May Update (Click to Enlarge)

Night Walk Phone Call

With heavy heart

Sometimes life is SO PAINFUL!!! I just got a call from my dad that Steven Curtis Chapman's family lost their youngest adopted daughter from China. Maria Sue Chapman. I'm so grieved by their loss. Their ministry has been such an inspiration to Bring Me Hope!

And as you all know, several weeks ago an earthquake claimed many, many lives in China- the worst disaster in 3 decades. Please be in prayer for all the families that are hurting right now.

What to say?

right now I'm just trying to figure out what in the world I should say on the Night Walk conference call tonight. I feel like I've told all the stories a million times. And honestly I'm a little nervous that it will go ok. That I'll say the right thing, that the kids will be on the phone, that the battery on my phone won't die... Yesterday we found out that of all things the torch relay was in Nanchang and the kids would have to do school during the Night Walk to make up for the time off. I just smiled thinking, "how in the world could we have planned for that happening?" Luckily the director is really great and said ok for the kids to still walk. But still, just don't know what will happen. I seem to be saying this one line quite often, "We just do the best we can and leave the results to God."

Also, as soon as I get a chance I'm going to be posting. Sorry for the long delay, it seems like everything hit at the same moment. (2 concerts, camp training, night walk) As my dad says, it's like being in a bathtub full of ping pong balls and trying to keep them all under the water. You just run out of hands. And I guess lately the blog ping pong ball has just been hanging out on top of the water :>) ok, back to what I'm going to say tonight.

Stress!

We found out that if you squeeze this dog's neck, his eyes bulge out of their sockets.

Mexico- A hidden pregnancy

Last weekend I went to an orphanage in Mexico and was reminded again of WHY WE ARE ALL DOING WHAT WE DO. I was holding a little two year old named Lydia. As I interacted with her I could tell that she had some serious handicaps. Her body was curved unnaturally and anytime someone made a loud noise or I moved suddenly her whole body would twitch. I was looking at her face and thinking about her when the founder started telling me her story.

Her mom was in prison and hid the pregnancy from the guards. When she gave birth to Lydia she tried to suffocate her or something to kill her own baby. The guards came in and rescued Lydia before she died. Now she will live the rest of her life profoundly handicapped. I think the first response is complete anger. How could someone do this to a perfect little girl. But then as I think about it I am just sad. Sad for Lydia and sad for the circumstances that led to a mom that would be willing to kill her own daughter.

I know you all have stories of the orphans you have met. But maybe it's been awhile since you thought of them. I'd encourage you, take a second and think about them. And let Lydia's story be a reminder to all of us why we are spending our lives for children. To help those that have suffered and been rejected- to let them know they are valuable.

Lydia

My little sister's book she made for me

I thought you would like to read the newest book just made by my little sister Mary. (age 6)