The Never Ending Day 205/365

He headed out of Hong Kong early.  We traveled for over 14 hours, and arrived back in the US just two hours after we left Hong Kong.  It is crazy how gaining 13 hours back works.  This picture has turned out to be one of the favorites from the trip.  They think it looks like an album cover.  I think they look tired.  We wondered around all trying to get something familiar and good for lunch.  I opted for Chili's chips and queso.  Oh, it was so good!

 Once we sat down at our gate in the Detroit airport, we started losing them.  While they caught a nap, Blake and I skype called Hong Kong to see if we could begin the recovery process of his cell phone that he had left in the safe.  We had success.

Once we landed in Atlanta, we headed to a good ole southern place....The Chick Fil A Dwarf House.  Hopey even came along to greet us.  As much as I hated leaving China, it felt good to be home.

Well Hello Hong Kong 204/365

Morning sure did come early!  We jumped up and dressed quickly then headed out the door.  We had some goodbyes that we didn't want to say.  As our luggage was being loaded, I asked all the students to make sure they had their hands on their passports.

That is when James says, "Oh, we need those?"  Why yes James, we do.  We are leaving China so it's kinda important.  (He has a different version of what he said, but I have witnesses.)  Anyway, he flips open his suitcase and starts to dig through it right there in the parking lot.  There wasn't much in his suitcase, so I'm thinking he maybe should've taken us up on packing offer.  Anyway, he and I went back to his room, and we found it.  We were late to the airport then had issues with ticketing.  I wasn't about to give up, and finally got our tickets issued, and we barely made our plane to Hong Kong.  Once we arrived in Hong Kong the girls saw the ad for Disneyland and it was all over from there.

 Since I love Disney, I was more than happy to go along with this plan.

 It was neat to go there.  It kinda lifted our depressed spirits.  Somehow Disney has a way of doing that.

Disneyland Hong Kong has the exclusive Toy Story Land, and it was neat!  It wore me out though.  I was too tired to venture out and take them to the harbor.  We went back to the hotel and skyped with camp.  We were already missing our friends.  I turned in early so I could have the energy to get us all home.

A Day for Rest 203/365

After our emotional Friday, I really just wanted to rest.  We all went to eat lunch and dinner together.

By this time, the other volunteers are your family.  This girl, Laura, was super special to me.  She was adopted from China as an infant.  She came back to China for three weeks of camp and was such an amazing young lady.  She had tons of spunk and reminds me tons of my LeeLee.

After dinner, we hit the street food again.  If it wasn't for the street food, I think me may have all perished.  Now that I am on this side of China, I can tell you that I lost five pounds.  That has seriously never happened before in China, the food was just that bad.

We checked in on James to make sure he was packing.  He was not, we offered to help, but he didn't want it.  He had gotten sick from the food, and it really wasn't pretty.  To spice things up a bit, the girls blew up lots of rocket balloons and put them in his dark room and let them fly around.  We thought it was really funny....he did not.

We stayed up and talked with our friends and packed.  Everyone was dreading to departure.  No one wanted to go home to their soft beds, good food, or the comforts of their former lives.  It made my heart smile.  China has that affect on me, and it was nice to see it in the others.

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 1 Samuel 18:1-3

I Hate Fridays 202/365

 I hate Fridays at camp!  I really do.  They are awful, and I wouldn't wish then on my worst enemy.  After breakfast, we have letter reading.  We the volunteers have written letters to our children.  They are heartfelt, and of course always tell them how much they are valued and loved.  They can also write letters to us.  These are then read out loud.  This was the face of my little Rebekah when she heard her letter being read to her.

I can't even begin to describe the crying that Susan did.  She needed to hear the words in my letter to her.  She needed to know that even though, she was never chosen, that she was worthy.  She needed to know that given a chance I would have loved to have been her mother and would have been proud to have her as my daughter.  She needed to know that no matter what walls she puts up to keep people at a distance that there were people willing to pursue her heart no matter what road blocks she tried to throw up.  She needed more than anything to see the words I love you.  Most of all she needed to know that no, she is not forgotten.  In her letter to me, she expressed the concern of being forgotten and even ended her letter with, don't forget me.

This was later after we had finally dried up our tears. I didn't want to let her go now that her walls were down.  I wanted to keep pouring my life into hers.  I wanted her to know that just as she is, she has such value and worth.  In all honesty, I just wanted to keep her and tell her, you are chosen.

We used our last little bit of time together having fun.  Rebekah painted my nails.  I had more paint on my skin then my nails, but it didn't matter.  It was worth it.

This is our last family picture before the dreaded bus.  This time I wouldn't say goodbye and put my girls on the bus, I was going to be going with them.  I was taking all 35 kids back to the orphanage, and I can promise you I have never done anything harder in all my life.

You see, for an entire week, these kids get loved on. INDIVIDUALLY, they receive love.  They get all of their needs met.  Even the most hardened hearts eventually melt at the continual love and care they get from us.  This is truly what they desire, to be loved and to belong.  So, one by one the volunteers load the bus and have to give back the children that they so desperately love.  It is the most gut wrenching thing you can imagine.  I honestly have never been through anything worse in my life.  The kids begin wailing, and the volunteers and trying their best to keep composure, but it just doesn't happen.  The desire in these children is so strong to stay.  Out of desperation, some of them begin screaming for their volunteers, and others smack their faces against the window with tears streaming.  Outside the bus, the volunteers begin to hold each other up.  No one wants it to end.  Then the bus doors eventually close, and the bus pulls away.  The screams become louder as the volunteers disappear out of site of the children.  I found myself loving on one little guy who kept yelling, "don't make me go, I want to go back," (in Mandarin of course.)  He was the last hold our crying for over 45 minutes until he finally fell asleep.  Then, after a few hours we arrived here, their "home."  It is the 10 story building in the background.  It broke my heart to unload them them watch them go away.  I had prepped my other bus helper not to cry because I didn't want the kids to start again, so he and I both stayed strong.

This is where I will tell you, that if you have ever thought about adoption, then please answer the call.  These kids truly long to be a part of a family.  While our entire week is a beautiful picture of the gospel, Friday just isn't.  God loves us and takes us as his sons and daughters.  He doesn't give us back, he holds on tight.  But for us, we had to let go.  My strong desire is that each of these kids would feel the love that they did in this one week, by a family who chooses them.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. Romans 8:14-16

The Sun Rises 201/365

Each new day, the sun rises.  We never set alarms.  We were either woken up by chants coming from the band members outside, or kids knocking on our door because they were ready to see the people they were falling in love with.

Thursdays can be a hard day.  You have the opportunity to share your life story with both your translator and your kids.  With older orphans, this can get deep for them.  I charted my life first.  I laid it all out there, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  What is most interesting when you lay your life out on paper is to see both the kids and the translator learn for the first time that life in America isn't perfect.  We don't all just have perfect lives because we live in what they think is the promised land.  While listening to my story, I watched as Susan began to let her guard down for the first time.  When it was her turn, she opened up.  I won't share her story, as it is not mine to share, but she let us in to see a glimpse of where she came from, and why she struggles.  I choked back tears and stayed strong for her, but this was our turning point.  Here it was, Thursday, and she finally decided to let me in.

Sasha, my translator, also learned so much throughout the week.  She is a precious child of God.  She loves the Lord with all her heart, and couldn't wait to tell me so when we met.  She radiated that love throughout the week especially when dealing with Susan.  At first Susan was all about Sasha, then just as quick as she let her in, she shut her out.  Because of Susan's disability, it was physically tough taking care of her, and with Susan not wanting help from Sasha, things got rough.  I had to help Rebekah one day and when I got back to the room Sasha was in tears.  I was able to walk her through the pain that kids like Susan have been through and enlighten her as to why Susan would close her emotions off so quickly.  We talked about how God continues to love us even when we are unlovely, and how that is what we were to do.  She continued to love on Susan despite it all, and I got to watch her spiritually grow.  Sasha truly was such a blessing to me throughout the week.

During nap time, we needed an adventure.  We took the public bus and went to the local store.  I was so excited to find Oreos, potato chips, and sprite.  It was so worth it!  We rode home for around a dollar  in a tiny taxi.

I think I ate half the oreos as quick as I could.  It was nice to have something familiar!

We ended Thursday night with a talent show.  Our little family group performed If Your Happy and You Know It, in Mandarin.  I was the only one that struggled with that one, but we made it through just fine.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2Corinthians 1:3-4

Sweet Encouragement 200/365

By Wednesday, I'll be honest.  I was tired.  Not really emotionally, just physically.  For the first time in China, I did not like the food.  I was beginning to struggle with my food choices just wanting something I thought was edible.  Well, my sweet friend from camp last year, Matt, knew I was beginning to fade.  He is on staff this year, so it gave him lots of freedoms that we didn't have.  So during lunch he surprised me with street food.  Now generally I would run from street food in China, but this time I scarfed it down like it was manna from Heaven.  It was exactly what I needed!  He also disappeared during one of our late night meetings and got me a pizza.  It tasted nothing like Pizza Hut, but it was Pizza, and I was thankful!  What was so sad is that by this point I was just so tired that I only ate two small pieces.

So, this all leads me to tell you about the people who sacrifice their entire summers to run these camps.  Simply put, they are an amazing group of young people.  They go to China long before the first campers come to camp and they prepare.  They negotiate food, bus fares, rooms, supplies, activities etc so they can run four consecutive weeks of camp in each of the four locations.  Once the last campers walk out the door, then they quickly clean up and get all the materials ready to store until the next camp year rolls around.  Then they branch out and do follow ups with the kids that we have just loved on.  They find out how we as a community can meet the needs of the lives that our now so intertwined with ours. Then, just as they would be fired from their jobs or their schools start, they head home.  Half of them are Chinese and half of them are Americans.  They all however have these huge hearts that know without a doubt that the work they do makes a difference in the lives of children that society locks away out of sight.

Back to Wednesday, we had a busy day, and I guess I really didn't carry my camera, because I only have pics of Matt.  However, I spent a good portion of my day meeting with the director of the SWI for the kids that we were serving this week. She was delightful, and we hit it off.  She and I went over all of the kids and discussed what they needed, if they were adoptable, where their paperwork was in the process, and what we could do to help her advocate and continue to fund the great things she does for the kids.  It was hard to go one by one and look at each child and to sometimes here that a child wouldn't be adoptable.  I had to choke back tears a few times so I could complete my task, but it just kinda rips your heart apart.  When watching these kids in their little family groups, it is obvious that what each one of them needs the most is a family.  But she and I both know reality well, and we know that most likely families wouldn't come for some of these kids.  Their needs are two severe, or they are approaching 14 which is when their eligibility to find a family ends so they just won't get the chance.  If that doesn't change your perspective on life, I don't know what will.

My older girl, Susan, who had her walls built up so high around her was one of those, UNADOPTABLE.  She never said it, but you could see it.  She has watched other kids come and go, and she has just been there watching.  What goes through the mind of a 13 year old when she begins to feel that she just wasn't worthy enough to be chosen?  I'll tell you what, she breaks.  And that is what I had a broken, hurt little girl.  It was after meeting with the director, that I began to pray, "Lord, let me see Susan just as you see her.  Let me get a glimpse of her heart, no matter how broken it may seem, let my eyes be opened."  Tomorrow, you will hear all about how the Lord showed me over and over the heart of this girl, and how I am forever changed!

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18

And So it Goes 199/365

On Tuesday we made Newspaper outfits for the gils so they could be in the newspaper fashion show.  I whipped together an apron dress for Susan.  My friend Matt (from camp last year) made a hat, so we accessorized it with a flower.

Rebekah, has a few sensory issues and was not excited about being covered in newspaper, so I made her a pleated skirt then we gathered real accessories for her, and I think she looked adorable.

So, here you have the whole group of us from week two in Xinzheng.

Today our big activity was to take the kids to the movie theater.  Remember I told you how hard it was to unload the bus, well, we loaded and unloaded so we could go watch Madagascar in Mandarin :)  The kids had never been to the movies, so they were excited.  They all got a popcorn, which tastes nothing like our good ole movie theater butter by the way.  It is sweet popcorn.  Rebekah was glad I didn't like it, because she was happy to eat it all.

The girls on my team were a blessing to watch too, they were transforming, and it was making me smile!

The desert will sing and shout for joy; it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon. Everyone will see the Lord's splendor, see his greatness and power.Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness.Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue. Isaiah 35:1-4

Bring on the Kids198/365

After our late arrival at Sias, we were tired.  These were our beds.  Honestly, we might as well have been sleeping on the floor.  One thin hard mattress and one comforter.  It really didn't cut it for me.  But, who am I to complain.  I wan't there to stay in a fancy place, I was there to love on some kids.  I just changed my perspective a little and realized that this really was a step up from camping, and there weren't any bugs, so I could consider it my palace.  Then it was off to breakfast.  I had more fun watching the faces of the college students at breakfast, because they were caught a little off guard.  I had told them when in doubt stick to the cucumbers.  I followed my own advice and had cucumbers and rice for breakfast.  Little did I know at this point that it would also be lunch and dinner.  After breakfast we played some games getting to know the other volunteers and translators.  Then we were matched with our translators for the week.  Shortly after it was time for the bus to arrive with our sweeties.  I love it when the bus comes.  I had already gotten a good look at the kids we were going to have this week, so I knew that unloading the bus wasn't going to be easy.  I really have a lack of pictures from today because it is a crazy one, but at least I did capture my two girls, so let me introduce you.....

This is Rebekah.  I quickly learned that she was going to be adopted and would be headed to Florida soon, so I was excited to get to love on her for a week before her forever momma would arrive.  Rebekah has a delightful personality.  She by no means is a girly girl.  She is a little shy and really doesn't like to be touched.  (I can't wait to see all that fade away in the next few months.)  However, she is engaging, purposeful and serious.  She is 8 years old and so small for her age.  It didn't take me long to be absolutely smitten with her.

Then I got this 13 year old, who we will call Susan.  She couldn't get off the bus, so she was one of the last ones off.  As they carried her off, they sat her on the seat of her walker.  She sized me up once or twice, then gave me a look back letting me know she was going to be one tough cookie to crack.  Seriously tough.  She did her best to ignore that I was even there and wanted instead to play with her friends.  She was determined to shut me out, but little did she know that I know that game really well, after all I am an educated adoptive mom.  So, we both decided we had a challenge.

Monday consisted of lunch, family pictures, lice treatments, swimming, dinner, assembly, then bed.  We pretty much just went through the motions of trying to figure each other out.  Mondays are always a little overwhelming.

After all the meetings were done and the kids were tucked into bed, I couldn't wait to hear what the girls had to say.  I was actually looking forward to it, because I knew they were all going to feel overwhelmed. I should have taped them, the words coming from their mouths were comical to me, but serious for them.  I listened as they whined, and chuckled while one was "trying to figure out what kind of sick she needed to be so she could go home."  After a while of it, I told them that no matter how they felt now that by Wednesday they would feel different, and that by Friday they would be in tears.  You see, it's that comfort zone thing I was talking about.  They were all way out of theirs, so I knew God was going to completely transform the lives of these ladies this week, and I was going to get to be a spectator to God's mighty work.  How cool is that?  So while Mondays are tough at camp, I LOVE MONDAYS!!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Oh the Train 197/365

Ahhh, yes, the train shelves.  When God calls us, he doesn't always call us to be comfortable.  He loves to call us out of our comfort zone, because that is when he can teach us, and mold us, and grow us.  If we continually stayed in our own comforts it would completely show our lack of faith.  The train was the beginning of the faith journey of this trip.  It was this part of the trip, that I had to just let go and have faith.  Because while I love train travel in China, I had not done this journey before.  I knew we were not going to have English speakers to guide us, and we would essentially be on our own.  Before we even headed out for the train, I knew I needed to find food for my team.  There would be hot water on our train, and I knew we needed something we could fix with that.  I had been up most of the night because I was certain someone had opened our door (I know that wasn't the case, but at the time it had me up) Kelsey didn't sleep well either so she and I hit the streets of Beijing at 5:30 am to find some instant noodles.  I truly wish we had recorded me trying to describe what I wanted to find.  I finally impressed upon a guy that I wanted compressed noodles.  I was thinking, "Wow, he knows the word compressed, but does not know the word instant."  He gave me directions and he was spot on.  We then played charades with the shop owners to get enough for the team to have two meals, plus, seven bags of M&Ms, several bags of chips, and cookies of course.

Shortly after that, our driver, who wanted to be referred to as Uncle John at this point was fussing at my students because they were not ready to go.  He was a little flustered, but he calmed down once we were loaded.  He didn't want me to have to get the train tickets with my limited Chinese at the train station so he drove us to an agency that could print them so we wouldn't have to stand in line the try to communicate our needs there.  Thank you Uncle John, because let me tell you, the Beijing West train station is huge! We were the ONLY white people there, and boy did we know it.  We stuck out like lepers that had been thrown out of the city gates.  It was funny to watch the reactions of my students at being gawked at.  Kelsey looked up after a while, and said, "They won't stop staring at us, it's like they are saying to themselves, wow, unicorns really do exist."  Yep that about sums it up, we were like unicorns.

Once we got settled into our shelves, we all hung out for 10 hours.  I introduced pass the pigs.  They thought it was hilarious to throw around two little pigs.  They took lots of pictures of flying pigs.  At was at this point that I knew the ten hour ride would be just fine.  If they can be that amused over pigs, then we were set.

I was proud that we got everyone off the train at the right spot.  Or was it?  We walked to the exit and saw no reps from Bring Me Hope.  So we walked to the other exit, and again no one.  Back to the other one and out.  I decided it was easier to find sitting ducks then for us to keep moving, so we planted our luggage and they flopped on top of it.  I took one of the energetic boys and he and I searched around, we couldn't find a single English speaker, so then we resorted to trying to call camp.  No answers!  So, we sat.  I did freak them all out when I said, "Maybe this isn't the right station."  I stepped way back and compared the Chinese symbols on my train ticket to the bright red ones on the building.  I walked back and with the straightest face and said, "Bad news (after all that is how my Chinese friends started out all my news) we are at the wrong train station."  I wish you could have seen their faces.  At this point I am also thinking I can't believe parents actually sent their children to China with me! Bet you are wondering that too at this point.  The good news is we were found.  It only took an hour, but we were found.  We made it to camp after midnight and drifted off to sleep on our oh so comfortable beds. More on that tomorrow.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

Beijing in a Day...is that even possible 196/365

First, I guess you noticed the group grew a little.  The blonde girl is Alicia.  She is from Minnesota and really wanted to make the trip.  She just graduated from high school and her parents consented, but did not want her traveling to China alone, so she scheduled her flights with ours so she could tag along and make it to camp.  The other girl is CHRISTINA!!!  I love her!  She and I became friends last year at camp and she has now moved to Beijing.  She helped me find our driver and she had worked it out with him to pick her up on the side of the road so she could go with us to the wall.  I love her!  

Since I have seen the Great Wall several times before, spending time with Christina was the highlight of my day.  She and I both struggled up the wall while the college kids bounced up it like it was a trampoline.

 Our driver, Mr. Ping, stopped to tell us in the van on the way about this mountain.  He said it is like a sleeping man.  On the one side of the mountain, his mouth is wide open, on this side he is a "more handsome man" according to Mr. Ping.  So, once on the mountain, I had to take a picture.  It does in fact look like a man.

Even though it has only been a long day of traveling, by this point, the group is gelling, and I am excited to see our little family form its bonds.

We ventured off the unbeaten path and explored the unrestored section.  It was neat to see.  The majority of the wall has not been repaired and it was neat to see what it looked like from it's original condition.  The majesty of the wall always amazes me.

After the wall we ventured to the tea place.  I don't drink tea...not any tea, so I took pictures.  Blake obviously doesn't drink tea either because he looked miserable every time he took a drink.  After tea we circled the Olympic venues and headed back to the hotel.  I gave them 30 minutes to freshen up.  I told them not to lay down, I wanted them up and moving so we could go to Pizza Hut.  After all Pizza Hut in China is the best pizza in the world.

Imagine our surprise when we walked to Pizza Hut and they were out of Pizza.  How could it be?  That is like McDonalds saying they are out of burgers.  So, we settled for Subway.  It was edible, that's about it.  Only in China do they put cucumbers on your sandwich.  Then in my effort to be a jet lag nazi, I paraded them down Wangfujing street.

When we got to the end of the street they wanted to stop and get ice cream at McDonalds. So, we got in line.  Just as everyone almost had their ice cream I noticed James sound asleep in on the busiest shopping street in all of Beijing.  So I had everyone walk and eat so we could keep James going.

I took them down snack street because I figured the sites and smells would keep them on their toes.  That did the trick.  Shortly after we walked back and hit the bed.  I felt good about the fact that I had kept them all awake.  It was a long day, but a fun one for sure!

The Lost Day 195/365

I sat my team down and explained that I knew how to handle the jet lag so I needed them to follow my instructions so they could adjust.  It takes most people several days, and I knew we didn't have several days.  I needed them to be able to go, go, go.  I told them not to sleep more than four hours on our flight, because I wanted them to be able to hit the bed and sleep as soon as we got to our rooms in Beijing.  They for the most part listened.  Well, except Kelsey, she took three dramamine, and there was no waking her up.  We arrived in Beijing around 11 pm.  We had extra luggage with us (I pictured it a few days ago) and I needed to find the people to drop it off with, they weren't there.  But that is okay, neither was our driver.  None of this really worried me, but I could tell the students were wondering if I really had my ducks in a row.  I headed out to make sure our van wasn't outside, and by the time I got back in, the girls were there to collect the luggage from us.  Then, there was our van driver.  He was a treat!  My friend in Beijing had found him for me, and he was perfect for what I needed.  He got us to our hotel and we got settled in.  I instructed them to all get to sleep because we would be hitting The Wall in the morning.  I was rooming with Kelsey, so I was worried she wouldn't sleep, boy was I wrong!  I guess it takes a long time for 3 dramamine to wear off.  She hit the bed face first and she was out for the night.  I slept great too!  And this is when my heart smiled....I was back.  We were reunited, the part of my heart that I leave behind and the part of my heart I carry with me.  I was where I knew I belonged.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

 Matthew 11:28

And We are Off.....Barely 194/365

If you read the previous post, you will know we didn't have a very good night before I was to leave.  Unfortunately, the night got worse around 1a.m.  It was then that I had to get up to go to the bathroom and had the distinct feeling that I had a UTI.  I crawled into bed and desperately prayed that it was just my mind playing tricks on me, because what could be worse then having a UTI in China.  So, I tossed and turned until morning.  I had lots to do and students converging at my house at 10:00 so we could be out the door at 10:30.  I couldn't ignore the symptoms, so I took off for my doctor.  I got a confirmed diagnosis flew into my pharmacy where my pharmacist (and friend) looked at the panic in my eyes and filled my prescription immediately.  I got home with 10 minutes to spare.  At this point I am pleading with God that this not be a sign of what the rest of the trip is going to be like.  I am generally so laid back, so when the one student that I actually knew arrived she was shocked to find me so flustered.  We made it though!

Paul drove us to the airport and dumped us out.  We were officially off.  My heart finally began to settle as I could now know that I was going to make it.  Not only was I going to make it, but I was going to lead these five amazing college kids.

The college kids like to label this picture "before we were friends."  That is pretty accurate.  I knew one of the girls previously because she is in my Bible Study.  I like to refer to her as being special, but truth is, I come up with reasons to call everyone special.  Her name is Kelsey, and she is the one with the blue jacket around her waist.  Natalie on the far left and Blake on the far right knew each other.  Natalie also kinda knew James (the tall one).  Tori, the T girl in front of me, knew no one.  So here we were a hodge podge group that God had called to China.

Take a good look at his picture.  Our looks go down hill from here.  It was almost comical when our Chinese friends would grab my ipad and look at pictures.  When they came across this one, they would always pause and really look at it.  I would say, "Yes, that is what we look like in real life."

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15

Last Day in the USA 193/365

Yes, I am back.....sorry for the delay in beginning to catch up. I have the flu.  I am the only confirmed case of the flu in Alabama since May 17th.  Isn't that just lovely.  That combined with jet lag have been somewhat of a nightmare.  However, now between fevers, I am going to try and get myself caught up.

The day before I leave for China is always a little like a chicken running around with their head cut off. You would think I would have it all down by now, but I was trying to think of everything I may need, or my team might need.  I had lots of little errands I needed to run, and four kiddos that I wanted to spend time with.  I also knew I needed a little break in my day so I planned a little surprise for them.  We went to the movies to see Brave in 3-D.  This is a treat for my kids because it costs close to $70 for our family to go to the movies, so we simply just don't go.  In fact, they were trying to remember the last time we had gone and couldn't remember.  Then I looked over at sweet Hope and realized she looked a little confused because she had never been to the theatre before.  We truly enjoyed Brave.  It was better than I expected, and the 3-D was a bonus.  LeeLee did get scared and ended up in my lap during the bear fight with her glasses off, but she claims she loved it!

We ran a few more errands then we headed home to get everything ready to go.  I began Skyping back in forth with my China friends as soon as they were awake and they kept calling me telling me "bad news."  I generally handle bad news well, so I didn't start freaking out that there were no train tickets available for my team to make it to our camp city.  I had lots of friends working on it, so my Skype kept lighting up with calls from sweet friends trying to help.  

Meanwhile, Paul's cell phone rings and I watch as his face falls.  I knew it wasn't good news, so my heart sank knowing that whatever it was wasn't going to make leaving easier.  Turns out his Aunt (who was like a second mom to him) had passed away.  I stopped in my tracks and prayed to the Lord.  I now hated the fact that I was leaving, but knew that I must go.  I had five college kids depending on me, but I also had a husband that needed comfort that I had no time to give.

While he and I were talking, I finally got a call that said "good news."  We had train tickets on the slow train.  We would be on hard sleepers for 10 hours.  I'll take it!  With that news I did a little more packing then crawled into bed.

I will catch up when I get back!  I will miss doing this, but I promise fun pictures and updates when I return!

Almost Time 192/365

The Fedex guy showed up today with these four suitcases for my team to haul to China.  I keep walking past them and jumping a little knowing that they are a very real sign that it's almost time to go.  Only one more day here then we are headed out.  We would all love your prayers while we are away!

Special Gifts 191/365

Emily came with sweet gifts for each of the kids.  This one made me smile the most.  LeeLee is such a huge fan of monkeys, and Emily had found an old lady that hand made these and sold them at the night market.  She immediately thought of LeeLee and got one for her.  LeeLee loves it!  Emily has moved on from our house to stay with friends while I am away.  She will be on a mini adventure herself until my return.  The kids are already missing their Emmy, and now they will be counting the days until she returns.

She Takes My Breath Away 190/365

Sometimes I look at her, and she just takes my breath away.  Today was one of those days....she is just so beautiful inside and out.  She and I shopped all day for the the kids in China.  She so badly wants to go on this trip, but she put all that aside and was so helpful picking out the perfect things for my trip.  I am so grateful for her help!  Her beauty just radiates!

The Little Things 189/365

I have been searching for the perfect leather couch and love seat for the playroom.  I had one requirement, and that was that we ended up with four recliners, one for each kiddo.  I finally found exactly what I wanted at a semi decent price online at Sam's Club.  I was disappointed to learn that it was out of stock though.  So I have waited and searched some more.  I have kept the money aside waiting to find what I wanted.  Today ended up being the day in such a strange way.  I didn't get much sleep last night due to some pretty awful storms.  Rags likes to try and sit on my head during bad weather, so he was not going to let me sleep.  So, I got online again and searched for my couch and love seat.  I found something that I felt I could settle with.  I decided to pray about it, and just didn't get a peace about buying it, so I decided to wait.  So, this morning after about 4 hours of sleep I found out that my friends dog had run last night when she let it out during a storm.  Knowing how it feels to be missing your furry friend, I headed out in my pajamas to search for Laura's dog.  I didn't find the dog, but I did find a garage sale that had just opened, and it had a leather couch and a love seat with......

four recliners.  Not only that, but it was in awesome condition for the low low price of $170 for both.  I couldn't believe it.  I told that new college graduate that I wanted it, but that unfortunately I was not out garage sale hunting, but dog hunting instead, so I didn't have any money. He was great and told me not to worry he would hold it for me, and after I paid him that he would deliver it to me.  Honestly, I'm shocked he took me seriously that early in the morning in my pajamas.  But he did, and right behind me was another lady trying to buy my dream furniture. So I ran home and put some clothes on, took off to Paul's office to grab some money and ran back to pay him. Buy the time I got back he had gotten over a dozen offers to buy, but he held true to his word and held it for me.  He delivered it too, just as promised.  He hauled it all the way down my tricky stairs and got it into the playroom. I was grateful to the boys for bringing it all the way over, so the kids and I surprised them tonight with cokes and a papa johns gift card. I am thrilled that I waited.  I love seeing how God can use a lost dog (which was found by the way) to lead me to the right furniture that saved us $1800.  

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

Our Own Little Nanny McPhee 188/365

Oh, my precious girl!  She is a comedian all on her own.  She doesn't need any props or help, she is just naturally funny.  She has never lacked confidence and she craves loves being the center of attention.  However, for the first time she doesn't like something about herself.....

She detests hates her front tooth.  Her front tooth is big, especially since it is surrounded by baby teeth.  It has also grown in crooked and at a little of an odd angle. We like to refer to it as her Nanny McPhee tooth.  I think once the other front tooth comes on down, she won't look so much like  Nanny McPhee. But for now the comparison just makes me smile!  Some days she will make the funniest jokes about the Nanny McPhee tooth, and other days she gets upset about it.  I of course think she is adorable, Nanny McPhee tooth and all!