Well our last day in China was a full day of going to the
Great Wall of China climbing some huge stairs to get to the wall and then the
half of the group that made it up first went on and climbed until we couldn’t
climb anymore and I do not think I have ever sweated so much in my life then I
did that day. It was crazy we all just looked like we had gotten out of the
shower, but I assure you we did not smell like we had. It was crazy all of the
uneven steps and the steep slopes to climb. It amazes me that people built
this, I just do not get how! The whole point to going to this part of the Great
Wall was so we could do the slide down! We saw that there was a long line and
our guide said he thought we would just take the cable car (ski lift) down,
because we were already off our schedule timing wise. I was the only one down
there with him at that point and I told him that everyone would be really mad
if we didn’t get to go down the slide because that was why we had toured that
part, and why we had driven 3 hours to get to it. So he let in and we got our
tickets. We sat on these little sleds and pushed the lever forwards to go and
pulled backwards for the brake. This was our way down from the wall and let me
tell you it was WAYYYYY more fun than climbing up those treacherous stairs to
get to the wall.
One of the last days we were there, a little girl we called
Ella, was in the elevator with some of us with a lady and a man. We didn’t
think much of it, but later we found out that she was being adopted by them! She
would stay in Chenzhou with the couple that adopted her! Ella was Steve’s (our
guide) favorite baby! He said he liked her big round eyes.
I was ready to leave only because we were not with the kids
anymore, and that was my purpose those kids, nannies, and that orphanage. So
without that I kind of felt lost. So I was ready to come back. But after just a
week I was ready to go back to china, I missed it, even though I was hot and
sweaty all of the time, it was worth it to make the people in that orphanage be
able to have a little more. A little more clothes, toys, but most of all, LOVE
and not only our love but God’s love and affection. Some people may think that
since we did not build anything or that we didn’t do a VBS for the kids, that
we didn’t do anything that will help them. But I believe we gave them all that
they desire, love, attention, and FUN.
So many people have asked how was your trip, was it
everything you expected? Etc. I didn’t go into this trip having expectations, I
went into it curious, and anxious to experience it. People ask “did you bring
one back in your suitcase? I bet you wanted to”. I just don’t think people get
it. These children are not some souvenir. They are real, human beings, and
people do not take me seriously when I say, I want to adopt Emerson. If it
weren’t for the laws that I have to be at least 30 and married for at least 5
years than I would have, even though I am only 19 years old. Even though I am
still in college.
Things since China have been… busy. I have constantly had
things to do; work, babysit, find everything for my apartment. But there has
not been a day that I have gone without thinking about Chenzhou. Replaying
memories from our time there, wondering what they are doing, worrying that they
will be okay.
Updates: The heart babies Charlotte and Sarah are going to
Beijing to get their surgery!!!! Also, with the help of Joan Mitchell, we have
been able to get Smile Train to contact the director in Chenzhou and my baby
girl Emerson is going to get her cleft lip and cleft palate surgery! Also Amy’s
tiny baby Angelina is getting her surgery for her cleft lip and palate. I could
not be any more excited for how God is working in that place. There are so many
things that he is doing, and I am honestly a bit overwhelmed with excitement,
and gratitude. I am so happy the heart babies Sarah and Charlotte will get the
surgery needed in order to survive, and I am so happy that Emerson and Angelina
will get the surgery for their cleft palates and cleft lips, while they are still
healthy enough to do so, I am hoping that eating becomes an easier task for
both of them so they can grow strong.
The life I always pictured may not be a reality for me
anymore. I want more I want to do more, and I don’t know if what I pictured
myself doing is right for me. This trip has opened my eyes up to a whole new
world, and God may have different plans for my life then what I thought.
Going on this trip put a lot of things into perspective,
like…. I have way too much stuff. I am very blessed and maybe a little bit
spoiled. I have a lot of support from family and friends and could not be more
grateful for that. There are so many more things, but I honestly do not think
that you will understand where I am coming from unless you GO and see for yourself.
People have so much to give, whether you think you do or not, there is always
something you can do. Find a cause and support it, whether it is adoption,
sending money to support a family or child, or going and serving. God calls us
to do these things, he expects us to serve the broken, the weak, the widowed,
orphaned and the hungry. But we all too often let life and business get in the
way of what really matters.
I know my girls are supposed to be getting their cleft
surgeries but I have not heard anything for a few weeks but when I do I will
post about it. I could not be more excited for them and happy the orphanage is
so willing to help them.
Moving into my first apartment, thoughts of worrying about
money, trying to get a job, worrying about school and dance team are consuming
my time. But not a day goes by that I do not think about Chenzhou and the work
we did there and the things I saw and the people I loved, still love through
the distance. I know God is working on his plans for my life and I will try to
patiently wait to understand just what they are, but I have an idea that His
glorious plan has to do with those kids, those people, because China will
forever have my heart.
