I have been thinking for a couple of days as to how to wrap up the blog for this past trip---words just are not coming naturally. To tell you the truth, I think it is because being home is not feeling natural at all. Sean and I are both struggling with the fact that our home feels empty--something that up until a couple of months ago, we just didn't realize. It is empty because we can hear a couple of little boys running up and down are hallway with Gracie chasing them....but there is no running. It is empty because we can see a room that should be decorated in little boys stuff...but it is not. It is empty because we can here squeals of laughter coming from the tub as 2 little boys play in the water....but once again, there is not.
Now, before I paint a picture of gloom and doom--trust me--there is none of that here! As a matter of fact, our hearts are full of joy and hope at the experience that God has just given us and the love that He has given us for these boys....there is just a sense that these boys belong here---but they just are not here yet. I serve a God that can do what humanly seems impossible, and I am clinging to that fact. He knows our hearts, and I am praying BELIEVING that He can do it.
I had a good friend tonight, share with me a song that I needed to hear. It was entitled "While I am waiting"--totally fits my thoughts exactly. The jist of the song is that while I am waiting for God to work, I am still going to spend my time serving, worshipping and trusting my God...and that's just what I am going to do. Wednesdays are 'fasting and prayer' days for our group of people that are desperately wanting to bring home our children. So, I am praying, and I am waiting---however, I am also going to praise my God and look for additional ways to serve Him while I wait on this particular answer.
I have been reading and talking with some of the team members who went on this trip, and I think the general consensus is that we are all a mess!!! It is like we have literally been given a new set of eyes, and everything--from our possessions, to our families, to our reactions, to our desires, to our emotions and attitudes---everything is being viewed through a totally different lense. I have to admit--it is really hard to look through. It's hard simply because BEFORE 7 days ago, we could be comfortable with where we were, how we lived, what we owned, what our dreams were, and how we viewed life....now, 7 days later, that world has been rocked and we simply can't live the same way ever again. We have been, as one author put it, 'gloriously ruined', and live as we knew it can never be the same.
I praise God for the opportunity that He gave us. I know that He is the one the orchestrated the team, and that He had a specific purpose to accomplish in the lives of each of us who went down. I can't wait for the next trip and to watch who God begins to move on their hearts to join us, Lord willing, in April.
While I am waiting for that trip and for our boys to come home, I am going to praise God for His unveiling of a much bigger plan for my life and for the lives of those who came and continue to flip through pictures and videos of an amazing week that has forever changed my life.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
An absolute mess...
Not sure how well composed this blog is going to be...feeling pretty raw right now and an absolute mess. I purposely did not write yesterday because I could not collect my emotions enough to sit down and type.
Today is the last day that we are here. In just a few minutes, we will get on the dusty, broken, blue bus with the "tout for Jesus" and "Let's go missionaries" painted on it and take our crew of 18 up to the orphanage where 41 lives have completely changed ours...
How in the world am I going to get through the day without bawling.....pretty sure I already know the answer to that--I won't ( I can tell that because the tears are streaming down my face now) I can't describe the screaming in my heart that is taking place leaving Moses and Judely---I simply don't know how. I know that God wants them in our home---I am more sure of that that I am of anything in this life (apart from my salvation in Christ). They are supposed to be with Sean and I in our forever families....I just cannot wrap my mind around how God is going to do it.
As much as I am feeling, I know that I am not the only one hurting today. Each one on our team is experiencing his or her own set of emotions. The general consensus is that we should stay more days, but we just don't know how to make it possible. Each one of us are trying to cope and smile, but there is a general "sadness" that is over our head at the thought of saying goodbye.
It seems pretty fitting that today is Valentine's day--it is to me, a direct representation of what we are doing...we are physically giving each one of these kids a heart....but in MUCH LARGER sense, we are literally giving these kids our heart. We love them. Guys, this is not an "high on the mountain top" feeling--this is an emotion that is so strong in each of our hearts that it only comes from God. We want these kids---we are praying, literally begging God to perform a miracle. We know He can.....we pray it is soon.
This trip--I cannot say it enough---is short....so short.--5 days to be exact--- but I have a feeling that the impact of this trip will last forever.
Heading to the orphanage now, then going to the clinic to visit burn victims in pediatric unit and then preparing for our birthday social for the kids...they are coming to the place where we are staying! This will be the first time they have been off the property in over a year---we are thrilled to see their smiles and give them their gifts.
God is going to allow this to be a great day---I know that--but I am praying that--just for today--He doesn't ever let the sun set...
Today is the last day that we are here. In just a few minutes, we will get on the dusty, broken, blue bus with the "tout for Jesus" and "Let's go missionaries" painted on it and take our crew of 18 up to the orphanage where 41 lives have completely changed ours...
How in the world am I going to get through the day without bawling.....pretty sure I already know the answer to that--I won't ( I can tell that because the tears are streaming down my face now) I can't describe the screaming in my heart that is taking place leaving Moses and Judely---I simply don't know how. I know that God wants them in our home---I am more sure of that that I am of anything in this life (apart from my salvation in Christ). They are supposed to be with Sean and I in our forever families....I just cannot wrap my mind around how God is going to do it.
As much as I am feeling, I know that I am not the only one hurting today. Each one on our team is experiencing his or her own set of emotions. The general consensus is that we should stay more days, but we just don't know how to make it possible. Each one of us are trying to cope and smile, but there is a general "sadness" that is over our head at the thought of saying goodbye.
It seems pretty fitting that today is Valentine's day--it is to me, a direct representation of what we are doing...we are physically giving each one of these kids a heart....but in MUCH LARGER sense, we are literally giving these kids our heart. We love them. Guys, this is not an "high on the mountain top" feeling--this is an emotion that is so strong in each of our hearts that it only comes from God. We want these kids---we are praying, literally begging God to perform a miracle. We know He can.....we pray it is soon.
This trip--I cannot say it enough---is short....so short.--5 days to be exact--- but I have a feeling that the impact of this trip will last forever.
Heading to the orphanage now, then going to the clinic to visit burn victims in pediatric unit and then preparing for our birthday social for the kids...they are coming to the place where we are staying! This will be the first time they have been off the property in over a year---we are thrilled to see their smiles and give them their gifts.
God is going to allow this to be a great day---I know that--but I am praying that--just for today--He doesn't ever let the sun set...
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Holding back the emotions...
Smiles---and tears---we cannot seem to stop either one of them from coming! Smiles because you cannot imagine the tremendous amount of joy we are experiencing as the team gets to know the children and the workers more and more---each one of us giving away a large portion of our hearts...playing with the children, giving gifts, playing in the yard, holding them while they sleep, giving medicine to the ones who have such a bad cough, all while praying that God takes this little child (who has experienced more in their few short years than many of us will ever in a lifetime) and use them in such a mighty way...
tears will not stop because as each one of us gives away a portion of our heart, we are realizing with shame the tremendous amount of work that God has yet to do in each of our hearts. We have kept back so much of our hearts for ourselves and yet God is unveiling His curtain and showing each of us, some for the first time, that there truly is a much bigger picture that He has for each one of us outside of our own little world.
I truly thought that God had broken every piece of me a few months ago when I was here---I am realizing now, that that was on the first layer....and my heart is a mile thick! It truly brings me to tears just to realize how much I still have not surrendered to God.
Today, we got the tremendous privilege of attending the first baptism of the orphanage...12 precious children and adults have come to know Christ as Savior! If you have ever prayed or gave toward this project, you have had a hand in this!!! Praise Jesus! I don't know if there was a dry eye as we watched these souls make a public example of their faith in Christ. I don't know what the others were thinking (though I saw many tears), but all I could think was that these 12 people were my family--my brothers and sisters in Christ. There is such a connection with them--even though we can't do anything more than typically greet each other--that can only come from a bond in Jesus Christ. I realize that the Bible says not to compare ourselves with each other, but I could not help but feel completely inadequate in my walk with Christ. It is evident---I love Christ and serve Him out of convenience....they love and serve Christ because HE IS THEIR LIFE....that is a difference that is growing more and more evident to me every minute I am with them.
Several of us attended the market today--holy cow....Black Friday has nothing on this town : ) Ladies, your 4am at Kohls wouldn't hold a candle to the shopping that happens in this city! We were able to purchase bowls, cups, diapers, baby wipes & food, and sunglasses for the orphanage. Rodney and Cathy are pro's at this....it was fun to watch them shop! Poor Shelby, Sara and Bri are about to go crazy if they here one more person call them "Blanc" (the creole for white!). It is too funny!
Back at the orphanage, we were able to give each child a new pair of sunglasses and fit them for a new pair of shoes. Such simple gifts--yet it shredded our hearts to watch each of these kids get so excited with their brand new possessions....makes us want to give them everything we have. What in the world do we need 15 pairs of shoes for? They are craving to just have 2 that fit. Why do we need a closet full of clothes when they would just like to have 2 outfits---one for today and another for tomorrow. God, why do we need money to eat out 3 times a week, when they kids are begging for just 3 meals a day...all these questions and so many more are plaguing not only my mind, but also the minds of many of the other members on this team. Again, I realize that it is a process that God is hammering away, but I get really uneasy about each filthy layer that He uncovers in my heart....simply because it is so ugly.
The boys are just about to finish the closets and the cubby holes--you ought to see how excited the kids are! We are going to get stickers and label each one with their names....it is too much fun! Tomorrow is the church dedication and the evening church service...cannot wait!!!
Tonight, we are at Rodney and Cathy's and are going to eat a wonderful meal, blog with family back home, sit outside under a well lit patio, and drink pepsi and ice cold water....when just 10 minutes up the road 41 of the most amazing children will be sitting in the dark, thirsty, and waiting for their meal which is 13 hours away---it literally turns my stomach to see the unfairness in the whole situation.
Despite it all, though, I know that this is too part of the process--we are changing...each one of us...and God is doing it through dirty roads, littered streets, crazy markets, hot temperatures, fabulous missionaries, 41 precious children and 7 workers.....it's a process that is just beginning--and I am pretty certain will take a lifetime to complete....
tears will not stop because as each one of us gives away a portion of our heart, we are realizing with shame the tremendous amount of work that God has yet to do in each of our hearts. We have kept back so much of our hearts for ourselves and yet God is unveiling His curtain and showing each of us, some for the first time, that there truly is a much bigger picture that He has for each one of us outside of our own little world.
I truly thought that God had broken every piece of me a few months ago when I was here---I am realizing now, that that was on the first layer....and my heart is a mile thick! It truly brings me to tears just to realize how much I still have not surrendered to God.
Today, we got the tremendous privilege of attending the first baptism of the orphanage...12 precious children and adults have come to know Christ as Savior! If you have ever prayed or gave toward this project, you have had a hand in this!!! Praise Jesus! I don't know if there was a dry eye as we watched these souls make a public example of their faith in Christ. I don't know what the others were thinking (though I saw many tears), but all I could think was that these 12 people were my family--my brothers and sisters in Christ. There is such a connection with them--even though we can't do anything more than typically greet each other--that can only come from a bond in Jesus Christ. I realize that the Bible says not to compare ourselves with each other, but I could not help but feel completely inadequate in my walk with Christ. It is evident---I love Christ and serve Him out of convenience....they love and serve Christ because HE IS THEIR LIFE....that is a difference that is growing more and more evident to me every minute I am with them.
Several of us attended the market today--holy cow....Black Friday has nothing on this town : ) Ladies, your 4am at Kohls wouldn't hold a candle to the shopping that happens in this city! We were able to purchase bowls, cups, diapers, baby wipes & food, and sunglasses for the orphanage. Rodney and Cathy are pro's at this....it was fun to watch them shop! Poor Shelby, Sara and Bri are about to go crazy if they here one more person call them "Blanc" (the creole for white!). It is too funny!
Back at the orphanage, we were able to give each child a new pair of sunglasses and fit them for a new pair of shoes. Such simple gifts--yet it shredded our hearts to watch each of these kids get so excited with their brand new possessions....makes us want to give them everything we have. What in the world do we need 15 pairs of shoes for? They are craving to just have 2 that fit. Why do we need a closet full of clothes when they would just like to have 2 outfits---one for today and another for tomorrow. God, why do we need money to eat out 3 times a week, when they kids are begging for just 3 meals a day...all these questions and so many more are plaguing not only my mind, but also the minds of many of the other members on this team. Again, I realize that it is a process that God is hammering away, but I get really uneasy about each filthy layer that He uncovers in my heart....simply because it is so ugly.
The boys are just about to finish the closets and the cubby holes--you ought to see how excited the kids are! We are going to get stickers and label each one with their names....it is too much fun! Tomorrow is the church dedication and the evening church service...cannot wait!!!
Tonight, we are at Rodney and Cathy's and are going to eat a wonderful meal, blog with family back home, sit outside under a well lit patio, and drink pepsi and ice cold water....when just 10 minutes up the road 41 of the most amazing children will be sitting in the dark, thirsty, and waiting for their meal which is 13 hours away---it literally turns my stomach to see the unfairness in the whole situation.
Despite it all, though, I know that this is too part of the process--we are changing...each one of us...and God is doing it through dirty roads, littered streets, crazy markets, hot temperatures, fabulous missionaries, 41 precious children and 7 workers.....it's a process that is just beginning--and I am pretty certain will take a lifetime to complete....
Friday, February 11, 2011
We just lost several members of our team....
We have lost them to live here in Haiti!!! I told you once we got them here we wouldn't get them back---it is completely true! Everyone has completely fallen in love with these precious babies. I wish with my whole heart that I could post pictures of Shelly & Phyllis with about 6 kids each on their lap....of Bri, Shelby, and Sara with girls all around them as they painted their fingernails....of Martha and Lille pulling out candy and gifts....of Jan and the boys playing with so many little boys...of Lydia coming "back home" and fitting right in.... and of Kristin and Todd falling in love with these kids....wondering if Nyah is going to look like any of these precious little girls.
God is breaking hearts and opening up a part of the heart that I don't think many of us knew existed. He orchestrated this team...and even though there are a ton of us, it is exactly who God wanted on this trip. God is using the kids to change us--and it is totally for the good.
We spent the whole day just playing and loving on the kids! I don't know who loved it more--us or them!
From a very personal standpoint, the picture i want to show you the most is the pictures of Moses, Judely, and Wannson.....our miracle babies. From the moment we walked into the classroom and our eyes locked in on them, I started bawling, and it seems that I didn't stop for the whole day. When I finally got to Moses, I just picked him up and held him as tight as I could---all I could tell him was that I loved him and I have prayed so hard for him as have so many of you....I just continue to praise God for His complete miracle of healing that He did a little over 3 months ago....to God be the glory is the only thing that can be said. I have not been able to put Moses down all day---he slept for almost 2 hours in my arms. We wanted to bring Moses and Judely back to stay with us tonight, but we are not sure if their little precious minds would comprehend that they are not coming home with us to "live"...Pastor Aristead continues to tell him the Sean and I are his "mama and papa"...my heart breaks to write it because I want with all of my heart for that to be true--so we will continue to pray. God knows if he will one day join our forever family back in the States, but until that dream comes true, I will continue to love him and rock him in my arms in this country for as long as the Lord allows us to travel here.
Mom and dad---Bri is not coming home---tell Ryan that she will not be able to make her shifts at Subway : ) Judely (her little boy) clung to her all day long...I told you they were meant to be together!
The boys got alot of building done today. It is fun to see how much progress is being done at our little orphanage. Today they worked on church benches and cubby hole closets.
Hazelwood members who haven't been on this trip, the group down here says to start saving your pennies because you need to be on the next trip--we are already started to talk about the next one! It will change your life and is the best investment in time and money you could ever have.
A "PS" to all who have donated formula and medicine--it has been a success! "Bob" has become a full time resident here at the orphanage and he looks so healthy! Praise God for allowing all of you to help pray and contribute to these amazing people.
Tonight, we are strategizing for our trip to the market tomorrow. One of the things we want to get are plates and cups. They don't have enough of either. Tonight so that they could all eat at one time, we took the frisbies that we brought down and used those so at least they could eat at the same time for the first time.
We are so thankful for all of the people that give to the orphanage. Right now, we are able to provide 2 meals a day for the children and to keep them with clothing. Praise the Lord! We really would love to raise enough support for the children to eat 3 times a day and to get enough money for them to have medicine too. Please pray that God provides more sponsors for these beautiful children. They are starting to get sick again so we are also going to get them more medicine
Looking forward to tonight of sitting on the balcony with the team just discussing what God is doing in our hearts. So blessed beyond words and can't wait to get back to the kids tomorrow.
God is breaking hearts and opening up a part of the heart that I don't think many of us knew existed. He orchestrated this team...and even though there are a ton of us, it is exactly who God wanted on this trip. God is using the kids to change us--and it is totally for the good.
We spent the whole day just playing and loving on the kids! I don't know who loved it more--us or them!
From a very personal standpoint, the picture i want to show you the most is the pictures of Moses, Judely, and Wannson.....our miracle babies. From the moment we walked into the classroom and our eyes locked in on them, I started bawling, and it seems that I didn't stop for the whole day. When I finally got to Moses, I just picked him up and held him as tight as I could---all I could tell him was that I loved him and I have prayed so hard for him as have so many of you....I just continue to praise God for His complete miracle of healing that He did a little over 3 months ago....to God be the glory is the only thing that can be said. I have not been able to put Moses down all day---he slept for almost 2 hours in my arms. We wanted to bring Moses and Judely back to stay with us tonight, but we are not sure if their little precious minds would comprehend that they are not coming home with us to "live"...Pastor Aristead continues to tell him the Sean and I are his "mama and papa"...my heart breaks to write it because I want with all of my heart for that to be true--so we will continue to pray. God knows if he will one day join our forever family back in the States, but until that dream comes true, I will continue to love him and rock him in my arms in this country for as long as the Lord allows us to travel here.
Mom and dad---Bri is not coming home---tell Ryan that she will not be able to make her shifts at Subway : ) Judely (her little boy) clung to her all day long...I told you they were meant to be together!
The boys got alot of building done today. It is fun to see how much progress is being done at our little orphanage. Today they worked on church benches and cubby hole closets.
Hazelwood members who haven't been on this trip, the group down here says to start saving your pennies because you need to be on the next trip--we are already started to talk about the next one! It will change your life and is the best investment in time and money you could ever have.
A "PS" to all who have donated formula and medicine--it has been a success! "Bob" has become a full time resident here at the orphanage and he looks so healthy! Praise God for allowing all of you to help pray and contribute to these amazing people.
Tonight, we are strategizing for our trip to the market tomorrow. One of the things we want to get are plates and cups. They don't have enough of either. Tonight so that they could all eat at one time, we took the frisbies that we brought down and used those so at least they could eat at the same time for the first time.
We are so thankful for all of the people that give to the orphanage. Right now, we are able to provide 2 meals a day for the children and to keep them with clothing. Praise the Lord! We really would love to raise enough support for the children to eat 3 times a day and to get enough money for them to have medicine too. Please pray that God provides more sponsors for these beautiful children. They are starting to get sick again so we are also going to get them more medicine
Looking forward to tonight of sitting on the balcony with the team just discussing what God is doing in our hearts. So blessed beyond words and can't wait to get back to the kids tomorrow.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
We are here!!!
We made it!!! All 18 of us! We have been here now for about 1 hour and are just getting settled in. I know that life is going to get crazy so I wanted to write really quick and share the "funnies" that have happened so far!
First of all---trying to move a herd of 18 people with about 54 suitcases through the airport is a trip! Praise Jesus, though, we all made it on time in Indianapolis....only Bri and Martha were "in trouble" by security. Bri packed shampoo in her carry on (for those of you who know Bri well, she was totally confused.....she thought she just couldn't pack liquids on her carry on....shampoo is a gel--so she thought she was safe...totally a Bri move!?!) Martha got in trouble for having peanut butter so it was confiscated!
No one panicked too much on the flight down--even Shelly kept her cool : ) After we got off the plane, we all waited to pick up our luggage that was too big for the overhead compartments...well, Pastor was the last suitcase that was left. Only, when he went to pick it up, he realized it wasn't his!!! He opened it up and it was full of little girl clothes!?! Someone else had taken his carry on! It had his passport, laptop, all of other important papers in it! Because he figured it out so quickly, he ran up the terminal and saw the woman and her little girl walking away. He chased after her and was able to get his back and give the little girl her right carry on. We are tried to imagine what it would have been like to see Pastor in a Hannah Montana shirt all week : )
We stayed in a really nice hotel just outside the Miami and woke up bright and early for the 7am flight. Everything went great--it is really hot down here, but I think everyone is falling in love with the place. Of course there is the culture shock of the driving (Shelly is having a cow!!!) and the poverty---but I am going to give it a day or two before everyone is absolutely in LOVE with Haiti and its people. Kristin and Phyllis have not gotten sick yet---major blessing!
At the airport---Preacher and Todd were bombarded with the "luggage help"---they just couldn't say no, so they ended up paying several guys to carry their bags....they are such softies : )
We stopped at a really nice restaurant for dinner---while we were there at the resort by the water, we heard a really large splash----Sam Ranger had fallen off the of the platform in to the ocean! Mike Smith dove right in and got him back to the platform safe and sound---everyone is okay, but Sam was scared and Mike's passport and billfold are soaked! Praising the Lord that we can laugh about it now and that nothing too serious happened!
Eddie and Madame Eddie have done some amazing work for our accommodations---it is amazing and we are so thankful! Martha, Shelby, Phyllis, Sara, Bri & Lillie have one room. Todd, Kris, Pastor & Shelly have another, Jan and the 3 boys have a room, and Sean and I are in the last room.
We are getting ready now to unpack, grab dinner, and get geared up for a busy couple of days. Everyone is "itching" to get to the orphanage. Not sure if we will get there today or if we will get there first thing in the morning.
Please pray for this team. I know that God hand picked the team that is here and He has a special purpose for each person being here. I just know it.
Can't wait to share specific stories, but I wanted to let you know that some of the "basic info" that has happened so far : )
First of all---trying to move a herd of 18 people with about 54 suitcases through the airport is a trip! Praise Jesus, though, we all made it on time in Indianapolis....only Bri and Martha were "in trouble" by security. Bri packed shampoo in her carry on (for those of you who know Bri well, she was totally confused.....she thought she just couldn't pack liquids on her carry on....shampoo is a gel--so she thought she was safe...totally a Bri move!?!) Martha got in trouble for having peanut butter so it was confiscated!
No one panicked too much on the flight down--even Shelly kept her cool : ) After we got off the plane, we all waited to pick up our luggage that was too big for the overhead compartments...well, Pastor was the last suitcase that was left. Only, when he went to pick it up, he realized it wasn't his!!! He opened it up and it was full of little girl clothes!?! Someone else had taken his carry on! It had his passport, laptop, all of other important papers in it! Because he figured it out so quickly, he ran up the terminal and saw the woman and her little girl walking away. He chased after her and was able to get his back and give the little girl her right carry on. We are tried to imagine what it would have been like to see Pastor in a Hannah Montana shirt all week : )
We stayed in a really nice hotel just outside the Miami and woke up bright and early for the 7am flight. Everything went great--it is really hot down here, but I think everyone is falling in love with the place. Of course there is the culture shock of the driving (Shelly is having a cow!!!) and the poverty---but I am going to give it a day or two before everyone is absolutely in LOVE with Haiti and its people. Kristin and Phyllis have not gotten sick yet---major blessing!
At the airport---Preacher and Todd were bombarded with the "luggage help"---they just couldn't say no, so they ended up paying several guys to carry their bags....they are such softies : )
We stopped at a really nice restaurant for dinner---while we were there at the resort by the water, we heard a really large splash----Sam Ranger had fallen off the of the platform in to the ocean! Mike Smith dove right in and got him back to the platform safe and sound---everyone is okay, but Sam was scared and Mike's passport and billfold are soaked! Praising the Lord that we can laugh about it now and that nothing too serious happened!
Eddie and Madame Eddie have done some amazing work for our accommodations---it is amazing and we are so thankful! Martha, Shelby, Phyllis, Sara, Bri & Lillie have one room. Todd, Kris, Pastor & Shelly have another, Jan and the 3 boys have a room, and Sean and I are in the last room.
We are getting ready now to unpack, grab dinner, and get geared up for a busy couple of days. Everyone is "itching" to get to the orphanage. Not sure if we will get there today or if we will get there first thing in the morning.
Please pray for this team. I know that God hand picked the team that is here and He has a special purpose for each person being here. I just know it.
Can't wait to share specific stories, but I wanted to let you know that some of the "basic info" that has happened so far : )
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Heading back to Haiti!
Haiti tomorrow!!! We are going with 17 other friends from our church--and I can't wait! It will be so fun to see the "first timers" experience it for the first time, and I can't wait to see what God does in each person's life. I have been praying daily for this group that God will do some mind-blowing things....I truly believe He can!
I have to say that I am so excited about heading back---simply because I am looking forward to finding out more and more of what God's "bigger picture" is for Sean and I. Since our last trip a little over 3.5 months ago, God has been doing so many things to take us outside our "own little world"!
Of course the most obvious move outside of our comfort zone has been are decision to adopt from Africa. That was a definite, direct result of our trip to Haiti. God is showing both Sean and I a much bigger picture in the realm of orphan care. We are super excited to be welcoming Hudson into our home sometime in the next few months!
In addition to "major moves" outside of our own little world, God has been showing us "smaller things" in His overall bigger picture for our lives. Both Sean and I have been challenged in our material lives simply to live with less and give more. After visiting Haiti, how could you not! It simply slaps you in the face how completely selfish and over indulgent we have been. It has been a difficult lesson, but one that we simply are finding the most joy in!
Also, we are working on just being more keenly aware of what God has for our lives. We have known for several months that God wants something much more from us--we sense it---and we are excited to see that day by day He is patient as He reveals His will to us....slowly!
Looking forward to blogging about the trip and praising God for the results that He is going to accomplish!!!
I have to say that I am so excited about heading back---simply because I am looking forward to finding out more and more of what God's "bigger picture" is for Sean and I. Since our last trip a little over 3.5 months ago, God has been doing so many things to take us outside our "own little world"!
Of course the most obvious move outside of our comfort zone has been are decision to adopt from Africa. That was a definite, direct result of our trip to Haiti. God is showing both Sean and I a much bigger picture in the realm of orphan care. We are super excited to be welcoming Hudson into our home sometime in the next few months!
In addition to "major moves" outside of our own little world, God has been showing us "smaller things" in His overall bigger picture for our lives. Both Sean and I have been challenged in our material lives simply to live with less and give more. After visiting Haiti, how could you not! It simply slaps you in the face how completely selfish and over indulgent we have been. It has been a difficult lesson, but one that we simply are finding the most joy in!
Also, we are working on just being more keenly aware of what God has for our lives. We have known for several months that God wants something much more from us--we sense it---and we are excited to see that day by day He is patient as He reveals His will to us....slowly!
Looking forward to blogging about the trip and praising God for the results that He is going to accomplish!!!
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