Saturday, March 24, 2012

take me back

I can't even begin to describe our trip to Haiti. Our days were spent loving on the children, going out and praying in the tent cities and hospital, helping the Angel Wings team who are building a medical clinic, and resting in the presence of God. I returned home from the trip having learned so much about faith. I was always planning my future and now I am praying my future. The Lord did so much in my heart while I was there. I wish I was still there now, but I know he has a reason for me to be home. Each and every thing we did in Haiti was completely ordained by the Lord. You could see his hand on everything. So I know the timing of the trip was also ordained. He has a plan and purpose for me to be back in Alabama, back at school and I am going to grab hold of all he has to offer here. Pictures will describe best the joy of serving, beauty of the children, and how amazing our team was.

Heading off!

beauty

 Haitian church

 captivating

a day at the beach


gurlzzz

in the tent city

 precious little girl

joy

London Bridge of course

 sweet girls

tickle tickle

my two main men

Oli

 go team

the streets of Jacmel

the sweetest

Franz

giving away shoes

on our way to the waterfall

purdy water

May every place we set our foot be blessed. May every person we met be blessed. May our prayers be fruitful. May the God of love and peace cover Haiti. May His light shine before all. Glory to God. For He is always faithful.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

more than myself

I cannot believe it is already March. 

I am going to HAITI in 3 days. I can hardly believe it. I am above and beyond excited and expectant for all the Lord is going to do on this trip. I haven't been in the "missions setting" since Africa about 3 years ago. I've been so challenged to live a "missions lifestyle". To see each and every day, right here where I am, as my mission field. Of course that sounds cheesy and you've heard it said. But really. Whether I'm walking to class or sitting in class... there are so many people who need to hear that Jesus loves them. I take that secret for granted. And I want to share it with the world- and news flash, the world consists of the girl who sits next to me in English. Missions mindset now. Sounds pretty straight forward, but I've realized I need the boldness, favor, and grace of God to really live it out. I know this mission trip will realign my purpose and focus of reaching God's people and I cannot wait for my eyes to be opened to the heart of the Father. I can't wait to share our team's stories.

As of life right now, I am digging into 1 Corinthians. I'm really carrying the Lord's word throughout my day and doing exactly what Joshua 1:8 says: "Keep the Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Meditating on the Lord's word has realigned my focus and aided my memorization of scripture so that I can do what Ephesians 6:10-11 says: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." I'm praying that I will fall more in love with the Lord each day. 

Reveal yourself to your daughter. Open up my eyes to see You, God. 


I am blessed to serve with the amazing SWITCH team at Highland's Tuscaloosa. I have never been more encouraged with this ministry than these past two weeks. Again, I'm reading through 1 Corinthians and was unexpectedly encouraged this morning. I'll share 1 Corinthians 3:6-9--

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who water is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building." 

As leaders, we have the responsibility to pray and share the love of Christ, but ultimately He makes it flourish. He sees our work and we will be rewarded for our dedication to this ministry- which is honestly just a bonus! Because ministry is joy and life. While, yes, it can be frustrating... how can you not be encouraged after reading those verses? Knowing that it really is all in the Lord's hands. He will make it grow in His time. And His time never seems appropriate to us. But that's why He's God and we're not. Trusting that He'll make it grow. And we'll be faithful to the call... planting the seeds and watering.



Jesus, open up the eyes of this generation. Draw them to the loving kindness of the Father. Let your children be a light for the lost. Wake us up from our slumber.