I am thrilled to announce that HOPE STATION has hired a new Associate Director: ERIN WANKERL! Erin will be moving to Chengdu this summer to join me on staff at Hope Station. We met in college, but didn't become anything more than acquaintances after I had graduated. At that point, Erin was taking Chinese from the same professor that I had (we love you, Lao Shi!) and we started having coffee every once in a while to "talk China." It was exciting to share with each other our passions and love for China. Erin even joked a few times that "maybe someday I'll move to China and help you at Hope Station!" Little did we know that would actually happen. In December, I started searching for someone to fill a new Associate Director position. This person would need to move to Chengdu, be willing to take each day as it comes, and really invest in this start up nonprofit. To be completely honest, I was very afraid and doubtful that the right person existed. Of course, the Good Shepherd knew better and reminded me of Erin and our past conversations about HS. I knew that Erin had recently moved to China to teach English for a year, so again I was doubtful that she'd be interested in committing to something different. But I decided to follow the hunch. According to Erin, once I asked her to consider the opportunity, she knew immediately she wanted to say yes. But she took some time to think about it, and our Great Father confirmed again and again that this was what He had for her next. It was such an exciting moment to hear her say "Yes!" to joining Hope Station staff. Erin will be moving to Chengdu in July or August, and living at Hope Station with me. She'll be my second in command, helping to take care of the kiddos, do administrative tasks, and lead the aunties. I am in awe of our Father's goodness in connecting us and putting this on her heart, and I can't wait to welcome her to Chengdu! Thank you for all who have supported us through this transition and been hopeful and excited with me along the way. Our Father is good, and it only gets better from here. For those of you who have never met wonderful Erin, I've included a mini interview for your reading pleasure. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Willmar, Minnesota and went to Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota. I have one older brother, Eric, who is 26. Eric has a learning disability but he has so much joy. It's because of him that I have a passion for individuals with special needs. What do you love about China? China has been on my heart since high school and throughout college. It wasn't until after it graduated that the Father made it clear China was where He wanted me. I love everything about China - the hospitality of the people, the never ending cultural lessons that occur, and the work Father continues to do here. What are you excited for most about joining Hope Station? What I am excited for most about Hope Station is the opportunity to make a difference in kids' lives - by providing a place where they can grow, where they will be loved, where they can find forever families, and so much more. The Father has great plans for Hope Station and I am beyond excited to be a part of those plans. Erin will be an incredible addition to our Hope Station family. We can’t wait to welcome her to Chengdu in July!
4 Comments
Mom
2/24/2015 12:10:17 am
This is such a wonderful announcement! A very big piece to the puzzle! Erin I am so excited to meet you and for you to take this next step in your journey with Hope Station. Hurray!
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LaToshia Rudd
2/24/2015 08:44:17 pm
So, proud of you Erin. They are pretty lucky to have you on their team.
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Sue Gretsch
3/4/2015 11:28:42 am
Love!!! :D
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Jackie Lea Sommers
3/28/2015 01:55:20 am
Two very special women that I am happy to have known since you were each in high school! So proud of you both!
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A note from Rebekah...If you've ever wondered what it would be like to start a nonprofit from the ground up, to open a home for ORPHANS with special needs in Asia, you've come to the right place. Archives
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