My last post was right before I went off to another country for two weeks. It was such a wonderful, yet very challenging experience for me. I've decided not to go into the ins and outs of the experience. For now I just want to spend some time on when God got a hold of my heart and ears while in Africa, and the upcoming change in my life.
At one point on my trip I got very sick. It is very typical for travelers...but it was new for me. During one of the hardest days I was in bed while everyone else was gone. I had a bathroom in my room, praise God. I was very weak and suffering from dehydration. Yet God used that time to confirm some things in my life.
In short--just a few things: God did not need me in Congo. I was not given a task or a heart string pulling of approval to look towards full time ministry on the field. In fact--God brought to mind all the ways I was currently obeying and serving Him back home.
Next, children--God showed me during my time how much His heart beats for children. I noticed more when the children needed love or care. I saw how those in the villages we visited would take on caring for each other's children. It didn't matter whose they were...they just made sure the kids were where they needed to be.
God brought that to my mind--take care of children--it is my heart.
I have been praying about my desire to be a mom pretty much all of my life. I thought it would come when a godly guy took notice of me, pursued me, and we were married and started a family together. That desire has yet to be fulfilled.
About eight years ago I started praying about foster care. I grew up in a loving healthy home and I saw how that experience could prepare me to love and nurture others. I requested information from family services and received some very generic information in the mail. Since that time I've continued to look to God to see if this was what He wanted.
To be a single, full time working mom...is not the ideal for any child. Yet--God has been showing me that for some children--having a healthy, single care giver--is more than what they currently have. So I have been battling this idea for quite some time.
But in Africa--the Lord really tugged on my heart when I was at my worst. He showed me how others cared for me and how He would never leave me nor forsake me. He reminded me of passages in Scripture that talked about children coming to Jesus.
So when I got back after a few weeks...I decided to move forward and look towards foster care. I am now finished with my training and am waiting to be licensed. I have been informed by the licensing director that as soon as July 4th I could be certified and ready to receive children!
So now I am continuing on in the work God has given me. I keep my cell phone a little closer than normal just in case I get a call asking if I would take a child or children. I am nervous and unsure about many things. But I do know that if this is God's delight...it ought to be mine.
I am delighted to announce that I will soon be a foster mom! May God's love be portrayed through me-His adopted child, as I provide safety and care for those future little ones God puts in my protection.
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