During the August trip, we went to a place called Korah in Ethiopia. Simply put it is the village that has built up around the city dump of Addis Ababa. It was originally a leper colony. Now, there are still some lepers that live there but mostly it is families, kids, and people that are not blessed in the ways that we take for granted.
We were able to spend time with the kids there. It was such a joy to love them and laugh with them if only to give them smiles for a day. A while ago, someone from another Visiting Orphans trip was impacted enough to want to continue making a lasting impact on the kids of Korah. From this, the organization Project 61 was created and is working to change the lives of these kids. One way they offer, is to allow those that are able to sponsor kids in Korah. Sponsorship helps the kids have food, clothes, school, and more.
In August a group of boys started to talk to me and we talked the entire time that I was there. Only two of them had reasonable English. These two translated between me and the other boys. It became very clear early along in the conversation that three of the boys do not have any sponsors. Continually they would ask me for sponsorship. It was a difficult situation. I know that they want help but I also know that they are fully aware of how to pull at the heartstrings of the "rich white people" that come to see them. I never promised a sponsorship. I did tell them I would try to help them. I would try to find sponsors. They even asked me to take individual photos of the three boys that needed sponsors to show to my friend. I asked for their names and they wrote them done willingly.
Upon return, I contacted Project 61 with the names of the boys and wanted to see what I could do. I was heartbroken when I found out that none of the boys were part of a sponsorship program and could not be added until all the kids int he program were sponsored. Surprisingly enough, the boys have access to an internet cafe and had emailed me a few times. I was devesstated when I had to give them the news. I felt like I was telling them that they are poor, live in a dump, and everything else, but they just aren't poor enough. I hadn't heard from them in about a month.
Then. . .
About two weeks ago, I get a message from Project 61. They asked if I was still interested in helping to get these boys sponsored. I responded with a resounding YES!!!
I am so excited to tell you that a sponsor has been found for all three boys! As soon as all the paperwork is finished in Ethiopia, these boys will be officially sponsored. I am so excited for this. I am excited that they will now have better opportunities. I hope they are as happy as I am.
Even better. . . . I may get to see them next month on the trip. . . .
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
16 Weeks!!!!
In just 16 weeks from today, I will get the privilege of returning to Africa. I have made the decision to join the Visiting Orphans team in December. We will have almost the exact itinerary as the team did last month. This was such great news to receive. I am just bursting with joy and excitement beyond description to be able to get to see these children again.
I have kept in touch with a few of the older children by email. I am so thrilled to be able to tell them that I will be back. I wish I could see their face when they get the news.
Most of these children see many teams come and go from different organizations. I am so happy to be able to go more than once. I think that will mean so much to the kids. The few things that these children have consistent in their lives are usually negative (or at least not something to be excited about). I look forward to the possibility of being a consistent part in these kids' lives if only to put smiles on their faces for just a day on each trip.
There is much to be done in the next 16 weeks, part of which is sharing with you about the first trip. If you wish to see pictures, ask specific questions, or hear stories, please let me know how to reach you in the comments section below.
Please continue to prayerfully support me as I try to share the love of Christ in Africa.
I have kept in touch with a few of the older children by email. I am so thrilled to be able to tell them that I will be back. I wish I could see their face when they get the news.
Most of these children see many teams come and go from different organizations. I am so happy to be able to go more than once. I think that will mean so much to the kids. The few things that these children have consistent in their lives are usually negative (or at least not something to be excited about). I look forward to the possibility of being a consistent part in these kids' lives if only to put smiles on their faces for just a day on each trip.
There is much to be done in the next 16 weeks, part of which is sharing with you about the first trip. If you wish to see pictures, ask specific questions, or hear stories, please let me know how to reach you in the comments section below.
Please continue to prayerfully support me as I try to share the love of Christ in Africa.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Again?
I am already constantly thinking about returning. Within 24 hours of getting back, I was looking up dates for future trips.
One of the reasons I knew this trip was the timing. For a few reasons, it fit perfectly into other things that were going on. Some might argue that travel can be done later in life. I have two issues with that. 1. Later in life there are families, jobs, comitments which make travel extremely more complicated. 2. This isn't "travel". As much fun and life changing as this was, it came with challenges and difficulties.
More and more each day, I am seeing how I am getting led toward a life very different from what the western culture has to offer. My heart is being pulled to other places.
However, I am torn. I feel like I should acquire skills or knowledge to be able to be as much help to the children as possible. That means more and more time away. So where do I draw the line? What is the line between going to be actively serving and preparing to serve in the best way possible?
Meanwhile, I want to go back. I want to visit. I want to spend more time and learn about the kids and the culture they live in. The debate is December. There is another trip in December. I am having a hard time thinking of reasons not to go.
One of the reasons I knew this trip was the timing. For a few reasons, it fit perfectly into other things that were going on. Some might argue that travel can be done later in life. I have two issues with that. 1. Later in life there are families, jobs, comitments which make travel extremely more complicated. 2. This isn't "travel". As much fun and life changing as this was, it came with challenges and difficulties.
More and more each day, I am seeing how I am getting led toward a life very different from what the western culture has to offer. My heart is being pulled to other places.
However, I am torn. I feel like I should acquire skills or knowledge to be able to be as much help to the children as possible. That means more and more time away. So where do I draw the line? What is the line between going to be actively serving and preparing to serve in the best way possible?
Meanwhile, I want to go back. I want to visit. I want to spend more time and learn about the kids and the culture they live in. The debate is December. There is another trip in December. I am having a hard time thinking of reasons not to go.
Initially
Some initial thoughts. . . .
Well the last five weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. A summer of mission trips like I never imagined.
I was extremely blessed to be able to go back to two native villages in Alaska. My heart has been there for eight years now. My first trip to love on those kids was in 2003. This year, I returned yet again for over two weeks. We were able to do a VBS for the kids in each village. Sometimes, I think going on these trips blesses me more than it does those kids. It was been beyond what I could have imagined to watch some of the kids grow up over the years.
At the end of a previous trip, I remember having conflicting feelings about shopping before catching the flight home. We had just spent the week with kids that had holes in their shoes, wore the same clothes all week, and at age 5 were caring for their younger siblings while their parents were not around. How could I rationalize buying stuff to collect dust? I couldn't! The kids have a life full of abuse: sexual, physical, emotional, alcohol. It is hard to watch them get torn between coming to VBS and "connecting" with us even though they know we will be leaving in a few short days. They distance themselves toward the end of the week to make the goodbye's easier.
Then, just 6 days after this, my life changed forever by going on a trip to Ethiopia and Rwanda with Visiting Orphans. This trip was more than I could have ever expected. Actually, I'm not even sure I knew what to expect. I do admit that I felt like I wasn't as prepared as I could have been for Africa because my time was consumed in preparation and literally in Alaska.
First, let me say that there really is no great and wonderful way to have a tidy description of mission trip to Africa. It just isn't possible. But I will try my best to share a glimpse of my experiences.
With all the emotions still vividly running through me, it is hard to summarize everything. It is literally a whole different world over there. It almost frustrates me to come back and live with the never ending luxuries that we take for granted in the Western culture.
Something as simple as shoes. How many pairs of shoes do you have? How often do you wear each pair? How many pairs of shoes do you have that are same but you thought you "needed" them in different color schemes? I have too many shoes for myself, don't wear them enough to rationalize owning them, and have been guilty of getting the same in different colors. The kids that we were blessed to spend time with are lucky to have one pair of shoes. If they are luckier than some, they will match. If they are extremely lucky, the shoes will fit and not have any holes or broken parts.
The food that the kids get at the orphanages varies some but in general lacks many nutrients. Meat is a rarity on the dinner plate, making protein something that everyone lacks immensely. A loving human touch is something I fear the kids only experience when teams go to visit them as we did. When is the last time you hugged your children, friends, or spouse? or even held their hand? A number of kids won't recognize the language barrier, they are content to just hold your hand.
So many thoughts, emotions, feelings, and experiences are rolled into such a short time. I will continue to share as I process everything.
Well the last five weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. A summer of mission trips like I never imagined.
I was extremely blessed to be able to go back to two native villages in Alaska. My heart has been there for eight years now. My first trip to love on those kids was in 2003. This year, I returned yet again for over two weeks. We were able to do a VBS for the kids in each village. Sometimes, I think going on these trips blesses me more than it does those kids. It was been beyond what I could have imagined to watch some of the kids grow up over the years.
At the end of a previous trip, I remember having conflicting feelings about shopping before catching the flight home. We had just spent the week with kids that had holes in their shoes, wore the same clothes all week, and at age 5 were caring for their younger siblings while their parents were not around. How could I rationalize buying stuff to collect dust? I couldn't! The kids have a life full of abuse: sexual, physical, emotional, alcohol. It is hard to watch them get torn between coming to VBS and "connecting" with us even though they know we will be leaving in a few short days. They distance themselves toward the end of the week to make the goodbye's easier.
Then, just 6 days after this, my life changed forever by going on a trip to Ethiopia and Rwanda with Visiting Orphans. This trip was more than I could have ever expected. Actually, I'm not even sure I knew what to expect. I do admit that I felt like I wasn't as prepared as I could have been for Africa because my time was consumed in preparation and literally in Alaska.
First, let me say that there really is no great and wonderful way to have a tidy description of mission trip to Africa. It just isn't possible. But I will try my best to share a glimpse of my experiences.
With all the emotions still vividly running through me, it is hard to summarize everything. It is literally a whole different world over there. It almost frustrates me to come back and live with the never ending luxuries that we take for granted in the Western culture.
Something as simple as shoes. How many pairs of shoes do you have? How often do you wear each pair? How many pairs of shoes do you have that are same but you thought you "needed" them in different color schemes? I have too many shoes for myself, don't wear them enough to rationalize owning them, and have been guilty of getting the same in different colors. The kids that we were blessed to spend time with are lucky to have one pair of shoes. If they are luckier than some, they will match. If they are extremely lucky, the shoes will fit and not have any holes or broken parts.
The food that the kids get at the orphanages varies some but in general lacks many nutrients. Meat is a rarity on the dinner plate, making protein something that everyone lacks immensely. A loving human touch is something I fear the kids only experience when teams go to visit them as we did. When is the last time you hugged your children, friends, or spouse? or even held their hand? A number of kids won't recognize the language barrier, they are content to just hold your hand.
So many thoughts, emotions, feelings, and experiences are rolled into such a short time. I will continue to share as I process everything.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
3 Days!
Roughly speaking I have been home for 3 days since the trip to Alaska. I am also leaving in just under 3 days for Africa. There are so many things to talk about and share with you! I know I won't get all of them.
Some brief things about Alaska:
It was great, wonderful, amazing, glorious, gorgeous and more! I was there for 18 days. Two weeks of a Vacation Bible School in two different native villages. Parts of it seemed more challenging than others and years past. It has been amazing to see the kids grow up over the years. The amazement on their faces, when you say their name, is great. They just can't fathom that this strange person already knows their name and gives them the time and attention that they never dreamed of. Some of the kids are old enough now that they are helping us and filling in the needs. Personally, I had some issue being gone so long. I wasn't totally homesick just friend-sick. Being gone that long made me realize how blessed I am with my own friends. I definitely came to the conclusion that missing people would be one of the hardest aspects of long term work.
Africa is creating mixed feelings right now. I still have some essential tasks to complete and of course the other things that I want to do before leaving again. The to-do list does cause me stress for sure! It seems that it is masking some excitement also. This week I have said out loud, "leave for Africa on Saturday". That has really started to have it hit home. Today, I came home and had a package. It was the hard copy of the tickets and itinerary. That was crazy and extremely exciting! Holding the tickets in had was definitely the most recent "wow, this is really happening!" moment.
I hope to share some more before departing but honestly right now, sleep is needed.
Blessings until next time!
Some brief things about Alaska:
It was great, wonderful, amazing, glorious, gorgeous and more! I was there for 18 days. Two weeks of a Vacation Bible School in two different native villages. Parts of it seemed more challenging than others and years past. It has been amazing to see the kids grow up over the years. The amazement on their faces, when you say their name, is great. They just can't fathom that this strange person already knows their name and gives them the time and attention that they never dreamed of. Some of the kids are old enough now that they are helping us and filling in the needs. Personally, I had some issue being gone so long. I wasn't totally homesick just friend-sick. Being gone that long made me realize how blessed I am with my own friends. I definitely came to the conclusion that missing people would be one of the hardest aspects of long term work.
Africa is creating mixed feelings right now. I still have some essential tasks to complete and of course the other things that I want to do before leaving again. The to-do list does cause me stress for sure! It seems that it is masking some excitement also. This week I have said out loud, "leave for Africa on Saturday". That has really started to have it hit home. Today, I came home and had a package. It was the hard copy of the tickets and itinerary. That was crazy and extremely exciting! Holding the tickets in had was definitely the most recent "wow, this is really happening!" moment.
I hope to share some more before departing but honestly right now, sleep is needed.
Blessings until next time!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Today!
Well in less than an hour, I will begin my trip to Alaska for the rest of the month. (It's not really that long, just fun to say that).
I will be part of two teams that go into two different remote, native villages and do a VBS for the week. This is my sixth time going and I am so excited! I can't wait to see the kids again.
Please pray that throughout this journey God gives us many opportunities to share with as many as possible, everyone from the flights to the kids and each person in between.
Just wanted to say a quick hello! When I return I will only have 5 days until leaving for Africa. There's so much happening. I wish I could share with you as the time progresses but my computer access will be non-existent.
Blessings on you and your walk with Christ. May He open opportunities for you that you never expected.
I will be part of two teams that go into two different remote, native villages and do a VBS for the week. This is my sixth time going and I am so excited! I can't wait to see the kids again.
Please pray that throughout this journey God gives us many opportunities to share with as many as possible, everyone from the flights to the kids and each person in between.
Just wanted to say a quick hello! When I return I will only have 5 days until leaving for Africa. There's so much happening. I wish I could share with you as the time progresses but my computer access will be non-existent.
Blessings on you and your walk with Christ. May He open opportunities for you that you never expected.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Also. . . .
I believe I have neglected to mention this. . . but I am also going to Alaska this summer.
It is a passion of mine that I have had since I was 15 years old. I started going in 2003. I have had the honor of going for a total of 5 years. This year will be my 6th year. On each trip a team of 5-8 people goes to a remote village in Alaska and does a vacation Bible school for the native kids. We also do something for the community such as plant flowers, build a picnic table, or whatever the need may be that year. Two years I have gone to a community called Chitina. The other years I have gone to Tanacross. This year, myself and one other girl, have decided that we feel led to do both villages. We are super excited!!!!! Her and I are leading the trip to Chitina. The following week we will go and meet the Tanacross team.
A couple weeks ago, I was able to travel to St. Louis and meet with the Tanacross team. We had a great time and were able to get a lot accomplished. It is really amazing to see what God can do when just a few people come together to do His work and spread His Glory.
I am greatly looking forward to this trip. I can't believe it is just over one month away. I leave July 14.
Please continue to pray for the Africa trip but also keep the children in Alaska in your prayers as well. There is abuse of all kinds in the villages. The kids just crave attention and love of any kind. To be able to give it to them for just one week is a blessing for me as well as them.
It is a passion of mine that I have had since I was 15 years old. I started going in 2003. I have had the honor of going for a total of 5 years. This year will be my 6th year. On each trip a team of 5-8 people goes to a remote village in Alaska and does a vacation Bible school for the native kids. We also do something for the community such as plant flowers, build a picnic table, or whatever the need may be that year. Two years I have gone to a community called Chitina. The other years I have gone to Tanacross. This year, myself and one other girl, have decided that we feel led to do both villages. We are super excited!!!!! Her and I are leading the trip to Chitina. The following week we will go and meet the Tanacross team.
A couple weeks ago, I was able to travel to St. Louis and meet with the Tanacross team. We had a great time and were able to get a lot accomplished. It is really amazing to see what God can do when just a few people come together to do His work and spread His Glory.
I am greatly looking forward to this trip. I can't believe it is just over one month away. I leave July 14.
Please continue to pray for the Africa trip but also keep the children in Alaska in your prayers as well. There is abuse of all kinds in the villages. The kids just crave attention and love of any kind. To be able to give it to them for just one week is a blessing for me as well as them.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Excitement
I apologize for not updating this like I should. I have just been caught up in some personal things.
But. . . .the GREAT NEWS is that the trip is less than 100 days away. Actually if I remember correctly it is 98 days from today. I am super crazy unbelievably excited. Sometimes it gets hard to contain the excitement. I catch myself working on something or studying for school and I start day dreaming. Then I get this huge grin on my face. I probably look pretty goofy, but I can't help it.
I hope you can join me in the excitement. I just know big things will happen on this trip and lives will be changed.
Also, please continue to support me in prayer. Pray for the team as we prepare and plans are made. Please pray for the orphanages and the children we will get to show love to.
More blogs to come. . . I have many things to get you caught up on.
But. . . .the GREAT NEWS is that the trip is less than 100 days away. Actually if I remember correctly it is 98 days from today. I am super crazy unbelievably excited. Sometimes it gets hard to contain the excitement. I catch myself working on something or studying for school and I start day dreaming. Then I get this huge grin on my face. I probably look pretty goofy, but I can't help it.
I hope you can join me in the excitement. I just know big things will happen on this trip and lives will be changed.
Also, please continue to support me in prayer. Pray for the team as we prepare and plans are made. Please pray for the orphanages and the children we will get to show love to.
More blogs to come. . . I have many things to get you caught up on.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Love Languages
About a week ago I was telling a friend what's new in my life. She was the leader of my first mission trip when I was 15 and we have kept in touch ever since. I was so excited to tell her about this trip to Africa. (Sometimes I find it hard to believe that this is really official.) She responded so differently than others I have told. The one thing that she said over and over was "I'm proud of you, so proud of you."
My love language is most definitely quality time. However, words of affirmation are close to the top. (This may come as a surprise because I am not great at accepting these words.) I was soooo extremely happy to hear my friend say she was proud. People that I thought would be excited didn't even come close to these words.
It made we wonder. What love language would best reach the children in Ethiopia and Rwanda? In my short time there, how can I show them how much I care? What way can I best tell them that they are important and loved? Even when I am not there, when other teams are not there loving these kids, how do they know they are loved? How do they they are a child of God?
My love language is most definitely quality time. However, words of affirmation are close to the top. (This may come as a surprise because I am not great at accepting these words.) I was soooo extremely happy to hear my friend say she was proud. People that I thought would be excited didn't even come close to these words.
It made we wonder. What love language would best reach the children in Ethiopia and Rwanda? In my short time there, how can I show them how much I care? What way can I best tell them that they are important and loved? Even when I am not there, when other teams are not there loving these kids, how do they know they are loved? How do they they are a child of God?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Wet Blanket
Please read Judges 6.
A couple weeks ago at church the sermon was about this passage.We were talking about lies. More specifically the lies that we get in our minds about what is needed to fulfill a certain job or position. These images come from meeting people that have already reached this point. Soon we get this image of what we can not do because we think we don't measure up to the image we have created in our minds. We think that we don't have the skills, finances, ability, or resources to do that or get this done.
In Judges 6, Gideon struggles with this. In verse 14 the angel tells him to "save Israel out of Midian’s hand". But Gideon does not believe that he is able to do this even though he was previously called a might warrior in a previous verse. Gideon goes in in verse 15 to say "My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family". So how could he be the won to defeat Midian?
How could I be the one to go to Africa and make a difference in these kids' lives? Surely there are many others willing and more capable than I. There are better people that have more skills and resources that would benefit these orphans in Africa.
Gideon continues to listen to the angel of God and does has he is asked in verses 20-27. (I enjoy what the Lord tells Gideon in verse 23. That's always good to know.)
At the end of the chapter, he finally starts to get the idea that maybe he should do this. But Gideon wants just a little more reassurance. He tells God that he will leave a blanket outside. In the morning if the blanket is wet but the ground all around it is dry, he will know that Israel will be saved by his hand has God has promised. Well, in the morning the blanket was wet. Gideon asks for one more request. This time he asked that the blanket be dry in the morning with all the ground covered in dew. Yet again, it was just as he asked.
I believe that the Wednesday I had last month was my wet blanket moment. For quite some time I have struggled with the thought of going on a mission trip overseas. Ever since that day, I have come to notice the small things more and more. I am starting to believe there is no such thing as a coincidence.
Do you have a wet blanket moment? Is there something that God has been asking you to do? Maybe you keep replying with one more request just to make sure that God will keep his promise like Gideon did in Judges.
A couple weeks ago at church the sermon was about this passage.We were talking about lies. More specifically the lies that we get in our minds about what is needed to fulfill a certain job or position. These images come from meeting people that have already reached this point. Soon we get this image of what we can not do because we think we don't measure up to the image we have created in our minds. We think that we don't have the skills, finances, ability, or resources to do that or get this done.
In Judges 6, Gideon struggles with this. In verse 14 the angel tells him to "save Israel out of Midian’s hand". But Gideon does not believe that he is able to do this even though he was previously called a might warrior in a previous verse. Gideon goes in in verse 15 to say "My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family". So how could he be the won to defeat Midian?
How could I be the one to go to Africa and make a difference in these kids' lives? Surely there are many others willing and more capable than I. There are better people that have more skills and resources that would benefit these orphans in Africa.
Gideon continues to listen to the angel of God and does has he is asked in verses 20-27. (I enjoy what the Lord tells Gideon in verse 23. That's always good to know.)
At the end of the chapter, he finally starts to get the idea that maybe he should do this. But Gideon wants just a little more reassurance. He tells God that he will leave a blanket outside. In the morning if the blanket is wet but the ground all around it is dry, he will know that Israel will be saved by his hand has God has promised. Well, in the morning the blanket was wet. Gideon asks for one more request. This time he asked that the blanket be dry in the morning with all the ground covered in dew. Yet again, it was just as he asked.
I believe that the Wednesday I had last month was my wet blanket moment. For quite some time I have struggled with the thought of going on a mission trip overseas. Ever since that day, I have come to notice the small things more and more. I am starting to believe there is no such thing as a coincidence.
Do you have a wet blanket moment? Is there something that God has been asking you to do? Maybe you keep replying with one more request just to make sure that God will keep his promise like Gideon did in Judges.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Beginning
A few days ago I had one of the most amazing days that I can recall for quite some time.
It was Wednesday, January 26. The second reasonable snow of the season had just hit the middle Tennessee area and I was debating what the day would bring. Let me take a moment to give a very small brief of what I have been thinking about for quite some time. . .
For at least two years I have highly been considering going to Africa for missions. This concept has really evolved from also considering the Peace Corps. I have been interested in this since 2006. Probably every six to eight months I look to see what is available and consider the possibilities. Over time my heart has been heavily laden with these possibilities.
I have struggled with whether this has been something that I WANT to do or something that is part of God's WILL for me. Most people will just say to "pray about it." My problem with this is that I am such a tangible person. If people suggested that I email God to ask his advice, I could handle that if He would respond. I felt that I wanted or needed a clear answer or at least a hint of a clear answer. Should I just go? Would that be reasonable? If I decided to pursue Africa or the Peace Corps, will God make either decision part of His will? Am I just completely off track and I need to find a way to complete a college degree?
I came to the conclusion that I just need to put it in His hands as much as possible. There is not going to be a way to make either one of those paths happen instantaneously. So, if it is not where I need to be then God will put up road blocks. Along with this, I felt that it be important to also put more faith and trust the small things to God. If I can trust God for the small things, then my trust will already be there for the bigger things. This brings us back to Wednesday morning. . . . .
I woke up slightly before 5am. I started to have a debate with myself about school. Why does it have to either be a 2 hour delay or 4 hour delay? If we went at 10 or 12 I would have to go for 20 min of a class. It would be silly and I definitely had no desire for that. Why couldn't there be such a thing as a 3 hour delay? About 10 minutes later my phone rings and the school is delayed for 3 hours; it will open at 11am. That's just the beginning. I had also been thinking that I wanted to got and help scoop the lot at work. I wouldn't have been able to do this unless we had at least a 3 hour delay for school. This was a great way to start the day.
Later school was canceled for the entire day which allowed me to get some great quality time with my roommate that we really needed.
Three more very specific things happened that just blew my mind. One came in the form of music. While at work the radio was playing. As I was helping a customer I caught myself humming along to the song. Once I paused I realized it was a song by Casting Crowns. . . . . "Sing Until the Whole World Hears". To me that was just a little message from God. As many times as I have heard this song, it suddenly was louder to me than ever before.
So now I will actively be persuing a way to serve and "sing until the whole world hears". This may start as a mission trip later this year. This may mean joining the Peace Corps. I do know that it means things will change.
This is only the beginning. . .
It was Wednesday, January 26. The second reasonable snow of the season had just hit the middle Tennessee area and I was debating what the day would bring. Let me take a moment to give a very small brief of what I have been thinking about for quite some time. . .
For at least two years I have highly been considering going to Africa for missions. This concept has really evolved from also considering the Peace Corps. I have been interested in this since 2006. Probably every six to eight months I look to see what is available and consider the possibilities. Over time my heart has been heavily laden with these possibilities.
I have struggled with whether this has been something that I WANT to do or something that is part of God's WILL for me. Most people will just say to "pray about it." My problem with this is that I am such a tangible person. If people suggested that I email God to ask his advice, I could handle that if He would respond. I felt that I wanted or needed a clear answer or at least a hint of a clear answer. Should I just go? Would that be reasonable? If I decided to pursue Africa or the Peace Corps, will God make either decision part of His will? Am I just completely off track and I need to find a way to complete a college degree?
I came to the conclusion that I just need to put it in His hands as much as possible. There is not going to be a way to make either one of those paths happen instantaneously. So, if it is not where I need to be then God will put up road blocks. Along with this, I felt that it be important to also put more faith and trust the small things to God. If I can trust God for the small things, then my trust will already be there for the bigger things. This brings us back to Wednesday morning. . . . .
I woke up slightly before 5am. I started to have a debate with myself about school. Why does it have to either be a 2 hour delay or 4 hour delay? If we went at 10 or 12 I would have to go for 20 min of a class. It would be silly and I definitely had no desire for that. Why couldn't there be such a thing as a 3 hour delay? About 10 minutes later my phone rings and the school is delayed for 3 hours; it will open at 11am. That's just the beginning. I had also been thinking that I wanted to got and help scoop the lot at work. I wouldn't have been able to do this unless we had at least a 3 hour delay for school. This was a great way to start the day.
Later school was canceled for the entire day which allowed me to get some great quality time with my roommate that we really needed.
Three more very specific things happened that just blew my mind. One came in the form of music. While at work the radio was playing. As I was helping a customer I caught myself humming along to the song. Once I paused I realized it was a song by Casting Crowns. . . . . "Sing Until the Whole World Hears". To me that was just a little message from God. As many times as I have heard this song, it suddenly was louder to me than ever before.
So now I will actively be persuing a way to serve and "sing until the whole world hears". This may start as a mission trip later this year. This may mean joining the Peace Corps. I do know that it means things will change.
This is only the beginning. . .
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