Growing up I wanted to be a mommy. I always carried around a baby doll and a stroller and a pacifier and a bottle. & I did it for way too long.
Then I wanted to be a teacher. We transformed the closet of our playroom into a school room. The walls were decorated with posters and dry erase-boards and I had a real grade book. I thought I was so cool.
Then I wanted to be a foster mom (& in all honestly, this is still pretty true). I remember friends of ours were foster parents and I would often find myself in my bed crying thinking about foster care and adoption. From a young age, it wrecked me and brought up emotions in me that I did not know how to process.
Then, I wanted to be an OBGYN (I KNOW, what was I thinking!?!?) Well, I’ll tell you what I was thinking, I wanted to deliver babies. But I learned that OBGYN’s have to do more than just deliver babies and that my friends was not for me…. At all.
Then I found social work. I loved it. & I still love it. Once I started studying social work I realized that I loved global studies and psychology, so I added on two minors. In two weeks I’ll have completed my degree and will officially have my BSW. I’m excited and beyond grateful to be finishing up school. Yet ironically, post-graduation I am not using my social work degree. I will not be getting a fat paycheck (I mean, not that I was planning to with my social work degree), or a paycheck at all for that matter.
Rather, I’ll be doing missions work. Serving as a missionary for a year. A term, I’ve often avoided these past few months.
I sat on the plane coming home from Thanksgiving break and thought about how the Lord has weaved together my story. How before I was even aware of His sovereign hand He breathed within me passions and desires, which would untimely lead me to the places he has He planted today.
He grew within me a love for kids from a young age. He placed within me a nurturing heart. My love for kids made me want to be a teacher. I wanted to educate people. Be a leader. Stand in front of a classroom and present. & then, when ready He opened my heart to adopt and foster care. Which pretty much changed it all and lead me to social work (apart from the weird OBGYN phase!). Once I started studying social work my eyes were even further opened to the injustices of the world around me both nationally and internationally.
& slowly but surely the Father started calling me internationally. Which leads me where I am today just 5 weeks away from heading on the World Race! He took my heart for Himself, for social justice, for people, for children, for education, and even medicine and He wrapped it up and opened a door for me to do it all. He created within me a heart and a calling fit for the places He had called me to.
And even more mind blowing is that the places He has called me to are just as prepared for me as I am for them. He is preparing the hearts of people in Columbia, and Uganda, and India for me to come and have a conversation with them, just as He had done for years within my own heart and life… and is continuing to do.
Time and time again, I am blown away by the intentionality of the Father and His sovereign hand. I’ve been asked a lot if I’m scared for this next season of life and I can confidently say that I’m not. Not because I am super brave and courageous, but because I am confident in Him who has not only called me but equipped me.
& He continually reminds me of that very calling, through the support of others. I had a friend text me the other day just to remind me she was praying for me as I am preparing to leave. I had another family friend write me a sweet note and drop it in the mail about how they are thinking of me and praying for me in these next few weeks. & every time, with every word I grow more and more confident. Not to mention, the $13,705 I’ve been able to raise!
I remember when fundraising was one of my biggest fears about the World Race & watching the father use the most unlikely of people to provide in the biggest of ways have been mind-blowing. & now friends, I’m less than $5,000 away from my end goal of $18,200.
I only have $4,495 left to raise!
While it seems like a lot, and sounds like a lot, and feels like a lot. I am reminded that in light of what the Father has already done for me this is nothing. & in light of the Kingdom of God this is pocket change.
My prayer is that when I leave on January 4th(in 38 days!) that I’ll be 100% fully funded. So that I can devote 100% of my attention to what we’re doing and not even give a thought to raising support. So, on this giving Tuesday tomorrow, would you be willing to give a little bit (or a lot!), to help me reach my goal and raise the last little bit of money needed?
Of course, all donations are tax-deductible and beyond, beyond appreciated. I’m seriously so stinkin’ grateful for all those who have partnered with me in this already and all those who are going to in the days to come. I cannot wait to celebrate alongside of you what God is doing and has done! It’s going to be great!
Much love & Many blessings, Lauren
