A day at the Big House

It seems like each adoption trip I write this same blog, but I just can’t help myself.  Yesterday, was one of the days I look forward to more than almost anything else on our trip. We spent the day at Maria’s Big House of Hope with the people who seem like a second family to us.  For those who don’t know, all three of our boys have been taken care of by the New Hope/Show Hope organization.  John and Davidson were both at Maria’s while Patrick spent time at two of the other special care centers.  Currently this organization is taking care of around 300 sick babies in 5 different locations with a 6^th opening soon.  They coordinate surgeries, surgical teams from the US, preschool for the kids, daily care for the children, Show Hope trips for those who desire to come visit, and innumerable other activities all aimed at taking care of these precious babies who are waiting for a family. All of that is just what they are doing in China.  They have other ministries all over the world. It is an amazing organization that I feel fortunate to have seen close up.

Yesterday was a blast.  When we walked in, the Martin family, the Renich family, and the nursing staff were having their weekly fellowship time.  We joined in the singing and listened as the group shared about being God’s light everywhere we go.  I can’t think of a more appropriate message. Soon after fellowship we shared lunch, and then Patrick got a checkup from Dr. Steve who will always be my boy’s “doctor.”  Without the care they received from him I don’t want to think about where they might be.   I also must mention that two of the nurses, Jonah and Lily, have cared for all three of my boys at some point during their time in China. Lauren and I tear up just thinking about it.  We are so glad that we get to visit with them and thank them in person for the work that they have done.  We love to share current pictures so that they get to see what those crazy boys are up to now!!! Later in the day we went with the staff from room to room singing Christmas carols.  The nannies may not have known the words but they smiled along with us as the children danced along to the music.  One guy grabbed Maggie and danced with her.  He wanted more music so he could keep dancing!!  The nannies were give a small gift as appreciation for the work they do.  It was a wonderful picture of God’s love being shared across a language and cultural barrier.

I won’t deny the possibility that three of the Ayres were taking pictures of children wondering if God will call us to walk down the adoption road again.  Although I think this is our last adoption trip, I know better than to say never!! As always the day passed too quickly, and before we knew it, it was time to return to our hotel room.  It was a blast getting to catch up with everyone, and see again just how God is working in a “small” town in China.  Through tears we all hugged and said our goodbyes, looking anxiously to the day we will get to visit again. 

***Warning***It’s about to get a little preachy.  You may want to stop now.***

I truly don’t have the words to express my appreciation for the work that New Hope/Show Hope does every day across the globe.  However, as wonderful as Maria’s Big House of Hope is, places like it are only necessary because we live in a broken and sinful world.  Also, despite the wonderful, loving care that these children receive, MBHOH is a temporary home.  These children still need families.  They still need a mama to hold them through the pain following a surgery.  They still need a father who treats them like a king or a queen.  They still need brothers and sisters to grow up with.  I pray that someone today sees a picture, hears a sermon, or reads a piece of scripture (or maybe even reads this goofy blog) that opens their eyes to adoption.  It is life changing…in a big way.  I have a family of 10 to prove it!!!

Childrens Fellowship

Love, Love, Love

 

Dancing

Caroling

More dancing

Mama and her boy

preciousness