Living Inspired.

"He's Got Something Up His Sleeve...Except It's Not A Rabbit."

I know, I know. I haven't written in almost three weeks. Shame on me as a blogger. From the busyness of the mission trip, I had little time to sit down and write an overview of each day. I would first like to say thank you for those you prayed for me, the team, the people we ministered to, and everything in between. Your prayers were answered in extraordinary ways and I felt the presence of Abba everyday.

When I back to Ukraine in January, I felt a strong urge to go and serve somewhere here. I knew that God did not lead me to this country to only give myself to this family, but to these people. However, I had no clue where to start. I spent hours everyday looking for opportunities with organizations, churches, humanitarian aid, etc. I became discouraged as I found that no trips matched the dates I needed. A connection with Samaritan's Purse came up, so of course, I went after it. I assumed that this was "it." This was my golden ticket. Confession: when I typed that, I thought of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. You know, the scene where 'Grandfather Joe' is skipping around the room in his night gown. Disturbing.

Back on a serious note, one of my biggest dreams was to pass out shoe boxes with Samaritan's Purse. I convinced my heart and mind that this was a gift from the Lord. He had heard my prayers and put a cherry on top...just because He loved me. All my thoughts and energy were centered around this. Just when I thought things couldn't get better...MY plans came to a halt. It didn't work out. After this "no", I was finished. I told myself that maybe it's better that I just continue to serve in this family.

That's when He revealed what He planned for me...

 Isaiah 55:9 (Message)

"I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work.' God's Decree. 'For as the sky soars high about earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think."  

That's when a friend from Operation Mobilization very casually asked me if I was interested in going on a mission trip in April. I was so amazed. I was so humbled. I was so overwhelmed. Even though His spirit is among us (even when I think about it, He's sitting beside me as I'm writing this blog), I still looked up at the clouds, smiled and whispered, "Thank you, Papa."