making someone else look forward to tomorrow

A couple years ago the terms “special needs” and “orphanage” were things I would have said I cared about, but they weren’t personal. They weren’t words that struck a deep chord in me at a gut level. And then that all changed. My daughter was considered “special needs” because she was born with a cleft lip and palate. She had needs that were different than other kids. Honestly though, all my kids have needs that are different than other kids. Quite frankly, it is probably a term that could describe us all.

Several years back I remember reading about the opening of Maria’s Big House of Hope. It was built in honor of Steven and Mary Beth Chapman’s daughter – Maria Sue. It is a huge (six-story, 60,000 square foot) orphanage that provides medial care and houses orphans in China with special needs. The bright blue with painted clouds building is a beckon of hope and healing for many children.

I’ve been to orphanages in a few countries, China included. Not all orphanages are the same. Not all care is the same. Over the years I followed various stories out of Maria’s Big House of Hope, including the compassionate care given to so many children that lives were cut far too short. I’ve also followed stories of incredible healing when all hope seemed lost.

Chris and I have a friend, Chris Wheeler, who works for Show Hope. According to my Chris, Chris Wheeler is “one of my most favorite people.” His parents have actually become dear friends in our lives over the last few years. They have stood by us when we traveled to China and supported us through two big surgeries. This week Sevenly’s chosen charity is ShowHope, so naturally I wanted to take advantage of partnering with them again.

Maria’s Big House of Hope

The staff and children at Maria’s Big House of Hope, well, I am guessing they would call each other ‘family’. Our friend who works at a local shelter – she would tell you those kids are her family. My other friend would tell you her sons’ birth moms are family. The kind woman at the gold & silver shop that talked to my grandpa every morning – she called him family.  Family is more than blood. Family is family. When you have it, you just know it.
This week if you’d like to learn more, I’d encourage you to check out Show Hope’s website – click here to visit Show Hope

Below are some of the Sevenly products benefiting Show Hope this week. – click here to visit Sevenly

There are 7 people living in my house right now. To the outside world we are simply a family of 7. But if you ask us, our family is so much bigger than those who share our last names. I’m so thankful for family and I’m thankful I have a big one. One of the Sevenly shirts this week says, “Be someone who makes someone else look forward to tomorrow.” So good. I’m going to chew on that for a while…