By Mary, Restoring Hope Partner

Exactly nine years ago, I met some of the Restoring Hope children for the first time.

I had the pure joy of serving onsite in South Asia with Restoring Hope, and all these years later, I can still see the smile of these children and remember the sounds of their laughter so clearly.

My team helped facilitate several summer camps for Restoring Hope children over the course of a month. These summer camps (now called Summer Celebrations) were much-anticipated for all the children—often what they looked forward to all year long.

From the youngest child to the oldest adult, camp was enjoyed to the fullest and filled with purpose.

The theme for our camps that year was The Kingdom of God, and our games, development activities, and devotionals were centered around Matthew 19:14, which says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."

It is still so sweet to reflect on my time nine years later, and in doing so, to share part of the journal I wrote during that trip:

We are finishing up our fifth camp for Restoring Hope . . . What a blast it has been. I feel like I have gained so many little brothers and sisters! You can see hope so clearly in all of their eyes. The stories of what each of these children have walked through are heavy, but you’d never know they were once orphaned by meeting them. Their hearts are so pure, and their joy runs deep. Restoring Hope truly is changing the trajectory of their lives.

I saw firsthand that what these kids experience through Restoring Hope is nothing short of transformational. I knew I wanted to be part of this vision however I could.

Before I got home to the States, I asked how to stay connected, and be part of the Restoring Hope team.

Throughout the past nine years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute blogs, social media content, join the development team, help college mission teams prepare for Restoring Hope trips of their own, and lend a hand in coordinating fundraising campaigns.

Being part of the Restoring Hope tribe really is a treasure to me.

Building and expanding an organization led by the local village church, aiming to bring hope and discipleship across Asia, is no small task.

The simultaneous seasons of planning, fundraising and expansion are fast-paced and full. Seeing only a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes myself, I am overwhelmingly thankful for the directors and staff who have formed the strong foundation of what Restoring Hope is today.

We’re expectant to see where He continues to lead us, and how He continues to bring new opportunities to restore hope for vulnerable children in Asia.