I don't have that amount yet, but this is what I would LOVE to say! I'm on month 5 of my race and really DO need over $6,000 to be completely funded. Because people have been able to donate and get me this far on the race, here are some things that I got to do.
- Invested time with these kids who are essentially living on their own. My squad-mate Rich and I did bible study with them, went to church and got to know some of their stories.
- Taught middle school/high school girls what a woman of integrity looks like. We also talked to them about dressing modestly, how to be hygienic, how to be precautious when using the internet and about boys. We spent time with all the kids dancing, singing worship songs and teaching them that God created them, loves them and wants to be their friend.
- Got to pray over the sick and dying in the hospital wards, led devotions for the patients and staff members at the hospital and clinic, preached for the first time on God's love and heart for people.
- I got to share the gospel (in a communist country!) with our Chinese friend in her dorm. Our team got her connected with a missionary there.
- This month, I get to experience what it's like to be a mother. We get to love and pour ourselves out to these girls and be the caretaker of an infant, toddlers and children all of whom have either been abandoned or abused. The Lord is teaching me to love beyond reason and circumstance. Through all of this, the Lord is breaking, molding and cultivating in me more love, more compassion, seeing his strength when I feel I have given all I can and continually showing me how to walk in freedom and confidence in who he has created me to be.
The race is challenging and uncomfortable. I mean…I'm sleeping in a children's home on the living room floor where the kids want attention all the time, where they wake up at 5:30 am almost every morning, where we dress, feed and drop them off at school every weekday. I currently have lice and sometime have to recoup in a small crowded office where all of our stuff is while the kids bang on the door for me to come out and play. As hard, tiring and crazy this all is, even with all the breakdowns, I wouldn't have it any other way. Through hardships and challenges character is developed – what's more, because Christ lives in me, I am gaining his character, his heart and his love that goes beyond understanding – THIS is where I want to be. I know there are things that I wouldn't have learned, seen, or understand if it weren't for this experience. There are plenty of times where I thought about going home, but each time I pushed through and pressed into the situation or circumstance, the Lord has revealed issues in my life because he wants me to come into greater freedom which I know the Lord will use in my life to free and heal others through him. In this I see more of his grace, love, compassion, gentleness and faithfulness.
I want to continue doing this. My heart is invested. Don't send me home. March is my final deadline for the $15,500. If you would like to donate, simply click on the 'support me' button on the left. As crazy as $6,000+ sounds, I'm not worried at all. I'm trusting that the Lord will meet my needs.
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11
I've seen him provide financially in incredible ways in life before! If you are not able to donate, you can help by sharing this blog on Facebook or emailing friends and family who may be interested in supporting me. And as always, I TRULY appreciate your prayers. This is the most important thing.
God bless and hope to update you soon!
