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 6th 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
Dr.Jason I love you,Lauren and your precious family so very much ! It was so great to meet you all my first trip to Marias and to share in the excitement of finding out you were getting your first little one from China ! God bless you all as you follow your heart ,Gods Heart in all you do. .You all are awesome. It makes me "Home sick" as my heart is still in China at Marias.I love all those children and the nannies and The Martins,Mariah ,Jona ,Lilly, Vickie, Nate and their boys !.Have a very Happy New year ! Love Sue Lucas
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