And that's when it occurred to me, I've been MIA lately. School has just kept me so busy this year, that I haven't even thought to post about China.
Going into this year, I wasn't sure if I would be able to go back to China in the summer of 2014. I knew I would be in school, and I wasn't sure if I would have much time to work or fundraise. Or if I would even have time the next summer to take off of work/if I wanted to take classes in the summer or not.
I prayed and wrestled with the idea for most of my first semester. The faces of my beautiful children halfway across the world haunted my dreams at night. I longed to be able to return to my second home, but I knew that the chances were slim.
Many people from the previous trips were not able to return to Chenzhou for numerous reasons. Money, adoptions, school, etc. I totally understand all of these reasons, but it broke my heart thinking that no one from previous trips would be returning to Chenzhou. I struggled thinking that if I were to stay home this summer, no familiar faces would visit the Chenzhou orphanage, and the relationship that we have built with the orphanage director, nannies, and children, would be lost.
I prayed. I asked God for direction and trusted that He would provide an answer, and no matter what he chose to tell me, it would be in the best interest of Chenzhou.
As most of you know, I received my answer as a big surprise on Christmas morning.
Now, let me give you a little back story to this. A couple weeks before Christmas I had no idea what my parents were getting me for Christmas (I didn't really ask for/need anything). I'm the kid that usually knows what she'll be getting weeks in advance.
So when I asked if they already got my Christmas presents for me, and my mom answered yes, I was confused. I figured they were going to just give me money. Honestly, I was going to ask for printer ink, and I would've been happy with just that (you know you're an adult when you ask for printer ink for Christmas).
Come Christmas morning, I'm opening up my presents, and the biggest surprise came my way. My parents gave me a gift voucher to pay for most of my mission trip this summer.
I was in complete shock, and naturally started bawling my eyes out. The best present I could have ever asked for.
I guess this was God giving me my answer.
I'm going to China this summer.
I'm just so incredibly blessed to have parents who love and support me and my passion and heart for the orphan.
{{if anyone's wondering, I also received printer ink. So I guess you could say that this was a pretty good Christmas}}
So far, there are only three people signed up for the Chenzhou trip, including me and the group leader.
I am not intimidated by the small number, because I know the Lord can use any amount of people to do His will.
BUT, I will say, that if you feel called to work with orphans this summer, we are accepting more members to be apart of this trip. Check it out here. I'm willing to answer any questions you may have. :)
Currently we are leaving on July 18th, and I'm coming back on the 30th. The rest of the team will be returning July 28th, but I'm staying a couple extra days to spend at New Hope in Beijing. I'm thrilled that I'll be able to see my heart babies from last summer, and I'll be able to see the facility they're staying in/meet their nannies.
The team leader actually lives close to me, so I'm excited that I'll have a travel companion all the way to China, because that makes the trip a bit more enjoyable. :)
I'm really excited for what God has in store for Chenzhou this year, and I'm really believing for amazing things to happen.
I'll keep you posted on any other Chenzhou related news. We're going to start planning our trip soon, and I'll need donations for the kids and nannies.
So thrilled that I'll be back in less than 70 days! I cannot wait to hug Paul's sweet arms and see Joy's smiling face.
