Can you believe...

Can you believe I’ve been here for a little over a month? Me either. The time is already flying by. Since I’ve been here we have had three adoptions, started a new job, taken babies to the hospital, had two driving lessons, went to a woman’s luncheon, gone to three bible studies, went to a place called Bounce that is nothing but a room full of trampolines, visited the Door of Hope Village, made new friends, built on old friendships and settled in fast and easy. So the month of February has been busy and exciting.

I’ve learned that being uncomfortable is a good place for the Lord to stretch me. Being away from home gets me out of my comfort zone and have to put myself out there to meet new people and create a new life. I know I’ve said it many times but I will say it again, guys, I’m living the dream. I am serving in the area the Lord wants me and can use me. I know He is growing and stretching me as I am sometimes out of my comfort zone, yet when that happens I’ve learned to get excited instead of nervous.

I had the opportunity to share about Door of Hope and my heart for it at two school assemblies. The first one was a high school and the second a middle school. Of course they pay attention because I have an accent. Anytime we hear someone from overseas speak, we listen carefully not to miss anything, plus it’s also interesting and different.

I work at Baby House 3 in the office. I am being trained by Marcelle who had the position before me and learning a lot. I’m not only learning about my job but also more about Jesus, as she is a very wise, patient, lovely lady who always pushes me to Jesus. My days consist of answering the phone, emails, taking notes, eating lunch with the toddlers and currently learning new things and how to do my job more effectively. 

Jesus has continuously paved the way and even in the bumps, He’s taught me humility. I yearn to grow and be stretched so that I can become more like Him. Seeking Him in the darkness when I’m clueless of what’s going on or how to handle a situation. Leaning into Him when times of loneliness or unworthiness come. Praising Him when He teaches me new things or I finally understand something. Thankful for Him and how He has been so patient with me.

I hope to keep you updated as much as possible. Thank you for trekking with me along this journey and being so supportive. 

New Season...

I arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday February 5th. Since then I have jumped head first into life here. As most of you know, this is where I consider home as well. I have been given the opportunity to help Door of Hope in lots of areas. It’s amazing to me to see how the Lord's hand has been in and through everything leading up to where I am now. Let's go back in time and remember where I was a few months ago.

I started praying about returning to Africa in March of 2015. I asked a core group of intercessors to pray with me. We prayed that the Lord would clearly speak to me if this was His plan and not just my own. I got a lot of confirmation that month. That spring boarded me into FUGE camps for my fifth and last summer working with them. When I returned from camp I started in October fundraising and started off well. There were a few bumps along the way of fundraising but I knew the Lord would finish what He started and even if I did not receive the full amount needed, I am trusting He will provide for however long I am here.

In January, Hannah and I planned our trip to Washington, D.C. It was my first time in our nation’s capital. I was more nervous going there than I ever have been going to another country. Have you seen all the political movies of things being blown up there? Yeah, not where I wanted to go even though I know it's not real. We rode a Megabus 15 hours to Washington, D.C. overnight. We arrived around 10:30 and we needed to ride the Metro and walk a few blocks to get to the Embassy by closing time which was 12:30. Long story short, we made it. We made it to the Embassy in time, we got an FBI background check (which takes up to 6 weeks or longer) done in one day and emailed to us the next day. It was the most I've ever been stretched in my life. I was completely out of my comfort zone the whole way there and the entire time I was there. It was emotionally, physically and spiritually draining. I was pooped. But guys, I'm here to tell you that pushing through hard things and running the race even when you're completely spent is worth it. Worth it. You hear me? WORTH IT. 

After returning from D.C. Hannah and I waited for our visas. We anticipated the length of time they would give us. We were praying for at least a year. Jesus gave us two. I've learned that when it's His will, He sometimes exceeds your expectations and wows you in the biggest way possible. He wowed us. 

Since I arrived the beginning of February, I've had the greatest welcoming anyone could receive.

I can't begin to tell you what it feels like to be doing what the Lord has called me to do. I've known for a very long time this is exactly what the Lord wants me to do. Not only to do what we are called to do as Christians, but as an individual, what I'm doing in the very place I'm doing it is the best thing I’ve ever been a part of.