Goodbyes

Goodbyes... I know it sounds crazy to some to say goodbye to a building but it is something that I just had to do. I feel in a way growing up as a military child helped prepare me for saying goodbye and thanking places for the memories that will forever be cherished in my heart. For me the building that housed New Hope Foundation located in BeiWu out in Shunyi area of Beijing... will forever hold a spot in my heart. They may no longer be able to care for precious children in that building but it served an amazing purpose for almost 16 years. It saved so many babies lives, it was the last place on earth that many were rocked and loved as well. This is the building where Dr.Joyce and Robin grew their dream into what it is today. Where amazing women dedicated their lives for caring for these sick babies. Where a number of volunteers from all over the world came and gave their time. A place that so many kiddos attended preschool for the very first time. Where they learned it was okay to get messy and were introduced to a new language. A place where dear friends were made. As I went into my final few days... I walked around thanking this place for being such an amazing blessing over the years. A place that became like a second home to me. I could walk through the doors and it was the feeling that I had arrived at my China home. I am grateful for the time I was able to spend in the Beijing location. I grew a lot into the person I am today there. I walked the garden and prayed for those special babies that this was their last home on earth. I prayed that this building will go on to do great things for someone else at the right time. I prayed for all the women and men who served daily here that they are able to find jobs and ways to continue to support their families. And that they will always remember that they are amazing people and have done amazing things over the years. I know the question will be asked... “Do you think you will go back?” The answer is I do believe I will go back just the location is still to be determined. New Hope Foundation isn’t going anywhere and they still need our support and prayers as their work will continue down in the Henan Province. So, I just waiting to see what that will look like for me. But for now I will cherish the time that I had in BeiWu as any trips from here on out will look different but sometimes different is good and stretches us outside our comfort zone.