Dan and Al are back in Ohio, what a blessed trip we took to China. God gave me a sense of Jesus’ love for children while at the orphanage. The kids sat on my lap and talked, they took my hand while we walked…and all throughout the days I longed for their happiness. I thought to myself, this is what Jesus felt during his ministry, this is what He meant when He said in Matthew 18:3:

“Truly I say to you, Unless You turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens.”

Kids have this childlike simplicity that many people lose as they get older. Pure, honest, beautiful children…thank you Jesus for your children.

Al

On Friday, the day I’ve been looking forward to for months (the day the children of the orphanage start their weekend), I came down with Acute Gastroenteritis (aka, stomach bug). I must have eaten something that I wasn’t supposed to eat. I was miserable that night, throwing up countless times, nauseated, the WHOLE shabang. Usually it takes a few days before something like this pasts, or at least gets a bit better. That night as I was rolling around in pain, I prayed and prayed and prayed until I feel asleep. I prayed, “God, please please heal me TONIGHT. Why would you bring me here and not let me hang out with the kids? I have already missed a night of loving on the kids, please don’t let me miss another day!” I woke up in the middle of the night absolutely miserable…ended up, again, praying myself to sleep. I woke up the next morning, feeling extremely week and exhausted…however, I felt good enough to spend the next day and a half having my best birthday celebration ever! Praise God!!!

—

Being here, I realize how I have taken for granted the simplest of things. Clean shower and bathroom, not filled with spiders and cockroaches. Sleeping in a nice, comfortable bed without hearing flying roaches by my ear the entire night. Not having to pee in a hole. Being able to drink water straight from the tap! Being able to go to church and worshiping with lots of people. Air conditioning. Knowing I have friends and family that love me and care about me.

Looking up with great anticipation,
Dan

I fell in love with a six year old girl at the orphanage, her name is Xiao Chuay (translated – Little Crisp). She is the purest, most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She is one of four who joined the orphanage this year, having been neglected by her family for six years. After coming to the orphanage, the staff would find her hiding, fearing all people around her. Recently she has begin to trust others, I see her smiling and playing with the other kids. I realize and feel my love for Little Crisp grow each day and wonder how someone can neglect this beautiful child…