Emmanuel. . our God is with us . . .that is the name God has given me for this journey He has graciously allowed me to take. Not only for this journey, but the transitioning to the next chapter of life.
These several past days have been a combination of emotions: excitement, anxiety, fear, love, joy. Despite how I feel, God is with us, and He has made that so evident through the prayers and love from the community in my church, school, and Sioux Center community. To think that Jesus, Emmanuel, came from His throne to live among us. . .to literally be with us. . .is a hard-to-believe-yet-I-believe beautiful truth.
Today, while trying to write my philosophy of education paper, the beautiful woman who told me about Sarah's Covenant Home sent me this (I shorten for respect to her):
"OK. So. When you get there. there is a child, age 9 or so. . . She was taken from darkness to light. She has a story of horrific abuse in her young life. Her eyes look angry and scared and dead on her pictures. I love her. I ache for Jesus to heal her and give her light and joy and hope. . . I need to just love her from here, through those who are going there. . . She has HIV, and Hepatitis, I think, and likely more. I love her. Please, Wendy, would you try to see her and if she will let you, please give her a hug from her auntie in Iowa. Please tell her that I love her and that Jesus loves her. Tell her not to give up on love.
The little guy who had heart surgery recently, his name is Max on the blog....He's about 1 1/2 years old. . . Please kiss his soft cheeks for me and remember how they feel so you can tell me later, ok? . . .(other beautiful description of children) Please kiss him, too, and pray that God would heal him so that he could get up and walk. OK. That's it for right now. I'm sure there will be more. . . "
I cannot believe I have the privilege to do this! Seeing Nikolyn's heart for these children; seeing picture of these happy, beautiful children; the hugs, love, tears, prayers from my roomies, youth group, sisters, and brothers have been a blessing and given me hope!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! I cannot wait to experience Emmanuel in the Home. Be encouraged by this Christmas (that I strongly believe should be sung all the time!) song:
- Safe travels (leave on Wednesday morning and arrive to Hyderabad on Thursday evening and then travel overnight to the home).
- Peace for myself and my parents as I travel
- For His boldness and His love through me
THANK YOU!
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