Why?

A lot of people have asked "Why would you make a blog?" So in case any of you are wondering, here is my answer:

I am writing this blog, not only to pen (or should I say type) out my thoughts, but to remember them. And if I ever doubt something along the way, I can look back at this, and hopefully be encouraged. Also, I feel like this blog will be used by God. Once here and adopted, Xian may want to see her story, the way she effected us, and maybe even how much we love her, even before we knew her as well as we eventually will. After all, my mom refers to this process as a pregnancy. I have seen pictures of me since the day I was born. She wont have that, but we have memories, and I can record those memories, and she can see those. It's like an online scrapbook, but without pictures. At this point, she's not "born" yet, she's in God's plans. (AND WE CANT WAIT TO SEE HER!) I am hoping and praying daily that God will reveal himself to her. Though she is young, she can be used. Also, my mom wants a blog. She as well, would love to be able to look back on the process, like a journal. In a sense this is my online journal. So, that is why I have started this blog.

In Him,
Chelsey :)

Easter Hope

Today we woke up with fun-filled Easter baskets by our beds. My siblings and I trampled down the stairs to see each other's reactions. We ate a wonderful breakfast complete with Bran muffins and Breakfast bars. We laughed and made jokes. We went to church and celebrated Jesus alive from the dead... and forevermore! We came home from church munching on fruit to hold us down as we prepared for an exquisite lunch. We thanked God for our food and his ultimate sacrifice, ate together, and shared some memories. Then we cleaned up with positive attitudes and danced to Barlow Girl's "Never Alone". Next we relaxed while my mom hid the Easter eggs. We searched high and low and topped off our already full baskets with yet more treats. At night we all went to bed with new memories playing back in our minds, smiling to ourselves as we drifted peacefully off to sleep.

I cant help but wonder what Shan is doing on the other side of the world. Is she celebrating Easter at all? Is she even aware of God's love for her? Does she have hope? We celebrate Easter nonchalantly and take advantage of the unappreciated goodies. I wish I could be over there with her, or better-yet, she here with us. I keep telling myself: wait. trust God. He has a plan even when you don't. It's so easy for me to be sad, but God is merciful and mighty to save, and I fully believe that. Otherwise, what hope would there be?

Hope: Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.'"

In Him,
Chelsey :)

P.S. HE IS RISEN!!

Xian in sight and sound!

This link: http://angelsinchina.blogspot.com/2008/11/xian-xian.html will take you to a sweet video of Xian. It's on the blog of a team of doctors from our church that went to the same orphanage in the fall to do therapy and diagnostics. They said aside from her simple lazy eye, Xian is perfectly normal- not a single sign of CP.
You will hear her say/sound my parents' names: Tim and Laura.
Chelsey :)

God is GOOD!

Hallelujah! If there was ever a doubt in your mind, God answers prayers! I have been praying that even though she is half way around the world, Xian would hear about our Heavenly Father. Now I don't know that this has or will happen, but I have hope! I've just found out that one of the girls at the orphanage, Jing Jing (pictured above- cerebral palsy) has been led to Christ by some of the regular visitors, is a true Christian, and has proclaimed the name of Christ to her deaf friend in the orphanage! I have heard that she is now being taken out into the village! This is wonderful news and it just goes to show that God can reach anyone, anywhere! He can do all things according to His purposes! Please join me in praying that her love for Christ would grow and that she would share this relationship with the other children in the orphanage (including Xian!). She is so close to people who can lead her to Christ, I am hoping and praying that that will happen! Praise God!
In His Name,
Chelsey :)

My Story

Hi! My name is Chelsey. I am 16 years old and I have a heart for orphans and China. This is the story of my transition from America to China in my heart.

Last summer, my dad, Tim, and I went on a short-term mission trip to China. We ministered to orphans and spent time loving them; giving them attention they didn't normally have. My heart was broken, as was to be expected. However, my dad, who came on the trip so I "could have the experience", was changed even more dramatically than I. His heart was broken as well, and we shared an unforgettable experience that would change our lives forever as well as bring us closer together. While we were there, we both fell in love with one of the orphans. Her name is Jing Fu Xian. She is 6 years old and precious. She is mis-diagnosed with CP and because of this label is living in the special needs department of the orphanage. As soon as we got home, we told my family about Xian Xian and almost immediately began the adoption process. Though she is being taken care of to the best of the nannies' abilities, we wish to bring her home to us as soon as possible. The process has been long and slow. We began the process June of 2008. I will eventually try to put together a timeline so our progress will be clear. We have been in constant prayer for Xian and the orphanage. We have also needed much hope, patience, and trust. Please join us in this journey by supporting us with prayer. We have had so much encouragement thus far, and we are very excited to see where God is taking us, especially me. I have seriously considered going full-time into missions, possibly learning Chinese, or teaching English. Whatever God's plan for me is, I trust him and I know he knows what's best. Thanks be to God!

In His name,
Chelsey