For once, instead of things going by at the speed of light with no way to catch up, I feel like it was a pretty evenly paced year...sorta. There were some great times and some really tough, sad times, but all in all, it was an incredible year!
It began like any other: Ringing in the new year with great friends!
Two weeks into 2011 I decided to take a Perspectives (On the World Christian Movement) class. It was basically about missions and how important the Great Commission is. It was kind of a tough time, simply because I was working all the time, but it was an amazing class and I'd recommend it to anyone!
That was also about the time I started going snowboarding again! I went boarding multiple times, as well as sledding, and even the occasional winter frisbee game. It was one of the best winters I've had, despite the cold.
March rolled around and it was Jadyn's birthday! It was her first birthday ever, even though she turned 9.
Having her with us and in our family has been such a blessing! People always ask if I really feel like she's my sister, even though she's adopted.. and I always say, "she's always been my sister, I just didn't know it for 8 years".
In June I was blessed to be able to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, through GO Ministries. It was an amazing experience!! I was introduced to a whole new way of living and I loved every minute of it and made some of the best memories ever!
Throughout July I pretty much just worked 24/7. My parents were adopting from China again and I was determined to go back with them, as I did the previous year. But this time, I wanted to stay in China longer -- three weeks is just not long enough! I wanted to stay and volunteer in an orphanage somewhere. So I found a place that need a photographer: Eagles Wings.
So, in August, not only was I blessed to get to tag along with my parents on the adoption adventure, but I was able to stay behind and volunteer at Eagles Wings!! My parents adopted two teenage girls -- Anna Xiumei (14) and Faith Yuefei (12). They're precious!
It didn't take but a few hours before I felt like they had always been with us and always my sisters!
When the time came for my parents and sisters to go home, my dad flew up to Zhengzhou with me, put me on a bus to Jiaozuo... and I was off to Eagels Wings to start my own adventure. I admit I was a bit nervous getting on that bus alone headed to who knows where, but over all, I was actually very calm and sure of what I was doing. I knew God was with me. I was excited.
I stayed at Eagels Wings for five weeks. I don't know how to explain that trip without typying up a book, so I'll just say: It was amazing, heartbreaking, touching, and simply incredible! I always feel sad to leave places, but this time it was different. I feel like I didn't just leave a piece of my heart there, but my entire heart, now shattered to pieces. I fell in love with not only the precious, innocent kids, but also the place. The city was beautiful. The people were beautiful. The language is beautiful. I felt so at home there. And when I arrived back to the States in October, things just weren't the same. Yes, I have an amazing and loving family, new sisters to get to know, things to accomplish here and new adventures to experience, but my heart longs to hug those kids again.
In October, two weeks to the day, that I arrived home from China, an amazing friend and brother in Christ, Josh, passed away. It crushed my heart even more watching him suffer his last few breaths in that hospital bed, that he hated so much. The funeral was sad, but beautiful in many ways.
I will always remember Josh's final words (that he put as his fb status), the day before he passed: "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him! - Exodus 15:2" Those words, God's words, are priceless.
Three days later another dear friend, Mary, was in a car wreck. She passed away the following evening. I felt helpless. Like everything and everyone was disappearing before my eyes.
Soon after all those crazy events, my brother Christopher announced that he was going into the Army.
I think the experience has been, and will continue to be great for him. I pray that God will keep him safe and get a hold of his heart and doesn't let go.
By Novemeber I was finally getting back into the swing of things - the food, the language, the entire culture was harder to adjust back home, than it was to in China. Anna and Faith celebrated their first Thanksgiving ever and loved it. They love it here. And we all love them!
Things were finally going back to "normal".
Finally it was December again. My bother was able to have a two week leave from BCT, and came home for Christmas. It was a great time and the year was finally coming to a close. But of course it couldn't possibly be uneventful -- Another brother in Christ, Dylan, was in a motocross accident and passed away on the 30th. What a way to end a year, huh?
There has been so much heartbreak this year.
But the good out weighs the bad, right?
Either way, God is still faithful!
New years Eve was apon us again. As always, my family had our annual 'game party' with friends. From there I went to a different party, where we celebrated the new year by taking communion and singing praises to our Lord! It was wonderful. The best way to start a new year!
So, now what? Things have come to an end for the year, but that only means we get to start a whole new beginning. The only resolution I have is to serve God and do what He asks of me.
What about you?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Home Sweet Home
I'm HOME! Well I guess I've been home for about a week now lol.
The layover in Korea wasn't bad at all. A couple hours into it a few other Americans/people from the UK were at the same gate.....Now that I think back on it, I'm sure I sounded like a complete idiot when I walked up to them, asked where they were headed and after they answered all I did was smile and say "...you speak English...:)" Haha. It was so weird to have an English conversation!
My flight from Korea to Atlanta was really nice. The plane was half empty it seems -- No one was sitting next to me, so I had a full 4 seats to myself, which I definitely took advantage of and laid down on ;) It didn't seem like we were flying that long, and I only slept [maybe] an hour! The flight was supposed to be 14 hrs, I believe, but we got there 40mins early! (I guess after flying 14hrs, 40mins early doesn't make a huge difference -- but still lol). Which was nice, cause I was worried about getting through Customs and to my gate in time for my last flight. But everything was a breeze!
My flight to Louisville was on time and I had a nice little reunion with friends at the airport -- thanks for coming guys! (and thank you, Rachel, for taking me home, it was much appreciated :)
I got home around 1:45am. I think I finally fell asleep around 4am, but only to be awakened around 9ish by my family (that I didn't see when I got in last night) piling on top of me... as tired as I was, I loved it :) My brain is still in Chinese mode -- I keep wanting to answer things in Chinese. But Faith and Anna are ecstatic about it! Though I don't think they like the fact that I can sometimes catch onto what they say to each other (when they don't want anyone knowing) lol.
I love being home with my family again...but I miss China and all the kids so much! I really did not want to come home. Guess I'll just have to go again.. ;)
Being in China, sharing God's love (silently:), playing with kids, and doing photography....all things that were highly needed at Eagles Wings' (the org.) and all things I LOVE! Seriously, how much better could it have gotten?? :) :)
Altogether, the trip was INCREDIBLE!! There were a few rough days, mostly in the beginning from getting sick, but overall I loved the entire experience! There's this unexplainable excitement that I get when I hear that someone is inquiring about a child to adopt, all because I was blessed to take a few simple photos or videos of them... I finally, truly understand the quote, "We're blessed to be a blessing". I was blessed to do what I love and in return I hope I've been a blessing to every single person I came in contact with. I've learned so much and my faith has definitely grown!
The layover in Korea wasn't bad at all. A couple hours into it a few other Americans/people from the UK were at the same gate.....Now that I think back on it, I'm sure I sounded like a complete idiot when I walked up to them, asked where they were headed and after they answered all I did was smile and say "...you speak English...:)" Haha. It was so weird to have an English conversation!
My flight from Korea to Atlanta was really nice. The plane was half empty it seems -- No one was sitting next to me, so I had a full 4 seats to myself, which I definitely took advantage of and laid down on ;) It didn't seem like we were flying that long, and I only slept [maybe] an hour! The flight was supposed to be 14 hrs, I believe, but we got there 40mins early! (I guess after flying 14hrs, 40mins early doesn't make a huge difference -- but still lol). Which was nice, cause I was worried about getting through Customs and to my gate in time for my last flight. But everything was a breeze!
My flight to Louisville was on time and I had a nice little reunion with friends at the airport -- thanks for coming guys! (and thank you, Rachel, for taking me home, it was much appreciated :)
I got home around 1:45am. I think I finally fell asleep around 4am, but only to be awakened around 9ish by my family (that I didn't see when I got in last night) piling on top of me... as tired as I was, I loved it :) My brain is still in Chinese mode -- I keep wanting to answer things in Chinese. But Faith and Anna are ecstatic about it! Though I don't think they like the fact that I can sometimes catch onto what they say to each other (when they don't want anyone knowing) lol.
I love being home with my family again...but I miss China and all the kids so much! I really did not want to come home. Guess I'll just have to go again.. ;)
Being in China, sharing God's love (silently:), playing with kids, and doing photography....all things that were highly needed at Eagles Wings' (the org.) and all things I LOVE! Seriously, how much better could it have gotten?? :) :)
Altogether, the trip was INCREDIBLE!! There were a few rough days, mostly in the beginning from getting sick, but overall I loved the entire experience! There's this unexplainable excitement that I get when I hear that someone is inquiring about a child to adopt, all because I was blessed to take a few simple photos or videos of them... I finally, truly understand the quote, "We're blessed to be a blessing". I was blessed to do what I love and in return I hope I've been a blessing to every single person I came in contact with. I've learned so much and my faith has definitely grown!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
goodbye's
I'm sitting here in Korea still and my mind is constantly replaying the events of saying goodbye last night, so I figured I'd share it...since I obviously have time. lol.
Saying goodbye to all the kids (and Ayi's) was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I guess because I knew I was going to see all my friends and family again, that it wasn't really that difficult say "bye, see ya soon". But, saying goodbye, possibly forever, to the precious kids I've had the privilege to get to know recently, is excruciating for me.
I had Cheng Cheng on my lap last night when I told him I was leaving, and he gave me this silly look and shook his head no...he obviously thought I was just joking. Again, I told him that I really am leaving. I have to go back to America. He then got really serious, got down off my lap and went to ask an Ayi! The Ayi didn't know I was leaving so she was laughing that Cheng Cheng said "jei jei zuo meiguo?" (sister go to america?). I told the Ayi (in my broken Chinese) that I was indeed leaving...and I was leaving in 10 minutes. She then told broke it to Cheng Cheng for me...he got a sad look, shook his head and said "Buyao qu meiguo" (don't go to America), and then walked away from me! (omgsh! SO hard to deal with). I decided to leave him be for a few minutes and say goodbye to the other kids, in the mean time. I think it was harder for me to stop hugging them, than it was for them to quit hanging all over me! I took a few last minute pictures, got some pics with the head Ayi that has been oh, so generous! Then I went back to the room where Cheng Cheng went to hide from me, picked him up, gave him a hug and said "bye-bye". He completely ignored me -- didn't hug back or say anything. Guess he didn't really care, or think I was serious... I then picked up Wei Tao and pretty much just wanted to hug him constantly -- as always! He is SO precious!
6pm rolled around -- I was now an hour later leaving than I had planned -- but I didn't want to go!! I gave Wei Tao to the Ayi and then he started screaming! I took him back and he clung to me more than usual...he didn't even understand that I was leaving! WHY did he have to do that to me?! :( Once again, I told the Ayi I needed to go, so she took Wei Tao from me...he started screaming again...so she took him in the other room. :(
All the kids were at the door as I left with my luggage...except Cheng Cheng. They were all smiling and waving goodbye. I wanted to cry, but some how managed to hold it together, say goodbye and actually leave........ I barely got down one (out of 12) flights of stairs and I hear this little voice hollering, "Jei jei!", at the top of the stairs. Peering down at me through the bars was Cheng Cheng! I dropped my luggage on the platform and ran back up to say goodbye. He asked "ni zou meiguo?" (you go america?)...I said yes, he said okay. I picked him up and he gave me a big hug and kiss and then said "bye bye"..... and I was still supposed to leave after that?!! :'(
I said goodbye and then left, for good...and then I lost it! :(
...I really hope they're all adopted (soon!) and are super happy with their new families! I know they go through a lot of volunteers there, so I'm sure they're used to saying goodbye...but I'M NOT! ...this is gonna be a long flight home.
Saying goodbye to all the kids (and Ayi's) was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I guess because I knew I was going to see all my friends and family again, that it wasn't really that difficult say "bye, see ya soon". But, saying goodbye, possibly forever, to the precious kids I've had the privilege to get to know recently, is excruciating for me.
I had Cheng Cheng on my lap last night when I told him I was leaving, and he gave me this silly look and shook his head no...he obviously thought I was just joking. Again, I told him that I really am leaving. I have to go back to America. He then got really serious, got down off my lap and went to ask an Ayi! The Ayi didn't know I was leaving so she was laughing that Cheng Cheng said "jei jei zuo meiguo?" (sister go to america?). I told the Ayi (in my broken Chinese) that I was indeed leaving...and I was leaving in 10 minutes. She then told broke it to Cheng Cheng for me...he got a sad look, shook his head and said "Buyao qu meiguo" (don't go to America), and then walked away from me! (omgsh! SO hard to deal with). I decided to leave him be for a few minutes and say goodbye to the other kids, in the mean time. I think it was harder for me to stop hugging them, than it was for them to quit hanging all over me! I took a few last minute pictures, got some pics with the head Ayi that has been oh, so generous! Then I went back to the room where Cheng Cheng went to hide from me, picked him up, gave him a hug and said "bye-bye". He completely ignored me -- didn't hug back or say anything. Guess he didn't really care, or think I was serious... I then picked up Wei Tao and pretty much just wanted to hug him constantly -- as always! He is SO precious!
6pm rolled around -- I was now an hour later leaving than I had planned -- but I didn't want to go!! I gave Wei Tao to the Ayi and then he started screaming! I took him back and he clung to me more than usual...he didn't even understand that I was leaving! WHY did he have to do that to me?! :( Once again, I told the Ayi I needed to go, so she took Wei Tao from me...he started screaming again...so she took him in the other room. :(
All the kids were at the door as I left with my luggage...except Cheng Cheng. They were all smiling and waving goodbye. I wanted to cry, but some how managed to hold it together, say goodbye and actually leave........ I barely got down one (out of 12) flights of stairs and I hear this little voice hollering, "Jei jei!", at the top of the stairs. Peering down at me through the bars was Cheng Cheng! I dropped my luggage on the platform and ran back up to say goodbye. He asked "ni zou meiguo?" (you go america?)...I said yes, he said okay. I picked him up and he gave me a big hug and kiss and then said "bye bye"..... and I was still supposed to leave after that?!! :'(
I said goodbye and then left, for good...and then I lost it! :(
...I really hope they're all adopted (soon!) and are super happy with their new families! I know they go through a lot of volunteers there, so I'm sure they're used to saying goodbye...but I'M NOT! ...this is gonna be a long flight home.
KOREA!
I'VE MADE IT TO KOREA!!! :)
I got up at 4am after going to sleep at midnight, got on what was supposed to be a 2hr bus ride to the airport, which then turned into a 2 1/2-3hrs after the bus had a flat tire (and then 20 mins later the bus died) I then had to sit and wait on the side of the road for another bus. Got to the airport where every person I talked to told me to, "Ni zuo xia. liu" ("you sit and stay"..i think) and wouldn't help or let me go through the line, for what seems like a lifetime! (2 1/2 hrs lol), my boarding time was soon and I was still sitting practically outside the airport being told no...? It was frustrating and nerve wracking! But, finally the first person I had spoken with this morning came back to me and me follow him and was SO very kind and helped me get my ticket and point me to the right direction (he said I was just too early so they made me sit and wait for so long)...and then my plane was delayed. Whew! I'm already exhausted and I'm not even half way home! lol. I am currently in Korea, where I VERY easily found my gate and happen to have internet (and FB!). Yup, I'm quite happy to be here after all that lol. Only...uh...21ish hours until I'm home! :)
I got up at 4am after going to sleep at midnight, got on what was supposed to be a 2hr bus ride to the airport, which then turned into a 2 1/2-3hrs after the bus had a flat tire (and then 20 mins later the bus died) I then had to sit and wait on the side of the road for another bus. Got to the airport where every person I talked to told me to, "Ni zuo xia. liu" ("you sit and stay"..i think) and wouldn't help or let me go through the line, for what seems like a lifetime! (2 1/2 hrs lol), my boarding time was soon and I was still sitting practically outside the airport being told no...? It was frustrating and nerve wracking! But, finally the first person I had spoken with this morning came back to me and me follow him and was SO very kind and helped me get my ticket and point me to the right direction (he said I was just too early so they made me sit and wait for so long)...and then my plane was delayed. Whew! I'm already exhausted and I'm not even half way home! lol. I am currently in Korea, where I VERY easily found my gate and happen to have internet (and FB!). Yup, I'm quite happy to be here after all that lol. Only...uh...21ish hours until I'm home! :)
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