The Far Side of the Sea

September~October 2011

2011-10-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Click link below to read this month's update from Clay and Jewel...

September-October 2011

God bless, and thank you for visiting!

June 2011

2011-07-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

I am learning my way around a new computer. Please be patient with me as I learn. In the meantime, click the link below to read all about the Adventures of Clay and Jewel in their latest newsletter.

June 2011 Newsletter

Many blessings -
Camille

Support Information Update

2011-06-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Friends and family,

Again what a blessing it was to see many of you when we were home recently. For those of you we did not see we are sorry to have missed you, but please know we appreciate each of you so much.

In case you need to know about the change in sending support, we thought we would send one letter to all of you.

If you have been writing a check please change your records to write the check to Mission 78:72: (include a separate note stating "Clay and Jewel Floch") and mail it to the Sarasota, Florida address below.

Mission 78:72
5308 Huntingwood Court
Sarasota, FL 34235

That would be great! We are running all our tax deductible support through them and at the end of the year they will send a statement of your donations for tax purposes. They will be the agency we use and we are their first m*ss**nar**s! You can read about them at Mission 78:72.

We met the founders when we first came to China and through circumstances came to greatly respect them and formed a continuing friendship with them. We have a common love for the children of this country and they would like to help us have a good way of taking care of our support. 100% of our support through M7872 comes directly to us. If you use the online, one time, or recurring service they offer, the company they use charges a 3% fee, that is the only cost associated with the support you send.

If you do not need your support to be tax deductible you can send a check with our name on it to Jewel's sister:

Faith Van Belle
4015 N Marguerite
Spokane, WA 99212

She will put the funds in our China account.

Thank you for believing in us and continuing to support us prayerfully and financially. This enables us to bless these children and be blessed by them! We sincerely appreciate you.

--
Clay and Jewel Floch

Safely Home

2011-05-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Just want you all to know that we arrived back at Shepherd's Field safely. The trip was uneventful, so was the sleeping:) Clay's legs are just kind of long to get comfortable on a flight and when he does someone trips over his legs!

We arrived back about 7pm on Saturday, May 21st. Kind of wondered if we would be woke by a phone call from a certain young man (Grady:) but we were woke by fireworks instead! ( a common happening in China; welcome back!)

We were working on more unpacking when our first visitor arrived! Joseph came at about 8:15am and was so excited to see us and then told us Grady was downstairs and wanted us to come. That led from one reunion to another!

On Saturday Sara told us Stacey had just gotten back from surgery on the 20th. She had some plastic surgery done to reduce the scarring on her face. She is healing well already and her stitches are out. It's hard to tell how successful it has been, it will be awhile till we can tell. But she is doing well.

Wendy had her 20th birthday the 24th and 7 of us went to dinner at the barbecue, specializing in lamb kabobs and chicken wings. Of course the girls had a few different things like kidneys and squid and hot dogs on a stick. We enjoy the barbecue for the lamb and chicken!

Thank you for your love and support, we were blessed to see so many of you when we were home!

Blessings to each of you,
--
Clay & Jewel Floch
James 1:27

We're State Side!!!

2011-04-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Just want to let you know that we are in the US! Came home to snow flurries in Spokane, unbelievable:)
We gave you the wrong cell number in our last newsletter so if you want to get hold of us you will need to call 998-7993. Clay's mom's number is 448-8943 and we are staying here while we are here.

We look forward to visiting with many of you during our visit!

Love you,

--
Clay & Jewel Floch
Shepherd's Field Children's Village
Guest Relations and Intern Coordinators
Clay cell: 15175693714
Jewel cell: 15175693717
James 1:27

(P.S. - There will be a Fellowship Dinner at Heritage Church in Odessa on April 10th beginning at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Feel free to bring a favorite dish to share!)

March 2011 Update

2011-03-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

March - Volume 3 Issue 2 -

February 2011 Update

2011-02-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

If you are receiving this via email, click the link to get the newsletter!

Volume 3 Issue 1 -

January 2011 Update

2011-02-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

January 2011

November 2010 Update

2010-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

For our 32nd wedding anniversary we took a 3 day trip to Fuzhou. The weather was pleasant and we were able to relax and visit some new friends we met last April. When we reflect on the last 32 years and especially the last 9 years we find ourselves thankful to Father for His faithfulness. Without Him this last 9 years would have been impossible, we have grown together and have a deeper relationship because of going through fire together.

Clay and Jewel

We have never been particularly good at setting goals but had we set goals for this part of our future, they wouldn’t have been in China! We have truly seen the Father use something bad and change the outcome into something good. He has blessed our lives and changed us. Pouring love into these children’s lives and helping heighten awareness of the life they live gives us great joy. During our trip He also provided an opportunity to speak hope into the lives of a couple who have lost their 24 year old daughter. They are new friends of the Father’s and are learning to trust Him, learning to take Him seriously. Nicole’s mama and baba are in great need of comfort as they search his word to find hope in Him.

Phillip, Seth, Eric, Grady, Joseph and Jerak with the Shanghai Harley Club

For Thanksgiving we were able to have a yummy ham and many other seasonal treats in a meal with Christina, Shelby and Sara, Dr. Moody, his son Josh and our intern Bekah. Almost everyone had a part in creating the meal and all enjoyed it fully! It is really enjoyable to prepare an American meal and watch our Chinese friends enjoy it because our foods are so different! Sara made the 3 pumpkin pies, Shelby made scalloped potatoes and stuffing, Bekah made sweet potatoes and Josh made apple crisp. Yummy! Although disappointed the turkey cost too much ($82) the ham was super good. Shelby’s family raises pigs but she has never had a ham. Clay was caught closing his eyes and enjoying the ham several times. After dinner we went around the table and shared the things we are thankful for. Besides specific food items on the table we were all thankful for this special place for our children and for serving Father here together, to give them a better life. As we see these children do things that are so “normal” we are grateful to love them the way father loves them. Doing our best for their good. So many people come in and are concerned about seeing our children with their special needs. They come prepared to not stare or look shocked. It isn’t long until they are blessed by their happy faces and the laughter they hear. While many of our children know they are different, here in their safe home that isn’t a focus and they can just focus on being “normal” kids. It isn’t long before you are thinking of them as normal kids and you are the one thankful to be visiting their home!

Josiah Playing

This last month we heard of 2 different works that are similar to ours. One has had to close it’s doors and the other is in serious trouble of completely closing down. In our struggles we are reminded that when something good is happening the enemy doesn’t want it to succeed. In fact He doesn’t promise things will be “rosey” when we follow Him, what He does promise is that He will never leave us, never forsake us, He has said, “don't run from suffering; embrace it . Follow me and I’ll show you how” (to suffer) in Matt.16 lines 24 & 25. He is always with us. Recently we read a verse in a different translation that really made us think about trust and faith. Matt.17 line 20 (The Message Translation.) The disciples asked why they couldn’t heal the boy who was often overtaken by a demon that caused him to harm himself. The response was, “Because you are not yet taking Him ‘seriously.’” Is that what trusting and having faith is all about? Taking Him seriously? Or, maybe the more important question is, are we taking Him seriously? Wow, does that make you think? It should. When we find ourselves speaking about trusting Him, what are we really saying? Do we trust him without questioning and simply worship Him in holy fear? He is worthy of being taken seriously! What is He looking for in us? To be “fair and just to our neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in our love and...don’t take yourself too seriously, take HIM seriously!” Micah 6 line 8. He has shown over and over in His word that we can put our trust in Him, seriously! As we look at different life stories in His book, we realize that just as He used these people and their lives for good, so He can use our life story for good, seriously. “We will give with the life we have been given.” From the song “The Power of Your Name” by Lincoln Brewster.

After December 4th we will have been to 3 Christmas Bazaar’s. In going to bazaar’s we hope to accomplish 3 things. First get our name out so people in the local area know about this work and second to sell items and generate a bit of income. Third is to expose our kids to public relations! Getting to talk to the public, interact with questions about their home, putting a face to the children that live at SFCV. Remember in our last newsletter we told you about the kids making bracelets and stamping calligraphy? Well, this is one means of selling what they are making. (Besides selling the items in our little store to our visitors.) In addition to Stacey, Wendy and Grady will have attended bazaars.

First Bazaar with Stacey

Last week 7 girls moved to House of Peace from the other houses. These girls are all in need of living on the main floor because they are growing up and for 4 of them getting upstairs to their rooms is becoming more difficult. The bathroom is finally ready for the shower bench which has been here since April! This is a good move for the girls but it has taken them from one home and moved them to another. The change has been challenging especially for Noel, who is not able to verbally communicate. Please ask for peace and comfort for her, that she will soon adjust and that they all will soon feel a part of the new home they are in. Please also ask that Stacey and Wendy will have compassion as they help these girls adjust and as they get used to the added responsibility of helping care for the girls.

LingLing, Charissa, Noel Joy, Elizabeth, Stacey and Noel

Big thanks for:

The resolution of the Ayi situation!
A refreshing time for our anniversary!
The 26 children who have been adopted in 2010!
Provision for the heating bill! (nice and cozy at our place!)

Please be asking for:

An answer to Grady‟s need for surgery and when it needs to take place.
For more children to meet their for-ever family before the year is up.
Forever families for Phillip and Joseph.
Wisdom and Integrity from Father for any decisions we make.
That each of us will learn to take Him seriously.
Nicole‟s mama and baba for comfort and peace. Ways that we can continue to encourage them.
The 7 girls as they adjust to their new home.
Stacey and Wendy to help the girls with the transition, to have compassion for them.

We love you,

Clay & Jewel
Shepherd's Field Children's Village
Guest Relations and Intern Coordinators

October 31, 2010 Update

2010-10-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Reflecting with grateful hearts, our hearts are blessed to know you are standing with us. Thank you!

October 14th to 17th our friend George blessed us with a trip to Chengdu and we had a lovely 4 days break and saw the sights of Chengdu and eating some very spicey food. Sara, one of our office staff, is from the Sichuan province, where Chengdu is located and has told us we have no idea what spicey is until we have tried spices from Sichuan. Wow, was she right!! Wish we could bottle it and let you experience how hot it is. We like spicey and we like this spice, but it would help to have a fan while you’re eating!

Clay and George

Pick your food at the Chinese barbecue, they spice it up!

During our time there we didn’t have the freedom to go to a group meeting on Sunday so we had our own with 4 of our friends. Clay talked about things he is being challenged with from the book called, “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns, the leader of World Vision. In short, this is what he shared: We are the carriers of the good news that was meant to change the world. Belief is not enough, worship is not enough, personal morality is not enough, Christian community is not enough. He has always demanded more, when we committed to Him we also committed that the watching world would see Him in us, would see His love, justice and mercy through our words, actions and behavior. We are His ambassadors as if He is making His appeal through us write Paul in II Cor 5:20. He chose us to be His representatives, to proclaim the good news, to be the good news and to change the world. Living out our faith privately was never meant to be an option. A quote from Saint Teresa of Avila says this, “He has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which His compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.” This is a daily challenge to each of us. At the end of a day we could each reflect on how our body, hands and feet have showed the world who He is.

During October we took a field trip to the Aircraft Carrier Theme Park in Tianjin, about 1 ½ hours from here. The kids were awed by the 4D movie and by the water show. While we watched the water show we kept expecting to see the Chinese win. Found out later that the message of the show wasn’t about China winning a “war” it was a fight between good guys and bad guys and guess what? The good guys won!

We are continuing to have Chinese classes several times a week. Some things are coming more easily, a few are coming more naturally and some are just downright difficult to remember or difficult to say! “R’s” and “Y’s” sounds are particularly hard.

Grady is working on learning new words that pertain to his life. Like warm up, seizure and earthquake so we are trying to learn the same words in Chinese. He is proud of his new words and so sincere about saying them correctly. We work on them while he is doing calligraphy, write them on the white board (the hei ban) and say them over and over. Ok, these words sound rather random so let us explain a bit. “Warm up” refers to English class and getting ready to think in English and test their memories. Like, “point to your desk, point to a wall, touch your chair,” etc. You get the idea. “Seizure” is what Seth experiences and Grady is usually the one who explains to us that Seth had a seizure. “Earthquake” happened in China recently so it is on his mind. It will be interesting to see what words he wants to learn next!

Stacey recently went to visit her friends at her orphanage and had a good time reconnecting with them. She is realizing she has a better life here and that her opportunities are much better too. It was good for her to go back and put things in perspective with her life from the past and her present life.

Please lift up these requests:

Continue to ask for an answer about Grady’s surgery or other options for surgery.
Words to encourage our kids to know more about the Father.
Adoption for Phillip and Joseph.
Moving of some of supply rooms and the head Ayi office. Which means moving children around and rearranging things. Sound simple but it upsets the family groups of children and Ayi’s.
Language learning!
For all our staff and volunteers to give our best for the kids good.
Caregiver issues. Please continue to lift this up, there are serious issues that need to be fully resolved. This will take time and His wisdom for those in authority.

Big thanks for:

Fun guests and local companies who take our children on field trips and expose them to things that help with greater learning and understanding of the world around them.
Great teachers in our school who love our children and take great care of them.
Special hugs and love from these children who remind us of one of the reasons why we are here, to be blessed by them!
A Father who wants to use us to be His hands and feet.

Avery, Perry, Tayor, Sophia and Maggie

Blessings, hugs and love,

Clay and Jewel

Peter's Tex Mex in Beijing

Ling Ling's Birthday Dinner with Sara, Bekah (an intern) Ling Ling, Jewel and Christina (Director of Operations

Shopping adventure to buy new shoes, Ling Ling, Hayden, Phillip and Jacob Jai

2010-09-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

September 27, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

We are so grateful to know you are standing with us! The last few months have meant some changes to the workings here at Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village. The difficulties have been resolved with the caregivers and we are dealing with the change that means to everyone here. We anticipate the changes will mean good things for our children. We will continue to be cautious of talking about the Big Guy for awhile to not draw attention to ourselves or this place. We can speak one on one with the children, so please ask that we be wise in our words with them.

Clay had his 55th birthday with our family here in China on his birthday. You really would have to be here to fully understand how precious being wished “Happy Birthday” by 40 children isJ. Especially that primary class! They all wanted to purchase a gift which included a mug, a water bottle, candy, cookies and a bar of soap. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of the soap!

Clay and Joseph

We had a group here from New York the beginning of September who took 22 kids and 10 staff to the Beijing Wildlife Park. What a special time as the kids got to see wild animals closer than they had never seen before. Some of them were a bit concerned when the monkeys could come right up to the glass! The animals cooperated and were very visible and what fun it was to get to watch them find the animals!

The next few weeks hold a few holidays including the Moon Festival. The primary class came over for dinner and a movie on the 22nd. We are proud to report the kid’s did super for dinner, even participating in conversations during dinner. Afterward we watched the movie “Ratatouille.” Fortunately the audio was in Chinese with subtitles for us in English!

Moon Festival Dinner

On the 23rd the kid’s made bracelets and did calligraphy to sell in our store and at bazaars. They like the idea that they are participating in raising funds for their home. The National holiday is the October 1st to the 7th. Most staff will be off but we will be around for part of the time and will have another dinner and movie night for the kids.

Seth working on his calligraphy

We are, finally, seriously and consistently learning Chinese!! Even though we will say the same thing and be corrected many times, the teacher always says “good” and then repeats the word; more correctly! Our teacher is a young Chinese gal who volunteers here. She does not believe in the Father but has said she loves the stories she has heard from His book. When you have a beautiful sun shiney day, remember to ask for Sunny’s eyes to be opened to Him.

Today at the meeting we usually go to on Sunday mornings; we were asked “How are you leveraging your past?” When thinking about the way we leverage our past is remembering that He can use the hardest thing in our lives to influence us to change our lives, even change where we live to make a difference in the lives of these children, to love them like He loves them, to have our hearts break for what makes His heart break, to speak life into even the “least of these”. We also sang a favorite song, “I am not skilled to understand, what HE has willed, what HE has planned. I only know at HIS right hand, stands one who is my”…go here for the rest of the song: http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/aaron-shust-lyrics/my-savior-my-god-lyrics.html . We certainly don’t understand what He has willed or planned but we want to make the most of the future we have left, we want to make a difference for Him. Thank you for standing with us, for lifting us up, for making it possible for us to be His hands and feet here with these special children.

Please lift up these requests:

Continue to ask for an answer about Grady’s surgery or other options for surgery.
Words to encourage our kids to know more about the Father.
Phillip and Joseph, our 11 year olds, to be adopted soon. We’ve had a few people asking specific questions about these boys and are hopeful that one of these families will be perfect for each of these boys!
Open hearts when talking with Sunny.
Language learning!
Our Ayi’s, for an awesome love for our children to overwhelm them every day.

Big thanks for:

Resolution for the caregiver issues!
Great teachers in our school who love our children and take good care of their needs.
A Father who knows the plans He has for us! (and for you)

Blessings, hugs and love being sent to you,

Clay and Jewel

Jewel and Lexi

Super Mom Jewel saving damsel-in-distress Ling Ling from 'Stevie the Dog'!!

Chug-a-chug Jerak the Engineer for a ride with Elizabeth, Philip, and Clay the caboose!

Tim Baker, Founder of Shepherd's Field in Spokane, Sept. 26

2010-09-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Just want to let those of you in the Spokane area know that September 26, this Sunday, Tim Baker will be speaking at Valley Fourth. Tim is the founder of Shepherd's Field Children's Village and is in town for another event coinciding with the speaking engagement. You will be able to hear first hand about this place where we are blessed to serve and see pictures of our children too!

We hope if you are able you will try to hear Tim's message, 10:30am at 2303 S Bowdish Rd 99206.

A newsletter should be coming out in the next few days but we wanted to get out this message quickly!

Blessings,

Clay & Jewel Floch

August 20 - Update

2010-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

August 20, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

We are grateful to know you are standing with us! What a blessing to know your thoughts for us are going up. Since the 16th that has been more important than you know, so if “something” put you on your knees with urgency, know that was needed. We are fine and not in danger. A few of our caregivers are unhappy and are being rather vocal about it. The leadership is in negotiations with them. There are some hot words being said by the one side that cause us to be more cautious at this time. In saying this we also ask you to be extra careful with the “words” you send to us. Please lift up our children and that their feelings of security and love will be strong from those who are caring for them. We know who will win this battle! We are reminded that we make our best plans and then He directs our steps from chapter 16 of one of the “P” books. Our leader on the ground said please ask that the caregiver’s hearts will like to be here and they will understand the purpose of SFCV, to love and give the best care to these children. We’ve decided we are going to start studying Tai Chi so we will be more flexible;0) James 1 from 2 to 4 has good words for right now. He’s sure “developing” us!

A team from near our home came and blessed us with gifts from the US. They were very creative in having a VBS without the “B” and we appreciated their flexibility (they must have already studied Tai Chi!) and support during a more difficult time. Some special young people were in this group, the Father is working on hearts!

It has cooled some since our last letter, the humidity seems to be higher some days. Last night we had a good rain, that means it came down in buckets! Autumn is here they say, we’re just waiting for it to feel like it!

We were encouraged recently by a visit with our head teacher. She is a tiger and fiercely loves her children! She has been here for over 5 years and can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. She translates many of the “B” stories when the guests tell them and has heard that message many times. She expressed how she loves the people telling these stories and understood the messages told last week by the team and what they meant even though they were different from our usual “B” stories. She is so close! Keep lifting her name up please. We want Him to be the victor in her life!

The primary class garden produce has slowed way down but they have planted some quicker growing things in place of the cucumbers and some beans. Radishes are up, they have the red radish but also a much larger version that is green, about 8 inches in diameter and has a heavier consistency, they even cook it. It’s tougher to eat but tastes like a radish.

Hayden harvesting corn

Please lift up these requests:

An answer about Grady’s surgery or other options for surgery.
Wisdom to help our kids who have chosen Him to grow.
Phillip and Joseph, our 11 year olds, to be adopted soon.
Wisdom for our leaders, for the words to be used and peace to be over all.
Our Ayi’s, for an awesome love for our children to overwhelm them every day.

Big thanks for:

Friends and family who are faithful to remember to lift us up, you bless us!
Lucas’ family hopes to complete his adoption in 6 to 8 months!
A Father who directs our every path!

We love you!

Clay & Jewel Floch

At the watercube

Jewel and Robert

Clay and Grady playing Basketball! They love that basketball!

Stacey and Jerak playing some tunes!

August 1, 2010 Update

2010-08-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2010

Levi was a severely burned infant left in a farmer’s field to die. Much like the story of the Good Samaritan where the man had been beaten, robbed and left for dead, people took a wide path around his wounded body and walked by until the Samaritan man came along, cleaned his wounds and took him in to be cared for until he was well; Levi was stared at, walked past, and ignored until Shepherd’s Field came by, scooped him up and took him in to be cared for. Levi just turned 9 years old last February. The Bentley’s adopted him and Lisa wrote a book about the journey. We would recommend you read the book called "Saving Levi". It will give you a greater understanding of the plight of orphans in this land.

Just like this story our life stories continue to touch hearts. He continues to present opportunities to share in this land so far from home. We have a young man here now who decided to come because he read our bio on the website. We are grateful the Father continues to use us. Please pr&y we will continue to trust Him with our life story. The story of the Good Samaritan is in found the book with the good news called Luke in chapter 10:27-37.

Clay with children at Samaritan House

Life in this country is interesting! We were able to go to our apartment last weekend (finally!) Despite some mildew because of the humidity and being closed up, the AC worked, and we settled into our first official days off. Bedtime was a little later than usual, about 10pm. Then we woke about 12:30am. No electricity and mosquitoes buzzing all around. Made for some major discomfort! We decided to hold on a little longer…but with no AC and the humidity…we knew we wouldn’t be going back to sleep so we called our director, Christina and she was kind enough to call a taxi for us and bring us back to SF where the AC does work! The way it works here for electricity, gas and water is you put $$ on a card and put it in the slot(s) in your apartment and the card then turns on, (if you can find the slot to put it in). So, there were a few hours left on the card, but not enough to stay the weekend! Packing up by the light of our cell phones was fun at 1am! We were able to get more funds on the card and are back at our apartment as we finish this newsletter. We made it the whole night this time!

Eli is doing wonderful with his new family! His Mom said he hardly stopped smiling the whole time while they were in country. What a blessing to know this young man will have a forever family to love him and call his own and that we will be able to see him grow up. Please keep seriously pr&ying for his buddies, Joseph and Phillip, both 11 years old who have only a few years left to be adopted and have a forever family.

Clay with Phillip and Joseph

Just a week ago we had a group here that was a huge blessing and loved on our children so well. They had a VBS that answered the final questions for Joseph and Seth and they were able to tell us that they became believers during the week the group was here. Now our 4 oldest boys have the hope only He can give. We hope to answer any questions they have and give them guidance in this new decision they have made. Please lift us up as we work with these boys.

New brother in the L0rd, Seth

The Primary Class has their first garden! It is a good sized garden with green beans, cucumbers, hot peppers, tomatoes, watermelon and some sort of squash that doesn’t translate. You should see their faces when they pick their produce! So much pride for all their hard work. One day Wang Laoshi (Teacher Wang) said, “from garden to plate in just 45 minutes!” They are so excited to share their garden veggies and love it when you come and have some during snack time.

Wang Laoshi and Joseph in the garden

Gardener Eric

We are so thankful for air conditioning! It is warmer and more humid than usual. Upwards of 118 to 122 Fahrenheit with the humidity figured in. We can’t imagine the sacrifice many made in previous decades as they served. We are so very grateful for AC, computer, internet and skype. All these things make being here easier for us to stay connected with family and friends.

Clay recently was talking at our staff time about retreating before moving forward. In our desire to be effective we must be willing to retreat into His presence. “Only in the refreshing of His strength can we find the resources to move forward in our service for him”. There are many examples of Je&sus retreating before moving forward. One is in the good book of Matthew, chapter 14:23, when He went up into the hills by himself to pr&y. He had just finished feeding the 5000 people and then he retreated, then he walked on the water to the disciples and calmed His followers fears in the storm, calming the sea and showing His power and might too them. In order to face our day to day fears and doubts we must retreat into His presence too. Thank you for lifting us up as we remember to “retreat.”

Please lift up these requests:

An answer about Grady’s surgery or other options for surgery.

Joseph and Seth’s decision and how we can help them to grow.

Lucas, a family is working on paperwork to adopt him, for a quick answer for them. (we have almost enough funds for his cochlear implant but the best answer would be adoption)

Phillip and Joseph, our next oldest kids here at 11 years old, to be adopted soon. Forever families to open their hearts to these special boys. Joseph’s paperwork is on the international adoption list and Phillip’s orphanage said they will do his paperwork only if a family is interested in adopting him.

Stacey, pray for healing without much scarring and for her to use the medicine that will help with that. She doesn’t like medicine.

Big thanks for:

Seth hasn’t had a seizure for about 3 weeks! Please continue to pray for balance of his meds.

Reece went to his forever home, heaven. His needs were great and he wasn’t strong enough to make it. We are grateful we were able to provide comfort and love to him here at SFCV.

Stacey has mostly healed from her first surgery and has had another and is doing well.

Kennedy is doing very well and his seizures were determined to be fever induced.

Eli joining his forever family!

Dan and his group from Maryland, what a blessing!

Thank you so much for your support, your prayers and your love.

We love you,

Clay and Jewel

Here is the picture of the building going up on the acreage next door that was mentioned in the last newsletter:

June 27, 2010 Update

2010-07-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2010

Safely home, in China. Busy as usual, more overnight guests than day visitors at this time of the year. We have 4 interns here doing various jobs in the school and therapy such as teaching English and working with the children who are in need of therapy. They are some wonderful young ladies from Maryland, Georgia and California. They are doing amazing work with and for our children and we are truly blessed to be able to have them be a part of our journey here at SFCV.

We have 4 children leaving this month for their forever homes. Among them babies Clay and Matthew who are now 16 and 18 months old. They are both leaving next weekend and going to 2 families in Spain! Clay and Matthew haven’t been at SF very long but are favorite babies of our ayi’s and anyone else who meets them. You will see why in the pictures attached. Sweet Kathy will leave for the states at the same time. She has been at SF since 2005 and has a sweet nurturing heart, often “accused” of being an Ayi or a Mama, with many special friends in her home. She will leave a hole that will be difficult to fill. This makes it sound like adoption is bad; on the contrary, this is the main goal at Shepherd’s Field, to have our children go to forever homes, each one having a daddy and mommy and we rejoice for them…but…this doesn’t go without taking a piece out of the hearts of those who have cared for these special children.

Clay, Kathy, Jewel, Baby Clay and Baby Matthew

On the 4th of July, Gregg, whose name will be Eli, will leave for his home, the day before he turns 11! Eli is an almost 11 year old and he will be adopted by the Bambock’s, who rent our home. We are so excited for this special young man to have a family and more excited that it means we will always get to see him when we go to the states! We are blessed. June 16; we just told Eli about his family. What an amazingly sweet thing to be able to share the best news of all to an orphan boy who was so close to being too old to be adopted (14 years old).

Clay, Eli Bambock, Jewel

During the last holiday, called the Dragon Boat Festival, we had the older kids over for dinner and games. One of our interns is Chinese and was able to tell the kids about the holiday and then we shared a common food that families have for the holiday along with chicken on a stick, (complete with cartlidge in between pieces of chickenJ), fried rice, cucumbers and, of course, jello! We finished up with sandwiches made with peanut butter, honey and bananas. Everything was a hit with all the kids and more memories were made and they learned a little more about why they celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.

Clay just went with Eli to his orphanage to get his picture taken for his passport (June 24 to 26). Another adventure on a hard sleeper with a 10 year old! On the way home Clay got to sleep in the top bunk, they are 3 high. Quite a tight squeeze and his feet stuck out the side of the bunk! (didn’t get a picture this time!)

Clay and Eli on train to orphanage

We hadn’t taken a picture of the biggest “toy” for the children purchased with the extra Christmas money that some of you sent. You will see a few pictures at the bottom of this letter. This is a really big ball pool and they love it! We’ve even seen an Ayi jump in! Tristan’s Ayi tosses him into the pool or he stands on the side and jumps in! Thank you for allowing us to bring these kids so much fun through your generosity.

We have been reminded lately that we “aren’t in Kansas anymore”. Remember the quote by a famous person in ch&*ch history to “Pr&ea*ch the gos*&pel always and when necessary use words.” What a lack of caution could mean to us is leaving the country but for those here, it might mean children would have to go back to their orphanages or we could be closed or we wouldn’t be able to take more children. In our favorite book, listen to what it says in Psalm, chapter 37, “Don’t worry, or envy; trust in Him, take delight in Him; commit everything you do to the L0rd; be still, don’t worry; stop being angry. The L0rd directs the steps of the god@ly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Put your hope in the L0rd, travel steadily along His path.” We are thankful He delights in the details of our lives and trust Him to keep us here where He has led us. Thank you for your continued thoughts about this.

Zhang MeiMei (Head Ayi) Jewel, Stacey and Wang Laoshi (Head Teacher) on a field trip to the Summer Palace

Please lift up these requests:

Seth, almost 15 years old is having more seizures than normal, for balance of his seizure meds.

An answer about Grady’s surgery.

That we will eloquently show others Who is the strength of our lives.

Kennedy’s shunt is being checked because of a seizure to see if it is working properly.

Lucas, a family is working on paperwork to adopt him, for a quick answer for them. (we have almost enough funds for his cochlear implant but the best answer would be adoption)

Eli (Gregg) as he meets his forever family, the Bambock’s, July 4th.

Phillip and Joseph, the next oldest kids here at 11 years old, to be adopted soon. For families to open their hearts to adoption for these special boys.

Stacey in the hospital for skin grafting. Surgery is completed, ask for quick healing.

Bea, Tess, Taylor, Reece and Jody all in hospital. Pre and post surgery.

Big thanks for:

4 Great Interns working with us at SFCV!

Kathy, Matthew and Clay joining their forever families!

The news of more of our children being matched to forever families!

Thank you so much for your prayers and your love!!

We love you,

Clay and Jewel

Thursday, May 20, 2010 Update

2010-05-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2010

We’re on our way to our home in China. It is bittersweet to go back; leaving our family and friends here and going to our family and friends there! We have been so blessed on our furlough with your love, encouragement and support; overwhelmed is probably a better word. We’ll be back in the spring of 2011!

Dear friends George and Patricia Gong, Matthew and Paul

We haven’t shared with you about the trip we took before coming to the states. We went to 6 orphanages and about as many foster homes. There are some things we can’t share with you, they are just too sensitive. What we can share is the willingness of the places we saw to receive help in various ways; therapy training and equipment, building a playground, a Love Without Boundaries (LWB) Cleft Healing Home, a Believe In Me School (also LWB). What we didn’t expect was to be asked for SFCV to take children. Children they aren’t sure how to help or whose problems are more than they can care for. We were touched by the depth of caring for the children. A few children have been added to our waiting list because of this trip and one child is on her way to having surgery because of hearts that were touched by her story. Thank you for your pr&^yers during this time, it was good for us to see where our children come from.

Clay pouring love into an orphanage child

'Important' peoples names on Reader Board at one of the Hospitals visited - can you spot them?

Our time at home was busy! Being our first furlough, we will know better what to expect next time! While we did see many of our friends there were many of you we weren’t able to see and of course we would have loved to see each one of you. Thank you for your understanding and your phone calls during our visit home. We were so blessed by your outpouring of love and encouragement!

We’ve been asked if our jobs will change as we go back to SF. As far as we know there are no plans for any changes but the key word is always flexibility! Those of you who met us at SF have a better idea of what our job is than those at home so we want to explain again what we do. Our actual title is “Guest Relations and Intern Coordinators”. We are contacted by those who want to visit, either for the day or overnight and make the arrangements needed for their visit. We plan their visit with us (except airfare), even providing transportation as needed. Meals, touring etc. All proceeds benefit the special children at SF. When they come they get their temperatures taken, a tour and explanation of the history of Philip Hayden Foundation and Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village and then we get them into the homes to love and play with our children! Interns also come for as short as 2 weeks to as long as a year. We plan and monitor what they are doing during their stay. In addition to that job we teach English to the primary class a few days a week, work on life skills with and for the older children and Clay oversees the facility management. We are the only foreigners who live at SF. We live in the Inn of Eight Happinesses where our guests stay during their visit and have a 2 bedroom apartment with one bedroom used for an office. “Another” apartment about 15 minutes away has been leased for our use to have days off occasionally. Fortunately this is not a big expenditure as it is a necessary one! We struggle with taking time off and know it is valuable to the longevity of our minis&*try.

Please lift up these requests:

Follow through for some of the children we were requested to take. The child without a tongue, the child with a prolapsed bladder and the many others we saw.

Jewel loving on baby with prolapsed bladder

We miss our kids! We are so excited to be going back. Lift up their hearts for what separation means to them.

Reception of the letter from the hospital that will do Grady’s surgery and that they will do it for free.

Gregg’s family to get their Travel Approval, as soon as they have that they will be traveling to pick him up! (this is the family who rents our home in the US)

That our flight from Vancouver to Beijing won’t be delayed more than the hour it already is.

Big thanks for:

The Father speaking through us as we spoke to about 6 different groups. Great receptivity of what He had to say through us!

Clay and Jewel sharing at a ch&*ch

Our renters staying another year!

About $15,000 for Lucas cochlear implant!

Provision of an apartment 15 minutes from SF!

Thank you for your love and your pr&yers!

We love you,
Clay and Jewel

...and just for fun, A Chinese Clothes Dryer:

Friday, April 30, 2010

2010-04-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update to let you know how to get in touch with us if you need to. We are staying at Clay's Mother's home (across the road from our home) and her phone number is 509-448-8943 and we are using her cell and that number is 509-990-5244.

Our 10 day trip before we left with our friend Steve Allen was an eye opening experience. We saw 6 state run orphanages and about as many foster homes. Something we hadn't anticipated was being asked to take children to Shepherd's Field Children's Village so that their physical needs are taken care of. We saw such huge needs, it made us thankful we are where we are at and that our children are coming out of those places. Thank you for your thoughts for us while we were on this trip.

We also want to let you know we are having a garage, yard, shop sale on May 7 and 8. The hours will run from 9am to 4pm. Our address is 12122 S Valley Chapel Rd Valleyford, WA 99036. You can google that to find us. A friend is also going to have a bake sale to help fund their family mission trip to Papue New Guinea.

We are speaking at Valleyford Community Church at 11am this Sunday the 2nd of May. The morning of May 16th we will be at Christ Lutheran in Odessa for a short presentation and that evening we will have a longer presentation at Heritage Church in Odessa. We hope to see many of you!

May the Father bless you! We love you,
--
Clay & Jewel Floch
Shepherd's Field Children's Village
Guest Relations and Intern Coordinators
Clay cell: 15175693714
Jewel cell: 15175693717
James 1:27

2010-04-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

April 4, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

If you’ve never been licked by a cow then you won’t know the texture of eating cow stomach. If you have then you might get it, imagine chewing wet sandpaper, now you’re with me! Pretty tasteless, but even for a person who isn’t bothered much by texture, stomach is stretching it. Don’t bother trying this dish, being licked by a cow is more preferable. Some of you know what we are talking about, you others, find yourself a cattleman with a cow. We are sometimes humbled by a country that wastes nothing, but this wasn’t one of those times!

In February after the Chinese New Year they celebrate the Lantern Festival. About 26 kids were able to go on this field trip and see all the decorations and watch Chinese dancers. It is kind of a carnival atmosphere without rides. When were about to leave, Grady and the person with him for the day came up with a baby bunny in Grady’s lap! We’re looking at this bunny thinking, “How cute. What on earth are we going to do with this thing?!” Well, the Ayi’s didn’t let it “visit” too long in his house before they were convincing Chris, our intern, that bunnies are for eating and it couldn’t stay in the house. So Chris became the interim caregiver while we tried to find Xiao Piao a home. Two days before Xiao Piao was to go to his new home (his English name was Brady) he went to his heavenly home. Chris is devastated, wondering how she is going to tell Grady his beloved “adopted son” Brady has died. So we decided to have a funeral, knowing it is much easier to accept an animal’s death and to learn the life lesson that everything has a time to be born and a time to die. Fortunately none of the kids was too upset and the funeral was held with reverence and was a life learning experience. We shared special memories, talked about heaven, sang J*sus Loves Me and then prayed and buried Xiao Piao. What has been impactful to us recently is being reminded that when we share with the children, anyone else in the room also gets to hear what is being shared. They hear the Easter story and any Bib≤ stories as they are used as “English” lessons. Pr&y the Father will continue to bring other Ayi’s into the rooms as the Bi&ble is shared so they will hear. Watching the Ayi as we sang and prayed for Xiao Piao as she participated showed us that more lives are touched than those of the 8 primary class children.

Friday before Easter Stacey and Wendy helped prepare dinner of pizza, cucumbers and jello for the Primary class. We wanted to have one more meal with them before we take our trip home. The pizza was a hit with everyone except Joseph who thought he was sick because of the one piece of pizza but it was probably the 5 cups of jello he ate! Lingling liked the jello if she could put ranch dressing on it and Wendy smothered the pizza in ranch. A few others had a contest to see who could eat the most pizza with Stacey and Phillip winning at 5 pieces each! Thursday afternoon we had the teachers, office staff and a couple of guests for a lunch of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, French bread and salad. They loved the meatloaf and of course they loved the brownies our intern Chris made! We are so blessed to be a part of their lives. Honoring the work they do here is a way to show them we notice the love they have for the children. This isn’t a great paying job, it is also a service.

Wendy and Stacey with Burns' Twins

Easter is celebrated here at SFCV! Much excitement was found at the school on Thursday as everyone in the school decorated eggs. The primary class dyed the eggs while everyone else used colors, marker and stickers. What a busy, happy time as they decorated 400 eggs. Friday, the hunt began at 9:30am. The kids were divided by house and the plan was for them to each find 6 eggs, without the help of Ayi’s (who are “over” helpful!) The office and foreign staff helped those kids who weren’t able to pick up the eggs themselves or reach down for them. For English class, the primary and kindergarten classes have been hearing about the Easter story and trying to explain why easter eggs!

Phillip and Clay

A Most Important Egg

Tristan Playing in Cupboard

Thank you for your thoughts for us as we plan our trip home. We are leaving April 8 to 17 with Steve Allen and traveling to 3 different areas in country, visiting works like ours and several state run orphanages. April 18 we will be heading to Spokane, arriving at 6:56pm that evening. While in the US we will be speaking at Valley Fourth on April 25th, Valleyford Community Ch*rch on May 2nd and Heritage Ch&rch in Odessa the evening of May 16th. Rockford Auto will have an open house April 30th from 1 to 5pm. We then leave for our China home on May 20th early in the morning. We hope to see many of you and look forward to sharing about our time in China at Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village and hearing what has been going on in your lives. We are pr&ying the Father will “Lead us in the right path…and make His path plain for us to follow.” Ps 5:8.

If you would like to continue your support for us during this journey to China please let us know. You have been a blessing to us as we show Je*sus to these people and these children and we appreciate your pr*yers, support and encouragement. We pr&y the “Father surrounds you with His shield of love.” Ps 5:12. It is sometimes frustrating that we cannot be more direct with these people we care for and love.

One of the children we asked you to pr&y for last month was Lily Diana. Her orphanage requested she return home to them for this last little while in her life. Please pray for them as they give her the comfort care she needs. Another child whose life is very fragile is Stephanie. She isn’t eating well right now and struggles because of her shunt. Please pray she will be comforted and will not be in pain.

Lily Diana and her Ayi

Stephanie

Please be on your knees for:

Grady’s visa procurement to be easy!
That we will be His hands and feet as we travel in country.
Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant.
Lily Diana and Stephanie. For their “grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our L&rd and Savi∨ Je&sus Ch&ist.”
Safety and guidance for our travels from April 8th to May 20th.
For the adoption of our special children. Tristan and Zechariah’s paperwork is in the international adoption files now!

Big thanks for:

Grady’s passport came!
$6105 towards Lucas’ cochlear implant!
Wendy’s shower chair should be here April 3rd!
For His continued guidance.
For faithful supporters and faithful pr**yers!

“..Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we ask or hope. May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.” Eph 3:20 to21

With our love and our prayers,

Clay and Jewel

PS: Stephanie passed away this afternoon. “There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, no more fears” is on the PLR right now as we finish this letter (by Third Day). This is Stephanie’s “day”, no more tears, no more pain, no more fears. In the Father’s arms released from her fragile body. Thank you for remembering her and her Ayi’s.

March Update

2010-03-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

March 4, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

The boy who was in therapy is walking with help from his mother or father! What an encouragement to the therapy team, to us and his parents! His father is taking an active part in working with him and love him. What a good report for our therapy team. Please keep him in your thoughts as he has lots of work ahead of him, we can just picture his new independence!

Grady and Clay enjoyed their trip to Fuzhou and Grady shined while he reconnected with his friends at his orphanage. Sharing a room with Grady was quite the experience. He bounced from bed to bed and to the bathroom (a lot!) and got sick a couple of times. He was so pumped to be visit his orphanage and get his ID and passport. We should have it in hand by the first of the week. There is still more to do before he can go to the US but this is the first step. Please keep lifting him up to the Father for successful handling of the visa and other steps that need to be in place for his surgery. Clay “enjoyed” seafood; more than he would care to remember! There is a meat type of hotdog with whole pieces of corn in it that we tried. It is rather like a raw hotdog and Clay said he would prefer to eat it over seafood any day. What an experience! Of course Grady was the center of attention and did his pushups for his friends. (he can do about 75 and thinks he is a “hero” because he can do so many!) Clay spent more time in the police station than he ever hopes to again and one time he was grabbed from behind by someone who just wanted to speak English to him but gave him quite the scare! One of those times when you aren’t guilty of anything but are sure you must be! It is difficult to actually get into a state run orphanage but the director let Clay in without any trouble. They have about 290 children. It was a blessing for Clay to be involved with this event in Grady’s life and share the excitement as this brings us closer to helping the quality of Grady’s life through surgery.

Before the Chinese New Year we had dinner with the single office girls. It’s a great challenge to stack peanuts with your chopsticks. The record we have heard of is 7. Christina and Sara were able to stack 3, definitely a challenge! You’ll find a picture of Christina with her stack of peanuts. Do try this at home, quite a fun challenge! Speaking of the Chinese New Year, that is quite an event! A larger celebration than anything we have in the states. And..there are no regulations on fireworks! They must not be very expensive either as they fired them off almost continuously from February 12th through the 14th. The debris was all over the roads outside SF. We had to chuckle every once in awhile as we reflected, “only in China!”

February 14 to 17th we spent in Xi’an touring with our friend Kim from Kalamzoo, Mi. Haven’t you always wanted to say you know someone from Kalamazoo?! We took our first train ride and rode on a hard sleeper as we took the night train there and back. That means the bed was hardJ and we shared an area with 6 others; although the train wasn’t crowded on the way there. We had a great time seeing the Terra-cotta warriors and walking the city walls around the only city in the world to still have the city walls still standing. It is amazing to see the warriors that were put in place to guard the tomb of one of the emperors. 6,000 or so warriors to guard a tomb! The work that went into it, burying them in the ground in the first place and then covering them with grass matting. Menial labor was so cheap and the value of human life so small. They thought nothing of asking people to spend tons of time doing something so they thought would protect the emperor in the afterlife. If we would only spend that kind of time on our relationship with those that matter and the one who created us, on things that count for eternity. How grateful we are to be part of “caring for the orphans”. James 1:27

The 18th we had the primary class over for a movie, popcorn and of course, finger jello! We watched “Happy Feet”. The kids were disappointed it wasn’t in Chinese but they still enjoyed it. The 23rd we had them over to the Inn for a dinner of fried chicken and friend rice, carrots and cucumbers. They loved everything of course! They like the food that isn’t processed better than our typical American processed food. They have a way of letting you know what they really like! Jerak is the youngest in the class at 6 years old and speaks the least English but he is learning! When Clay pr&yed over dinner they all folded their hands together and were very quiet and still, except for Jerak, who every time Clay would pause slightly would stay in position with hands folded and eyes squeezed shut and say “ok?” “ok?” We were all chuckling since he wasn’t sure when or maybe if, Clay would quit and he would miss out on dinner!

Clay recently went to the tool market with Mr. Yu to buy some allen wrenches. They had both metric and standard sizes. Of course Clay went for the metric because we are after all in China and everything here is in metric. But what he didn’t count on is the wheelchair he is going to repair is probably made in the US. So back for some standard sized allen wrenches. Just when you think you have something figured out…you have to think again. And why did Mr. Yu go for the standard size first anyway?!

Thursday the 25th we took 26 of the children from school and went to the Lantern Festival. It was kind of cold but we saw the colorful sights and blow up cartoon characters all over the park. Some friends of one of our teachers met us there and proceeded to spend the morning with us and help take the kids around the park. Of all things, as we gathered to leave, Grady is wheeled up in his wheelchair with a bunny rabbit in his lap! We all (from SFCV anyway) looked with must have been confusion at this bunny, what was the guy thinking!? What are we going to do with a bunny rabbit? And of course the children thought it was the most wonderful thing! Well, Brady or Shiao Pao, aka; bunny became Grady’s “son” and suddenly had a birthday and a whole life story including the times he was supposed to eat. The Ayi’s weren’t excited about this new “friend” and told Chris, our intern, she had to take it because a bunny is for food not for staying in the house! So now Brady is being “adopted” by one of the office girls’ mother and will have a new “forever” family. How we wish adoption was that easy for all of our children here! Did you know in the Word we are called “sons of adoption?” When we receive the Father and acknowledge Him as G&d, He adopts us into His family. We are His heirs and we “inherit” eternal life!

Monday, March 3, we were able to spend time in the clinic with Lily Diana who will be 2 years old later this month. She had been in the hospital for about 9 to 10 months and came home just over a month ago. She has had a difficult time in these few years of her life and quit eating sometime the weekend of the 27th. Her Ayi loves on her as tears drip down her face and she quietly speaks comforting words to her. Zhang Ayi, our head Ayi, asked us to come in and pray for Lily Diana and the Ayi’s that care for her. It has been decided that she has been through enough in her short life and we will keep her here with her family at SFCV and love her. We are so blessed to see the love these women have for these children. They aren’t throw away kids to them, they love them as their own. The daytime Ayi’s eyes are swollen from tears and in our own fashion we “talk” about Lily Diana and how her life has touched others. We pr&y the Father will encourage these people in their work. That they will know what they do is very important. That the Father says “what we do to the least of these, we do as to Him.” That they will see the love of the father through us.

Thank you for your thoughts for us as we plan our trip home and anticipate what staying at SFCV means to us. One of the things we need to change is taking time away from work. You might imagine we put our whole selves into connecting people to this place and these special children. We have an idea to insure we take time for ourselves, now we just need to make it happen. When we leave SFCV on April 8th we will be spending about 10 days with a friend going to 3 different areas in China and looking at different foreign run foster homes for children with special needs. While we look forward to seeing more of the country will you pr&y we learn from this time how we can better be aware of the needs here and how we could be of help?

Would you also please be pr&ying about how the Father might want you to continue supporting us in the future? We appreciate so much your pr&yers, support and encouragement. Not one of you is small or unimportant to us. We hope you are blessed with what we share with you and that you know you are a part of letting us be His hands and feet here with these children. Wow, you bless us.

Please be on your knees for:

Grady’s passport to get here soon and his surgery to be scheduled.
That His light will shine through us, that we will be His hands and feet.
Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant.
Lily Diana and the 5 or so other children who have more critical needs.
Study in the book of Esther, lesson 4 study being especially impactful to Jewel.
Lift up the mother and her son as they continue therapy at home and let His light shine.
Guidance as we plan our trip home from April 18th to May 20th. That we will see the people we need to see and accomplish what we need to get done. And while you are at it, that we will know what to do with our things and what to keep and what to not keep!
Getting a shower ready for Wendy’s use in her house. She has had to crawl upstairs and pull herself in and out of a bathtub since she has been here. This project is almost to get underway. Pr&y this gets done “quickly”.

Big thanks for:

$505 towards Lucas’ cochlear implant!
The boy from therapy who is walking! Thank Him for this answer to this pr&yer.
For His continued guidance.
For faithful supporters and faithful pr**yers!

“..may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God!” Eph 3:18 to19

With our love and our prayers,

Clay and Jewel

Some fun times:

Spa Day with Lingling!

An armful of Grace!

Wendy and Stacy getting a 'Baby Fix'

January 2010 Update

2010-02-09T12:35:00.001-08:00

Here is the current update from Clay and Jewel...pictures will be posted soon.

January 30, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Until a few weeks ago we have had a young mother bringing her son to SFCV for therapy. She had met Annie, our Filipino Occupational Therapist, and asked if she moved close enough to us, could she bring her 2 ½ year old son for therapy. We had agreed she could if she would be her son’s caregiver for therapy. For about 2 months, she walked, pushing her son in a stroller for 20 to 25 minutes to bring him to SFCV. In the beginning she would walk back home at lunch until we realized what a long distance in the cold it was to travel. We were able to provide lunch and she would stay through lunch break until the afternoon hours. She brought her son for therapy at great sacrifice. Her husband did not support her, he wanted her to abandon their son. The woman’s brother provided support and paid for the room she lived in. One unheated room. We were able to provide her with an electric heater so she didn’t have to rely on the heating blanket they slept on to keep them warm. She faithfully and cheerfully provided the care her son needed under the guidance of our therapy team. Her husband has had a change of heart and she has gone home to work things out and will continue her son’s therapy at home. We are pr*&ing for continued reconciliation in their marriage. She is a believer, he is not but the testimony of her life and the sacrifice she was willing to make for their son has been a testimony to the husband. We pr&*y it is watered and grows!

A couple of weeks ago we were in House of Love with some of the older children. Please remember there is a language barrier! Somehow we understood the boys thought we were going to choose 2 of them and take them home. The next day we were to teach class and decided we had to spend some time sharing our story with the primary class, beginning with meeting 32 years ago and ending with, "we love each of you and we are so glad the Father brought us here to know you. We won’t be taking anyone home with us but we can be your Mom and Dad while you are here at SF and you will always be a part of our hearts. Since our 2 boys are gone, you have helped to fill a part of our hearts that has been empty and we are very glad for that." We didn't come here looking to adopt or looking to fill empty places in our hearts, although we thought that might happen and the Father has blessed us with an abundance of love for these children. We are now the proud SFCV parents of 9 children, we’ve been adopted!

On Thursday we were in the school checking out the new computer room that is being set up. I (Jewel) wasn't needed right then so I went into the primary classroom where we spend a lot of time. The kids were having a free time playing, reading and writing. Grady wanted to know a name in the SFVCV calendar so I read it to him then he wanted to know what the other writing on the page was. It is a scripture from Jer 29,11. You know the one. Of course he didn't understand but it is a good verse for our children here. He asked where it was from and I told him the Bi&le. His immediate comment was, Grady like Bi&le, Grady like Je&*sus. Grady doesn't just like Je&*sus, he loves Him! A little later he was at the whiteboard drawing a picture of the cross, Je&*sus on it, several people in the picture with the sun, stars, clouds and flowers. All had tears, he was showing the sadness of Je&*sus death to the many people who are important in his life. He is a blessing and a transformation in process. How blessed we are to be a part of that! (you are part of it too Thank you for your encouragement and support!) There is more to this story, at staff fellowship that week we were talking about II Corinthians 4,7 to 10. This is referring to transformation which made me think of transformers (they love them!) and caused me to reflect, transformation is what is taking place in Grady’s life. His body isn’t transformed (yet) but his spiritual heart is! He is pressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, knocked down but not destroyed. Grady’s great power is from the Father! He is being transformed! Are you being transformed? Changed to be more like Him? We have talked several times recently about change and how difficult it can be. We’re talking cultural things mainly, they just aren’t going to do everything they way we want because we think our way is the right way and the only way. This is surrender. He has brought us here and we are on their turf not ours!

Around the third of January it snowed and the wind blew all day. The snow piled up and drifted in and around our six and a half acres. Certainly reminded us of living in Odessa with the wind blowing and rattling the windows! The next morning was beautiful of course but so cold! Inside and outside the gates, things slowed to almost a halt. What to do with all this snow?! The workmen gathered in the workshop building snow shovels and brooms. They kept making them until everyone who was able had a shovel or a broom to remove all the snow! You will find a picture of the shovels and brooms being used below. They used a sturdy post, slit it up about 8 inches or so, inserted a thin piece of paneling, secured it and wala! A snow shovel! We heard in some of the more populated areas there are snow plows, we saw the evidence but never actually saw one. A team effort had the snow removed from most paths by lunch time.

Please be on your knees for:

Grady’s surgery to make the quality of his life better. Our hopes are still for early 2010 in the US. Some progress is being made toward this happening.

That His light will shine through us.

2 children died within 5 days of each other. These children’s health was fragile but it is still difficult to see them go. Please bring the Ayi’s before the Father, for healing and peace.

Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant, this little one turns 4 in May. Three is the optimum time for the implant. We have to raise the funds before he can have the implant

The Study in the book of Esther, growing together and in the Father’s ways. What a joy to share with these young women!

For the children who are matched to forever families. Paperwork to go through smoothly and these children will go to forever homes soon and for their transition into those homes.

Lift us the mother and her son as they continue therapy at home and let His light shine thru.

Big thanks for:

Grady’s spiritual transformation to continue. He is a leader among the children here at SFCV, what an impact he can have!

Stacey’s pain is gone and she is healing and learning to use her hand in its new position.

For faithful supporters and faithful pr**yers!

“When we think of the wisdom and scope of His plan, we fall to our knees and pray to the Father, the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. We pray from His glorious unlimited resourced He will give you mighty inner strength thru His Holy Spirit. And we pray that the Son will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of His marvelous love.” He is more than we could ever imagine. How grateful we are for His plan! Ephesians 3, 14 to 17.

With our love and our prayers,

Clay and Jewel

End of Year Update

2009-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

December 30, 2009

Dear Friends and Famiy,

What a full month this has been. December 4th we went with 17 children and the teachers to Beijing United Hospital to sing songs for the lighting of their Christmas tree. The singing of Silent Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jesus Loves Me (in English and Chinese) and a Chinese Christmas song was a great success and our children had a wonderful time. Grady is a natural leader and made us all proud with his introductions of the songs. We’ve sent the video to the US to a couple of people, perhaps they will get it on YouTube for viewing. They have also sung on several other occasions, for the staff Christmas Party and for guests that have come through. Teaching the Christmas songs and their meanings has been a special time to explain more about the Christmas story and where “Christmas” comes from. What a great opportunity to teach English and the most important story at the same time!

The Primary class has been adding art to the Inn Store; paintings by the children are on the walls and soon we hope they will add Chinese calligraphy and some simple bracelets. This allows the older kids to earn a spending money and learn the value of skills that gives them a little independence. We were able to take 4 of the boys, Grady, Joseph, Gregg and Jerak, to a PTA Christmas Fete in SFVC honor where the boys sang, saw Santa and receive a gift and other goodies. With this small of a group it had the feel of a family as we took them to McDonalds (“Mai dan lau”) for lunch before coming home.

We had the special blessing of being a part of seeing little Christina meet her forever family. She is her family’s 6th Chinese adoption! Christina is 10 years old and in mid December she met her mother and father and her new big brother (the family adopted 2 children on the same trip, an unusual occurrence but happening a little more often when at least one of the children is almost 14 years old). They connected easily and we know even though we will miss her at SFCV, she is blessed to be in a family who will love her and continue to teach her about Je&sus. When Christina first heard she had a family, she said “no,” she was going to stay here with this family. Although that is sweet and shows the love and connections these children have with each other and their caregivers, it does not compare to a forever family. She quickly adjusted and we didn’t see any tears (on her part!) the 2 days the family spent here. There were some anxious moments but everything went very smoothly and she was impressing her family with the English she knows and teaching her new brother (who knows only a few words of English) some of the things she knows. They will be of great help to each other while they adjust to a new life in the US. Here is a picture of Christina and Clay.

We spent a nice quieter 3 days in Beijing the 19th to the 21st. Did a lot of shopping at China’s markets! What “fun” that is! This was the 6 month anniversary of our being in China. Especially memorable was having dinner at the café at the Days Inn, then realizing after about 10 minutes we were hearing the beautiful sounds of the first verse of Silent Night, over and over and over again for the whole time we were there! Our friend George treated us to a special day on Sunday by taking us to church, to a German Restaurant, a trip to the Bird’s Nest (Olympic Game Park, which was made into a winter wonderland) and then another special dinner all the while sharing our stories and encouraging each other. You will find a picture of Clay and George attached. George’s daughter was killed when the marble fireplace in their home fell on her last May. She was 5 years old. George and Patricia had been looking for answers to the purpose of life before Emily died, but after her death they became desperate in their search and found their answer in Yesu. He gave them hope for each day and hope for the future. Although living a life for Yesu does not mean everything will be easy it does mean you will not carry your burdens alone and He has promised to never leave us, in good times or in bad. Having faith in Him is now the source of their strength and knowing they will see their baby daughter again one day in eternity is what has brought hope and joy into their lives.

While I was writing this part of our newsletter, we were sitting in the Mandarin service with George. While understanding only a few words, we were blessed by the sincerity of the worship and by joining in with the worship music. That day was the 20th of December. Ryan would have been 29 years old. Of all days to be there and hear “Amazing Grace,” one of the songs sung at the boy’s service. What a “coincidence” that the father put these things together, reminding us of His amazing Grace and that knowing where we spend eternity is the most important question to find the answer too. We can rejoice because our relationship with his son has made us friends of G*d. Romans 5;11

More highlights from Christmas were:

having the Primary class over to the Inn; singing Christmas songs, reading the Christmas story in Luke 2;1 to 18, sharing gifts, making cookies and frosting them (in our 2 toaster ovens! Actually, we have found that the pizza oven in the big kitchen will cook cool enough to cook anything, it just can’t be over 8” tall or it won’t fit).

Spending time in House of Peace, House of Blessing and Zachary House with the children opening their gifts.

Spending time on Christmas Day with Stacey, Wendy, Chris (our intern) Kirsty here for a month from Australia, Shelby, Sara and Christina enjoying a movie, dinner, games and sharing gifts. So far the biggest hit for “American” dinners has been chicken enchiladas (now you know why American is in parenthesis!)

Over and over we were reminded of the ultimate Christmas gift, Jesus. What a sacrifice to have our heavenly Father send his son to earth, like sending royalty into the pig pen; no, much worse than that but what is more descript to our human thinking? What a huge gift was given in a little package!

We were blessed by many contacts from BICF and from the Haidian churches who continue to connect with SFCV and serving our children at this special time of the year. Thank you to those of our friends who continue to encourage, support and lift us up. Without you some days could be very difficult. We will be using some of the extra Christmas gifts to purchase outdoor playground toys geared more to the 2 and 3 year olds.

Right now we don’t feel any closer to knowing what the father wants us to do after this year is up. Please lift us up for a clearness of purpose and direction. That we will ask the right questions and get the right answers to clarify where we should be next year.

If you live in the Spokane are you are aware of an article in the paper after the Memorial Games on December 15th. Here is the link: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/15/floch-memory-lives-on/ At least you will be able to see the picture of our special children Our children acted like they had been in the movies! There was much excitement to see their own smiling faces on the computer screen!

Please be on your knees for:

Grady’s surgery to make the quality of his life better. Our hopes are for early 2010 in the US.

Flexibility in our job and wisdom to know where the Father wants us in the future.

That we will have an impact on the lives of those around us.

While most the children are healthy, colds are going around again and more fragile children are getting sicker this time. Please pray there will be no serious illnesses because of this.

Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant.

Adaption for those children who are recently adopted; Christina, Margaret, Adam, Justin, Fred…

The Study in the book of Esther, growing together and in the Father’s ways. What a joy to share with these young women!

Big thanks for:

Grady’s joy for life and love for J**sus. His acceptance of not being adopted and his desire to work and earn some $$ so he can get a cell phone!

Stacey has the apparatus off, and the pins out of her hand. Although there is some healing yet, she is doing very well, is back to knitting and now has a hand that is more useful.

Because Kyle is walking many other children have been inspired to try harder and are working hard to strengthen their muscles in hopes of walking too!

Christina’s joy with her new brother and family!

For faithful supporters and faithful pr**yers!

Because of His power we can do what He asks of us, even if it is on the “far side of the sea!” Not where we would have expected, yet we desire that our roots go down deeper and deeper into His love, that will keep us strong. We want to experience His love even though it is really to great to understand. It is so wide, so long, so high and so deep, all glory to HIM! Ephesians 3;14 to 20. How we pr**y for you, that you will know the strength you can know only through HIM!

With our love and our prayers,

Clay and Jewel

More pictures:

Photo from Newspaper

Clay, Stacey, and Jewel

Floch Memorial Games

2009-12-16T09:24:00.001-08:00

Hi all...

This past weekend the Memorial Game for Ryan and Drew was held at Big Bend. The game was also highlighted in the Spokesman which gives a little more background information on how the game got started.

On behalf of Clay and Jewel, may you have many blessings this Christmas!

December Update

2009-12-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Would you ever think a person would spend $45 on a 16# Norbest turkey!?!? They must not grow them around here as ours was from Iowa!! Lot’s of chickens but no turkeys. Most people wouldn’t have anywhere to refrigerate or freeze something that big. On your ThanksGiving day, our Friday, we had dinner with the Moody’s and their 2 boys, Chris, our intern and the 3 single women staff from the office, Sara, Shelby and Christina. What a blessing to share a meal with these special people. We had most everything you would have for a ThanksGiving meal. Just had to cook the pies in a toaster oven and take the turkey to the Moody’s to cook all day as there are no working ovens except for the pizza oven at Shepherd’s Field. We’re planning to make Pfefferneuse around Christmas, can you imagine making that in a toaster oven measuring about 12” by 10”? Well, it’s not quite that bad…..we do have 2 toaster ovens!!

The staff at SFCV also celebrated together the week before with a Chinese dinner and shared things they were thankful for. Tim, SFCV founder, was here and he remarked afterward what a blessing it is to realize the way the Father is working in the lives of the staff. Mr. Yu, who Clay works with in Facilities Management, said he was thankful for the way G*d is working to build the vocational/therapy center. Mr. Yu has been here for many years but has never trusted the Father in his heart and yet he is “thankful for G*d’s work”. Each of our office staff shared that they are thankful for the things they are a part of here and how their lives are changed because of being part of this work. Are you getting a piece of what we have to be thankful for?! We are thankful for 31 years of marriage and seeing the Father work in our lives to make all things good, for his leading us here to be able to be a part of the work here, with the staff and with the special children he has brought here.

Several weeks ago the primary class was learning the names for winter clothes. We thought you would like to see a picture of Clay all dressed in his winter clothes by the kids so that picture is included here! They are such a joy to be around, they have large chunks of our hearts in their hands!

Our last update was so long we didn’t get to (or forgot) to tell you about the changes going on with Wendy and Stacey. After meeting with their teacher, the head nanny, our director and the head teacher we all decided some changes were long overdue in their care. These young ladies are now 18 and 19 years old but their responsibilities are few. Directing them to a new level of independence and responsibility is a part of the reason we are here. Previously they were being tutored all day in math and science. Their grade level is at about a 5th grade level, which enables them to work at a job where reading and simple math skills are needed. The middle of October the girls began working. They continue being tutored in the morning but in the afternoon Wendy joins the 4 women in the banner factory and Stacey joins Teacher Wang as a teaching assistant in the Primary class. This is a good fit for both the girls and they get to earn some income! Their bank account is with us and we have a budget for them. 2 types of savings accounts and a spending allowance. They are also joining the adults for lunch instead of eating with the children in their home. A very exciting step for them.

We are teaching Christmas songs; Silent Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger to the Primary class which they have been invited to perform December 4th at Beijing United Hospital. This hospital is one we use often for surgeries for our children. Recently they have shown a greater interest in helping by wanting to perform some upcoming surgeries at reduced or no cost! What a blessing! We have been on the receiving end of seeing so many blessings since we have come here! With 100 children there are many costs involved and surgeries are a big part of the cost to give these children life changing and sometimes life saving surgeries. It is also exciting to see China reaching out to their own children a little more all the time.

One of the other blessings SFCV received was from a new friend who visited. His company made a large donation that paid the remainder of our heating bill with some left over to help with surgeries. Heating in China has to be paid in advance, the whole season in advance. We don’t control turning it off or on (or how hot or cold it is) and it stays on from approximately November 15 to March 15. Our bill was around $24,000usd. The heat got turned on and the Father provided for all our needs, just as He promises! In fact, after much concern about how cold it would be here and making certain we brought enough layers to ensure we would be warm enough, we now have to open the windows because it would be well over 70 degrees in our rooms! And after all that “concern”, so far, the winter here is much like home with the leaves changing colors, the wind occasionally blowing wildly, cold nights and overcast days with some sunny days thrown in.

The Haidian Ch**ch is a government approved ch*ch we are trying to attend with Sara, Christina and Shelby once a month. We enjoy the western ch**ch but since you must have a foreign passport to get in, the girls can’t go with us. We have been surprised and blessed by the worship and messages. This is another blessing as the ch**ch leadership desires for their members to have a vision for serving in their local area. Since we met the pastor through a contact in the states, some of their leadership has visited here 2 times. The last time bringing 5 boxes of fruit for our children! They are also including our children’s needs on their tree of sharing and the pastor of this huge ch**ch plans to come to visit when they bring the gifts. Another interesting note, the pastor’s daughter, through a student exchange, is going to Jewel’s high school alma mater in Washington! What a “Godcidence”!

A few weeks ago at BICF, the western fellowship, there was an emphasis on SFCV. Through that we got to meet many who think like we do and Clay was able to share tears and life experiences with another man who had lost his son in the last year. The Father continues to amaze us with the people he brings across our path, some to share a prayer, hug or even words of encouragement. And then he uses the contacts to get others hearts connected to the children here. We love showing off our children and knowing the guests who come in will never be the same when they leave. Last weekend a team of 12 came in and because of traffic on the freeway only got to stop for a tour and lunch. They didn’t get to see our children and spend time in the houses but they left changed and looking forward to the possibility of coming back and staying overnight the next time. They were just part of the 20 to 50 people who are stopping for a day visit on Saturday’s. This last Saturday we had a group of 6 who are part of the Great Wall Cruisers, a Motorcycle club! They didn’t come on their Harley’s this time, maybe next time, but they blessed us with food and toys.

We have Chinese names! Clay’s is Gao Xi, which sounds like “Gow gee” and means tall tree. Jewel’s is Zhu Fen, which sounds like “Jew fan” and means red flower. Isn’t that fun! The kids had so much fun figuring out what to name us, and then more fun teaching us to say it right!

These last 2 weekends we have also been involved in 2 bazaars. This has been a blessing for the connections we make with others who want to visit and spend time with our children. Seems just like home and having a craft table at Odessa’s Christmas Fest!

Last Monday Jewel and “the girls,” Chris, Sara, Shelby and Christina along with Ana Moody have started a study on the woman Esther. These young Chinese ladies are so hungry to learn. Jewel looks forward to seeing things through their eyes and hearing their questions and hopes living and trying to understand a different culture will help to understand the ways of this book written so long ago.

For those of you who are wondering if there is a Memorial Game this year, yes there is. It is December 12th at Big Bend Community College. We will be sending a greeting for the game and there will be 2 basketball players playing who have scholarships in Ryan’s name. This last year no one applied for Drew’s scholarship so the fund is growing this year.

Please be on your knees for:

Grady’s surgery to make the quality of his life better. Our hopes are for January 2010 in the US. The adoption will not happen, pray for his heart and that he will trust the Father even in this.

Flexibility in our job and wisdom to know where the Father wants us in the future.

That we will have an impact on the lives of those around us.

Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant.

Stacey had the apparatus taken off her hand the 24th. She had some grafting to make fingers at the same time and came home the 30th. Please pray for easing of the pain and quick healing.

The Study in the book of Esther, growing together and in the Father’s ways.

Big thanks for:

Weiwei will be coming back to work fulltime December 1st!

Kyle is walking! His progress has inspired several other children also. AND he will be adopted in January!

The Primary class having so much fun learning English!

Christina’s is matched and will be going to her forever home the middle of December

For faithful supporters and faithful pr**yers!

As we work with these great kids, we are reminded of Psalm 139.7-16. Many might think these kids were mistakes, oops by the Father when He was distracted and looking elsewhere. We are not a mistake, He doesn’t make mistakes. None of these children were mistakes, not one; they were each one “fearfully and wonderfully” made and we should praise Him!! That He though about us before we were even formed and knitted us together in the womb, amazing. If Timothy from our last update had “only” had heart problems and not an ear deformity, his parents may have never found him, so that ear was a part of the Father’s plan. Our bumps and issues are a part of his plan, our “job” is to trust Him while we are living His plan. We don’t always get to see how He is going to use our bumps, we just get to trust Him. Are you trusting Him with what He is doing in your life? Does it seem like there isn’t anything good going on in your life, trust Him, He will “work all things for good.” Romans8.28

With our love and our prayers,

Clay and Jewel

2009-10-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2009

Dear friends and family,

You’ve probably always wondered how long it takes for 2 people to use a tube of toothpaste. It takes 101 days to use an 8 oz tube. Your trivia question/answer of the day!

We are so thankful for the continued to support and encouragement you bless us with.

Today has been an emotional day. This morning we woke to find out Florence from Zachary House passed away in the early hours. She was almost a year old and she “failed to thrive”. She has always been weak, wouldn’t eat very much, had some genetic abnormalities and was the size of a newborn. We had hoped to be able to help her but on this earth it hadn’t been possible. Our picture of her now is her running and jumping and being fully loved and cradled in the arms of the One who created her. That was our sad news of the day.

While still in our staff meeting on October 20th we heard the full story of Timothy. He is just a few months over 6 years old and has spent most of his life at Shepherd's Field Children's Village. Here is the story: 6 years ago a baby was born with CP, heart problems and ear and head deformities. At five months of age he had a fever. So his mother and her brother took him to doctors in Beijing. They went to three different doctors and they were not encouraging about the possibility of a successful operation and the expense involved was beyond the family's ability to afford. During this time his mother also got a fever. While the Mother was sleeping the uncle made a decision that would affect the next 6 years; he abandoned the baby at Langfang Children's Village and told the family the baby had died and he had taken care of the body to save them further heartache. Some 4 years later the uncle was deathly sick and confessed to his sister what he had done and that the baby was alive when he left him. Since that time the mother and father have been searching orphanage websites for a picture of their son. At a certain point they found a picture on our website that showed a child with ear and head deformity. Over the Holiday from October 1 to 8 they came to visit at SFCV and try to determine if he was their son. This boy didn’t have CP and his ayi said he didn’t have a heart problem but as the mother was helping him put on some new clothes they had brought for him she saw a scar on his chest, at some time he’d had a heart surgery. Their hearts were filled with hope and love. She and her husband spoke with the Langfang orphanage which is responsible for his paperwork and they were more than happy to look into this matter and to determine if he was indeed their son. The 3 of them went to the police station for a DNA test. October 19th we got the news, they match, Timothy is their birth son. October 20th, during our staff meeting, a knock on the door was heard and Christina recognized the Director of the Langfang orphanage and went to chat with him. When she came back in she announced to all that Timothy’s parents were there and ready to take him home….now. We all sat in stunned disbelief. Not enough time to say a satisfactory goodbye, to process that the boy who has been here for almost 6 years is leaving! After and emotional and tearful farewell, Timothy left to go to his home with his birth mother and birth father. We are so, so happy for Timothy and his mother and father, we will miss him so, so much!

We have had some additional difficult days since the end of September when our good friends Matthew, Karen, Christopher and Lee Winn left SFCV and went back to the states. For personal reasons they made a decision to go back and we have been missing them greatly. We are so grateful for their friendship and for the fellowship we were able to have with them. Matthew brought excellent organization to SFCV and we appreciate the guidance we received from him. While it doesn’t mean great changes in our job description there are still some additional things we are helping with because of their departure.

October 1st to 8th was a holiday and we celebrated the Moon Festival on 2 separate days with the kids. The staff, with the exception of the children’s caregivers, were gone and we had the 5 oldest boys to dinner on the 3rd and then the 5 oldest girls on the 4th. The menu was mac and cheese, carrots and cucumbers with dip, finger jello and juice. Then to toast the moon and give thanks for our family and friends we had mooncake and juice. Let’s just say mooncake is an acquired taste. Some are palatable but some are downright gross! Of the boys, 3 didn’t like the mac and cheese and 2 of the girls didn’t care for it but that didn’t matter at all! They were so excited to have dinner, play games and toast the moon. What a blessing to be surrounded by happy children!

Girls at moon festival dinner

During the holiday we had a few visitors. Gus and Katherine Wheeler, friends from Odessa, who are M’s in Weihei which is on the east coast of China, teach at a Korean Ch**stian School. Pete Eastman with his girlfriend Chanel came and spent a night also. Pete teaches ESL in a town south of Shanghai and was a friend of Ryan, our oldest son. What a great time it was to catch up on these friend’s lives and have a good visit with them!

September 26th, 2 separate vans with 6 adults 12 kids left to go to an auction in Beijing that would benefit SFCV. The ride there was quite eventful! In addition to getting lost and the trip taking 2 ½ hours, Clay had the priviledge of sitting next to Grady as he proceeded to be sick several times into one flimsy plastic bag which fortunately, and miraculously, didn’t have any holes! Going to an auction can be an adventure with kids who have never been before and we are thankful Lingling didn’t buy all our paintings to bring back home! She just couldn’t help but get into the spirit of the bidding. The paintings were made by the children and the surprise of the evening was the painting that brought the most action. The person doing the auctioning was actually apologetic as she read the characters on the painting: “Yesu ai wo, Jesus loves you.” Four individuals were bidding on this painting. While most of the paintings had friendly bidding going on this was a little more serious and the painting ended up going for 2500rmb ($370). When we saw that painting go up for bid we looked at it and thought, “wonder if we should have brought that?” When winning bidder came and visited with Clay and expressed to him their gratitude at our coming to China to care for these broken children was when we realized how the father works through our mistakes. James 1:27 tells us to “care for orphans and widow in their distress and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” It is our honor to bring value to these lives that have been thrown away and to love them with a love only the father can give. Isaiah 1:17 tells to “defend the cause of the fatherless” and our being here challenges others in China to defend the cause of these children.

Jewel & Timothy at Auction

Last week Steve Allen from Valley 4th spent a few days here encouraging and just hanging out with us. We were blessed by this time and one evening we went into Beijing and had dinner with the pa**or of the government approved ch**ch. We were blessed and encouraged by this man and enjoyed the time of fellowship with him. His daughter is in America going to Jewel’s alma mater. He was also the official pa**or for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. We were very encouraged to see this man leading a growing ch**ch in China. We are pr**ying this meeting begins a serving partnership between his congregation and SFCV.

When things have been more difficult we are so glad He promised He can do much more than we ask or even imagine. We desire his power to be at work in us so He will be glorified through us. (look up Eph 3:20&21) Every day we pray we will glorify Him in all we do. We pr*y He increases His power to the weak, because that’s us! (look up Isaiah 40:29-31).

Christina and Clay

We want to end with a quote Matthew Winn uses on his website: Don’t fear failure; fear success in things that don’t matter. This has really struck us as we evaluate what we are doing with our lives and as we strive to listen to what the father wants us to do with our lives.

Please be on your knees for:

Grady’s adoption, nothing new. Continue praying someone will say “yes”.
Timothy as he goes through the changes of a new home.
For the added responsibilities Matthew’s departure brings and wisdom in doing what needs to be done.
Flexibility in our jobs.
Language learning! We would try to impress you with the new words we learn but…we can’t spell them!
That we will have an impact on the lives of those around us.
Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant.
Weiwei, our financial accountant who has been sick for about 3 months. We need her! Please ask that the spirit of darkness will be lifted from her.

Big thanks for:

The healing of Stacey’s hand is progressing well! She will have the apparatus off sometime in November and then have plastic surgery on the same hand sometime after that.
Kyle has progressed to standing while holding on to a bar! Please keep praying for additional strength in his legs.
Christina’s paperwork is in the system!
Lingling learned to ride a bike! She is almost 17 and worked so hard to learn. She is working on the stopping part of bike riding nowJ
Big steps in teaching life skills, things are moving forward!
Timothy’s reunion with his birth parents!
Visitors from home!
For faithful supporters and faithful pr**yers!

With our love and our prayers,

Clay and Jewel

Going home from school - no one gets lost this way!

Kennedy getting ready for a haircut!

September Update and Pictures

2009-09-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you read about J**sus death and cried? The other day in primary class as Clay was reading the story of J**sus being crucified, we looked up at the class to see tears in Grady’s eyes, and this was before the translation! He understood enough English and could “read” the illustrations to remember the story and think of the pain J**sus felt. He has heard the story and has responded to his need for J**sus, yet he hurts when he remembers all that J**sus went through. All that He went through for me and for you. It’s all about Him, Him dying for us. His death brought freedom for us, we are adopted as His children if we believe in the L**rd Je**sus Ch**st. Galatians 4;5, “says He sent J**sus to buy freedom so that He could adopt us as His very own children.” We are each adopted son’s if we have believed in Him. Each of us has the opportunity to be adopted at least once, we hope these kids have two adoptions! We reminded our class that the story has a good ending, J**sus doesn’t stay dead, He comes back to life! We are so blessed to be here, to share the dream to give these great children forever homes, if not on earth then in heaven for eternity!

We took another field trip with 25 of our kids to an orchard to pick grapes and plums. A local powder coating company brought 4 bus’s almost full of employees and their friends and families to take us, 4 teachers and 25 kids. First we went to a grape orchard and they let us pick boxes of grapes and then to another field to pick a sack of plums. We all had great fun picking and especially tasting the fruit. Each child was assigned to an employee with the exception of a few kids who were to shy to go with a stranger. That would include the little tank, Lucas from the Blue Zoo story in our last newsletter, who has decided Jewel is his new favorite person, which doesn’t hurt her feelings at all! This time he didn’t have a problem with holding hands so he didn’t get lost. After picking fruit in the orchard they took us to a restaurant which had never seen so many customers at once! But of course were very gracious and took very good care of us! Some of the food we recognized, some we didn’t recognize and there was plenty we didn’t eat! The variety and the number of dishes they kept bringing left us amazed and even the nationals were finished eating before all the food was brought to the tables. We know we ate donkey meat, which tastes much like summer sausage without the fat. But aren’t sure about some of the other things we may have eaten; or not!

By the way, Clay has a new nickname, well maybe it is his Chinese name. It is said in 2 syllables, Calay. It is so precious and always brings a smile to our faces to hear the welcoming call, “Calay, Calay!!” In fact we understand Valley 4th has taken to the new name also! Lingling calls Jewel Jeway, so that name is often heard being echoed around campus.

Jewel got to take a trip with Sara from our office to Fuzhou (in southern China) to return 2 girls to their orphanage to be adopted. In case you missed this fact; SFCV is a foster home where kids from many different orphanages, mainly state run, send their kids for one reason or another. When children are adopted they almost always go back to their orphanage before their new families pick them up. How fun to be a part of taking these 2 year olds meet their forever families. Quite an experience to take 2 year olds on an airplane especially when one of them gets car sick! Fortunately, not air sick, although that might be because she went to sleep for the whole airplane ride. That made up for the 4 times she was car sick before we got to the orphanage! We then brought a one year old girl to SFCV to live.

We wrote about Lucas earlier in our letter and want to ask you if the father might be nudging you to help out with the expenses of his surgery. Lucas is 3 years old, which is the optimum time for his cochlear implant.

Jewel and Lucas

The cost is 200,000rmb (almost $30,000 U.S.) You will see his picture below. This little one has a loyalty to those who love and care for him and he is a regular boy (ie: part monkey! He is strong as could be and wants to climb everything, especially your legs and has a great noise he makes when he sees someone he loves and wants to get to them. Who could resist that smile and those outstretched arms!? In fact, maybe you feel a nudging to adopt him!! If you are interested in donating to his surgery feel free join us in paying for his surgery by sending a check with a note that explains it is for Lucas cochlear implant to:

Philip Hayden Foundation

10335 Winchester Rd, #E-115

Temecula, CA 92591

“Calay” had his 54th birthday with the primary class singing Happy Birthday, giving him homemade cards and receiving hugs all around! Their cards were very special telling him they hope he stays here forever with them and they love him very much. (written in Chinese but interpreted for him by the office girlsJ) Very, very special.

One evening we had pancake, bacon and scrambled eggs with Wendy, Stacey and Shelby joining us for dinner. Stacey and Shelby enjoyed a little bit of syrup on their pancakes, but Wendy didn’t go for the syrup. We realized a little ways into dinner she wasn’t using the syrup on the pancakes, “too sweet!” she said, she was using pepper! And she continued to use it on all 5 pancakes she had! We asked if she minded if we shared this story and her picture and she said no. Actually she thought we were rather funny to think she was funny! Next time we’ll try “slurry slop” on them; mix peanut butter with syrup and make it thick or thin as you prefer. (didn’t know you were going to get a recipe from us did you!?)

Mmmmmm! Pancakes!! and pepper?!?!?

Five new children came to SFCV 4 weeks ago and one is now named Clay! He is 5 months old and was supposed to be oxygen deprived at birth but it appears nothing is wrong with him after all. We expect he will be adopted soon because he will listedas special needs but there is nothing wrong with him. If someone is looking for a special needs child most times they get matched quickly because there aren’t as many people who choose to adopt children with special needs.

Jewel with Baby Clay

Please be on your knees for:

Stacey’s hand and successful growth of the tendon. Sometimes she has a lot of pain when the apparatus is tightened. Please pray the pain would be minimal and growth quick so the apparatus can be removed in the 2 or 3 months they expect it to take. It has been a month.
That Kyle will be able to walk one day, he is now in therapy to strengthen his legs.
Christina’s paperwork to be processed so she can be adopted.
Grady’s adoption to go through. We still do not know if that is going to happen.
The next steps for getting on with teaching life skills.
Flexibility in our job. We want to serve in the best way possible! That the father will let us know what He wants for our lives and if that means staying here.
Language learning! We hear a few more words we know every once in awhile. We are reminded of Hudson Taylor’s quote, “We are asked to do an impossible task but we work for Him who can do the impossible!” It isn’t impossible to become conversant in the language. Pray we learn and hear the important words.
Funds for Lucas’ cochlear implant.

Big thanks for:

Our faithful supporters, we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you so much for remembering us!
Gregg is successfully matched to the Bambock’s (our friends and renters!)
Jacob Jai’s successful surgery!
Successful surgeries for Robert, Grace, Ginger and Charissa.

We wish you could see the roads outside of SFCV. When we drive (more correctly, are driven) to Walmart or BaiWieYuan, we see the golden orange color of the corn down the side of the roads; mixed with patches of green where they are drying grass clippings and peanuts too. A three wheeled cart dumps the corn, it is husked and spread to dry on the cob. In 2 or 3 days we hear the machine chopping the corn off the cob and the next morning we see the kernels spread out flat and the cobs usually on the sidewalk behind the corn continuing to dry. The drying takes about 4 to 5 days. Then they scoop it up and sack it. They even sleep near their crop to protect it. Usually drivers do not drive through the crop unless they are in danger of running into someone. What would your response be if someone drove through your crop? They just take it in stride and spread it out again. Our response would be, “What are you putting your crop in the road for!?!?”

Corn cobs, front left, corn kernels in back left, pile of corn on right

As we walk this journey with these people we wish so much we could speak with them and we wonder what creative ways God will use us here. One of the gardening ayi’s keeps talking to Jewel as if she understands what she is telling her. She loves Jewel’s “woa bu ming by, ni shwo shemma” (that, by the way means, “I don’t understand what you are saying” and we don’t know how to spell it eitherJ) but she just keeps right on jabbering away. We can’t wait till we can understand the jabbering! What we finally figured out she is trying to say is she wants to be friends. What a blessing! Even not speaking the language, we are doing something right!

We are thankful for eagle’s wings that help us run and not grow weary and walk and not grow faint! Is. 40;31 Our hope is in Him!

We love you, appreciate you and pray for you,

Clay & Jewel Floch
Shepherd's Field Children's Village
Guest Relations Coordinators
James 1:27

Update from Clay and Jewel - with pictures!!!

2009-08-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

August, 2009

Jewel can officially say, she has slept in a Chinese Hospital! Thankfully, it was just a nap with Stacey while waiting for her ride back to SFCV! Stacey recently went to the hospital to have an apparatus put on her right hand that will slowly stretch the tendon, causing it to grow, and hopefully give her back the use of her right wrist. She came home a week ago and seems to be doing well. The same day Stacey went to the hospital Kyle had his casts taken off his club feet, his surgery was successful and now he has braces on his legs to keep his feet straight. Jacob Jai had a check up to determine his need for surgery on his club foot and will have surgery as soon as a bed is available.

The past several weeks have been busy with guests and with changes going on at SFCV. A team from Valley 4th was here and we were blessed to have many from our fellowship to visit with and bring a feel of home to us! The Inn has been full for 3 ½ weeks, which means around 40 guests. They keep us on our toes making sure they are taken care of and their questions are answered!

Tim and Pam, founders of PHF, came back in July from a month in the states with the news they would be moving to the states for about a year leaving in December. With Pam’s mom taking a fall and not doing well, the date of their departure suddenly changed to leaving August 15th. That made life exciting around here for a bit, helping with preparations, switching the roles of foreign staff and learning as much from them as we were able in the week and ½ prior to their leaving. Because of their move Matthew has moved into the Executive director position; we are searching for a new Director of Operations (which will probably be a bilingual National) and we will be Guest Relations Coordinators in addition to helping teach English and life skills to the older kids. Clay will also be taking over the role of overseeing the facilities manager temporarily. The Father has given us peace in the middle of the changes and reminded us that flexibility is the main part of our job description! He sent us here and knew of the changes before any one else did, He is still in control and we are blessed to be a part of SFCV and the lives He is changing here, watching the way He provides and the needs He supplies.

We have a few stories you would love to hear!

One would be; when our team was here they took the school age kids, 2 1/2 years and older, to the "Blue Zoo", the aquarium. We each had charge of a child, I had a 3 year old named Lucas. Lucas is deaf, very friendly and not afraid of anything, except maybe the bus! When we were on the bus he quietly sat on my lap, ate some candy and looked out the window. When we got to the aquarium he didn't want to hold my hand anymore but I kept a hold of his hand, held him when he wanted, and got him to go where he needed to go (which sometimes was where he wanted and sometimes wasn't!) I think he weighs about 200#!! He wasn't naughty but had his own ideas about where he wanted to go! Then we went to KFC and McDonalds (about 64 adults and kids together!) He sat quietly eating his lunch, mostly fries and a salad like a corn slaw, then out to wait for everyone to get finished. We sat and watched cars for about 20 minutes; that was a nice break! On to the bus we went and he fell asleep playing with the spoon he got at KFC. The next morning my arms were very tired! Clay had Christina, she is 10 years old and a dwarf, so she is about as tall as a two or three year old. She likes to scream because it sounds like she is whistling and loves to be carried. Of course Clay carried her most of the time! She is a sweet girl and might have a family that is going to adopt her. This is very exciting and we aren't certain, but are very hopeful. We were both very tired and sweaty when the day was done! It was fun for the kids to see all the different kinds of fish and take them all to lunch.

The story of the air conditioner installation on the 2nd floor of the school goes like this; One guy was on the roof with a harness and rope and the other guy was in the classroom tying the rope around the air conditioner to be installed outside the building. He then put the unit out the window, went outside, climbed the ladder and the guy on the roof would swing the unit to him till he caught it! Clay had to keep walking away, he was sure someone was going to die! By the way, the kids all call him “CaLay”, it is very precious!

Then there was the lady in the other bed in Stacey’s hospital room. She had been injured by a plow and at the first hospital they wanted to amputate her legs. This hospital has been able to save her legs but she has been there for 3 months and isn’t finished yet. We both had the opportunity to lift her before the Father when visiting Stacey. Even with the language barrier, she knew we were talking to the father about her and asking for her healing. She was very receptive and there were tears in her eyes that we foreigners would care not only about Stacey but about her too. We would hold her hand and she held on tightly and smiled, a smile translates in any language!

Then there is Phoebe, the college student here on break, volunteering to help however she can. We’ve emailed since and she was very blessed because of the foreigners love for the children and staff and the light she sees shining through us. She shared with her parents and they were blessed also. She will be back whenever she has breaks from school.
In this story we were at the market buying supplies for kids to make jewelry to sell in our store, the sales girl asked what we were buying the supplies for and we explained about the kids at SFCV, then told her the story of our boys and she immediately started crying and turned to her mother and she started crying. She told her mother to give us a really good deal because we are doing a good thing and gave us gifts of jewelry and a very good price and the daughter asked us to email her. We’ve heard from her and will keep in contact with both of these young people as we desire to let the father’s light shine wherever we are! How He has blessed us!

You will see a picture below of a moped in the after affects of a rainstorm. We had 2 rain storms in a row that left the roads almost impassable! If the van went to fast we would create such a wake we would knock people over on their bikes and mopeds! It was unbelievable the power of the rain and how it came down so fast and hard. A reminder of the greatness of the father!

Please be on your knees for:

Healing for Stacey’s hand and successful growth of the tendon.

Kyle will be able to walk one day.

The bed and funds for Jacob Jai’s surgery are soon available.

Christina’s paperwork to be processed so she can be adopted.

Grady’s adoption to go through. We are hopeful to know in the next week if it will be allowed to go through.

The next steps for getting on with teaching life skills.

Flexibility in our job. We want to serve in the best way possible!

Language learning, we now know most of our colors!

Big thanks for:

Our Visa’s being returned with no problems! We are good until June 17th and can leave if we need to.

Our faithful supporters, we couldn’t do this without you! Thank you for blessing us.

Gregg is successfully matched to the Bambock’s (our friends and renters!)

Stacey hasn’t had problems with infection in her skin graft, thank you for praying!!

We have been struck with how easy it is for us to tell others how to live but how difficult it is to live our day to day lives in a way that shows we are living what we speak. It is “easy” to know how we should live, how we should love, what choices we should make but our “self” is involved and we can find many excuses not to do what we should do. Many times we see others making choices we should be making, being kind when the other person wasn’t, loving in spite of difficulties. Other’s dedication to do what is right is a challenge to us, other’s dedication to loving the difficult, points us to choosing the right thing, not the easy thing. Do others see Him when they see us? Do they know we are different because we follow His way and live for Him each day? “Be an example to other believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity.” I Timothy 4:12 We want to give ourselves fully to what the Father has called us to here so that everyone will see Him in what we do. Our prayer for you is that you show Him fully in everything you do, that others will see Him through you!

We love you and praise Him for you!

Clay and Jewel

ps: If we could remind you to please not put our names on the checks you send to Valleyford Church, just include a note stating it is for our support. Also, remember if you reply to this email everyone gets to view your reply. If you are wondering where we are exactly, 39° 33’29.11”N 116° 48’33.36”E. We are south and east of Beijing in Tianjin Province just across the border from Langfang. We’ve tried to look that up on Google and haven’t found been able to find it exactly, maybe you will!

Us at the Great Wall sweaty as can be!

China knows how to do rainstorms!

Jewel & Gregg giving Clay a haircut.

Desiring God Supports Philip Hayden Foundation

2009-07-21T08:58:00.001-07:00

Desiring God is a ministry that

exists to say...
God's ultimate goal is to glorify himself.
And that's good news.

Everything we do aims to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ. Learn how we accomplish that, and how you can join us in the mission.

Recently, some of the DG team visited Shepherd's Field Children's Village. For some excellent information and pictures on what they observed, and how you can get involved, please visit the Desiring God blog by clicking here.

(Once you've read up on the Foundation, take your time to look around the Desiring God site. They have some amazing resources, and wonderful teaching! We have been thoroughly blessed by them through the years.)

July 12, 2009

2009-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Our flight was cancelled! Right away we were being tested again to trust the father taking us on this “trip”. Volcanic activity in Russia interfered causing us to arrive exactly 1 year after we had been here in 2008. As we came through the gate the director of Operations, Matthew, said “welcome home!” Sweet words we had been looking forward to for some 5 months!

Our apartment is 2 rooms and a bathroom, consisting of a living room and a bedroom. We have a small fridge and a sink and of course a water dispenser. We’ve added some shelving for storage and we need to do something about the table as our legs don’t fit under itJ. We are comfortable and are staying healthy after Clay having 2 days of upset stomach. We were also welcomed by Stacey coming to meet after watching for us for 2 days. As Jewel walked toward her she started running and held out her arms to us, she had not forgotten. We’ve enjoyed getting to know her better and had her for dinner one night. Sloppy joes and rice. She said the food was very good and she was full! Conversation is quiet but we keep trying and she knows more English than she did last year.

Our job here will be to teach life skills to the older children, teach English to them and also to staff and helping with guests at the Inn. We will also help with hospital transports and watch as the ways we can help unfold in the next several months. During the off season we will be even more involved with the older kids. We will be adjusting to Ch**a time being different from our time! Our position is to become a part of their culture not to conform them to ours. As a friend said, they are more relationship oriented and we are more task oriented, we have found this to be very true and while we love it, it is still an adjustment!

We’ve been to BICF, the western ch**ch where you must have a passport to enter, and to the Three Self Ch**ch, a government approved ch**ch. The difference simply would be; the songs are older at the Three Self, the father’s son isn’t mentioned and the speaker doesn’t tie his thoughts together, just random good thoughts that apply somewhat to what he is speaking about. BICF is more like you would expect at home. Staff fellowship is on Wednesday nights after dinner at Bai Way Yuan. Dinner costs about $3 US and basically all you can eat for that cost. We are studying Philippians and also have a song time and a time of pr**er.

We tag along as the interns teach English and learn from them, it has been a few years since we have been in school! Both children and staff use a part of the time to read story’s from the Father’s book. The books have English and Mandarin so they can get the whole idea in case they don’t understand the English words.

One afternoon Clay was swinging some of the kids when Gregg, who has a prosthetic leg, was swinging nice and high and his leg fell off! Clay is panicked trying to get it back on right away, and Gregg is just laughing and laughing, not bothered by it at all! He reflects the heart of China in his sincerity. Granted, many don’t accept special needs well, but mostly they are friendly, curious about foreigners, eager to learn English and respond well to your friendly, smiling face. If only we were as gracious!

Please be on your knees for:

Jamison’s adjustment to his new home
Grady’s adoption to go through. He was matched 1 week before he turned 14 so this is unknown territory. They are supposed to be gone before their 14th birthday.
Gregg to be successfully matched to a family we know.
Stacey’s grafts to heal.
Process of teaching life skills that are in the working stage.
Our Visa’s. We found out July 7th we have to leave the country every 30 days on our current visa’s. We are applying for a new visa so we will not have to leave for a year. Please ask for this process to go smoothly.
Language learning.

Big thanks for:

A safe trip; never heard anything more about the volcano!

A lovely welcome!

Bambock’s home is SOLD!

The apple from Walmart said “grown in Washington”!

Being at the airport with Jamison when he got to meet his forever Mother!

A great Father and wonderful supporters!

Fun July 4th with foreigners in Beijing having pizza, watching Transformers 2 (or shopping!) ending it all with Cold Stone Creamery (came to a foreign country to try that for the first time!)

As I’m writing this, Clay came in and said he heard a moped going by with Saturday Night Fever playing! You see (and hear) it all! Fireworks at 4:50am; the more fireworks the more respect shown for a funeral or a wedding. A loud speaker in the village (across the road) giving up to the moment news reports. The man who goes by each day, his donkey pulling his wooden cart. Vegetable and fruit vendors stopping by the front gate at shift change.

As we face this life away from you we are reminded from 2 Chronicles 20;22 to 30 that fear is our Father’s greatest opportunity. 1. We watch and see what He does to gain glory for Himself, vss 22-24. 2. A great battle, coupled with a great Father results in great rewards, vs 25. 3. Praise and worship Him in your victories, vss 26-30! There is a war and we are filled with fear. When we fear and know we can’t fight the battle is when He shows His strength. We live in a world where there is always a war going on, a war with the bad guy and he doesn’t want us to praise and worship the Father, he wants to find any reason to get us to fear. Praise and worship the Father in your fear. Keep your mind (our minds) on the Father and trust He is working things out for His glory and His good! He will win the battles; have no fear!

We love you and praise Him for each of you!

Clay and Jewel

Sharin' the Love!

Jewel and Kids

WWTWF (World-Wide Thumb Wrestling Federation)- Gutsy Grady vs.Clobberin' Clay

July 3, 2009

2009-07-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a note received from Jewel - more will follow, as you will learn, some time next week. Sounds like things are going very well for them!

We will be sending out another update by the end of next week (that's our plan anyway!)
There will be no one at the Inn beside 3 interns and an artist and her 2 kids so we will have more free time to work on an update.
Things are going very well here. There will be more we can do all the time. We love on the kids alot and go to English classes with them (the interns are teaching) and also go to english classes with some of the staff. Just came back from WalMart and buying black out fabric for the windows in the bedroom as it is very bright by 5am, then the flies wake up and start buzzing around our heads also! (at least one each morning is assigned to bug us!) Monday we will begin working with the head nanny on her English. She doesn't say her words very well but understands some things very well. We aren't working on learning Chinese very much yet. Learning phrases, enough to get by. We can ask the waitress for the bill and order from a picture menu (sometimes the have the translation, but not for everything, the more common things they just have in chinese characters) We now have a menu from the 2 most favorite places that are translated and laminated. This will ease the burden from Shelby, the office staff who usually goes with the guests for dinner and touring.
We will also be training Stacey and Wendy to take over the Inn Store. There are snacks and drinks and souveniers for the guests and staff to purchase. We will work on their English skills in the process.
Better get, have to go play with some babies!
love to you all,
C & J

June 18, 2009

2009-06-18T21:37:00.001-07:00

We arrived without incident on Thursday. (after our flrst flight was cancelled due to volcanic activity in Russia!) Took awhile to get off the plane as they take everyone's temperature before letting anyone off the plane! Guess we all checked out ok! We arrived at our new home at 8:30pm. Warmly welcomed by Matthew Winn the new administrator at Shepherd's Field and Driver Jung (spelled wrong I'm sure:) When we got here Stacey and Shelby Jo (Office staff) were here with hugs and "welcome home's"! Stacey came running to us when she saw us, she had been watching for 2 days, they forgot to tell her the flight had been cancelled the day before!

Shepherd's Field has changed alot since we were here last year; the store is in 2 rooms now and people get to shop for most anything the tourist might want right here and the team kitchen is in the community center (where the teams have breakfast and lunch). It is fun seeing the way things have changed.
We are off to Walmart!! We'll be thinking of you as we stumble around looking for whatever it is we need!

Blessings for now, more later! All our love, C & J

C & J Update 6/11

2009-06-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

6/11/09

Dear Friends and Family,

4 Days to go! Oh my, this is getting real! We are excited to see what the next 4 days bring and how God is going to lead us on our life journey.

PRAISES:
It’s time! Time to take those final steps to getting to China.
Everything is lined up and taken care of. (well, almost everything!)
For our friends and family, you mean so much to us and you bless us with your prayers and encouragement!
Trusting God’s timing to be the right timing! (prayer and praise!)

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Trusting God to provide our support needs.
Learning Mandarin, PHF decided we need to learn the language and will provide a teacher.
Love planted strongly in our hearts for the kids, love and trust in their hearts for us.
Open hearts to serve and glorify Him at Shepherd’s Field in all we are asked to do.
Unity of heart and mind for us.
Bambock’s house to sell. (our renters)
Continuing to place all our trust in Him!
Pray for our adjustment to life at Shepherd’s Field and to the Chinese culture. Jet lag, humidity, food etc!
Pray for Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village; for the staff, the children and the provision of funds to complete the foundation work on the vocational center. Pray HE will meet all their needs.

In case you are wondering, we will still use our address here. Mail will be forwarded to Clay’s Mom. We’ll let you know our new cell numbers once we have them; and we are on Skype! That’s a free download and you will find us under “Jewel.Floch”. (don’t forget we are 16 hours ahead of you) We will continue to use our personal email and also the email on the back of our prayer cards. Feel free to email us but please take us off forwarded emails.

It is also time to carefully consider what our emails contain. We need to be cautious of using spiritual terms such as God, Jesus, prayer, praying, ministering, mission or missionary and Bible. For scriptures use comma’s instead of colons and abbreviate the book of the Bible. Please use “father” when referring to our Lord and “pry” for praying or prayer or something like that. We know it is difficult to change the way you write but it is time for caution. We are going to a country that is not open to the gospel and we need to be cautiously respectful of their laws.

You are invited to a potluck June 13th at Valley 4th (2303 S Bowdish) at 6pm. Let us know if you will be able to join us. There will also be a send off on June 14th during the 9:30am service. We would love to see you one last time before we go.

“Let all that I am wait quietly before the Father, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from the Father alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him for the Father is our refuge.” Ps 62,5 to 8. He is our rock and salvation, our victory comes from Him, trust Him at all times! Thank Him, He is worthy of our trust!

We love you!
Trusting Him,
Clay and Jewel
Blog address: http://www.cunhvn.blogspot.com/

For SUPPORT beginning in June:

For tax deductible support write your check to:
Valleyford Community Church
Send to:
Faith VanBelle (Jewel’s sister)
4015 N Marguerite
Spokane, WA 99212

C & J Update 5/29

2009-05-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

5/29/09

Dear Friends and Family,

17 Days to go! We are excited to see what the next 17 days bring and how God is going to continue to prepare us for this part of our life journey. We went to the airport this afternoon to greet the Burns’, missionaries from Valley 4th to China. They are home for awhile as they await the birth of twins. Please pray for them, that Kristie will feel well, the babies (boys!) will be healthy and strong and they will enjoy their time in the U.S. We will miss being able to see them in China, but look forward to their return.

PRAISES:
Visa’s arrived! Now we know why God held up the application process, the year we requested began when we applied! Visa’s are good through May 8, 2010!
International Medical Insurance is approved!
Support is coming in!
For our friends and family, your encouragement means so much to us!
God’s timing is the right timing! We have “B” plans (backup plans) and God continues to use HIS “A plan”!
Our dogs have a wonderful home!

PRAYER REQUESTS:
To finish our jobs well, May 29th. (Guess this goes into the praise section! It was strange to just quit our jobs!)
Trusting God to provide our support needs.
Learning Mandarin, PHF has decided we need to learn the language and will provide a teacher.
Love planted strongly in our hearts for the kids, love and trust in their hearts for us.
Open hearts to know Jesus.
Unity of heart and mind for us.
Bambock’s house to sell. (our renters)
Continuing to place all our trust in Him!
We are speaking at Plummer Community Church May 31st. Pray God will give us the words He wants us to use.
Pray for the Baker’s,(directors at PHF) for Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village, for the staff, and the children. That HE will meet all their needs.

We will be moved out of the house this Sunday the 31st. The Bambock’s will move in the following week. We will be living with Clay’s Mom, across the road, until we leave on the 15th. Our home phone will be disconnected May 31st. Our cell phone will be active until we are out of the country: 509-988-0128. (have to use 509)
If you are receiving this update via the postal service and have an email, could you please let us know? It would save postage each month. Email us at cunhvn@air-pipe.com and let us know yours!

You are invited to a potluck June 13th at Valley 4th (2303 S Bowdish) at 6pm. Let us know if you will be able to join us. There will also be a send off on June 14th during the 9:30am service.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10 & 11. STAND FIRM IN HIM, He is the victor!

We love you.
Trusting Him,
Clay and Jewel
Blog address: http://www.cunhvn.blogspot.com/

For SUPPORT beginning in June:

For tax deductible support write your check to:
Valleyford Community Church
Send to:
Faith VanBelle (Jewel’s sister)
4015 N Marguerite
Spokane, WA 99212

C & J Update

2009-05-11T20:46:00.001-07:00

5/11/09

35 Days to go! We are excited to see what the next 35 days bring and how God is going to continue to prepare us for this part of our life journey. (Ok, we confess, there is “some” anxiety!)

PRAISES:
Visa’s have been applied for!
Support is coming!
We praising God for our friends and family, we appreciate and love you!
God’s timing is the right timing!
Great turn out for the mission auction.
For the extra luggage we get to send with the short term team going to PHF in July. This makes it so much easier to take what we need!
The special get together Saturday with our Odessa friends.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Visa’s to be approved quickly by the Chinese Embassy.
Trusting God to provide our support needs.
Learning Mandarin, and time to dedicate to it!
Love planted strongly in our hearts for the kids and in their hearts for us.
Gaining the trust of those in our care, and being worthy of that trust.
Open hearts to know Jesus. That seeds will be planted and will grow.
When to quit our jobs.
Knowing what to pack!
Unity of heart and mind.
Bambock’s house to sell.
Our 2 Cocker Spaniels to find a home.
Continuing to place all our trust in Him!

We want to say a huge thank you to the ladies of the Heritage Church in Odessa for making a beautiful quilt to raffle for our support. And another huge thank you to those who purchased tickets. The winning ticket was pulled on Mother’s Day, congratulations to Vici Walter for having the winning ticket! Vici called and gave us the quilt! We hope to be able to fit it in and take it to China with us to remind us of you all.

We would like to invite you to a potluck Faith, Jewel’s sister is having for us. That is June 13th at Valley Fourth (2303 S Bowdish Rd) at 6pm. Could you send a quick email or somehow let us know if you will be coming? We’ll make sure to have enough chairs! There will also be a send off on June 14th at the service. Just a short prayer time to dedicate us to this trip.

“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Are you growing your roots down deep into HIM? When the strong winds of trouble come you will not fall.

We love you.
Trusting Him,
Clay and Jewel
Blog address: http://www.cunhvn.blogspot.com/

SUPPORT:

For tax deductible support write your check to:
Valleyford Community Church
Send to:
Faith VanBelle (Jewel’s sister)
4015 N Marguerite
Spokane, WA 99212
If you don’t need it to be tax deductible you can write the check to Clay or Jewel Floch and send it to Faith.

Clay & Jewel's Update

2009-04-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

4/7/09

69 Days to go! We are excited to see what the next 69 days bring and how God is going to continue to prepare us for this part of our life journey.

PRAISES:
Support is coming in, we’ve crossed the half way point!
Prayer & financial supporters, praise God for our friends and family, we appreciate you!
The family that is renting our house has committed to renting, even if theirs doesn’t sell! Thank you Jesus!
Some friends have bought Rosetta Stone (language learning tool) it arrived today 4/7 Clay is ready to start working on it.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Continued support. We have a ways to go and are trusting God to provide.
Language learning, so challenging!
Love planted strongly in our hearts for these special kids.
Love and trust planted in their hearts for us.
Open hearts to know Jesus. That seeds will be planted and will grow.
Perspectives, 2 more lessons!
When to quit our jobs.
Applying for Visa’s in the near future.
Unity of heart and mind.
Short term mission’s auction on April 18th at Valley Fourth Church. Hope to see you there, come support them!
House to sell for the family who will be renting ours.
Our 2 Cocker Spaniels to find a home.
Continuing to place all our trust in Him!

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 When all you have is God, you have all you need. Hope you have all you need!

We love you.
Trusting Him,
Clay and Jewel

Clay & Jewel's Update

2009-03-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

3/22/09

85 Days to go! We are excited to see what the next 85 days bring and how God is going to continue to grow and stretch us! (Ok, maybe excited isn’t the word. We know He will be stretching us!) In case you haven’t seen the blog, here is the address again: http://www.cunhvn.blogspot.com/
We appreciate knowing you are holding us up in prayer, thank you so much. We are also on Facebook, this update will be posted there too. Look under Jewel Starr Floch.

PRAISES:
Support is coming in, we’ve crossed the half way point!
He is managing each process, thank you Jesus!
Thanks to our friends and family for all your love and encouragement!
Stacey had surgery and it went well. We think she is back at Shepherd’s Field now.
We spoke at Heritage Church in Odessa the 15th. We were greatly encourage by our friends there!
Thanks to the ladies of Heritage Church for the beautiful quilt they have made to raffle for our support, you have blessed us. (If you want a raffle ticket, let us know and we will put your name on one for $5. To be raffled on May10th. We can send a picture to you also)

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Continued support coming in.
Language learning, I'm feeling more comfortable with what I'm learning; I'm on Pimsleur #5.(Jewel)
Borrowing the first disc of Rosetta Stone, to know if the style of learning would be a good direction for continued language learning. (and thank you to our special friends who want to buy it for us)
Love planted strongly in our hearts for these special kids
Love and trust planted in their hearts for us.
Open hearts to know Jesus. That seeds will be planted and will grow.
Perspectives, we are more than 1/2 way through! (Monday is 11 of 15 lessons)
Unity of heart and mind.
A good turn out for the short term mission’s auction on April 18th at Valley Fourth Church.
House to sell for those who will be renting ours.
Our 2 Cocker Spaniels to find a home.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Ecclesiates 4:12. Our strength depends on the network of family and friends that stand with us. Thank you for joining us in strengthening the cord!

We love you. Trusting Him as He guides our steps,
Clay and Jewel

SUPPORT:
For one time support before June 1st send to our address at:
Clay & Jewel Floch
12122 S Valley Chapel Rd
Valleyford, WA 99036

If you want it to be tax deductible please write the check to:
Valleyford Community Church and send it to our address at:
12122 S Valley Chapel Rd
Valleyford, WA 99036
Please include a separate note that it is for Clay and Jewel Floch

If you are sending support after June 1st please send to:
Faith VanBelle (Jewel’s sister)
4015 S Marguerite
Spokane, WA 99212
She will record it and then send the support to the church. You will receive an end of year tax statement from the church for your support.

Guest Post

2009-03-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

by Camille

Clay and Jewel joined us last Sunday at Heritage to share with us a little more about their upcoming journey.

They truly are an amazing couple who have given more than most are asked to give for the Lord. As you know, they lost their only two children - Ryan and Drew - nearly a decade ago, along with a nephew and Jewel's father, in a boating accident. For many, this is the breaking point of their faith and a license to 'check out on life'. However, watching Clay and Jewel through this loss, one that I am incapable of truly appreciating or expressing in words, has been such a wonderful testimony to a life that says, 'Your will, not mine be done'. His ways are truly not our ways, His thoughts, truly not our thoughts.

The Lord has brought them through this trial - and they have hung on tight! Now, they are headed to China to be house parents. On Sunday, they shared with us how the Lord has worked in their hearts to bring them to this point. At present, they are committed to going for one year - however, if all goes well, and it is the Lord's will - they have set their minds on being in China until the Lord calls them home - that is to their heavenly home.

They have been busy securing their house, learning a new language, and getting ready for the next adventure the Lord has for them. They will be leaving in June to begin this new season in their life - one they are living out loud for the Lord.

There was a table set up in the back of the church with information on the Philip Hayden Foundation, the organization they will be working with as house parents. This primary work of this organization "is the establishment of children's villages in Mainland China, where they take in at-risk and special-needs orphans, love them, provide them surgeries to correct their special needs conditions, and work to find loving families to adopt them. Approximately 95% of the orphans in their care are special needs children, most of whom were abandoned by their parents because they were born "broken". Their philosophy is to take in these so-called "broken" children and transform their hopelessness into beautiful stories of redemption and love."

Clay and Jewel will be 'house parents' to the older children. At present, there will be two, possibly three, children, all girls, living in the House of Promise with them. These children, truly young adults, are past the age of adoption, which is 14 years in China. Clay and Jewel will be working with them to learn daily living skills, helping them with their English so they are more 'marketable' in the job market, and of course, sharing the love of Christ with them.

The ladies at Heritage put together this lovely quilt that is being raffled in order to help raise money for Clay and Jewel on their missionary journey. If you'd like to purchase some ticket, just let Clay and Jewel - or Victoria and Camille know!!! They are $5.00 per ticket, and all proceeds will go to Clay and Jewel. The drawing will be held on Mother's Day.

On behalf of Clay and Jewel, I thank you for your continued prayers. Please feel free to leave a comment to let them know you are visiting their blog!

Many blessings to you and yours!

2009-03-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

IT'S OFFICIAL!! WE ARE REALLY GOING! Clay's brother Milt will drive us to Vancouver BC June 15th and we will fly directly from there the 16th at Noon! We'll arrive in Beijing the 17th at 2:20pm.
Also, thanks to Camille and Victoria Eldridge we have this wonderful blog!
We do appreciate knowing you are holding us up in prayer.

PRAISES:
Support is coming in!
How to run support through as a tax deduction is handled! (if you would like to know, just ask)
Vouchers enough to cover our flight!
Finally able to ask V4th for support!
God is managing each process, thank you Jesus!
And thank you all for your love and encouragement!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Support.
Language learning, I'm feeling more comfortable with what I'm learning; I'm on Pimsleur #4.
Love planted strongly in our hearts for these special kids
Love and trust planted in their hearts for us.
Open hearts to know Jesus. That seeds will be planted and will grow.
Perspectives, we are 1/2 way through! I was able to finish all the reading for this week for the first time! Clay has read all the way at least one time.
Unity of heart and mind for Clay and I.
House to sell for those who will rent our house. Perhaps we better pray they are able to finish their little projects and get it on the market first;0)
Jewel's sister is coming to visit from Phoenix, pray for a fruitful time of getting things done and enjoying the company of sisters!

We love you,

PS: We have the 2 cocker spaniels to sell if anyone is interested! They come with full grooming, whelping and puppy supplies.