You Got Mail

In November of 2011, I decided to support a child who lives in another country through Compassion International.  I had many opportunities to do this in the past but could never bring myself to actually make a commitment. But, this time around I figured it's now or never.  As I looked at this table full of children who needed support, I did not know where to even begin.  I honestly wish I could have supported them all but at the moment, that was very unrealistic. So, I prayed to God to show me which child I should choose.  I started looking at all their birth dates to see if anyone had the same birthday as me but of course there was nothing. Then after about 25 minutes of looking, I saw a little girl who I thought kind of resembled me as a young girl. I picked up her portfolio and she just so happened to have the same last name as me. Right away I knew this was the child I would support for the next 11 years (since I plan to support her until she is 18)!

I was extremely happy to finally have made a commitment to something that I am passionate about.  As many of you know, I visited Haiti back in 2009 and my heart fell in love with missions. The mission fields that I am particularly interested in are countries overseas that are not able to be blessed with freedom of religion, running water, food and economical wealth. I have encountered first hand the pain that third-world countries face and I continue to find myself headed down the road of a missionary.

Being able to support my child, Joana, who currently lives in Brazil has truly been a blessing. I feel as if God is still using me as a missionary even though I cannot physically be in another Country serving.

GREAT NEWS! Today, I opened a letter from Compassion International and it happened to be from Joana :) I was so ecstatic to hear from this little girl that God has placed in my life.  She wrote to me about her family, what she wants to be when she grows up, and some of her favorite things.  She also included a bible verse which she wrote in her native language, Portuguese... 

Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

It literally brought tears to my eyes to receive this letter because I feel like God continues to send blessings along my way. These past few days have been a bit rough and discouraging because of situations that have happened around me but I was reminded by a 7 year old girl today that God is here, he is my strength. 

My purpose here is to serve my Heavenly Father. I have encountered what it is like to live for everything but God and it eventually brought me destruction.  As I see so many of the ones I love go down the same path that I was on, it breaks my heart.  The world is full of false hope that leads people to believe that they can fill the emptiness inside with whatever makes them happy. But don't people realize that the happiness they feel with these worldly things is only temporary?

I live for a God who gives me everlasting happiness regardless of my life situations. I struggle every day but it is okay because in my weakness, I find strength.