Well. How else do I say this. I think I know where I'm meant to serve.
Kenya.
As crazy as it may seem, God just gave it to me. First it came up in a book I was reading. Eli and Katie headed off to Kenya together in "Coming Attractions" by Robin Jones Gunn. Then my mom brought me home an article about a major leader in Kenya tweeting to people in surrounding villages. Then I saw this poster on onedaywithoutshoes.com...
I was like, "Okay, God. You trying to tell me something here?" And I really think He was. Well, is. So I've started researching. The statistics are horrifying to say the least, but I honestly cannot wait to get over there and just hold kids. Is that weird? I suppose not. But I've got two more years of high school left until I can, so the least I can do is learn about what's going on.
8 percent of the adult population in Kenya are infected with HIV-AIDS, leaving 1.2 million kids who have lost one or both parents. When this happens, many kids end up in the streets, exposing them to violence, crimes, drugs-- sights they shouldn't have to see. Others end up staying home to take care of sick family members, look after their younger siblings, or work to provide for them. If they do have the opportunity to attend school, most of them are denied it because their family can't afford to send all of the children.
The physical needs are the obvious ones, but these children have been left with emotional wounds that need healing, too. I'm definitely not qualified for the job, but I'm willing. I saw this quote on Pintrest once that said something like, "God doesn't call the qualified-- He qualifies the called." Then there's the 116 Clique song that always comes to my head-- "Send me, I'll go! Lemme go, lemme go!"
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:
Who should I send?
Who will go for Us?
I said:
Here I am. Send Me. [Isaiah 6:8 HCSB]
I'm getting tired of going through the motions. The mundane day-to-day tasks. Empty religion. I'm ready to follow God wherever He takes me. If it's Kenya, so be it. If I never have a husband or kids to call mine, so be it. I want a genuine relationship with Jesus like the one James talks about.
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. [James 1:27 NLT]
I cannot wait.
Anna, your faith and trust are incredible. You are a wonderful example of putting your life in God's hands and letting Him drive. I know it won't be easy but I also know that He has big plans to use you in crazy incredible ways. God bless you dear.
ReplyDelete:D :D I'm sooo happy for you!!! I've been praying that He would lead you on whatever path suited His plan, and looks like he's answered! Lol, that's like my theme verse for this year.... Isaiah 6:8 :) Love. that. verse. anywho, just so you know who I am, I'm the missionary to japan wannabe who asked you the creepy question of "how old are you?" ;) just felt led by Him to share in your joy :D your sis in Christ,
ReplyDeleteRach <3
Oh WOW! I really love this post! Really thought provoking. Thank you so much for taking your time to write this!!
ReplyDeletehttp://lovebeyondallwords.blogspot.com/
See my latest post, it might just include you! :)
♥Sarah
Anna, this was truly inspiring. I read your 'forever alone?' post and then this one. I love how determined you are about what God is calling you to do-- to get up and do something in stead of just hoping for things to change. Honestly, I have had a feeling for a while that God might be calling me to missions work, but I think I've always had that thought in the back of my head. You know, the thought that says 'but then I won't have the life I always dreamed of'. And yet inside, I know that whatever God has planned for me is what I need to do. Thanks for putting some good food for thought into my head.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there's a book you might like (if you haven't already read it) called 'Kisses From Katie' about a girl out of high school who moved to Uganda and is now living there permanently with 11 or 12 adopted daughters. I haven't finished it yet, but what I read of it was really good!
-Lindsey
ah, i'm not too inspiring. that would be Jesus. :)
Deleteand if you really think He may be calling you to mission work, i strongly encourage you to praypraypray about it. then pray some more. i can't guarantee He'll give you a straightfoward answer like He has me, but if it's His will, He'll definitely show you- He has a way of doing those things. ecclesiastes 3:11 says 'He has made everything beautiful in its time.' i'm sure He'll reveal His plan for you soon enough. :)
one of my friends just told me about 'kisses from katie' the other day and offered to loan it to me once she's finished with it! sounds rad.
so, if you let me, I'd love to come with you. As you know, already ;)
ReplyDeletewe'll both be 'mommies' to kids in Kenya....how fun will that be?!?
lovelovelove always and forever,
~Lily
of course you're coming with me, silly!! and it will be fun! nonono. it'll be the best thing. :))
DeleteWorking with orphans in Kenya would be so much fun and just an amazing job! It definitely sounds like God is trying to tell you something. Whatever and wherever your calling is, I'm sure you'll do great things! :)
ReplyDeleteanna, this post inspires my life.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog from 'Kisses form Katie', and my name also is Anna!
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me SO much!
May God bless you were ever He leads!
♥Anna