Village Bible Church || Aurora | Indian Creek | Sugar Grove | IL

From team co-leader Becki Carlson:

It hasn't taken long for us to settle into a nice routine and to become attached to these precious babies we are caring for. It was so fun today, to see the babies laughing and giggling, and warming up to this group of strangers! There are still a few babies that aren't quite sure of us, but I have a feeling by the end of the week they will all be enjoying our loving arms. The nannies have welcomed us with open arms and seem to enjoy the little bit of break we can give them in the time we are there. Everyone we come into contact with is so gracious to us....from the nannies, who give gifts of flowers and food, to the orphanage director, who eats every meal with us, and makes sure there is always food that we like and that we are all satisfied.

Speaking of food, I think we have all gotten the hang of chopsticks, which is a good thing, since silverware is not really an option! We also have a few brave people on our team who are always willing to try anything that looks a little different. Last night our guide Qiao was telling us about the strangest things he knows of that people in China might eat, including monkey brain, cat, dog, baby mice and silk worms. We have not had anything like that at our meals! The strangest so far has been the seaweed soup and the fungus called "wood ear". Our meals together are always fun and interesting!

Thanks for all of the prayers coming from home. We have so far all been healthy and pretty well adjusted to the time change. Please continue to pray for our team and for everyone we come into contact with. Our prayer is that we can be a light to the people we meet and serve here in China. "Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be bright as day" Isaiah 58:10