ChinaBird

Through the years of having this blog, I've been pretty vocal about several aspects of living and working in China and for a non-profit organization. I've often shared about the kids, advocating for their adoptions, about our therapy program, and about God's goodness to me and us. ALL of which are true. There's no recanting any of those statements but there's so much more. I originally starting writing this blog to share with family, friends and supporters back in the U.S. about life and work here - but there's always been a part of me that has somewhat cushioned the realities so that it's more relatable. I don't feel that's necessary anymore. I'm sharing the rawness and realness of life. A while back I came across an article on WeChat (the main method of communication and social media here) that was titled, "Ten Things That Your Missionary Will Not Tell You". This article was thoughtfully written by a man, husband, and father of 11 ...

Howdy Friends! I've been back in China just about a month now and I'm finally getting a chance to sit and write. Just as the seasons have been changing, so much has been changing here at SFCV. Back in September, I left China and headed back for 4 weeks of furlough, family and refreshment. It was a busy, yet wonderful time. So much happened....check it out. Chicago Arriving back in Chicago is always an amazing feeling. Chicago is my first home and I love it dearly. I was home for just 4 short days with family and friends, but it was oh so good to be able to embrace them once again and catch up. I must say, Moriah stole the cake! Over the summer, while I was in China, my Brother and Sister-in-law welcomed their third child, a girl, into the world: Moriah Elizabeth! Let me tell ya, she sure is a sweetie and she definitely stole my heart! Texas After a few days with family I headed down to the great state of Texas! I had only every drive through Texas but never stayed,...

Guess what today is? Yep! You guessed it! The day has finally come for me to fly home! Yay! I can not contain my excitement! China has become my home in these last 18 months that I've lived there and I can't wait to get home, and be amongst the kids, Zai and other loved ones at SFCV. Although China is my current home, Chicago will always be my home-home. I know that may not make much sense to most of you; however for those of you who have lived in 2 places or have served in other parts of the world, then you should know what I'm talking about. I've mentioned this intense feeling before, it's a feeling of having my heart in two places at the exact same time, loving where you're at yet still longing to be in that other place as well. It's complicated, yes, but good. It's a reminder to me that I'm loved and desired in 2 places by people who love and care for me immensely. It's always hard to leave Chicago or China (which ever in the scenario) bu...

Hey! Hi! How are ya?! Ok, ok, ok, enough already. I can't contain my excitement.... I'm going home !! Yay! My flight is booked, my bags are packed (well....almost!) and on Feb 23rd, it's Beijing or bust! Just a quick shout out to everyone who has donated and helped me along the way! So grateful for you all, your love, support and prayers they mean the world to me; I can't do what I do without them, so Thank you! Love this City! As some of you may know, in addition to waiting on funds, I've been waiting to receive a legal document from the IL state government that needed to be submitted to the Chinese Consulate here in Chicago prior to my return to China. After waiting 3 long, long weeks, I finally  received it in the mail last Saturday. Early Tuesday morning (of course there was a holiday that pushed me back yet another day - yay President's day!) anyway... Tuesday morning I took this document to the IL Secretary of State's office on State street in ...