I’m Coming Home!!!

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I’ll be in the States on Saturday!!!!!!!
Wow… time has (in the most cliche fashion) flown by SO fast!

5 weeks in a foreign country has really added up to being an absolutely amazing trip; a trip that I desire going on again next year! There are by far too many topics to cover within this last entry, but I just need to find a decent conclusion to all that occurred while I was over here.

Prior to ever hearing about the Asia trip offered through DBU, I had always had an instilled knowledge that I would get out of the country for a while. There just seemed to be an uneasy sense of discomfort with many things that I was noticing in the States. Completely and utterly grateful for my birthplace, America has been such a b1essing in my life. Having now been exposed to a very miniscule part of Asia, I am able to see a completely different perspective on both of these opposing cultures. Coming back to the States will give me a clarifying view on how I feel about each, but I have to say that my mind has been blown away and my breath went with it.

I don’t want to be the one planning the future, but I am almost certain that I will be back. There is just something natural and real about this place that meshes very well with my personality. He has given me such peace in hope that I will return someday to have a deeper connection with those who I have locally served and bonded with. Who knows though! He always works in the most beautiful and ironic ways, so I truly look forward to seeing what’s up his long choir robe sleeve :-P.

I just got back from a local orphanage; something I normally would never choose to do.

As you know from the previous posts, I’m not the kind of girl who just loves to pick up infants and speak gibberish to them as they slurp drool. But my heart was really moved the other day when I felt led to visit an orphanage while I was here. I had never been in one, and this was taking a huge step. I went with my two new friends from Asia who have previously worked in orphanages, and we set out Thursday right when school got out. He completely opened the doorways of approval, transportation, and access. For only 3 kuai (about $.40) and a 1 hour long bus ride we arrived at our much anticipated destination. The orphanage ended up being an asylum for abandoned children with dissabilities and illnesses. It was a very heart wrenching sight, especially knowing that this was one of the nicer shelters in the city. There were about 30 cribs in one room with little ones either seated in special wooden chairs or tied up in their cribs half asleep. Yes, tied up. Part of the reasoning was to keep the children form climbing out or hurting themselves, but it was a very unexpected sight to see. The workers looked tired and strained, but I saw them as being heroines of selflessness. The children’s ages ranged from a few months old to about 4 years, each with their own unique dissability (primarily down syndrome). It was so tragic to see that many of those children might die soon, and that they wouldn’t be the top pick of the market when it comes to adoption. But despite the sadness, I swear that I say Him. I saw G-d in their eyes. Their bodies may have been mutated, but His presence was pure, innocent, and striking. I continued to weep over each child as I realized that He loved each of His children. Each of them were completely abandoned and disowned by the world and its inhabitants, but Dad never let go of their precieous worth. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I plan to do this again someday :-)

I would absolutely love to tell you more about this trip when I get back! Feel free to chat in person, email (JoanUyvari@yahoo.com), or facebook if you have any questions, comments, words of encouragement, or just spam mail (spam mail is better than no mail!). I cannot wait to see many of you when I get back home from the 2nd to the 10th! I want to also say thank you to the many people in Arkansas, Texas, and California (and any other states) who have been “thinking” to Him about this trip. There is absolutely no doubt that many lives were completely and utterly changed within our group and in this city. He is so good :-) See you all so soon!!!!

Good night Asia and good morning America!
Joanie :-D

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