As I started to write the ‘About’ section of my blog, I realized there was so much I wanted to share. Writing a specific post that tells the story the Lord has given me seemed like a good idea. Forewarning… this is a long post, but I encourage you to read it so you can know my background.
With that being said, grab a cup of coffee & enjoy!
One of the biggest blessings the Lord has given me is my family, specifically my parents. I truly could not have been given better parents. Without any trouble, I could easily write an entire post about the blessing they’ve been to me. I appreciate the way they raised & disciplined me, supported me in my activities/schoolwork/major life choices, & most importantly raised me in a Christian home where they lead me spiritually.
I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was young, but I always say I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be a Christian until the summer after I was in 7th grade. For several years my church has gone on mission trips to Juarez, Mexico. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to be part of the trip & my first trip gave me the chance to go with my dad & oldest brother. This trip changed my entire worldview. I saw how many people did not live life like I did. I got my first glimpse of real poverty. I learned the importance of daily Bible reading, prayer, & spreading the Gospel. My interest in mission work began with this trip, & I was able to continue to participate in the trip in the years to come. Each time the Lord taught me something new, & I give these trips a lot of credit to my understanding of what it means to be a doer of the Word.
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers, who delude themselves…” – James 1:22
I’m not sure I consciously discovered my passion for adoption & orphans during these trips to Mexico, but I think this is where my interest began. When I was in high school my aunt & uncle adopted their daughter from China. I started reading several adoption blogs & knew one day I wanted to adopt children. My first real experience with adoption occurred during the summer after my junior year. I spent three months living with my aunt, uncle, & cousins as I helped them transition to life as a family of six. While challenges were faced during this summer my passion for adoption only grew.
Fast forward to my senior year of high school. Going into my last year I knew I wanted to go on a mission trip overseas before I went to college. I also knew I wanted the trip to be focused on serving orphans. I was looking at a few possibilities in China, but then I started to read a book called ‘Kisses from Katie’. The only reason I decided to read this book was because I was encouraged by a few of my college friends to be reading a book that you could talk about during scholarship interviews. For anyone who hasn’t read ‘Kisses from Katie’ I highly recommend it! The book tells the story of the founder of Amazima Ministries, Katie Davis. In the middle of the reading the book I knew the Lord was calling me to go to Uganda.
Over & over again the Lord confirmed this was where I was suppose to go. I had my funds raised months before the deadline, & my parents were beyond supportive. This trip completely changed my view of the orphan. I learned what it means to be content like Paul talks about in 1st Timothy 6:6-8
“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we should be content”
The orphans we spent two weeks with were the definition of what it meant to be content. I have never met people with so little filled with so much joy.
Our team of about 30 people naturally paired up with the 30 children at the orphanage. Two boys, Frank & Vick, quickly became my best friends. Honestly I never imagined myself spending my two weeks in Africa with 10 & 12 year old boys. Instead I pictured myself coloring pictures with younger girls. Oh but how God’s plan is always greater than our own, & not only is His plan greater…it is always better!
When I went to Uganda adoption was not on my mind. Our family supported adoption, but it was not something we saw in our future. Coming home from Uganda, I talked about Frank & Vick all the time, but I never mentioned adoption. Through a Bible study on the book of Nehemiah (by Kelly Minter) the Lord made it clear to my mom that we were suppose to adopt Frank & Vick.
[If you are interested in reading the entire story of how our family entered into the adoption process you can read about it on my personal blog! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3]
My younger brothers came home in May of 2014. It was a day filled with joyous celebration!
Being a family of seven is fantastic in so many ways. It was such a blessing for me to be able to spend the summer at home after my brothers came home. Going back to school that fall was difficult. I felt like there was so much I was missing out on, & I felt like there was a lot I could be doing to continue to help with the transition process, especially now that school had started. The fall semester was a constant struggle of finding contentment at school (knowing God’s plan was sovereign, & school is where He wanted me) & feeling a tug to be at home. After much prayerful consideration I decided to complete online classes & go home during the spring semester. I watched in awe as the Lord worked out every. single. detail. Again & again He confirmed to me that home is where He wanted me during the spring semester.
My time at home was absolutely priceless. The memories I made with my parents & younger siblings are invaluable. I will always treasure the time I had with them during that semester & be forever thankful God allowed me to have that opportunity.
Many unique opportunities arose during my time at home, but I think a huge reason the Lord had me go home was to give me the chance to go to China as a volunteer with the organization of Superkids. Superkids is a program through The Gladney Center for Adoption that travels overseas to evaluate the medical/developmental needs of orphans. Using this information, along with photos & videos, they advocate for these children in the states to find them forever families. From my time in China & my time as the international adoption intern at Gladney this past summer, my love for adoption grew even more. I learned so much about the international adoption process, waiting children, advocacy, & other cultures. My internship confirmed my desire to one day work for an adoption agency.
Congratulations if you’ve made it to this point in post 🙂 Writing this post took me way longer than I expected. When you start to reflect on the story the Lord has given you, you realize how many incredible details He has given you to share with others! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected]
Currently I am in my last year of school at South Dakota State University. I will graduate in May with a degree in Human Development & Family Studies & a minor in Leadership of Non-Profits….& in August of 2016 I will launch for the World Race!
How I came to the decision of the World Race is another story in itself, and my next post will give these details. Once the post is complete I’ll link it here for easy access.
Thank you for reading about the work the Lord has done & is doing in my life!
Blessings!
