Manuel and I went camping this past weekend and it was awesome. We really needed a rest, which was evident from the large amount of sleep we got. We ate, slept, and read, the perfect vacation! I loved getting up in the coolness of the morning and starting breakfast, pancakes, bacon, eggs, with some starbucks coffee. It was so relaxed and peaceful.


Manuel and I would sit down to eat and then do our morning devotions and watch the chipmunks and squirrels race around our campsite in search for food and hiding places for their newly found lunch. I didn’t think them so cute, however, after I woke up from a nap and found more than half our bread eaten and a huge hole in the bag. That night we had burgers wrapped in bacon instead of bread.

Watching the lake, the stars, and the little furry animals, I realized again why God really does deserve so much praise. Romans 1 :20 says “for since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Have you ever felt like you were not where you wanted to be?

I cannot tell you how many times I have thought, I wish I was there, wish I was doing that. The reality I’ve come to see is that no matter what it is I’d rather be doing, if I’m not content with where God places me, if I always want to be at the next step in His plan, I’ll never be content.

As most of you know, Manuel and I have a heart to reach this generation of leaders inside and outside of America. Most of you also know that Manuel has been blessed with an amazing job that allows him to do just that. He is the intern direct at Global Passion Ministries and more recently has partnered with Book of Hope (now One Hope) to take on their interns as well. What that will end up looking like we have yet to see, but its exciting none the less. His job not only allows him to make training this generation his top priority, but allows him to travel both in the US and abroad leading students into a deeper relationship with God. As you can imagine this is something only God could have orchestrated and Manuel and I are SO excited for where we are headed in the future of the internship, as God NEVER ceases to surprise us.

I have been privileged to help out as much as I can getting the interns prepped for their 2nd year of training overseas, but as you can imagine, my heart is divided between my two jobs (I also work part time at a local tax firm). I love the people I’m with, they remind me each day that God loves people in America just as much as those in India, Africa, or anywhere else. I have had many opportunities to share my testimony and that just increases my desire to impact my workplace all the more. I do, however, often have that feeling that I want to be in ministry full time. Manuel and I have frequently talked over the reasons why or what we need to do to change my situation…but we always conclude that we are right were we need to be and the Lord will move me when He sees fit and we’ll have no doubt its Him. What I’ve learned from this season, and will continue to learn, is often pointed out to me by others, as I am unusually hardheaded (All of my family members are aggressively nodding their heads in agreement right now). As Paul states in Romans 9, we are simply the clay. There is no vase or pot that would say to its master, “Why have you made me for this purpose? I desire to be a cup or a plate.” No, instead the master chooses what He desires it to be and the vase or bowl simply fulfills that purpose. Do I always sing for joy when I realize what God asks of me? No, sadly not every situation is what I would have picked, but what I’ve seen Him do in situations where I’ve been obedient to do as He’s asked, be it to stay put, or move, has changed my character. And THAT my friends, is worth my pain or frustration EVERY time.

True Compassion

Yesterday we visited a special needs orphanage. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before to say the least. Children mostly, mentally and physically handicapped; limbs shrunken and twisted, faces deformed, speech unrecongnizable. I couldn't bring myself to take pictures, and I hope I can put into words the experience in full.

I realized later that night in our debrief with the team, that I felt for the first time a true sense of compassion. We all felt like crying in pity for these children as we walked from room to room, but the Holy Spirit, knowing that tears could not mend, filled us instead with compassion. Smiles were on our faces as we loved on these children, most confined nearly lifeless to a bed. We put bracelets on their twisted wrists and fingers, touched their hands, and rubbed their backs, praying silently. As we moved from each child, smiles soon came on their faces, noises which were clearly distinguished as joy and appreciation filled their voices, and I prayed that God, in a way only He could do, would let these children know Him for who He truly is. That someday they would run freely, laugh out loud, and embrace their Father in Heaven. Remembering Him as their only hope on earth.

Some would say how could a loving God allow such pain, but somehow I know that all will be revealed in the end. That the testimony of those children will tell of their trouble, but also that at the heart of life not much is needed. Not occupation, not possesions, not plans for the future. Only a hope in Jesus. For if ever I questioned the existence of a loving God, my experience at that orphanage forever removed all doubt, for His love was evident to all. I will never forget those faces, innocent as they were, and can only trust that the love of Jesus came through.

A Glimpse of Nigeria

Women's Ministry Appreciation Day: Part of a special song

Small Group Bible Study at a SU Camp (scripture union)

SU Camp with their Book of Hope

Driving through Lagos: