(Source: strengthinwaiting)
I don't know where I'm going, but I know the One I'm following.
And tonight, my affections are stirring.
My aunt and one of my closest mentors have both set incredible examples for me—and they are 2 of the few people who truly take me seriously when I say: “I know I am going to adopt some day.” My love for the mommyless & daddyless children is something the Lord revealed to me during my first trip to Africa in 2005- sad but true, I need to admit that I barely recognized this particular love at the time. The adventure He has taken me on since that summer as a 15 year old has been one that only spurs my love. Goodness, He is ALWAYS working, isn’t He?! [Side note: never doubt the sovereignty of our God; His plans and ways are perfect, all weaving together to create a beautiful story…His story.]
I never blogged about it on the road with Daraja 2 summers ago, but it’s in my journal…for that, I’m grateful; it’s pretty awesome to go back and read about what the Lord taught me during that specific season of life.
Adoption was definitely one of those seeds being watered in my heart during summer of 2010. The Lord’s strategic ways of handing me love gifts in different ways was absolutely ridiculously awesome: I was placed in multiple host homes that had children who were adopted, hours of conversations I had with host home parents who were going through the current adoption process, the different Scripture He led me to throughout the summer, and then (the icing on the cake for me!): my Daraja sister & one of my best friend’s parents announcing the beginning of their adoption process. After this news, I remember spiritually throwing my hands up with a big smile on my face and saying: “Okay! Okay! I get it!! Could you be ANY more obvious Lord!?” At the end of that summer, I’d say one of the biggest things He revealed to me was the desire HE had given to me to adopt. And so much more than just a desire…but a calling. More on the calling part later.
I know that I know that I know (yes, that sure) that I will adopt one day. When? Where? Domestic? International? Boy? Girl? Just one? Multiple? I don’t know those answers, but my Jesus does. And because I’m recklessly abandoning my dreams and plans by His grace, I am trusting that in His time, He will give me the desires of my heart [Psalm 37:4].
To say that as an 8 year old playing dress-up & “house” I thought this was going to be my happily ever after makes me want to laugh…not in a bad way, just in the way of “My life is literally turning out almost opposite of what I believed for myself.” BUT, with that being said, let me just say this: I am so thankful, humbled, and excited that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways [Isaiah 55:8-9].
Perspective.
Ahhh, time to sit and write: one of the many things I love about this Thanksgiving break at home. It’s just good for my soul—journaling is such a good habit. Praying I’ll pick up the pen more over the next few weeks as 2011 comes to a close. Here’s to writing!
I learned a lot my summer with Daraja-much more than a blog post would be able to say. Those kids were the most grateful humans I have ever been in contact with, and they changed not only my life, but my perspective on life.
Every single one of their “Good Morning Prayers” opened up by saying, “Thank You, God, for waking me up to see today—you didn’t have to wake me up, but You did. Thank You.”
Every single one of their blessings before eating would open up by saying: “Thank You, God, for this food because there are many people who do not have-thank You for providing for me this meal.”
Praying that my perspective will continue to be shifted-to continually look through the lens of thankfulness. I hope this challenges you to be still and look at everything in your life as a blessing- because that is exactly what it is.
Happy Thanksgiving, all.
Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. -James 1:17 [The Message]
”You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” -Miriam Adeney
Daraja 2011, everyone.
Pray for them as they continue to worship in Kenya instead of the U.S. Visas were not granted to them this year; therefore, they will not be making it over here at all this year.
He’s got a plan for these little world-changers; it’s gonna be wild & FULL of Him.
wishing i was with them praising His name; but since i’m not, i am choosing to worship Him here- knowing He hears it regardless of location!
this is what it’s all about. small group love; these girls’ love for the Lord has grown, is growing, and will continue to grow…so thankful for the way He has crossed our paths. Community rocks.
really? I’ve been trying to learn this for the past 2 months now. a 5 year old beat me to it….sigh.
![But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.
Micah 6:8 [The Message]
water.cc
will you drink water to give water? join us.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls9e5fjXPq1qdj7eto1_500.jpg)
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.
Micah 6:8 [The Message]
water.cc
will you drink water to give water? join us.
Yes, one of my best friends got engaged this past weekend.
These 4 girls surrounding me are the most insanely awesome examples of Jesus to me. 4 years ago, I had no idea that He was about to bless me with their friendships— #notmad about it…not at all.
Here’s to our senior year. Let’s get it.
Im backkkkk.
I just need to blog. it’s good for my soul. Especially as I embark on this final year here at Clemson. So many things changing, so many things unknown.
But oh how grateful I am that I serve a Sovereign God who has my best in mind.
Raise a glass…it’s a new season—adventures: lets do it.
