Remembering

Two days ago she spent the morning playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate.
That night we took her out to celebrate her adoption day.
Looking back over all these pictures reminds me of what an amazing work He has done in her life.
And ours too.
It's not always pretty.
Not by a long shot.

But He is always faithful.
Always.

"God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy." ~ Ps. 68:6

Because Once You Know Their Names...

“Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt, “Radical”

I put this video together after our last trip to China. I always find that land, its people and the scope of their history simply breathtaking.

But what keeps me going back isn't all the grandeur. It's the tiny hands and feet at the end of the clip. Little lives, created in His image, but broken. And hurting.

Though I couldn't show their faces, I remember every one. Every name. Every story.

And it is true. Once you know their names, once you see their faces, once you hold them in your arms, everything changes (David Platt).

Everything.

Many of the little ones pictured here are in a daily fight for their lives; most are still waiting to know the love of a family of their own. But He knows all this. And He fights for them.

And thanks to Him they are in a place where love grows. Where hurts begin to heal. Where hope rises.

Would you like to be a part of that hope? Would you like to help provide them with the basic food and medical supplies that they need to fight on one more day? Would you like to be a part of the story that He is writing in each of their little lives? You can go here to donate:  http://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/Bags-of-Blessings/38814

And thank you. For your prayers, for your donations.  From us and from them. Thank you.

Back to China

The plane tickets have been purchased.
The passport is en route to the Embassy for a visa.
And the suitcases are coming out.

Thanks to the fact that there was still enough credit left on the airline vouchers that we received after the blessed "debacle in Beijing ~ 2011," I was able to purchase another round trip ticket to China and will be heading back to one of my favorite places in just a few short weeks.

Much to my kids' disappointment, I won't be taking any children with me (this time anyway) but will be leaving them in the very capable hands of their father who is once again giving up precious time at work to help make this trip happen.  (Exceedingly grateful for that. And for him.)  Instead, on this go-round, I'll be traveling with my wonderful "bloggy-friend turned real-life friend", Kristi.  We leave at the end of February and are gearing up to take with us as much formula and medical supplies as two grown women can manhandle through the Beijing airport.

And we would love it if you wanted to help fill our bags.

I've already learned that it is indeed possible to survive a week in China (even in the dead of winter) with whatever fits in a carry-on.  That leaves 4 big, beautiful checked bags that we can fill to the brim with blessings for all those little ones. 

Here is a list of what is needed most:

• Pediasmart formula (This is a huge need right now and we will be bringing as much of this as we can).
• Pedialyte
• Lysol wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol wipes
• PDI Super Sani-Cloth Germicidal Disposable Wipes (These are also greatly needed).

For us, so many of these items are attainable with a quick trip to Walmart, but not so for them.  And as sickness has been making its way through the foster home, especially this time of year, the need is that much more urgent.

If you would like to love on these little ones by contributing to the purchase of these items, you can go here and donate.

Thank you!
Plenty more to come soon....