GOODBYE CHINA - UNTIL WE COME AGAIN

Leaving China was probably the hardest, knowing and seeing what we had over the last 2 weeks. Tim and I grew closer, understood one another more, and came together on what God had placed as our purpose. While it is so easy to get caught up in the emotional aspects of what is going on, we have to slow down and make sure the decisions we are making are from God, not just ours. The feeling on our hearts I feel will not be changed, so with that in mind, we will start our journey into the unknown, turbulent waters of the adoption process.

Attached are some pictures from our last couple of days in China. It was really hard to enjoy or soak in the knowledge of such a rich ancient history because the touring came at the end of our 2 week trip which engrossed our minds, hearts and souls into the children we saw and loved while we were there. Please visit www.flickr.com and search for member bralcars to see ALL the pictures from our entire China trip.

Thank you for keeping us all in your prayers, please check back soon for our new link.

SHEPHERD'S FIELD CHILDREN'S VILLAGE

Shepherd's Field located outside Beijing, China - to read about their story and donate if you wish please visit: http://www.chinaorphans.org/shepherdsfield.php

Out visit to Shepherd's Field was a whirlwind trip, we were pretty much in and out within a few hours, but not before meeting Clay & Jewel Floch, the Guest Relation Coordinators for this village located outside Beijing. To read their story and how they arrived here, please go to: http://www.chinaorphans.org/team_shepherd_field.html

We brought donated supplies of bottles, diapers, wipes, lotions, medical supplies, etc. to the orphanage. This orphanage works with a total of 33 orphanages throughout China in bringing their frailest special needs children to Shepherd's Field where they receive care, surgeries, etc. to give them a chance at adoption, otherwise they would probably perish.

Our group was given a tour of the buildings, along with the history and story behind Shepherd's Field. They were very nice with construction going on to build a 4 story building that will be partially used for the children who "age out" of orphanage care after 14. The organization will be teaching life skills, money, and hopefully a skill to the young teens who will be able to attend. To find out more information about what happens to the kids who age out, please read http://adoptionoffaith.blogspot.com/2010/09/kids-who-age-out-of-orphangage.html) to discover what happens to these children.

Children that go to Shepherd's Field stay there until they are adopted or not. It is their family. The structure is set up to feel like a real home as possible. There are different homes with nannies that are consistent with the little one's care. The foundation under which the orphanage is run has done such a wonderful job with the facilities and staff. Each child can have up to 15 sponsors and this is what helps run the place to free up other monies for expenses such as surgery.

Our group was split up into several smaller groups of 3-4 people and dispersed into the different children's home to interact for a couple of hours. In our home there were 3 young boys upstairs, all with various stages of CP, but all with smiles and love to share. Downstairs there were 3 little girls and 2 little boys. One little guy had heart problems, 2 of the girls were at different levels of brain issues and couldn't really get around without the aid of appliances specially made for them. There was a little girl there that was very saucy and enjoyed rough housing. One little boy was full of belly giggles as we tickled his tummy and another little guy latched onto Tim and loved being chased.

Here are some photos from Shepherd's Field: