Orphanage Visit

Talk about life altering. This was my first visit to a local orphanage.

This is Lara with the kids. When we opened the door, we were flooded with generous smiles. They were so happy.

I'd never seen so many smiles from those who would have rightful reason to be down. I was overwhelmed with all the smiles and giggles in this room.

You could tell these children were genuinely loved. When we came into the children section, they lifted their arms for us to hold them and hug them.

" 'Sup?!"

Can you see all the beautiful murals all over the walls. What a beautiful thing someone did here. What amazing love this person must've had for this little corner of ShangHai. What love to give so much of their time.

Another friend Lara Andrea came with, she is from Japan. Andrea is in the background, due with a baby girl soon, and has lived in china over 10 years.

I think by the end of our visit, our cheeks were hurting from smiling and giggling so much. It was a great balance when you think of their circumstance in life. I did not see one temper tantrum. They were all so peaceful and sweet. I originally thought it would be so sad, but I truly saw so much love in action there.

This is the nursery. These little babies and toddlers were simply angelic. The volunteers there were so sweet feeding the babies.

This little guy reached for me to hold him. He wrapped his legs so tight around my waist, as if to hold on with his whole body. I could almost literally feel the bottoms of his feet on my back. It was hard to let him go too when you knew he was so appreciative.

This is Andrea with a little Angel. Like I said: Life Altering. Life Altering. Life Altering.

Words won't come, it was almost sacred walking among these strong spirits. The road ahead wouldn't be an easy one for them. But I felt that they had truly been loved by volunteers.

If these sweet deserving souls had never been rocked by a mother,

Isn't the heart of a Volunteer the closest thing?

In their faces, I could see the fruits of those volunteer mothers and Staff. Some that I'd never met. Ones that come quietly, ones that come often, ones that truly know these children. Ones that don't fight against the system, but simply LOVE the children as they deserve. Don't you just want to be more like these quiet followers of the Savior?