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 ...

If I've learned anything about China in the last 4+ years it's that understanding and living in China is like holding water. The second you think you've got a good scoop on what it's like or how it's going to be, it's changed and slipped through your hands. It's always changing and flowing. It's the only way to describe this place. While it can be frustrating to some, it keeps life interesting.  Last month I shared some of the changes that have taken place here in our children's village in the last year. Change has just been one of those things you can't prevent but don't always know how to prepare for. These last few months have left a lot of us asking, "So...What now?" Shortly after the kids began returning to their home orphanages, our leadership team sat in a room, just looking at each other and asking ourselves this same question. As we sat there, we began to brainstorm how we could continue to support the orphans and the spe...

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,...

Hey y'all! Hope your summer has been as fun as ours! It's been almost 2 months since my last blog post, so I wanted to take a moment and share some of our summer highlights with you! Children's Day My FAVORITE Day of the year! Why? June 1, International Children's Day, is one of the biggest and bestest (😜) days of the year at SFCV, the kids perform, sing, dance, act and flaunt their incredible talents, what's not to love!?! We have the same routine/ schedule every year and it never gets old. Morning: kids perform, Lunch:McDonald's with the kids (a treat), Afternoon: campus-wide water fight! Just check out the photos... they say it all. July 4th: U.S. Independence Day! America's 241st birthday was celebrated in true American fashion: BBQ, Cornhole, fireworks, smores and lots of smiles! It was a great day celebrating the freedom that allows people like me to be able to come here to China and do what I do. All around spectacular day with the kids all...