{Saying Goodbye} Last days in China

                 We loaded up the vans on our last day at the orphanage as prepared as we could be.

Monday was by far the hardest emotionally.

Tuesday we hit a food wall.

Wednesday and Thursday we got into the grove.

But we all knew this day was coming.

  It's the day I have teared up about since I signed up to lead this trip. Walking out of that door without a child in my arms, like on our previous trips. I knew as a mama, this was the day that would test me!! What I wasn't prepared for was that the little man that grabbed my heart would never even have a chance to go out of those doors without a mama and baba. 

They ushered us into a conference room and had a sweeeet ceremony for us. Presenting me with a plaque and gift bags for the team. Then each child we had helped with their "craft" presented them to us framed. *que tears*

We went to the courtyard to say our goodbyes. But my little guy wasn't out there. I asked the orphanage director if she could take me to him and she did. Longest walk ever. He lit up when I walked into his room and called his name. Scooped him up and he played with my hair and giggled as I did the silent ugly cry. Kissed his head and told him I loved him and God had a plan for his life. 

Scooped up this precious girl (who the nanny's called ugly) and told her she was beautiful AND SHE HAS A MAMA AND DADDY COMING SOON FOR HER!!!!!! I told her they thought she was the most beautiful girl in all the world. 

And walked out. 

We had one last lunch there and headed to the van and drove away. 

It's been an amazing trip. 

I'm not sure I've ever been this prayed for ever in my life.

God gave us moment after moment where we clearly could trace His hand.

From the second we pulled in.

This is the front opening of the orphanage.

This place is near to His heart. God has His eyes on these children. Adoption is such a picture of the Gospel....the fact is, everyone of us that know Christ were once like these children...lost, lonely, fatherless, without hope...and because of the cross...we now have new names, an Abba Father, we're hopeful and we are known.

There's not a doubt in my mind why the Lord tied my heart to the one he did.

He represents a new chapter for me. 

A new voice.

One that says, GO.

Yes, bring them home. 

PLEASE bring them home.

But don't forget about them.

They need the Gospel and how else will they hear?

Thank you.

For joining our team. For praying and giving and praying some more. 

For our husbands and grandparents that held down the forts while we mama's were gone.

We could not have done it without you.

And we'd love for you to come back with us.

I promise, you won't be the same.

Ever again.

Isaiah 43:12-13

"First I predicted your rescue,

    then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world.

No foreign god has ever done this.

    You are witnesses that I am the only God,”

    says the Lord.

13 

“From eternity to eternity I am God.

    No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.

    No one can undo what I have done.”