my Calling, my heart

When I was in college, I joined an intense discipleship program called Masters Commission.  I knew I would be doing ministry one day and it was highly recommended.  I wasn't sure what ministry, but knew my heart longed to help people.  While I was in the program we traveled a lot doing skits, human videos, monologues, and leading praise and worship at different churches.  We had to speak and teach sometimes too {teaches you how to completely rely on God to give you the words}.  One weekend we went to visit an orphanage.  This particular trip impacted my life more than I realized at the time.  I was praying with these beautiful young girls who were hurting, alone, they had no family but each other.  They had gotten in trouble and most had been put there by the state.  I felt God pulling at my heart that I was supposed to work with youth - particularly young girls.  I had so many questions - what happens to these kids after they leave the cottage?  What dreams do they have?  What do they want to do?  Who can help them get there?  My heart began to feel so burdened for them.  I didn't really say anything about it, but simply began to question and pray for God to reveal it to me. 

A couple weeks later, we were having drama practice which turned into a prayer meeting.  Pastor Brian walks in and starts praying and prophecying over each of us.  I wasn't praying or seeking anything in particular, I was simply in worship when he came to me.  He paused and said "there's so much fear over you, you're afraid that everything that happened in your past will come out in your future, but God says no.  He will restore and bless you.  Don't be afraid.... {he paused and just stared at me for minute}.  Then he says "I see little girls all around you.  They need you, they need to hear your testimony and what God has done in your life.  You will be a mentor and a teacher to them.  God is going to use you.  People will tell you that you can't do it, it's too hard... but God has called you to it and will work through you.  You already know this, I'm just confirming it." 

I saw this distinctly played out in my life this week.  I met with a young girl to talk and pray and I was blessed to watch God work that night in a sweet way.  I know God has amazing things in store for this young lady!  Once again, He was just confirming the calling He has on my life.  I don't exactly know what God has for the future but it's an exciting adventure!

I recently went to this week-long event called Big Stuf in Daytona, FL and it was awesome to see thousands of teenagers seeking God.  I loved watching them worship and it was great to sit down with them and talk afterwards - to hear their perspective on how they view the scripture and what they're learning.  {LOVED it}.  My absolute favorite day during the whole trip was when the Daraja Children's Choir came to sing.  When they announced it, I could not sit still!  My heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest!  All week we had awesome worship and the musicians lead us into the presence of God.  I loved it {and hope God loved it too since He was the focus}, but I did not go down front to the mosh pit every time.... however for the children's choir I was front and center!  Why?  Because int he words of Whinnie the Pooh, "they make my heart bounce!" 

The Daraja Children's choir is from Kenya and they are beautiful, sweet orphans - they have been abandoned because their parents/family members have died due to sickness or war.  They dance and sing praises to God despite everything!  They are SO precious!  I {love} them!  My heart leaps just thinking about their joy, it's contagious!!!  In America, we are spoiled with getting things our way, so fast and easy.  We complain when our steak isn't cooked correctly or when our 100 channels of cable go out.  These children live in horrible conditions with little or no family to care for them.  There are 10 yr old little boys raising their 2 year old brothers and sisters because the parents have died.  Yet... they still sing!!!  They sing and dance before God!!!  {pictures coming soon}

My heart is burdened for children and teenagers alike.... I just want to help them realize how much potential they have and for them to know their gifts and talents.  I want them to dream big and give them hope!  I would love to help kids that are struggling and in bad home situations - just to help them and show them the love of Jesus.  I know I am supposed to disciple and teach them... so that they will teach others.

I feel like God is drawing me to Africa {NEVER thought I would say that}.  He is pulling my heart to help the orphans there.  I just don't know how it will all play out but I've already got a couple of connections to get involved with an organization called Cherish.  Guess what.... they need a photographer!!!  WoOooHooO!  So I will probably be traveling some next year {hopefully} and I hope to be at different orphanages around the world - anywhere from Africa to the Dominican Republic.  I will be assisting in any way possible and will taking lots of pics to get the word out so that people in the US realize how much help they really need.  Hopefully people will give to help the kids.   {just my prayer}