We are all starting to feel more at home in China and the kids have started making a lot of new friends. We are surrounded by families in our neighborhood who are from the US and that have children about the same age as ours. It has been great for the kids, as having friends and other English speaking children around has really helped them adjust to all the changes in their lives. There are some pictures of Alyson and Austin with some of their new friends. The little Chinese boy, Levi, was adopted by an American family who lives down the street from us. His mom actually wrote a book about him called "Saving Levi." He was found in a field in Langfang, China severely burned when he was a baby, and the Bentley family took him in and helped him and ended up adopting him. He was taken in by the Bentley's when they were working at PHF. They are now helping with another ministry here in Langfang. You can find out more about his story by clicking on the link below. Take the time to read it, as it is a very powerful story. Levi is such a sweet boy, and I think he spends more time at our house then he does his own:)
The little girl with Alyson is named Ellen and her family lives across the street and they are actually from Iowa too, which is pretty neat. You move halfway around the world and your neighbors end up being from the same state you are.
We had a huge July 4th party this past Wednesday at Shepherd's Field. There were over 100 people in attendance including neighbors, staff at PHF as well as some friends from Beijing. We had volleyball, badmitten, and a lot of fireworks. Once the fireworks started, people from all the surrounding villages were outside the gate watching them. John cooked all the hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats. It was a lot of fun, and a good time was had by all.
Please keep Cadence (one of the little girls at the orphanage here) in your prayers as we personally are in the process of trying to find a treatment plan to help her brachial plexus palsy (paralysis in her right arm). She is at the age (11 months old) where surgery needs to be done soon or else it will no longer be an option. We are working with some US surgeons on this who have volunteered their services. Please pray the doors will continue to open as we seek out a treatment plan for her and that God's will will be done in this situation. Our family has taken a special interest in her and we hope to adopt her someday (God-willing), so help us to have the wisdom and guidance to do the right things to help her.We miss you all. We can't thank-you enough for your prayers for us as we serve in China.
Blessings,
John, Desiray
Alyson and Austin
