overwhelmed

So, to say that I am overwhelmed is a complete understatement. Lately I have been overcome by God's goodness in my life and I think it was in preparation for what was to come. I still am filled with the Joy of the Lord, but I have heard such sad things this weekend that my heart just hurts. Our dear friends are here visiting from South Africa. It has been an amazing blessing to have them in our home and hear the incredible story of God's healing power in the lives of those the community center is ministering too. When I say it is unbelievable, I mean, really mean, it is TRULY unbelievable. Along with the good there is also the unbelievably bad. I am forced to wrestle with the reality of knowing what I know now. And just as I did before I will NOT forget. Don't know what God will do with the disturbing knowledge that I now possess, but I know I will forever be changed. Glad I serve a God big enough to handle it all. Lots to pray about.

I am humbled to have been just an itty bitty part of the ministry over there and thankful that God laid it on our hearts so many years ago to commit to support the Seed of Hope. Like Karen said last night, 'my heart is in Africa'.

But I just have to laugh though! :) When I was a child I was TERRIFIED that God was going to call me into mission work in Africa. I remember waking up, weeping at the thought. It was usually after a missionary had come to share at our church, telling us all the crazy stories about scary snakes and savage natives! :) Fun to think back and realize that God was even preparing my heart back then. I like to think that God is up there giggling a little bit. He MUST have a sense of humor!

So, this morning I walked in on the most beautiful sight. Owen had woken up from a nap a bit early (Zinhle and I had been talking a bit too loud :) ), when I heard Zinhle sneak into his room to try and comfort him back to sleep. Then I heard her take him into the room where she was staying and get a book out to read to him. There they were, sitting on the bed together, enjoying a book and I was just overcome with emotion. Owen was listening so intentely and enjoying every moment. I love that God is the God of my boy and my friend Zinhle from across the world and that LOVE is translated through any language and any culture. After peeking in and witnessing this precious moment, I headed back to the kitchen to finish the dishes while tears filled my eyes and joy filled my heart. God is SO good. I wish I had the time and space to tell you how amazing Zinhle's story is, but just trust me when I say that God is most certainly good!

This weekend will forever be etched in my memory as a life changing weekend. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my sister's in Christ from so far away. What a blessing, a complete blessing! :) God is good....everywhere! Just wish people were too. Lots to pray about these days. :)