The Show Hope “China 3 Team” (the third team Show Hope has sent this summer) met up in Newark, NJ for the first time on July 31 before our long flight to Beijing. Our team, ranging in ages from 14-26, was traveling in from all parts of the United States to serve at Maria’s Big House of Hope in Luoyang and at New Hope Foster Home in Beijing. We planned on having a team meeting the night of the 31st in Newark before heading to China the next day, but due to weather conditions, many on the team were not able to arrive in NJ until late on the night of the 31st.
Despite the many long delays that day, the rest of the team thankfully made it in! We were able to have a little time of fellowship as a group that evening, and it was clear that God’s hand was already evident by the ways in which He enabled each person to be a part of the trip. I kept picturing each person as a part of that Verizon Wireless commercial with a whole network of friends, family, and church body standing behind them as they set off to serve in China. The body of Christ is truly a beautiful picture to behold.
Since arriving in Beijing about 4 days ago, we have been spending time with the precious children of New Hope. I have enjoyed watching our team members as they have each begun to connect to the children and the staff here. God always seems to draw the heart of each person to a different child and we often joke that “someone” else is holding my baby right now. In God’s wisdom, He brings different giftings and talents and personalities together to serve His children, and I’ve loved watching the way in which He works as a matchmaker between servant and child. We’ve also been able to get down and dirty, working and serving by cleaning out the shed, but I’ll write more about that tomorrow!
This morning we will spend the day with the babies here at New Hope and then set out to visit some local foster families who care for some of the older children. Although we have been enjoying authentic, delicious Chinese food from area restaurants or food prepared by the wonderful cooks at New Hope, 
I think the team is looking forward to heading into Beijing tonight for some Tex-Mex in the “ex-pat” section of Beijing before we board the overnight train to Luoyang.
I am looking forward to visiting Maria’s Big House of Hope with great anticipation. Having worked at Show Hope for 4 years now, I have been a witness to the vision for this care facility and God’s amazing provision through His people for this new aspect of our ministry that will change the world for many children in need! I know from the teams who went before us that many, many blessings in the forms of little ones named Hudson or Theo will be there to greet us! I will also be carrying some precious cargo in my luggage: a blanket for Hudson from Mary Beth, a few little onesie outfits for little Theo, a letter and pictures to drop off for a young girl in the process of being adopted from a local orphanage, and many many hugs and kisses as well from those who have gone before us.
As we were flying to Beijing a few days ago, the youngest member of our team, Elizabeth, from Michigan, tapped me on the shoulder and asked if she could share a scripture passage during one of our devotional times. She said she had been just been reading and the Lord spoke to her heart saying, “This is what I want to share with you about this trip”; she shared Ephesians 3:14-21. So, we pray this portion of scripture, confident that Christ is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Here is a quick slideshow of pics from the team!
