...into understanding

Our team has left Maria's Big House of Hope and we are back in Beijing. Saying good bye to a place like Maria's is not something that you can easily do. All of the team spent time getting to know these kids and we all had kids that had stolen a piece of our heart. It is also hard because we no longer have the joy of the kids to lift our spirits as we continue to process through our trip and what God has taught each of us. 

During our week at Maria's I had a lot of questions about what was going on in my heart and why God does what he does. Like I have said before, there is no experience like this trip. But there is also probably nothing I have done that has been as difficult as this. Trying to find the answers to these questions is not really something that comes quickly, if ever! 

The conversations we have been able to have among the team now that we are away from Maria's and beginning to process, have been extremely beneficial. God not only touched our hearts, provided for our needs and taught us about himself, but he also gave us a family of team members who are also going through the same thing. For that I am truly thankful. 

On a lighter note, today we were able to do some sight seeing! We got to go to The Great Wall and to Tianamin Square. It was such a blessing to be able to enjoy some fun time with the team. It was a hot day but we all enjoyed it none the less. Over the pass couple of days we have also been able to pick up some souviniers by bargaining! If you have never bargained with a Chinese street vendor you are missing out! The fun of bargaining is almost better than the stuff you get. Anyway, overall it has been great getting to continue to spend time with the team and learn more about China. 

Please continue to pray for my team and I. Pray that we will all be able to process and learn from God after the trip. Pray for safe travel back to the states. Pray for the staff we left behind at Maria's. Pray that the kids back at Maria's would someday know a forever family. Pray that the kids who will only be on this earth for a little while longer are shown Gods love while they are here. 

Thank you all for all of your prayers.