So, I know it’s been sometime since I posted. I haven’t felt like writing. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to the comforts of home and what lies ahead. It’s not fair to me – it’s not fair to you – and certainly not fair to God that my mind is focused on the future. God calls us to be in the present and not to worry about what lies ahead – “… do NOT worry about YOUR life …” (Matthew 6:25)
As a little homesickness has set in on these last 2 1/2 months, I think “Why am I out here?” “Why am I away from my family?” This is the human inside of me asking and pondering these questions. But what use does it do for me to sit and think about such things… a week ago my great aunt died… my nephew graduated from preschool… my sister-in-law found out she’s having a baby… my cousin is soon to be married… The human inside of me is asking why can’t I be there… but then I remember…
The sole reason God created us was out of His love for us. If we say He created us to bring Him glory or for companionship, it shows God had a need… and He has no need. He has never had a need. So, the only reason He created us was out of His love. He desires to grow closer to every single one of us. He happened to call me away from my friends and family because He wanted to place me in an environment to grow closer to Him. He has a unique relationship with each one of us, and He happened to call me away; He might build His relationship with you in a completely different way. So out of my love for Him, I was obedient and followed His call…
For God is our ULTIMATE…
You know, God has given me many surprises this year that I NEVER expected. Being content with being away from friends and family and knowing that at some point I would be homesick, I packed my backpack and headed on the journey.
But God knew what I didn’t … He knew how to demonstrate the deep love for me:
At Christmas, I was able to see my brother and sister-in-law in Taiwan!! I promised Kevin, one of my brother’s roommates in college, I would see him in Taiwan (eventually), never did I ever think it would be on my journey to spread God’s love to the ends of the earth this year… I was able to see Kevin commit his life to Nicole, the love of his life! And on this Christmas adventure, God worked in many other miraculous ways, some I may never know the depth of…
In Africa, I was able to spend time with Matthew! God is using and has used him to transform a hospital in Cambine, Mozambique. I was able to meet many people he has built relationships with over this past year. He is one of the most humble servants of the Lord I have ever met…
Between Africa and Costa Rica, God granted me a trip of a lifetime!! I stayed back from my squad, as they journeyed to Costa Rica, to spend time with the Racers whom left in January 2008 and encourage them how God directed – or maybe they encouraged me.
Shortly after, I flew into Houston for Sarah Beth and Nathan’s wedding. Sarah Beth is one of my best friends from college – a truly loyal friend and woman after God’s heart. It was wonderful to stand beside her on her wedding day to witness a fairy tale of hers come true!!
At the wedding, I was able to stand next to Alicia, one of my other best friends from college. Throughout wedding festivities, I got to hold and love on Anna, Alicia’s little angel born in September right after I left on the journey…
And… I got to spend time with my family… Dad, Mom, Jenny, and Brayden…
Then God continues to surprise me…
The Friday before the wedding, I found out Joni, a best friend from high school who is a prayer warrior, had Maher, her little boy, three weeks early. I wanted to see her so bad, but I didn’t have time to drive to Beaumont because my flight was leaving 8:00 the morning after the wedding. I was hesitant to tell anyone I was flying home. However, God works in his magical powers (as I like to say) and one of my legs of flight from Houston to Costa Rica got canceled, so I spent the one more night in Houston. My Sunday, which was supposed to be spent on a plane from Houston to Charlotte to Atlanta – to spend the night in Atlanta – to fly on Monday from Atlanta to Charlotte to Costa Rica, didn’t go as planned – for God’s plans are greater than our own. I called Nicole, my best friend since 5th grade, who happens to live around Houston, to see if she wanted to visit Joni. Maher spent one week in NICU at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and this happened to be the day he was able to go home for the first time.. This is one of the few weekends Nicole had time, so she came to pick me up at my hotel, and we drove down to Beaumont, where Maher was at St. Elizabeth’s hospital. It just so happened that we were there to surprise Joni when Maher was discharged from NICU and carried down to the car to sleep in his own home for the first time. So God surprised me with the joy of seeing a new life be welcomed into fresh air!
I can’t help but look back at the miraculous happenings God orchestrated just for ME! God takes care of His children and knows exactly what they need at the exact time they need it. So, why worry… well you know, after writing this blog to you …
I don’t think I will…
I love you all and are praying for you daily!
