We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story…
“It’s time to go Brandy.” I was standing in the baby hospital in Romania where I had been playing with a 3-year old orphan, Zana Rostas. When it was time to go, I was swept by a thousand emotions. How was I supposed to walk away from this precious soul? I froze. “It’s time to go Brandy…put her down and walk outside.” I began to process the reality and simplicity of the two commands my trip leader had given: 1) Put her down 2) Walk outside. I blocked every other thought running through my head, placed her back into her crib, ruffled her hair…and walked out.
Perhaps in the space of my broken heart…is where Jesus walked in.
My journal entries continue with the tale…”What am I supposed to do with this?…I’m fearful/curious what I will do when I get home.” Attempting to fall back into my corporate career and daily life, those questions turned into desperate prayers. Night after night I would literally fall to my knees in tears and prayer. Eventually those prayers were answered…
January 29,2007 – journal entry
Pretty amazing to read my journal entries from Romania and look at my life now. I sent an email in December that proved to change my life. One more month with John Deere and then I’ll be joining Christian Friendliness in urban ministry. How did this happen? I’ve been struggling the past couple nights coming to terms with it all. I’m more excited to be taking this job than I could ever imagine. I can honestly say that I have never been truly amazed before God put together the thousand pieces that brought me to this place. And it made me realize that the missionary in Romania was right when he said, “I think many people get God’s call but few get on the plane.” Well I guess I have officially boarded.
The pull towards overseas missions never left my heart, but I followed where I know He led and two years later I am better for it. Serving in this capacity radically shaped and tested my faith beyond my own understanding. And I cannot imagine my life without the faces of the beautiful children I have served…all the while…without knowing…they were serving me.
Earlier this year, I began to experience a release from this ministry and a familiar stirring in my heart. I eventually put those thoughts into words after completing my morning devotional with insight from Mother Teresa…
March 26, 2009 – journal entry
What is it father? Am I bored and pursuing my own adventure or are you stirring? I know you speak in the quiet voice…I am listening. Find your own Calcutta…where is mine? I feel like I need to push the boundaries…not stay comfortable…be called out. Father…where?
Over a year ago a friend had spoken very highly about a missions organization…what was it? Something about adventure…something about missions. A quick Internet search…
Adventures In Missions…enter…The World Race!!
I had never heard of the World Race before – but quickly came up to speed by browsing one of a hundred different blog entries and videos until my heart was captivated.
March 30, 2009 – journal entry
Opened my Bible intending to read Acts, but it fell open to Micah. The heading “The Lord’s Plan” caught my eye. I read along until the verse “for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field.” World Race here I come? Three days of prayer and fasting and then the women’s retreat this weekend. Praying for ears to hear.
April 23, 2009 – journal entry
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1 – ACCEPTED WORLD RACE AUGUST 2009!!!
