Well, my trip has come to an end, I’m already back at home, and I’m only now sitting down to write this Diary Entry #2. Oops!

Still, I want to recap for you more of the special moments from last week.

Home visit to Han Han’s family

The moment we stepped into 5 year old Han Han’s home, her grandma burst into tears. We sat together at the dining table as she explained through tears that Han Han wasn’t eating or drinking well these days.

They have to give her small spoonfuls of soft food, because it’s difficult for her to swallow. It can take over an hour to give her one meal. But recently she hasn’t been interested in eating, and her grandma was worried about her.

She also confided in us that she’s been feeling so alone in caring for her granddaughter. Han Han’s mom and dad both work full time, often leaving early in the morning and not returning til after dinner.

Han Han’s grandmother is so devoted to her, but it’s clear that the burden has felt especially heavy recently.

(Han Han’s family is fully sponsored, but their close friends Hao Hao and his grandmother need just 2 more sponsors. Read more about them or start sponsoring them here.)

Home visit to Rui Rui’s family

Meeting 13 year old Rui Rui and her mama really impacted me.

Rui Rui developed a tumor in her brain at age 6 that caused her to lose her eyesight completely.

Sitting at their small kitchen table, Rui Rui told me that before Hope Station, she had no one to share her struggles with. At times she even felt depressed and like she didn’t want to live anymore. Now, she loves when our team comes to visit. She knows she can tell us anything, and always feels lighter afterwards.

I watched her mama’s face, and could tell that she felt every single one of her daughter’s emotions as if they were her own.

Her mama shared her own struggles with us too: Recently, she requested Rui Rui’s special education school to improve their curriculum to be more relevant to children with blindness. They rejected her request, without even reviewing or considering her idea.

I was so touched by Rui Rui’s mama’s determination and dedication to her daughter.

(Rui Rui’s family is fully sponsored, but Qing Qing and her family need just 1 more sponsor. Read more about them or start sponsoring them here.)

In my next post, I will share about my last couple days in China. And it’s GOOD. Here’s a little sneak peak: