Children’s Hope Chest APC Part II

From the moment we began our decent into Colorado I was in awe. As the mountains came into view the lyrics to Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable” filled my head, “Creation reveals your majesty” which of course led into the old hymn “Majesty”. I couldn’t help it, God’ handiwork was breathtaking.

There was no snow on the ground initially but as the day went on we began to hear rumors of a snow storm! That evening at dinner the restaurant was playing “Let it Snow” and other Christmas songs. Ryan and I were giddy with excitement as neither one of us had ever seen REAL snow. I mean, if the locals were making a big deal out of it we knew it was gonna be good.

When we woke up the next morning it was a winter wonderland! 8-10 inches had fallen overnight and schools all over the area were shut down. Ryan was itching to get out and play but I was being a bit of a party pooper as altitude sickness was kicking my butt. He finally gave up on me and ventured out like a little school boy! I was thoroughly entertained by his redneck “snow shoes” (which consisted of Safeway bags tied around his feet) and watching him attempt to weather the cold…brrr!! You MUST check out some of his fun I shot for the kids here!

After a few hours, we cautiously ventured out and spent the day as Colorado tourists. If you are like us, and have never been to the mountains, you must go. I can’t believe we waited as long as we did. I could take up this entire post telling you all about the glorious sights we took in! We have always considered ourselves beach bums but now we’re thinking we could definitely be mountain people!

When we arrived back at the hotel there was a gift bag waiting outside our room. It was filled with fabulous gifts made by African artisans and the most precious Africa shaped cookies! Attached to the bag was a note from Juree, the Partner Relations Coordinator for Ethiopia. As I read her powerful words I was reminded what brought us to Colorado in the first place: “The struggles facing those whom we work with cannot be solved by only one. It is only through like-minded souls who have responded to the call of God that we can accomplish the great work before us. It is my hope and pleasure to become partners with you.” It felt as if we had finally “arrived”.

Ryan and I were the odd men out as we had not officially signed on to be partners with Children’s HopeChest but we couldn’t have asked for a better way to acclimate ourselves with the organization. We learned detailed information about business operations and current state of the ministry. The senior program director cast the vision for the future, we heard testimonies and saw first hand the amazing work HopeChest is doing in Uganda, Swaziland and Ethiopia. We had the opportunity to meet both the African (I felt like I was with celebrities!!) and US staff and felt we were able to see into the character and heart of each of them.

The amazing people who make up the CHC ministry are the real deal. From the community and church partners to the staff, there is was a genuine love for God and the world’s most vulnerable. We were surrounded by people are passionate about orphan care and work endlessly and JOYFULLY on behalf of each of the children they serve. Ryan and I were amazed at the evidence of God’s overwhelming favor on their work. He is clearly going before them and behind them on each mission, it was truly incredible.

Our time in Colorado was unforgettable! I wish I had your attention long enough to fill your mind with every little detail, it’s hard to condense it all into such a small space.

Never in a million years would have guessed that God would take Ryan and I on this journey. So many times I have listened to testimonies and been guilty of spouting words like “whew, I’m so thankful God hasn’t called me to that”. God sure does have a sense of humor. We thought our part in caring for the orphan would end with adoption but God hasn’t stopped there. This call He has placed on our lives is so much stronger than anything we have ever felt and we feel honored to be a part of something so much bigger than us.

For months I have felt like a crazy person, completely worthy of commitment. I’ve walked around feeling like my head is going to explode and yearning for an outlet. I run my mouth often, my poor friends victims of long and passionate ramblings on all the ways we are failing as a church and serving the least of these. Ryan and I have been desperate for like minded people, desperate for somewhere to channel all God has been dumping (yes, I said dumping cause we’re buried deep, people) on us. Well we found what we’ve been looking for in Children’s HopeChest! I look forward to telling you more about our plans in the weeks to come!!!

We love you much,

Ryan & Brit