God Closes Doors, But Opens Better Ones

Many unexpected things have happened this week, and I have taken a ride on the emotional roller-coaster. I have wanted to return to South Asia since the day I left in October of 2010. I thought the opportunity had arrived when I found a christian organization going to an orphanage in late August of 2011. All seemed to be going as planned in the beginning, but then things began to change. After hearing the stories from the field about the leadership of this organization my church leadership felt that it would be most wise not to go with this organization. I completely respect their judgement and opinion, so I cancelled the trip. The refund is still being processed, and I am still unsure what will happen. After realizing that I was not going I began searching again. I found only 2 other groups going that worked with human trafficking victims. Thanks to the sweet family that I live with (The Nichols) letting me tag along to a family reunion I was able to visit the organization in GA. They are stationed in GA, but work mostly in South Asia. However, their store is in Georgia where they sell jewelry and other products that are hand made in South Asia. When an item is purchased 100% of the money goes directly to the girls. This is a completely volunteer ministry. I had the opportunity to sit with the founders of this organization. It was wonderful to hear their heart for the women. They shared some shocking statistics with me. Every day 200 women and children go missing. Just in one of the cities alone 28 girls go missing each day. The majority of these women and children are forced into being sex slaves. I would love to go on a short trip with this organization ASAP. However, I am realizing how self cenntered all of this sounds. Even in this post there is so much I and me. Makes me sick! Here I go again, but I have got to realize that this isn't about me. My life isn't about me. It is about something much greater.
I am reminded of 1 Peter 1:13 and humbled by its truth.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The preparing myself for action seems to be in the process, but being sober-minded... Probably not because I am not even sure if I know fully what that means. The setting of my hope fully on the grace tht will be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. It seems as if "my" hope is out of focus. It's really only about the revelation of the King, but is this what my life reflects?...
Lord,
please let my life be only for you. Use me however you will, and where ever you will. Just please use me for Your glory.

Sweet glimpses of Jesus.

Ok so... First blog post ever... No clue what I am really doing here, but I just want to write sometimes. So, this is where I will write.

Throughout everyday life we often have glimpses. There are glimpses of many different things, but the greatest glimpses for me are those of Savior. So I title this blog just a glimpse. A glipse of my thoughts including what I am learning, and a glimpse of my heart.

There are so many things that I miss about South Asia, but the Lord gave me a sweet glimpse today.
I went to Starbucks today for study for this HUGE exam I have Monday.... Not the best idea for be because I am often distracted by people. I had been here for maybe an hour when this couple walked in. My first thought was I wonder if they are from South Asia, and when the husband bobbled his head back in fourth (instead of a head nod up and down to mean yes, in South Asia they bobble their head from side to side) I knew they were. The lady (Mary)came and sat down at a table near me so of course I had to ask... " Do you mind me asking where you are from?" She said Birmingham first, then said that she was originally from South Asia, but had been in America for 14 years. We talked for a while, and I shared a little with her of how I had been to South Asia, and was planning to go back to minister in an orphanage. She told me how she was traveling from Atlanta where she had dropped her son and daughter off at the airport. She was sending them to visit her sister in Houston. Then her coffee was ready, and she and her husband went to sit at a different table. Only for a few minutes, and then they were gone. However, as they were leaving she stopped to hold my hand, and said "it was nice to meet you." She didn't shake my hand, she just held it as she told me goodbye. This is one of the sweet things that I noticed about the culture while I was in SA. The ladies there often hold one each others hand when they are expressing kindness, encouragement, or gratitude. It reminds me of the way Christ is constantly holding us up with His right hand. Isiah 41:10 says "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
So thankful for this moment. So thankful for little glimpses of the Savior in everyday life.