A Time for Joy … A Time for Sadness

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This morning we loaded up the bus and moved to Beverly!  Huainan that is.  Orphanages and China Moms!

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There was a lot of anticipation as we pulled into the Huainan orphanage after a two-hour bus ride.  Some China Mom’s were not going to be available and some were not sure if they would be able to show up or not!  Riley was nervous as we started to turn into the courtyard.

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Things had not changed much since the last time we were here in 2013.  Maybe a little older and worn, but life seemed to be moving along at the same pace.

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Jessie helped Peyton distribute candy to the kids that were there, although I am not sure that Peyton needed any help.  She seemed like a little girl with a mission!  Get as many suckers into as many little hands as quickly as possible!

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She could be considered the China Doll version of Santa Claus!

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It was just a few short years ago that we took this picture of Peyton with Brittany!

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Riley, on the other hand, had many social visits to make!  And, as would be expected, everyone was happy to see her!!

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We got to see the kitchen, which in three visits we had never seen before.  I caught Kelly eying the large metal bowls!  What a benefit they would be at our home!
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Even Peyton had a following!
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We had noticed that Madison’s wheels on her wheelchair were loosing air, so with t he help of some equipment from the orphanage our guide, Michael, was able to bring them up to pressure!
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Then, finally, one of Riley’s China Moms arrived…
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Riley had spent a lot of time finding just the right gifts to give in appreciation!
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And then another China Mom arrived!
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Of course, we were reprimanded a little by the moms because we didn’t have Peyton’s coat zipped up in the cold.
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There were some tears as the one mom spent a little time with Petyon, knowing that she was going to a better life just as Ali, Jessie, and Riley have, but also knowing that she would miss this little bundle of joy.
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She gave Peyton some of the chocolate that Riley brought her.
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It started to look like a party when one of the cooks also showed up!
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There was time for the exchange of QQ addresses …
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… and the taking final pictures.
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We were so proud of these girls today:
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Riley …
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Because although she is always so strong and stoic, she allowed her emotions to show and allowed a moment of deep emotion.
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Albeit a short-lived one as her mom came over to comfort her … and to remind her that she owed her $5 because mom KNEW this was going to happen.  Just too much emotion for one girl in one day.
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And Jessie …
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This girl is NOT the same girl that walked out of this orphanage three short years ago.  It is probably safe to say that while Riley was at the top of the caste system in this place, Jessie was closer to the bottom.  But she walked in with her head held high, her shoulders back, and a smile on her face.  Never once did she let her confidence wane.  Time and again, people would be talking to Riley and then, after a few minutes, drop their jaw in shock when they realized that this was Xiahan!  Almost no one recognized Jessie at first.  She walked out a timid little girl in 2013 and walked in a confident woman in 2016.  It’s amazing what the love of God and family can do in someones life.  Love this girl.
It was a good visit, and everyone was in good spirits on the way home.  Tomorrow, it is THIS girls turn!!
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Peyton was sleeping on Kelly’s lap, but as SOON as I took this picture the little stinker opened her eyes and gave me her signature look.  I fear that she might join forces with Mia and there is little this world will be able to do to stop them!
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Back in the room we passed a little time with crafts!  If only Luke could be here to enjoy them with us!!
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So happy that Taylor can be here with us on this part of our adventure.  We have missed her the last couple of adoption trips, but so glad she has felt the call of God on your life to minister to orphans.
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I will leave you today, as I left you yesterday.  Reminded of the great need that remains unfilled with orphans looking for a forever family.
Cameron
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“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27

3 thoughts on “A Time for Joy … A Time for Sadness”

  1. Again your words and pictures render me speechless as my heart swells and eyes become waterfalls from the bravery and limtless choices you and kelly make due to the unbelievable love of our Lord in your hearts.

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