last full day (pictures to come later)

Just a short post. Today was my last full day here. It was wonderful. I did morning and afternoon preschool as usual. At around 4:30 PM, Ganlu went with me to visit Shaun at his foster home. Shaun is doing great. His foster family loves him SO much, and that puts my heart at rest. His foster mom says she'll bring him in the morning tomorrow so I can spend time with him before I go (I leave at 3 PM). I am so grateful for that.

After my visit with Shaun, I rode my bike back to the foster home, and was surprised by 60 people waiting in the backyard! Turns out they had organized a surprise goodbye party! It was a lot of fun. We ate dinner and had cake and chatted a lot. Then we gathered around and several people shared some very kind words and memories. I got some goodbye gifts (which included 2 t-shirts with my favorite baby boys on them -- shaun and judah!) I was overwhelmed (in a good way!) and felt so blessed by my New Day family. They even brought out some of the kids (Robert, Vincent, Ethan) to sing a song and recite a poem. That was really sweet.

After everyone left, I went to put my stuff back into my room and then headed over to the foster home to spend some time with the nannies. We chatted about going home and my family and when I'm coming back. That was a really special time. I have come to really love the nannies and just admire them so much for their love for the children. They are people I will definitely miss!

Now I'm back in my room and am about to start packing up a storm. Please lift me up during my travels. Tomorrow afternoon I fly to Hong Kong to spend the weekend with relatives. I will arrive back in the States on Monday evening! 

See you real soon!

Comments

[Alycia and family]

Jess,

We will be praying for you as you come home to the States, that God will grant you travel mercies and a peaceful heart. Thank you for helping Adahlyn with her English while you were at New Day. You will always have a special place in our hearts. Come see us sometime when you get settled. We'd love to have you!
Much love and gratitude,

[TanyaLea]

Hey Jess,

I'm with Alycia... I so appreciate your heart for the children and your servant's heart while giving of yourself to those precious kiddos. God will surely bless you for that! Though I only had a short time to spend with you in person, it didn't take long to realize your strong character and leadership qualities. I know the Lord has great things in store for your future!! Know you are ALWAYS welcome at our home, as well. If you are in the area and need a place to stay, certainly let me know and I'll be right there! Thanks for being our tour guide in the village during our time there. It meant alot to us and we were all so grateful to you and the other interns that joined us. Praying for a nice time with your relatives in HK and safe travels back to the States. Also for your heart, as I know you are leaving a big ol' chunk of it there at NewDay!

Love and Hugs,
~ Tanya (and Khloe)

[Kate]

Have a safe trip home. Miss you!

[tiffany]

You have been in my thoughts these past few days as you traveled home. I hope your trip went well and I hope you will have some time to recover! It always takes a full week for us to be fairly functional again when we come home from China. Of course, we always come home with a new kiddo so a little different! But still, the time change is hard and all that travel takes a lot out of you. Hope you are well and look forward to hearing more from you soon!