Youth camp
I was so stoked when I received an email asking me to be a speaker for a Christian youth camp for 5 days. I had never even attended a Christian youth camp as a child, and only attended one secular camp, so I felt very unprepared-which is why I dove right in for the adventure. Now many of those who attended would probably say my favorite part was the food because at every meal I would speak out with more excitement over peach cobbler or cheese than a 5 year old on Christmas morning. Now I will be honest, the food was ah-mazing! :-) However, that does not even come close to the awe in my heart over the Lord's work during these five days. The theme of the camp was 'living a better story: what in life is worth fighting for?' The theme opened up through vulnerability of the counselors sharing their own stories. Stories filled with abandonment, death, abuse; all followed with death of the old, redemption and Life in the new. Because of the vulnerability of the staff, youth were then showed how openness can be the path to healing. And true death of the old must occur before the new can become Alive. The Lord changed the hearts and lives of so many during these five days. It truly was humbling to have the opportunity to watch from such a close distance. I saw so many children go from not connecting with others, wearing hoods over their faces to having the spirit of a truly alive and hopeful child. Anyone who has seen this transition knows there are few things more beautiful than a child who has been given Hope for their future through the Love of their Lord.
Churches
I must clump these venues all as one or I would be writing for hours. To try and sum up in a shorter paragraph is simply to state the appointments were Divine. Speaking at churches throughout Oregon and California opened people's hearts to hear the Call of the Lord. Many following my time of sharing approached with comments such as 'I never thought I could be used in such a powerful way' 'I can see now where the Lord is directing my path' 'I'm going to begin exploring how to serve the Lord each day, where I am'. It was beautiful to see the Spirit move through entire congregations as Purpose, Power and Peace reigned down from Heaven into the hearts of so many aching to receive. And the response, through prayer, prophesy, finances and support through the commitment of short term missions was overwhelming. Nothing short of a miracle!
Rotary
I had never been to a Rotary meeting prior to this past summer. I knew very little of what Rotary gatherings represented. What I found, was magnificent. I found a group of people desiring to 'be the change they wish to see in this world' as Gandhi so well spoke. People uniting together to combine resources, ideas and service to fill the needs of today, across the world. It was humbling to be in the presence of so many giving hearts. I was Blessed to be in their presence and privileged to have the opportunity to express the work laid before me in Uganda. Truly these people are at the forefront of changing the world through engaging in today's problems and finding solutions.
Girls home
This is where I saw a glimpse into my future. I have felt for many years that someday the Lord desires to use me to serve as a foster parent to troubled teens as well as open a girls home for victims of sex trafficking. A girls home was a venue for which the Lord needed a story to provide Hope. He needed a vessel in which to portray His Glory and His Love through. I was this vessel this day. No more, I was simply His vessel. However, this day I saw the most incredible glimpse of Hope as I've seen in many eyes. I shared my story, a story of being brought through life believing I was worthless and cast aside by so many to knowing I am a princess of the Almighty King. A story not unlike many others. Following this story 2 gifts were given by 2 girls. I did not realize it in the moment, but these two girls were expressing the Hope they had received. I now cherish these gifts dearly. I also cherish, and will cherish my entire life, the comment of one girl who summed up the picture of Hope which comes when we, the broken and redeemed become vulnerable and share our story: 'her story makes me realize I'm not the only one'.
Winchester Bay
Pink elephant. Now if that doesn't make you smile, think about it another moment. :-) Beth Moore expresses a story in which her niece asked her for a pink elephant for her birthday. Beth uses this story to literate how the Lord wants us to come to Him with our impossible desires. He LOVES to overwhelm us with His Love. And He does it but granting us pink elephants. I spent a week in Winchester Bay, Oregon at a retreat for missionaries and pastors. This time was a complete gift used for rest and reviving in the Lord. One day as I was preparing to head out for a walk down the beach a moment of loneliness struck me with a desire for a dog to accompany me on my walk. Not knowing more than two people in the whole town, of which did not own a dog, I set out on my walk, Jesus and me. I then came upon a horse corral with a sign saying 'horse rides $20/hour'. For a moment I thought how awesome! I've never ridden a horse on the beach. But then the practicality of the moment caught up with me and I mentally declined the opportunity in favor of saving money. Deciding to stop and at least pet some of the horses showed no harm though and as I did so the owner approached. He then provided me a glimpse of the Lord. You see he had a miniature pony tied to a stump in need of a walk on the beach and he was too busy for this task and humbly asked if I would do him this favor. A grin entered on my heart as I began to see the Blessing of the Lord unfold before me. And as I walked this miniature pony down the beach, he was roughly the size of a st. bernard, I realized I had been the recipient of my very own pink elephant. The Lord may not play favorites, but He sure is especially fond of me! Be bold, ask for the impossible and wait for your own pink elephant! :-)
3 weddings and a baby!!
Oh all that is wedding.... Sometimes I truly feel spoiled by my Daddy in Heaven. I not only was Blessed just to be in America, but I was overwhelmingly Blessed to be present at 3 weddings of such wonderful friends and the birth of a baby from a dear friend! It was an unexpected surprise to be able to be present at all, but I was also honored to be involved, in some manner, in all the weddings-which I must say I LOVE being involved in behind the scenes actions! Each took place on beautiful days with beautiful brides and handsome grooms! :-) It was such a joy to watch as 2 people became 1 under the Lord. And I also must include that 2 of my other dear friends became engaged while I was in America also. Wow! Love is in the air!!!
All this to say... my visit to America was truly Blessed and filled with Joy, Love and lots of laughter! I love you all and already miss you and long for the day when we are together again-perhaps this side of the world next time! :-)
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