I am so excited to share where this mission has taken us. About a month ago, I traveled to China to work alongside our builders and source the final pieces we need to finish the orphanage in Sierra Leone. It was an incredible trip, and my heart is full of gratitude for what God allowed us to accomplish. Even better, tomorrow I am heading back to China to pay the remaining balances and to watch our shipping container being loaded for its journey to Africa.
A Journey to Source the Final Pieces
I did not travel alone. I was joined by our two architect builders, Gerardo Gaxiola and Jonatan Sanchez from Guadalajara, Mexico, who have poured their skill and their hearts into this home. Together we went to find the remaining things the orphanage still needs. We are talking about the doors, the kitchen, the stove, the shower doors, and the security we have prayed over for so long. We even purchased the electric fence wire that will run along the top of the security fence to help keep our children safe.
Here are some moments from the trip:
I also recorded a short message from the trip to share my heart with you:
Going Straight to the Source
So much of what the world uses is made in China, so we made the decision to go straight to the people who build these things. I was able to deal directly with the manufacturers and the factories that produce all of these building supplies. By cutting out the middlemen, we got everything at a fraction of what it would have cost to buy these items at home and ship them across the world. Every item is now set to ship directly from China to Sierra Leone.
I want our partners and supporters to know that your gifts were handled with great care on this trip. I was careful to spend your money wisely, stretching every dollar so that more of your generosity reaches the children. We do not take that responsibility lightly, and I am deeply thankful for the trust you place in us.
Custom Made and Measured to Fit
This trip was the fruit of careful planning. Before we traveled to China, Jonatan went all the way to Africa to take exact measurements of everything we need to order. He carried those measurements with him so that the factories could build custom doors and windows made to fit our home perfectly. Seeing that level of detail come together, from a tape measure in Sierra Leone to a factory floor in China, has been a beautiful reminder of how God connects people across the world for one purpose.
What Comes Next
I left deposits on everything that is being made for us, and the work has been underway ever since. Tomorrow I head back to China to pay the remaining balances and to watch the container being loaded with my own eyes before it begins its journey to Sierra Leone. We will keep you updated every step of the way as these pieces make their way home to the children.
None of this would be possible without you. Your prayers, your giving, and your belief in this vision are the reason our orphanage is moving closer to completion. Thank you for walking this road with us. Together we are building a safe and loving home where these precious children can grow and thrive.
With love and gratitude,
Maseray Young
