Happy Gotcha Sage-SIX years!

I really wanted to catch up on our summer, first day of school which included HIGH SCHOOL for Makenna! And many other things. As if this week has not been emotional enough for me,  today we are celebrating a special day.

6 years ago we met our 3rd daughter, our 4th child. I wish I could wrap up into words what happened that day. I wish everyone could experience what it is like to travel to the other side of the world and meet a child that is yours just as much as if you had given birth. I wish everyone could understand that there is no clearer picture of Gods love for us than having a child placed into your arms that HE chose.

I am still in awe of her. Not only did we gain a daughter when we met her, our lives were completely changed. 

 Our hearts broke for the orphan and we knew we were called to DO something about it. Because of Sage, we returned for Mavery. 

We decided that we needed to do more than adopt, we needed to fight for those left behind. AND for those caring for the orphans. So God opened doors and gave us a chance travel to China to give of ourselves at her orphanage. 

We gained a deeper understanding of God's heart than ever before. His love for ME made so much more sense. His ADOPTION of ME made so much more sense. My love for Him grew. And it grows. 

I can't even imagine if we had said no. Because we almost did. We almost missed HER, and this life we live. Thankful for 6 years with our Spicy girl. Thankful that she calls me mommy. So, so thankful. 

It's not about Me

I hope you have joined me as I journeyed to China and back over at Team Chenzhou.

But since I am home and this is home base, I am coming back.

Though I hope to use that blog to keep you up to date on what is going on with Chenzhou.

I pray that there is MUCH going on this year.

Because yes, I AM home.

But part of my heart is always in China.

There is MUCH to be done for those who wait there. And since I can’t always be there, I WILL be their voice here.

The line that has gone through my head while in China and since back over and over is this.

It’s not about me.

GREAT things happened while we were there.

Not because of me.

Money is being raised for kids to go to school.

Not because of me.

New beds were purchased for the kids, stainless instead of the wood that is probably full of lead that they chewed on.

Not because of me.

The staff opened up, welcomed us in, cried as hard if not harder when we left.

Not because of me.

We are looking into raising funds to give babies lifesaving surgeries.

Not because of me.

Really, I left Chenzhou this year SO encouraged and excited.

And if I am not careful I could try to take credit.

But it is not about me.

I am simply the voice, willing to be used. 

Just a girl who loves Jesus, and is called to fight for the orphan.

A VERY imperfect girl who has SO many faults it is ridiculous.

But saved by a loving God who forgives the faults and covers me in His grace.

He allows me to be a wife, a mother and also a friend of the sweet people of Chenzhou.

He is the one throwing doors WIDE open.

And I can’t wait till someday when I can tell my friends there, it is not about me.

Someday I will get to introduce them to Him.

Because it really is ALL about God. 

Sawyer turns TWELVE