Love needs no words

Today was the last picnic for the Chinese hosting parents.  It was a hot one at the park today as we started, but by the time we left there was a cool breeze blowing.  As I type I can hear thunder and the light from the window has dimmed so rain is on the way.  I am thankful it held off.  It was a very enjoyable day outside in God's creation.

Giggles, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and lots of food were enjoyed today.  It was so wonderful to talk to others and hear their stories and what God has been doing in their lives.  We were also blessed to have a few personal testimonies shared from host families.  The best part was to hear the chaperones share via translator their feelings about the last few weeks here in America.  It was touching.

 

Today I watched Colin and a few of his friends join hands and begin to walk across the grass towards the playground and commented on how sweet it was.  A Chinese speaking friend who is from Springfield agreed it was sweet and commented on how at the orphanage they have no friends because they are afraid someone will take their toys or food so they fight to protect their toys/food.  I was speechless.  It seemed so natural to them to join hands and play.  I hope as they return back to China Thursday they will remember they are friends and not enemies.

I have been amazed at how love can speak so much louder than our words.  For the last three weeks I have seen love transform the children, the chaperones, the host families, and those in the community watching us.  Love speaks when words can not.  Love in action - smiling, helping, hugging, sharing.  Love is powerful. 

Our time with Colin is winding down, but the memories we've made are so sweet.  Enjoying every moment!

Children are children all over the world!

Colin's here!

Week one with Colin is coming to a close.  It's been quite a week, but over all a wonderful one!  It started out Friday night, July 4 at the Springfield airport waiting for a group of about 30 orphans and chaperones to arrive.  They had a 16 hour flight from Hong Kong to Dallas, TX and then a short layover until their final flight to Springfield.  We tracked their progress on the screen.  Before we left, the kids made signs for Colin and we enjoyed a cooked out lunch to celebrate the Fourth of July.

There were about 60 of us waiting in the airport.  We were not allowed very far into the airport so we could not actually see the plane land, but excitement swept through the crowd when we heard, "They've landed!"  Were they tired?  When had they last eaten?  Were they scared?  excited? nervous?  Then we saw them open the door and walk in a single file line.  It was an emotional moment for us all.  To think no one wanted these precious children broke your heart.  There were stares and smiles.  You could see yawns, but you could also see that children are children all over the world.  As the group was given their final instructions, pictures taken with host families, and last minute papers signed I watched two boys begin to play tag around the group.  I watched two others climb into a nearby wheel chair and begin to pull levers and try to figure it all out.  It made me chuckle. 

 

We were one of the last families to get paired up with our host child.  Colin is one of the two youngest children on the trip.  We had a rough start.  He literally stood in the corner with his hood pulled down over his face, crying.  He was scared.  He did ask via translator if we had a bike.  We assured him we did but that didn't seem to help.  About 15-20 minutes later with some coaxing he bolted to the bathroom with a few remaining friends from his trip and returned ready to go.  He gave Sam his suitcase and took Brad's hands and we haven't looked back since.  Immediately after getting to our house we rode the bike, played hot wheels, had a snack, and then a Bible story before bed.

Boys will be boys all over the world.  At breakfast yesterday I hear Colin make a pretend gun sound and look up to see he's eaten a piece of toast in the shape of a gun.  He and Sam were laughing and dueling it out.  This afternoon they were eating a chocolate pudding and laughing at one another...pudding mustaches on both faces.  They were cracking each other up.  Just two little boys having fun, and language was no barrier.  Each day he has relaxed more and talks all the time.  For the most part, it doesn't matter.  We do a lot of gestures and "show me" and at this time are getting along great.   He has experienced so many new things this week - bike riding, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, swimming, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Sparks in the Park Carnival, Parade, and Fireworks, playing at the park, basketball games, the zoo, ice cream, popsicles, pizza, and popcorn.  He is an obedient, kind, helpful young man.  It's so wonderful to hear him laugh!

Here's some things we learned this week.  His last name most likely comes from the name of the orphanage where he lives.  The other thing that tugged on my heart is that by the age of 14, the children leave the orphanage and can no longer be adopted.  They are on their own.  No one wants to hire these children because they are "unlucky" and so they have no where to go and no opportunity for a good life.  Many turn to crime, prostitution, or suicide. 

Wearing Neil's basketball shoes back home.  Cracked me up!

Please continue to pray for these children and others just like them all over the world.  Children made in God's image.  Children who need love.  Children who need Jesus.  Children who need families.  James 1:27 says, " Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."  God may not be calling you to adopt, but you can pray for the orphans around the globe, you can encourage others who are in the process of adopting with your words and actions, you can help with fundraising, and you can get involved with organizations that help and minister to orphans.  You can also open your heart and home to one of these wonderful, beautiful, children of God. 

Dairy Queen in Lincoln, IL after Neil's summer league game!

Tomorrow is our first picnic where potential forever families will attend.  Please, please pray for this!  It's from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rochester Community Park in Rochester, IL.  They will have two more picnics the following two Saturdays at the same place and time.  If you know anyone who is considering adoption, please spread the word and have them contact In His Hands Orphan Outreach or Madison Adoption Associates.  Our adventure continues.  Loving every moment of it!