Matthew 25:40

We visited with a terrific Chinese family last night. Wendy, Yvonne (I hope I spelled that right!) and Tiger. They brought over some delicious spring rolls and dumplings. I asked Wendy if she would teach me how to make some traditional chinese food so I think the next time we get together we are going to try! Wendy tried to teach Alyssa a few Chinese words but Alyssa was quite shy and wouldn't really talk to her. After a few visits, I know Alyssa will warm up to them. The boys are looking forward to learning some mandarin as well! What a sweet, kind family they are!

There is no news on my trip to the orphanage or the playground. My contact in China is on vacation so I'm waiting until she returns to hear back from Director Lei and to order the playground equipment.

We have 2 fundraisers in the making right now and they are really fantastic! They are going to be so fun so stay tuned for more information on those!

This Bible verse has been on my heart for a long time and each day it motivates me more and more - even when I am so tired, emotionally and physically!

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for

one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

MATTHEW 25:40

Our "dream" list

We are just about done with our list of "dream" items for the orphanage. I'm going to send the list to Director Lei and let her have the final say before I order it all. We have tried to include pieces that she really wanted for the children and what would fit in our price range. I think we are getting lots of great items for $4000. This includes the shipping of the items to the orphanage and the installation of all the items.

*Playground Set with slides, climbers, etc...
*1 Bouncy Horse
*4 sets of table & chairs - each set includes one long child's table and 10 children's chairs. (for use inside for crafts, school and meal time)
*2 School Desks & 2 Chairs (for use inside)
*1 Swingset (it has 3 swings, rings and a swinging seat)
*2 Teeter Totters
*2 Rocking Horses - these can be used inside our outside
*1 Little Tykes Ride -In Police Car (can be used inside or outside)
*1 Playhouse (can be used inside or outside)
*1 Tunnel (can be used inside or outside)
*2 Bench seating for the nannies
*50 square meters of Safety mats (will be used under the swings and slide playground for safety as it will be built on concrete)

With the above items we can give the orphanage 2 play areas - inside and outside and also give them some much needed work space for meals, school and other table activities.

Can't wait to see the little ones playing!!!

Tammy

Prayers for China

I've started the process of going back to China to visit Alyssa's orphanage. I have requested permission to visit her orphanage and they told me it is very rare to grant permission although I do know of one other family who has visited. Please pray for God's hand in their decision making! I was told it would be a week or so before I heard back from the Director.

We are also finalizing all the items we want to purchase for the playground. The pieces themselves are not too bad...we can get a lot for $4000. The problem is, the space is all concrete so we have to purchase saftey mats to cover the area and it is very expensive. We are trying to cut back on a few items so we can add the mats. Donations continue to come in the mail so this helps cover the costs. We have decided (at Director Lei's request) to also buy craft tables and chairs for inside the orphanage and the children will use these for school, meal time and other table activities. We've also included a few items that can be used inside for their playroom and/or outside.

Our kids are gearing up for the end of the school year and we have all decided to spend our summer touring the Island with our lemonade stand. We will be visiting many areas across PEI and the 3 kids and some of their friends will be selling homemade lemonade, homemade cookies, caramel popcorn (a FAVORITE at the Kids Carnival) and other little things. They will also sell tatoos and we will have our blankets for sale as well. We are always accepting more handmade blankets to sell and I've started a box of blankets and hats that I will take to the orphanage in September.

We'll keep you posted on what areas we are visiting with our lemonade stand so you can come out and visit us!

Tammy

Questions for the day...

I am getting very anxious to go to China. All I can think about is touching the children's faces and having the chance to hug them, play with them, smile with them, rock them, watch them enjoy the playground...

Is it enough to share our love this way? It's impossible for us to adopt every child so how can we make sure children are given the chance to know the love of a family and to know the love of Jesus? When I travel to China I will not be able to openly talk about Jesus and how much he loves us, the nannies, the children, etc... Will they be able to see Jesus through our actions, through our committment to love these children?

I've been thinking a lot about what the children need the most. We will continue to provide for their basic needs with food, clean & safe environment, clothing, medical help, toys, books and all those things that can help them grow strong. But each child really needs the love of a mother, a father; to know they are THE most special child in the eyes of someone. How can I do this for them?

I will never stop advocating for the children but at the same time I find it extremely difficult on an emotional level. Honestly, there is not a day that goes by that I don't cry over these children and pray for their safety, their lives and the hope that they will find a family.

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.

— Edmund Burke

A new day for Fenghuangyuan!

These pictures are taken from other orphanages where Love Without Boundaries (www.lovewithoutboundaries.com) has put in playgrounds. The one we put in at the Fenghuangyuan orphanage will be quite similar. It looks so fun!

We are getting the plans for the new playground at the Fenghuangyuan orphanage going much sooner than we'd planned! We have contacted a Chinese company (thanks to Love Without Boundaries!) who has some beautiful playground equipment they will install for us. We are going through some of the pieces and we will let Director Lei have the final say on what she would like for the orphanage.

I am hoping to travel to China in the near future. I cannot wait to visit China again and I hope we can spend a few day visiting the orphanage and loving the children there!

Tammy