The other week one of the volunteers gave a presentation on adoption in China and shared with us her personal experience with it.
Rebecca explained how the adoption process works in China and how children with disabilities are abandoned because of their disabilities. Chinese culture often puts emphasis on unity and likeness and, as a result, a child who is different is not necessarily desirable. Along with this, many parents and orphanages cannot afford the medical costs or may not have the knowledge of how to help the child. Often times these children are sent to foster homes like the one we are at now.
While I learned about adoption in China, I also learned about Rebecca’s love for Chinese orphans with disabilities.
Rebecca and her husband have adopted three children with disabilities from China. She said when she first heard the call on her life, she couldn’t believe it. Since then they have pursued their passion for Chinese orphans by moving their family to China and volunteering at this foster home for the past six months.
After the presentation I walked out of the room, through the hall, and outside the building into the bright and slightly smoggy sunlight. I thought of how much Rebecca loved the children she had adopted. It was so evident through her actions and words that she loved them as her own.
Even though China had rejected these children for being “flawed” with mental and physical disabilities, Rebecca chased after them, brought them home, and loved them.
She didn’t see them for their flaws, but saw them for how God made them to be.
How beautiful is this image of adoption.
My heart soared as I walked through the courtyard.
And for a moment I could see myself the way the Lord sees me:
Not someone who is-
-messed up
-full of shame
-abandoned
-flawed
But as someone who is
-gentle
-kind-hearted
-beautiful
-so, so loved
Despite what the world says about me, despite my flaws, He chased after me, brought me home, and loved me.
I am a child of God.
