Since The World Race, I managed to get a job at the amazing Starbucks, got put on the Deans List for the first time ever for having an amazing GPA, and the boy in the first post of this blog is now my boyfriend and well life has been pretty crazy!
I could go into detail about of all that but its not the most important thing right now. To me the most important thing is what the Lord has really been doing in my life the last month or so.
Sometimes life gets almost too crazy to realize what we are missing right in front of us. I have definitely been facing that. I’ve been in a dry season with the Lord for awhile and on top of that I’ve been trying to balance everything that has been on my plate. David (my boyfriend) asked me last night “What makes up Janelle? Like really like if someone was to ask you who is Janelle what would you say?” It struck me a little hard, but I paused. Sat still, as he went into the gas station and really thought about that. WHO IS JANELLE? Lately, my depression and emotions have been getting the best of me. Its like I almost have lost sight of who I am really. My heart is so hungry for the Lord right now and I’m just itching to do more.
Once I thought about it I responded with, “I want to be known has someone who loves the Lord, who is compassionate and kind, and loves to serve others. Someone who wants to help and work with children.” And it is true! I want to to be known as that.
A little over month ago I found out about a remarkable opportunity! Something that lit a fire back in me. As some of you know I got the opportunity to travel to 12 countries in 11 months. Well in those 11 months was the happiest I think I ever was. I got to not only see the world or the Lords Kingdom but an opportunity to serve others and work with all sorts of children.
One of those countries was Swaziland, Africa. I got to work in an orphanage called El Shaddai and be partnered with a little boy named Ayanda. He was 11 when I met him, and the boy changed my life forever. He was imprinted on my heart. In the country kids can’t be adopted to families in the States. Their kingdom doesn’t allow it. Ayanda is now 14 probably close to 15 years old. Its been 3 years since I have seen him. He’s older now and probably a completely different person then I probably got to know when he was 11. My heart wonders if he remembers me like I remember him? Does he still love Jesus? What about his hobbies, are those the same?
Anyways the reason why I’m telling you this is because I might have an opportunity to go back! TO BE RECONNECTED WITH HIM! This December people I traveled to the country with are returning to the orphanage. We will be there for a week! My heart races just thinking that if this is Gods will its going to happen. I’ll be able to return to the country where I met the greatest little boy. My heart and gut is telling me to GO. Just like the World Race back in 2015.
My Pastor and his wife have been praying to see His Will be done in this situation. I know I’ve been called to go but I don’t know how! They see how happy I get talking about going or even talking about missionary work to begin with. Today, I am realizing another answer to the question that David asked me is “I am called to love and speak to others about Jesus”, even if it overseas.
I know this is a lot that I’m probably asking, but will you prayerfully consider joining me that this might actually happen? Maybe even consider prayerfully consider partnering with me financially? I will be living off $5 a day for food like I did on the World Race. Lodging and stuff shouldn’t be too expensive since we will be staying on site with the orphanage on top of a mountain but getting not only to South Africa but a bus drive to Swaziland is what needs to be covered! If you feel lead to work with us and this orphanage and reconnecting Ayanda and me please e-mail me [email protected]. I know this bold, but I’m stepping out in faith with humility.
