(1) Not the beginning, but where we'll start sharing our story
I've tried to figure out when this all started. It would seem it was when I started reading Kisses From Katie aloud to my children. But have you ever felt something so familiar that you were sure it wasn't your first experience. Maybe a feeling that there have been dozens, hundreds or even countless little things that all seem to fit together to form a picture you didn't even know you were looking for? I hope I'm not alone in this...but if I am then I'll do my best to give you a glimpse of what it has been like and let you look-on as it unfold.
Thus our first entry, in this beautiful real life story, I will title "Not the Beginning, but Where I'll Start Sharing Our Story ".
It was January a time of "new beginnings" and resolutions for many. For us it was a time to start another new book to read aloud with my children and the beginning of a journey we couldn't have imagined. A miraculous journey!
We were part of a commonwealth, a cooperative homeschool group -Millennial Family Vanguard. (This group was a miracle in and of itself. It had God's hand in it years before it was created -the families, the knowledge, the talents. Each beautiful individual was prepared to bring what God had given them and to share it with the rest of us. I humbly and inadequately stepped up to do my part and was more richly blessed then I could have hoped or dreamed.) Each month each family was invited and encouraged to read a book that went along with our principle or theme for the month and a continent. January's was "Kisses from Katie", "courage" and "Africa" -a divinely blessed combination for my family.
There are few words if any that could describe better how I feel about all of this and they are found in Proverbs 3:5-6 of the King James Version of The Bible: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths." This is not an invitation and promise just for me or a select few, but for you, and for all God's children that will follow this counsel.
I'll share a part of my thoughts and feelings as recorded in the copy of Kisses from Katie that we read from:
"July 18, 2018 I instantly felt a draw to Africa and a work like this -going to change the lives of those in need and ultimately having my/our lives be changed by God even more- in a way I have never felt before. When my children verbalized it a short time into reading I shared that I had felt the same. We learned about the whole world this year and found LOTS of places we want to visit and vacation/tour, but Africa -we want to LIVE there.
When we looked into a specific opportunity at the time is seemed like a real possibility. By May when we checked again it was clear it would not work for us. There were now requirements for a 2 year commitment, degrees, and funding. Had I missed this before or had it changed? I guess it didn't really matter. I tried to accept it couldn't happen and to let the dream go. The difficult things was that I still thought of it often and felt drawn to it as I studied from the scriptures, attended church meetings, and worshiped. It was everywhere: when I was cleaning, exercising, doing daily tasks, driving.
During this time I had the chance to visit with my good friend, Nikki, that I don't get to talk to as much as I would like. Somehow Africa came up and the dream of going there to do service, and that it seemed that the door on that had closed. She then told me of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Alicia, that spent 2 1/2 weeks in Africa the beginning of the year. She texted me their contact information, pictures, and the contact information for a man in Ghana that helped coordinate their service trip, It opened my mind to the possibility again and my soul thrilled..." I can't begin to express my gratitude to Nikki for all she shared that helped rekindle this dream and all that help she has given since.
He, Heavenly Father, is directing our path as we trust in Him!
Thus our first entry, in this beautiful real life story, I will title "Not the Beginning, but Where I'll Start Sharing Our Story ".
It was January a time of "new beginnings" and resolutions for many. For us it was a time to start another new book to read aloud with my children and the beginning of a journey we couldn't have imagined. A miraculous journey!
We were part of a commonwealth, a cooperative homeschool group -Millennial Family Vanguard. (This group was a miracle in and of itself. It had God's hand in it years before it was created -the families, the knowledge, the talents. Each beautiful individual was prepared to bring what God had given them and to share it with the rest of us. I humbly and inadequately stepped up to do my part and was more richly blessed then I could have hoped or dreamed.) Each month each family was invited and encouraged to read a book that went along with our principle or theme for the month and a continent. January's was "Kisses from Katie", "courage" and "Africa" -a divinely blessed combination for my family.
There are few words if any that could describe better how I feel about all of this and they are found in Proverbs 3:5-6 of the King James Version of The Bible: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths." This is not an invitation and promise just for me or a select few, but for you, and for all God's children that will follow this counsel.
I'll share a part of my thoughts and feelings as recorded in the copy of Kisses from Katie that we read from:
"July 18, 2018 I instantly felt a draw to Africa and a work like this -going to change the lives of those in need and ultimately having my/our lives be changed by God even more- in a way I have never felt before. When my children verbalized it a short time into reading I shared that I had felt the same. We learned about the whole world this year and found LOTS of places we want to visit and vacation/tour, but Africa -we want to LIVE there.
When we looked into a specific opportunity at the time is seemed like a real possibility. By May when we checked again it was clear it would not work for us. There were now requirements for a 2 year commitment, degrees, and funding. Had I missed this before or had it changed? I guess it didn't really matter. I tried to accept it couldn't happen and to let the dream go. The difficult things was that I still thought of it often and felt drawn to it as I studied from the scriptures, attended church meetings, and worshiped. It was everywhere: when I was cleaning, exercising, doing daily tasks, driving.
During this time I had the chance to visit with my good friend, Nikki, that I don't get to talk to as much as I would like. Somehow Africa came up and the dream of going there to do service, and that it seemed that the door on that had closed. She then told me of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Alicia, that spent 2 1/2 weeks in Africa the beginning of the year. She texted me their contact information, pictures, and the contact information for a man in Ghana that helped coordinate their service trip, It opened my mind to the possibility again and my soul thrilled..." I can't begin to express my gratitude to Nikki for all she shared that helped rekindle this dream and all that help she has given since.
He, Heavenly Father, is directing our path as we trust in Him!
A great place to start :)
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