A Visit to the Chinese Consulate

Today was interesting. I woke up excited and enthusiastic! I was headed to Chicago to file for my Chinese Visa. My mom, Milly, and Alyssa (my friend) all came with me. Since the Consulate is open from 9-12 and 1-2:30 we left around 8:30 this morning anticipating a smooth, easy going day hoping to arrive around 11:)

When approaching the city, still on the highway, we were dumped off the highway due to a unmarked T in the road. We found ourself smack dab in the middle of the city, although we still had a few more miles to go on the highway. We tried to manuver our way through the crowded streets, full of people. After an hour of trying to find our way we spotted a rainforest cafe and decided to take a break and get some lunch.

If you have never been to Rainforest Cafe it is an adveture. SO much fun!!! We enjoyed a good lunch with safari food and even a few rainforest thunderstorms. After we finished lunch we rushed back to the parking garage so that we could get to our car before the price went up $10.00. We made it! Phew!!!

We finally located what we thought was the consulate. My Mom dropped Alyssa, Milly, and me off at the building (she was going to drive around and then come back to get us so we didnt have to park the car again). When I walked up to the door I found that it was locked. I was thinking "oh my gosh you have gotta be kidding me after all this hassle they are closed!!!" I then noticed that there was a call button to the left of the door. I pushed this button and found an english speaking chinese woman with a VERY thick accent. After living in China for 4 months I feel like I got pretty good at understanding this accent but I was having NO luck with this lady. With the help of Milly we finally figured out that we needed to turn around and walk 3 blocksW and it would be on our right hand side. So 3 blocksW we began. And what do you know there it was!

We walked inside and asked in the lobby if that was where the Chinese Consulate Visa office was. He told us to go to the 5th floor. We got on the elevator and rode our way up. When we entered the office I took a number and waited patiently for my turn. Meanwhile I decided to make a copy of my Visa application and of my passport since I was about to hand it over to some stranger that I didn't know. Well, me a stupid American couldn't get the copy machine to work. So a chinese kid helped me figure it out!

Next thing I knew my number was being called. I walked up to the counter extatic at how quickly I had been called. I handed her my application, my photo and my passport. She looked it over and said:

Consulate Lady: come back on tuesday. pick up

Me: oh. I need you to mail it to me.

Consulate Lady: pick up on Tuesday.

Me: I really needed it mailed.

Consulate Lady: you need money order

Me: okay where do I get that

Consulate Lady: Post office!

Me: Where is the post office? (she just kept pointing out the window and saying post office.)

Me: I stood there waiting, expecting to get a recepeipt

Consulate Lady: POST OFFICE!!!

So.... we left the left the building, asked for directions and headed to the post office. Did I

mention that it is almost 2:00 at this point and they close at 2:30! Yea i was starting to freak out a little! When we entered the post office there was a line of probably 10-15 people. I finally got to the front of the line and the first lady I went to told me she couldn't do money orders. So i had to go back to the line and wait for the next clerk. When I got to her I purchased a money order and a prepaid envelope. I paid and we took off running the 3 blocks back to the Consulate. We got in the elevator... got off at the wrong floor! Got back in the elevator... arrived at the right floor. I went up to the counter to give her my money order and envelope. She looked it over and said

Consulate Lady: You need "To" and "From"

Me: I did fill in the "To" the (address spot)

Consulate Lady: NO "To" and "From"

Me: Okay what is your address?

Consulate Lady: No! you "To" and "From"

Me: You want me to use my name and address in both places?

Consulate Lady: Yes!

I finished filling out the envelope, she gave me my receipt and told me they would mail the visa on Tuesday. I got my things and was outta there! By the way they were closing the doors right as we were walking out!

Whewwww that was a close one! What an ordeal. Our day was anything but smooth and easy going. That is for sure! I had good company though and we managed to have a good time amidst all the stress :)

Here I Go...

I sit in awe as I type this update. God has moved mountains right in front of my eyes. He is an amazing, awesome God and I feel so BLESSED to serve Him!
Several weeks ago (around Thanksgiving) God began to prompt my heart to purchase my plane ticket. At that point I was only at 30%. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I thought HE was crazy!!! I didn't think there was any way I was ready. There was still so much money that needed to come in. I quickly ignored this promting and moved on. Well, He was persistant. He continued to tug at my heart asking me to take this leap of faith. We had many conversations. I was so worried that it was ME talking. ME getting ahead of HIM. ME wanting this and holding on to it so badly that I was starting to mistake HIS voice for MINE. As I began to pray "not my will but yours" I realized that it really was HIS voice. He really was asking me to take this leap of faith. He told me over and over again "You don't recieve because you don't ask" He was wanting to move mountains in my life if I would only let Him.
As of Tuesday of last week I was at 40% of my monthly need and still feeling God's leading, now more than ever, to take this leap of faith. After seeking the council of one very wise man, my dad, I took another look at my budget. In doing this I realized that there was almost $500 per month worked into my budget, for taxes, that I didnt need in there. I also saw that there were a few other changes I could make. After doing this I realized that I was at 70%. I was extatic! I sought the council of a few other people, who's opinion I hold very high. They too agreed that if God was asking me to take this leap faith that I should follow Him in obdedience.
In the past 3 days I have recieved 4 substabtial gifts that have brought me even closer to my goal of 100%.
Today I bought my ticket! I will be leaving for China on January 27th, 2009. I have been praying for January ever since August of this year. Many people warned me that I wouldn't be ready that soon. I too thought it was soon but knew God was asking me to pray this way. I know those prayers were not in vein. I know God had me praying for January specifically so that on this day He would get ALL the GLORY!!!
As I sit back and look at the Journey of the past 5 months I am in awe! 5 months ago today I was just starting to feel the Lord's voice saying "It's Time! It's Time" I was just starting to consider preparing to return. Never did I guess that 5 months later I would have a ticket in hand. To GOD be the GLORY.
I thank each and everyone of you! It wouldn't be in this place if it wasnt for your support both financially and prayerfully.
Let's continue to seek Him and praise Him as He lays out His perfect plan piece by piece.

Much Love, Alyssa

That feeling again...

Well, its one of those days. One of those days when I'm even more homesick for China than usual. I miss the smells, the sounds, the feel of the air, the commotion of the busy streets, the feeling in my heart that feels at home and feels at peace.

I don't know exactly what makes me long for these things on some days more than others. It's a funny thing when God calls you to do something. In your head you kinda think its crazy and it really doesnt make any sense at all but in your heart you KNOW its right! It feels good and perfect.

China is all I can imagine doing with my life. I can honestly say that this is what I feel I was made for. It's a passion and fire that burns so deep with in me that certain days I feel like I might explode because of it.

It might sound crazy that I know this number but it has been 375 days since I came home from China. I can say without a doubt that there hasn't been one day since then that I haven't thought about China or thought about getting back there. I dont know how many days it will be till God takes me back... it might be 42 (I'm praying for this date!) or it might be another 375. I just know that support raising has been one of the most faith stretching experiences for me. God has brought me this far I know He will complete His work. But on days like this when I feel especially homesick for China I feel like I'm stuck behind a glass wall... so close yet so far away. I have to remember that He is in control He is in the process of taking me back... it's all in His timing!

Thanks for praying!

Thanks for praying friends! Little Andersen is doing a lot better. Each day is an improvement. http://andersenzechariah.blogspot.com/

Please Pray

Friends, please pray for my sweet little nephew. Andersen was born last night (dec. 8th) he has been experiencing some difficulties and was transfered to Peoria (about an hour from us) they have a good childrens hospital that was more prepared to deal with his needs. Here is his blog address with more info http://andersenzechariah.blogspot.com/

Thank you!

Alyssa

One Time = 100%!!!

It's been a while since my last post. Things are going well. Little by little the Lord is providing and bringing my support in. I am currently at 35% of my monthly need and tonight I reached 100% of my one time need. God is so faithful! What a blessing. I am still praying that I will be able to leave in January of 2009 so that leaves 65% of my total monthly support still needed. In my eyes it seems like an impossibility but I know in God's eyes He has it all figured out. Would you please pray about how God might want to use you to make a difference in the lives of orphans?

In HIS love,
Alyssa

Gladys Aylward

This week had many challenges. I found myself discouraged wondering what God was up to, wondering where HE was in the midst of my confusion. This week God showed me that HE is always here. He never leaves me and never forsakes me no matter what is going on around me.

This week I found out that one of my applications for missionary support was rejected, One of the reasons being that I wasn't qualified enough.

A friend reminded me that Gladys Aylward was rejected. The China Inland Mission told her that she was unqualiefied and refused to support her financially.

Gladys didnt get the financial support that she was counting on but God still provided and took her to China and I feel confident the same will prevail in my journey; even though the support I thought I might get isnt going to come through I know God will. He will not leave me hanging He will stay right by my side paving the way.

I found a couple quotes by Gladys that encouraged my heart and I wanted to share them with you...

"I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done for China…I don't know who it was…It must have been a man…a well-educated man. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing…and God looked down…and saw Gladys Aylward…And God said - "Well, she's willing."

“If God has called you to China or any other place and you are sure in your own heart, let nothing deter you….Remember, it is God who has called you and it is the same as when He called Moses or Samuel.”

"My heart is full of praise that one so insignificant, uneducated, and ordinary in every way could be used to His glory for the blessing of His people in poor persecuted China."

God has called me to CHINA and if this is HIS will I know I will GO. Nothing can stand in the way of HIS plans. What a joy and excitement to be on this great adventure with HIM.

Much Love, Alyssa

P.S. Update on my China girl. I got in contact with the CCAI this week and they basically told me that it was a pretty hopeless situation. It is very diffucult to locate and request a specific child. Initially I was frustrated by the news but I know that God is still in control. That news doesn't change anything. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Please continue to pray with me that HE will work a miracle and bring her home to a family that loves her.

I will not leave you as orphans

You know God is funny. He does things that we will never understand and just when we think something is hopeless or impossible He reveals Himself in new and amazing ways.

10 days into my study abroad last year God impressed it upon my heart to pray for 1 little orphan girl to love on during my time in China. I prayed for this little girl for several weeks while I was waiting to volunteer at an orphanage. It seemed like all the doors where closing and I wasn’t going to be able to volunteer. Just when I thought there was no hope and I was about to give up God made a way. When I finally arrived at the orphanage I laid eyes on the tiniest little girl I had ever seen. It was love at first sight. She was beautiful and I knew within minutes of looking at her that she was the angel I had been praying for the past several weeks. As the weeks went on and I saw her time after time, the love in my heart for her grew stronger and stronger. I was hooked! I was committed to finding a momma for Xin Yue. I came home from China and my mission to find her a family continued. I thought of her everyday. I prayed for her all the time. I met her in my dreams quit often. Well the days turned into months and there was still no one that wanted her. So in my frustration I quietly gave up. I told myself it was hopeless and the best I could do was pray she would still be there in 7 years when I’m old enough to adopt and maybe just maybe she could be my little girl. Well, like I said above just when something seems hopeless God reveals Himself in amazing ways…
Over the course of the past weeks He has brought me into contact with someone else that feels the same heart connect with Xin Yue that I do. Someone that I believe is supposed to be her momma, that same momma that I started praying for 13 months ago. Only God can orchestrate something this wonderful!

Now the catch! I need you prayer warriors to be hard core right now… we need to find her paper work! I have contacted the CCAI to see if we can locate Xin Yue’s paper work. I called today and left a message. I am praying that I will receive a phone call back from them on Monday so that the search can begin. This is urgent friends because without her paperwork she can’t be adopted! Would you please join me in praying?

I will keep you updated as I hear more. Thank you so much for bringing this little angel and her situation before the throne of our Father.

Much love,
Alyssa

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."
John 14:18

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Friends, I can't thank you enough for the financial and prayer support that has come in over the past week. It has absolutely blown me away. Thank you for allowing God to use you. I feel so blessed to have all of you on my support team. There is still a huge need before I will be ready to go so let's keep praying together to see how God will continue to provide.

In Him, Alyssa

Greater Worth Than Gold

In all honesty I must admit that the last week has been hard. My incoming support both prayer and financial has slowed down tremendously. I have allowed myself to get discouraged and down and I have even began to second guess that I will be ready to go in January. I am ashamed to say this, ashamed that I would even question what God is doing. He is FAITHFUL! Even though it may seem slow now He is in control and I TRUST that I will go in HIS perfect time.

Yesterday I was reading my Bible and I came across 1 Peter 1:6-8

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy

God has a plan for the pain and suffering I feel waiting to return to China but in the past few days I have realized that I don't want to waste this precious time of waiting. God doesn't waste anything!

Update

I wanted to update since its been a while. God is faithful and continues to bring in the money that I need. Currently I am at 10% of the monthly support that I need as well as 10% of the one time support that I need. Everyday I look forward to checking the mail to see how God is going to provide. Its exciting to watch him work.

I had the opportunity to speak with both Mike and Deena (the couple who runs Loaves and Fishes) over the phone and Ashlea (a girl from Australia who I will working with at the foster home) over facebook chat. Talking to them has made me even more eager to go. Hearing them talk about what kids I will be working with and the plans that they have for me brings joy and excitment.

Its crazy to think that if God provides the money, I will be on a plane in less then 3 months on my way!!! I can't wait to see how He will work.

1st Official Support

I got home from work tonight and checked my mailbox and guess what I found...my first official prayer support and financial support!!! I was thrilled beyond excitement. God is so good and continues to work through this journey He has me on in amazing ways. I feel so blessed to be a part of this adventure. Thank you for joining with me!

HE always provides!

Towards the end of last week I was beginning to worry about the costs of supplies for support raising. I purchased these things several weeks ago but wasn't able to send them out as soon as I was hoping because of the small glitch of not having an organization to take my money. So I had put these costs on my credit card praying that God would provide the money in HIS time. Its about time to pay my bill and as of Saturday morning I didn't have the money to pay off this purchase on my credit card. As I began to worry I remembered that I had $100.00 set aside for China that I could use but I was still needing about $100.00 more.

Well, one of my very best friends came to me on Saturday with $109.00 and said she had been saving this money all summer for me to put towards China. How cool of God to provide this money, the perfect amount that I needed, just at the right time, and to do it through someone who is closest to my heart.

One of my favorite things about my China journey so far is seeing God work, seeing Him provide for my every need, and seeing Him work so beautifully for His own Glory... I love it!!!

Thank you God!!!

Friends HE has heard our prayers and HE has answered!!! God has provided an organization to collect my funds! I am in awe of how HE works and excited to see how HE will continue to reveal Himself in this great journey I am on. Thanks for joining me in prayer!

- Alyssa

Call to Prayer

I need your help! We need to pray. My support letters are printed, the envelopes are addressed, tbey are ready to be mailed but I have a problem. I need an organization that would be willing collect my funds, someone who can make those donations tax deductable. I can't send out my letters till I know where the funds need to be sent. I have been in this waiting stage for almost 4 weeks now. I am trusting God that He will provide the right organization in His right time. I know He has called me to this work in China and therefore I know He will work out all of the deatils but friends will you join me in praying as we wait on Him to work? Also, if you have any ideas of an organization that would have the capability to do this would you let me know?

Waiting to see how He will work!

Alyssa

It's Time!

Friends,

Little did I know that when I wrote that "last blog" back in December that it would not be the "last blog" after all! God is working and I am in the midst of preparing to go back to China!!! I am so filled with excitement. I can't even explain the emotions inside of me. I will be parterning with Loaves and Fishes Intl. to serve in their foster home in south east China. I just can't fathom the fact that my dream of over 5 years is in the works of becoming a reality!

God first spoke the words of "It's Time!" about 6 weeks ago. At first I thought I miss heard Him and asked for confirmation on many occasions but He was faithful and continued to speak the same words. After seeking the council of many wise adults and many hours spent in prayer and the Bible I feel that this is what He is leading me to do 110%. God works in little ways everyday to continue to remind that this is the path that He wants me walking right now. Just one example, I had my support letters printed at Kinkos on Thursday. I went in that morning to print them but there was some complications and so I needed to come back later that evening. When I came back there was a different clerk working and after printing my letters he told me the total would be $69.98 I said, "I'm so sorry but I don't think you charged me enough" (It was supposed to be $140.00 before tax) he said, "No its okay I only charged you for half." Can you believe God's provision! He is already providing for my financial needs and the first support letter has not even been sent out yet! I am so in awe of Him and the ways that He works.

Well, that is all for now I just wanted to send an update and let you all know how the Lord has been working. As you think of it could you please be praying for me as the I start the support raising process. I have never done this before and therefore feel as though Im walking into it blind. A good friend told me the other day "Alyssa, your support has already been raised all you have to do is find those people." How true is that! God has already raised the money. Please pray that I would seek His face on how to go about finding the people He wants to use.

Thank you friends!
Love, Alyssa