I spent the remainder of the 4th day going into different nurseries, comforting different kids, and building relationships with different team members. I loved every moment that I got to spend in the nurseries. The rooms were so peaceful, the children so ready to be held. Recently I have read about how simply holding children with disrupted beginnings nourishes them. Every moment that they can be touched helps heal a little part of their life. The goal of Maria's is to minister to these children and heal their bodies, and I feel so blessed that I got to take part in that for one week.
At Maria's, there are several children with very disabling needs. I spent several minutes stroking the arm of one such boy, but sadly, I was not receiving any feedback. I was nervous to pick him up, afraid I'd disrupt or hurt him, but finally I asked his caregiver if I could. After I was given permission, I lifted him into my arms and received a big smile from him in return. That is just one of the sweet moments that happened during my first days. I realized that every child longs to be held and touched in an affectionate way, even when they can't or don't express it.
Everyday, my team had a devotion together and a time to learn about orphan care, mission work, and adoption. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by so many teenagers and young adults who had the same passion and desire to help the needy as I do. In our sessions, we discussed how to help people without hurting them (think "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime). Many things I learned in our sessions will benefit me in the upcoming years as I discover God's plan for me regarding mission work and orphan care.
On our fifth day in China, we took a short excursion and went to some shops in Luoyang. While there, my team and I randomly caught strangers taking pictures of us--the foreigners. We were all honored that they'd want to take a picture of us, even if it was just because we had light hair and light eyes ;)
After looking around in the shops, we went out to have lunch. We ate at a fancy restaurant where I tried both duck and duck brain for the first time. I was surprised to find that I really liked the duck, and the duck brain wasn't that bad either!
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| Did I tell you I learned how to use chopsticks? |
Many have asked what special needs are present at Maria's Big House of Hope, so I'll take a moment to share what I know. Many children have Congenital Heart Disease and heart defects--some of which are operable, some not--, cleft lip and palate, Down's Syndrome, Apert's Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, other spinal issues, malnutrition, breathing troubles, premature babies, jaundice, intestinal and digestive issues, and a number of other things. The children receive the best care possible while at Maria's Big House of Hope. I and a number of others are so thankful for the volunteers and sponsors that help make this care possible. After seeing the work firsthand, I can definitely say that Maria's Big House of Hope is making such a difference for these children.
I'm nearly crying as I write this post--I have so many emotions while looking through my pictures, finding the ones I can share here. I so miss China, my team members, and all the kids. And I am still grieving for one little girl that caught my heart. I'm still processing everything. I continually just want to look at my pictures and remember each child, each name. I love being home, but part of me wants to be back in China. Thank you a million times once again to all those that supported me and helped make this trip possible. Every day I see why this trip was so important for me to take.
~Allie
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