McKensey

As I drove the back roads to work this morning I had the radio playing like usual. A song came on that I’ve heard quite a few times lately but today it stuck a different cord within me.

I’m waiting. I’m waiting on you Lord.
And I am hopeful. I’m waiting on your Lord
Though it is painful. But patiently I will wait.

Typically I sing along with an inward focus thinking about things in my life I’m waiting for. That special someone, for God to answer something I’ve been praying about…but today my heart went out to all the families that are waiting for their child to come home. I thought of the two hundred plus names that sit on my computer waiting for us to get notice that it’s time to travel so we can send them their grant award. With China and other countries slowing so dramatically over the past years, we hear story after story of families who have made the decision to adopt, started the process, are ready to make this happen but for now they are simply stuck waiting.

I will move ahead bold and confident.
Taking every step in obedience.
While I’m waiting. I will serve you.
While I’m waiting. I will worship.
While I’m waiting. I will not faint.
I’ll be running the race. Even while I wait.

I think for all of us it’s easy to get caught up in the wait. Wondering when it will happen, wondering why it’s taking so long. But the next line calls us to live while we’re waiting. Keep running, keep serving, keep on living and try not to focus on the wait. Easier said than done that’s for sure.

I’m waiting. I’m waiting on You, Lord.
And I am peaceful. I’m waiting on You, Lord.
Though it’s not easy. But faithfully, I will wait.
Yes, I will wait.

To all of you out there who are caught up in the waiting know that I’m praying for you today. As I’m paying the bills, running reports, responding to e-mails, and going about my daily routine, you are on my heart and mind!

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5

Over the years, the 8-year-old Dowling triplets have come to love throwing their annual summer theme party with their nanny, Dia. This year, Clark, Kate and Will decided to do things a little differently. Instead of holding a party and asking their friends to attend, they held a yard sale for Maria’s Big House of Hope and asked their friends to help by donating sale items and their time.

The rain held off on the day of the sale and the kids had an awesome time making shirts and posters for the event as they learned about Show Hope and Maria’s Big House of Hope. Through reaching out to the community, the Dowling’s received a raffle prize donation from their local Best Buy and a special offering collection from a local church. These funds were added to the money they raised through selling their gently-used toys as well as lemonade at the yard sale. Even though Clark, Kate and Will are kids themselves, their efforts are making a major difference for kids around the world!

Events like this are easy to do in your own community! For more ideas on how you can get involved, click here.

Today we would like you to meet Eddie, a child that our sponsors are helping at Maria’s Big House of Hope.

17-month-old Eddie received a successful heart surgery in Shanghai earlier this year. Upon his return to Luoyang, he was welcomed in to the loving care of Maria’s Big House of Hope nannies and nurses in the Elephant room.

Eddie is a social little boy, always smiling and laughing. His big, beautiful eyes are very expressive of his sweet and responsive nature.

            

Eddie is growing and becoming more independent each day. He can feed himself with a bottle and definitely lets you know that if you try to help him! He is still learning to walk, but he can usually be found speeding up and down the hallways in a baby bouncer with Rihanna, who you met earlier this month.

We hope that his improving health means that Eddie will one day be welcomed in to a forever family. Please pray for Eddie and all the children at Maria’s Big House of Hope that our sponsors are helping. 
 

We are so excited that New Hope Baptist Church in Hermitage, Tennessee has decided to partner with us this fall! Their children’s ministry has been busy planning curriculum for the campaign, which launched on September 13. The kids at New Hope are learning about the plight of orphans around the world and how they can help these other children through their prayers and fundraising efforts. This campaign coincides with National Adoption Month and Orphan Sunday in November.

In the coming months, we will give updates on their progress and ways to adapt their programming for your church. For additional resources on starting an adoption aid and orphan care ministry at your church, click here.

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Acts 20: 24 (NIV)

As I watched this sweet video of Julian and Dwayne’s “race” at MBHOH recently, I reflected on the task of Show Hope–testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace to some of the least of the least, these special-needs orphans. While some may have cast aside these babies as hopeless cases, these children are receiving the love that makes all things new. This love can be seen through the nannies and nurses who are there holding them, sponsors supporting the work of Show Hope and people around the world lifting them up in prayer.

This is the race we are running: to care for orphans in their distress. Sometimes I find that I am Julian, teetering and falling down along the way. I find hope in the reminder that just as Julian’s caregiver picks him up in the video, God in His graciousness picks us up and moves us forward. Enjoy!

The joy of laughter was a sweet gift to the Upton’s as they traveled to China to meet their daughter, Haddie. Her contagious giggle erupted even at the first tickles from Bob and Collette. While still in Guangzhou, they shot this video to share a portrait of hope with their children Noah and Hannah who were waiting in the United States. At home now, Haddie loves to sleep in the arms of her mom and dad and is bonding with her forever family! Thanks to all the sponsors and supporters who helped give this precious child such amazing joy.

Five new children entered into the care of Maria’s Big House of Hope (MBHOH) this week. Our family is growing and we wanted you to meet one of these precious children, Kevin, who just arrived with serious health concerns.

It is sometimes hard to concretely grasp that your investment in this work is directly impacting a specific child somewhere in the world, but it is true. The amazing opportunity Kevin has by coming into the loving care found at MBHOH is beyond words.

As Kevin is adjusting to life at MBHOH, please pray for his transition – that he would feel loved, at home, and secure.  Please also pray for the medical and support staff who are caring for him.  Pray for wisdom and grace as they seek to love and serve him daily.  Your Show Hope sponsorship is bringing Kevin a new hope. Thank you!

Meet Rihanna, a little girl with a HUGE personality that Show Hope sponsors are helping at Maria’s Big House of Hope!

After receiving heart surgery in Shanghai in May, 16-month old Rihanna quickly developed a personality that can light up the room. She is always laughing and smiling! As one of the few children who can walk on her own, she is constantly on the go. This mobility combined with her great curiosity means Rihanna is always trying to get out of her room, the Elephant Room, to roam the halls.

She is very mild-mannered and happy to spend time with each of the nannies and staff members at MBHOH. As her health improves through the daily care she receives in Luoyang, we expect that she will be adopted into a loving, forever family. Please continue to pray with us for sweet special-needs children like Rihanna, and consider providing the love and care for an orphan every month at Maria’s Big House of Hope by becoming a Show Hope sponsor today!

After two difficult pregnancies, Charles and Lydia Headrick felt God placing in them the desire for a third child. Through investigation and prayer about adoption, the couple discovered that this was no “Plan B” for their family, but a very special opportunity. Though their adoption from China was a journey requiring patience and perseverance, they brought home Anna Claire Nilan Headrick with the help of a Show Hope adoption aid grant.

Anna Claire, at three years old, has begun to tell her own adoption story. Her mom describes:

We were traveling in a van, and Anna Claire was sitting in the back seat beside her friend Rebekah. I heard Anna Claire say, “Rebekah, God picked me out for my family. They got on the airplane and came all the way over the ocean. Then the China lady gave me to them, and I cried because I didn’t know them yet. Then we got on the plane and came home together.” Anna Claire nailed it right on the head when she said that God picked her out for our family! Thank you Chapman family and Show Hope donors who helped us bring home our dear daughter.

Thank you for being a part of the miracle!

 Maria’s Big House of Hope really is a “big house with lots and lots of rooms!!” This week, we are pleased to announce the opening of a new wing on the Fifth Floor at Maria’s Big House of Hope! Overseen by Mariah Bywater, this area is dedicated to providing the highest level of comfort to children in need of palliative care. It is currently home to eight children. 

These children, the least of the least, are not being forgotten at MBHOH. The walls are decorated with the characters from Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Mobiles donated by Harpeth Hills Church of Christ Preschool, Maria’s preschool, adorn each crib. As these children look to the hope of heaven, their medical needs are addressed while they receive spiritual nourishment and one-on-one attention from several nannies. We are so thankful that the support of our sponsors allows us to show hope to these very special children.