and they are so excited to open your presents Christmas morning! God bless you all!! Thank you for showing the love we didn't know we needed this Christmas season! Especially since we still wait for little brother to be allowed to come home!

Much love from our entire family!!

26. Jodi VarKonda Weldon

We are thankful for the ones we received. Like others, we are saving them for Christmas. I’m excited because we received a gift from someone in our small town and learned about a Chinese church just a few miles from us!

I echo what others have said, thank you so much for the gifts and making this possible. We all love the notes. My boys were so excited to receive a gift from someone who is about 3 hours from us and from someone who attends a Chinese church in our small town. We are definitely going to look into the church. Merry Christmas!

Words cannot express how thankful we are for the Christmas gifts sent to our boys this year.

Almost every gift came with a note. Each note was so encouraging. Long after the gifts are forgotten, the notes will still hold a special place in our hearts.

One note was from someone who attends a Chinese church in our town. We did not know that this church existed. As a result of this note, my husband and I have decided to make an effort for us to visit this church.

Our 10 year old struggles with being abandoned and not knowing his birth family. He has expressed to us how these notes and gifts make him feel like the Chinese still care about him. Thank you, for helping my son feel cared for.

The words that I have shared can never truly express how humbled we are and how grateful we are and how blessed we are. Thank you!

Many blessings to you,

Jodi Weldon and family

27. Jody Timm Navratil

I just have to give a big heartfelt thank you for all the love shown for our family. You will never know how much this means to us. I can’t wait for our children to open their special gifts with all the beautiful notes. We will be doing this on Christmas Day separate from our traditional gift opening on Christmas Eve. I want the kids to know how loved they are by the most amazing group of people in China. We are so grateful for VOS. Wish we could thank them in person.

These notes are the best. Makes me cry every time I read them. To know my child is loved on the other side of the world is just unimaginable. Thank you VOS!

She has been playing all morning! She loves her new toy from VoS! Thank you so much for making her day! She keeps saying China? I tell her they love her and care about her. She lights up and giggles! So fun to see!

28. Kari Sloan

Gabe doesn’t really understand Christmas gifts and thinks opening presents is work, haha! So he’s been enjoying his items as they arrive. I read him all the sweet notes and told him how loved he is by the Chinese community which made him happy, he was smiling so big! We are forever humbled and grateful to be included in this wonderful blessing. Thank you VOS for all you do!

29. Denise Croyle Schweinberg

I’m balling like a baby! It is amazing, humbling and a true blessing to read these passionately written personalized notes to us all the way from China! Living in China for 5 years fostering children was just a glimpse to watch the Christian’s caring and praying for our children. It was humbling to watch. It absolutely increases my prayer life! 💞💞💞

These notes have provided much hope for me. Knowing the Chinese Christian community is praying for us is so humbling. I don’t have the adequate words to express how deeply grateful I am and how loved I feel from people I do not even personally know. My heart is full this Christmas.

Connor says thank you for all your kindness to him! Merry Christmas

30. Missy Porter

We are wrapping the gifts as they arrive and attaching all the lovely notes. What an amazing blessing these have been for our family this Christmas- thank you so so much! Words cannot adequately express our gratitude.

Thank you again for the unbelievable generosity- our children are so grateful and they loved opening their wonderful presents and notes yesterday!

31. Debi Power

How do we thank our wonderful gift givers? They gave more than physical gifts. They gave hope and love. For this mama who is in the longest wait of her life for a boy who should have been living in a family years ago, it moves me deeply and encourages me. I know that I am not alone and my son has others throughout the world who care greatly for him. Thank you so much!

I am still so moved by the gifts sent to my son who is still waiting for me in China. I've been telling others about the people around the world who care for him. I got a photo update of him today and I pray that one day he will know the love from all of you and that he will come home.

32. Lisa Murphy

I honestly have no words. Like many others here, our VOS gifts may be the only ones under our tree Christmas morning. We are so thankful for how you wrap around our family. Truly. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!!!!

Merry merry Christmas to everyone at village of the stars and thank you so much for graciously gifting our family this year!

So thankful for these wonderful gifts! I also loved Roblox and Starbucks gift cards in their stockings!!! so grateful VOS!!!

I loved telling them all about your community and how much you all love our children. It was hard not to get teary-eyed!

33. Laura Marshall

We received every item on our wish list and are so overwhelmed with the love from the Chinese community. We have felt the sting of rejection of our children at times and this is such a beautiful reminder that so many people love our children! We have also made new friends and most importantly added advocates for our precious He Miao (Ember) still in China waiting for us! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

34. Brenda Brown

Thank-you! For making Caleb have a Merry Christmas

35. Debbie Ann

This single mom of seven special-needs kiddos has been very crazy the past few weeks with surgeries, etc. We are going to take a few pictures this weekend to thank everyone for everything and the unbelievable blessings we have received! You have absolutely no idea how much this helps us and how much it means to us!

Thank you so much for all of your blessings for my children for Christmas!! You all made the holiday more magical for them! It’s so amazing to feel the support of the Chinese people for my three Chinese born children! It really means so much to us!

36. Connie Darnell Johnson

Christmas Eve blessings

Our family is so thankful for the kindness of Village of the Stars and its  partners! We were so blessed by the gifts, but the notes with words of encouragement were even better! It’s so nice to be seen and loved upon.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Connie and Clayton Johnson and family

37. Kerry Perkinson

Thank you for all the blessings! Rachel has been playing with her toy for hours!

38. Collen Fearson

Thank you Village of the Stars and supporters for the beautiful gifts. I agree with everyone that the notes are most precious. Sending love and prayers to you all.

39 Kendra Allen

Merry Christmas! I haven’t seen Liv smile this much in 2 years. Thank you VOS

Thank you all so much for blessing Olivia this Christmas.   We appreciate each and every one of you.

Kendra

40. Lynnie Fleites

Merry Christmas! Thank you all so very much for the gifts and the loving notes! Becky and Lucy were so touched by the notes!

41 Cathy Worrell

Thank you again for the gifts! My kids loved it. I let them know they were from their "China Angels." Merry Christmas everyone!

42 Candid

Thank you for this beautiful gift. Like others, the messages were the best part of the gifts and I so wish we could thank the beautiful senders. Words will never express our gratitude.

43 Jill Mason

Saying “thank you “ hardly seems close to enough to express how deeply our children were impacted by the generous gifts and heartfelt notes. Even after the season is part of history they will never forget how they were shown love and encouragement from beautiful people from their birth country. They hope you all know how much they love you in return.

44. Terry Ann Fithian

We’ve had a bit of sickness and a tummy bug moving through the family. And I can’t believe it’s already January 2nd! Once again I want to thank VOS and anyone who sent a gift! I am unable to use the QR codes to say thank you individually. The gifts still continue to trickle in, we apparently had a few items that took awhile getting here! But we feel soooo blessed by all of you! I pray you all have a blessed New Year!

45. DAVID SARAH BANDIMERE

Hello,

There is no way that I can adequately express the encouragement and joy that your kind gifts and sweet notes have brought to our family. We love China with all of our hearts and are so incredibly blessed to have adopted five beautiful children from this country.

We pray that we will be able to adopt our 6th Chinese child, as well, and will someday be able to tell her about the many people who prayed for her during this wait. Thank you for your thoughtfulness to our family. We are truly grateful.

Many blessings,

David and Sarah Bandimere

46. David 和 Charity Hodges

Hello Village of the Stars,

We wanted to tell you all again how thankful we are for your ministry.  Thank you also to everyone who gave gifts to our children this Christmas. Our kids were filled with joy and couldn't believe your generosity!  I wish you could have seen them open their gifts as there was much laughter and happiness. Most importantly, our youngest son was incredibly touched that someone from his birth country loved him enough to think of him and bless him this Christmas. My husband and I will never forget your kindness to our kids and to our family. 

Blessings,

David and Charity Hodges