Okay, the excitement has worn off... some. Besides, I am tired and ready for bed, and Jonny is sick, and I if I don't get some sleep while I can I will be a grump standing in the DMV line waiting to get Adam's learner's permit tomorrow morning. Out of the blue, Rachel got a letter from Ukraine tonight! A long anticipated letter from a certain boy whom she wrote to a few months ago only to have it returned marked undeliverable. How exciting is that! Though we could not read it, it was obvious that Sasha was very excited to be writing Rachel. And of course this brought up the discussion of Ukraine. Currently a few of us are considering a summer trip out there to spend time with the kidsat the orphanage and of course, Sasha. Awwww, what a wonderful thing that would be.
Though it might not sound exciting to you, this letter has opened a can of worms. So many reminders, thoughts of going back, thoughts of getting in touch with all the people we met at Anastasia and Paul's orphanage and crazy as it sounds-- thoughts of Rachel one day marrying the boy of her dreams, one that I already approve of. :)
I am reading Radical by David Platt right now and more than anything I have been asking for direction. It is inconceivable to most that I think about doing more than I am already doing raising our kids and homeschooling three of them. After all, we can't save the world, let alone I all by myself. And yet I feel a pull, a nudge.... and then this letter comes.
I joked with John-- "Look, he sent us a sign."
P.S. Have you read Radical? It will challenge you. Now what?
14 inspiring thoughts:
Ah you know, we all have different callings. For some people raising their children is all they should be doing. No disrespect intended; at the moment, I'm one of those people. For others, homeschooling, raising a family, is just the beginning of what they're called to do.
Who are any of us to judge others by our own standards? That's between God and the individual. You have a heart for these orphans and Ukraine. If that heart pulls you towards doing something more than you already do, then that's great. Not a small excitement at all!
Christine, that IS exciting!!!! Were you able to read the letter??? I hope so!!
I don´t remember Sasha from the pics from Ukraine when you went for A and P....Hmm.....
Anyway, thats my ?....Now what??
: )))
I have not read that book, but "radical" has always seemed to me to be the only way to go.... Even as a littOle girl, I thought I'd have to be a missionary. Then I grew up and all the "radicals" I met and saw were Catholic. St. Francis is quite a model! So was Mother Teresa, and so many more. Once you've chosen to be a mother - well, you have to be a radical mother. Sounds reasonable to me.
Rachael has many years and experiences ahead of her before even considering marriage. She has high school and all it offers, going away to college and opening her mind and world and then going off to start a career as a young woman. She will have the time to spread her wings as a yound woman. Marriage is something off in the future.
Christine~I have not read Radical BUT I am right there with you as we determine our next steps. Can't wait to hear more.
Congratulations in your new home!!!
Zack just finished Radical and I'm reading it now. We're also praying through some MAJOR things in our family. Will be praying for the decisions you may be facing as well!
Jenn
yes, took it to China read it until we met Elaina and haven't read a page since...but plan to!
That is exciting...I wondered if you might be going back to do some work with the kids left behind!! Do you know someone who can translate the letter for you?
yes, took it to China read it until we met Elaina and haven't read a page since...but plan to!
That is exciting...I wondered if you might be going back to do some work with the kids left behind!! Do you know someone who can translate the letter for you?
I've read Radical, and like Annie, have believed it's the only way to live for God. I hope this doesn't sound disrespectful to anyone, but for my own family, we just don't believe that we are actually praising God if we're comfortable. I believe the Holy Spirit nudges us in different areas of our lives; however, we're all called to some of the same things. The Word is clear about that. He didn't say that some of us would need to take care of orphans and widows. (And other things...that's just one example.) Also, most of America doesn't even get it. We're comfortable and we have our society telling us what Christians should look like. Just like Radical talks about, in 150 years will our descendants be looking back at us and shaking their heads in disgust? We're sitting in our million dollar churches with our [collective] million dollar homes and cars. We have access to medical and food and education. We have freedom of religion. Even our homeless live in luxury compared to most of the world. If you have air conditioning, you're in the wealthiest 1% of the world. Okay...I'm on a tangent now, but it's just hard for me to hear people say that they're doing all God's called them do or that what they're doing is enough. For me, I will never be able to 'do' enough to repay what He has done for me...I will never be able to give enough, but if we all do, it will be enough. Did you know that what Europe and America spend on fragrances each year, we could ELIMINATE sanitation and hunger problems for EVERYONE in the WORLD?!?!?! So, being comfortable is not okay as far as I'm concerned.
As far as you, you're obviously doing a LOT. Maybe you're not supposed to be doing more in the same area you've already been serving....maybe you are? I'm just saying that just because we've done a lot, it doesn't mean there are not other areas on which we can still concentrate. So, I think you're AWESOME for stepping outside your box and listening for His voice!!!!
Nope, we sure can't save the world.
But, we might as well try!
Faithfully and obediently obey the voice of the Father--"this is the way, walk in it."
I know we are not done. Praying for the Lord to place a special needs child into our home.
Blessings from the mama of a crazy family,
S
It is interesting to read about your transition to homeschooling as I believe we'll be transitioning next year for some. I meant to share last week, but I got overwhelmed...we met the little boys who will be wearing Rachel's scarves last week. Wishing we were able wrap those scarves around them and bring them home now, but there are a few months left. Anyway, we have pictures posted of them last week if Rachel is interested in seeing the little ones she knitted for :) God bless, Jennifer
That IS exciting! I'll be honest I thought you were going to say you were going to have an exchange student from Ukraine this summer, but your news is actually closer to the heart and very sweet.
YES!!
I did read that book and God has so stirred my heart. What to do with it all, that is the question!?!?
So much my heart desires to do, but it starts right here with the 12 disciples the Lord has place in our home. It is my desire to instill a love of God's Word in their hearts and for them to see how real Jesus is and how He speaks to us through it. We are going through the Bible line by line, verse by verse and it has been a HUGE blessing. We are also going through "Window on the World" which discusses the different people groups around the world and how God is moving and how to pray for them.
God has been bringing people into our lives who just need to know Jesus. We have had several in our home and to church with us and it is exciting to see God moving in people's lives.
So much my heart yearns to do but God will bring it in His perfect time.
I'm a little late commenting here, but it seems to me that commentor Tine has a rather closed mind to be forcing a path on a young lady who may be called to other things. Marrying young isn't for everyone, but neither is college and career.
I was so very blessed that God sent me my husband so young. I married at nineteen and have not once regretted it. Nor have I missed the college scene or a career outside the home.
My sister is in college with plans to become a doctor, which I fully support. She was lamenting not finding a good guy when I reminded her that if it was God's will for her to become a doctor then He was no doubt being merciful by keeping Mr. Right at bay so as to not be a distraction right now.
We all have different paths. Please don't close doors on the futures of young ladies so by trying to fit them all into the same mold.
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