Hello dear friends! We have arrived safely in country after a worldwind 30 hours of traveling! The organization we are partnering with are amazing, I am in awe of of the work they do And the heart they have for these children. Today was out first day with the children- there are no words to describe how beautiful they are! We worked in two separate classrooms singing songs, teaching stories, and creating fun activities. My absolute favorite moments of the days were when the kids felt comfortable enough to throw their arms around whatever body part of me was closest to them for a real hug :). Such love and sweet hearts these children possess! I also loved creating a tent out of a sheet and letting all the kids lay under it to try and "catch the stars" aka flashlight beams. They were so excited and could not stop giggling! I love seeing their delight in doing new things! It was also such a beautiful thing to hear from the careworkers who do this job all year even though it is not viewed well within their culture. I am so in encouraged by their faith and they show me more of what it looks like to walk a life in the service of those less fortunate. It was a great start to the week and I know tomorrow will hold even more for us! Thank you for your support and thoughts! We rely on you- if you could please keep our team leader David in your "thoughts" he has lost his voice and this is extremely hard for him as we wants to be able to really interact with the kids.
Love, Carly

Ashley Dinkel

Day 1
Hi everyone. Yesterday we landed after a day of traveling. First we flew to the west coast (4 hours) then had a lay over (4 hours) then flew to east Asia (12 hours) then had a lay over (6 hours) then flew to our final destination (3 hrs). 29 hours!!! The feeling of leaving on a Thursday and landing on a Saturday was bizarre.

Needless to say, we were tired but since it was the morning (9am), we spent the day touring the area and got to experience the local culture. We walked around a historical island, got to eat local foods, and felt the local weather (Hot and Humid!).

Day 2
Today we got a tour of the facility and listened to a presentation of how the orphanage operates and learned how the special needs program (aka FH) started.

Jn 8;22 “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Kirk and Matt shared a few things with us first about cultural differences.

They told us that as Americans, our individualistic culture greatly affects our view of communal cultures. We are challenged to not let our cultural biases shape our impression of the country or people. Is there anything wrong with eating dog or horse?

As we experience cultural differences, it’s important that we see the truths and the lies and let that be our guide. We are also challenged to build relationship with people here.

“FH’s goal is not to take care of children but to build a team to love each other. “

So please p for us to build relationships and hear the stories of the teachers and staff who work tirelessly but joyfully with FH.


Day 3
Today our team of 9 is now a team of 5. L

You are hearing from the LY orphanage, which is about 2 hours north of XM in the mountains. 10 years ago the same trip took 8 hrs because the tunnels weren’t built. We are glad the tunnels were built!

We start every morning with devotion with a song and a p. Peter shared his testimony with us, which was amazing. 20 years ago he read a “dangerous” book about “is there a g” and felt moved. He typically reads philosophy and felt this book he was reading just made sense and gave meaning to his life. He shared how growing in faith is a gradual process and that for the past 20 years g has continually moved in his heart.

He also shared how meeting as a community has played a key role in his growth. Also the size of their community continues to multiply and split every year. The organic growth and fellowship is something we can learn in the states.

We met all the teachers and the children today. The children are just like any. They love arts and crafts, volleyball, hide and seek, and GLOW STICKS! You know you want a glow stick.

Anyways, I’m amazed at how responsible the kids are. They have been taught to mop, clean the toilets, wipe tables, and take out trash. They also have good table manners. We can’t wait for tomorrow!

- Michael Wang

Thank you everyone for your support as we near the end of our fundraising time and get closer to our goal. 

Our treat tonight is the fabulous David and amazing Genice

David(left) and his brother and sister

God has allowed me to be captivated by him and he's used all different types of mediums to open my eyes to the truth of Him and his Son. for a whole I only wanted small doses of God on my terms but every day I'm learning to surrender to God and live my life ON HIS TERMS.

The preparation for returning to the orphanage for a third time has already been a growing experience because during our meetings I've gotten a chance to learn more and more about our awesome team. The stories of their struggles and how God has been real In their life has definitely strengthened my faith and trust in God.

No one is Un-redeemable and no one is at a place of no hope. This ministry and trip is a constant reminder that as illogical as it might seem to pump so much time effort and resources into giving hope to the subset of society that some consider in the lowest rung, Christ has taught us and asked us to love those who are in all areas of society. It's a reminder that there's nothing in me that I can boast about because I could have been born in a much less privileged situation.

Everything I have is a gift that I did not earn; my wife, my health, my talents etc. My life is a gift that I get to use as a gift back to God; NOT as a condition for his acceptance but BECAUSE OF HIS UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE!!!

I have never been so FREE!!!!

         DWTE

I became interested in the mission trip to East Asia for several reasons. I am a first generation Asian American. I have been told  that I am such a nonstereotypical Asian. It came from growing up and trying to blend in NC. I was one of 2 Asians in my high school.

Now I am no longer a senior in high school but a senior in society and I am ready to learn more about the culture that I shoved aside. I am ready to see for myself the sights and  the people my immigrant parents spoke of.

My heart  lies with serving others and going to an orphanage is a perfect place for God to use me. I already work at North Point church's preschool and love working with children.

My daughter Stephanie and her husband David are leading the mission team. It will be great working alongside them for my first mission trip ever and my first time to China.

Here is the link for my donation page:

Https://globalx.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/genicewong1

Genice

Few more days left til the end of fundraising and the start of our trip. So... here are a few more team members. Meet our duo Carly and Steve

Hello friends!  My name is Carly and I cannot tell you how excited I am to be going on this trip to East Asia!  As soon as I heard about this trip I instantly fell in love with the idea of being a part of it. I can’t believe we are able to go spend time with these children and show them how much God loves them. I believe strongly that we are called to be God’s hands and feet all around the world; so, whenever an opportunity arises to go and share his love I jump at the chance!  Since I have never been on this trip before I don’t know yet what it will look like; but, I know God is faithful and will do amazing things!A little bit about me… I am an elementary school teacher and I really enjoy being able to spend time with kids daily.  I am hoping that this will help me while working with the children in East Asia.  I love to read and am constantly in search of new books.  I enjoy spending time outside (especially now with the weather finally turning warm!) Traveling is my absolute favorite thing to do; I am continually ready for new adventures. So I cannot express how excited I am to experience a new culture and get to know the people of East Asia!I am so grateful for everyone who chooses to support this mission and be God reaching out His love to these children.  If you would like to contribute to my fundraising just click the link: https://globalx.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/carlybeck1 Thank you so much for following our blogs and praying for us on our journey!!!


Steve:

Why this trip? 
I didn’t want to go on this trip because I feel especially gifted to work with orphans, but I know God has a heart for the weak and the helpless so I wanted to serve them and show them God’s love.

Have you been before? 
I have been to other places around the world but never to East Asia so I’m excited to see the culture and hopefully to meet, and talk to, Asian Christians.

Unique preparation for this trip?
I am excited to serve overseas for the first time with my teammate/girlfriend Carly BeckJ

Favorite Bible verse? 
Well some of my favorite verses.  “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Chrsit in God.” Col. 3:3  “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.”  Ps. 63:3

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

This day also marks the beginning of our last week of fundraising so remember to support us friends. Time is running out. 

Also, I'm pleased to introduce Ashley. 

Hi! My name is Ashley and this is my first time going to East Asia! I am so excited and looking forward to heading over there in July. I am a Special needs teacher and I  have a huge heart for adoption, so needless to say I was so encouraged to see that Global X had an opportunity for me to serve this summer. I am excited to be able to use the gifts God has given me and knowledge I have learned to be able to help these children and show them God's Love.

I am looking forward to see what God does during these 10 days. I am praying for mighty things because I believe in a mighty God. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your support they mean so much to me and I can't wait to share my stories when I return!

https://globalx.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/ashleydinkel1

Hello Supporters. Tonight, I'd like to introduce everyone to the team. 

David Ewing, Genice Wong, Brad Hoover, Steve Rogers, Stephanie Ewing Wong, Anna Will, Carly Beck, Michael Wang (not pictured), Ashley Dinkel (not pictured) 

Also, We had a great retreat in the Blue Mountains where we learned have to create games on the fly and learned how to use chop sticks. 

So... the games kinda look lame but trust me, they were awesome! 

Please continue to pray for us as we continue to fundraise and prepare for our trip. 

The countdown, 1 month till we fly.

This week on EAST ASIA 2013 our feature team member is our leader Stephanie Wong!

Why this trip?

I want to use my knowledge and skills (as a pediatric physical therapist) that God equipped me with for His kingdom. I have a heart for Asia, since its where my family is from.

 Have you been before? 

This will be my 3rd trip and 2nd time leading! I am so excited to return again.

 Look forward the most to...?

Building relationships with the teachers and kids, visiting with the Snead family, visiting old friends, and enjoying yummy food! I also look forward to seeing how our team is impacted by this trip. 

 Special story unique to the preparation of this trip or events from previous trips?

God provides opportunities all over! One of my staff meetings at work turned into an opportunity to share about my trip and pass out support letters. It reminds me that God is so big & that He can use anything for His ministry if you keep an open mind.

 Any other relevant details you would like to share

I feel blessed to share this experience with my husband, Mom, and other great friends!

Support Stephanie's trip here:
https://globalx.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/SWEwing

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians  16 -18 (NIV)