Serving at Maria’s Big House of Hope

The team was excited to finally arrive at Maria’s Big House of Hope after a 12-hour overnight train ride from Beijing. As we drove up, the big blue house seemed to stand out amid the gray surroundings; it truly seemed like a bright spot in an otherwise dismal, smoggy day.  We were in awe of the joy that seemed to fill the home as well as the children.

Just as our team members were drawn to specific children at New Hope, it was so fun to see God match making once again.  I had heard about some of the children from previous teams who had gone before us, and I was anxious to meet these little treasures myself!  One such treasure was named Theo–a few days before I left Nashville, his “American Momma” came to see me at Show Hope and asked me to bring him a picture of them together and some new clothes.  His Aiyis’ (nannies) say that he’s about a year and a half old, but he looks much smaller and younger than that.  I gave him the picture and we were all so surprised by how intently he looked at it and just would stare at the picture–taking it all in.  His nannies were also happy about the new little “one-sy” outfits and promptly changed him into his new Titan’s “one-sy”.  The Tennesse Titans have no idea about what a special, new fan they have!

In that same room was a tiny little bundle that I had heard a lot about from Mary Beth  and I could not wait to meet him.  I anxiously searched Hudson out only to find him sound asleep !!!  I had to exercise a lot of patience waiting for him to wake up so that I could finally hold him. In the meantime, I was able to present the little personalized blanket to his nannies, who loved so much to the gift for him and pictures that Mary Beth had sent along as well.  He is such a happy little guy with a big, expressive smile and lots to say.  Many of the girls on the team enjoyed spending time loving this little soul, when they could get him away from me :).

One of the nights we were at MBHOH we learned that 4 new children had arrived and some of us had the chance to go in and meet them.  There was a small, premature baby whom the nurse estimated to be a few weeks old, weighing only 5 lbs. We met another little girl who had also been admitted that day. She was about 5 years old and had severe physical disabilities.  Some of the girls were immediately drawn to her, sitting next to her on the floor, comforting her and talking with her as her big brown eyes looked cautiously around.  As we all spent time with her, we realized that her physical body was not an accurate reflection of what was on the inside.  She is smart, talkative and is a little girl who knows what she wants!  After the children were bathed, fed and snuggled in for the night, a volunteer came in to check on them and asked those of us sitting there to help name give the new arrivals their English names.  I think at that point you could have heard a pin drop in the room as we all sat there feeling a great responsibility.  Who knew that naming a child could be so hard to do!  The four girls went to bed that night in their new home with new names such as Carolina, Ashlyn, Carissa and Jerusha.

When we weren’t playing with the babies, the team kept busy helping out around MBHOH by assembling new floor baby mobiles, sorting new donations such as the much needed medicine, clothes and toys.  Many of the clothes and toys came from the storage unit in Beijing that we helped to clean out and had been sent down to Luoyang by truck.  Soon after being sorted, many of the supplies the team hand carried over to China, were quickly put to use.  It was clear to see how important the medical donations are because as soon as we could sort them, the nurse came in and gathered some of the items she immediately needed. Our team was so grateful for those who had generously donated the items, seeing-first hand what a difference it truly makes. We also helped move furniture and other equipment into various rooms and spent one day painting the outside barrier wall.  It was fun to be a part of putting some finishing touches in the various rooms.

It was hard to say goodbye to the children and the other staff that we had the privilege to meet there.  It’s reassuring, however, to know that the children are in a place filled with joy and love, where their needs will be individually met.  And we are grateful for the gift of having had a few days to see what God is doing there.

We are now back in Beijing and it’s hard to believe that our time here is coming to a close, yet I know that the work God is doing in our hearts is just beginning.  We looked forward to seeing all the ways that God uses our experiences here in our own lives and in the lives of others.