Today I am thankful that:
God had a plan for me far beyond any I could have imagined for myself.
My journey to Africa is one that goes back to 6 1/2 years ago when I was in middle-school and God first laid the idea of going to Africa on my heart. Back then I didn't know details I just knew that when I graduated I was going to a baby orphanage in Africa. As the months turned into years I could barely contain my desire to hop on a plane and cross the ocean that laid between me and my dream... Me and my calling. Up until just last August I thought I was going to Johannesburg, South Africa to serve in a home for babies that were abandoned on the streets of the city. Last August God opened my eyes that the struggles and challenges that would come with being in the crime capital of the world on my own. Bad news bears! It was not long after He closed that door for me that He presented me with HIS plan: Ethiopia. In January I made contact with the family I am staying with now, at which point plans fell into place as perfectly as puzzle pieces and there was no doubt in my mind that God had orchestrated this.
Yet another plot twist. Originally I thought I was coming here to help homeschool and teach at a local preschool. I was excited about the possibility as working with kids was really where my heart was, but once I got here and we talked about moving from Chencha to Soddo I was even more excited than ever because of what moving would mean for me. Moving to Soddo opened up the door for me to do exactly what I said I was going to do all those years ago: work in a baby orphanage in Africa!
God called me to faithfulness even when I did not have all the details. He called me to follow His plan and be willing to give up my own. He called me to GO and promised that everything would fall into place. And it has. God has been so faithful, and through all the possibilities that have come and gone, He allowed me to follow my heart and serve the babies of Africa. It's a beautiful thing when life's dreams align with God's plan.
Today as I reflect back on my journey to Africa, I am thankful that God had a plan for me far beyond any I could have imagined for myself.
