For those of you who did not know this about me, I love homeless people. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them, and believe it or not, homeless people have been a constant source of encouragement in my life.
Today, I was asked for the first time why I wasn't scared to hang out with these homeless men at the park not too far from my house. I hesitated for a moment, which was obviously too long because one of the men answered it for me, meanwhile paying me one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. He said simply, "Don't you see, she's as bold as a lion" and then continued on to quote from Proverbs as well as Paul's second letter to Timothy.
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Just about 5 weeks away from leaving, I am increasingly anxious. Today, I was reminded of where my strength comes from. Thanks Michael!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Closer...
8 weeks and counting.
My room at my house in Tucson is now filled with boxes and feels pretty empty. In a few weeks I will be making the move from this place I have called home for the past three years, back to my parent's house in Phoenix. So, in addition to preparing for Africa, I have been preparing myself for this move as well. So many changes, so little time.
Anyways, I wanted to share a few pictures with you all from the orphanage and school where I will be working. If you want to see more or have any questions about the organization, please don't hesitate to check out their website at www.ecmafrica.org
My room at my house in Tucson is now filled with boxes and feels pretty empty. In a few weeks I will be making the move from this place I have called home for the past three years, back to my parent's house in Phoenix. So, in addition to preparing for Africa, I have been preparing myself for this move as well. So many changes, so little time.
Anyways, I wanted to share a few pictures with you all from the orphanage and school where I will be working. If you want to see more or have any questions about the organization, please don't hesitate to check out their website at www.ecmafrica.org
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It's coming...
11 weeks and counting...
First... a quote, courtesy of a friend who is currently experiencing life in sub-Saharan Africa. Thanks Jeff.
"if you go to africa with a hard heart, you come back with a soft heart,
if you go to africa with a soft heart, you come back with a broken heart,
if you go to africa with a broken heart, you don't come back."
I'm nervous. Terrified. Ecstatic. Overwhelmed. Anxious. Overjoyed.
It has been a real trial recently to get a grip on my emotions, but I think that's normal... I hope that's normal. While I have never been to Africa before, I know that it will be so completely and utterly different than what I am used to. I know that I will love it... this ministry is a combination of all of the things that I am most passionate about: kids, education, and the impoverished. But at the same time, I feel extremely incompetent. How am I supposed to make any kind of a difference in the lives of these people who are of a different culture, race, religion, skin color, and economic status. I guess that my only comfort is that it will not be me who is making the difference, but God working through me. There is one problem with that statement though. In order for God to work through me, there is one attribute that I need to obtain a lot more of; humility. I know that I need to humble myself to the point that I am fully usable. To the point where there is nothing left of me and my own agenda.
I am leaving on August 24th but I ask that you begin praying for that supernatural humility NOW! Also know that I thank you in advance for your prayers and support!
"God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him." --Hudson Taylor
First... a quote, courtesy of a friend who is currently experiencing life in sub-Saharan Africa. Thanks Jeff.
"if you go to africa with a hard heart, you come back with a soft heart,
if you go to africa with a soft heart, you come back with a broken heart,
if you go to africa with a broken heart, you don't come back."
I'm nervous. Terrified. Ecstatic. Overwhelmed. Anxious. Overjoyed.
It has been a real trial recently to get a grip on my emotions, but I think that's normal... I hope that's normal. While I have never been to Africa before, I know that it will be so completely and utterly different than what I am used to. I know that I will love it... this ministry is a combination of all of the things that I am most passionate about: kids, education, and the impoverished. But at the same time, I feel extremely incompetent. How am I supposed to make any kind of a difference in the lives of these people who are of a different culture, race, religion, skin color, and economic status. I guess that my only comfort is that it will not be me who is making the difference, but God working through me. There is one problem with that statement though. In order for God to work through me, there is one attribute that I need to obtain a lot more of; humility. I know that I need to humble myself to the point that I am fully usable. To the point where there is nothing left of me and my own agenda.
I am leaving on August 24th but I ask that you begin praying for that supernatural humility NOW! Also know that I thank you in advance for your prayers and support!
"God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him." --Hudson Taylor
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