Steven, Geoff, Shaoey and myself headed back down to Luoyang on the 18th after a couple days rest for my blood pressure. It has been so many mix of emotions joining up with this team. Jan, Anna, Ashley and Stevey Joy were left in good hands up at Hope Foster Home! We said goodbye to the first team on the 12th of July. It was literally sending half of my family home, and the ones who weren’t family are like family….so sad and hard. I would have loved to have kept them here with me! I’m not much on change, and God seems to be changing things non-stop in the Chapman lives....Not sure I like it or not but none the less, change comes and we either face it head on with confidence that God is in Control, or cease to function and curl up somewhere and start rocking back and forth! Trust me….I’ve done both….a nice blanky and a thumb suck curled up in the corner is an inviting thought sometimes if you know what I mean! So like the change in sending them home, change, will continue back in the states to blow through like a storm and a great breeze, however you prefer to look at it. Karen has to send her last off to college this fall…David, Will’s best buddy and one of my favorite people who happens to be Julia’s brother… and our family has to say good-bye to the Berends…Ruthy’s (Will’s girlfriend) family, who move to South Bend, Indiana on July 26th. They actually move while I’m still gone, it seems surreal that they are really not going to be there when I get home. This Fall will find my oldest daughter, Emily and her husband Tanner moving to Ireland for a year of Bible College. Something that Steven and I are so excited about for them as a young married couple, but still, the change of having them gone for a year will require adjustments for all of us. So, as I join up with this group, Team #2…it represents yet Change again, and yes…time passing and moving on. Everyday that I wake up, I say to myself….I’m one day closer to seeing Maria! I was So excited to see faces I knew from Nashville and surrounding areas, yet apprehensive as to if they would love China and our purpose here like me! Boy did they LOVE on me well when I showed up at MBHOH! They had worked so hard so that a lot of what I saw when I walked in was finished! I was in complete shock when I saw how beautiful they had made Maria’s memory and Big House look! I have to admit though…..What I remember the most about walking in wasn’t the beautiful painting…..as much as it was THEIR smiles…..so badly wanting me to approve and love it! How could I not LOVE it? I represents so much to me! This whole team has come together at a level that I could have never imagined…As I ponder what changes I’ve been through this past 14 months, and the changes that I mentioned above, I’m reminded of the CHANGE and transformation of MBHOH by people who are simply here to serve and do whatever they are asked to do! Today is day 2 of me being here and to watch the system that sweet Emily and the team have going on is nothing less than impressive. Time to paint and time to love on these precious little ones that God has entrusted to us here at MBHOH! I have SEEn so much change….In the physical sense as it pertains to the painting on the walls and building (my brother outside on Chinese scaffolding is another story), the change in the hearts of my sweet friends who are here in China with me, and the change in the faces of the children as well as the Chinese workers who are here at Maria’s Big House. I still so find myself walking around this place, named after my sweet Maria, begging God to rewind time, to CHANGE it back to the way it was….Even as I SEE the amazing things going on here. I know God understands this momma’s heart, because he is the one who gave it to me in the first place. But again, as I really stop…as I really listen, as I really observe….I SEE the good change and the God change that is taking place here in this place. Miracles happen every day. Some children live and receive life-giving medical care, and others are comforted as they live out their number of days this side of the vail. In a strange way, I feel Maria closest to me when I spend time with the ones who are in a hospice situation. I can only imagine it is because these little ones are so close to seeing Jesus, and Maria IS SEEing Jesus, that vail must be ever so thin and I picture her there waiting to receive those little ones from MBHOH and usher them into the arms of Jesus! I have so many amazing miraculous stories to tell that I could write a book….I’m gonna let the pictures speak for them selves. I love you all so much. Pray for me as I say good bye to Steven in the morning as he heads back to Beijing to take Stevey Joy back to the states on Wednesday. Shaoey and I will be here with Emily until the 28th of July. We do not have internet at MBHOH and I am currently at Mikey’s (our Show Hope person on the ground here in Luoyang) apartment to post this blog! Blessings from our whole team. Everyone is doing great… We are on an amazing journey here to SEE what God is gonna do!
With increasing gratitude for Change,
Mary Beth
You dear precious woman, you are always so honest! I find such comfort in your true and open heart, and I appreciate the fact that you are willing to share it all.
Posted by: Terrye in FL | July 29, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Tears streaming down my face once again....thank you for sharing these changes with us and allowing us to see what God is doing through your precious Maria. I can't wait to see her in heaven too!
On another note, we live in the South Bend area and would love to invite Ruthy's family to our church. We are a part of a church plant called Harvest Bible Chapel Granger.
Your family is loved!!
Posted by: Leigh Ann Harris | July 27, 2009 at 05:57 PM
thanks so much for sharing so much ... makes me feel like i am there ... you know i plan to visit MBHOH someday and give out lots of hugs and kisses !!!
Posted by: gwen | July 25, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Mary Beth,
I am so proud of your grace during this whole grief journey. You probably feel as if you are under a public microscope and I am filled with admiration when I visit your blog and read your words.
Only God can redeem the pain of losing one of our children and I, like you, marvel at His work in those of us who are so broken.
Loving you and your family from Arkansas.
Posted by: Becky Russell | July 24, 2009 at 10:24 PM
As you say, we can "SEE" the amazing things God's doing in those pictures....GOD'S CONTINUED BLESSINGS ON ALL OF YOU!
Posted by: Debbie from Ohio | July 24, 2009 at 09:02 PM
praying still. Thanks for the update.
Posted by: julie in ca | July 23, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Is the little girl in the last picture Franky? Praying for you!
Posted by: Grace | July 22, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Praying today! Did you get to see the solar eclipse?
Posted by: Kim | July 22, 2009 at 07:16 AM
MB, I got a reminder from SH today about submitting our adoption testimony, pics and videos...so as I went through my day God has pulled together HIS story of our Molly Ra-hui. Maybe you'll SEE it sometime but as he gave me words to write I was reminded that our referral came the week of Maria's going to her BIG HOUSE. I was overwhelmed and felt so sad and kept looking at a pic of our long awaited daughter and seeing Marias sweet smile all over the place. God quickly spoke to me about the love and committment of SH and your family and how He would bring some kind of beauty from the pain. We have got to experience adoption with the help of SH and our entire waiting to travel and now having her home reminds me that our time here is to be treasured because these little gifts belong to HIM alone. Hopefully I can put into words how ya'll have encouraged us to love unconditionally.
Hugs From TN
Posted by: Jen | July 21, 2009 at 11:04 PM
mary beth are you and steven going to adopt franky sience you named her afer will ???????
jayne
Posted by: jayne | July 21, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Nothing I write or try to express here is really anything you haven't heard or felt or know. But the words you write to us, the feelings,the emotions, the pain the joy, the ups and downs, the tears and laughter they really impact me in a way you could never imagine. I know it's not my words you need but my prayers! God Bless You Mary Beth and all of those warriors who dedicate their lives to helping those in need.. Love you all!
Posted by: Pat McMahon | July 21, 2009 at 11:48 AM
MaryBeth,
I'm not sure you have ANY idea how much your honesty, vulnerability, transparancy, and faith are an encouragement to so many. Praying for you guys!
Kristin S
Cary, NC
Posted by: Kristin | July 21, 2009 at 09:59 AM
One thing never changes and that is your pouring out of blessings to others. I love SEEing our Heavenly father working through earthly sweet you!
Posted by: sally R. | July 21, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Mary Beth,
Thanks so much for posting these wonderful pictures and thoughts of yours, again.
Wow! Talk about "undergoing the change;" you and yours have done that more than any I know.
Although I do not comprehend the hurt you have known through the initial, most difficult change in you and your family's life, I praise God in knowing that Maria's life has been honored since the day she met Jesus face to face, and that her life will be honored for years to come, and all for the glory of God.
As a mother, my heart breaks for you on almost a daily basis, because, like a mother, I want to mend it all and make it better. I so wish I could do that for you, but until you see Jesus face to face with Maria wrapping herself around you again, all I can do is pray. My solemn promise is that you and yours will abide in my thoughts and daily prayers; I promise that "the Father above is listening with love, and He wants to answer us," answer whatever we may be seeking. As a prayer warrior, [and I promise you that I have not always been able to say that but that I praise Him for that earnest desire to pray for any, whomever they may be, now], I will continue to wrap you and yours up in prayers, and pray that these prayers will carry you and yours to the day you enter Heaven's gates.
Continued prayers for a safe trip, glorious praises, and new found treasures that only He can give,
Michele
Posted by: Michele Kelly | July 20, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Mary Beth,
So many Changes since you all arrived in China! God is indescribable !! I literally can't think of words to describe Him and what He has wrought through Maria, You, Steven, your other children and your teams of friends! Wow.
But the biggest Change I've seen since your words have reached us here at home from China, has been in you! I have seen such amazing growth and positive Change in you, Mary Beth, since you have been in the land of Maria's (and Stevey Joy and Shohanna) birth. I'm not sure why that is, but when I go back and read your posts from the beginning, when you first arrived, to now, with the departure of Steven and Stevey Joy looming as well as the arrival of another incredible Team, I just see amazing growth and deeper insight coming from you. And yes, that's a really GOOD thing. My prayers are for all of you, as they have been since you left here, and I am interested to SEE what mighty work God is accomplishing in and through you.
All for Jesus,
Amy M. Fry
Posted by: Amy M | July 20, 2009 at 10:15 PM
The pictures are wonderful...May God continue to bless all of you there!
Posted by: Debbie from Ohio | July 20, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Once again thank you so very much for sharing with us and for being so honest and transparent. I am glad that the team got there safely--praying for safe travels for everyone!!! I've been on vacation for a few days and finally accessed the internet to catch up. I will continue to pray for all of you!!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Wilson | July 20, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Mary Beth,
Wow, from the pictures you've shown us MBHOH looks like such an amazing place! It makes me smile to see you and your family loving on those adorable children over there and it's awesome to hear that things are going so well! I'm not a big fan of change either so I kinda know how you feel. Praying for you and your loved ones as you go through the changes. Especially for Will, I'm sure it will be hard for him with Ruthy moving and David going away to college this fall. Praying for you as you say bye to Steven and the others returning to the states, and for a safe trip home for them. Still praying for your health too. And praying for Team 2 as you stay and continue the amazing work over there! And may all the children there be blessed and know how much they are loved! Isn't it amazing what ppl can do when working together toward the same goal?! May God bless and comfort you all daily while you are there! Much love to you all! Thanks for letting us share in your journey :)
Jenny (from NY)
Posted by: Jenny | July 20, 2009 at 08:10 PM
So thankful to read about what's going on at MBHOH and in your heart. Your words touch and bless me. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers! I know everyone there is feeling so thankful to be part of something so meaningful. Much love to all of you!! Renee
Posted by: Renee Manuel | July 20, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am so glad to read it since I have close connection with LuoYang(I am from LuoYang orphanage.) Having seen so many amazing things in life, I feel God definitely cares about orphanes whose parents abandon them. HE shows His Love to the onces who are in need.
Blessings,
Mia Dang
P.S. I miss LUoYang!!!
Posted by: Miaomiao Dang | July 20, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Tears filled my eyes at the thought of Steven and Stevie heading home. I will be praying even harder the next few days.
Thank you SO much, Mary Beth, for opening your heart and life to us. What a blessing to know that God is moving in such a mighty way! The pictures are wonderful and I love reading your thoughts... hint... hint... (that book ;-)
You're never far from my heart and thoughts.
Posted by: Sherrie | July 20, 2009 at 06:59 PM
Mary Beth,
Thankyou so much for sharing your experiences with all of us. From your family, the loss of Maria and your trip to China. Your words and thoughts touch all of our hearts and I thank God for your ability to share the joys and the tragedies. I believe that one day you should write a book about your experiences on being a wife of a Christian artist, raising kids, adoption, and experiencing the loss of a child. Through your words you would be able to speak to so many. God bless you and your family and I pray you all return safely home.
Posted by: Jill Clem | July 20, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Mary Beth,
Continuing to pray for you, Steven and your family.
Thank you for sharing the photos. A beautiful peek into an amazing ministry.
Julie
Posted by: Julie | July 20, 2009 at 04:17 PM
incredible update! thank you Mary Beth!
whether you're blogging, or singing praises, or sitting in the corner, fetal position.... i'm praying for you!
Posted by: elaine | July 20, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Those pictures are so beautiful, though the one of the scaffolding almost gave me heart failure - YIKES! I don't do well on heights and that ladder coming down the side? There's no way you'd get me up there!!!
I love the murals on the wall - seeing Maria's flower - but the children in the pictures - so very precious! That one of the little guy playing with the camera while sitting on your team member's lap and the one of the little guy walking while supported by another team member - I think those are two of my favourite pictures.
Praying for your as you go through these changes.
Posted by: Dana | July 20, 2009 at 01:34 PM