One Redhead's Journey: 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.