Today marks 90 days since I left home. 90 days is the longest I've ever been in China in one trip. From here on out, it's all uncharted territory. This is my new home, and I won't be leaving for quite a while. To mark this big day, I am excited to tell you all about the new apartment that I just moved into! It is the new Hope Station home, and my new home as well. Over the past few weeks, it's been painted, cleaned, and prepped with new furniture. Here are a couple pictures! The next few months will see even more improvements on the space as we start purchasing cribs and beds for kiddos, therapy equipment, and kid friendly supplies. In fact, there is a Boy Scouts of America troop here in Chengdu (crazy, right?) that has dedicated several hours of time cleaning the new space and building play equipment for our future kids. By the end of the month, they'll have raised money for a new small indoor play set and built two new sensory tables. Thank you, Boy Scouts of America! In other news, I've been spending this week in the neighboring country of Mongolia. In addition to having to exit and re-enter China for visa purposes, I'm visiting a friend here who runs her own foster home for children that have no where else to go. She's been doing foster care for 20 years, and learning from her is an honor and a privilege. If all things go well with getting my visa through the Chinese embassy here, I will return to China with a one year work visa through our partnering Chinese nonprofit in Chengdu. This is a much better option than the common tourist visa, under which I would have to leave and re-enter the country every 90 days. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for this process. And of course, this wouldn't be a good blog post without some kiddo snapshots! I've picked a few of my favorites from the past few weeks. Enjoy. Little Leo was adopted this past week! We didn't even know about until we arrived at the orph one morning and saw him leaving in the arms of his newfound Chinese adoptive family. We are so happy for him. We enjoyed taking a group of Chinese families from a local English-immersion school to play with the kids at the orphanage one morning. They were eager to engage with the kids, and excited to keep in contact with Hope Station.
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Today's post brings you the best kind of update... Today you get an update via pictures! Enjoy. Happy Easter! This past week, the kids enjoyed coloring pages of easter eggs, and making springtime butterflies out of paper.
My heart. Every visit to the orphanage makes my heart swell bigger and bigger. I brought a couple friends along, and we had a blast with the babies. There were three of us, and six of them. Obviously, that meant we each held two at once. We all ended up on the floor and pulled out anything remotely close to a toy to give them to play with. The babies tend to stay in their cribs (that’s what happens when you have a limited number of people to care for them) and aren’t given any toys because they would be more prone to hurt themselves or others that way. It was so fun to encourage their play with blocks and books as the nine of us were piled on the floor together. Maisy in particular was really exciting to watch. She is almost 2 years old. Now, most 2 year olds would be walking-almost-running and speaking with one or two words at a time; Maisy is still learning to stand on her own, and still hasn’t attempted to speak words, in fact she rarely makes sounds beyond laughing or crying. This week as we pulled out the blocks she was really exploring how to use them, and banging them together to make noises. She started babbling and making noises of her own to herself as she played. The simple opportunity to play makes all the difference as these kids grow and develop.
As we approached, he let out a shout and bolted: “Zou le! Let’s go!” I’d never seen him express himself that way. I was thrilled to see him come out of his shell, and all it took was a playground. Charlotte is another special little lady, and many of you have been following her story. This week she also came out of her shell in a way that I had no idea was even possible. It was face (hand) painting time. The kids were excited, as they typically are, and doing their little routine of bringing me clean water every 30 seconds so I wouldn’t stop painting. Charlotte has never been interested before. Anytime we sat her down at the table to color or get her hand painted, she’d pull away and give us a blank stare. But all of a sudden, Charlotte comes over on a friends arm, sits down right in front of me, scoots literally as close as possible (we were nearly hugging), and rolls up her sleeve and holds out her hand. My mouth fell open. I painted both hands, and she smiled the entire time. Afterwards, as if I wasn’t impressed already, she reached out towards me and pulled a little fuzzy off my shirt. I know that sounds insignificant, but it was an amazing moment seeing her become aware of people and activities around her, and choosing to participate. Go Charlotte go! And finally, we have Josiah. With his feisty and outgoing personality, he’s not one to blend into the background ever, but this week he stood out in an even more special way. Josiah is five now, and starting to gain a little more independence and also awareness of others. The world is often, but not always anymore, centered around him. Josiah loves books, and doesn’t get the chance to look at any unless I bring some. He will flip through a picture book for hours on end labeling all the different things, and “reading” it to others around him. We did a lot of that together this week, and it was just as fun as ever. But the difference I noticed in Josiah was how connected to me he was. These kids go through life with so few consistent relationships beyond the nannies that care for them. Because of that, they tend to be really removed from relationships that do show more promise of being consistent. I don’t blame them. Everyone leaves eventually, and they’ve learned that’s just the reality. But the more often I go, the stronger my ties with these kids become. Every time I come back is another moment that proves to them I care about them. Josiah literally would not let me out of his sight this week. He followed me everywhere. And he could have gotten attention from other kids, or my friends who came with me, or even some of the nannies who take care of him. But he chose to crawl up next to me a read me his book. Now I don’t care if it was someone else he was building that lasting relationship with, I just care that it’s happening. It’s a big deal. I labeled the last post “Best Orphanage Day Yet.”
That just continues to be disproved. Stay tuned! Yes. Orphanage day. One of my favorite things. After six months, I finally reunited with the kiddos at the gov’t orphanage, and it was oh so sweet. Immediately inside the outdoor gate, I spotted Josiah. He was only four when I left in August, so he didn’t quite recognize me. I squatted down to his level, and asked him about the notebook and pencil he was holding. It only took him a few seconds before he was moving in for a hug. Josiah escorted me upstairs to see the rest of the kids. I was greeted by the rest of them with the biggest smiles yet, and an echoing, “Wo xiang ni! I missed you!” And somehow, each of their faces were more beautiful than ever before. Alexander and I shared a long hug, as did Shaylee and I before she offered to pass out the fruit we’d brought. Hope gave me a bigger smile than I thought she was capable of, and Shana SPOKE to me. That’s a first, and it shocked me to my core. Of course, there are a million little moments that I wish you could have experienced with me. But perhaps some of the most exciting moments took place in the babies room. All the babies I had grown to love last summer are still there, and they have grown so much. Evie turned 1, has a full head of hair, and is learning to walk! Peter is a spirited little extrovert, even at 1 yr old, who is learning to wave. Maisy, now almost 2, is taller and standing on her own. And Anthony has grown the most, both physically and socially. In addition to these four precious little ones, there are two new baby boys! 6 month old Leo, and 3 month old Asher are alert and engaged little guys, with plenty of smiles at the ready. I cannot wait to get to know them more. While we (I brought 6 friends with me) were holding babies, the Director made an appearance to say hello. We were able to ask her questions about some of the children, what specific special needs they have, how many months old they each are, and which of them are available for adoption. So far we have been advocating for 3 of the older boys (Ezra, Jackson, Miles) to be adopted, because their files are complete and ready to be matched with a family. Today, I found out that there have been FIVE MORE CHILDREN added to the list of adoptable children! Four babies (Peter, Anthony, Evie, and Maisy) and 5 year old Josiah! We are beyond ecstatic to begin advocating for each of their adoption into forever families.
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! I've been calling it "The Big Move." 48 hours ago, I packed up my entire life into 4 suitcases and a backpack, got on a plane, and traveled to the other side of the globe. This was the moment I had been waiting for the majority of my life. And I don't think I've fully realized that it actually happened.
For the past couple years as I've been traveling back and forth between the US and China, I had a name for each place. The US was the homeland and China was the heartland. All the way to Chengdu I found myself going over the phrase, "Home is where the heart is." But the question I couldn't get rid of was, what if my heart is in two places? Today, both my US home and my Chengdu home are homeland and heartland. I'll never have all the people and places I love at once, but I will always be home. I count myself double blessed. So now, the adventure begins! Walking down the streets of Chengdu is totally different knowing that I live here now. My heart and soul are so invested in this place, I can barely contain it. Yesterday I had to run a couple boring errands - no really, buying hangers is boring - but I just could not stop smiling as I walked through WalMart. It didn't matter that I couldn't read any of the labels or understand any of the announcements on the loudspeaker, or that I had to backtrack a million times in the store because I couldn't find what I was looking for. I LIVE in CHINA. Nothing can bring me down. And for today, that's that. I apologize I don't have anything better than buying hangers to talk about, and for the fact that I just gushed all over you about my "Big Move." But hopefully it helps you get a glimpse into my last 48 hours. Watch for my next post, it will definitely have more exciting contents than this! I BOUGHT A TICKET. Not just any ticket, a ONE-WAY TICKET.
For those of you who have been following me and my adventures from the beginning (2010 seems so long ago!), you'll realize the weight of today's post. You've been waiting for this day with me for almost 5 years, and you've empathized with me in the ups and downs along the way. So you'll get how excited I am when I say: I AM MOVING TO CHINA. On Feburary 10th, 2015, I will hop on a one way flight to Chengdu, China. That is only 3 short weeks away, and I can hardly believe it. I have a place to stay, friends to see again, and of course kiddos to reunite with at the local orphanage. This time there is no return ticket, no looming goodbyes, no season ending. I'm moving for good, with no idea as to when I will return to the homeland of the USA. Of course, I will be back at some point. But instead of living in the USA and visiting China, I'll be living in China and visiting the USA. It is moments like these that I look back on Hope Station's history an realize just how faithful my Father has really been. It blows my mind the way He orchestrates our lives, even on an international level. Thanks, I owe it all to You. In the fall of 2010, Rebekah met a girl named Sara Zhou… from the moment they discovered their shared dream, they knew that only God could have orchestrated their meeting. Rebekah and Sara immediately began dreaming and planning, and Hope Station was born.
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR......... A thriving partnership with the gov't orphanage in China! Without their positivity and willingness to work with us, Hope Station would just be a children's home without children. Our amazing Board of Directors that donates their time and wisdom to make Hope Station better and better! An INCREDIBLE partnership with a Chinese nonprofit in Chengdu, The Chinese Relief and Development Foundation! Without them, we wouldn't be able to pull off this dream. Multiple churches and clubs who are supporting our vision financially and prayerfully! Lots of SUPER fun events! Like a dance party, Chalk It Up!, Pryer Meets, Send Off for Rebekah, Give to the Max, and more! A ONE-OF-A-KIND summer in Chengdu, hanging out with kiddos and strengthening local relationships. In June-August, Rebekah was able to serve 57 kids, do 10 crafts, make nannies smile, hold 5 babies lots of times, do behavior therapy and physical therapy, and so much more. And last but not least:
All of YOU! Our supportive and loving donor family that has stood behind us through the months and years... We've gone from $6,250 in annual recurring gifts in January to $36,780! WOW. Not to mention more than $28,000 in donations we've received in between those repeating gifts. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.
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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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