Your friends....and who you are...

You know I think I am one of those very fortunate people who went to a great college and met some truly awesome people. We have been through the tough times....broken relationships, changing jobs, losing loved ones, being out in the "real world," knowing what it is like to be single, figuring out who is "the one" and who isn't. I am thankful for those people, but you know what I have come to realize I am so much more thankful for the way that the Lord has weaved and orchestrated them into my life. My friends they know me, they know what I like and don't like. They know when I need space and they know to ask the tough questions. More importantly though we have a common bond....why? Because we love kids and have a heart for being overseas.

I have come to realize that most of the time the connections that I make with people are with people that are either from other countries or have been to or lived in another country. It is not because I am an overseas snob or anything, but it is simply because there is this bond. There is just something about living or being overseas that changes you. In most ways for the better. I know that it is not for everyone, but you know we surround ourselves with people that we are most like and that have common interests. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am so thankful that the Lord made me to love kids and more than that to love African kids.

Please do not misunderstand, because I am in no way putting down any kids from anywhere else...I love them all, but my heart yeah it pretty much goes out to African kids. Two of my friends from college they have been able to go to Africa and work in orphanages and experience in person what it means to just love those kids. This week I realized that is what I am beginning to feel led to do. I think it has always been there, but God had to do some work in me first. Now do I really think it is going to be any time soon? No, actually I think that at least one or two more years are going to go by before I am in Africa...but I think I am going!

Why do we sometimes just feel this pull towards a place and we have no idea why? I think the Lord gives us His desires...I hadn't wanted to give in to those desires before because honestly giving in to the love for Africa that I have would mean possibly that I had been wrong about something and you know I don't really like to admit when I am wrong, even though I should admit it!

Anyways...what I am trying to say is that the Lord this week has reminded me that I don't need all the fancy things, or to be the most well known...all I need to do is follow Him and what He is telling me and leading me to do. I am pretty sure this is the beginning of preparation....not sure when or what...but getting myself ready by just resting in Him.