Women's Retreat
It was the perfect blend of fellowship, service, and laughter! Fourteen of us flew to Luoyang to Maria’s Big House of Hope where about 140 orphaned children with medical needs are being cared for. One of the floors in this facility has dorm style rooms to accommodate volunteer teams like ours. We spent the three day weekend interacting with the children, ministering to the nursing staff, and enjoying fellowship with each other.
I was awed by the beautiful facility, the loving Chinese nannies, the excellent Filipino nurses, and the selflessness of several Americans who are serving there. The presence of God was absolutely evident in this place! The nurses, doctor’s wife, and preschool teacher spent time with us during meals and our structured devotional times since they have very little opportunity for Christian fellowship. We also really enjoyed playing games at night in the lounge!
Of course, some of the most rewarding time was spent with the children. We played, held, sang and danced with children ranging in age from infants to five year olds. We even painted the fingers and toes of several preschool age girls! I have to say I absolutely melted when I went to say goodbye to a group that I had spent a lot of time with the prior day – when I walked in the room, three little girls smiled and scooted over to me right away ready to play! That doesn’t happen often to this mother of three older sons!! It both warmed and broke my heart. During their stay at Maria’s, many of the children will receive life saving medical care and surgery, and will eventually be adopted by their “forever” family!
I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies from CCC on this trip and sharing this amazing experience with them!
I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!
Matthew 25:40