Not sure if you guys remember, but Li Er Mei was a bright 14 year old girl with enormous potential. She was one of the orphanage favorites when it came to public speaking and representing the orphanage. All the orphanage staff had high expectations for her. However, at age 14 (the last year for required formal education), she decided to go into the work force (with the pressures from village family members), gave up education and left the orphanage behind. This was over a year ago…

When I came back last time, she had told me prior in an email that she would come visit me. I came and gone…with no visit from Li Er Mei. When I got back to the states, she emailed me and said “Sorry, brother, that I disappointed you. I wanted to come visit, but I was embarrassed to go back to the orphanage and see everyone.” Prior to THIS trip, she emailed me again and said she would come visit me this time around. No one from the orphanage has heard from her in months and not sure what she was doing with her life. The days came and gone…but on the last day, as we were eating lunch, there she was, Li Er Mei came to visit me.

It was an awkward visit, you can tell there was division between all the kids (that used to look up to her) and Li Er Mei. There was also division between the staff and her as well. Because all the kids were seeking attention from me, I didn’t have but a few minutes to talk to her in private. No more than 30-45 minutes after she came, she mysteriously left without saying goodbye. I wish I had more time with her. I wish I could have sat down and asked how she was, what she was doing, if she was happy or sad…

Li Er Mei looked up to me, and I feel like I failed her for some reason. I had asked you guys months back to pray for her. Could you please continue to pray for this girl? I don’t know what she is up to, but she came to the orphanage with dyed hair and very revealing clothes. I worry about her. I pray that I can continue to stay in contact with her, via email, and not lose that relationship. My heart is breaking for her…

Looking up with great anticipation,
Dan

*Li Er Mei in 2007-2008*

I have a friend who has been on my heart for a while now. I pray for his salvation often. He is quite turned away from Christianity so I have been trying to reach him slowly this past year. After a nudge from the sermon this past Sunday I worked up the ability to invite him to church. After being instantly turned down I felt torn apart, hurt and rejected. My quiet time this morning reminded me of Christ’s leadership. As Jesus sends out his twelve disciples in Luke he says,

“Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.”
Luke 9:4-5

God assured my heart, that the disciples were not responsible for how others responded to their message. Neither am I rejected or responsible if I have carefully and truthfully presented Christ, but my message is rejected. I, like the disciples, have to move on to people God desires to reach.

- Al

It’s been 3.5 weeks here. We have learned and experienced SO much. We are so appreciative of all our financial and spiritual supporters, in addition to the Home of Hope orphanage for hosting us this month!

Our last night here was amazing. Lily and I put on a picture and video slideshow for all the staff and kids, in addition to a skit. They LOVED it! Here are some more random pictures from our trip (click to enlarge). The “last day” slideshow to come soon!

—–

We brought glow sticks and flying light helicopters (thanks to Dan Lui’s mom)! Such a hit with the kids.

Flies galore! The youngest member of Home of Hope already a pro with the fly swatter. So adorable!

It was not a good idea to take many pictures inside the hospital and medical clinic, but I snuck one in the hospital (patients lining up to see us, the family docs!) and outside the medical clinic in gongyi village (after-hours). The Chinese people are always very suspicious of us, foreigners…and in many cases, probably rightly so.

Lily wanted to buy the babies/toddlers new clothes…look at those models!

Helping out as orphanage clinician for the month. Skin infections/abscesses were ridiculous during the month Lily and I were there. At least 5-6 kids developed significant abscesses that needed either drainage, antibiotics, or both.

Youngest member (Kuh Kuh) developing a skin infection right before we left. At least 2 other little toddlers that live in the same quarters as KuhKuh had significant infections before him.