tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23445416491176201552024-03-04T22:50:43.809-08:00Find rest, O my soul, in God aloneMy yes is His.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-90146934622486174082014-10-03T16:32:00.000-07:002014-10-03T16:36:24.193-07:00Mmmmm the sweet beginnings of fallWell, it's that time of the year again....<br />
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PUMPKIN ROLLS<br />
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For the past two years, my family and I have sold pumpkin rolls in order to raise support for Eli and I in some way--mainly adoption costs and transitional costs back to the U.S.. As we continue to sell pumpkin rolls in the years to come, each batch of monetary support will go to a purpose for the Kingdom. This year, we are selling pumpkin rolls for three reasons! <br />
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<ol>
<li>Pumpkin rolls are delicious and perfect for the fall holidays!</li>
<li>To help with general overwhelming costs this past year--doctor's appointments that were unexpectedly high, costs related to vehicles, etc.</li>
<li>To tuck away until a trip to Zambia becomes a possibility. That could be as early as August next year, or the August after that, but we are trusting the Lord to provide for us. I don't know exactly what that trip will look like, seeing that we won't be heading back until we have funds available, but I know a very strong desire of my heart is for Eli and I to serve his birth country of Zambia, especially the remainder of Eli's biological family, together.</li>
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If you'd like a pumpkin roll for your holiday, please go to this link http://goo.gl/0q3szz and submit an order form! If you want to donate but you do not want a pumpkin roll, that's fine too! :) Just fill out the form and type "zero" in the quantity.<br />
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How blessed we are to have such support in this place. Beyond thankful for each of you who have prayed for and loved on us. :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-80973411926847775652014-08-07T09:47:00.002-07:002014-08-07T10:42:24.403-07:00Two years... Today is a pretty awesome day! Two years ago, on August 7th, 2012, Elijah David came home for the first time! And boy what a mess I was! :)<br />
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Last year on Eli's Gotcha Day, I wrote an entry with 12 awesome pictures of Eli displaying his transformation from Day 1 to Day 365! So this year I'll do the same. However, before I let you see the pictures, let me just tell you about my beautiful, precious son. He melts my heart.<br />
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Elijah is <b>Energetic</b>. Never does he skip a beat. Whether he's been swimming all day, playing at the park, or running errands with me, he always seems to have energy! He's especially energetic when he is able to have sugar. One time we were celebrating a birthday party and he had ice cream at 8 pm. Ohhh man, he was running in circles around the kitchen screaming and laughing. Boy oh boy.<br />
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Elijah is <b>Light</b>. Not only is he light hearted in his demeanor, but he's a bright bright light to others. So many people stop and just look at him. He catches your eye. He's a LIGHT in the darkness.<br />
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Elijah is <b>Intelligent</b>. When Eli came home, he knew only his native tongue. He and I would struggle just to comprehend each other. But in 2 short years, my sweet boy has become fluent in English! He is eager to learn, always in wonder, always in question, and picks things up so easily. He's a smart smart boy. (He would tell you he's big, strong, and smart because he eats his vegetables--thank you Gammy for drilling that into his mind!)<br />
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Elijah is <b>Just</b> like any other almost 6 year old boy. He loves to eat--boy does he love to eat. He loves to make noises all the time, and will play the Avengers until the sun goes down. He dresses up in Captain America and Iron Man costumes, cries when he bleeds, laughs when someone makes a "poot" sound, and just sees the world with all possibilities.<br />
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Elijah is <b>Anointed</b>. That boy has the power to heal, the gift of prophecy, and an unshakable faith. He is chosen. Chosen for things I can't even wrap my mind around. Jesus chose my son. Jesus is his daddy, and he leads and guides his little boy. It's unbelievably beautiful when he lays hands on you and you are healed. Amen. Amen. Jesus pour your power on my son. Anoint him to the fullest capacity.<br />
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Elijah is <b>Hilarious</b>. This sweet boy will make the most hilarious faces. He'll belly laugh at his own jokes. He makes me laugh when he dances without fear. He will act out a movie with his toys as it plays. He will tickle me when I'm not prepared. He's just the best.<br />
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My boy may exhaust me at times. He may frustrate me at times. He may push every button he can push. He may try to sneak in candy at times. He may get that mischievous smile at times. He may whine and moan and groan when he doesn't get his way.<br />
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BUT<br />
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This boy melts my heart. He is so perfectly paired with me. He is the only thing that holds me together sometimes. He literally can smile at me with the most genuine smile and I am moved to the heart of Jesus. He means what he says. He makes me desire be a better mother. He tells me I'm beautiful all the time. He loves me. He blesses our family with his humor and his love. <br />
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He may not be perfect in behavior, but he is the perfect fit in our little family.<br />
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My sugar babe.<br />
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August 2013</div>
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September 2013</div>
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October 2013</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">November 2013</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">December 2013</span></div>
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January 2014</div>
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February 2014</div>
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March 2014</div>
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April 2014</div>
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May 2014</div>
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June 2014</div>
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July 2014</div>
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August 2014<br />
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I fall more and more in love this boy every day. </div>
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My sugar babe, HAPPY 2 YEARS!!!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers" </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Malachi 4:5-6</span></i><br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-69787298940908982402014-07-11T09:37:00.002-07:002014-07-11T09:45:27.645-07:00To Spare.This morning Eli slept until 10:20. A record. Sure he was up until 11 last night, but the fact that the small ounce of sun that trickled through the blackout curtains did not bother him is a miracle :).<br />
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Unlike him, I awoke this morning delighted. Delighted because for once this summer, I woke up before him. I immediately got in the word and just rested with my coffee, with the quiet of the house, and with the presence of my King resting with me. After some much needed journalling and sitting quiet before his throne, I approached the Word.<br />
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I've been reading in 1 Samuel about David and Saul. I'm in chapter 24 today. David has run many times to get away from Saul. At this specific moment in the Word, David has taken refuge in a cave in the Desert of En Gedi. Saul, in pursuit of David, came to the same cave without realizing David and his men were in there. He went in alone and David had an opportunity to kill him. His men even said, "This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish'" (vs. 4). David approached Saul's robe and cut a corner off, then he was stunned at what he did. He refused to do more and went back to his men even rebuking what they told him.<br />
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As Saul left the cave, David came out and called to him. He spoke a little and then said, "And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you" (vs 13). Saul came back and said, "You are more righteous than I" (vs. 17). He continues, "When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today" (vs. 19). They separated and went on their way.<br />
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This morning I'm just stunned by this. Stunned that this man, who has fled and fled and fled from his enemy could still stand before him and spare his life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spare.</span><br />
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I love that word.<br />
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--to refrain from harming or destroying; leave uninjured; forbear to punish, hurt, or destroy.<br />
--to deal gently or leniently with: show consideration for.<br />
--to save from strain, discomfort, embarrassment.<br />
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To spare someone is not just about refraining from destroying them. It's also about dealing gently with someone or saving them from embarrassment.<br />
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David spared Saul. His enemy.<br />
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He spared his life. He spared him from embarrassment. He spared him from an uncomfortable situation. He spared him from any harm whatsoever. And he claimed that the LORD would bring justice.<br />
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I'm thinking this morning at all the times I have been embarrassed or uncomfortable or hurt. Many times in the opportunity to spare those against me, did I? If I did, did I spare them with the most blameless and upright heart? Or did I spare them with frustration, with anger, with obligation? If I'm honest, sometimes I 'forgive' someone but out of obligation. I spare their reputation because gossip is not of Jesus. But I can't say that my heart is totally pure of bitterness. <br />
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And I wonder, if given the opportunity, how often would we spare our enemy? How often would we just let the Lord handle it instead of placing our hands in the mix of it all? Do we trust him to see our situation and spare us from shame? Do we trust him to bring justice in the most unjust situations?<br />
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My Savior, who adores every ounce of me, has spared me. He's spared my life with the MOST PURE heart. I'm grateful this morning that he knows all, and yet, still spares. He sees my sin, and yet still spares.<br />
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What a beautiful life we could lead if we let the one who has spared us bring the justice.<br />
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-49521840181285884542014-06-14T11:02:00.001-07:002014-06-15T20:27:07.687-07:00Vacation BlessingsA couple months ago I was approached by a married couple with incredible news. After eating an excellent dinner and enjoying wonderful conversation, the husband calmly began to ask about my summer plans. I went through a couple ideas I had put in place and basically said the rest was up for grabs. I know this man well, and he doesn't ask multiple questions without purpose. Once he set back in his chair thinking, I said, "Ok, I'm guessing you have something you want to say about my summer plans, because you wouldn't be asking multiple questions unless you have an idea." To my complete and utter shock, this man nonchalantly asked, "So.... what if I knew a guy who wanted to send you and Eli to Disneyland? How would you feel about that?"<br />
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Yes. My mouth dropped open and I froze for a few seconds. <br />
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"DISNEYLAND???.... Like California DISNEYLAND?? Well..... that... would be... amazing, "was my reply. He then began to spill out this amazing blessing that this man wanted to bless us with. A vacation. A full out vacation for our little family. I couldn't believe it. I finally replied, "Well, wow, yes, I mean YES of COURSE we would love to go!!" He quickly bounced back, "Well...I know a guy who wants to send you both to Disneyland. You pick the dates and we'll handle travel, hotel, everything. The park tickets are in my truck."<br />
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Wow. Yes, Jesus just used this INCREDIBLE family to give us a vacation. Glory. Beauty. Awe.<br />
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A few months later, on June 6th, Eli and I began to pack for our vacation. He knew we were going somewhere, but didn't know where. It was a "surprise". :) We board the plane giddy for an adventure. Fly west and land in LAX a few hours later. My sis and her daughter decided to book a trip out there at the same time so that we could experience something new together! We took a few days to travel around the city, visit Universal Studies, and finally ended at our hotel room right across the street from Disneyland. I was THRILLED. Once Eli knew where we were going, he bounced and bounced and bounced on the bed with excitement. We rattled off all the Disney characters we were going to see over the next 2 days. He was squealing with joy. <br />
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We rode rides, shook hands and took pictures with characters, walked a lot, enjoyed some good food, and crashed the latest we possibly could on the last night (midnight). We experienced every piece of that place and enjoyed all of it. Some of my favorite things Eli kept saying were "MOMMA... IS THIS FOR REAL????" and "MOMMA I SAW PETER PAN, and and and CAPTAIN HOOK and and and SHMEEEEEEE" and "MOMMA LOOK... THERE'S MICKEY and GOOFY!!!" I LOVED riding rides next to him. He's never ridden on roller coasters before so it was quite the experience! He laughed SO much. My niece was such a joy for him as well. They played and rode rides together too.<br />
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At the end of the vacation, we boarded the plane to head back home. It was a long day of travel. I just kept thinking, wow. Wow. Did we really just get to do that together? Did that really just happen? <br />
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And all because of one family, who have the most generous of hearts. <br />
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See, our Heavenly Father sees what we need WAY before we ever need it. He KNEW how much we would need that vacation at the end of this school year. He KNEW that we could not afford it, YET he provided. The cool thing is that he used so many people to complete this process. I'm just reminded tonight, on this Father's Day, that God the Father is just the best daddy anyone can ask for. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He is the provider. And NOTHING is too big for him.<br />
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Happy Daddy's Day to my Heavenly Father.<br />
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Ready for Takeoff!!</div>
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Finally made it!! In the car with my niece Kyla and my sis Jen</div>
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Santa Monica Pier, awesome and packed!</div>
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Much exhaustion after a long day.</div>
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YAY HOLLYWOOD!</div>
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Yummy Farmer's Market</div>
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First roller coaster experience!! He hit me in the face a couple times :)</div>
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Much calmer, It's a Small World boat ride.</div>
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One-on-one with THOR!</div>
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Coolest hats ever.</div>
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Waving at characters in the parade.</div>
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Splash Mountain!! Gonna get WET!</div>
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Face painting on a hot day :)</div>
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10:45 p.m. and still riding rides!! No.Big.Deal</div>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-60644999529106331342014-06-04T17:48:00.002-07:002014-06-04T17:52:42.471-07:00We will cry out, Hallelujah.So Jesus is just here tonight. In my house. In my heart. He's just here. And he's just so still. I recently found this song on my iTunes that I didn't realize I had. What a find it was. Sons and Daughters: Poor and Powerless. There is something about soft, still worship music that rocks me to the core. My spirit yearns for Jesus as my husband, my comforter, right now...<br />
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School ends tomorrow. And the last couple of days have probably been the hardest I have had since I landed in July last year. When things get sticky or somewhat uncomfortable for me in life, I usually run to any distraction. Laying out with friends, out to dinner, movies, books, work....name it. I know that Jesus is the only satisfaction in ANY time--uncomfortable or not--but sometimes I don't really want to face the situation. I want a distraction. Tonight, however, my heart just yearns for him. I want to be victorious. I want to feel of worth. I want to be strong. And, He is the only constant one. He is the only one who is just always here.<br />
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Camp LIFE started this week in Zambia. And my heart is just so yearning to be in that place. To listen to the roar of children's voices praising Jesus' Holy Name. To watch the American's just pour out unconditional love to all 10 of their children. To stand beside the staff believing for miracles. To pray with volunteers who are just worn down physically but on fire spiritually. How I just miss that place. I miss those kids, volunteers, and staff members. My heart is just rejoicing with them in this moment--as they are able to be the hands and feet of Jesus.<br />
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So far away. So distanced from the face to face. Still believing in the miracles.<br />
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A few nuggets floating in my mind tonight as I rest at Jesus' feet:<br />
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How unworthy I feel to walk in the shoes Jesus has placed me in; yet, I am the ONLY one he has chosen to walk down this specific path.<br />
I am made for the nations.<br />
I am set apart.<br />
Eli is set apart.<br />
My words, not matter how much doubt I have, are FULL of power.<br />
Believing in the impossible is what I'm made to do.<br />
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Isn't it amazing that our King will take us the way we are. Broken, hurting, sinful, angry, frustrated, unforgiving...<br />
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He takes us the way we are. And he molds.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Poor and Powerless:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>All the poor and powerless</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And all the lost and lonely</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>All the thieves will come confess</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And know that You are holy</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And know that You are holy</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And all will sing out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hallelujah</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And we will cry out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hallelujah</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>All the hearts who are content</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And all who feel unworthy</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And all who hurt with nothing left</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Will know that You are holy</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And all will sing out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hallelujah</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And we will cry out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hallelujah</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Shout it</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Go on and scream it from the mountains</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Go on and tell it to the masses</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>That He is God</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>We will sing out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hallelujah</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And we will cry out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hallelujah</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus mold me... refine me tonight.</span><br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-87696528337002362182014-05-16T19:51:00.002-07:002014-05-16T21:01:22.259-07:00The light at the end of the tunnelToday marks a very very special day in my heart. In fact, it's probably one of the most unique days in my entire life. Two years ago today, I met my son Eli and said yes to Jesus in pursuit of the adoption. <br />
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May 16, 2012. The day was breathtaking, unforgettable and one of the best I've ever had. The first hug. The first look in his eyes. The first laugh together. The first time to play soccer. The first discussion we ever had--both not having any idea what the other was saying. :) The first time I looked at him and said, "YOU, Elijah, are my son."<br />
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What an outrageous life transformation we have endured together.<br />
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Today also marks the light at the end of the tunnel. Three weeks from today is the last day of school for the 2013-2014 school year. An ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR has passed. Woah. Part of me feels like it's flown by and the other part of me feels like it has taken <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">forever</u>.<br />
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I remember reading this blog last year about how moms are the most incredibly school moms in August, September, October, November, but as January continues to April, exhaustion kicks in. The perfectly put together backpack with the signed behavior log and the most nutritional snack ever becomes a half-zipped bag with a crumpled behavior log and some rice crispy treats. I totally get that now. I got all the way to Eli's school the other day and he was about to jump out of the car when he said, "Uh Oh." Of course my heart started pounding just a little harder. I looked back quickly and said "WHAT WHAT??" He said, "Mommy...I forgot my shoes." Oh man. HOW did he get dressed, have breakfast, brush his teeth, get in the car, and drive all the way to school and I didn't even realize he didn't have shoes on. Wow. It's definitely May. Exhaustion has kicked in, and my mind is just a bit fuzzy. :)<br />
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As summer approaches, dreams of rest, relaxation, swimming, traveling, and reading are in reach. Jesus is just so amazing too. He knows me so much more than I do. He has blessed us with several amazing opportunities this summer and all without any of my own attempts. I am such a humble and blessed daughter of the King. <br />
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3 more weeks....<br />
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The countdown begins! :)<br />
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-79708990759637566752014-03-31T20:01:00.000-07:002014-03-31T20:01:10.453-07:00The musing of a daughter of the only KingOn the eve of the stressful STAAR test, I sit here in the calmness of my home listening to Eli's worship music in his room. He's resting so quietly, so peacefully, so worry-free. It's a wonderful place to be in. It's a beautiful image of the gospel: the redemption of my son. <br />
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I think about those sweet Zambian children waking up full of complete joy as they skip off to class. I think about those sweet Zambian orphans waking up full of complete sorrow as they wonder if they will get food today. The Zambian women who head to the market to sell vegetables with their youngest tucked in a chitenge on their backs. And I'm filled with sorrow. Sorrow for the broken. Sorrow for the hurting. Sorrow for those who just want more.<br />
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And I think about the people I've encountered while being back here in Texas. Those who are striving to so radically love Jesus in this cruel and evil world. Those who don't know Jesus and are walking around wondering if they have anything to live for. Those who have everything they need but are still not satisfied. And I'm filled with sorrow. Sorrow for the broken. Sorrow for the hurting. Sorrow for those who just want more.<br />
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Our two world's aren't too terribly different when you look at the heart of a person. When I look at my heart, I see the wicked worldly desires I have. When I examine my mind, I see the lies I believe and the corruption I keep myself in. And I'm filled with sorrow. Sorrow for my brokenness. Sorrow for my hurting. Sorrow because all I truly desire is more of Jesus.<br />
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But oh it's so hard to battle this world. It's hard to stand firmly while the waves crash around you. It's hard to be in a "perfect" world--to hear things like "the American dream" and feel your heart long for it and be sickened by it at the same time. It's hard to see the hardships people walk through and know you can't physically do anything to help them. It's hard to carry the weight of other's burdens because you care so much. <br />
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I realize tonight that these two worlds are not too different. People continue to strive for something they desire and realize that it does not satisfy. They reach. They long. They desire. They reach higher. They long harder. They desire more.<br />
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I'm reminded tonight that only Jesus satisfies. Only Jesus loves unconditionally. Only Jesus redeems completely. It's only Jesus.<br />
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And I think about my sweet Zambian boy in his room, tucked in his covers, with Captain America at his side. Redeemed. Set free. Chosen. Anointed. And I'm filled with hope.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-35616059555356830722014-01-08T19:56:00.005-08:002023-05-30T20:48:17.392-07:00Has it been 5 months already???Ok so I totally had full intention of updating the blog throughout the last 5 months buuuuut lots happened--life happened, work happened, being a single mom continued to happen, but the blog just didn't happen :). Sooo I'd love to recap the last few months for you! :)<br />
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After Eli's 1 year Gotcha Day, we moved our new life to Euless, Texas where we began our very first home together as the Malnar family! It was so excited to move to the DFW area and start focusing on the future! :)<br />
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Literally, the day after we moved everything up here, I went on my "New Teacher Orientation". Yep... the next day. Boy was I exhausted!! Good thing my mom was here to do all the unpacking ;).<br />
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Eli went on his first day of Kindergarten in America and it was awesome!! He had so much fun and instantly made friends!! I mean, of course he did...he's such a charmer.<br />
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In September, we basically just survived... and by survived I literally mean we barely survived!! The transition to work and to Eli being in school was difficult but Jesus was steady and faithful. Several times through the fall we had the opportunity to hang out with our family. (Something very rare when you live in Africa) And boy were we blessed! A couple hours in a car to see family is SOOO easy compared to a 20 hour plane ride!! :)<br />
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At Octoberfest in Grapevine with Gammy and Papa!</div>
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Playing at Main Event with Uncle James</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We even took a mommy-son date to Legoland!!</span></div>
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Eli got to go to Lufkin for his very first LUFKIN PANTHERS FOOTBALL GAME!!</div>
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On October 24th, we celebrated Zambia's Independence Day. Eli showed his excitement for his country by wearing his Chipolopolo jersey (the soccer team) proudly!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh846v9lT5S_CY1kl2faGrwpgxuueLfB9sPOJ1mpLZ9HO0boLHBwyiDAP4GxMqJna1SWl7KzblAIYpiuQ6ZLTBYR4tXtK33mPiTOQ1u5EuN2gzbkov9dExiCyhmI2U1eDPhMlWSpNdme_4/s1600/IMG_3602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh846v9lT5S_CY1kl2faGrwpgxuueLfB9sPOJ1mpLZ9HO0boLHBwyiDAP4GxMqJna1SWl7KzblAIYpiuQ6ZLTBYR4tXtK33mPiTOQ1u5EuN2gzbkov9dExiCyhmI2U1eDPhMlWSpNdme_4/s1600/IMG_3602.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course Halloween would not be Halloween </div>
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without an 80s Mom and Iron Man!</div>
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In November, we had the PLEASURE of welcoming my best friend Katy (Lego) back to America for her furlough! We even got to take a trip to North Carolina with her for another good friends wedding! She was the bridesmaid and Eli was the ring bearer! Boy were those two cute!!</div>
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He couldn't stop dancing!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Before I knew it, my baby boy started learning how to read. :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6iYhXPM90Jfpy8KjbPsJ49ouNQwxxyaB2S1-544nSrPuHwpp007EDoZ0KFZmQxgtFDXvwn7moCCoxVGBiN25od8SZsTfugYGV01u25nVjVwuMtKb1XKPMqEn-CUsjLPae6bnK7poxFI/s1600/IMG_4112.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6iYhXPM90Jfpy8KjbPsJ49ouNQwxxyaB2S1-544nSrPuHwpp007EDoZ0KFZmQxgtFDXvwn7moCCoxVGBiN25od8SZsTfugYGV01u25nVjVwuMtKb1XKPMqEn-CUsjLPae6bnK7poxFI/s1600/IMG_4112.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before the break, the Lord handed us an AMAZING opportunity!! We moved into a house (with a backyard!!!) near our school and church! Jesus is soooo good.<br />
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During Thanksgiving, Mr. T decided to join us with </div>
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his best impression of Sulley on Monsters Inc.</div>
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AND we welcomed my NEW niece and Eli's new </div>
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cousin, Baby Avery, into the world!</div>
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December hit and this bad boy went up! </div>
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Our first Christmas tree as the Malnar family!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgfQ6e0WF0DekOU1T-qUT7dCJJYEkyF6JKq1ezIHfg0u6HT7UpSGZMSAbma-A5h6KXIYC5SO0Ym_oZXsqKoLGiLDwlIinTpbBQ5xTaqeje1uQIioya1bq3FQVarQU2-3Rhk5USgHUjiw/s1600/IMG_4085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgfQ6e0WF0DekOU1T-qUT7dCJJYEkyF6JKq1ezIHfg0u6HT7UpSGZMSAbma-A5h6KXIYC5SO0Ym_oZXsqKoLGiLDwlIinTpbBQ5xTaqeje1uQIioya1bq3FQVarQU2-3Rhk5USgHUjiw/s1600/IMG_4085.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then the ice storm blew in, and we were stuck at home for a few days!!</div>
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Eli started to get more in the Christmas spirit by letting Darth Vader fly in the wind like Santa...</div>
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By watching Elf over and over again...</div>
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And by being silly with his mommy... </div>
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Before Christmas break, Eli got to show off his classroom and play games with his friends at the end of the year Christmas party!!</div>
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Eli's teacher is SUCH a joy.</div>
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Two weeks of Christmas break came and went but not without Eli learning how to ride his new bike with training wheels!! :)</div>
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The new year couldn't end without meeting a new friend!! Katy invited us over to her friends house who happens to have a son Eli's age!! What a joy it was to ring in the new year with lots of fun and laughter!!</div>
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We are so excited to see what the Lord has for us in the 2014 year!! Not only has he blessed us with a great community, he's also blessed us with an amazing church!! We are excited to get more involved and become the light of Jesus to all who we encounter. :)<br />
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-61850192293860219582013-08-07T07:43:00.001-07:002013-08-07T07:51:53.051-07:00Our 1st year GOTCHA DAY!! :)1 year ago today, my entire life completely changed. <br />
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I remember around 8:30p.m. before I slept my last night by myself, running frantically around my bedroom "baby-proofing" it. Many things were placed out of reach of little fingers. <br />
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I remember getting ready, eating breakfast, and getting in the car all in a daze of excitement, wonder, and joy. As I turned on the street and saw the gate, a wave of nervousness swept over me. <br />
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What if I'm not a good mom? What if I can't really do this? Am I sure this is the right step of obedience?<br />
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Then the gate opened. I turned the corner of the building and saw my sweet boy. He was riding on a bike on the other side of the yard. He saw me and dropped the bike in an instant. He started running. He dove into my arms and just squeezed. <br />
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Then I whispered:<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Today is the day. You are coming home"</i></span></b><br />
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We signed the papers and said goodbyes. I remember walking out of the orphanage thinking that this exact moment was SO surreal. When we got home, Eli walked around looking at everything in wonder. He only spoke Nyanja, but thankfully Carol, our housekeeper, was there to help me out. He played with some of his toys, took a bath, and went to sleep. <br />
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That night, I remember cooking him Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. He ate every bite. :) When he fell asleep that first night, I remember not being able to leave him. The next week was very hard, but in my time with Jesus, my Savior filled me up. He comforted me, guided me, strengthened me, and poured so much love on me.<br />
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The months passed slowly at first, but then faster and faster. Eli grew into a polite, loving, fun, laughable, confident, strong, and sweet sweet boy. I'm blessed to stand a year later and see what the Lord has done in both of our lives. Walk with me through our first year as a family! :)<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_568078517"></span><span id="goog_568078518"></span>August 2012</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>September 2012</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>October 2012</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">November 2012</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>December 2012</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">January 2013</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">February 2013</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>March 2013</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">April 2013</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">May 2013</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">June 2013</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">July 2013</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">August 2013</span></i></b></div>
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Oh how Jesus has transformed us. <br />
Oh how Jesus' story of redemption plays out every day in our lives.<br />
Oh how Jesus' love, joy, grace, and peace is evident every morning.<br />
Oh how Jesus' heart for Eli shines SO brightly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers." Malachi 4:5-6</i></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-76286785844635336362013-07-13T04:47:00.004-07:002023-05-30T20:44:50.116-07:00Transition!<b><i>"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8</i></b><br />
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<b>We walk in obedience towards an unknown season of life. And the GLORY of the Lord is upon us.</b><br />
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Wow. The Lord has used the last three years of my life in Family Legacy ministry to radically alter my perspective. Ann Voskamp sums up my feelings to perfection. "The Lord has used the injustices of this world to reveal to me the beauty of His face. Real beauty is only found in the brokenness of sacrifice." (www.aholyexperience.com) I no longer want to have everything. What I now want more than anything else is just more of God.<br />
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I feel so humbled and so blessed that he chose me to help launch and pave the way for the Education Department in this ministry. Check out the growth I've seen in the ministry since January 2011:<br />
<b><i><u>2011</u> <u>2012</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Lifeway Christian Academy Schools 4 17 </li>
<li>Sponsored Kid Count 1,500 5,500</li>
<li>Tree of Life Children Homes 7 33</li>
<li>Tree of Life Children Living in Homes 100 395</li>
<li>Tree of Life Classrooms 5 20</li>
<li>Camp LIFE American Volunteers 350 700</li>
</ul>
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The growth we've seen has directly contributed to countless children learning to speak, read, and write English, and many guardians realizing the significant value of education! Zambia has a big piece of my heart. I love the country, I love the simplicity of life, I love the children, and I love my co-workers. Apart from Texas, it's the only other place where I have settled and invested all of my heart.</div>
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The Lord has not only changed me through the ministry, but also through my journey of fostering and finally adopting my son, Elijah David Malnar. We were enormously blessed on June 20th, when the Lord provided our official adoption order!! We are now the Malnar's! Through this past year, the Lord has opened my eyes to see how deep a mother's love is for her child. Although we've gone through a lot of change in our household, the biggest change in our family has yet come.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We will be moving back to Texas!</span></b></div>
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I am happy to share that the Lord has already provided a wonderful teaching job! It will be difficult to leave Zambia, but the Lord has given me overwhelming peace about this new chapter in our lives.</div>
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I'm SO thankful for all of your prayers and financial support over the last three years!! As I am now traveling and readjusting to America with an addition to my family, there are many other costs that tend to add up (Flights in the summer are especially high, and many small things are necessary--such as doctors appointments, school supplies, and all that goes into to starting a new life). Although I have raised some support for these transitional months, it is not enough to cover everything! <b>If you feel the Lord leading you to financially help in our transition please visit https://donate.familylegacy.com/megan. Even $5 can help!</b></div>
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Thank you so much for keeping up with us on facebook and on my blog! Knowing that people support us even though we are so far away has truly blessed me. We will continue to post about our journey to Texas and the new season the Lord has for us! Please continue to keep up with us!</div>
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Blessings to ALL who have prayed and supported us. THANK YOU!</div>
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<b>My AMAZING co-workers who lay down their life for these kids and this country!</b> </div>
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<b>Eli playing at school!</b> </div>
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<b>My family came to visit!!</b> </div>
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<b>Some of our sponsored kids receiving some food blessings!</b></div>
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<b>Hanging around the house!</b> </div>
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<b>My sweet Joseph! He's been my sponsored boy since 2009!!</b></div>
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<b>Riding on an elephant in Livingstone!</b></div>
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<b>Standing in front of the THUNDEROUS waters of Victoria Falls!</b></div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-38221655497860401602013-05-23T12:50:00.000-07:002013-05-23T12:56:29.480-07:00OceansTonight, I'm still. My sweet boy is in bed, gently sleeping. My house is quite. Worship music is in my ears. And I weep before my Savior. I weep.<br />
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I weep and weep and weep.<br />
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How gentle he is tonight. How calm my spirit is at this moment. When I breathe, I feel his embrace. I feel his comfort in my moments of isolation. I feel his security in my moments of fear. I feel his protection in my moments of worry. I feel his faithfulness in the moments I'm overtaken by the unknown.<br />
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Yes. Right now, my YES is to him and it speaks loudly.<br />
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Ocean: <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">vast</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">body</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">of</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">salt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">water</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">that</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">covers</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">almost</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">three</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">fourths</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">earth's</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">surface.</span><br />
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The song I'm listening to is called Oceans, by Hillsong. Wow. It puts me on my face worshiping my Savior. When I think about the ocean, the first word that comes to mind is "the unknown". To be honest, I'm actually afraid of the ocean... Yep, I said it. Afraid of the ocean. Of course I'm not afraid of being on a boat looking AT the ocean, but the thought of diving in, and going deep deep down... yea that scares me. And that is what covers almost 3/4ths of the earth's surface. Dang.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the neatest part is, I know the Lord has called me there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out to the middle of the ocean, where my feet may fail to hold me up, where the oceans are deep, and the waves rise and fall. He's called me to the unknown. Being a teacher was unknown. Living in a big city like Dallas/Ft. Worth was unknown. Moving to Zambia alone was unknown. Being a single mom to my 4 year old adopted son is unknown. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What's the best part about each of those unknowns? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">He met me there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found/and continue to find him in the mystery of it all. My faith stands stronger and stronger as he calls me in deeper and deeper waters. My soul literally rests in his embrace. My heart is calm. I'm not stressed or scared when I swim deeper. When the waves rise, my soul continues to rest. Why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Because I am His, and He is mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He holds me with his Sovereign hand. His Spirit leads me as a walk upon these waters. I even find myself asking him to take me deeper. ME... asking HIM to TAKE ME DEEPER into the vast, dark, unknown waters? Yes. I do. I ask him every single day to walk me deeper and deeper into his realms of glory. And you know what? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">He's doing it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in doing that, my faith is getting stronger. It's growing more than I ever imagined it to grow. I believe that even in an IMPOSSIBLE situation, HE can make it possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">I am His, and HE is mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u>Oceans (Where my feet my fail) by Hillson United</u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You call me upon the waters. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The great
unknown, where feet may fail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there I
find You in the mystery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In oceans deep<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My faith will
stand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I will call
upon your name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And keep my
eyes above the waves<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When oceans
rise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My soul will
rest in your embrace<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For I am Yours,
and You are mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your grace abounds in deepest waters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your sovereign hand will be my guide. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My feet may fail and fear surrounds me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ve never failed and you won’t stop now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I will call upon your name. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And keep my eyes above the waves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When oceans rise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My soul will rest in your embrace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For I am Yours. And You are mine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me walk upon the waters</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wherever you would call me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And my faith would be made stronger </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the presence of my Savior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will call upon Your Name</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep my eyes above the waves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My soul will rest in Your embrace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am Yours and You are mine.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-11127078648786676442013-02-10T01:08:00.002-08:002013-02-10T01:08:25.161-08:00To love JesusWhat does that actually look like?<br />
<br />
It's not about you. It's not about me. It's not about going to church. It's not about listening to worship songs in your car, on the radio, at work, and during your time with Jesus. It's not about going to bible studies. It's not about laboring for the Lord in your workplace. It's not even about full-time ministry. <br />
<br />
It's about love. <br />
<br />
Sure you can do all those things and love him. Sure you can be in ministry, you can incorporate him into your workplace, you can listen to worship songs....BUT are these just things that you DO?<br />
<br />
Or can you stand back and actually say that with every FIBER of my being I compose a LOVE song for him.<br />
<br />
I'm convicted this morning, because I can't. I can't say that with every piece of who I am, I DEEPLY DEEPLY am in LOVE with Jesus. I can't say that I am SO in love with him that I can't stand the world. I can't say that I am SO in love with him that I HAVE to say something to a friend who is inviting sin into her life. I can't say that I am SO DEEPLY DEEPLY in love with him that my heart literally aches for those people who are so far from him. I can't say that the sweetest part of my ENTIRE day is the time I get to spend with him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, the Lord asked me this morning, "Megan, how much do you love me?"<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to go WHEREVER I call you to go? No matter who you leave behind? No matter what your life will look like when you get there?<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to talk about very difficult things with people you love for the sake of my glory?<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to open your eyes, see how much YOU love the world, and declare your fight to change that?<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to give up cheetoes, Dr. Pepper, movies, and sour skittles?<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to say "Yes" to anything I call you to do?<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to HATE the devil and rebuke the idol of "Christianity" that he's placed in your mind?<br />
<br />
Do you love me enough to surrender?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Am I enough for you? Just me. Not ANY other part of the world that you know. Am I, alone, enough for you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My sweet daughter, I see you. I see your heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, little one..... just love. Love with EVERY FIBER IN YOUR BEING.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
It's not all about me. It's not all about "christianity". It's not all about church. It's about LOVING Jesus and saying YES to him, no matter what the cost.<br />
<br />
Amen. This morning, my YES is to him. <br />
<br />
Father, teach me how to fall MORE and MORE in love with you. Help my YES be ONLY to you.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-21531477457648646042012-11-15T01:45:00.002-08:002012-11-17T10:08:57.016-08:00Today marks a great day to celebrate<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is November 15, 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One year ago today, I was boarding a plane to come to America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had served in Zambia for 11 months and was
heading home for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember the feelings that were rushing through me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember hardly being able to contain the
excitement that was bursting out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's neat reflecting on what the Lord has done in my life over the past
12 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a rush. So much has
happened in my life, spiritually and emotionally!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have experienced radical faith that will
never cease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have experienced life in
the quick and vast expansion of the ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have experienced death in the loss of a sweet child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen miracles happen when Zambian children
AND American families have been transformed right before my eyes! I have
literally watched an education department double in size and in quality. I have
developed deep friendships in the staff over here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of watching a 31 year old woman
give her all to education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen her
NEVER give up, even after hundreds of teacher interviews and so few hires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched her be away from family in some
of the most difficult times in their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I've watched her become the face of Education successfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This girl has inspired me, encouraged, and
stood beside me when everything else seemed like it was falling apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've become a better employee, a better
friend, and a better person because of who she is. I've watched her love me
like a sister--even though we share a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living
room, and office together. :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of watching a 46 year old wife and
mom lay down the life she led in America to come over and serve for 10 months
without her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched this
woman pour EVERYTHING she has into Zambian woman and children--teaching them
what a "family" looks like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of serving under my boss, a 37 year
old man who has literally given his heart not only to the ministry, but to his
staff, passionately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He works harder
than anyone I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have watched him
show appreciation to his staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've
watched him give his full time and energy to making sure that Zambian children
are receiving the blessings they deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I've watched him, after a long long long day at work, pull into his driveway
and jump out of his car only to scoop up his sweet daughters, who run to him shouting,
"DADDY's HOME!!!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of watching a 37 year old woman
serve her family each and every day as her husband keeps the entire ministry
moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have watched the
sacrifice she makes being away from her children's grandparents and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched her give her heart
to her children as she develops a life in Africa that they can find joy
in--horseback riding, sleepovers with friends, movies on the projectors,
campouts, and swim time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of serving beside my best
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 26 year old woman with a heart
of gold--one that literally beats for the children of Zambia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched her transition into Zambia after
such a long wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched her be on
her knees for me and my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've
watched her stand firm in delivering to the children of Zambia what they
deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched her in the
beginning stages of implementing strategies and key items that will make this
ministry a better ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see the
Lord working so intensely in her life and it's an amazing place to be in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of watching a 25 year old man leave
his friends and family to stand beside Zambian men training them how to
construct buildings properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
training and oversight he was able to give those men is something they would
have never received in their lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I've also watched him sit with Zambian boys listening and counseling
them on the causes and effects of bullying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I've seen the joy that comes from those same Zambian boys when he ends
his busy work day and plays soccer with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of watching another 25 year old man
serve in one of the more difficult areas of the ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've watched this guy transform into a deeply
servant-minded man. I've watched him leave what he's doing to drive an hour and
a half in traffic just to get assets to a school that we need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen him sit on the porch of a house
sharing his heart for these kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've
watched him tear up at the stories that the children at the Tree of Life
share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen him give everything he
has to making our most popular program run more smoothly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had the privilege of watching a new family lay their
life down for the work God has for them here in Zambia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The husband, a 27 year old man, moving over
to launch programs that have drastically changed our ministry for the
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen him take his sweet
baby girl for a walk around the complex just to have some father/daughter
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen him plan and orchestrate
events that have ultimately provided a month's worth of Zambia's staple food to
3,100 orphaned and vulnerable children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I've seen him sit through hours of meeting in order to make his programs
run more efficiently for the ministry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've seen his wife, a 29 year old woman, serve his husband,
her sweet daughter, and the other staff members in the complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen this woman sacrifice her time and
energy to making sure 300 table cloths are washed, dried, and ready for the
next big week of camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen her
often pushing her sweet daughter in the wagon teaching her about what she's
seeing through those darling eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've
seen her find her niche in Zambia--meet new friends, plan to lead a bible
study, serve those she know with all her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only have I had the privilege of serving beside these
individuals, but I've also watched how much this ministry has grown in one
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've love to share this with you
so that YOU can praise the Lord, our creator, for the works he has accomplished
here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>November 15, 2011</b></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>4 American staff</li>
<li>6 Private Schools</li>
<li>1 Residential Home for 30 children</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>10 Tree of Life homes for about 135 children</li>
<li>3,000 sponsored children receiving education</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>25 teachers</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>November 15, 201<span style="font-size: large;">2</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>8 American staff</li>
<li>15 Private schools</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>2 Residential Homes for 95 children</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>22 Tree of Life homes for 276 children</li>
<li>5,100 sponsored children receiving education</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>48 teachers (and counting)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an amazing God we serve. I can't wait to see what
November 15, 2013 will look like. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh Lord, we give you all the honor and praise for the things you've accomplished through your people in Zambia. We serve you with a willing and obedient heart! You, oh Savior, deserve ALL the glory.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"</span>A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in
his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-40712330118974990562012-10-05T07:53:00.001-07:002012-10-05T07:57:31.337-07:00Happy World Teacher's Day<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Today is World Teacher's Day. A holiday for teachers celebrated with extreme excitement here in Zambia. I remember last year when this day came. I was working in the container to organize and compile all of our donated items left from camp. My coworker, Kathryn, and I were knee deep in school supplies when we decided to take a breath. (It's summer in Zambia this time of the year, so being outside caused a LOT of weakness!)</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I got a call from my boss who said, "Meg, there are hundreds of teachers marching down the street. You should go see them!" It took about 2 seconds for Kathryn and I to jump up and rush to our car. We drove straight to Showgrounds where they were marching, but only got the tail end. There were a few clusters of teachers marching together with matching t-shirts on. They were laughing and happily displaying their pride for being a teacher. It excited us. Just as we were making our way back home,we both received a text from one of our teachers. She encouraged us tremendously. She said something to the effect of the following:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are extremely successful world leaders, doctors, politicians, lawyers, social workers, bankers, and business owners; men and women who change people's lives daily. But who taught them? Teachers are invaluable. You are shaping the next generation of children. Happy World Teacher's Day!</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm pretty sure I cried in the car. But I remember that day like it was yesterday. And here we are, a year later. Today was a day of celebration for our teachers. Our teachers were able to stand as a group, march with matching t-shirts, and proudly say that they sacrifice for the orphans and vulnerable. THEY believe for the orphans' education when no one else will. THEY are shaping the next generation of Zambian children. The generation of children who will stand and fight for the Kingdom of God. The generation of children who, I believe, will see our Lord and Savior come back. The generation of children who make up God's army. I'm blessed to stand beside them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">So, Happy World Teacher's Day to all the teachers I know. You are shaping the generation of people who will stand on this earth with Jesus comes back. You are. Believe for them. Your hard work and dedication is not unseen by the Lord.</span><br />
<br />
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-4012334122948110792012-08-23T14:09:00.001-07:002017-05-07T14:03:34.865-07:00Behold, I will send you Elijah...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I have an amazing story to tell you about a
little boy. He turned 4 years old this week. He is a sweet, smart, and precious
boy who is already displaying the Lord's glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When he was about a year and 6 months old, he
was admitted into the hospital because of malnutrition and abandonment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> An </span>orphanage stepped in to care for him when no one else could. Overtime,
all his friends and the housemothers knew him as a joyful boy—even though his
circumstances did not seem joyful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although he lived in an orphanage and was taken care of, he didn't have
the one-on-one parenting, love, and support he should have had by his birth
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stayed in the orphanage
for almost 2 years. During this time, not one family member visited him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet boy
when I visited an orphanage one weekend in January. He was the happiest one of
them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran and played with a
huge smile on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
personality and demeanor was intriguing. Even his house moms testified to his
happy nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although this little
boy spent almost 4 years of his life without a mom and dad who truly cared for
his well being, his Heavenly Father never left him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Heavenly Father already had a plan for him, and boy is
it an amazing plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His Father not only has never forsaken him,
but he has already destined an earthly mother to step in and care with ALL of
her heart for him.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And
that mother is </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Lord started speaking to me about becoming
a mom in November of 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had 2
dreams about a little boy, I didn’t know who he was, but I knew that I was his
mom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember waking up both
times and feeling a weight from the Lord. After my second dream, I asked the
Lord to clarify if the dream was from him. In the next 3 days, I was without a
doubt certain that he was calling me to motherhood--to adopt a little boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, you can only imagine the thoughts
running through my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm
single. I live in Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work
to educate orphans, not take on full care for them. How am I going to do this
alone? When will I know that I've found my son? Is he already born? But the
Lord is faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time, he
answered different parts of my anxiety and worry in a gentle way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even gave me a name to pray over:
Elijah. Although I was staying obedient and waiting patiently, I went through
many doubts of whether this is actually what the Lord was calling me to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWzFHgrCniYa47MNI-9TQGJacY8KC0JbzGnb4xUtjz-sxkaSgc-pvE5mlvzBHGvdKqxp47EBKUY_TK03tLtRaefuUwt2cAxBCSIDfFyfwVslAzR9XOzZS8SktBCIbDPH8UxHNJ7CbFb0/s1600/IMG_0299-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWzFHgrCniYa47MNI-9TQGJacY8KC0JbzGnb4xUtjz-sxkaSgc-pvE5mlvzBHGvdKqxp47EBKUY_TK03tLtRaefuUwt2cAxBCSIDfFyfwVslAzR9XOzZS8SktBCIbDPH8UxHNJ7CbFb0/s320/IMG_0299-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">On May 15th, I saw this picture of the sweet boy
from the orphanage I visited in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I looked at the picture, the Lord said, “Megan, this is what Elijah
looks like.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was confused,
because I wasn’t sure if the Lord was actually telling me that my Elijah will
look similar or if this boy was actually Elijah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't say anything to anyone yet, but a few hours later, my
roommate brought her computer to me with that exact same picture and said the
exact same phrase, "Megs, this is what Elijah looks like." That’s
when I felt this could possibly be my son.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next day, I went to visit him. The Lord instantly connected my heart to my son. He IS the boy I’ve been praying for. When I saw him, held him, played with him, and looked in his eye, I knew that it was my Elijah. Although that was not his birth name, the Lord placed it on my heart to change it too Elijah. I’m very excited and humbled that the Lord has chosen me step in and care for this sweet boy!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWDLciCcSTg-77MGqK5OlV30HtTwmnvVIRkpt5u4_gK6vOEF40BUQq5miDn3rGnk-XWkCTneahmCZIDRI6rPT9EzwKqebvC_cH6gGHPzw4cBXcawWENp57Xfbq7pKOQCBfYgqPRtKz8M/s1600/IMG_0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWDLciCcSTg-77MGqK5OlV30HtTwmnvVIRkpt5u4_gK6vOEF40BUQq5miDn3rGnk-XWkCTneahmCZIDRI6rPT9EzwKqebvC_cH6gGHPzw4cBXcawWENp57Xfbq7pKOQCBfYgqPRtKz8M/s320/IMG_0150.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The process of adoption in Zambia is a long and
hard road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many steps and tiny details
that are not laid out specifically on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This makes it very hard to get the right paperwork with the
right documentation to finalize everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, it took me 3 months to finalize paperwork just
for fostering him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as I’ve
said, the Lord is faithful. He has
walked ahead of me each step of the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">On August 7<sup>th</sup>, Elijah came home with me, and yesterday my sweet son turned 4 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is such a joyful and clever boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is strong, content, nervous, scared, excited, but is now being loved
the way God intended for him to be loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is going to be a powerful man of God—he IS anointed. He has already
begun praying and speaking with authority, like a pastor would. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> Although the road
ahead of me is long, bendy, and bumpy at times, I know it’s the straight and
narrow path the Lord is calling me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I am truly blessed that the Lord would not only
call me to provide a home and a family for Elijah, but, to also work for Family
Legacy, a ministry who provides support and families for hundreds of orphans
within their home country. As of now, I’m taking one day at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what the future holds, but
I intend to stay in Zambia as long as the Lord calls us here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Malachi 4:6 is the verse the Lord has given me
for Elijah:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and
the hearts of children to their fathers.” </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Even in the small amount of time I’ve known my
son, I’ve seen this verse displayed in his life. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><b>He will be the man of God he is called to be, in Jesus’
name.</b></span></div>
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Wrapped up after his first bath time at home!</div>
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First car ride!</div>
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Off to Pre-School!</div>
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My Little Aggie!</div>
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Mommy and Eli!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Precious Baby Boy, I see SO much of Jesus in you already.<br />You are home.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-65512705194849053982012-07-08T02:34:00.000-07:002012-07-08T02:38:24.630-07:00Do Not MoveThe devil wants me to be shaken. The devil wants my faith to falter. He wants my trust in you to be broken. He wants me to move. He wants me to budge. He wants me to step away from your will. He wants to shake me up. But <u>I DON'T WANT TO MOVE</u>. I will not. I refuse to be shaken. I refuse to be moved by him. The one who ravages this world with evil, hatred, greed, entitlement, abuse, sickness, destruction is the SAME ONE who HAS to bow before you because of YOUR name. King Jesus, I will not move. I will not be shaken.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I am a sinner, redeemed and set free, who reflects your LOVE, your POWER, and your RIGHTEOUS ANGER for the orphan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
However, wherever, you want me to fulfill my call, I'll do it. My life is yours. I belong to you. Your sacrifice set ME free, so my life will be a sacrifice for you. It doesn't make sense to other people, but it's not supposed to. I am foreign in this land. I am living in a world that I can't call home. A place surrounded by hatred, evil, wretch, filth, brokenness. This world is evil. This world is ravaged by Satan, but I am not.<br />
<br />
I am YOUR vessel. The one you chose to remind GENERATIONS of people that your name is worth remembering. To remind them that <u>we were all orphans</u>, but you saved us. To remind people that your name is the <u>only</u> one that promises eternal life. To remind them that living their lives with only themselves in mind will result in an eternity of hell. To remind them that <u>only your name</u> can give peace, life, love, worthiness, faithfulness, and trust. You chose me so that I would choose YOU when I don't understand why things of this world happen.<br />
<br />
<b><u>You chose me to reflect YOUR truth. To reflect YOU.</u></b><br />
<br />
And rescue is coming. Thank you Lord.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I will not be moved. I don't think I could. I don't want to move. And I don't think I should. I don't want to move. No, I don't want to move. I don't want to move. And I don't think I could.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The costliest of costs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The deadliest of loss</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The wonder of the cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Breath of life that stops</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The hope of heaven bought</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The wonder of the cross</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The wonder of the cross"</span></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-17863071406033628072012-06-19T08:34:00.002-07:002012-06-19T08:48:42.898-07:00A Little Girl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Allow me to paint a picture for you:</b></span><br />
<br />
The road before you is rocky. The dirt is thick. At 8 years old you walk at dusk, holding the hand of your little brother. You know this path well. This happens often--you leading him along the avenues through your neighborhood. Even though you do this all the time, that familiar fear still consumes you. He's not walking fast enough, but then again, he never does. You drag him along quickly, and your heart begins to heavily pound. Your mind starts racing, "I thought I had more time this afternoon. I wish auntie hadn't asked me to get the water so late again. Why does the sun have to set so quickly?" You quicken your pace. Still a mile left to go. You round the corner as darkness floods the street. The recognizable sound of loud rap music coming from the tavern reminds you of that dreadful night 3 months ago. The vision fills your mind and your pace rapidly increases. Those drunk men whispering in your ear to come with them. That they would treat you real nice. That you would be safe in their house. As you pass the tavern, there is no men tonight, but you picture them sitting at the porch, as they did 3 months ago. You remember the smell of beer on their breath. You hear their promise of money if you just came inside the bar. You remember that large, damp hand on your back, under your shirt, as one tried to pull you toward him. Your strength is nothing compared to these men. <br />
<br />
<br />
As you are pulled into the bar, one of the men sit you on the chair, and places your bucket of water on the table. His hand touches your knee and you immediately feel that something is wrong. As he looks back laughing at his friend, you take your chance. You push the water bucket at him and he stumbles back, in a drunken stupor. The water spills on the floor, you grab the bucket, knowing you will be whipped if you go home empty handed, and you run. Tonight, as you relive the events that took place, you thank the Lord that your brother wasn't with you that night. How would you have gotten home safely with him dragging on like he is now? Night settles in and you see your neighbor coming out of the outhouse after bathing. Seeing her wrapped in her towel reminds you of your auntie's reaction when you came home with only the bucket and no water. You picture her standing at the door screaming at you for spilling the water. You watch as she gives your portion of dinner to your cousins manipulating you into believing that your clumsiness is the result of no meal that day. The more you try to explain, the louder she gets. "HOW are we supposed to bathe now? You wait til your uncle gets home you little brat. He will surely have something to say about THIS." As she strikes you across your face, whips you on your back and kicks you out the door, all you manage to think is, "At least it was only a few hits tonight." When she hears your 1 minute version of the event, she responds by saying those men were only joking. They weren't going to hurt you. You are stupid for feeling fearful. Who would care about you anyway? You focus in on the present to stop your mind from reliving the abuse you received from your uncle that night.<br />
<br />
<br />
When you get home, dinner is finished and your portion has been eaten. Your auntie explains, as she does many nights, "If you only got home sooner, you could have eaten. It's your fault that you didn't walk fast enough." You don't respond because you know that your words won't mean anything. That night, you sleep with your brother in your lap, leaning against the wall of your living room. The room is no bigger than the bathroom outside and the cold of the night settles in. With no mattress, no blanket, and no pillow, you bring your little brother close to hopefully create some body heat. You fall to sleep, only to wake up screaming. Another nightmare. This time it felt real though. You actually felt the flames as you watched your mother die.
Today is Saturday morning. You are sitting outside washing clothes, when you see 2 of your neighborhood friends pass by with new, bright, red t-shirts. You can't abandon your chores, so you keep washing. Around 12 hrs, you run to find your friends. You ask them about the red shirts. They say it's from a place called Camp LIFE. You don't understand but you wish you could see such a place. When you reach home, your auntie says to go look in the trash pile for an old bottle to use for a candle. While you are walking on the trash, you hear someone call out behind you. When you turn, your two friends are standing with an older lady. She asks you what your name is. She asks you to come to a building called, "Lifeway Christian Academy." The lady follows you to your house. You hand auntie the bottle, and the lady talks to her for some time. She asks the auntie if you can come this afternoon. You know that she never cares what you do or where you are as long as you bring home water, and do your chores. So a few hours later, you leave the house. You set off for this building. As you get closer, you hear voices of other children like you. You can't help but wonder where you are going. You see a crowd of children up ahead. At first you are nervous to come, but some of them have the red shirts on, so you feel safe. When you get closer, that same lady sees you. She waves and smiles. You smile back. Your heart starts to feel warm--a feeling you never experience. She calls out your name and you raise your hand. You come closer and she puts a strip of paper around your wrist. It says something, but you can't read. She tells you to come back to this place on Monday morning at 7 hours. You hear her say that you will be going to "Camp LIFE."<br />
<br />
<br />
As you walk back, something inside of you has hope. Monday morning comes and you meet another lady from America. For the next 5 days, you soak in everything you can. She tells you that there is a God and that he loves you. She teaches you about the armor of God, and that it can withstand anything. She tells you that no matter what the devil, your enemy, tries to throw at you, God will protect you. You tell her about that terrible night. About your aunt. About your uncle. About going without dinner. About the nightmares. About your little brother. About your parents dying. About you sleeping on a mat. About being cold at night. You tell her everything that makes you sad. And she prays. Boy does she pray. With all her heart she cries for you. For you. NO ONE has ever cried for you before. She hugs you. She puts you in her lap. She wraps her arms around you. For the first time in your life, you feel loved. You feel warm. For the first time, you feel human touch that isn't abuse. You love your new friend. You get a picture with her and you bring it home and tuck it in a safe place. On Friday, you receive your very own red shirt. You wear it home with pride. As the next day comes, and the next and the next, your normal routine begins again. But this time, it's different. When your aunt tries to hit you, you whisper a prayer and she stops. When your uncle tries to come at you with all his might, you whisper to the Lord for help, and he stops. The lady with the strip of paper begins to visit you. She enrolls you in the "Lifeway Christian Academy", which you find out is a school. You've never been to a school before! You start learning more about Jesus. You start hearing and even speaking English. You see your teacher every day and she really cares about you.
A few weeks later, after fetching water, you walk home with your little brother singing the songs from camp. A smile crosses your face. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the first time in your life, each day is worth living.</span></b>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-74211870893909066552012-05-27T04:20:00.002-07:002012-05-27T04:25:44.879-07:00A loving Father and His humble daughterThe other day I was at the Tree of Life school (Faith Christian Academy), visiting the teachers and checking on uniforms for the children. I was walking around as I normally do, while hearing, "There's auntie Megan" from the children in their classrooms. I passed each classroom in both blocks of the school. As I turned the corner, I saw my sponsored boy, Joseph, down at the end of the walkway. It's just another normal day so I didn't expect much from him after seeing me. But I got a beautiful image that surprised, humbled, and comforted me.<br />
<br />
Since, I moved here in 2010, Joseph has gone through a long range of emotions. He has gone from excited to shy to embarrassed to entitled to humbled and back to joyful again. I have seen him shy away from me in front of his friends, and I'm not going to lie, the rejection hurt a bit. I've seen him feel like he deserves more because his sponsor lives and works here. I've seen him sit humbled at church while I rubbed his back during the service. I've seen him excited to see me when I scoop him up and tell him how much I love him.<br />
<br />
But that day, something happened that hasn't happened since July of 2010. He saw me from down the hallway and just started running. His shoes kicked up dust while his smile beamed light. He locked eye contact with me just before he jumped into my widely spread arms. He cuddled in my neck like there was no other place in the world he would rather be. And he did this without a thought of who was watching. Without a worry that he would get teased later. He just ran.<br />
<br />
While I was holding him in my arms, I felt the Lord say,<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"THIS is how you should approach me, sweet daughter."</span><br />
<br />
So many days I wonder what other people will think if I take a radical step of faith. <br />
So many mornings I wake up and fix my hair wondering only about my day and about my list of things. <br />
So many nights I fall asleep worried that the Lord wasn't pleased with my actions that day. <br />
So many minutes of my day are filled with doubt, excitement, embarrassment to claim Jesus in a radical way, worry that one day he's going to let me run in my sin, entitled to a better life since I'm sacrificing and living in a 3rd world country, humbled that he chose me. <br />
<br />
And all along, he simply says,<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Run to me, my daughter, with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Just run."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
I love when my heart is radically touched by one sweet moment. It may last for just 30 seconds, but it's 30 good seconds of an image of my God wrapping his arms around his humble daughter. It's a sweet time that should occur every day, every hour, every minute as we live in this world that is not our own, proclaiming a gospel that was written just for us by a Father who loves us unconditionally.<br />
<br />
What a beautiful picture.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-90816482957780708682012-05-06T01:27:00.001-07:002012-05-06T01:27:57.340-07:00My cry to you, Oh Lord.My sweet LORD,<br />
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Oh how I long to be in your presence, to sit before your feet. To truly rest without the sin of this world in and around me. Father, I wait for you. I wait anxiously for you to come--I know it's soon. As hard as it is to be away from home, I trust one thing: You are faithful. You know more than I know. You see more than I see. Your ways are so much higher than mine. I belong to you. I desire for you to use my life to glorify you alone. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness, forgive me for my anger, forgive me for living half in the world and half out. Forgive me for my doubt, my guilt, my complaints, my shame, my filth.<b> Jesus, </b>on my knees I pray that you would <b>make me a reflection of you. </b> Move me. Guide me. Use me. Break me.<br />
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I see your love for these kids, I feel it. Holy Spirit, consume the homes of these sweet children. Prepare their hearts even now to be radically changed at camp this summer. Lord, rock them, shake them, move them. Lord DELIVER them in YOUR name. <b>Father, I pray that your army will literally rise from the ashes</b>--that these children will stand in your name, strong and mighty. That you will hand them your sword, place on them your belt, protect them with your shield, and seal them with your helmet. Cover them in your love. Jesus, FIGHT for your children.<br />
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I pray with all my heart for the volunteers. I pray that you would shake their very beings. I pray that you would open and soften their hearts. Remove the wall the devil has created before their eyes and ears so that they would see the reality of your kingdom here on earth. Open their eyes to see the brokenness and pain, but ALSO your love and your spirit deeply invested in this country. Jesus, hand each of them the task to be YOUR hands and YOUR feet while they are here with these kids. Speak to them in a clear voice. Bring them to their knees before you, that you would show them your glory. Lord, USE them to build your army. USE them to accomplish your task. USE them to fight against our enemy for your kids. Lord, penetrate their hearts with your hand. Show THEM how much you really love them. Consume their hearts. Rock their world.<br />
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You are everything. You are never changing. You are faithful. You are Abba. You are worthy. You are power. You are strong. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You are love.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Break every chain. An army is rising. In your name.</b></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-79632442143067039282012-05-03T04:17:00.002-07:002012-05-03T04:17:56.554-07:00A called teacher...When we started all of our schools, we began interviewing people for teaching positions. I'll be honest and say that it's really difficult to find the right teacher for this job. With orphaned and vulnerable children in your classrooms, it's quite hard to find those who truly love the orphan. We battle the mindset of those who only want a promotion, a contract, more money, or a job for the now. Our schools are on the private sector of education, so we also battle the government wages and benefits. But, we've decided that we will not just take any person who will work for a private school--we want to find the right person for the job. However, searching for the right person is literally like searching for a needle in a haystack.<br />
<br />
Last year, we would sit in interviews all day and find ONE person. This passed December, Kathryn set in days and days of interviews to find 4 or so. It's not easy. But it's really neat because the one's we do find, we know were handed to us by the Lord. I remember our first day of interviews. We interviewed 7 candidates and we managed to find 1. Just when we starting doubting that the right people are out there, the Lord brings us a sweet lady named Edna. Edna now teaches at the Tree of Life School and is one of our best teachers across the board. She truly loves these kids. She travels a very long distance to come to work each day, and every time I see her she has a pep in her spirit. She longs to see improvement in our children. My sweet boy Joseph--who I sponsor at the TOL--was in her class during term 3 of last year. He would always say how much he loved his teacher Edna. She would call me and say that he talked about me in class that day. And not to brag about my boy or anything ;) , but he finished as number 1 in his class! On teacher appreciation day last year, Edna sent Kathryn and I a text to say how much she appreciated us and that we, as teachers, are shaping the world. She is the right person for this job. Once Kathryn and I interviewed her, we knew that our standards were set for a reason. Our faith was strong. But as time dragged on, we didn't find more Edna's every day... or even every week.<br />
<br />
However, the Lord is faithful. Because of His provision, we have found teachers who went to school in Finland and China, who worked for the International School of Lusaka and college institutions, who visit our children's homes to check on their home life, who don't take no for an answer and fight for these kids. One of our teachers said that his student came to school one day crying. When he asked what happened, she said her grandmother was sick and she was scared that she would die (her grandmother is the only one taking care of her). This teacher used his lunch time to walk to her grandmother's house just nearby to pray for the grandmother's healing and give her a small amount of money so she could eat something. Stories and stories and stories very much like this one has happened over the course of the passed 4 months. God truly has handed us angels to teach these children.<br />
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Even as I stand now, we are short teachers. We need those whose hearts are STRONG, whose love for the orphan is HUGE, whose call to being a teacher is from GOD. We need those who know how to teach and love doing it. I ask that you pray with us as we continue to search for the RIGHT teachers. The Lord will bring who he wants to serve the children He loves. He will hand us more and more teachers who stand beside the orphan and fight for them with us.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pray that He will open the gates and flood this place with teachers who are called to serve these orphans.</span></b>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-74223785313982743812012-04-14T00:25:00.008-07:002012-04-14T01:36:12.422-07:00I Am All He Says I Am<div style="text-align: left;">A couple nights ago, my roommates and I set in my room talking about the day. I wanted to show them the song called, "Times" by Tenth Avenue North since I had forgotten about how incredible the words are until I heard it recently. After the song was over, another song began to play and before I knew it, we were worshipping with everything we had. One powerful song after another played loudly and the presence of the Holy Spirit was thick in that place.</div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>When one specific song came on, tears streamed down my face. It's called, "I Am All He Says I Am" by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe. The words are so overwhelming that I just wept for His children--the ones sleeping in the street just a few short miles away from where I sit worshipping in the safety of my home. My mind was flooded with images of children stepping out in the middle of the road trying to flee this earth--children severely struck with sadness and pain. The 4 of us called out for our Lord to rise up angels to surround the children wanting to take their own life just to get away from their present. We wept for them. We cried out for them. We stood in the gap for them. I truly believe that there were hundreds of children that the Lord surrounded with His angels that night.</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Often times when I think of Lusaka, the only word I think of is "work". With 15 schools, over 3,000 children in our sponsorship program, 250 children being taken care of full-time by us, so many additional homes being built, I am stunned and overwhelmed by the great things the Lord is doing here. Often times, though, there tends to be a lot of back end work. I don't get to play in the compounds with beautiful children every day. I see them as I drive by but then I leave so quick and my mind is focused on what I have to accomplish that day. To be honest, I often lose track of who I'm here to fight for. The Lord reminded me. And I have never felt more like a warrior in His army than when we blasted this song and sang with ALL of our might, weeping for the beautiful faces running through my mind. I AM A WARRIOR in the Kingdom of God. My roommates are soldiers next to me and we are watching our Lord build His army of orphans to battle the enemy until He returns. It's an amazing amazing thing.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>One of my roommates said, "Just picture the Tree of Life children shouting this song at the enemy." Chills ran through my body. The children who live at our children's village come from the worst backgrounds--little girls who were defiled by their stepdads, little boys severely beaten and driven into the "family business" to make money instead of finish their education, Onesta at the age of 9 being placed in a mother's role to take care of her little brother George, a girl being placed in a corner and hot knives being thrown at her, a boy being taken advantage of by a man down the street who was involved in satanic rituals.</div><div><br /></div><div>THESE are God's children. THESE are the very children making up HIS army. And I can hear their shouts to the enemy, "I AM NO ORPHAN ANYMORE. I AM ALIVE. GET BEHIND ME SATAN, BECAUSE I AM A CHILD OF THE KING."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTHpjCaAUaJBLX7r1TApviHvDWr6lHpyEmM2FntIaEGDP6-dxxD_C8IzwiS4bg47pthCzcJylc0w2yrhR80G9jv9K2PESeE-IXddGZrg7fGE66fWEfVFaN3VbviH3Pzxnax2YHlS2X4w/s320/IMG_0105.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731162755675941586" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneu8wCzKL16E77nclnoipcMENX0v6NJMYM4nCOgvLxFGLzWT5CYXyGyN8TZMAFyuBsSUBH3pLk4mLOL2f87-ApYjlKZJM3c0IY4pg-qflQzjFQNTVAwkmSoBNc4jFqlThw24sWhC3UEM/s320/IMG_9838.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731163342241665074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-MmYLNVvw7ueYJRYviSS1s_Foim-xRcdrvoy2wtpVxPI0mSybcBXKH4l3cDJjTg9MHhiy481_aOtnsjoR5Bi7-4yY2-g4HFmSX19EIMuZ5E_QIsZs7665jp9Khqf0-0rnq7aGQc7ZcI/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731164161927504114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></span></div><div>I am humbled to be the one to see the prayers of so many others answered in these children. I stand to fight for them. Continue praying, because I SEE YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Camp LIFE starts in 6 weeks. There will be 7 weeks of intense spiritual development, and intense time spent with these kids. I BELIEVE that the Lord is bringing the children that need to be rescued. The theme is POWER. And I believe with all my heart that the Lord is going to MOVE MOUNTAINS for these children. PLEASE join me in prayer for them. FALL to your knees and CRY OUT to our Father on their behalf. I believe the devil is near but God is infinitely stronger. Pray pray pray for these babies. THEY are ALL that He says they are... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">NO orphan anymore</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs6m2HOplWL5dW-2gbRynC0D6b0d_Z-RxadsXRaVMmS1oBg2_uUiij_RaPJAnLvmqmEcyu5g-_iz0Yg0rsZDxMrMg2Zu0zas7mKRTP5OiRUoTN09bOB_6a7ArFz5nHpQnblNOqwtkudA/s400/IMG_5160.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731171835087668306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">All He Says I Am by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He whispers in my ears, tell me that I'm fearless</div><div style="text-align: center;">He shares a melody, tells me to repeat it</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it makes me whole, it reminds my soul</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am all He says I am, I am all He says I am, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am all He says I am, and He says I am His own.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was blinded by the scales upon my eyes</div><div style="text-align: center;">And He came like a light and burned up all the lies</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh He say me free, He reminded me</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am all He says I am, I am all He says I am,</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am all He says I am, and He says I am His own.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chains are broken and scales are on the floor</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Truth is spoken, I'm NO ORPHAN ANYMORE</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; ">Chains are broken and scales are on the floor</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Truth is spoken, I'm NO ORPHAN ANYMORE</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; ">Chains are broken and scales are on the floor</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Truth is spoken, I'm NO ORPHAN ANYMORE</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">No Orphan Anymore</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am loved. I am new again</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am free. I'm no slave to sin.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm a saint. I am righteousness.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">And I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I'm alive.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am all He says I am, I am all He says I am</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I am all He says I am, and He says I am, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">HIS OWN.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></div></div></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-19058061760021092952012-04-06T23:38:00.007-07:002012-04-07T00:47:09.780-07:00It's Not About Us<div>Over 2,000 years ago, a man prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane awaiting a fate that even he knew he had to accomplish. A fate that resulted in him dying an excruciating death in order for every person on earth to live. He, our Savior, fell before his father and said, </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;">"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>Knowing death awaits him, he stood to face his betrayer fully prepared and willing to fulfill the will of His fathers before his own. Let me emphasize this, <b>he chose to fulfill his father's will before his own.</b> What if Jesus, at this point had said, "Alright Dad, I feel like you want me to do this, but I'm not sure I really want to die. I mean, it's going to be painful. I'm going to have to sacrifice my entire life for this. You're asking too much from me." And walked away. Where would we be today? In wisdom, obedience and love, our Savior stepped up and said, "It is NOT my will that I seek, but YOURS alone."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How would your life be different if you sought the Lord's will for your life before your own? I'll tell you one thing, you would be blessed. You would be serving a faithful God and he would bless you. Your life would hold more joy than you thought you would ever experience. You would sacrifice a lot, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">but every piece would be worth it.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Our Savior sacrificed is entire life. He carried the cross in terrible heat, getting lashed on the left and the right with whips. He wore thorns that pierced his skin and sent streams of blood down his face. People either turned their faces or were personally involved in the beating. Even one of his disciples denied him. He was mocked, spit on, and struck multiple times. He was literally nailed--his hands and feet--to the same wood he carried. He hung feeling the full weight of his body--the FULL WEIGHT OF SIN--all for us. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">His crucifixion was for us, so that our life would be lived for HIM ALONE.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> He, an innocent man, died willingly for so many guilty others. His earthly mother knelt below him weeping. He was taken to a tomb where guards were placed on either side of him to make sure his body wasn't stolen. 3 days passed by. His closest family and friends mourned for the Son of God, the Savior of all.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">But the best part of the story is yet to come. After 3 days passed, a great earthquake happened and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. The angels appearance was like lightning and his clothing was as white as snow. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">The stone that had once set before the tomb was rolled away. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">When the women showed up at the tomb, the angel said, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#330000;"><b>"Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:2</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Do not miss this. Our Savior died for our sin, but he ROSE AGAIN. He is a living God. He is never changing. He is sitting at the right hand of God the Father as I type this. Even death could not conquer him. He is power. He is love. He is our Savior.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">And who do you live your life for? This life we live on earth is temporary. It is not home. It will never be home. And soon, we will not longer be here. But an eternity awaits for those who follow this man. Those who lay their life down for him. He is not silent. Every day, I wake up and hear his voice--feel him guiding me. And I'll tell you what, even in sacrificing my friends, family, and the comfort of living in America, the Lord has given me more joy than I can ever imagine. HE IS FAITHFUL. My life is His. And his grace, his mercy, his love ABOUNDS in my life every single day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I was recently listening to a podcast from Gateway church back at home, and Pastor Robert talked about how the Lord promises eternal life but he also promises abundant life. If you have salvation, and you believe, you will experience eternal life when your time on this earth is complete. But the Lord also promises ABUNDANT life which happens here. If you continue believing, and you live for God alone, you will experience abundant life on earth.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">So what are you waiting for? </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Live for our Savior, the King.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> Come before him and he will wash you clean, start you afresh, and bless you in your sacrificial living for him. Trust me, I've experienced it. And this joy I feel can only come from Him alone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div>This weekend is not about bunnies. It's not about Easter eggs. It's not even about having a wonderful weekend with family. This weekend is about remembering and celebrating what the Lord has done for each individual standing on this earth. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>It's just not about us. </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lord I long to sit in your presence. My life is yours. I surrender all, my faithful God. I worship you alone. I pray for the eyes that will read this today. I pray for their salvation. I speak ABUNDANT life in their lives. I ask for you to speak clearly Lord. MOVE Lord. Shake people to wake them up. Lord open my eyes to the needs of others--that I may intercede for them in prayer. My soul longs for you Lord. My heart cries out for you. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">"My soul longs and even faints for the courts of the Lord. Lord my heart and my flesh cry out for you, O God. You're my sun and shield, you give grace and glory.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "> </span><b> No good thing will you withhold from those who seek your face. </b></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;">Just as the deer pants for the water brook so pants my soul for you O God. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;">Set my heart on a pilgrimage, through the valley of weeping I will go. I set my heart on a pilgrimage until I appear before God in Zion." Matt Gilman</span></b></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-31640495424979394732012-03-11T06:31:00.004-07:002012-03-11T07:58:05.709-07:00Miraculous ProvisionI love the Lord. I love how He answers prayers no matter how big or small they may be. Since I returned to Zambia in December, I've been praying to encounter Him in a more fierce, direct, and miraculous way. And boy has he delivered. In the midst of complete pain, my God answered my prayers. <div><br /></div><div>I have this friend. I've known him for going on 3 years now. He is so dear to me and has been for a while. He's one of those people who you always talk to when you need a laugh, but somehow can flip the switch and listen intently to your story of a hard day. Well, I thought for sure that when I moved to Africa we would most likely lose communication, but we didn't. When I came home in December, I was able to meet with him and his future wife--such a special time for me. I had hoped to see them again, but unfortunately had to settle for a simple text goodbye from the airport. </div><div><br /></div><div>Time flies when you are working so hard. It was the middle of February before I could even take a breath. I was right in the middle of the 21 day fast we were doing as a church and I got a call from Katy. She said she had to call because something big had happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>During this time of breaking my flesh every day, the Lord had told my dear roommate that "I just need to keep asking" and that He would answer. So, for the past 15 days, I had been on my face praying fervently for provision. With costs going up this year, it was only a miracle for me to get what I needed to live on. I hadn't seen the Lord move forward in providing funds yet, but I continued to ask and continued to believe that He would.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to day 15. This was the day after I found out about the death of the precious girl we loved so much. So I was a bit distracted with emotions. Katy said that she needed to call me to tell me big news because it was so very rare. I was nervous and immediately began thinking something bad had happened. Preparing myself for the worst, she said the Lord had provided 2 of the biggest financial blessings I had seen that were donated in my name. One from the same dear friend who had supported me for the past several years and the other from a man I had never even heard of--both amounting to the same number. I was shocked. I literally froze and tears streamed down my face. </div><div><br /></div><div>My God had just answered His daughter's cry.</div><div><br /></div><div>I immediately sent a message to my friend. He responded with a question, "Why is this such a perfect timing for you?" I spent the next several minutes sharing my heart. I mentioned that I had been praying for 15 days and how the Lord had been prompting my roommate to tell me that I just need to keep asking. I explained how this was completely out of the ordinary and could only be God-ordained. Then I asked, "So how did this even begin to happen?" His first response was, "Wait, you started your fast 15 days ago?" Confused at why he pinpointed the timing, I replied with, "Yea...?" (The Lord had already answered my prayer in a HUGE way, but now He was just adding bonus' to it). My friend told me that the Lord told him 15 days ago that he and his fiance should give up the FULL amount of money they were putting away for their honeymoon to me.... 15 days ago. Man the Lord blows me away.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, over the course of the next 15 days, my friend was questioned by his boss about where they were going for their honeymoon. His reply was something his boss never expected. After explaining what the Lord was calling them to do, his boss said, "Well, how about this. You give half of the money you were told to give and I'll match it." WOW. GOD IS BIG HUH? Once my friend had decided to be obedient to the Lord's calling, God blessed him tremendously. I believe without a shadow of doubt, that the Lord will bless those who are obedient. 3 different sets of people were blessed by one act of obedience. What a beautiful thing. Because my friend continued to have steady faith, the Lord blessed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh man. I just stand amazed at the King. He knows each of us, so very very well. He knows our hearts, our thoughts, our ideas, and our emotions better than anyone else--and He still loves us UNCONDITIONALLY. He calls us to obedience, and blesses us beyond measure when we answer that call with a simple, "Yes." What a great great God. HE is the Great I Am, and I PRAISE Him.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b>"The mountains shake before you, the demons run and flee. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b>At the mention of your name King of Majesty. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b>There is NO power in hell or any who can stand </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b>before the power and the presence of the Great I Am. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b>Hallelujah. Holy, Holy. God Almighty. Great I Am. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><b>Who is worthy? NONE beside thee. God Almighty, Great I Am."</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-34241184406470568702012-02-26T07:36:00.013-08:002012-02-26T13:12:12.118-08:00Man Does Not Live On Bread AloneTheme Verse for February:<div><br /></div><div>"Man does not live by bread along, but man lives by ever word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Duet. 8:3</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh man. So much has happened in February. And since it's been almost an entire month since I've blogged, I have quite a bit to share. Summary? <b>The Lord is GOOD.</b> I have seen His hand in so many events in my life, it's been unreal. He has swooped in time and time again, and it's beautiful and completely humbling.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope as you read my journal entries, you are moved and shaken by the Lord's presence. I pray that God would open your eyes, and expose himself to you in a new and challenging way. Rest in him my dear friends. He is our comfort, he is our strength, he is our refuge. He is Lord, and our Lord is beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>February 12th</b></div><div>Today has been an amazing day. My roommates and I woke up, went to church, was filled with the Spirit, went to the market, and came home to clean and set up more furniture in the house. Our house is actually becoming a home!! I am reminded today how great community is. When the Lord places you in a community of believers to go through life together, you experience more and more of him every day. That's how I feel today. I feel like we are all perfectly content listening to worship music while we get our hands dirty. Man God is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, about 2 hours ago, I was reminded that even though life is sometimes good, it can turn hard in an instant. My roommate got a phone call this afternoon. An unfortunate one. A sweet child that we know well has just passed away. Wow. Life is so fragile. This sweet girl was 14 years old and ravaged with diseases. Diseases that she is not experiencing now. In the brokenness of this evening, I am reminded that she is dancing in Heaven. She is on the lap of our Lord. He is comforting her and she is hurting no more....but we are left behind. To weep uncontrollably, to mourn the loss of this sweet girl, to stand with my roommate as we recognize the weight of this tragedy. Man, what a turn of events.</div><div> </div><div><b>February 14th</b></div><div>It's Valentine's Day today. This morning, I attended my first funeral in Zambia. It was raw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emotional. Overwhelming. Hurtful. A rejoice. A cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We started by going to the grave site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The land I stood on was more than 30 acres- a very small portion of the massive cemetery—and graves surrounded me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As a friend put it, “It looks as though the road that was once here, was swallowed up with graves.” Each mound of dirt displayed a small sign on top with the name and date of the deceased who lay underneath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No concrete, no structure, no fresh flowers, no beautiful headstones—just mounds and mounds of dirt, which represented the thousands of people buried in that place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the gravesite, we waited for her body to reach the pavilion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While waiting, I noticed 5 holes dug within a half acre of where I stood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That amounted to 5 holes, 5 funerals, 5 different families and friends who would come to hold a memorial service for the individual they lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This entire graveyard is 2 miles long and I don’t even know how deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And in half an acre, there were 5 holes dug—and it was only 9:30 in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I couldn’t help but think, how many more are dug in this enormous plot of land and how many more families are mourning right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve said this before, but death is such a part of this culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It happens every day, every second of the day, and multiple individuals could lose multiple family members or friends within 1 week. It's tragic, it's hard, but it's a part of life. Today was my first time to be in a place like that; my heart was shaken, and my emotions a wreck.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At first, I wasn’t able to really comprehend what was happening around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I spoke with a few people for a while discussing things that were irrelevant to the present experience, in order to keep my mind from what was about to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We waited, laughing from a story I was telling, listening intently to what God was doing in each of our lives, and sharing the small details of yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If I haven’t said this before, being here in Zambia develops extreme emotion inside you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example, the other day I experienced all emotions: laughing with all my heart, jumping with joy that this nation just triumphed in the finals for the Orange Cup, displaying frustration over a specific situation, and weeping because of this tragic loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s not just me, it’s actually pretty common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Each week, I find myself completely raw emotionally and spiritually before the Lord. </p><p class="MsoNormal">After about half an hour, I went to meet the family and friends that were gathered at the pavilion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had no expectations of what would happen once I arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We got out of the car and saw many faces. I recognized one girl, and I hooked my arm around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I noticed that many family members had already made a circle around the edge of the pavilion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her casket—so tiny and bare—stood in the center, alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> The pastor who led the service </span>shared from the word, prayed over the people, and encouraged others that this sweet girl was right now dancing in Heaven—an action her disease held her back from here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many wept at these words and at the realization that this 14 year old girl should have never been ravaged with the diseases that took over her flesh.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When it was time to view the body, I held back with this girl until all other family members had passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With her under my arms, we stepped up to the casket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When looked in, she broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I held her while she wept uncontrollably in my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She buckled into my arms and shook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She wailed and clung to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kept repeating, “It’s ok sweet girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She’s with our Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span> Free from pain. It’s ok.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal">At that moment, the Lord reminded me that I am here in this moment <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">to be His hands and feet</b>—to support her while she shook, to hug her with all my might.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My Lord loves this sweet girl <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">unconditionally</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I held her to my chest just like the Lord holds us when we are broken many times in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I can only imagine what was going through her mind at that exact moment. </span>The entire time, the Lord supernaturally strengthened me for this child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He used me to be Jesus to this girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How humbling is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It wasn’t until I got to the car when I broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With my head in my hands, tears streamed down my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I guess the realization of the devil's terror overtook me. He has swept through this nation bring grief and pain to these children. I just</span> cried out to the Lord, and in that moment, my Father comforted me. I could feel his presence even in the pain of the people around me. As the devil attempts to tear people down, I felt the Lord MOVING and lifting those very people up with hope for an eternal future.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We arrived back at the gravesite, watched as her casket landed in the dirt, and placed flowers over her grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The whole time, the love of the Lord rained in that place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>4 other funerals were happening around us, and I felt Jesus amongst each group of people. </p><p class="MsoNormal">At the end, family members packed the dirt and covered the mound with flowers. It was beautiful. They were now standing for the one they lost, protecting her grave from the rains. They were standing in the gap for her. They prayed as the last flowers were placed. I watched as these people stood as Jesus would for this sweet girl.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God's love is HUGE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He really is our dad who just wants to hold us in his lap from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And He uses the people around us to display His majestic love and support. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I left in awe of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In awe of my Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His majesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His glory. His holiness. What an amazing God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">________________________________________________________</p><p class="MsoNormal">That day was an intense but beautiful day. I saw so much love from those who loved her. But just wait. After sadness comes joy. And Joy is definitely still coming. Stay tuned Folks, and you will see the miracles the Lord has performed since that day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.... a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Ecc. 3:1, 3b-4</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>And we are definitely dancing.</b></p> <!--EndFragment-->Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344541649117620155.post-27547078374181608102012-02-01T10:54:00.000-08:002012-02-01T11:43:50.208-08:00Breaking this Flesh<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOZoL8aVR6MJ0i0e53Wvc4sVGeCKBAy-fsAZAzWkmmGLsYNKiPD430LlXNrDF77ojIp_zOLFOlGnqkjlUvipHoZSPnNkDAW7Eut-X13E63fXkgT44PnDs8SKSMusun5vzdLACQpBtZ0Y/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>I started praying 2 days ago that the Lord would start breaking my flesh. My prayer continues even today to be:<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>"I want to unlearn this world.....Jesus, humble my heart, break my flesh, and restore me to be more of a reflection of you."</b></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>What a beautiful vision of a servant--to disregard the flesh on his or her body in order to glorify the Lord more and more. Too bad I'm soaked in the sin of this world. I'm not saying we sinners can't be someone who disregards the things of this world and strive for the things that glorify the Lord, but I am saying that it's not an easy task. I can't say that I've seen the answer of this prayer yet, but I know that each day that passes, more of my flesh is getting destroyed as my eyes are fixed on Jesus.<div><br /></div><div>Today I had the privilege of visiting all of the schools that we currently have up and operating. It was amazing. Although the facilities aren't complete, the Spirit of the Lord is present. He is driving this whole operation. I was sitting in the backseat of the car driving from Chawama and I noticed that Clay took a back road. Well I'm a HUGE fan of back roads--especially ones that avoid downtown traffic. :) I became so focused on which road he was on, trying to remember every turn he took so I could do it by myself next time. We ended up at one of our sites in an area of town called Kanyama. This area is one of the darkest places spiritually in all of Lusaka, and it's amazing that the Lord has not only blessed us with 1 school, but has given the funding for 3!! The Lord is so good. He loves his orphans soooo much.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of these 3 schools is situated near an area known as John Leing. I remember in 2009 when I came to camp for 2 weeks that I got a group of boys from this same area in my group. It was confusing because John Leing is actually just a small part of Kanyama, but I could never tell the difference. As we were driving through Kanyama today, I was so focused on how Clay was going to drive through the massive ponds of water that I forgot where we were. We stopped at our John Leing site and I fished in my bag for my camera and my notebook. I hadn't even turned around and I heard, "Auntie Megan, it's Auntie MEGAN!!" I look up to find 6 of the boys in my group sprinting towards me. I had to brace myself as they nearly tackled me to the ground. At that moment, a powerful, overwhelming love for them flooded my heart. I looked at each of them with a longing in my heart. I wanted to cradle them in my lap, rock them gently, hug them tightly, and tell them how much Jesus loves them again and again. I asked them a thousand questions about how they felt school had started off and if they had been enjoying it. I'll tell you this, the way they smiled in 2009 was NOT the way they smiled now. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Joy literally radiated from them.</span></b> The Joy of the Lord was so evident in that place.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOZoL8aVR6MJ0i0e53Wvc4sVGeCKBAy-fsAZAzWkmmGLsYNKiPD430LlXNrDF77ojIp_zOLFOlGnqkjlUvipHoZSPnNkDAW7Eut-X13E63fXkgT44PnDs8SKSMusun5vzdLACQpBtZ0Y/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704254247273199538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I know that I am not at all the reflection of my Lord that I want to be, but today the Lord reflected his joy out of these boys and his love out of me. It was an amazing encounter. Even as I drove off, the boys were standing at the edge of the school waving back to me. Man. My Savior is an awesome Lord.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The coolest part of today was that this same joy was evident at every single school we went to. We saw the smiling faces of beautiful orphans who were so thankful that God had given them a place at a wonderful school where they could find peace and joy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that is a reflection of the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18412656106413792118noreply@blogger.com0