Have a Little Faith

"God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to."
-Elisabeth Elliot

A few really wonderful praises to share:)


First, the money for the Ukraine is not fully in yet, but it continues to come little by litte which is huge encouragement. I found out that the deadline I wrote about a few weeks ago was only the deadline for the plane ticket money, which God had already provided almost exactly-- Praise His Name! I was so worried, thinking that we needed all of the funds by that Friday, yet even in spite of my unneccessary stress, He provided for us. He knew exactly what we needed that week and provided exactly seven dollars more than the cost of airfare that day. How great is our God? :) It will all come in in His time, and I am so encouraged by that. My faith continues to grow and be refined each day.
 


Also, God has confirmed in mine and my parents heart that He wants us to take a step of faith this coming fall. He has clearly called me to enroll in Houghton College! We were greatly surprised and blessed by the financial aid package we recieved the last week in April, and although we aren't fully sure how the remaining cost(after aid) will be paid, God has clearly asked us to take that step of faith and trust He will provide. Deuteronomy 7 speaks about how God called the Israelites to enter the promised land, and tells how the people were afraid that God would not overcome the obstacles still standing in their way. God spoke to them through Moses saying,
"You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?”  But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.  You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the miraculous signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out." -Deut. 7:17-19

I don't know how God is going to provide the enormous amount of funds that this college requires. But I know my Fathers voice, and I know that going to Houghton this Fall is His will for my next step. I know that I have seen His "miraculous signs and wonders" in the way He took supernatural care of me just last month, therefore I have confidence He will take care of me again throughout this future. I am learning that if I knew all the answers right now, I wouldn't get to know faith in Him. And as much as I desire having my plans all laid out, I wouldn't trade the faith God is teaching me each day for anything.  God is in control, and oh so good! I am so at peace knowing that I am in the center of His mighty hands, and mighty plans.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " -Phillipians 4:7

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I have a confession to make. I have not been walking in faith in an area of my life lately. The deadline for our financial support being in for the Summer Ukraine trip is this friday, and God humbled me this morning with the stark realization that I have not truly had faith that God would bring in the final amount that we (my sister and I) need in order to go. We are only about halfway there. I know this may sound silly, considering the amount that He pulled out of the blue for me to travel to Asia so recently, but its true. It hit me as I was sitting in my lifeguard chair at work this morning, attempting to memorize Hebrews chapter 11, (of all chapters!) and came to verse 6:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

It was kindof a huge humbling moment for me. I've realized that I do NOT want to be the child of His who sat here, in the midst of so many incredible memories of His faithfulness in the past and chose unbelief. No. From this point forward I have determined to believe my God in faith- even if He does not bless me the way I desire.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 
 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. " -James 5:16-18

The reason I am writing this right now is to ask for your prayers. I KNOW my God will provide for my needs, but when I came across ^these verses this morning, I realized I need each one of you in this faith journey along with me. Please, would you pray with me? It would mean the world.

Home

Sitting in my my own bed again:) I think every time I come back from sleeping elsewhere my bed magically becomes even softer upon my return..
I am so glad to be home.

My flights were great, God was with me and protected me from any harm. Had a window seat for most of my trip so I was able to watch two incredible sunrises over the earth's edge and just sit, awestruck, at the wonders to be seen below. By the end of my journey my brain was so numb from attemting to wrap my head around the earth's vastness. I think one of my favorite things about traveling is the very good shrinking feeling that comes when you are faced with the enormity of God's creation, and your smallness in comparison. It's very humbling.

 I started running a slight fever on my last flight between Vancouver and JFK, probably just from fatigue, so I'm feeling a little under the weather right now. If you could be praying for God's healing for me I'd appreciate it so much. My goal as of right now is to keep these eyes pried open for as long as possible tonight so I can begin fighting the jet lag cycle.

Again,thank you all for keeping me in your prayers during my journey. God truly answered you and poured such blessings on me as a result!

"I wanna sing a song for you Lord
 Lord for you I wanna sing a song
 I wanna praise your Name Jesus
 and listen to the angels sing along

A song of your faithfulness
 a song of your grace
 and of your loving kindness
 to the glory of your Name
With everything thats in me Lord, listen to me say
 I wanna sing a song to you, I wanna sing a song."
-Third Day,'Sing A Song'

Day Fifteen- Home Sweet Home

Finishing up the last few frantic moments of packing here before I head out. We have a quick lunchtime birthday celebration and then Im out of here...I'm going to miss it so much but I am truly full and excited for whatever God has for me next at home. I will surely be reminded of the way He took care of me in His mighty hands for a long time:)

Please be in prayer for my safety and that I would be full of the Holy Spirit's wisdom as I travel home!

Day Fourteen- "Running Over"

What a gorgeous day! I spent loads of time in the sun today beneath a cloudless sky. About half of my time I spent reading more of "The Heavenly Man", and the other half I spent scavenging for seashells with a couple of the little girls here. It was such a delight to giggle, splash and enjoy God's creation with them. Children are truly such a precious gift.

I know this will sound cliche' but I cannot believe this is my last night here. I fly out tomorrow afternoon. This has been such a "pressed down, shaken together and running over" experience for me in so many ways. I can't wait to see my family, but I realize now I'll be leaving a sort of family here to do so. God is good though...He knew exactly how much time I needed to build relationships with these people and I look forward to keeping in touch with them after we part. They have truly touched and blessed my life, leaving loving fingerprints all across my heart.

Thank you to everyone praying about my ride to the airport for tomorrow-as far as I know it has all been arranged and it is indeed safe and timely. If you could, pray that I might be placed next to someone on the plane who I would be able to share the love of Christ as I fly home. Thankyouthankyou!

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" Ephesians 6:19

Day Thirteen- Eat and Rejoice

Not much to write about tonight...classes are going great and I'm sad to see them coming to an end. One of the children's birthdays is coming up on friday so that should be fun to celebrate. We've had a couple birthday celebrations here already and its so cool to hear the "Happy Birthday song" sung in multiple languages with gusto.
We also went for the last time to market tonight and ate our fill of local fried food, then bought some fresh veggies to bring back to the hotel for later. We would've eaten them for dinner but they needed to be thoroughly washed first. Let me tell you, those green beans tasted divine...

Im realizing my entries are becoming shorter as I seek to spend so much extra time with the people I've drawn close to here. They are so precious, each and every one...I wish I could stash them all away and whisk them home with me to share.

Alright, goodnight everyone. I have one last full day tomorrow so I'll need my rest to enjoy it to the full:)

"There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you." -Deut. 12:7

Prayer Request-
That God would provide a safe, timely ride to the airport for me on Friday. Thanks!

Day Twelve - Soak It Up

"I love you, O LORD, my strength." Ps. 18:1

I truly needed God's strength to get through this day and He absolutely provided! I was not feeling well when I woke up, but over the course of the day God held me in His hands and I gradually felt better. By dinnertime I had caught up on all of my schoolwork and even had enough energy to join the group at the beach, where the water was salty, warm and oh-so beautiful. God is so good!
I desire to take hold of every spare moment I can, reveling in Gods creation here while I am able. To appreciate all that God has blessed me with here and now... for there is just so much to be thankful for. I believe often we spend too much time looking backwards or looking to the future, missing out on all we could be basking in from Gods hand right now. I don't want to miss the path God has for me to walk this day, this moment. I want to soak it up.

"It is God who arms me with strength
   and makes my way perfect."  -Psalm 18:32

Day Eleven - Teacher

Great day with the kids today...they all completed their schoolwork quickly and I have to admit, it is a whole lot of fun watching little ones grasp the basic elements of phonics. I used to help a little with Liams reading when he was younger, just not this consistently. At first I only found myself becoming frustrated as we went along, but with time, God has really been teaching me patience as well as flexibility. (If youre reading along Mr. D, Ive learned MUCH about these two things!) Now I am just so grateful for all the time I've been able to teach these children, because it is so true- the teacher ends up being the one taught.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14

Day Nine and Ten- Relaxing

Yesterday was our day to relax and be touristy! We rode a bus out to a local historical site and spent our day exploring, sight seeing, and just enjoying one another's complany. It was great. I learned so much just in interactions with the group and hearing their stories, let alone all of the history we soaked in from the area.

It really hit me yesterday how much I am going to miss being here. The people, this place, the learning, relationships, and the laughter..I've really become so attached. I do miss my family though, so I look forward to seeing them. But anyways, I'm sure I'll write more about that later...I still have five more days!

Today is another day of rest...we spent most of the morning at the beach in the gorgeous, hot sun. We also went tubing, which was such a thrill on the ocean! The little man who drove the boat has been driving past for days now asking if any of the kids wanted to ride, and seemed pretty excited when we said yes today. I liked him alot:) Our ride brought back loads of memories from lifeguarding last summer. Checking everyone's lifejackets, helping kids on the tube, then the spray of the water, the laughter all around..it was wonderful. 

Then tonight we held a time of praise and worship on the beach as we watched the sun go down. It was so special...the beauty of fellowship amidst so many different cultures, gathered in One Mighty Name. I want to hold onto that memory forever.

"From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, may the Name of the LORD be praised!"

Day Eight - Living Water

"Just as water ever seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds the creature abased and empty, His glory and power flow in to exalt and to bless." -Andrew Murray

I found this quote today and became so excited because I feel as if it describes exactly the path my journey here has taken. I was empty, so empty the night Mrs. Kathy brought the opportunity to come here to my attention. I was broken down, knocked to my knees again.  But just as the oceans tide flows to the lowest point, so God's Living Water will flow into the place that the rest of the world seems to overlook and pass by. And He did! He is still in the process of healing, but He truly has filled me to the brim with His blessings and joy.
God loves to fill those who are lowly and broken down, because so often it takes us getting to that point of emptiness to truly look upwards to be filled.

"Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it was that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.'" -John 4:10

Day Seven- Suprises

"When God starts to move, the best we can hope to do is go along for the ride."
                                                              -'The Heavenly Man', by Paul Hattaway

I am learning so much from the people here. Learning how to study, to share in abundance. Learning how to serve, how to eat well, how to be thankful...how to love. It seems every corner I turn, I am met with another experience or interaction that alters the way I look at this world. Every hour I am realizing in greater detail how very much I don't know. Every conversation I have humbles my heart as I look around at a group of individuals so human and yet so utterly full of love and passion. I doubt I will return to the States anything but changed.

This place has stolen my heart. Correction- God has stolen my heart again. I did not ask for this trip, these blessings of this love, nor do I deserve any of it. It is as if He has been eagerly planning and awaiting the time to surprise me, knowing all along the delight it would bring. Fully aware of the timing and the details of all I would encounter here to change me. Jesus, lover of my soul:)
I love surprises. And His are the best of all.

 "I will praise you forever for what you have done;
   in your name I will hope, for your name is good.
   I will praise you in the presence of your saints." -Ps. 52:9

Day Six- Durian Fruit



I really wanna get to bed quick so this will be short tonight!

I was able to snap a picture of the monkey today:) Hopefully you can spot him below. For dinner nearly everyone walked down the road a ways to a fresh market which was delish. So much fried food, but also loads of fresh fruit and veggies which was great. I tried my first durian fruit there, and can now respectfully decline any future offers to taste it again....

Durian Fruit

Anyways, I'm heading to sleep everyone. Goodnight, or I suppose it's goodmorning:)

Day Five- Sunshine

:) I am happy tonight. God blessed me with so much fun today! The morning went great with the children..I am really growing to love them more and more.. and in the afternoon after classes we all headed down to the beach again to play. The water is SO warm! I couldn't believe I was in an ocean-the water is at least 85 degrees.
One of the students and I began playing frisbee amidst the huge crowd in the water and it wasn't long before twenty or so boys from the large group wanted to join in and play too. They all had such a spirit of joy and laidback fun it was hard not to smile. Being able to laugh and enjoy a game together despite only being able to speak a few broken phrases back and forth was a new experience for me. We even helped to teach a few of them how to toss the frisbee as we went along, since the locals were no good at all. :) Much better when it comes to soccer and football.

I miss home alot, and hugs before bed, but I seem to have collected a bucketful of siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents. I'm tired now and then, but its incredible how God has been uplifting and rejuvinating my spirit. God is so good, so mighty, and so worthy of our all. And when the day is done, no matter where I am, He is the reason for this smile on my face.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." -James 1:17

Day Four- Monkeys and Boys.

I might end up just posting early in the morning from now on, since no one is really scrambling to use the WiFi here then. No one except the New Yorker who cant seem to stay asleep past 4 am.

We woke up to a brilliant red sunrise yesterday, which I expected to mean bad weather, but instead we recieved a gorgeous sunny day! Schoolwork with the kids started at 8 and went very well, we were able to get extra work done and finish ahead of scehdule too. Thank you for your prayers!

News for the day:
The kids and I saw our first wild monkeys! They were hanging off an electric wire just outside the hotel property. I was so bummed I didnt have my camera with me at the time, but maybe they'll come back again today. We were so excited.

Also, around 11 am yesterday two buses pulled up in front of the place we are staying, and began unloading passengers. We watched out of the classroom window as more and more people piled off... every single one of them boys. Yes, our hotel is now currently the home of between 150 and 200 teenage boys. It seems like a group from an all boys school, but I'm not sure. Its crazy.


The sunset was so beautiful last night...I'll see if I can get a picture up to share. I'm anxious to see what God has to teach me today. Learning to be flexible and loving even when I don't understand completely seems to be the lesson I am learning for now. Please continue in prayer for me!

Day Three- Beautiful Rain

I wasnt able to post yesterday because the internet connection was poor, so I thought I'd write something quick since I have been up since 3am working on schoolwork and could use a break:)

Covered walkways

Yesterday was great, waking up to a beautiful rain drenching the world around us with new life. There are very few times I can think of a rain being so lovely. All of the walkways at the place we are staying are covered by tin roofing, so no one had to worry about getting too wet, although if you did happen to, the water was warm enough it felt wonderful.

Egg/pancake dish and cook

Last night for dinner a group of us walked down to the outdoor mall again and had real local food which was so good! I liked the fact that since we are not in a touristy area, that we truly ate just as the locals do, no special treatment. My two favorite dishes, which a friend told us were things you must try when visiting Asia, were "pulled tea" and a sort of egg-pancake dish they made by frying on a huge hot slate. They made both dishes right in front of us which was like watching an artist hard at work. So great!

Alright its almost 7am here so I gotta head to breakfast. Today is the first day of schooling with the kids, so if you could pray for that going according to Gods will and bringing Him glory, I would appreciate it so very much.

Day Two- Noodles, Crabs, and Sleepyheads

"It is not great men who change the world, but weak men in the hands of a great God."

Today has been great. It really flew by quickly! This morning we had delicious noodles for breakfast (which I loved) and then hit the beach for a while. I wasn't too tired in the morning, having slept very well, but after lunch I felt so wiped. I know the jet lag will wear off soon enough so I am not worried. However my brain feels kinda fuzzy now as I write so this, so if this entry comes out a little bit askew, that would be why.

Oh one thing that was really neat today was a group of us walked down to the local shops down the street to look around. I haven't exchanged money yet so I couldn't buy anything but there was a 7-Eleven and another convenience store, a few clothing shops, a photography store, a tech shop, and a couple resturants which smelled soo yummy. Hopefully I'll have a chance to eat something there during our stay!

If Liam (my brother) gets a chance to read this, I wanted to tell him that there are some pretty sweet plants and animals here. Last night when we went down to the beach at sunset the beach was simply covered with teeny crabs (not like VA crabs) and one of them even sliced me on the foot! I was so surprised I squeaked and jumped. Learned my lesson that although sunsets are beautiful, its best viewed from the rocks, not the sand.

God is really pouring knowledge into me already with the modgepodge of cultures I am encountering here. I can't wait until this brain-fuzziness wears off and I can really begin to absorb it all:) But goodness, do I feel so blessed.

Day One

"So open wide the arms youre given,
You're too alive to just stand still
Open wide your heart as you breathe in,
You're too alive to just stay here."
            -'open wide' by Future of Forestry

SO happy to be here! Everything went smoothly today-thanks to God!-traveling was safe and even fairly comfortable, I met the family at the airport no problemo, my luggage made it successfully to me at my final destination, and every square inch of this place that I can take in thus far is GORGEOUS...I keep catching myself staring, enraptured by my surroundings over and over again. As I strode off the plane this afternoon simply beaming, I laughed to myself and said to Jesus, "You really get so much pleasure out of doing things like this through your children, don't You?.." 
He is so great:)

I had alot of caffeine on my last, short flight, so when I walked out of the airport with loads of energy I believed myself to have conquered jet lag and not be in its grip this time around. I was happy and energetic and proud of my seemingly incredible adaptability skills.
I was mistaken.
I am determined to stay up till at least eight tonight. I'll let you know how that goes. Dinner is at seven so that will help for motivation. For now I gotta get off this bed or I'm done for. ttfn!

Safe and Sound

Just arrived here safe and sound, praise God! I'll hopefully be able to write more later (I wrote TONS in your journal today Ash) but we're looking to find a taxi right now and I just had a few quick minutes on the free WiFi here.


Thank you all for your prayers! God has taken care of me!

Life Most Alive

"Beloved, a Daniel life - out there and exposed to God's glory - quickens every nerve ending. It's not the pain-free life. It's not the safe-at-a-distance life. But Beloved, it is the life most alive." -Beth Moore

I am gradually becoming more excited at the same time that I am more loath to leave. When I left in January I didn't realize the amount that I would miss my family and my home while I was away, and coming home it felt as if years had passed. Every spare moment that I can, I've been spending with my siblings these past few days. The moments feel precious and at the same time, rapidly speeding away.
I'm also becoming nervous as my journey draws closer. I have confidence that God will hold me in His hands and keep me physically safe, but it is the being alone that I feel unprepared for. God is teaching me though. He seems to be finding every opportunity possible to teach me more faith and utter reliance on Him lately. It may be scary and uncertain at times, but as Beth Moore put it, "it is the life most alive."

My God walks with me. I have nothing to fear:)

" The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
   he delivered me from all my fears." -Psalm 34:4 (thanks Mrs. R!)

Blessed by the Body of Christ!

Our God is SO good. I will never be able to say that enough times or enough ways, but He truly is.

Tonight I was priviledged to speak at my grandparents church in Vestal, NY about my trip in January. It was a night full of fellowship and praise to the God we all come together to glorify. I was told I would have a full 20 minutes to speak, (far longer than I've ever spoken publically before) so last night and this morning I spent quite a bit of time learning how to put together a powerpoint presentation to share. It was quite the crash course.
God truly answered my prayers in giving me the words to speak as well as the boldness to speak them tonight. I had been feeling light headed all afternoon for some reason, but the moment I began to speak God gave me physical strength and an emotional peace. I am not exaggerating...even as I walked up to the front I felt so faint. But God truly stood there beside me! It was such a blessing to me to be given the opportunity to share some the wonders that God has worked in my life lately, and I hope the people there were blessed even half as much as I was.

Just as I was finishing my presentation, the pastor stepped up and announced that they wanted to take a love offering in support of my trip. I was honestly suprised and so grateful! They asked how much I had left to raise, and I said about $150.
By the end of the night I had more than double that. $325.
HOW INCREDIBLE IS OUR GOD?!

To all those who came and fellowshipped, shared, and gave of their precious time and money tonight. Thank you! I have truly been so blessed by your touch on my life.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. " -Colossians 3:15-16

P.S.

Oh and p.s.- my best friend Ashlie from WI sent me an incredible gift today. A necklace made of Laramar, which she purchased in the Dominican Republic on her recent mission trip there. She writes-

"Laramar is found only in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans believe it grants the wearer with protection and wisdom from God, because the color blue is symbolic of the Holy Spirit."

I plan on wearing it most of, if not the entire time I am in Asia. What an incredible reminder of Who I will be there serving! Love you Ash<3

Wonder Full God

T-minus 6 days!

Things are beginning to become a whirlwind now. I have clothes to buy, bags to pack, still haven't been able to get ahold of the malaria prevention meds I will need... but within it all, God is still pulling together little details for me. He is so incredibly good. 

Today I was beginning to stress out about how I would possibly be able to get everything done that I needed to before wednesday, as I look towards yet another weekend packed to the brim with activities. Instead of working myself into a worried frenzy however, (which I tend to do a little too often..) I laid the issue in Gods hands and focused on getting done what I could right then. Just a moment ago I logged online to check my email to find that my entire Sunday afternoon has been freed up due to a meeting cancellation. Praise His mighty Name!:) It is when I realize He answers our tiny prayers like that, that I truly sit in fear of Him. I mean, I can believe He is enormous, able, and oh so mighty, but its when I see His hand in the smallest things that He truly takes my breath away and leaves me speechless.

Who am I, that Almighty God should hear my whispers? My heart is full of praise tonight.

"...What a wonderful Maker
What a wonderful Savior
How majestic Your whispers
And how humble Your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a Father
How majestic Your whispers
What a wonderful God"

Standing Firm

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10

Spiritual warfare is heavy here this week. Gods joy cannot be quenched in my heart, praise Him for that, but the amount of hurt that has surrounded me as I've walked through the past few days can be difficult to coninuously turn to God. Its hard for me to hear stories of broken people and wounded souls and not be able to physically do anything to help. But these are the times when God asks us to be still, and hold on tight to Him. To hope in Him. To remember that He is still there and still faithful.
One thing that was an encouragement to me happened yesterday at the inner city youth ministry I've been blessed to help out with lately. Our team of leaders comes early to the school on monday nights to just run through the nights schedule and then lift it all up to God in prayer, to invite Him to mold and shape the night into all He wants it to be. As we shared prayer requests with one another, there were quite a few heavy hearts feeling the weight of the world as an almost physical force, weighing us down. We had alot to share with the kids that night, a gospel message to present and a call to make. Looking back, it was clear Satan did not want our efforts to be successful that night, and he worked as hard as he could to keep us from Gods hope and truth.
-But heres the good news-
We prayed as a team in that gym, and God was there. (Matthew 18:20) You could feel it. We stood firm in Gods hands and exalted His Name, in the midst of that cloud of oppression, and praise the Almighty Name of our Savior, so many children chose to make decisions to follow Christ last night! In the middle of the valley of darkness, Gods light shone and drew lost hearts unto Him. It was truly incredible.

So be still, stand firm-know that God is who He says He is, and His Name will surely be exalted in all the earth. Hallelujah!

the basic scoop

For those of you who aren't already aware of what I meant by "I'm leaving for the other side of the world in ten days", heres the basic scoop..

Two weeks ago sunday, I was heading to a friend's house from a babysitting job, and was hit with some really emotional news via phone on my way. So by the time I arrived, I was quite the little mess. I stumbled up the steps and let myself in the door, headed for the basement where everyone would be gathered. What I did not expect to find however, was a most beloved friend and mentor, Mrs. Kathy, seated in the living room I was about to walk past. She was the wonderful lady who took me under her wing when we traveled to Asia this past January, and to find her there in the midst of being so overwhelmed was such a God thing. The owners of the house had asked her to come be a chaperone for a short time while they ran out, and that short time "just so happened" to be going on when I walked in the door.

-Thanks Jesus:)-

We sat and talked for a while, and about halfway through my conversation with her, she said, "You know I wish you weren't so very busy with schoolwork, because one of the families we worked with this January just sent out an email asking if there was anyone who could come and help them in Asia this April."
I responded, "really?..well...when would the trip be?"
From the moment she brought the opportunity up, by heart did a little hop-skip-jump. As in, "Are you behind this timing God?" One of the first thoughts that came to my mind was a replay of a conversation I had with my younger sister Morgan that morning. She had asked me randomly if I was busy in the month of April. I told her no, all I had on my schedule was school and work, and asked why she was wondering. "No reason" She replied. Her question hadn't crossed my mind again until i was talking with Mrs. Kathy, and I've asked her since then if she remembers why she asked, but she doesnt even remember the conversation. Strange.

The next morning, Mrs. Kathy had forwarded me the email from the family in need and informed me that the dates were not four weeks away, but instead a mere three. She wrote, "take a look and see what you think. It's not impossible."

Of course not. Nothing...no thing is impossible for God.

And the rest is history. Everything from my boss giving me the go ahead to take off time from work, to my dad being at peace with the idea of me flying internationally all alone, to being FULLY FUNDED IN ONE WEEK, has been orchestrated and pulled together by God. Not in a year, or a few months, or even a few weeks. My God did these miracles in one single week. I cant do anything else but just sit in stunned amazement and fear of the God I serve. I keep telling people I shouldn't be so surprised. I mean, if my God created the entire world, what is it for Him to pick me up in His mighty hands and carry me to the other side?

Heart in His Hands

"I have, at all times, felt a disposition to leave it with God, and trust in Him to direct me. I have at length come to the conclusion, that if nothing in providence appears to prevent, I must spend my days in a heathen land. I am a creature of God, and he has an undoubted right to do with me, as seemeth good in his sight. I rejoice, that I am in his hands--that he is everywhere present, and can protect me in one place as well as in another. He has my heart in his hands, and when I am called to face danger, to pass through scenes of horror and distress, he can inspire me with fotitude, and enable me to trust in him. Jesus is faithful; his promises are precious.....whether I spend my days in India or America, I desire to spend them in the service of God, and be prepared to spend an eternity in his presence. O Jesus, make me live to thee, and I desire no more." -Ann Judson, first female missionary to Asia

I leave in 10 days for the other side of the world.
Alone.
God told me He wanted me there 7 days ago.
...Come again?

I have been so blown away by the ways that God has been working in my life lately that I needed to share it somehow. So if you're reading this now, plan on sitting down when you read. I serve an amazing God who still works wonders and miracles in the 21st century. I serve a God who moves mountains in the lives of His children, when they come desiring nothing more than to know Him and serve His glorious Name. I serve a God who is HUGE enough to pick me up from one side of planet earth and place me down on the other side like its nothing. And yet that same God has held my weary, broken heart in His hands more times than I can count, and has patiently sewn me back together time and again. I am nothing on my own. Just one more set of feet traipsing across this world. But with Him in His mighty hands, I am -and will be- all that He wants me to be.

'"For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said.'" -Matthew 1:37-38