Thursday, July 28, 2011

What Now?

The Great Wall

The question stands, what now?

Through my time at Shepherd's Field in June, the Lord made it very clear that I should come back.  Although I had originally planned to be in India this fall, that door began to shut about a month prior to leaving for China.  I would still love to visit Sarah's Covenant Homes one day and India still holds a very special place in my heart. 

After talking with the staff and my parents, reapplying for a new extended visa, and much prayer, I will be headed back to Shepherd's Field on August 25.  This time around I will be serving as an intern and my stay will span 3 months.  I am SO thrilled, humbled, and blessed to have the opportunity to return and will covet your prayers in the coming months. 

Some general information:

How long will I be gone?
August 25- November 12 (80 days to be exact)

Where will I be living? 
At the Inn of 8 Happinesses- located on property for interns and volunteers.  Shepherd's Field is located in an industrial development zone in Tianjin, about an hour south of Beijing. 


What will I be doing?
The exact details will be worked out once I get there. I will be helping teach the founder's sons (all are adopted from China with special needs), loving on the kids, and any other projects or assignments they need done.

Will I have communication? 
Yes! There is internet where I will be staying! So I plan to keep this blog updated and will have access to skype, email, and possibly facebook. 

How can you be a part of my journey? 
Most importantly, through prayer! Pray for the staff, children, and families that will one day bring them home.  While the cost of my journey is covered, stay tuned for a way you can help this incredible organization.

It's hard to believe that in less than a month, I'll be back holding these dear little ones who have captured my heart!

Shepherd's Field Children's Village


Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement.  
So, this is long overdue, seeing as I have been back for a little over a month now.  I have sat down and tried to write several times but didn’t even know where to start and had so many unanswered questions.  This past month has been spent praying, trusting, and processing.  With answers and clarity, I am thrilled to finally update you! 

If you were to ask me about China, my face would light up, my heart would quicken, and my mind would be filled with the faces and giggles of the children there.  I would begin to tell you how our Father is doing BIG things over there, and how He is using the least of these, the vulnerable, and the oppressed to bring His name glory and let His light be shone.  

This post will be filled with pictures and the stories that stem from them. 

 Upon landing in China after our 13 hour flight, we were informed we were NOT in Beijing (?!?)... after getting more fuel and sitting on the tarmac for 5 hours, we finally took back off and after an hour in the air, finally landed in Beijing.  A whopping 19 hours spent in these seats, it was a special bonding experience for all.  One flight attendant asked "Do you feel like we should be exchanging holiday cards since we've been together so long?".
Joni and Friends Team
These 6 women incredibly blessed my life.  It was such a joy to serve alongside of them and share the same passion for disabilities and adoption! 
From left: 
Lindsay- my dear friend from A&M who was in the Special Education program with me
Kelly- special ed teacher from Chicago and our fearless leader
Hanna- recent Baylor grad whose heart for disabilities fills me with joy
Anita- OTA (occupational therapy assistant) from Alabama
Cathy- Anita's friend who was able to teach ASL
Becca- Speech Pathologist from Pennsylvania, she was visiting SFCV alone so she became an honorary member of our team

Children come to Shepherd's Field Children's Village from government run orphanages all over the country.  At SFCV they receive care, love, nourishment, therapy, surgeries (as needed), and education.  Since 1999, SFCV has cared for over 4,000 orphans, provided more than 3,000 surgeries, and helped place over 800 children in forever families.

Below are just a few of the faces that fill this special place. 


Preston

Leonard

Melissa


JoElle


Asa

Tess

Maya

Enjoy this clip of Asa's contagious laughter.



I really am going to strive to keep this updated more frequently.  Keep checking back for what's next!