I’m here!

It’s the morning of day 3 in China, and I’ve seen and done so much already.

Here are a few of my favorite moments so far:

Day 1: Back in the Office

Stepping out of the elevator on the 6th floor of our office building, and seeing a sign that said “Hope Station, this way” was so surreal. It’s been 3 years since I’ve seen any of this in person!

Reuniting with my team (and meeting one of them for the first time), and hugging them all was so special.

We have so much to do together this week. But just being together in person, rather than on screens, is such a joy.

Day 2: Home Visits

Yesterday, we went on two home visits. I had never met these two families, and it was an honor to be welcomed into their homes and their stories.

3 year old Xin Yue’s parents are both blind. They work very hard, but they face significant challenges as a family.

I asked her what it’s like to raise a daughter who is seeing as a mother who is blind. “Sometimes we’re at the playground, she points to something and asks ‘Mama, what’s this and what’s that?’ but I can’t give her an answer.”

13 year old Xin Yang has autism. He and his mom came to the gate of their complex to meet us, and Xin Yang was beaming with excitement. He’s such a gem of a kid! His mom shared that she goes with him every single day to school, to help him learn and complete all his assignments. After school, they go to therapy together too. Though the days are full, she’s so happy with the progress that Xin Yang is making at therapy since joining our Family Strengthening Program.

Xin Yang is one of our families still waiting for sponsors! 

It’s been a surreal couple of days.

I knew before arriving that all of this was real, but nothing compares to seeing it with my own eyes.

Coming up in my next update:
More home visits tomorrow, and a really special event the next day that all our sponsors and partners here in Chengdu are invited to.