A Tough Reality

Just a little over a week ago, I got the devastating news that this little sweetie went to be with the Lord. 

I still can't believe that he is lo longer on this earth. 

No longer at the foster home. 

I'm not sure when it will exactly "hit me" that he is no longer here. 

In all honesty, I really don't have any words to share. 

It's been a tough week trying to grasp the reality that he is really gone.

Hard to believe that his ready smiling won't greet everyone who enters the foster home.

I did write a post earlier this week on the foster home blog, so make sure you check it out. 

His life is a life worth remembering and celebrating.

His life, even though it was short blessed so many people from around the world.

Sweet little one, you are loved and cherished by so many and you will not be forgotten.

Want to know how you can make a difference in the life of children just like sweet Matthew?

In memory of Matthew, my good friend Tara has set up a fundraiser to raise money for New Day South.

Just go here to give and make a difference!

Matthew would have turned 2 years old on September 15th and Tara's goal is to raise $20,000 by his 2nd birthday. 

Is it a lofty goal? 

Absolutely. 

But isn't Matthew's life a life worth celebrating by helping other orphans? By giving other children a chance?

Of course.  

Give. Share. Spread the word! $20,000 by September 15th.

Remembering Matthew

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Moments

Hard Goodbye's

I have FINALLY gone through the rest of my pictures from China. What a project that was! I narrowed it down and only have *ahem* 631 pictures. I know, I know, that is still a lot. But, I just couldn't decide. 

I'll slowly post more pictures from my time in China with my mom and sister. Here are a few from our last day. It is hard saying goodbye to all of the sweet friends and nannies I met while living there for two years. 

This is one of our nanny's, Anna. I have lived with her the entire time I was in China. She only speaks Chinese, and I only speak English. But, we made it work. She is such a sweetheart and so good with our children. It was very hard saying goodbye to her. And this precious little one in her arms.

The Bush's have been my second family these last few years. They have truly been a blessing to me.

And then there is Katrina. She is really the one who keeps the foster home going. We have spent many hours in the office, hospital, and on orphanage trips together. There really are no words to describe how special she is to me. 

As hard as goodbye's are, I know that the time was right. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me next and the new friendships that will be formed.

Wordless Wednesday: Baby Love

River Boat Cruise and Last Day

The other night we did something a little unique and special and went on a river boat cruise! 

Katrina, the foster home's medical coordinator, came with us!

Just gorgeous!

Group shot!

And because I know you love seeing adorable baby pictures...

In other news, yesterday was my last full day here in Zhongshan. We have a driver picking us up at 8:30 p.m. this evening to take us to the airport for our very late flight. I am staying strong and said some tough goodbye's yesterday, but I know today will be another story when I say goodbye to the kiddos.

Please keep me in your prayers, especially tomorrow. Also pray for safe travels for my Mom, Kiah, and myself. We will be arriving in Buffalo Saturday evening.

Thank you so much for coming on this adventure with me!

Last Few Days in Pictures

Today I really dropped the ball on documenting our day but I will try better tomorrow. We had a crazy busy morning which started off by talking to my Dad and then Skyping my nephew who turned 5 today!  We then spent some time with the toddlers before lunch and then headed downtown to show my mom and sister around "my town." I'm embarrassed to say I only took one picture. Like I said, I'll try to take more tomorrow.

After walking around for a few hours, we headed back to my apartment to drop out some groceries and then off we went to our local pizza place for pizza, greek salad, and nachos. Oh my were they delicious!

Since I don't have pictures from today, here are some pictures from the last few days.

I absolutely love this one, especially in the black and white.

The kids just love Kiah and she is so great with them!

Of course we all already knew that my mom is a natural.

The little sweetie who I had the privilege of naming after my brother a few months ago and who my parents sponsor.

It is hot, hot, and hot around here! We attempted to cool off the other day with a visit to our local smoothie shop.

Mango, watermelon, and papaya. Delicious!

On Thursday, we had my "Going Away lunch." Our director will be flying to the states in just a few days and so we had my farewell party a little early. It was a wonderful afternoon full of good food and great fellowship. I am truly blessed by all the amazing friends I have met here these last two years and I will miss them all so much. 

Kiah was brave and tried chicken feet! She actually liked them!

My Mom and my "China Mom." Janice, our director's wife, has been such a huge blessing to me these last few years when my mom wasn't always able to be here to give me a hug or a listening ear because of the time difference. I am blessed to have two amazing women of God in my life.

Sarah and Kiah. They have heard about each other for the last two years and have finally met!

Delicious food, as always. Have I mentioned how much I'll miss the food?

Our director was able to get several good "group shots" which I will share soon. I have loved my "home" for the last two years, the amazing friends the Lord has placed in my path, and the wonderful staff at the foster home. I will miss them all so very much. Dreading the "see you later's" that will be coming this next week.

Meetings

The last 72 hours have been filled with meetings. First, on Saturday morning, we met up with my high school social studies teacher and his wife in Beijing! They are here for for the summer and it was so fun to meet up, do a little shopping in the market and then share lunch together. So awesome to meet them in Beijing, CHINA of all places! Excited to get together with them when we are all back in the states and share stories and pictures. 

Then yesterday, I was able to introduce my mom and Kiah to my favorite part of China, my sweet children.

Kiah was a naturally with this sweet little one and she loved her too!

I love this picture, so precious.

Of course my mother is a "natural." After all, she's had a lot of practice!

Once again, more sweet memories were made.

Wordless Wednesday: Those Eyes