Joab and I are able to lead a team from our church once a month to a local orphanage called Huge Grace (this month we had almost 20 people volunteer!). The director for this orphanage actually receives orphans that regular state run orphanages can not handle (medical problems too severe) or they basically do not want (like blind children). So Huge Grace takes them in to raise from babies until they are about 16 or 17. Going once a month to see these little guys is just wonderfully hard. They are so sweet and love LOVE when you come. But they still do not have a Mom or Dad or a real permanent family. Our church is working closely with the orphanage director and have given a lot of money to try to make life for these kids a good one.
The first picture is a little guy called Er Mao. When we first met him he could not walk at all. His spine is so twisted it has made his arms and legs unable to work properly. Our church has paid for two surgeries and now Er Mao can walk a little bit! I spent the whole morning holding on to him while Er Mao took ME for a walk. It is so great to see him get stronger.
The second picture are "Joab's girls". Every time we go Joab teaches the class a Bible story. But most of the kids (ages 7-16) are really unable to understand what is going on. But not these girls! They track with Joab and are just thrilled to learn about the Bible . We also gave them some gifts for Christmas this time and Christmas cards.
China will probably always from orphans. The orphan situation is a complex, sticky one. We are trying to be faithful to what God has called us to do- but it will be a long road.
