The Best Laid Plans

For as long as I can remember, I have had a plan. That is, until about four years ago when God started chipping away at certain parts of my heart.

When I was little, I planned to be a veterinarian. My childhood friend and I were going to live next door to each other. Our houses were going to be connected by a slide so our children could play together. Don't ask. That was the plan, and it sounded like a pretty good one until I realized how many math and science classes I would need to take.

When I was in high school, I didn't have a "plan" until my junior year (even though most of my friends did from the moment we started our freshmen year.) I decided that I wanted to major in criminology. It's something that still fascinates me, but somehow I did not turn into Mariska Hargitay on Law & Order SVU. But I have realized that I am still fascinated by the show and their stories because of what they do: helping people in their most traumatic times of need.

I still have plans—Scratch that. I have goals, but they are the passions and dreams that the Father has placed in my heart, but obviously, some of the plans I have had, have not turned out like I would have thought. This happens from time to time because once we start to plan, we begin to become comfortable and complacent. And sometimes, that's when God steps in and starts to stir things up because He doesn't want us to plan. He wants us to trust Him with everything. Every single little detail, and with that comes faith.

People often ask me what I am doing or where I am going after the Dominican Republic. And, I often look at them, shrug my shoulders and tell them, "I don't know." Because I don't. Yes, I have plans and desires to settle down, marry, have children, and even adopt. But I slowly learned that I could not "plan" those things. I can have the passion and desire, but I have to trust Him, and He knows what is best for me. I have plans and desires to travel, with my spouse, to other countries, like Africa and India, and work there for a time, to build up a ministry and pour into people. Whether it's for several weeks or months at a time, I do not know, but those are my dreams and desires. I have the desire to one day maybe campaign against sex trafficking in Washington D.C.--to be a voice for the voiceless, but those are just "plans" because, as the Father says, "I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." (Jeremiah 29:11-14 MSG)

And so, right now, I find myself looking to Him, praying, listening, and waiting…

Things to PRAY for:

• Please continue to pray for energy as we go about our busy day as well as for good health. Many of us have been "attacked" recently with rare health issues. Please pray for a covering over us all.

• The girls were supposed to start Prepara last week, but that fell through. So we are now back to square one, planning and trying to find an accredited teacher to help our girls resume their formal studies.

PRAISES & BLESSINGS:

• Last month I bought my ticket to return to California in June/July of next year!!

• A few weeks ago, the girls created a Praise & Prayer wall. Every day they write out prayers and praises, and we tape them to the wall.

• We now have a dance teacher that comes to the Home every Friday for two hours. The girls love it, and it’s just another way that they are learning to express themselves.