Love Really Does Take You In: A Letter From Mary Beth …

Dear Care Centers Legacy Families,

After our recent weekend together, I was completely undone in the best and most beautiful way possible. Steven and I were so excited to finally host the first Show Hope Care Centers Legacy Reunion since 2019, and I’m not sure I can fully put into words what I experienced getting to visit with each of you.

You came from literally all over the U.S., and I know it could not have been easy. From making this reunion a priority into a busy summer schedule to packing up and making the long journey to Franklin, Tennessee, hear me say, “You brought hope with you.” Your stories, your children, your family … all filled my joy cup and gave me so much laughter and hope! Your love spoke volumes to my heart—so much so that it is hard to adequately express.

Walking around the grounds and through the rooms at Christ Community Church, seeing faces I first met years ago, often under hard and uncertain circumstances, now full of light and life … my heart again was just overflowing and speechless. Seeing these children now in families and where they were “meant to be” all along—part of a family, whole and healing—touched a place deep inside me and brought a little healing to my own soul.

Every hug, smile, and story shared reminded me of why we founded Show Hope and why we stepped into the hard and uncertain work in China. God sets the lonely in families, and for the years that God allowed us to be a part of that in China, we got to witness just that … miracle after miracle after miracle. I am blessed to have been a witness to all that God has done and is still doing in the lives of these very special children.

Some children came in wheelchairs. Some families are still navigating deep medical needs or questions that don’t have easy answers. But not one of these children stood alone. They were surrounded by moms and dads, siblings, and friends who had said “yes” over and over again, even when the road was long. That kind of love wrecks me—in the most special, sacred way.

There’s something powerful about looking back and seeing what God has done. These aren’t just stories from a newsletter or photos in a frame. These are lives, knit together by grace, carried forward by hope.

To the families who made the effort to come—you blessed me more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for letting me witness the beauty of what God can do through brokenness. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for reminding me, once again, that love really does take you in.  

I’m forever grateful to Jesus for holding China near to our hearts, allowing us to be a part of this amazing work, and for such a time, providing a way for these beautiful children to come home to their families where they would flourish and learn about the God who SEEs them.

With Hope,

Mary Beth