Life for me has been a bit crazy as of late. Somedays I think the Lord just wants to have fun with me and see how far He can push me. There have been seasons in my life where I have felt like the good things were always happening to everyone else. Never me. Most things do not come easily for me, but I realized this week that it is because God is reminding me over and over again that if I will only rely on Him--BIG things will happen. When I left for Uganda all I really wanted out of the trip was to come back changed. I wanted to serve God and others and in the process heal and change. I have been back for awhile now and I wasn't really sure if that change had happened. But last night at bible study I realized I had. When I left I had no purpose for life or any idea what I wanted to do with my time. I knew I wanted to do something meaningful...but what? My bible study leaders, Mary Kate and Jayson Humphrey (also wonderful friends), asked us last night what kind of legacy did we want to leave or what sort of things did we want to accomplish. My answer shocked me. I had been toying around with this idea....but I felt the Lord showing me that this is exactly what I am supposed to do.
Answer: I want to start an adoption program in the Triangle area that specializes in international adoption of HIV/AIDS orphans. I want to provide training and support groups for the parents before and after they adopt their children to educate them on how to successfully care for them.
DO WHAT!? I left for Uganda an Interior Design major with a shattered heart and broken dreams and I come home with THIS? That is evidence of the Lord taking my broken heart and dreams and substituting it with His whole heart. It is also due to one precious little boy named Joshua. He was at Sanyu Babies Home and he had a family wanting to adopt him. Then they found out that he was HIV positive and chose another baby. Look at his face. How could they leave him behind? Now he may never get proper treatment. So Joshua. Thank you for giving me a better story. And Lord, thank you for allowing my heart to be overcome by your heart and redirecting my life for Your purposes.
Aw, he's so adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteI happened upon your blog right before your trip and I've been following you ever since. I've had an interest in going to Africa for quite a few years and have thought about serving with Empower-a-Child. I have lots of questions about it and wonder if you wouldn't mind giving me your email address?
Sure! stricklmb@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to talk with you more about it! Just email me your questions!
I found your blog through Kristi's giveaway :)) What an inspiration! I, myself, am going to Africa next January (right now three months, but I'm praying about 6+ months). I'm not sure what I'll be doing over there yet, but I know it is going to be with children :)) I'm so excited!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if I was the only one who closed her eyes and saw little brown feet pitter pattering by, but I guess I'm not :))
Nope Natali....I see little brown feet all the time :o). And just for the record...stay for 6 months...3 is not long enough. I promise!
ReplyDeleteHi! I don't even remember how I found your blog but I clicked and ended up here :) I'm in NC too and have a NGO in Uganda, would love to chat! There is a group of us in NC that share our Uganda projects... you would love it!
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