A Voice from the Cupboards

Now before you go dialing the doctors number thinking I'm crazy, hear me out.  In our kitchen at my dad's place are several cupboards where we keep baking essentials, bowls, cups, plates, mugs, and randomness (doesn't everyone!).  But amidst all of these is something (or several things) that can be overlooked.  And believe me, for many years, I did.

They are words of wisdom, encouraging sayings, Bible verses, and positive outlooks...

This may not seem like much to someone who just opens our cupboards, but those who know our family will recognize the handwriting of a love lost...my mother.  These are words of her heart written on colorful 3x5 index cards, cut out of magazines, and copied out of books and poems.  They are her voice whispering in my ear if I'll only listen.

It's amazing how, although she is gone, and has been for some time, she still encourages me, guides me, and cheers me on.  Whether it's a family friend telling me, "Your mom would be so proud," or the words she wrote so long ago meeting me in the kitchen on my way to make a simple cup of tea, she has left a part of herself here, her heart, her words that she held most dear encouraging me to do something she, too, would've loved to be a part of, and she still is...even if not in the physical sense.

While home, it was a little discouraging to be away from the girls, the ministry, and the people I have grown to love like family.  It is most certain that my heart was left in Ireland, but my mom was still speaking to my heart through those words, written with love and no way to fathom when or why I would need to hear them, but that I would need to hear them nonetheless.

She always was my biggest fan, and even today, years after she has gone to be with Jesus (and Rich Mullins--that one's for you Aunt Kim), she helped me put things into perspective, have a Jesus-outlook, and press on towards that which God has etched onto my heart...Ireland.

With that said....

Excitement is in the air!  I have recently received my 2013 UK Visa in the mail!!!  Although this is not the time frame in which I anticipated it happening, I can see how God had more to put towards the ministry in my longer-than-anticipated time State-side.

Several churches and organizations have voiced their support through prayer and financial partnership, I have been able to see many dear friends and family that I wouldn't have been able to see had I been home for the mere 2 months I previously anticipated, and God and I wouldn't be as close as we are now.  It really has been a blessing to be home State-side and get to love on the people God has placed in my life, but it is now time to say those tearful, bittersweet goodbyes that tear at my heart, but make it beat fierce with excitement at what is to come.  This time next week, I will be in Ireland, I will be reunited with my heart, but more importantly, the people God has entrusted me the privilege of loving, caring for, and experiencing life with together in a way I never would have anticipated, but God knew would be the only way to give me purpose, fulfillment, and joy at this time in my life.  I praise God for what He is doing both in me and through me and pray that He continue to never stop seeing a use for me.  At times you would think, when life gets tough being away from all that is familiar, that I would get frustrated, but the opposite happens, I thank God for opportunities to grow, because in all things, one thing remains...He is with me.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'M BACK......well, almost :)