I am sitting down to write this entry and at the same time I am reflecting on all that has happened to me, my family, and my faith over the last 12 months. A little over a year ago, I left on an amazing journey to Africa. A few months ago, my husband returned from the same journey. It sounds simple, but only God made it that way – we were nowhere near leaving our street much less the country!
As the mother of 2 young children and a stay-at-home mom, how do you convince yourself that the world is bigger than your cul-de-sac? How do you assure yourself that your family can survive without you for almost 2 weeks? How do you face the challenge of being without your support system – going on a journey alone?
With the gift of hindsight and experience I can answer boldly that you simply DO IT! When God speaks directly to your heart there is no way to quiet the emotion. You can make excuses and try to wiggle out of your discomfort, but it will not disappear. I am so thankful for that – believe me, I tried to run.
I accepted God’s calling and went on a mission trip to Kenya last August (2008). During my stay I realized so many things:
1. The world is a VERY big place!
2. Joy is not something that comes from wealth and/or comfort. It is the gift of faith and God’s incredible grace.
3. God gives us all special gifts and we can use them not just in our homes but on the other side of the world!
4. When God sends you on a journey it does not stop when you get off the plane.
I learned so much about myself and God on this trip. I survived and I have spent the last year SEEING the incredible hand of God. My husband, that merely nodded his head at my endless stories a year ago, has now returned from the same experience (just one of the blessings from my faithfulness!).
I anticipate what God has in store for both me and my family in the year to come. I am motivated and encouraged to accept His guidance – Yep, there it is, the familiar thump in my heart – Do you feel it too???!!!!!
Rebecca MacNeill
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