Greetings from all of us at Hidden Treasures home, Fuzhou, China...

Current Events
As many of you have heard, China was devastated by a powerful earthquake on Monday. We have felt two smaller earthquakes since we have lived here, but thankfully, did not feel this one. We will be using our contacts with the government to offer our assistance in taking in some of the children who may have lost their families. Please join with us in asking our Father for favor and open doors as our heart is to be a servant in whatever capacity opens up.

The Olympic torch passed through our city on Sunday! We are aware that there is more to this event than meets the eye. His torch bearers are awakening, arising, and beginning to run!!!! Let us hear and endure to the end! There are times, like this event on Sunday, that remind you that there are over one million people in your city... Can you see the harvest? We can. Where are the laborers? Where are the torch bearers? Come and run with us! There have been many difficulties that this nation has had to overcome during this "Year of the Rat". Our heart is moved for this wonderful country we have been placed in. In this last year, we have had the worst snow storm in 5 decades, the worst train crash in Chinese history, the conflict with Tibet, and now this earth quake, all on the heals of the Olympic games. Father is making a demand on the kingdom inside His people to come forth and "arise and shine".... in His love. We can feel the rumblings of more than an earthquake.

Along with many of our friends and family in the U.S., we are enjoying some great weather. As Spring comes, many of us think of new life (things sprouting and growing). For us, this has special meaning as we see our little ones growing and changing. For many, birthdays are a time of getting people together to sing a song, give presents and eat some cake. Although we do this too, for us they're times when we are especially in awe of the life of the little one having a birthday. In April, we had one of those special birthdays. Although ALL of our children are special, we were told that Caleb would only live for one to two years. This week, as we celebrate his 3rd birthday, we see not only how he has survived, but thrived. He has not had to be hospitalized in his life (with the exception of a 5 day stay for an infection his first month). His health has been stable and we are still waiting on the right time for his cleft lip surgery. The doctors told us in the past that Caleb was in a "catch 22". In order to have his heart operation, he needed his cleft repaired first. This is due to the high risk of infection after surgery because of the open cleft. The complications of an infection could be fatal. On the other hand, in order to have his cleft repaired, his heart needed to be strong enough to make it through surgery....thus the "catch 22". We have recently been told that Caleb is now strong enough to under go this first surgery! We know our Father will take care of all the details.

LFI is headed to Africa!!! I know, we can't hardly believe it either. You may say, "what does Africa have to do with the children in China?" For us, Africa is the "mother" of LFI. So many things were birthed in us during and after our first trip to Africa in 2002. Deena received more words about being pregnant in the spirit during that time, than any other time walking with Father. We have tried our best to model what we do after what Heidi and Rolland do...of course with a Chinese flair! We also have recently had a prophetic word about an angel who is already waiting in Africa for us...he has something for us. So, off we go, to meet the Lover of our soul. We know this is one of those "moments" that just can not be overlooked. We are excited, nervous, and expecting. Please pray for us as we travel from Hong Kong to Johannesburg, South Africa, and then on to Pemba, Mozambique for a 2 week stay. We are meeting up with a GA team led by Randy Clark and Tom Jones. We will be coming under Iris Min. with Rolland and Heidi Baker, and we anticipate receiving some great council for our own work. The countless lives of children and adults impacted through their work is nothing short of heaven invading earth.
 
 
 
Children
Ruby's surgery on her ankles was a success. She had great care while in Guangzhou from two of our Chinese staff (Deborah & Pheobe). She had one cast on one ankle for 2 weeks. Now we have Dave working on building a device to stabilize her hips and legs so she does not undo the progress that was made during therapy. She will continue to recover and then have surgery on her hips at a later time.

Caleb seems ready to face surgery, but is not scheduled for the immediate future.

Hannah (Izzy) Sunday was a life changing day for Izzy as she joined her forever family. Rob & Lisa Braniff came from Lousiana, USA, through Beijing, and then to Fuzhou to meet their daughter. For us to be a part of the special meeting was a tremendous blessing. This glorious event took place on May 11th....Mother's Day! How perfect are the plans of our Father.

Beth has adjusted well to being in house #2 with us and the other 9 children here. She seems much healthier and more content. We are seeing how smart she is as we watch in amazement at how quick she can put a puzzle together! She is also becoming more and more fluent in both English and Chinese!

Laina came to join us May 4th. What can we say about our little Laina? Well, she is definitely our smallest baby yet. Born prematurely, she has been fighting for survival. She came to us weighing about 3 1/2 lbs, but is quickly growing and gaining weight. Oh, what a little angel she is! She is just gorgeous and is stealing everyone's heart! We feel so blessed to have her here with us.


 
Staff
With less than two months until Sarah and Dave head back to the States, we are trying to make adjustments and plan ahead. We are REALLY going to miss them! Did I say REALLY? I meant REALLY REALLY! They have been such a blessing to all of us here and we are rejoicing with them as they are following the voice of the Father. We have hired another very nice national recently. Making a total of 18 full time staff (3 of which are foreigners). As our staff grows, their hunger for the things above is growing as well. We wish we could share more, but.....

In closing...
What an incredible time to be alive!
 
 
Mike and Deena Vant Hul
Directors
Hidden Treasures Home
Shadi village, Min Hou, Fuzhou, China.