We've been so privileged to be able to work with a local NGO that is doing some great work here in the province of Yunnan. One of their projects that we absolutely love is their local rehabilitation center. It's not perfect, but Lily and I love volunteering our time here...spending time with the children AND the mothers (that have sacrificed so much to be here). It's also the place where we have set up a semi-makeshift clinic where we see some poorer patients a couple times a week. Honestly, we feel like we give so little, yet are getting so blessed by those we are "serving" in return.
This was a recent post by Lily and I on GivingBackLife's Facebook page, but I wanted to share this with anyone that may not be a Facebook follower:
"GIVINGBACKLIFE formed the China Outreach Fund (COF) in order to better meet the tangible needs of marginalized people here in Kunming, as a way of showing Fathers love. We have had the privilege of helping a few children. We were going to purchase a wheelchair or walker for every child at the local rehabilitation center. We found some good prices at a nearby rehabilitation hospital and had already picked out everything we wanted to get. When the owner found out that we were buying these for mostly cerebral palsy children, free of charge, he was moved. Guess what came next? He said he would pick up the tab and ended up giving everything for free. What's more? He said that for each child that comes through the rehab center, he would donate any one piece of equipment to him/her for free as long as they come to pick it up. When the rehab center director told me this, I was floored. How amazing Father works. Now we need another way to utilize all the gifts and donations that made our COF possible. Don't worry...lots of need everywhere! Hopefully some cool stories to come..."
We realize every day that we can't do this without our partners back home, but more importantly our Father above!
Looking up!
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We have used some of the funds recently to purchase a bunch of tooth brushes and toothpaste for the local kids at the rehabilitation center. I know they have been told over and over the importance of brushing...but after taking an informal poll of the families, 100% of them don't brush twice a day and only one family brush once a day!
I'm learning quite quickly that it's not about knowing crazy medical things or treating zebra diagnoses. Here, more often than not, it's about the basics! It's all about education. Here are two adorable kids: