I have a special video to show you…

This is my final China Diary, with two of the most special moments of all.

After my few days home so far, I’ve concluded that there is no way to fully express how significant this trip to China really was.

Hopefully though, the video and pictures here will help you feel just a little closer to it all!

A Fancy (+ Heart Moving) Party

I’ll never forget this beautiful gathering we had. For the first time since I moved out of China in 2020, we invited all our partners, donors, and friends to come together.

We spent the evening sharing stories, thanking them for the impact they’ve made, and celebrating the growth of Hope Station over the years.

Here’s a little snippet of what I shared that night with everyone:

“Yesterday here in Chengdu, I sat with a teenage girl and her mom in their humble apartment. This girl developed a brain tumor when she was around 6 years old, and it eventually caused her to lose her eyesight. As I listened to them share their recent struggles and victories, I was struck by their bravery. Bravery to face the unknown when they received her diagnosis. Bravery as they experience discrimination in the community. Bravery to keep going as they stick together as a family despite their challenges.

This girl’s mother thanked us probably 20 times for walking with them through it all. And tonight I want to pass that thanks on to you. It is thanks to all of you in this room that children and families like theirs can be brave and carry on. Thank you for the love and care you show to these families through your generosity.

As I look around the room, I see so many faces that I know, some who helped Hope Station grow in the early days, and some who have supported us for a long time. But amazingly, I also see many faces that I didn’t know until today. That truly moves my heart, and shows just how much Hope Station has grown.”

Giving a TEDx Talk (yes, really)

Another moment I’ll never forget: stepping onto the stage with our China Director, Margarete Zhang, to give our TEDx Talk. 

This was the opportunity of a lifetime! We were honored to share this very important message with the TEDx community:

The global orphan crisis is actually a global family crisis. And family strengthening is the key to a world without orphans.

As for the rest, my lips are sealed until the full video is released! Don’t worry, I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

This concludes my China Diaries!

But our Bridge the Gap campaign is still live til the end of June… the chance to double your donation FOR A YEAR only lasts thru June 30th!

You’ll hear from me just a couple more times this month, as I share more specifically about the waiting families. 

I’m so grateful for you all. So very grateful.