Beijing |
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Count Down
It's getting close! We leave for China in 3 weeks. I'm trying to fit in all of my preparations before then, including gathering everything I'll need while in a 3rd world country, preparing my heart for God's work, and getting my home ready for visitors while I'm away! It's a lot to do, but it'll be here before I know it!
Our flights have been booked, and they cost more than anticipated. The total cost of the trip is now at $4,103. After the 1/3 I was to pay up front and the generous contributions of family and friends, I have a trip balance of $1,500 due next week. I had a very generous teammate work the missions garage sale in my name last weekend while we were away in Louisiana, so hopefully I'll have some money added to my account from that. I'm also sending in my necklace fundraiser, which did make a little bit for me. Please pray with me that God will continue to make provisions as He has been doing thus far!
I have a student in my summer class who is from China, and he's helping me a little with the Mandarin I've been learning through a cd in my car. I spoke a few things to him, and he actually understood what I was saying! He did correct a few of my pronunciations, and I'm looking forward to practicing some more with him. I may also have to watch a few episodes of Ni Hao Kai Lan. :)
Charlotte's asking for something, so I'll go now, but I'll continue to update periodically even while I'm gone. I'm told they supply computers and internet in our hotel rooms, though they do monitor what we do on them.
Our flights have been booked, and they cost more than anticipated. The total cost of the trip is now at $4,103. After the 1/3 I was to pay up front and the generous contributions of family and friends, I have a trip balance of $1,500 due next week. I had a very generous teammate work the missions garage sale in my name last weekend while we were away in Louisiana, so hopefully I'll have some money added to my account from that. I'm also sending in my necklace fundraiser, which did make a little bit for me. Please pray with me that God will continue to make provisions as He has been doing thus far!
I have a student in my summer class who is from China, and he's helping me a little with the Mandarin I've been learning through a cd in my car. I spoke a few things to him, and he actually understood what I was saying! He did correct a few of my pronunciations, and I'm looking forward to practicing some more with him. I may also have to watch a few episodes of Ni Hao Kai Lan. :)
Charlotte's asking for something, so I'll go now, but I'll continue to update periodically even while I'm gone. I'm told they supply computers and internet in our hotel rooms, though they do monitor what we do on them.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Purpose
After my friend Amy asked me to clarify the purpose of the China trip, I realized I hadn't really done that well in my support letter! Here is what I told her:
The Visiting Orphans organization that's organizing our trip sends groups to the various orphanages year round. We're going for 10 days, but this orphanage will have many other visiting groups throughout the year. Each nanny in the orphanage typically cares for about 6 infants around-the-clock, so we just offer some relief to them as we also provide loving touch to the babies that otherwise wouldn't have as much human contact. The purpose is two-fold - to obey God's command in the Bible to visit orphans, and to demonstrate and share God's love with those with whom we come in contact. People who have gone on this trip have reported that they're often asked why they come and spend their time doing this, and that gives them the opportunity to share God's message of love.
This is why I need lots of prayer support as I prepare for this trip! Please pray that God will prepare my heart for whatever He has in store for me, and that I will be open to whatever ways He wants to use me to reach others. I will need an open mind and heart, flexibility, and selflessness as we travel to this foreign region to serve God rather than ourselves. Those of you who know me know these things won't be easy for me! :)
The Visiting Orphans organization that's organizing our trip sends groups to the various orphanages year round. We're going for 10 days, but this orphanage will have many other visiting groups throughout the year. Each nanny in the orphanage typically cares for about 6 infants around-the-clock, so we just offer some relief to them as we also provide loving touch to the babies that otherwise wouldn't have as much human contact. The purpose is two-fold - to obey God's command in the Bible to visit orphans, and to demonstrate and share God's love with those with whom we come in contact. People who have gone on this trip have reported that they're often asked why they come and spend their time doing this, and that gives them the opportunity to share God's message of love.
This is why I need lots of prayer support as I prepare for this trip! Please pray that God will prepare my heart for whatever He has in store for me, and that I will be open to whatever ways He wants to use me to reach others. I will need an open mind and heart, flexibility, and selflessness as we travel to this foreign region to serve God rather than ourselves. Those of you who know me know these things won't be easy for me! :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
China Babies
So, Charlotte won't stop talking about having a brother AND a sister. She's now telling people that's she's getting them, like it's decided or something. I suggested to Barry that maybe we should have another baby AND I can bring one home from China - then Charlotte's wish could come true! He said, "I don't think so." I don't suppose they let you just bring a baby home from China, anyway... I'm sending my letters for support out tomorrow! Those of you who receive one, please don't feel like I'm asking for money! If you feel moved to do so, you're welcome to contribute to the mission trip, but I equally need all of your prayers as I prepare my heart to go. The letter has trip dates, the organization's website if you want to read more about them, and my prayer requests (plus a link to this blog!).
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Baby Brother
Let me preface this post by stating that I am NOT pregnant!
Charlotte seems a little preoccupied with baby brothers lately. Yesterday she told me that her friends Keira and Alexa have a baby brother, but that she doesn't. Then she paused and said, "Maybe God will bring me a baby brother."
This morning she was dancing in front of the mirror (as usual) and singing, "I wish I had a baby brother..." I laughed and asked if she were sure she wanted a brother. She thought about that and said, "I want a sister AND a brother!" I told her that Mommy doesn't have room in her tummy for TWO babies, to which she first replied, "Well, maybe God will put them in your tummy one at a time." Then she thought about that, changed her mind, and said, "But your tummy is getting fat. Maybe you do have enough room for two babies."
Charlotte seems a little preoccupied with baby brothers lately. Yesterday she told me that her friends Keira and Alexa have a baby brother, but that she doesn't. Then she paused and said, "Maybe God will bring me a baby brother."
This morning she was dancing in front of the mirror (as usual) and singing, "I wish I had a baby brother..." I laughed and asked if she were sure she wanted a brother. She thought about that and said, "I want a sister AND a brother!" I told her that Mommy doesn't have room in her tummy for TWO babies, to which she first replied, "Well, maybe God will put them in your tummy one at a time." Then she thought about that, changed her mind, and said, "But your tummy is getting fat. Maybe you do have enough room for two babies."
Fears
All of the people from our church who are going on summer mission trips had a training session this past Sunday. During the session, we were asked about our fears for our upcoming trips, and everyone had a hard time coming up with any. I try to trust in the Lord and give Him my anxieties. However, after talking with Charlotte Sunday night about my China trip, it was hard not to cry as she hugged my neck and told me how much she'll miss me when I'm gone! We were told that Satan doesn’t want us to go on this trip, and that he will present obstacles. I think this was one. I now have 2 fears to give over to the Lord: 1) how much it will hurt to miss her and not be able to connect over the 10 days I'm away, and 2) what if something happens to me, and I don’t make it home to her?
The next morning, God answered my prayer for help with one of these fears. Charlotte asked me if today were the day I leave for China. I told her no, and she argued with me, "But you said today you were going to China!" I asked if she wants Mommy to go, and she said yes, because she wants one of her grandmothers to come take care of her!!! I laughed as I told her that’s not very nice to tell Mommy you want her to leave, to which she said, “Oh, but you’ll be back soon, Mommy.” Out of the mouths of babes…
The next morning, God answered my prayer for help with one of these fears. Charlotte asked me if today were the day I leave for China. I told her no, and she argued with me, "But you said today you were going to China!" I asked if she wants Mommy to go, and she said yes, because she wants one of her grandmothers to come take care of her!!! I laughed as I told her that’s not very nice to tell Mommy you want her to leave, to which she said, “Oh, but you’ll be back soon, Mommy.” Out of the mouths of babes…
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
China Mission Trip
This summer I'll be joining other team members from around the country on a short-term mission trip to China! We'll be visiting an orphanage in Heng Feng June 24-July 4. The trip is organized by a Christian, non-profit ministry called Visiting Orphans (http://visitingorphans.org). You can find information about this specific trip on the website or by clicking here.
How did this come about? As I was rummaging through a box of papers last week, I came across the Village Bible Church pamphlet on summer short-term mission trips. The deadline was past, but I asked about applying late and got the go-ahead. I submitted my application and two letters of reference (thank you, Beth and Carol!), and the team accepted me this past weekend! I now have a lot of work to do to get ready for this great opportunity to do God's work and spread His love. I'm so grateful to be able to serve Him in this way.
For this trip, I'm asking family and friends for their prayers and/or funding support. The cost for me to attend this trip is $3,500. This includes all of my travel, lodging, and meals. If you'd like to make a donation to help fund the cost of this trip, please visit the donation page and choose "June 24 - July 4, 2011 Heng Feng China Trip" from the "gift designation" drop-down menu. Then, select "yes" for "Would you like to designate this donation to a specific team member?" and enter my name (Stephanie Henagan). Any money that is raised beyond the cost of the trip goes directly to the orphanage to help meet their needs!
I'll be sure to post updates here as I prepare for the trip and when I return. I hope to have plenty of pictures of the team doing God's work!
In Him,
Stephanie
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress... -James 1:27
How did this come about? As I was rummaging through a box of papers last week, I came across the Village Bible Church pamphlet on summer short-term mission trips. The deadline was past, but I asked about applying late and got the go-ahead. I submitted my application and two letters of reference (thank you, Beth and Carol!), and the team accepted me this past weekend! I now have a lot of work to do to get ready for this great opportunity to do God's work and spread His love. I'm so grateful to be able to serve Him in this way.
For this trip, I'm asking family and friends for their prayers and/or funding support. The cost for me to attend this trip is $3,500. This includes all of my travel, lodging, and meals. If you'd like to make a donation to help fund the cost of this trip, please visit the donation page and choose "June 24 - July 4, 2011 Heng Feng China Trip" from the "gift designation" drop-down menu. Then, select "yes" for "Would you like to designate this donation to a specific team member?" and enter my name (Stephanie Henagan). Any money that is raised beyond the cost of the trip goes directly to the orphanage to help meet their needs!
I'll be sure to post updates here as I prepare for the trip and when I return. I hope to have plenty of pictures of the team doing God's work!
In Him,
Stephanie
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress... -James 1:27
Thursday, March 3, 2011
King Cake
I miraculously found king cakes at the grocery store in DeKalb, Illinois, and brought some home for us to celebrate the weekend before Mardi Gras. Charlotte, who just turned 3, spouted off several hilarious comments in a row as we enjoyed our Louisiana tradition.
Charlotte wanted the green beads cleaned so she could wear them, but Barry wouldn't do it because he said she already has necklaces. I told him to just clean them, that it was Mardi Gras and she was excited. Charlotte then said, "Daddy, you don't have to make a big deal out of it."
When she then asked for the other beads to be washed, Barry asked her if she could just be content with the green one. I said, "She's 3." Charlotte said, "Yeah, I'm 3. That means I can get what I want and you have to do it for me."
Charlotte complained that the baby Jesus in the king cake was messy. Barry told her to lick it off. She said, "I can't lick it off! Then I'd get licky stuff on it!"
Charlotte wanted the green beads cleaned so she could wear them, but Barry wouldn't do it because he said she already has necklaces. I told him to just clean them, that it was Mardi Gras and she was excited. Charlotte then said, "Daddy, you don't have to make a big deal out of it."
When she then asked for the other beads to be washed, Barry asked her if she could just be content with the green one. I said, "She's 3." Charlotte said, "Yeah, I'm 3. That means I can get what I want and you have to do it for me."
Charlotte complained that the baby Jesus in the king cake was messy. Barry told her to lick it off. She said, "I can't lick it off! Then I'd get licky stuff on it!"
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