Love Is Real Yo

Take a look at this little well-loved little bub. 

When his Daddy and Mommy got pregnant, they were young, unmarried, not sure if they wanted to be together in the future. His Mommy was 19, from a lower middle class rural family. Daddy was 24, sweet heart but a little naive and dependent, from a lower upper class urban family. In any normal situation like this, an abortion would be the natural next step. 

In urban Chinese culture pregnancies outside of marriage are a usual occurrence, but culturally there is a strong taboo and associated shame. There is no place, socially, for an unmarried mother or a child born outside of marriage. Government assistance and NGOs do not exist for these women and children. Abortion is commonplace, acceptable, natural. 

So when this little guy's Mom became pregnant, she and her boyfriend approached his rich parents for abortion money. Normally, prompt consent would result, but this family's got something special: The boyfriend's mother has been an enthusiastic follower of Love since the 90s. She's been a good friend and encourager to us especially in the past two years. This mother/grandmother convinced the young couple to keep the baby, bringing the mother into her home and providing for their needs, and with sincere kindness, acceptance and support.

I am so impressed. This is such a wonderful anomaly, demonstrative of Love's power to change everything, save lives, preserve families, redeem those times when we miss the mark.

The Daddy and Mommy just applied for their marriage license.

What plans are stored up for you, little buddy boy? 

p.s. took this picture right after chowing down on semi-raw goose liver sandwiches at their house. mmm! mmm!

counting the graces, by Drew

thank you Father for

leaving for fellowship on time

coffee and nice blue mug

playing lion with Mai-Mai

Mai-Mai drawing out all his vowels really long

deep fog

cute wife

tiniest store you've ever seen did have wet wipes

note from my brother Peter

large bowl of fresh green beans