Let me just tell you. If I had known I would be writing THIS post a week ago, I wouldn’t have believed you. You see, just 10 days ago I posted about how the Lord was wrecking my world and stripping me of everything I had so desired and honestly, breaking my heart a little.
I can honestly say that my only goal - my only passion - the one thing that gets me jumping out of bed in the morning - is to make Him known. And to encourage. And to serve. And most of all, to love. In whatever capacity that may be. Wherever that may be. With whoever by my side - even if I’m meant to be in it alone. I want everyone I come in contact with to know Christ a little more because of my life. My words. My smile. My laugh. My love. My small, humble offering. I simply want to leave the world a more beautiful place than it was when I entered it. And the only place I know to do that is seeking the Lord’s will - completely surrendering everything - and being obedient when He speaks.
And can I tell you something, friend? God spoke. He has directed my paths for the past six months like I’ve never experienced in my life. Let me paint you a little picture so you can understand…
Back in 2003, I knew that one day I would go to Southeast Asia. I didn’t know where. Or when. Or how long. Or why. I just knew.
2007, I get put on a team to go. It doesn’t work out.
2008, I try to get on two different teams. Neither works out.
May 2010, I try to get on a team. This time it works out. God used photography to open the door.
August 2010, I go. My life is changed.
September 2010, I make plans to go back.
October 2010, God asks me to give up those plans and trust him. What other choice do I have?
Which leads us to now. I want to preface this news with this: I do not credit any of this to my obedience or my faithfulness - because honestly, I am not obedient and I am not faithful. I am rather faithless, actually. But because my God is so so faithful - even when I am faithless - I can write to you and tell you that He has restored to me something I had desired so much.
That’s right - I am going back!
On a completely different trip and in a completely different way - which only adds to this testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness - but back to SE Asia nonetheless. I had an interview this afternoon for a team Liberty is taking in a few months and goodness can I tell you this was totally from the Lord! I walked in with an art piece I’m working on for one of my classes, and my trip leader asks me where I got the photos from. I kindly reply that I took them myself while visiting SE Asia - and her jaw kind of drops and she asks me, “Do you know where we’re going?” I didn’t - but I knew then. She then told me they were going to the exact same place I had been just two months ago.
Yes, friends. You better believe it. But I’m not even done yet! She then tells me that she and her co-leader were talking and he was saying how he had been praying that the Lord would fill one of those last 3 spots with a photographer. So once again, the Lord has used photography as an open door to missions. How cool is that?!
I am so honored that the Lord has chosen to use me to reach these precious people for His kingdom. I am excited for this journey - and am asking that you would partner with me in prayer. I completely trust the Lord to provide financially, and just ask that you pray His continued blessings on this trip.
I am so fortunate to have such a supportive network of friends and family to share these experiences with and walk through this journey we called life alongside. I am so very thankful for you today, my brothers and sisters.
Grace be with you.
