We made it to The Philippines about a week and a half ago and we’ve already had to make four trips to the emergency room, survived a typhoon, jumped off a 35 foot platform into the pool, taken many tricycle and jeepney rides, got some tattoos, sang karaoke with a beautiful view of Manila right behind us, clogged some toilettes, had some lice scares, touched and held a python, gone into the slums to do our weekly feedings, hung out with lots of JAZ girls and have loved on lots of adorable little human beings… needless to say, we’re having the time of our lives already.
All of the doubts and the worries I was having before leaving have all been completely erased and replaced with such a peace, I am reassured in numerous ways each day that I know this is where I am suppose to be. It’s not just a coincidence that a teenage girl who had no idea what she wanted to be or where she wanted to go is here in Manila, Philippines. God CHOSE me. He knew that this is exactly where I needed to be, He knew that this is exactly what I am suppose to be doing everyday, He CHOSE me to be here. He knew which people I would be able to pour into the best, He placed the different skills inside me that work well with the team I am placed on and the squad members I am with everyday. He chose me, little old Lyndsay. And He keeps choosing me…
Lately, I’ve been completely overwhelmed with God’s love for me and the perfect plan He has for my life. I used to believe God loved me and I knew it was true without a doubt, but I don’t think I have ever experienced God’s love until recently. I always knew God had a plan for my life and that it was going to be awesome, but I don’t think I ever believed it… but now that I’m half way across the world in a different country, I believe it. It’s funny how that works, like we’re saying, “my heart is completely yours Lord, but you have to show yourself to me first in order for me to believe what you’re saying is true,” we almost test God in a way. But I’m done testing God and I’m ready to walk by faith. Our God doesn’t need to be tested, He needs to be trusted. He knows every thought we have, every worry, how many hairs are on our heads at that very time, what our dreams are, and what unhealthy food we’re craving at that moment (currently mine is ice cream) He is all knowing. He is just. He is love. And He’s CRAZY about you and I, He wants to spend time with us all the time, He’s just waiting for you to open up to Him and be that perfect counselor that He is. He’s waiting for you to ACCEPT His love. Just like we are completely ACCEPTED by Him! He’s so eager to spend time with you and get to know you more and more, He’s kind of obsessed with you and it’s a beautiful obsession.
I would encourage anyone who is reading this to open up to The Lord. Give Him your heart and know and believe that your heart won’t get broken, only healed and made whole again. I promise, the journey that you will embark on after will be so beautiful. Have faith and walk with the mentality that The Lord has you and your heart every step of the way.
Let The Lord take you on that beautiful adventure.
