Our trip to Czech Republic

Many of you know that we recently returned from a mission trip to Czech Republic. Words fail to describe the experience we had while in Czech Republic. God is up to some amazing work and we were both encouraged and strengthened during our time there. 

Czech Republic is a beautiful country. All week long we were amazed by the beauty around us. 

We drove through rolling hills filled with trees, livestock, villages and fields. 

We saw extremely old and beautiful castles with rich history. 

On top of the castle walls, we could see as far as our eyes could possibly see. 

Inside the walls were more beauty and history. 

Even the conference center where we stayed was filled with beauty. 

Even though we felt as if our eyes had seen so much beauty since our arrival... Two days before we left the country we drove into Prague to tour. Those of you who have been to Prague laugh because you understand the beauty of the city. 

These photos are such a vague comparison to the actual beauty of Prague. Seriously, every photo I took almost aggravated me because it didn't even come near to capturing the true beauty of what I was seeing with my eyes. 

The city is FILLED with beautiful cobblestone streets. We navigated all day through the city walking on cobblestone. 

We passed by the astronomical clock in old town square. People gather to watch it do "it's thing" every hour. 

We crossed the St Charles Bridge and the views from it are purely stunning! Photos were simply unable to capture the beauty. We took about an hour to walk across the bridge because we were so struck by the history and beauty. 

Yes that dark spot on top of the hill is an amazing, beautiful castle! 

Finally, we began our up hill journey to Prague castle. The hill was steep but COMPLETELY worth it! 

Overlooking the side wall. 

We walked through the gate. Wes (the missionary in Czech) showed us photos of the Nazis and Hitler standing in front of these very gates that we walked through. 

We entered into the cathedral. We were awestruck. I didn't even want to take photos because they did it no justice. 

We walked outside the cathedral and more breathtaking views awaited us! 

Then... As we were standing outside looking up at the beautiful architecture around us... 

Wes Stafford (the missionary living in Czech) asked a question. 

"Everything that you have seen... All of the beautiful architecture of this city, castle and cathedral.... Does it make you want to worship God?" 

We were silent for a moment. 

I wanted to answer the question honestly. 

It felt as if my answer should have been "yes" because of the vast beauty around us. But my honest answer was "no." 

Yes, the things we were seeing were beautiful but they did not make me want to worship God. If anything, it drew my heart to think of man. 

Thankfully Lee answered before me and he confirmed my feelings. 

He simply said, "No. It's beautiful but it doesn't make me want to worship God." 

That moment stuck with me. 

As I remember our trip, none of the physical beauty of Czech Republic strengthened my faith or made me want to worship God. 

Do you know what DID make me want to worship God? 

THIS... 

Not the church. 

Meet Radim. 

He is the guy on the left facing the camera. Radim grew up in Czech Republic. When he came to America, he was not a believer. This trip was his first time to return to Czech Republic as a Christian. He was both excited and nervous. 

His life has completely changed since he became a Christian. 

This is his childhood church. 

In this photo, Radim is translating the history of the church to us. 

Watching Radim on this trip made me want to praise God. God truly gives us new life. Radim stepped back into a country completely redeemed. 

Watching the lives of Wes and Sherie Stafford made me want to praise God. These two packed their bags and moved across the ocean to share the Gospel. The left family and all they had ever known behind to share the love of Christ in a foreign land. 

Praise God. 

Walking into a local church that has a ministry called "Majak" (Lighthouse) made me want to praise God. 

Young Czech believers give up their Friday afternoons to pour into the lives of kids who come to Majak. They love Jesus and desire to share the gospel in a dark world. 

Watching these 6 Czech believers continually sacrifice their time to share the gospel made me want to praise God. 

Being able to share a meal with both American and Czech believers as if we were family made me want to praise God. 

Watching them extend love to the workers of the restaraunt who were both exhausted and overwhelmed made me want to praise God. 

Seated around this table are 6 Czech believers ages 20+ who gave up their weekend to learn more about Jesus. 

7 Americans who traveled across the ocean to disciple local leaders. 

2 missionaries who live in Czech Republic. 

Simply sitting at this table was overwhelming. Two languages. 15 believers. Two nationalities. Different ages and seasons of life. 

Yet one common goal: To know more about God and to share the gospel with a lost world! 

This made me want to praise God. 

Watching Nela share the gospel using a concept that we learned at our church here in America was awesome. She shared in the Czech language and Radim translated for us.

This moment made me want to praise God. 

Worshipping God together in both the Czech and English language made me want to praise God. 

All of the Czech believers present this weekend spoke English. However, Tomas is deaf and though he can speak English (which is amazing), he has a difficult time lip reading English. So Martin (pictured above) did an amazing job translating all weekend so that Tomas did not miss a thing! Tomas eagerly did not want to miss a single thing! Tomas probably had to work harder than any of us as he lip read and took notes on a huge amount of material. 

Watching these two all weekend made me simply want to praise God. 

At the end of it all, I wasn't touched by the physical beauty around us. 

I was inspired, encouraged and strengthened by watching the glorious work of The Lord in the lives of all His children. 

For in the end... seeing His work in people's lives is what makes me want praise Him! 

We love Czech Republic. We love our new friends (our brothers and sisters). We love and adore our Heavenly Father who allowed us to have a small part in furthering His Kingdom! 

Humbled & Excited!

Do you remember a time when the community surrounded you and any attempt to express your gratitude fell short? 

Maybe it was a wedding or a baby shower where you just felt overwhelmed and undeserving of all that people had done for you! I've definitely been there before. 

And this week, I find myself in that place again. 

Humbled. Grateful. Excited. Overwhelmed by the undeserved love of the community surrounding our adoption. 

As I read through the list of 18 people who have stepped up so far to do fundraisers for our adoption.... I am speechless. 

Then I look at all the shirts that have already been ordered.

All the raffle tickets that have already been bought (before the fundraiser is officially announced).

All the people who are stepping in and saying "I want to "shop" your fundraisers!

Then

I am whatever is beyond speechless.

Only God.

Only God could move on the hearts of His people to love and support. 

So thank you.

Thank you for your amazing response to Project 30 so far!! 

We love each and every one of you guys!

A few people have asked for an "update" on the fundraisers, so here ya go! 

The goal for Project 30 was 30 fundraisers for my 30th birthday in October! So far we have 18 (yay)! Some of the fundraisers have already started, some will start soon and some will last through the entire month of October. If you want to keep up with everything that's going on... please "LIKE" our Project 30 Facebook page! 

Here is a list of all the fundraisers we have so far! Please consider supporting us by participating in some of these fundraisers!

1. Megan Manuel is having a bake sale! She is located in Clinton, so if you are in the area please consider buying some goodies!
2. Alicia Mattern is selling our Project 30 T-shirts! They are 20$ each including shipping. These shirts look awesome! Don't miss out. More info is posted on our Project 30 Facebook Page.
3. Tracy Mattern will be auctioning a handmade picture frame the week of October 11-17. We will do this online so please be on the lookout! 
4. CJ & Danielle Stewart will be auctioning a wooden piece from Old Camp Kickapoo. Stay tuned for details.
5. Diane Beddia is having a yard sale all the way up in Boston, MA! 
6. Erin & Adam Rees will be hosting a Crossfit Clinton WOD open for anyone to come and workout! Details to be released soon! Please consider coming and working out to support us!! It will be a blast!
7. Morgan White is hosting an online show selling her makeup from Younique! You don't want to miss it!
8. Karen Bedford made the precious Ethiopian baby dolls that I posted on facebook the other day. They are so cute and will be auctioned online the week of October 11-17th!
9. Amy Sherman is having a Yeti Cooler Raffle! Details will be released soon on how to purchase tickets!  
10. Hannah Wallace and
11. Amy Stackler are hosting a Noonday Party in Clinton. Noonday is beautiful jewelry made by beautiful women across the world. It is an amazing ministry! This party is open to everyone, so if you want to come just let me know and we will get you the info! Think of it as more of a "LADIES NIGHT" because it is going to be a blast! We are trying to get as many ladies to come as possible! This will be on Tuesday night October 13th!
12. Brittany Wilson is donating her proceeds from her shop (Fresh Picked) at the Antique Mall of the South in Ridgeland for the month of October! So go shop!! 
13. Jennifer Crane will be doing photography sessions during the month of October in Madison, Ridgeland and Reservoir areas. More info to follow! Great timing for Christmas card photos!
14. Lee Blackburn is probably the most giddy person I have seen regarding Project 30! With the help of some great friends, Lee is having a Rifle Raffle just in time for hunting season. Apparently the gun is very awesome... (he's gonna kill me)... I just don't know anything about guns so I should probably refrain from attempting to say details! He will announce the details very soon!! 
15. Alison Schmelzer is graciously donating her proceeds from the children's consignment NEW 2 U on October 1-3!
16. Holly Leach
17. Jessica Followel
18. Ashley Richardson are all 3 still working out the details of their fundraisers! Will keep you posted! 

Seriously... Doesn't reading all those just make you joyful? It brings tears to my eyes to see The Village coming together! The Village doesn't just consist of these 18 names, but it consists of the TONS of unnamed people who are MAKING THESE FUNDRAISERS POSSIBLE!! 

So thank you, thank you, thank you!!

If we stopped now.. my heart would be more than content!

But if you feel prompted to help us reach the goal of 30 fundraisers... please let me know and I will help you brainstorm of fundraisers! It can be a teeny tiny fundraiser! Every dollar counts! 

Something easy too is donating something to be auctioned can count as a fundraiser!

Love y'all much!!

3 years on the waiting list!

I would like to share a story with you. Please engage in the seemingly irrelevant details and try to resist the temptation to skip ahead. 

A mother and her two sons went to a store to buy balloons. The mother decided to purchase 3 solid color balloons and 2 "happy birthday" balloons. 

The boys gleefully watched the employee air each balloon up with helium. First the blue balloon, then the gold, then silver and finally the two birthday balloons. 

The cashier rang each balloon up individually and passed them to the mother. As the mother grabbed each balloon, she noticed that the solid balloons all had white strings attached to them. Then she noticed that one birthday balloon had a blue string and the other had a yellow. 

The family left the store with 5 balloons in hand. 

As the mother was closing the door of her van, she noticed one of the birthday balloons had gotten loose and was flying away. She ran after it. She tried her hardest to grab the blue string on the balloon. Unfortunately she was unsuccessful. She stood in the parking lot watching the balloon fly away. 

Exasperated, she sat down in the van and her oldest son said, "Mom! Now we only have one birthday balloon!" 

"Oh well," replied the mother. "We really need to get home." 

They drove home. 

When they arrived home, the mother opened the back of the van and was simply shocked to see all 5 balloons inside! 

3 solid balloons

2 birthday balloons

"What in the world?" She said in astonishment. "There must be some mistake. This is impossible!" 

Questioning her sanity, she said to her oldest son... "Please tell me that you saw the birthday balloon fly away in the parking lot!!" 

He replied, "Yes I did." 

She grabbed the balloons and examined the strings attached to them. 

They were just as they had been in the store. All the solid balloons had white strings. One birthday balloon had a yellow and one had a blue string. 

"There has got to be a mistake!" 

So she rushed to find the receipt from the store. 

She thought to herself, "surely they sold me 6 balloons and I didn't notice. How else would I still have 5 if I lost one in the parking lot?" 

She examined the receipt. 

Then she paused. 

There were only 5 balloons listed on the receipt. 

Astonished... She checked and re-checked. 

Everything was just as it had been when they left the store. 

It was unexplainable. 

Or was it? 

Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary for officially being on the waiting list for Malachi. DTE means that was the day our Dossier was sent TO ETHIOPIA. 

It was a bitter sweet day. When we first began this journey, I never dreamed we would still be waiting to see Malachi's face after 3 years. I wish I knew when this roller coaster of a journey will end... But I don't. 

So we wait.

Yesterday I did a lot of reflecting on our adoption journey. 

The pain of the wait has been real. But the pain hasn't necessarily been soley a longing for my child. In the past 3 years I have learned that this adoption journey is actually more about my relationship with God than my son in Africa. 

God placed me on this journey to draw me closer to Himself. 

In His love, He has used the pressing circumstances of adoption to expose my unbelief. He has exposed my true thoughts about His character. 

I have doubted the character of God. 

Is He good? 

Is He faithful? 

Is He Just? 

Is He able to do the impossible? 

I didn't just ask these questions. I wrestled over them. My heart ached over them. Just ask my sweet friends who have drug me through the trenches these past 3 years. 

I shared a blog post a long time ago about not being able to sing the lyrics "nothing is impossible with you" because I didn't truly believe it. I felt like adoption was impossible and that God wasn't able to complete it. 

So what does the balloon story have to do with all of this? 

I am the mother. 

I am the one in the story. 

And yesterday... As I tried my hardest to figure out what happened with those balloons... 

I stopped. 

And I realized that the real miracle wasn't the balloon (although I was pretty... Umm.. Freaked out)

The real miracle was that I actually BELIEVED that God was able to do the impossible. My mind was tempted to settle with the idea that it was  "unexplainable." 

But for the first time, I stepped into belief that God was able to do a miracle. 

Six months ago I would have been a huge skeptic and said that something "weird" just happened, or that I was surely wrong about the balloons. Rationalizing would have been easier than believing in a miracle. 

I will never know for sure what happened yesterday with those balloons. And honestly, it doesn't matter. 

What matters is that my faith grew the instant I believed God was able. 

And as I reflect on these 3 years... It has been hard and dark at times, but to taste the goodness of The Lord makes it completely worth it! 

I am so thankful He loves me too much to leave me as I am! 

We still need help with Project 30

I just want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help with Project 30! So far we have about 10 different fundraisers! Yay!! 

Fundraisers so far include a bake sale, T shirt sales (which will start soon), silent auction items, crafts for sale, Younique makeup party, Crossfit WOD, and a yeti cooler raffle!! 

I am getting more and more excited about my birthday week! 

We still need 20 people to join in our effort to make this the best birthday ever!! 

Would you help us?? 

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about... The short version is that I turn 30 in October and am asking 30 people to help fundraise for our adoption! 

30 fundraisers for my 30th birthday! 

Here is the detailed blog link about Project 30...

http://leeandabby.blogspot.com/2015/08/project-30.html?m=1

Happy Tuesday! Hope to hear from you soon!! 

A still, small voice

She stopped running a year ago. She's walking now. It's not a brisk walk. It is a walk where each step is painfully slow. It's as if she is barely moving at all. Her body is weak. Her spirit is weary. Her hope is tiny. 

The journey has drained every ounce of energy from her body. 

She attempts to take another step... but as her foot touches the ground, her fragile body collapses underneath her. She is too weak to carry on. 

She lays there. 

Helpless. 

Hopeless. 

She is too weak and weary to continue the journey. Silence surrounds her. 

Last week our agency sent us an email describing their financial difficulties keeping the Ethiopia program open. They have set a massive fundraising goal for the program and we are having a conference call later today. Ethiopia is becoming increasingly difficult (and almost impossible) to adopt from. The reasons behind this are too much to mention here. Our agency, and most all agencies, are struggling to keep programs alive. 

Doubt has gripped me all week long. To say that I have been emotional would be an understatement (my husband says "Amen"). 

Yesterday was particularly heavy. 

Heavy.

I was so tired. My prayers are not something I am necessarily proud of. I basically begged God to let us stop. I asked Him to let us change courses. The journey is becoming increasingly difficult to finish. 

Here was my prayer journal from yesterday morning. 

"Let me find peace, joy and rest in you. I think my doubt stems from a few places - would You be so kind as to shed light in these areas? 

1) Did we hear you wrong about Ethiopia? It is hard to be confident about the call to adopt from ET when so many other people have felt confident in their call to adopt from there and the doors have been closed on them. 

How are we any different?

Are we any different? 

How can I pray with confidence for this journey to be completed? 

2) has the plan changed? 

Was this a journey to open our eyes to many other things? I know we are different people because of this journey. I thank you for that. 

3) should we give up now? Are you changing our direction or should we continue on our way to Ethiopia? 

My day went on. 

I spent some time talking with friends and Lee about the situation. Sweet Lee is just full of faith and I am simply not. God knew what He was doing when He partnered us together. 

Our family loaded up to head to church last night. As we were pulling out of the driveway I told Lee to stop and check the mail. He pulled out a package that I wasn't expecting. 

I opened it up and a pair of my gym shorts fell out that my friend had borrowed a few weeks back. 

A check also fell out. 

Addressed to me. 

Did she owe me money for something? 

No. Especially not such a generous amount of money! 

Did she send this for our project 30 fundraiser? Maybe? 

No. The check was dated for July 28. 

Weird.

I texted her asking what that check was for?? 

Her reply was simple, but profound. 

"Bring our sweet boy home." 

Tears streamed from my eyes. 

She is still laying on the ground. She is too exhausted to move and too broken to even attempt. 

The wind begins to blow. 

It is a light breeze that she barely even notices at first. 

But as she tunes her ear to listen... She hears a whisper. 

A still, small voice.

A voice that says, 

"My girl... Don't you stop now. Keep going. Rise to your feet. Keep walking. It is just ahead. I hear you. I see you. I knew you would fall down today. In fact, I prepared for this fall on July 28." 

Do not quit. 

Project 30

On October 16th I will turn 30!!  Yes... The BIG. 3. 0. 

I cannot believe it. I am like "grown" now. 

Over the years I have seen many people do very cool things to celebrate their 30th birthday. One girl raised 30 thousand dollars to help with non-profit organizations. Someone else did 30 random acts of kindness. The list goes on. As I began thinking about my own 30th birthday, I contemplated how I could celebrate. I initially wanted to raise money to support efforts in Africa to provide clean water for those in need. But as I began the fundraiser planning, it was daunting to me to raise money for a cause while we still   have financial needs with our own adoption. Our heart is to adopt without debt. 

So I shifted gears. 

I have come up with a fundraiser and I hope that you will decide to be part of it! 

I am calling it "Project 30." 

The theme comes from the African Proverb "it takes a village to raise a child." 

It takes a village to raise all children, but it especially takes a village to raise children who have been adopted. We have seen our village rise up with fundraising efforts, prayer, encouragement and wisdom. We pray that we continue to see the village rise up once Malachi is home! We will need people to love and encourage our entire family. Y'all know I will need help with his hair and with navigating the waters of having a transracial family in today's society. 

So I want to do a fundraiser to celebrate my 30th birthday! 

I am asking 30 people to rise up and commit to doing an individual fundraiser for us. 

Yes... That's 30 fundraisers for my 30th birthday!! 

This will be impossible to achieve without you guys!! 

Here is my plan. This plan may shift if needed, but this is the rough draft. 

1) I need 30 people to volunteer to do a fundraiser. 

2) I will give a T-Shirt to each person who volunteers. Please wear your T-Shirt during your fundraiser! The shirts are awesome (thanks Jenn Crane!) 

3) I would love for all of the fundraisers to take place the week of my birthday - October 11-17. 

This is flexible if needed. 

That's it! I don't really have a "goal" for how much we will raise. I think my heart will just be so full to see the village at work for my son! We will be working too!! :-) 

After 3 years it is hard to get motivated to fundraise, so having you guys alongside me will help tremendously! 

Let's do a short Q & A to clear up some things! 

1) What do I do with the money I raise? 

This is the most important question of all! We are asking that no donations be made directly to us. Instead, we would like for you to donate to our Lifesong Account! This account was set up for us last November and is awesome! Your donation is tax deductible through them and it is guaranteed to be used for adoption purposes. Not that we wouldn't do that anyway!! We have been extremely diligent the past 3 years to use all funds for ONLY adoption purposes! We have a completely separate adoption banking account! But we can't offer a tax deduction if donated to us. 

And still... We love the fact that a professional organization manages it for us! 

We will chat in further detail personally about how to donate to this account! 

2) How do I sign up? 

Please contact me via Facebook (Abby Miller Blackburn), phone, or email abbymiller_22@hotmail.com and I will get you signed up. Please include your name, fundraising idea, and a potential fundraiser date/location/time. 

Example:

John Smith

Garage Sale

Saturday, October 17 @ 6 am

Your address 

Obviously we can chat in more detail but I will keep a list of all the fundraisers so we can get the word out!! 

3) Does my fundraiser have to be something big like a garage sale? 

No! Not at all! It can be as small as selling a piece of art or having your kids set up a lemonade stand! Please get creative!! 

4) Is there a minimum amount of money that I have to raise? 

Nope! Every dollar helps! 

5) Can you give us some fundraiser ideas? 

I sure can! But don't limit your creativity to this list!! 

Garage sale

Lemonade stand

Selling crafts (all you Pinterest people out there!) 

Using your business to raise money (ex: donate a portion of sales) 

Bake sale 

Pancake Breakfast

Tea Party (great for getting little girls involved) 

Spaghetti Dinner (or any dinner) 

Silent auction (can be online or in person, multiple or single items) 

The list goes on and on.

Here is a good link! 

http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog/the-ultimate-list-of-adoption-fundraisers/

That's all folks! 

We are excited and anxious to see who all will stand up and BE THE VILLAGE!! 

In our weariness to finish the work God has called us to, we seriously need you. We don't necessarily need your finances (we serve a God who owns cattle on a thousand hills), but we need you to carry us with your prayers and encouragement! 

Let's have a birthday party!! 

Guest blog post!!

Many of you know my sweet friend, Alicia Mattern. I have been journeying with Alicia for years now and have been so blessed by her friendship. Recently, Alicia and her husband, Will, along with their two girls, Ally and Mary Grayson moved from Flowood, MS to Madison, MS. This move seemed sudden and very surprising to those watching from the outside, however, it was anything BUT surprising or sudden for those of us involved in the details. It was a blessing to see God leading their family to a divine appointment. It is a story that began with HIM and will end with HIM.

I invited Alicia to do a guest blog post to share her story. I hope you enjoy reading it!

I figured if Ellen Degeneres could have special guest so could Abby.  

What a journey!  It seems so quick to the world and leaves many with questions.  Believe me I have asked a few questions myself.  My sweet friends/family and actually complete strangers have been so huge in this.  They have listened to my heart process.   

In 2012, Will and I began a journey asking God where he desired for our children to go to school.  Sweet Will was very patient with me as I wanted to tour every school in Rankin and Madison County.  I even thought I wanted to tour the high schools.  A shout out to Kelly Kuykendall for reminding me I did not have to decide on high school – I had to decide on kindergarten.  It is one thing to pray for God’s will for my own life, but to pray it for my children was another pressure for me.

I recently found a journal that I wrote as I toured schools at that time - The journal was asking god a lot of questions and praying for wisdom.  At that time Will felt like ultimately we would be in Madison but I did not feel like God was finished with us in Rankin county.  David Horner taught me years ago that God often begins to a stir in us a passion for something long before it’s fruition.

Renee Williams (a sweet friend that God placed in my family’s life many years ago) spent the night with me in December 2012 and after many hours of catching up I told her about the prayer journey through schools. I felt like I didn’t even know what to pray anymore.  I went to bed that night and asked God this question…. “Lord, teach me to pray?”  God loves for us to ask for wisdom and he showed up so big.  He didn’t only show up in regards to schools but in so many areas in our life.  Within months we attended a two day conference known as College of Prayer at our church.  That summer I went through the actual bible study by Kay Arthur “Lord teach me to pray.” God taught me so much in that question and prayer.  I learned that a prayer journey was far more than just reaching the destination but finding joy in God’s presence in  the journey.  Chip helped me reframe my prayer life when he communicated... to seek God’s face and not just His hand.  

We toured every school without knowing an answer.  Then one day we walked the halls of Hartfield – I registered Ally immediately.  The atmosphere was precious.  The administration was great.  The teachers were so sweet.  The classroom size was smaller.  Scripture was on the wall.  I left with confidence that this was the perfectly safe environment I was felt would be best for Ally that was naturally timid.   So we began to walk that out. We took our house off the market and began to put one foot in front of the other for the plans that we were confident in that moment.

A few months ago I was really wrestling with what God had for our family to look like.  I wanted 2 more children.  Will adamantly felt like the 2 children we have complete our family.  I will never forget the place I was standing when Abby said, “Why don’t you and Will pray about it for 40 days to seek clarity?”  I came home and enthusiastically told Will about the 40 day prayer journey I wanted to embark on. He enthusiastically did NOT feel the need to pray about growing our family but was willing.

After much discussion, Will agreed. We desired to be on the same page about the future of our family. But more importantly, we desired for our family to be in the will of God. So we began our 40 day prayer journey. We were faithful to pray and consistently ask God the same question. My question to God was “What do you have for our family to look like?  What do you have our home to look like?”  The journey ended with a shift of my heart to maybe not ever having more biological children, but instead a home that I could open the doors and allow anyone to walk through that needed to be loved.  My heart shifted to be a family to anyone that needed one. I learned to trust that Will would always be willing to say yes to whatever God asked us to do.  

Our prayer journey ended after 40 days, but what followed would rock our world. 

Within a week of the 40 days being over a note was left on our door from someone that wanted to buy our house. (reminder there was no sign in the yard) A note that would change our life forever.  

Wills OCD personality rose to the surface and within a week we had looked on the internet for houses, walked through houses, met with bankers, met with a builder (shout out to Tim Neese) – he ran along side of Will every step of the way as we looked at property to buy.  Every blade of grass was looked at in Rankin County.  Will drove from every neighborhood to see the exact time it would take for us to do life.  Unfortunately, Will and I were not seeing eye to eye.  Will wanted land. I wanted to run into my neighbor when I walked out the door.  There was not one option that we both felt great about.  

A friend called us about a house in a neighborhood in Madison.   This was a neighborhood we had looked in before but was off our radar.   I had only looked at Old Madison recently that would allow me to still do life in Flowood, the area that I had loved for 10 years. Instead, this was right in the middle of Madison and I knew the distance would not allow us to continue doing life routinely in Flowood.  The house had a contract on it.  I have no idea why we even went to look.  We were both weary.  Our children were beginning to think house hunting was our hobby.  We walked in the house and within 3 minutes Will said, “I think this is our home.” WHAT?????? This was not my plan.  This changed everything – schools, churches, friends…

That was a Tuesday.

Wednesday – I prayed and called in the troops for wisdom.  My emotions were not lining up with the plan.  I left messages with 2 women in my life that have walked me through many emotions.

We went back to look at it Thursday and I prayed and fasted.  I spent the day with my mom.  What a blessing to have someone listen to your heart that has known your heart since you cried your first cry.  She reminded me that closing a chapter that I loved would be hard.  It involved people that I cherish.  But that just because it was hard did not mean it wasn’t right.  The 2 women each left separate messages – one had no idea what school district our girls would be in but talked about how much she loved Madison Station (we serve a God of details) – this is the school where the girls will be going.  The other left a message of her heart for Madison and provided amazing encouragement in that God can change our territory and reminded me that God had called Will to lead our family. She also reminded me that God often brings insight to the leader sooner than he does the follower.  By the time I walked back through the house that night God had met me.  My heart had shifted.  

I graciously had friends ask me hard questions, pray earnestly, encourage me and listen to my heart when I did not even know what my heart felt….

I felt like I was walking through the stages of a job interview…You have a job that you love and another company calls you for an interview…There are many questions that have to be walked through…And then you learn the job requires you to move….The ONLY way you would take the job is if you felt like GOD had called you to take it.  I was sitting on the beach when Amy Horner asked me the question “Is it a calling?”  At the time she asked that I think Will would have said YES, but I was not there yet.  My heart was hesitant – saying “yes” to God was saying “no” to a lot of things that I loved.  

Our buyers  buyer fell through…so he couldn’t buy our house…Yes the guy that left the note…Will met with Teresa Renkenberger…Will did not feel like the journey was over….Our house resold in 3 days…Formal contract on the new house was in writing and we found out at midnight on June 9th that it was formally ours….

Papers were signed on June 25th

We were about to sell the house we have called home, raised children in, let people live with us that needed a place in transition, the bible has been studied in,  laughter has been shared….

On the 26th we closed on the house that we will call home until God changes our territory .  So our next chapter begins….

I have processed more emotions in one month than I have in my entire life. Our routine has changed…New faces in the grocery store, new neighbors that I only know their name and not their life story, asking the question who is going to be my new 5 am running friend (Amy Sherman – I miss you!!!), a new school,  new church, …

God has met me in so many ways it makes me smile - both spiritually and practically.

I’ll never forget when I was in the youth group swinging by a lake at a church camp and my heart was sad because the seniors were graduating.  Mary Margaret Holliman said “Your sadness in goodbyes comes because you have loved.  The alternative is to not love and then goodbyes will not be sad.” So today I am sad because I have loved so many people that have crossed my path in the last 10 years.  My heart will forever be changed for my time in the Reservoir area.  

I began to worship today at church and the song was sung “The maker of the heavens knows my name.” My heart sunk as I thought He knows my name but not many people in this room do.  The sermon of the cross reminded me of the rest of the song.

The make of the heavens knows my name...the author of the oceans gave me grace...My soul, my soul will ever sing your praise - Almighty God, almighty God...Your touch can set the weary captives free...Your love has changed the course of history...and with your arms wide open...you gave your life to save...The hands that formed creation were pierced for me that day….

I can not wait to see what God has next for us as he continues to unfold what he has for our family and our home to look like.  If I had to answer that question today that Amy asked me on the beach “Is this a calling?”  My answer would be YES.  I can’t wait to wake up each morning and love God and love the new people God has put in my path.  I can not wait to know the story of the faces that are in my routine.

The reality is that in this life it really doesn't matter how many people know my name. What really matters is that I am helping people learn the name of Jesus. Above all else I desire for His name to be glorified!