Time at Maria's Big House of Hope

Last week our family was blessed to spend time at Maria’s Big House of Hope in Luoyang. Though we were going miss New Hope, we were all excited to see our dear friends, the Martins and Renichs. After arriving at on Wednesday at 10, we unpacked and spent time catching up. From then on, the days were filled with laughter and playing as we enjoyed the family environment. While there, we played games, battled in ping pong, enjoyed lots of piano, and had many hours of fellowship over meals. We were also reminded that God places people in unique situations for very specific reasons. As God’s vessels, we were there to encourage the staff as they do God’s work and remind them that their work changes lives.

After knowing our friend Katie for eight years through Show Hope, it was a "check off the bucket list" for us to be in China together! Great to spend time with this dear friend and mentor to us girls. She lovingly works with the children and staff at the care centers sharing ways for better attachment for children.

One opportunity I had to help those at Maria's was given to me by Nate Renich, one of their hardworking staff. He asked me to paint a mural on a wall in their fellowship room. This wall had their projection screen and he wanted to spice it up with some trees. I gladly accepted his request and began brainstorming ideas. Soon, I was busy sketching out the trees on the wall, imagination flying. After getting Nate's ok, I began to paint the trees with the wonderful help of my mom. At first we struggled to find the correct color to match the other trees (there are not arts and crafts stores on every corner to buy supplies needed), but after a few minutes of googling and mixing, we finally created a mixture. A few hours later, after finishing the leaves and erasing pencil lines, we stood staring at the two trees we had just painted. They were positioned to look like they were holding up the projector screen and fit the forest mood of the room. Nate and the staff loved them and I was thankful for the opportunity.

The babies there are precious. It is always a joy to spend time with the children. We got to be part of a swim day. The looks on the children's faces is priceless as they enjoy the water and some outside time.

There are four nurses at Maria's and watching them care for the children is seeing angels at work. They are so gentle and thorough with the children. Mom got to spend several hours with them. What a blessing to know their hearts better. The ayis who care for the children are filled with kindness and love. The children are so blessed to have this care while we pray they will have adoptive families soon.

We had a great time at Maria’s and are so glad we got to see our Family through Christ there! It's never easy to say "see you again" and head to the airport!

-ZENA