Fourteen young ladies ranging in ages from 14-26 have embarked upon a crazy adventure, taking them half way around the world to "show hope" to orphans in Asia. On June 21st, the Show Hope Asia 2008 team met for the first time at the Chicago airport in preparation for a long journey across the Pacific. Although these fourteen young ladies had just met, it was only a few minutes
into a pizza dinner and brief introductions that the ladies were discussing a future team reunion. An amazing team unity began developing only after moments of knowing one another!
The team arrived in China after a fourteen hour flight, unsure of what to expect, but full of anticipation. Our hosts and coordinators in China welcomed the team with a nice dinner, and they shared a brief educational introduction regarding their organization that exists to care for special needs orphans. Each morning, our team has been waking up early to love the children at this home. The ladies spend their time going from room to room, playing with young toddlers or cuddling babies in the isolation unit, who are awaiting needed surgeries. They have even met some of the children who have benefited from the MacKenzie Fund, a fund established through Shaohannah's Hope that helps subsidize individual medical needs.
In addition, the Show Hope Asia 2008 team had the great privilege last week of interacting with blind children at a small organization just outside the city. Although most of the team was a little hesitant and unsure of how to interact or relate to children who cannot see, their fears were instantly put to rest upon meeting them.
Immediately the children invited the ladies to listen to them sing. They were touched by how joyous each child was despite their disabilities. After hamburgers, French fries, and a coke for lunch . . . water fight!!! Time flew by as our team had a blast playing with water balloons and water guns. On Thursday of last week, our team visited the orphanage for blind children again. The group broke up into smaller groups and took the children outside to play. One of the activities the children participated in was climbing a rock wall. The Show Hope team was amazed to watch visually impaired orphans climb their way to the top of the wall with much determination and persistence to complete every activity.
The orphanage for the blind children exists to be family oriented. The children are self-sufficient and are truly encouraged to explore and use the gifts and talents they each possess. The directors of this particular organization encourage each child to tackle every obstacle and they really believe and instill in the kids the idea of dreaming big. Their constant smiles and the way they embraced each one of the team members showed the love in their hearts. The ladies had a hard time leaving, but they walked away feeling so blessed to meet such precious children.
The team is currently in central China, visiting the sight of the new Shaohannah's Hope Healing Home. They have continued to bond together in their adventure to love and "show hope" to special needs orphans of China. Their hearts are being captivated and changed by the faces of the forgotten. We are excited for them to each return safely home and begin sharing stories with their own communities about the hidden treasures they have each discovered while in China.
