This
verse continues to pop into my mind this week as I settle back into life on the
island. I have spent the last month and a half tasting and seeing His goodness
and I am so thankful for it!
It
was absolutely incredible to be home with Ben and my family over the holidays!
I was so dry for some community time with people that knew me intimately and could
speak into my heart out of a real love for Jesus…and He provided!!
My
time at home was a time of fundraising and it is always so humbling and
incredible to see how the Lord provides, we went from needing $2,500/month when
I got there to just under $800/month as of a few days ago! I am learning that
fundraising will always be a part of being in ministry-and at first that really
bothered me. Now I count it as an incredible privilege to watch from the front
row as the Lord shows up and draws people into our ministry, always surprising
me along the way! I’m so thankful to be a part of this body of believers that
makes our work in these kids’ lives possible!
Our
January Training with Young Life was also a time for me to be reminded of his
goodness. I took a class called Systematic Theology with an awesome
husband/wife duo who teach at Fuller Theological Seminary, where I take my
seminary classes as a part of Young Life! I was a bit hesitant going into this
class having heard how much work it was but it was really wonderful! They had
such a passion for Jesus and for the Scripture that I couldn’t help but be
caught up in that passion myself.
And
then it hit me: This is God’s Word. The Word of God…and I get to read it!! Of
all the tastes God has given me of His goodness, this has to be one of the most
special. Ben and I are finding new delight this year in going through the scripture
slowly but surely day-by-day…it’s amazing the things you see when it is no
longer a chore to get through!! Oh Lord you are so incredible and we’re
thankful you speak to our heart this way!!...Now if I could only get my kids to
see it this way J
And
finally I reached the island. I’ll confess, I was sort of dreading it. The idea
of missing Ben, my family and friends, and trying yet again to find community
in different culture almost made we stay on the plane. But once I took the step
to get off the best thing happened…and that is the reason for this title:
- I was welcomed by Amy and her family-friends of mine who work with Haitian refugees here.
-
I
stepped out into the most beautiful weather one could ever imagine (it’s
finally cool here)!
- I got eight messages from people asking if I had landed yet and "where was I?"
- I drove into my little settlement, moved back into my sweet little apartment and felt at home and peaceful
- And I was tackled by screaming girls and boys when they got off the bus and saw I was
back!
...And my
heart was strangely warmed because I knew I was home. God was here and had
brought me here…and that is more “home” than I could ever ask for!
Here's to 2013...A year of tasting and seeing the goodness of our God!!
