Crazy

Sometimes, I think I'm a little crazy.

And sometimes... other people think I'm a little crazy. (Even my boss looked at me after I told a story yesterday and said, "You worry me sometimes." Jokingly, of course. I think...)

I mean, I'm going back to China. Again. For the 3rd time on a mission trip.

When my brother found out I was going to Chenzhou back in 2010, he looked at my like I was insane. He wasn't the biggest fan of China when we adopted my sister... and I mean, I could see why not. We were young, we all got sick, and the culture is just very different.

But there's something about it that I love. Yes, there's something about it that makes me feel like I'm at home when I arrive.

Some think I'm crazy (Sometimes even I think I'm crazy) for thinking I can raise $4,000 in only a few months.

And maybe I am. But that's just where faith comes in. I'm believing that God will provide every last dollar that I need in order to be in Chenzhou this summer.

Some think I'm crazy for leaving my family and friends for two weeks to go on a trip by myself. Travel with strangers in a foreign country.

But the truth is... those strangers become quick friends, which have lasting relationships that make you feel like family. I love everyone who I've been to China with so far, and we still keep in contact. They are all just amazing people... and once you go through such a life changing experience with them, you become molded into family.

I remember when my group leader, Shannon, and one of my eating buddies, Tammy, came to visit in September. My friends were asking me if I was going to a football game the night they came, and I replied I had friends coming into town that night. "Oh! Will bring them to the game!" they would say. And when I told them that they were friends my parents age, and probably didn't want to go to a highschool football game, they all looked at me like I was crazy. Haha. But you know what, I truly consider these women to be great friends. :)

So, yeah, I may be crazy. But the truth of the matter is, it's so worth it.

I would be crazy every day if it meant I could go back to China. To Chenzhou. To see my wonderful friends I've made there.

It's only a short time (sadly we can't stay for eternity), but I wouldn't trade it in. Everything that I've mentioned up there is so worth it to see the kids. To bring them hope and love. To be completely ruined by what you see when you're there.

So if that's your definition of crazy... then yes, I'm glad to be it. :)

By the way, there's still room on our Chenzhou trip in July if any of you are interested. I'm telling you, you won't regret it. It is all worth it. To learn more, click here.

Strong and Courageous

I've been meaning to write about this for a few weeks now, but I just haven't gotten around to it. And I kind of pushed it off for awhile. Then I had a talk with a friend from school and I just felt like I needed to get my thoughts down somewhere.

On March 1st, a man named Jeremiah Small was killed in Iraq. He was a teacher at my school's sister school there. After watching one of my teachers lectures via video, he was shot. He's what we call a modern day martyr.

I never met Jeremiah. But I've read articles and heard testimonies, and I know he made an impact on the world he left behind. He left a legacy.

The whole situation left me humbled, though. There was this man that so firmly believed in what he was teaching, the truth of the gospel, that he put himself in danger every single day. Voluntarily.

How inspiring is that?

It really makes you step back for a moment and think, "Would I do that? Am I that brave? Am I willing to be a martyr?"

I am humbled.

Because personally, I live this comfortable life in which everyone around me either knows the gospel or has heard of it. And if I come across someone who doesn't, I know I become scared to tell them. Why? Because I'm afraid of what they'll think of me.

But... that doesn't matter. I'm not called to be loved and to fit in with the world... I'm called to get out of my comfort zone and make disciples, just as Jesus called us to do when He rose to Heaven. I'm commanded not to fear, but to be strong and courageous.

Ever think about the people who are so lost? There are people in some parts of the world that have never heard of Jesus. Or if they have, they don't realize that He's a real person, that He can change their lives. They haven't grown up in a Christian family. That haven't been brought the good news. There are people who are so lost that they will kill those who believe.

And why? Because the church is lazy. The body of Christ. You. Me.

Each and every one of us is called to help further the kingdom of God. To make disciples of ourselves, to tell the good news.

It doesn't have to be in a far away country.

It can be in your neighborhood. Or at work. Or maybe standing in line at the store. The simplest things can make a world of a difference.

That's exactly what Christians have been commanded to do.

Anyways... this has just been a sobering incident that has made me reevaluate my life.

And it's time for my comfort zone to be torn down. Because ultimately it's not about me, it's about HIM.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:9

Why Me?

Ever wonder why you are where you are?

I mean really. Have you ever thought about it? Why do I live here, have these friends?

My best friend and I have talked about the recently. And it's stumped me a little.

I mean, I am so blessed. I have a place to sleep at night. An education. Parents and siblings who love me to no end.

So often I've wondered, "God, why am I the one who is so blessed? Why don't I live in an orphanage? Why don't I eat rice mush everyday (for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)? Why do I live in wealth and loved when others suffer?"

And the only conclusion I can come up with is this: because if I had not known this love from my parents, I would not be able to know the One True Love of Jesus. And if I had not known that Love, I would not be able to show love to those who need it most. I would not be capable of knowing how to love--and I wouldn't feel like people need to know the love I feel.

But because I feel this love, I want people to feel the way I do. I just can't bear the thought that there are kids who do not know the love of a mother to run to crying, or a father for advice. I can't bear to think that kids don't know the love of a sibling, to love, care and play with. They don't know what it feels like to have a sibling to laugh uncontrollably with from the bottom of their belly. They just don't know.

No, I may not be a mother or a sibling to the kids in an orphanage. But I can try to the best of my ability to show them that they are loved by someone, that their life matters. But not only that they are loved by me and my team, but by a Savior whose love is far greater than our earthly love.

Katie Davis said, "And if one person sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute. In fact, it is worth spending my life for." (Kisses from Katie, pg. XIX)

And that is essentially is my life long mission towards the orphans I love so much in Chenzhou, China. I hope and pray that they would see a glimpse of Christ through us, my team and I, as we love and care for them.

A Very Chenzhou Christmas!

Merry Christmas, all!

I received pictures today of the kids in their clothing! I'm so excited to see how happy they are. :)

I just wanted to say thank you to all who helped out this year. It means so much to me and these kids! Because of you, they were able to have a Christmas as well!

Here are some pictures for you all to enjoy!

All of my donations which FILLED three very full suitcases

Sweet 20+ year old with her new clothes :)

MuShu!

Lily... whose forever family is naming her Ellie! :)

Sweet Lulu!

Someone raided the candy canes... ;)

The Older kids with their presents!

Look at those smiles in the back!

God Bless, and have a Merry Christmas! :)

Lesson learned.

“God’s plan isn’t always what you expected, but often more than you could ever hope.” - Pastor Steve Murrell

It’s funny how at the end of every year I look back and review everything that’s happened. Whether it be good or bad. Most of the time my year doesn’t go as planned. And I remember thinking in these situations… “why can’t everything just go according to plan? Let’s stick to the book.”

And then I realized… They are according to a plan. But not mine, His.

As I look back on these happenings though, I’m grateful for the unexpected. One, they keep life a little bit interesting. And two, the Lord teaches me lessons through these.

And even though they may not be fun at the time… It’s my favorite way to learn a lesson. I love it when the Lord allows me to see for myself the rules and lessons we must learn. It always means so much to me when He trusts me enough to give me an insight of what it means to be more like Him.

Like learning faithfulness. Trust. Unconditional love. Compassion. Forgiveness. Peace.

Those are only a few lessons 2011 has brought me.

And though the situations that caused some of them may not be what I planned or expected…. It’s more than I could have hoped they could be. They are a lesson learned.

To YOU be the Glory

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17

Chenzhou Christmas is on it's way! A big thanks to all of my friends and family, through them I received enough clothes to send over. It took a lot of time and packing, but it is finished. :) I sent 3 very full suitcases full of clothes and little activities for the kids. I found 3 students traveling home for the holidays who are taking them, and then they'll be shipped to the orphanage.

I had a few panic attacks when I didn't have enough curriers and A LOT of stuff to send... But the Lord pulled through like He always does and sent two more angels to carry the luggage :)

During the process I had a lot of people who were donating saying how amazing I am and can't believe I'm only in high school and doing this. Where it's flattering and I'd love to take credit for it all, it's not me. It's all the Lords work, and I'm honored that he's working through me. He has given me a heart for these children and I'm just happy to help in anyway. HE receives the glory. ALL of it. I am nothing without him. I'm worthless and incapable of doing anything without him. So for that, He receives all the credit.

So in that light, I'm thankful the Lord has provided for me to figure out how to do this. I've had a few learning experiences along the way, but it's only to prepare me for next year ;). I'm grateful that He has placed this passion in my heart to help this kids, and led me to do so, and carried me through it all. I'm do thankful for everything He has done for us, and everything He has made me to be. He receives the glory. He is the one who has made all things possible.

Anyways, I hope to get pictures in a few weeks whenever the orphanage receives the packages. I can't wait to see it all! The kids are going to love it. Again, thanks to everyone who has helped out. I really do appreciate it. It's going to be such a huge blessing for them, because I know they've needed warm winter clothes. Such a blessing. Thank you all... And have a Merry Christmas! :)

Help Give the Chenzhou Orphanage a Christmas!

Two weeks ago I was talking with my mom about China, and as the cool winter air began to set in, we began wondering about my little buddies in the Chenzhou orphanage and how they were doing. I wondered how we could bless them this Christmas. So I emailed the orphanage director to ask if there was any way we could help. The next morning I was happy to receive a reply with pictures of “Will” (my Chenzhou buddy)….this is the best way to wake up, by the wayJ. They also said they do need winter clothes for the children in sizes 0-12 years old.

So here is where the importance of this post comes into play… I need YOUR help. While I wish I had the money to buy warm winter clothes for every child in the orphanage, I don’t think that is possible without the help of some friends. So, this Christmas, would you help bring Christmas to the orphans of Chenzhou?

A few ways you can help:

1) Sponsor a child by purchasing their winter clothing and, if you wish, some small gifts (*see small gift suggestions below). Or send money and we will shop for your sponsored child.

2) Get the word out to all your friends and family.

3) PRAY. Pray for the kids. Pray that they get the warm clothing they need in what can be a terribly cold winter for those living in an orphanage. Pray for a courier….we are working on finding a family who will be traveling to China and can bring an extra suitcase or two full of these donations (if you know of anyone, please let us know).

Here’s how it will work:
If you’re willing to sponsor a child email me (dancingjesusfreak@gmail.com) and I will send you a photo of your sponsored child. If you want to shop for your sponsored child, I will send you sizes along with the photo. If you would just like to send money, I will email you my home address and you can send a check to me. When the children receive their gifts, I will ask that the orphanage take photos that I can share with you. I can’t promise that they will take pictures of all the children, but I will ask them to take as many as possible.

Suggested gifts:
-Any winter clothing – long sleeved shirts/sweaters, pants, socks, hats, gloves, coats, scarves, blankets…you get the idea. All items should be new or like-new…preferably with tags.
-Small gifts that can fit in a 9x12 envelope. Small gifts can include: Stickers, coloring books, hair bows, jewelry, small candies, toy cars, toothbrushes, hairbrushes/combs, sun glasses, etc.
-Please do NOT send: large toys that don’t fit in a 9x12 envelope (we just won’t have space), nail polish, bubbles, gum, or anything heavy, sticky, or spill able.
-You and/or your child(ren) can send a note and a family picture. We will have the notes translated so the child or caregivers can read them.

My hope is to send the gifts for Christmas or Chinese New Year. I will need all donations (clothing or money) by December 4^th.

These kids need our help! Can they count on you? I mean, how can you say no to these sweet faces? J