Daniel Ausbun
  • Home
  • About

Discovering our Daughter's Past (from Sherri)

7/31/2014

7 Comments

 
Today was a difficult today. It started with having a car accident in China, let's just say the same rules of the road don't apply here as in the United States. Once we got a new vehicle we were off to Esther Miao's finding place where she was discovered as an orphan. We then went to her SWI (social welfare institute) or orphanage. God allowed our family to be stronger in health and we were able to uncover some of Esther's past.

It was so difficult going to the place that Esther was found. It is an emotional thing to imagine leaving your daughter, hoping that she will be discovered so that her medical needs can be met. It reminds me of Moses' mother's love in the Bible, hoping that Moses would be discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, and allowed to live. Esther was found in a very rural farming village, by an active body of water. Our guide believes she was left there with hope that she would be found and cared for due to her physical needs. We were very fortunate to eat at the local restaurant there and visit the farming community, I am very grateful we had the opportunity.

After leaving the farming village and reservoir, we went to the home Esther Miao lived for the first 2 years and 2 months of her life. It is considered to be a very wealthy orphanage, yet there are so many children that need love. It broke my heart to see these precious children of God needing to be adopted or either waiting for their parents to come and pick them up after the proper paperwork is completed. It can be so arduous and long but worth ALL the work. So many babies needing love, hugs and attention and not enough workers.

Esther's nannies seemed very kind and loving. They were affectionate with her and I believe they are truly doing their best. Even with the facility being wonderful it still breaks my heart to think of my daughter at this institutution for 2 years of her life without a family. I am haunted even tonight as I think of the children still waiting.

After just 4 days with us she is blossoming! Little D has her cackling and my sweet Elizabeth is mothering her with love. Esther is smiling so much more and cries when we even leave the room for even a second. I am so grateful she is bonding with us and beginning to identify with us as her caregivers. Please continue to pray for our health and Esther's adjustment into our crazy, fun loving family.
Picture
Our car accident in Guangzhou
Picture
The local community Esther was "found."
Picture
Sights and sounds of the village.
Picture
Men fishing in the reservoir where it's believed she was "found."
Picture
The Lin village reservoir.
Picture
The local road.
Picture
Lunch at the restaurant in Lin village.
Picture
At Esther's orphanage with her caretakers.
Picture
Esther's building - her room was upstairs.
Picture
This picture shows the great need for adoption.
Picture
In front of the Dongguan Social Welfare Institute - Esther lived here for 26 months.
Picture
After an emotionally and physically exhausting day.
7 Comments

Exploring Guangzhou and the Police Department (from Sherri)

7/30/2014

5 Comments

 
Today we did a little exploring around the city of Guangzhou, which is where we're staying while in south China. We're meeting some amazing families while here in the city and feel so blessed.

We went to a local department type store for a few essentials and most importantly visited the police department to continue working on Esther Miao's paperwork for finalization.

Please lift us up in prayers tomorrow, we visit Esther's orphanage and also her finding place, both in Dongguan. These are very important to us so we can help Esther as she grows up and asks questions about her past. We feel under attack as we have had illness hit our home which is going to make tomorrow more challenging. Please pray for a full recovery by tomorrow, as we know this is possible!
Picture
In the lobby of The Garden Hotel
Picture
Guangzhou, China
Picture
A Guangzhou apartment building
Picture
The Guangzhou Police Department
Picture
Dinner with an awesome Lifeline family at The Paddy Field
Picture
The Perry's
Picture
Daniel, Jr. being silly with Esther!
Picture
Esther loves falling asleep with Elizabeth
5 Comments

A Day of Firsts (from Sherri)

7/29/2014

5 Comments

 
Today was a day of firsts for our whole family. Esther Miao showed us she can blow kisses, wave, clap and said "ma ma!" We feel very blessed to continue to get to know her better. She is showing us lots more smiles and of course her big brother can always get her to laugh!

We went to the Notary Office of Guangdong Province this morning and Esther Miao officially became ours according to the Chinese government.

Esther Miao got to go swimming for the first time and enjoyed splashing with her brother and sister. At first we were playing in what looked to be a baby pool. A kind man came up to us, letting us know we were playing in the water for people to wash their feet!!

Sweet Elizabeth finally has a little sister to play dolls with. Esther doesn't lack entertainment.

Lifeline Children's Services (our adoption agency) is amazing! Esther is one less orphan, but please continue to pray for the other precious children waiting for parents.

Picture
Wearing our China adoption t-shirts at the notary office!
Picture
Esther's first swimming experience in the foot washing pool!
Picture
Picture
Good-night Esther and Daddy!
5 Comments

Gotcha (from Sherri)

7/28/2014

16 Comments

 

Prayers to our Father from around the globe were felt today in an amazing way. Our family is now a family of six!! Esther did amazing, she was very fearful at first but warmed up after some coaxing with candy, bubbles and siblings. We found out she had been in a foster home type setting with a couple, which is amazing. This means she received a little more one-on-one care. She accepted Daniel and I both very well, she might even be slightly preferential to her daddy. We are so blessed to have so many people praying - please continue to lift us up as Esther gets accustomed to our family. All praise and glory to our Father!!

Picture
Our first time meeting Esther Miao Ausbun
Picture
Picture
Picture
Calling America to say, "Hello!"
Picture
Picture
Picture
Esther leaving the Adoption Registry Center of Guangdong Province
Picture
Our last picture - instead of Elizabeth sleeping, it's Esther!
16 Comments

Yin and Yang (from Sherri)

7/27/2014

6 Comments

 
Chinese culture believes there's always balance in the universe - referred to as "Yin and Yang". The sun and moon, cold and hot, soft and hard. On Saturday we were able to witness the significant difference between what tourists see and what exists daily for people living in China.


Yesterday our tour included visiting local Chinese villages, specifically a Hutong village tour. These villages mean "narrow lanes" and provide community for families whom live within the street. We were honored to visit a family's home while the wife cooked lunch for us while her 4-year son played in the common room. I enjoyed interacting with their family, witnessing life for the working class.


The contrast comes after our Hutong tour when we visited the tourist locations: The Summer Palace, an acrobat show, a pearl store, traditional Chinese medicine and a bakery.


God really gave me a love for the people of China yesterday as everyone needs the Father's love. I want to learn Esther's culture; as she grows I can help her to understand her heritage. Her culture includes the tourist sites that represent significant events in China, but her history also belongs to the working class that supports the entire system. Our family feels very blessed and humbled to be able to experience life in Beijing.
Picture
A "Hutong" is a narrow street in China
Picture
Having lunch in a Hutong Village home
Picture
Our Hutong Village hostess
Picture
A Hutong Village courtyard
Picture
Riding a rickshaw in the Hutong Village
Picture
Beijing's Summer Palace
Picture
Visiting the Dragon Queen's Summer Palace
Picture
Enjoying the breeze at The Summer Palace's Kunming Lake
Picture
Experiencing a traditional herbal tea foot massage
Picture
Picture
Chinese Acrobatics
Picture
Elizabeth's exhausted at the end of another day
6 Comments

What a Ride (from Sherri)

7/25/2014

3 Comments

 
Picture
Visiting Tiananmen Square on the day of our arrival
We are finally in Beijing, China. Today completed our first of 2 sightseeing days in Beijing. We will then travel to Guangzhou which is the capital city of Guangdong province (in South China) where we will finally receive Esther into our family on Monday July 28. We're trying to absorb facts and details about her culture so we can share them with her as she grows up. We're also hunting for special treasures to hand down to her when she reaches birthday milestones. It's so important to not only welcome her into our family, but also help her to remember who she is culturally. 
Picture
Our panoramic view today
Picture
Walking into the Wall's entrance
Picture
On top of a defense and lookout tower
Picture
Looking out from a tower at the Great Wall
Picture
Learning about traditional Chinese tea at Dr. Tea
Picture
Touring the jade museum, one of China's natural resources
Picture
Exhaustion hits after a long, hot Beijing day in the summer
3 Comments

Leaving for Lottie's Land

7/23/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
Flat Lottie Moon
This morning we're leaving for a 16-day trip to Beijing, Guangzhou, and Dongguan, China. We're going to adopt our new daughter, Esther Miao Ausbun. Sherri and I are bringing our two oldest children, Daniel, Jr. and Elizabeth as well.

Last Christmas Southern Baptist gave a record 154 million dollars to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. The largest amount in the offering's 125-year history.
First Baptist Moreland raised a record $3,535.79 this past Christmas. Did you know one billion people (1 out of 7 people on earth) will live their lives without ever hearing about the Gospel.

A small lady from Albemarle County, Virginia born in 1840 wanted to reduce the world's lostness.

Lottie left her affluent Virginia plantation in 1873 (she was 33 years old) and spent 40 years as a single adult telling the Chinese about Jesus. Lottie and her younger sister, Edmonia, spent their lives reaching Chinese women and children with the Gospel.

She wrote letters back home pleading for Southern Baptists to give towards missions. If there was more funding, then more missionaries could come join her work in China. She first suggested Southern Baptists collect a Christmas offering for foreign missions. In 1888, the first Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for foreign missions raised $3,315.26 surpassing the $2,000 goal. This was enough to send three missionaries. Lottie gave her life to the Chinese - she became sick when she was 72 years old and died on December 24, 1912 in the harbor of Kobe, Japan returning home for medical care.

Today China is experiencing spiritual revival - possibility 10% of the country is Christian. Many of the churches planted and seeds sown were originally scattered by Lottie.

Lottie reminds us that lostness is the world's greatest problem. It afflicts every city and country - there's people all around who do not love Jesus. As we leave for Lottie's land today, please pray that all four of us will be a witness for Christ. Southern Baptists have a great legacy and passion for taking the Gospel to China.

1 Comment

Packing, Planning, Preparing (from Sherri)

7/21/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
We are revving up for travel. Planning for all possible scenarios. Packing for every situation. Preparing for everything, but hoping for the uneventful. I am a list maker, I admit it. In order for something to be done, it must be on my list so I can cross it off as completed.

God has been SO faithful to us through this entire adoption. Even when we doubt and show lack of faith God remains faithful. "If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). Despite my imperfections, my weaknesses, my anxiety about travel God is faithful...always. He cannot separate Himself from His children.

Last
Wednesday we received our visas right on time. What a blessing! Our burden of travel with entering the country was lifted. We are literally set to go (except for the minor packing inconvenience). Not only has God worked out our visa challenges, He has literally provided our needs with every step in the adoption process.

God is amazing.

Numbers 13 & 14 reminds us of the exploration of the promise land. Joshua and Caleb had faith in God and come back claiming God's promises. They knew He would deliver the land into the hand's of the Israelites. Ten out of the twelve scouts doubted and lacked faith. God's response was, "How long will these people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?" Numbers 14:11

We as humans see limitations and walls when trying to understand God's plan. The Israelites only saw problems with God's plan when they were looking at overtaking the land. Our lives can be the same. Do we look as the hurdles that must be crossed or do we recognize God's greatness and glory? Our adoption journey has shown me time and again His hand in every aspect of our lives, down to seemingly insignificant details.

The process of adopting can be tedious at times and lengthy, but God is faithful. Our hope is that people will see our adoption story and praise God for making a dream a reality. We hope our simple obedience to God's will for our family will encourage others to consider adoption. God is great! Trust in Him and He'll move mountains.

2 Comments

Flights are Booked! (from Sherri)

7/11/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
“I do believe! Help me to believe more!” Mark 9:24

Often when we are in the trenches waiting for God, it can be so difficult. Patience seems to have a continuous learning curve.

Rewind to July 23, 2013, we were at Navarre Beach, Florida with my family when we received pre-approval for Esther Miao. I remember crying on the balcony of our condo, finally knowing what our daughter’s face looked like. Not realizing the long wait that lie ahead.

We are finally in the last 100 yards. We booked our airline flights today! Even in this last leg of our adoption journey we have had yet another delay this week.

Because of serving in the ministry, Daniel was unable to get his visa for entrance into China until right before travel. We found out that our visas wouldn’t be ready until 7/15 and we were suppose to originally fly out on 7/16. We felt like this was just too close for comfort so we pushed back our travel one week. Our new "gotcha day" will be 7/28. Almost 1 year to the day of being matched to adopt Esther.

We know that God’s timing is perfect. We have been ready to travel all summer, yet for so many reasons we have been in a holding pattern. God has truly provided all of our needs and we are finally ready to travel to China. Really, this is just the beginning. This isn't just a trip, a vacation, but an endeavor to expand our family based on God’s calling in our life. This adventure is scary, uncertain and exciting.

Please be in prayer for Esther, that she will not be overly fearful, that her precious heart will be receptive to the love we can’t wait to show her. Pray that we will not have any complications obtaining our visas. Also, please pray for safe travels. We are bringing our oldest two children, whom are 9 and 6 years old. Finally pray for our youngest son whom we are leaving with MiMi and Papa, it will be a difficult separation, especially for his mama.

God calls us to believe in Him. Often I feel like my faith quivers, like I am unworthy of the miracles I witness in my own life. What a blessing to see His hands and His glory as we set off to become a family of six. I hold firm to this promise from God, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:25
1 Comment

The Five Subtle Ways Christians Become Worldly Without Knowing

7/6/2014

0 Comments

 
In the above video Brad Lomenick, author of The Catalyst Leader, shares Peter's problem. Peter's problem was his identity with fishing - it's who he was and what he did. Jesus was offering something better - giving up what he's always done, giving up what he's comfortable with.

In Colossians 2:6 Paul reminds us that if you've received Jesus, you should be walking in Him. This implies change. One of a believer's problems is they haven't changed - they're still finding their identity in something they're not, such as fishing. When Peter became a follower of Christ, he gave up being a fisherman. Yes, he still fished, yes he had to earn an income, yes he had to provide for his family - but all of these were secondary to his new commitment - Christ follower.

Worldly actions and worldly thinking prevents us from walking with Jesus. Here's are five subtle ways worldliness has hindered believers:

1). Money is the root of all evil.
2). Self-glory is idolatry.
3). Worldliness among the church promotes legalism.
4). We are conformed to what we admire.
5).
Worldliness creates a fragmented focus of God.

"More people leave Christ, more people leave church, and more people leave ministry out of love for the world than anything else." -John Piper


"For Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world." 2 Timothy 4:10

0 Comments

    A resource for Christian ministry, leadership & life issues!

    Archives

    May 2023
    February 2023
    November 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

    Categories

    All
    Addictions
    Adoption
    Alcohol
    Bible
    Calvinism
    Children
    Church Membership
    Culture
    Discipleship
    Divorce
    End Times
    Evangelism
    Leadership
    Marriage
    Ministry
    Missions
    Money
    Parenting
    Pornography
    Prayer
    Preteen
    Seminary
    Sin
    Social Media
    Students
    Sunday School
    Women

    RSS Feed