Perspectives

Last month I learned of a woman whose character can be termed as heroic. She gave birth to twins 10 months ago. One began developing typically, the other did not. Extended family pressured the mother to "abandon" her daughter, but she refused. Instead, she chose to stand against society where a child with special needs is not understood. She chose to see the little child inside the body which works differently than most others.
When 6 pieces of our luggage did not make it from NYC to Shanghai I was disappointed. I quickly thought of all of the donations collected and the things I had hoped to use and give to this mother as I taught her ways to help her child.
As we arrived in Nanning, I learned that the mother and baby had remained in the city rather than travel the over 8 hours to their home village for a holiday festival. Again, I thought of the missing items in those 6 bags. But, as we wearily checked into our hotel room at 2:30am, the three bags which did make it with us were placed inside. As I opened each bag, I realized that almost all of the things I would use with this small baby were here! The neosure formula, the infant seat, the infant toys, the heavy duty sling to help her mother carry her, a bumbo seat and a small boppy pillow were all with us!! The fact that all of the things are here when all of the other things are not is nothing short of miraculous. And so, as I wear the same clothes for a second day in a row feeling as if I am a character in the movie "groundhog day" I will remember the heroic mother. And I will remember to see as she sees things...what I have rather than what I don't have....

And we're off!!

Heading to China always brings the same feelings...lots of excitement the night before departure leading to a lack of sleep. Giddiness as we pull unto the airport. Exhaustion as we wait in long lines at ticket counters and security.
Our flight route brings us through Shanghai this year. We will then go directly to the capital city where we have one day of rest (after arriving at 12:40am local time) before the work starts. I don't mind how hard the bed is after 30 hours of travel. It will be nice to recline!
And so we are off. To begin our next journey to our beloved China. Thirty hours of travel is well worth it!

1 week!!

In one week, we will be headed back to our beloved China.
In one week, we will be preparing to see our dear friends with Grace and Hope for Children who are the true heroes in the lives of orphaned children.
In one week, we will need to have all of the bags packed and ready to go with donations which will forever change the lives of the children who will receive them.
In one week, we will set out on a grueling itinerary to do the work He has called us to do.
In one week, our lives will be forever changed by some very special orphans who are placed purposefully in our paths to teach about hope.

Cindy