Alright–I have an AMAZING, CRAZY…blow your socks off God story…BUT–I can’t share it YET. It’s still in the works–and the really, super, duper, cool thing IS…YOU can be a part of it.
Right.
Now.
As most of you know–Richard and I are in the process of adopting from China. The Lord has provided for our adoption in an amazing way through Richard’s business (SO thankful!)…but our hearts feel so compelled to cheer other families on who need to do fundraising in order to bring their little ones home. SOOO…maybe you aren’t adopting from China–OR you aren’t adopting at all…but you would absolutely love to be a part of a miracle adoption like this one. And THIS ONE…well, let’s just say this story/situation/little girl is extra special. Like truly melt-your-heart, do a happy dance, jump for JOY…MIRACLE special!!! Like…we have seen the Lord answer prayers over and over…and now we see an amazing answered to prayer–and we get to join them in another miracle…watching God raise the funds to help them bring home this little princess!
Right now–our goal is to help this AMAZING family who is stepping out in faith fund their home study! And once they are completed–and other paperwork is done…then the story can officially be shared. But FIRST we need to help them raise money to complete their home study and first leg of their journey!!! Would you prayerfully consider buying a shirt for just $25 (includes shipping)???!! I can promise you this–for those of you who buy this shirt…in a few months when we share the entire story of how the Lord worked in their lives, how the Lord called us to pray for them before we even knew them, how so many events in their lives led to NOW…you will be wearing that shirt with SO much joy that YOU got to be a part of this AMAZING miracle!!!!
The shirts will be on PRE-ORDER for $25 (includes shipping) until NEXT MONDAY! Rico Suave and I are coordinating the shirt printing and the family will be shipping–SOOO…you can expect your shirt to be delivered 6-8 weeks after (allow time for printing and shipping). LOOOOVE this shirt and the story behind it…and so thankful for all of you who join us in helping this sweet family!
You can buy the shirt HERE on their daughter’s blog.
And SOOOO thankful to Mike Hren of Hren Design!!! When I shared a bit of the story with Mike–he wanted to be a part of this miracle TOO…and designed this shirt for them!!!
Guys…you just NEVER know how God can use us–EVEN through the blog world!!! We might as well use ALL things for His glory!! IF you know families who have a heart for China, have adopted from China, or might like this shirt–will you pretty please with ice cream on top share this with them???!!! AND if you end up buying a shirt–will you pretty please let me know! We JUUUUST got some MORE Wiphan Cookbooks IN! SOOOOO…I’m going to do a little fun give away with a cookbook and a few other fun things! SO–leave me a comment if you buy a China shirt (they are Anvil regular fit Tshirts)–and I’ll let y’all know on Monday the fun give away too!!!
P.S. I told Sarah when I talked to her today that there are hundreds of people praying for her. She said, “REALLY??!!!” And then there was a pause. I asked her if she was still there–and she said she just couldn’t believe so many of you were praying for her. She was taken back–and thankful. She wanted me to tell you all thank you for praying for her. I told her you all were also praying for the children–and she said they were doing well, they are back in school and please keep praying for them. Many blessings to all of you serving and running this race with us!!! Truly, we are so thankful. What a JOY to do life with you in this way!!!!
P.S.S. I made this tonight for our guests…(YUM!) I told Sarah I was making it and she laughed at me…she doesn’t believe I can cook because I’m always drinking Fanta and eating potato fries when I’m in Africa (potato fries = safe)
You can find the yummy recipe in October’s issue of Southern Living OR right here. (Thanks Nancy for helping find that link!)
P.S.S.S. Y’all have a great Wednesday!!! It’s going to be a great day!!!
P.S.S.S.S. I have ANOTHER miracle story for you this weekend. We are the house of miracles these days:) LOOOOVE seeing God work in new and amazing ways!!! SO THANKFUL for His continued goodness in our lives!
Sweet, sweet Sarah! Praying for her and her children.
Kathy Geurink -October 18, 2011 - 11:56 pm
I dont know u personally yet..but God is using you via your blog to do some Mountain moving in my heart, Thank you
Amy S -October 19, 2011 - 12:07 am
Hi Andrea, I’ve been reading your blog since the CTC retreat last year but have never commented before. We have 3 kiddos (2 bio, 1through adoption) and are in the process of adopting again, this time from china (our son is at MBHOH)… So of course just LOVE the shirt and the story that goes along with it! Our hearts are there too. Had to order one for me and one for my hubby 🙂
ooooooooh what a blog post full of teasers! I can’t wait to hear what God’s been up to this time for you guys! 🙂 I plan to buy a tshirt after payday this weekend.
My family is praying right along side you for these precious families! Thanks for sharing.
Robin Chalk -October 19, 2011 - 10:35 am
I just bought a t shirt because how could I not when my own son and daughter-in-law are also waiting to adopt, and a part of my heart is in Ethiopia praying for the baby(s) God has planned for our family? Thank you for giving us a way to be part of this other family’s miracle, and I can’t wait to hear the story you have promised us!
Kimberly -October 19, 2011 - 4:35 pm
Love the shirt – Love the opportunity to give – thanks for connecting us to so many needs/ways to help!
Kimberly -October 19, 2011 - 4:36 pm
PS – I bought one! 🙂
Wendy Jackson -October 19, 2011 - 6:47 pm
Thanks for sharing the story and allowing us to help this little miracle happen! Your blog is one of the highlights of my day!
Count me in! As you know, I left a piece of my heart in Hong Kong. Heading over to buy my tshirt now. Cannot wait to hear what God is up to!
Love & Blessings,
Kim
I’ve been hoping to buy some cookbooks for gifts! Are they going to be available on the Wiphan website? Thanks!!!
Robin Chalk -October 20, 2011 - 10:51 am
Praying for Sarah and her children. That’s so horrible to lose all their possessions in addition to Labstone. How that must hurt the heart of God to have widows and orphans treated so unjustly!
In the last week or so, I’ve been in lots of communication with Labstone’s wife…a dear friend of mine…by the name of Sarah. It’s hard for me to grasp what she is going through…losing a husband–having 3 small children left at home to care for…and as IF that wasn’t hard enough…the culture in Zambia makes it even harder.
The plight of the widow in Zambia…
After a woman loses her husband in Zambia–several things usually happen. Most of these have happened to our sweet Sarah this week. A friend. You watch your loved one pass while little medical care is done…and then the cousins, aunts, uncles of your husband from near and far show up at your door step. You are expected to feed them, care for them…all the while your heart needs to be alone or just care for the needs of your precious children.
Just days after your loss–you attend the funeral…pennies are scraped to pay for the ceremony–and everything else you have…goes to buying more food to feed the 15 unexpected guests in your home. You return to your home after the funeral–and you must cook…for all of them. Your heart aches to just sit and be with your children…but there is too much work to be done in care-taking for the family of your husband–many of them whom you haven’t even met in the 10 years of marriage to your husband. Where are the children? Are they okay? A mommy’s heart aches…
Days after the funeral–you go to court. Every family must do this–and the judge names a family member on the husband’s side the “estate owner” of what little you have left. This gives the 15 guests in your home permission to finally leave…with ALL of the things you and your husband slowly and sweetly acquired together through your years. The sofa…you painstakingly saved for so your children would have a place to sit. The deep freezer–YES a true luxury in this culture–but it meant your children would be able to have milk, meat and a source of protein as they grow. You sit there and watch as they walk out with each thing…knowing it is safer for you and your children to just sit there and watch.
As you sit, your precious 3 year old who doesn’t understand pulls your skirt, “Mama, mama! Where goes our sofa? Go get momma!”
Too many tears have been shed this last week…it’s better to just pull him close and let this go.
Hours pass–and you think all is well…but more cousins you have never met until this weekend come in. They tell you after a week’s stay they are going to be on their way. But not until they pack up the dishes, forks, table and chairs. Your heart feels as if it might climb up out of your body–and you gulp and hold back the tears. You have no option or choice. Then they come back in…walk to your bedroom–and take your bed. Your marriage bed. The one place you felt was sacred…the place that even still had that sacred smell…where you could close your eyes and pretend he was still right there…
And you stand there…with your children–and to save their hearts from more hurt–you simply say, “Let’s go…let’s go outside and play.”
If you fight back–you risk being ridiculed and beaten…and you know this would be too much for your children to hear and see. And you also know–after you are ridiculed and beaten…they will take it any way. So there you sit…just 1 week after losing the love of your life…with your 3 children…all alone.
And this is the reality of every widow in Zambia.
This is why the Bible commands us as believers in James 1:27 to “look after orphans and widows in their distress”…because He sees their distress…and He calls us to VISIT THEM…TO CARE FOR THEM…TO LOVE THEM…
I told sweet Sarah yesterday what *I* would have done if *I* were there…which made her LAUGH–and she told me that my idea would have never worked:). I’m sure she’s right. She did all she knew she could do–she watched, she took it all in and she loved and protected her children.
Because she is my friend–I want to scream. But that really won’t help. We could just send her money–but we also have to be very careful how we care for her and how we best take care of her and equip her to care for her children…for the long term. We are committed to loving her and guiding her as she picks up what little she has left…and starts all over again. If you would like to be a part of helping Sarah’s family for the long term–you can by going to www.wiphan.org and going to “donate”, choose “one time donation” – and put “Chanda Fund” in the subject line. Any donations made will go toward long-term care of her children and our doing all we can to make sure their family is okay.
What’s hard for me…is there are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of Sarah’s in Zambia. And that is why I think it is VITAL for any orphan organization to also reach out to widows in distress. Over and over and over in scripture–the Word puts BOTH of them together…because they usually come together. Single orphans are children who have lost one parent–and double orphans have lost both. Single orphans are also at risk as the only parent must leave their child some times days and weeks at a time to find work–but by coming alongside the WIDOW in distress…we serve the orphans in ways we can’t even imagine.
Sarah came to me with an idea of starting a restaurant. WHAT IF–she employs only widows at her restaurant giving them jobs to better care for the children in their care? Consistent work in the same village–and they could be home at night to protect their children? Often, I think we mull over how to serve orphans–and long for MORE people to be on the ground to help them. WHAT IF–God already placed lots of people on the ground to serve them and they are called widows…only they need to be cared for just as much??? WHAT IF–by taking care of 1 widow…you instead are really taking care of 3 orphans…or 4 or 5??? Wiphan and Tuli One homes are working together to employ a widow to care for 4-5 orphans…giving the widow a job and the orphans a caregiver who feeds them, bathes them, loves them and tucks them in at night.
Psalm 68:5 “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”
Deuteronomy 27:19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Mark 12:40 “Who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Malachi 3:5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.”
Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Isaiah 54:4-5 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”
Proverbs 15:25 “The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.”
James 1:27 “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
Psalms 68:5-6 “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.”
Dueteronomy 24:19, “When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.”
Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”
A couple of prayer requests for Wiphan as we seek to serve orphans and widows: Please pray for a family who lost their baby today to HIV and for the mother that her medications will work so she can continue to care for her remaining 3 children. Please pray for funds to be raised for the kitchen at Mapalo Center so the children can have food cooked even in the rainy season. Please pray for the leader of our schools, Donald, as he serves with much on his plate for both schools. Please pray for Kristin, our first intern, as she serves daily–deals with death weekly–takes the role as interim principle for Labstone and tries to help the new data entry program be established (giving jobs to many older orphans and widows in the compound!) Please pray the Lord would be OVER the ministry and His presence would be at Wiphan. Please pray for the protection of the orphans and widows in our program–and for wisdom of our team here in the USA as we continue to press on together in serving this community across the world.
If you would ever like to know more about how you can serve alongside us–we would love to share.
Much love,
Andrea
P.S. You must see my FAVORITE picture of Parker from this weekend. I just loooooove this picture. THIS is just who my boy is…ALL BOY…and I love catching him in the moment of his tadpole hunt:). He’s just in the moment here–and I love this kid so much my heart could just explode with joy and love for him. He has the most amazing spirit, the most tender heart and it is just an honor to get to be his mommy!
Andrea, I have been so convicted lately to care for the orphan AS WELL AS the widow. So often we leave out the latter, when God doesn’t! Thanks for sharing and compelling me to do more.
Thanks for once again opening my eyes! I am in tears for this sweet woman and her children. What a blessing you are to so many! I would live to travel to Zambia one day!
Rory -October 17, 2011 - 10:54 pm
I.had.no.idea. I am sitting here stunned. I knew it was hard. I thought I understood…but this just leaves me floored. Makes me so mad that the law allows for family to treat family that way. It is just unfathomable. Well, even though I’ve never met the Chanda’s, they are part of my eternal family. We can do more. My two year old does not need a new Halloween costume this year when she could honestly care less and just wear one of her older sisters’ and that money can go to something far more valuable. Consider it done.
Oh, I am praying for Sarah and her children. Sounds like she is a very strong and wise woman and the Lord is showing her His care for her already. Will continue to pray that He will make beauty rise from this pain.
Arlene Jennings -October 18, 2011 - 6:59 am
Andrea, i’m heartbroken to hear of the travesty of your friend..i’m unable to donate, because i live on a limited income of disability, but if there is anything, anything i can do to be of service, please fill me in…my schedule is pretty much free due to my back injury…but i can go places and do things, so let me know if i can be of any good service…love you bunches and miss you dear…arlene jennings
Just realized how the verses I’m currently memorizing I can pray over Sarah! God is always amazing me in how He constantly ties things in together like that. “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Ps. 30:11-12
This is just unbelievable…my heart is hurting for Sarah and all widows in Zambia. Thank you for shedding light on the unjust reality. Praying for Sarah. I love her idea about the restaurant!
ashley -October 18, 2011 - 9:04 am
Thank you so much for posting this. My heart breaks for Sarah and her sweet children and all the other widows. I am hopeful that your post will encourage some to donate to the Chanda Fund!
I heard this story time and time again when we visited the widows in the compounds, and in visiting with Kunda. So, so sad. Thanks for articulating it in a way that helps people to understand it–and calls them to action. Praying for Sarah and those precious kiddos. Inspired by Sarah’s desire to not only find a way to support herself and her family, but to find a way to do it while serving and changing the lives of other widows.
Sandi -October 18, 2011 - 10:07 am
It just breaks my heart that such cultural horrors continue to occur in this beautiful land to oppress and abuse widows & their children. There should be an organization to store a few valuable posessions 1 month after husband’s death to thwart this unjust system. Wishing organizations would apply pressure to the government for this law to be changed. He will look after the orphans & widows in their distress. We will be praying for many, many to come to her aid! We will donate more!
thank you so much for sharing this and opening my eyes even more.
Wendy Jackson -October 18, 2011 - 10:59 am
Thank you for keeping us updated. That just makes my heart sad! We will continue to pray for Sarah and her children!
Laura -October 18, 2011 - 12:28 pm
I kept re-reading Sarah’s story. I just don’t understand how that is the way things are done. It is so unfair. Thank you for sharing and opening my eyes.
Oh my…no words…gut wrenching…really…so awful. I don’t know how she even has the strength to stand up and move on. Thank you for sharing…and for jolting me out of my own pitty party I was having today.
Unbelievable! Donated last week, and I am continuing to pray for this precious family! I cannot even imagine. I know God is good and He has a plan for Sarah and her children!
I would love to connect with you. In a nutshell, we have sold everything and are trying to get on the mission field in Kalomo Zambia with a small organization called Africa’s Child. We are so not funded yet but we are not discouraged. We believe God. Please keep writing and know that I am in prayer for you everytime I read.
Andrea, this is so sad that the family would come in and just take the possessions(esp. with young children). So sad AND hard to grasp. Is it just because they too are in such need? This is truly one of those situations where we need to continue to TRUST GOD and know that he is in control and has a plan. Praying for this beautiful family!
Cindy Smith -October 18, 2011 - 9:07 pm
Thank you for sharing that gut-wrenching story and jarring me out of my comfort zone!! I would like to be involved and will go immediately to the web-site!
Cindy Smith -October 18, 2011 - 9:15 pm
Thank you for sharing this gut-wrenching story and for jolting me out of my comfort zone!!! It is hard to conceive of such misery!!! I will go immediately to the web-site and share this with anyone who might have a heart for this ministry.
I could not read this whole post because it was too hard for me. I am praying for Sarah and her family. I have felt such a pull towards orphans and widows lately. What a horrible feeling it must be.
Just got back from a weekend with family at my brother-in-law’s parents beach house. (Thank you Helen and Phil for this treat! It was such a FUN weekend with family!) My grandparents, who live in Fairhope, came to join us for the day–and it was so fun to get to spend a day with them with our kids. We grew up in Fairhope (until I was in the 8th grade) living NEXT DOOR to my grandparents…so we have some of the SWEETEST childhood memories ever with them. We had fun reminiscing together–and I’m so thankful for their health and how much JOY they both have…and their love for one another too! I feel so blessed my kids have great-grandparents to play with still!
NOW…one thing you must know is that everyone on my family’s side of the family lives to be 100 (or more!) I still have 3 living grandparents and they ALL still live in their own homes and are as active as ever. These two get their day started EVERY morning at 6am by swimming with what they call other “dawn dippers”…yes–I said 6am! LOVED hearing about their day and schedules and just how much they are enjoying retirement and life!!! They have always been SUCH encouragements to us girls–and I’m so thankful for them!
My older sister (by just 14 months) and her family live just 10 minutes from us. Our kids are all best buds–so it was so fun to be together! Here’s a picture of her sweet family…
My little sister joined us too with her man Rama. SO fun to ALL 3 be together again…just like the old days:)
Your babies are your babies NO matter how old you are. Here’s momma with her babies…
Really though–we aren’t that serious. This is more like it…
OK..they are going to kill me for posting this one…but it is SO us. You just gotta know us–and for those of you who do–then this one will crack you up…
Alright–so we think we are funny. Guess you had to be there:) But you don’t have to be there to see how stinkin’ cute this kiddo is…Oh MY–I could just gobble him RIGHT on up!
I just downloaded the pictures from the weekend…and I have 250 favorites;). I might have to pop ’em in a slideshow to share. TOO many favorites to share…but here are some quick highlight moments from our weekend…
Isaac got to go on his first boat ride ever!
Uncle Harris took us to a little island where the kids got out and found hermit crabs and just played in the sand…
Isaac ADORES his cousin Isabelle…they are connected at the hips when we are together…
THEN we went for a slow cruise to scout out dolphins. AND it was a successful one…SO fun for the kids to see THESE up close!
As if that wasn’t close enough–they decided they liked our kids chatter and squeals and came closer for a little show…
The kids LOVED the boat fun–but what they loved more than anything was just being together…
More pictures to come after we catch up on laundry:) Wanna catch y’all up on some things in Zambia too!!! Hope you all had a great weekend!
Commented to my hubby this morning when I saw your pix on FB – “How can they be in shorts, bathing suits, and enjoying SUMMER in OCTOBER when we are freeeeeeezing.” =) Beautiful family photos – all of them! So happy you got a weekend away.
Just wanted to say…I’m so encouraged by so many of the comments left on my last blog entry. It is so refreshing to hear that so many of you are in a similar place and have the same thoughts and feelings. Thank you for taking the time to share your hearts and encourage me. How thankful I am for each one of you.
A few pictures to make you smile this Friday…
Save your drama from a llama…
The church that my kids take their fine arts classes at on Tuesdays had a little petting zoo on Tuesday! I fell in love with this llama, and we called Rico Suave to see if he’d let us have a pet llama. He laughed–so I looked on Craig’s list and found one on sale–but then I discovered they are classified as livestock so our HOA probably won’t allow it. JUST ANOTHER REASON why the Young’s need to live on a farm;)
I know I posted this on Facebook…but you must see too:) I don’t think I posted it here anyway…did I??? The kids were so bummed last week to not have daddy here–but each day it seemed there was SOMETHING that surprised us to get their minds side-tracked and excited. One night we had dinner out and ran into a bunch of firemen…which my kids think are like celebrities. P-man could hardly eat his dinner asking questions about them–and he got brave and asked for a picture with them too…(Isaac was on a date with Aunt April)…
We are back in the swing of things with daddy home, BUT we have been busy back and forth on the phone with our dear friends in Zambia. Please continue to pray for the Chanda family! I got to talk to the little ones yesterday and catch up with their momma today–and I’m thinking I may be squeezing in a trip BEFORE the Created for Care retreat in January. I’ve decided our lives are officially crazy–but there’s no other way I’d want to live…and I’m so thankful I’m not alone–and we have the honor of doing life and living crazy with so many of you too!!! (By the way–you know you don’t have to have already adopted or even be in the process of adopting to join us at the Created for Care retreat! If you want to come…there’s still some room for March–and we’d love to have you join us! www.createdforcare.org for more details!)
The first pet we “acquired” when we got married and lived in CO….was a llama. We had so much fun the first few minutes we had him. It was downhill from there. He actually had “bazerk male syndrome” (yea, a for real llam condition) and we had to put him down. Llama’s are a lot more fun in petting zoos! I think that precious one you are petting is actually an alpaca….which are a lot smaller and more gentle. They are precious and soft!
I started to write this blog post the other day–and then I completely erased it…feeling like anyone who read it might think Momma Young is…well–different. Or worse…not understand it and be offended by it. SO–if you get offended easily–please don’t read this and just get the supplies to make the cute candy corn tree I posted about yesterday instead. It’s super cute:) If you are game for processing with me though…you can read on.
The more and more I think about my Father in heaven…the more things come to my mind that I’m convinced that He puts there. Things I think He is asking me to do. And the more I listen–I hear His voice and know it’s Him–and such blessing follows each little yes. And in the yes’s to Him, the more and more I feel…THIS is not my home. Because the yes’s–they often mean…not fitting completely here.
“Andrea! How was Rich’s trip to Africa???” I start to answer the questions–and I realize there are blank stares in return as without thinking–I answer them honestly, whole-heartedly, passionately and truthfully. I have to pull myself out of real, and I realize I should have answered it more appropriately to the world’s pattern: “It was awesome! Thanks for asking! How are you? It’s so great to see you! Y’all have a good day…” I get in the car and feeling awkward and stupid–I remind myself, “Haven’t you learned??? Just say the happy, quick answer they really want to hear–and then you won’t have to walk away feeling like an alien from outer space. NOTED. Again. Again. And AGAIN. Haven’t you learned that yet?
I remembered. I tried that the NEXT time…and it was a charm. And it stunk. It didn’t feel right. It so wasn’t me.
Weren’t we made for SO much more?
Weren’t we made to go into deep community with one another? To be willing to be uncomfortable even if no one understands or cares…because you just never know how God might use what He is in the middle of to touch someone? To go there? To love one another? To engage one another? And in return–there WILL be fruit. Some where. The body of Christ will come into action. Some will go…some will send…others will pray for…and together–we beautifully live out the gospel together…with all believers…living as if heaven were really our home–BECAUSE…for believers…IT IS.
I think about the by Mercy Me…(turn music off up top to listen)…
Later, I get home and play with my sweet littles. All is quiet…I check my email. Not much there–I lurk on over to my google reader…and flip through sites on my reader. Not a good idea as compared to the hurricanes in my heart as of late. This just mixes in with it and it feels like it might burst. Where does this fit? Or does it? Maybe I just don’t fit.
The newest bedroom make-over, before and after pictures of a Veranda Home bathroom or the most recent vacation to Disney. It feels like SUCH a contrast. Where is the balance? Is there a balance? Am I weird? Because the crazy thing is…when I see the pictures and read the stories…it just looks really cool and I’m sure my daughter would flip to have breakfast with Cinderella…wouldn’t she?! I shake my head and the real of the world comes back to my mind…
A friend dying because across the world because medical care stunk…stunk being a ridiculous understatement. Talking to his precious widow on the phone today…when she laughed at my kidding around with her…I felt as if I’d won a prize…a moment of joy–the phone call so worth it. Hearing the giggles of the children over the line…there was hope. I close out my blog reader–tell myself I need to clear out my blog reader…I don’t think it’s good for the hurricane in my heart. I sit there. Where am I?? Who am I?? Why do I feel this way?? Is it just me? Or is it you too? Something must be wrong with me…because my heart is being pulled…and it’s so far from so many of the things I see around me in our world. And I remember.
WE WERE MADE FOR SO MUCH MORE OF ALL OF THIS.
Before anyone gets the wrong message—please know that I’m NOT saying you shouldn’t remodel your bedroom OR take the kids to Disney. In fact, feel free to send us tickets if your vacation ever gets rained out because we’d love to go. Please, please do not stop your planning OR think I’m writing this TO you or FOR you. Because I’m not. THIS IS JUST ME processing. There’s a pull in our hearts–and the desires are so, so different on each end. SO different. The result: it leads us to feel that we just don’t fit. And then I hear a faint whisper…this is not your home my child…I am…wait on Me…
YES! HEAVEN IS MY HOME.
And if heaven really is my home–then what does it look like to live…to REALLY live…for it? To live for heaven and for the kingdom…for what is eternal? To take risks even when it doesn’t make sense. To say yes…because you know the One who is asking you to trust and follow.
Matthew 6 says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
How different would our lives be if we made decisions through a “heaven is my home” filter? How would some of the decisions we make change?
What eternal value does doing this, buying this, spending my time with, going here have? Am I storing up my treasures here or on earth?
When I do this…which I confess I, too often, do not–but when I do, something changes in me. I begin to forget how this puzzle of a mom doesn’t seem to fit in most boxes find myself in–and that’s okay. It makes me realize I’m being shaped differently–and that’s okay. It makes me willing to do things others have a different opinion about, think are crazy and don’t make a lot of sense to the world–and that’s okay. Because I wasn’t put here and called to please the world. In fact, I was called to not conform to it.
And the more you have–the harder it is to take risks. It is so hard for us to say yes, pray about things that are uncomfortable and to be willing to do anything. The eye of the needle I guess can be more than just money–but other riches too I guess. We struggle with this so often. Just yesterday, I overheard Rico Suave saying, “If I was single or if it was just me and Andrea–dude, I’d be on a plane to Zambia right now. We’d just go there and stay–and do ministry.”
You know what momma was thinking:)
It made me raise my eyebrows–and I knew it was going to be a conversation for later. And it was: “So–you’d go if you were single. You’d go if we just got married. If you would say yes in those times, then why not now?”
He laughed–but had an answer that was clear and quick and right and good–and I could tell my sweet man had prayed about this. “Because the Lord hasn’t said GO yet.”
In his tone, I could hear that he would–and he will lead us to the nations the minute the Lord tells us to go. I heard a sense of joy and excitement that makes me smile…feeling like one day…just maybe I’ll get to walk my babies down an old dirt road on the mission field…a dream of mine. But I must confess–my other dream…on the other end of my rope–is just being normal right here, right where we are now…because part of me is scared to be any more different than we already are. (I can already hear a few say “But Andrea–don’t discredit what God can do with you here.” That’s not the point. The point is this: am I consistently surrendering my will to the Lord’s will and opening up my hands in willingness to do anything…ANYTHING…for His glory?? For kingdom living?)
In my heart–I catch myself telling the Lord again and again that I will go whenever to where ever. Weekly we challenge each other to pray about what God is asking us to do…and weekly the Lord puts some pretty amazing things in our paths–writing a story that only He could write. To Him be the glory! I love to pray about going, about different opportunities–whether we should stop this or continue with that…or open up a whole new can of worms…not so much because I feel the Lord speaking to me about specifics and I want us to pray and be on the same page–but RATHER, I have seen that being willing and ready to go and do anything brings perspective to live in this world but not be shaped by everything that comes with the world.
Romans 12…”Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I love the 3 parts to this scripture. 1-WHAT TO DO: Offer your bodies as living sacrifices…as VESSELS to the Lord…this will be your worship to Him. 2–THE ONLY WAY TO DO IT: Be different. Don’t go along with that you see the world doing–and be careful what you let influence you. Instead–be changed by renewing your mind every day through the filter “heaven is my home”…ask: does this have kingdom value?? 3–THE FRUIT: LIVING HIS GOOD, PLEASING AND PERFECT PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.
In this…there is peace. There is joy in not fitting. I rest in the future–knowing we could go across the world–and God would take care of us…ALL of us. Because–as I renew my mind–I realize more than Disney or a trip to the beach (both things I really do want to do) that I really want to live for Him…to follow Him to the ends of the earth or just next door…to love deeply those He puts in my path…and to ultimately live smack dab in the middle of His will for my life. Really–there is NO such thing or Biblical principle on living a balanced life of the things of the world and radically following Jesus–so I’ve gotta take my eyes off the world and just look to Him…following Him on whatever path He takes me on. And when I feel like I don’t fit…I need, to instead rejoice–that THIS place is not my home.
Heaven is.
And I have a good feeling…that if you are still reading…I might not be alone in how I feel.
P.S. I hope you have a blessed day. On a really fun note sort of related to this post–my sister is taking me and the kiddos to their family’s beach house this weekend! We are going to be with my sweet grandparents for my granddaddy’s birthday! Thankful for this treat/retreat. Now…who wants to take us to Disney;)??? I’m JUST kidding!!!
P.S.S. I received another reminder today that I was NOT made for this world. I’ve got to do some blood work next week. My doctor thinks this momma may have a form of arthritis. When she told me I know I threw her off when I laughed. I don’t know why I laughed…I guess it threw me off and I was thinking something much worse–because I always think of the worst so whatever it is is not so bad:). While I know this can be bad, with what we’ve been processing from last week–this is okay. And through the filter “heaven is my home” it’s even better:). We are, however, going to wait on the results before turning in our home study. God’s timing is always perfect, and Momma needs to make sure it’s something easy to manage or miraculously nothing at all before we take the next step of faith.
P.S.S.S. Thank you for extending grace if you aren’t where I am right now. Remember momma is dealing with some reverse culture shock as daddy-io readjusts here. Reverse culture shock stinks…but it is so eye-opening and so, so good for the heart…and truthfully–reverse culture…not conforming to the world…is really where I want to be.
Oh, sometimes I think you read my mind. I just stayed up way to late to post some similar thoughts on my blog–thoughts that I just had to get out of my head so that maybe I can sleep a little more peacefully. You are right. There is no balance between fitting in and giving it all up for Jesus. We need to remember that we are His followers and He DIDN’T fit in and He gave it ALL up, so at least we know we are not alone in this battle.
I feel your pain. Oh do I ever feel your pain- and I live overseas!! I am a miss*onary, which should be “good enough” right??? I mean, I made the sacrifice, I left our home and our family behind- isn’t that enough??? Yet, God CONTINUES to chip away at my selfish heart and reveal new ways I can sacrifice and serve those around me. I just finished “Kisses from Katie” and I am blown away by how amazing my house overseas is (which was a major step down from what we left in the States) and how much “stuff” my kids have (which had to be scaled down in order to fit in our suitcases to travel!) I live with the constant tension you are describing- so you are not alone, I feel ya. I am thankful for these times God gives me to wrestle through these things so I can draw closer to Him and learn new sides of His heart and character. Thanks for sharing your heart with us!
Elle j -October 13, 2011 - 1:58 am
Love this, all of it, and praying for you in all areas of your life happenings.
Love this. Struggling with where I fit in to how I feel God has changed my heart when now is not the “go” time for anything yet that He’s put on my heart. But I am reading Katie Davis’ book and I loved how she said every morning she just prays, “What do you want me to do today, Lord? Who do you want me to love like You would?” And in the every day, hands open and surrendering, He will lead and He is pleased. Praying for you today, Andrea, and knowing that even though you may not be able to do all for His kingdom in this moment that you wish you could, He is also using you to help others make these radical choices and decisions and encouraging so many around you as well!
Andrea,
I had these EXACT thoughts a few weeks ago! This echos my heart as well. I think God puts this in our hearts to remind us that He is what we are ultimately longing for.
You are not alone. I am there in my mind, and I haven’t even been to Africa yet. Every thought that I have is filtered through the mindset that there’s got to more than this. I am so thankful that there is!!! And we were made for it.
Andrea,
I understand! I struggle with the same feelings! I thank you for writing the post.
amy -October 13, 2011 - 9:33 am
It seems you are not the only one!!! A few months ago when we came back from Africa I was on fire and didn’t care what others thought. Then I let that old complacency settle in. Just in the past couple of weeks has God really been stirring in me and awakening me to my lethargy. Thank you for your post. Just this week God has pressed upon me to prepare… Not sure when He will open the door for us to return full time (my hubby too is waiting on God), but I want to be ready!!! Blessings…
amy
amy -October 13, 2011 - 9:33 am
Oh yeah and I think Need to Breathe sums it up well in “Outsiders”
Allison -October 13, 2011 - 9:51 am
Oh Andrea, I love this post. I had many of these same thoughts after receiving some resistance at our announcment we were adopting, I still get them when I am fed up with my job or bills or car problems. I get them when I look at our friends who are so sweet but happy just where they are and comfortable in there “normal” family. In the midst of the frusturation and questions it is so comforting to know this life is a blink compared to eternity in heaven with our Father. You are not alone in your thinking, love and hugs from Indianapolis 🙂
Rory -October 13, 2011 - 10:13 am
I am so glad you are able to put words to what so many of us are feeling, going through, and processing ourselves. This is a post I would’ve wanted to write…so many of your conversations with Rico Suave sound like the ones my husband and I have here. Your heart and God’s really shine through in this post and I totally “get” you, even though we’ve never met in person. And if you get to go to D-land soon (oh I hope you do!:)) know that we’ll be cheering you on there too…and if you move to Zambia same thing…because this life is temporal and we’re living for Someone greater. I get it. I really do.
Oh, Andrea. Tears are just pouring down my cheeks. You put the words to my heart. I get all of this. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being brave and hitting publish. I need to know that I am not alone in these thoughts. It can get so lonely and discouraged feeling like an outsider – even among Christian friends. Just thank you. Be blessed. Praying for the wiphan ministry.
Thank you for being real…and being bold for Jesus. You draw me to Jesus!! I love to see how God takes us to different ends of the world for His Glory…and look forward to the day you post…”Going to Zambia” xoxo
Kristin -October 13, 2011 - 1:06 pm
Thank you for your words today and PLEASE know you are not alone. The conversations you are having with your hubby are the same we are having way up here in Pittsburgh! I love coming in contact with other believers who have the exact same outlook on life….Kingdom Living….amazing, yet so hard at times. But it’s all so worth it!
You are so very articulate! You put into such beautiful words exactly what I feel and know to be true. Praying for strength and boldness to live it out…and waiting with an eager heart to hear the “Go!”
I feel like you have just written what is in my heart.. like others have said you are not alone.. and it is so hard to understand why when we say lord send us we’ll go he doesn’t always send us right away.. but each of us is on a journey and patience is part of growing.. oh how I hope I get better at patience 🙂
Thanks for always being honest and please don’t stop!!!
Andrea, we are right there with you. I could have replaced my name for yours and my DH’s for Rich’s. I can identify with Every. Single. Word!!!! Praise God for waking us all up. He is so good! Be blessed sister! Oh… and yes, clear out that blogroll, I did, and you are one of the few left!
Oh yes, Andrea, I definitely “get” where you are…we’ve been feeling so many of the same things for quite a while now. Thanks for sharing your heart, Sister!
Sweet Andrea! Thank you for writing this! As so many of the others have commented, You have given words to what is on so many of our hearts! It is so hard not to get caught up in the here and now and forget the amazing plan God has for our lives if only we would surrender our lives completely to Him! I am so thankful to have friends like you who understand and give a voice to what us Mommas are battling against every day, to live in this world but not of this world! (:
Thank you so much for this post! You’ve put into words what I haven’t been able to many times over. So many times I struggle with living IN this world but not OF this world. For example, I see friends with closets full of shoes and for a moment I envy those shoes…and then I remind myself I have sufficient shoes and there are others in this world with no shoes, and instead of dropping $100 on shoes…how would God want me to use that money…having uber pairs of shoes is not important…I won’t take them with me to God’s kingdom. From now on, thanks to your post, in those moments like the one described above I will remind myself “heaven is my home” and ask myself “Does this have kingdom value?” Thanks so much Andrea.
THANKFUL for this post! I live this way often in my small rural community as it pertains to adoption/orphans. I feel so stinkin’ alone much of the time. Yet in reality, we’re never truly alone … I know my Father, the one who opened my eyes to see, my heart to feel and my ears to listen is HERE WITH ME. He knows the battle, He knows my heart … He cares. And for this place in time this is right where He’s placed me. THANK YOU for being vulnerable and sharing your heart. I look forward to seeing what the Lord does in the coming months and years in the Young fam. 😉 Praying for you as you keep looking to Him .. each day … each moment knowing this is not your home and longing to be with your Father face-to-face one day.
You are not alone! Thank you for the wonderful and much needed encouragment that I am not alone either.
Kathy Geurink -October 14, 2011 - 11:38 am
I am completely Blown away at what you just wrote, I actually sat closer to the screen to reread one of the verses you quoted, It was Exactly what I needed today. Thank you for posting, I feel God led me to your blog today. I have been struggling with knowing that God has something more for my family, wanting to do more for the Kingdom. To be smack dab in the middle of his will. But living for ourselves seems to have been our history and God is so sweetly showing me thats its not about me. That his blessings are what I long for, So I will continue to pray that he will show me where he wants me to be:)
Kaleena -October 14, 2011 - 5:08 pm
Beautiful post! My husband and I are young, no kids yet. But we are learning to live like this and want to teach our kids someday. You are such an encouragement! Thank you!
Love this Andrea! It makes me not feel like a crazy person. 🙂 I also loved reading the other 29 comments. God is awakening His people. Love you my friend!
WOW! Your words hit my heart spot on. I have been saying this same thing (not so eloquently) to my husband and to my closest friend. I have felt such a heaviness and restlessness, not discontent exactly with where God has me, but instead, just restless with our culture (both in the church and in the world) that on the one hand, tempts me….and repulses me. I also get you on the need to “tone it way down” when I talk to people who ask about our adoption, etc. Or on facebook when I can barely keep myself from “sharing” everything adoption related or orphan related….
I don’t feel depressed…if anything I feel “AWAKE!!” full of joy, and crazy excited, but its hard to rein it in when I’m talking to people who aren’t on the same page. I do feel lonely sometimes. But I’m so thankful for your words, especially from God’s word. This isn’t our home, so I guess we should feel a bit weird sometimes. For so long, I just blended right in, so it takes some getting used to. Thanks again for your honesty!!! God bless you and sustain you in Jesus!
Hi, Andrea! I am a friend of Kimberly C and even met you one night a while back at a local Pizza place. Anyway, thanks for sharing such a moving post. I can understand your thoughts and questions…some days all I have are questions written in my journal. I love reading your process of thinking about such a huge, deep, conflicting topic. It’s so clear that we are to be different….and if we aren’t, we should be wondering why not. Thanks for sharing so openly! God bless you and your family.
by admin
Sweet, sweet Sarah! Praying for her and her children.
I dont know u personally yet..but God is using you via your blog to do some Mountain moving in my heart, Thank you
Hi Andrea, I’ve been reading your blog since the CTC retreat last year but have never commented before. We have 3 kiddos (2 bio, 1through adoption) and are in the process of adopting again, this time from china (our son is at MBHOH)… So of course just LOVE the shirt and the story that goes along with it! Our hearts are there too. Had to order one for me and one for my hubby 🙂
ooooooooh what a blog post full of teasers! I can’t wait to hear what God’s been up to this time for you guys! 🙂 I plan to buy a tshirt after payday this weekend.
My family is praying right along side you for these precious families! Thanks for sharing.
I just bought a t shirt because how could I not when my own son and daughter-in-law are also waiting to adopt, and a part of my heart is in Ethiopia praying for the baby(s) God has planned for our family? Thank you for giving us a way to be part of this other family’s miracle, and I can’t wait to hear the story you have promised us!
Love the shirt – Love the opportunity to give – thanks for connecting us to so many needs/ways to help!
PS – I bought one! 🙂
Thanks for sharing the story and allowing us to help this little miracle happen! Your blog is one of the highlights of my day!
Wendy
Count me in! As you know, I left a piece of my heart in Hong Kong. Heading over to buy my tshirt now. Cannot wait to hear what God is up to!
Love & Blessings,
Kim
I’ve been hoping to buy some cookbooks for gifts! Are they going to be available on the Wiphan website? Thanks!!!
Praying for Sarah and her children. That’s so horrible to lose all their possessions in addition to Labstone. How that must hurt the heart of God to have widows and orphans treated so unjustly!
Just ordered a shirt… love helping others bring their children home from China with us!