Show Hope Concert

 Last week,  we had the opportunity to go and volunteer with Show Hope.  Steven Curtis Chapman was in Youngstown playing for a concert along with Mac Powell and Brandon Heath.  Show Hope needed some volunteers to help pass out sponsorship information and sign up new sponsors for the children they take care of in their care centers in China.  Shelby was visiting friends in Florida so she wasn't able to come.  We knew it would be a really long night for Grace, so she got to stay home and spend "girlfriend time" (as she calls it) with Grandma.

Matthew spent about 15 months at Maria's Big House of Hope of his 23 months living in China.  He also spent about 5 months in a state run orphanage.  As an adoptive parent, its hard to picture what your child's life was like before you and what they may have endured without you.   We know his early life was full of a lot of losses, but to know he lived in such a beautiful God filled place like Maria's helps to make your heart rest a little easier as an adoptive parent.   We have had a couple of chances to speak with the amazing staff and volunteers at Show Hope over the years, it has been a blessing to meet up with them and hear small stories about Matthew.  Last night, we heard Matthew was always wanting his nannies to take off his shirt.  We were cracking up because this is so him.  Our boy is such a human sweat box, he is always hot.  

It was great concert! Afterwards we were able to go meet everyone backstage.  They were all so sweet and nice to us all.  Here are a few pictures...