This whole past month of April I have been participating in a campaign called "One Dress One Shirt One Month". For this campaign I have worn the same cotton, pink and white striped dress for 30 whole days. Why you may ask? Well the purpose of wearing the same dress is to invoke peoples curiosity and to start conversations about human trafficking and also to catch a glimpse of what it feels like for those who are stuck in the sex industry these days. Over the past month we have gained sponsors who will donate money to our campaign which goes straight to The Hope House in Asheville which is a home that provides recovery for victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
The past month has simply flown by it seems, even though each day in my dress has dragged on, the whole season of being 'stuck' in this dress has gone by so fast and I have had little time to truly reflect. Wearing the dress has left me feeling stuck and helpless, which I know can sound slightly dramatic but the truth is having to wear the same thing leaves me without options and in America as a kid who grew up here, no options is not even reality. We here have a million and one options. After I graduated college last May it was a wide open canvas of options upon options, every day outside of this month when I wake up I get to choose what I want to wear, what I feel good in and what expresses how I feel and desire to look. The month of April has been full of settling, of coming to terms with my situation and realizing that this is what lies before me everyday. I thought that by picking a pink dress it would be more fun and exciting, considering pink is my favorite color - this has almost brought me to the place of wanting to pick a new favorite color. The truth is I feel like the color pink has lost all of its spunk and meaning and joy that it usually brings me this past month and I hope it will all be revived tomorrow when I get to indulge in the whole pallet of colors that lie in my closet that have gone untouched for 30 days. So yes, as you can tell there have been trials and pains and mental battles I have had to endure through while participating in the One Dress One Shirt One Month campaign, but I know that these trials I face are simply so small compared to the trappedness and lack of freedom that the victims I am taking a stand for feel daily. I know that their pain is deeper and more vivid and real and their lack of options, their lack of freedom is more intense then I will ever know.
This month has brought a lot of freedom too on a brighter note. It has brought me to a place where I am fervently in prayer for those trapped in the oppression of human trafficking. It has brought me to my knees and my heart has been broken to pieces for my brothers and sisters who are denied the freedom of life and life to the full. It has also brought me to the place where I have realized that simplification of life is more honoring to Christ and those around me. I have what I need and then some and it has been made apparent that I don't need all that I have and that the spirit of generosity is one of the kingdom and something that I can afford to look more like.
Today I think I had one of my favorite conversations about my dress. The mail man that comes to the church office where I work, everyday, finally spoke up today and said in a laughing tone, "That dress must be pretty comfortable you wear it all the time!" In which I responded - yes I am actually participating in raising awareness for human trafficking by wearing the same dress for a month. He then proceeded to say, "I wondered if my mind was playing tricks on me and I wanted to ask you for so long but I was afraid to." WOW. Yes he has manners but it brought me to this revelation of how we are so scared to interact and engage with the messy or out of place things in life that need to be addressed and need to be acknowledged. It seems to me that that is half of the problem with human trafficking. People are scared of it. People are terrified of the violent abuse that is taking place because they don't know how to fix it or if they can even make a difference. The same was true of my mail man friend, he didn't want to offend me or to butt in on my personal business, he didn't want to get in trouble by asking so he just didn't. If we don't ask those who look a bit different or look stuck or look lost if they are okay or if they know there is a way out how will they ever know. I am so glad my mail man friend asked - I am so glad that I got to be a voice for the voiceless. I pray that God would break down the walls of fear that are embedded in our communities towards this darkness of human trafficking that is taking place whether we have the guts to face it or not, I pray that God would begin to make it impossible to not notice and to not do something about in our communities. I pray that God would raise up laborers for the harvest of those who are enslaved and bring about a time of revival and freedom for those who are hurt and trapped.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" - Romans 10:14-15
There is still time to sponsor this campaign and they are only a few hundred away from their fundraising goal so if you feel lead to give to this cause check it out at this link!
One Dress One Shirt One Month!
Blessings & Love,
Kaity Ruhland
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Big Picture - What's Next?
A dream of mine as a daughter of the King of Kings has always been to go to the nations and to spread the love of Christ to my brothers and sisters around the world. Specifically the Lord has put the nations of Southeast Asia on my heart over the years and in doing so has revealed more and more of the issues there that break His heart and my heart. I have waited upon the Lord for several years to reveal to me when and where and with which organization or ministry I would get to travel with to serve him, and finally the time has come for the first steps of faith to move forward in this dream and passion.
This summer I have been invited to be a member of a VisionTeam with a Christian Non-profit organization that works with at risk women and children for a six-week trip to Nepal!! I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to serve and grow in my faith with this organization and team. In order for you to grasp who Tiny Hands is and what their work is like I will explain below!
This org i will be working with is a Christian, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the Body of Christ in the developing world to fight against poverty and social injustice. They are particularly called to orphans, street children, and victims of the sex-trafficking industry. Their mission is dedicated to empowering the Body of Christ in the developing world to fight against both poverty and social injustice by employing effective strategies and biblical principles. They are committed to identifying the greatest injustices in the world and working towards bringing relief to those who live under its oppression. They are particularly called to orphans, street children, women's empowerment and those threatened by, or victims of, the sex-trafficking industry.
I first heard about this org. through the Passion Conference that I attended a little over a year ago in January of 2012. This was also the first time I had heard of International Justice Mission, with whom I interned with this past summer in Washington D.C. Most of you know that I have been highly involved with the work of IJM since last year and through my time as an intern my heart was plucked more and more for field ministry. Working at IJM headquarters opened my eyes to the harsh and true reality of violent oppression all over the world and the lack of laborers that are wiling to go bring in the harvest. So, since my summer internship I have been asking God to reveal to me when, where, and how I can serve Him and the nations that need Him most. This process over the past 7 months since my IJM internship ended has included lots of prayer and applying for multiple programs with multiple organizations and ministries, in order to find the perfect fit. The door that God chose to open through this process happened to be with this org!
The trip I will take begins June 18th and end July 30th. Over the course of these six weeks this is what I will be doing:
I will be exploring working directly on the issues of poverty, street children, and human trafficking, by reading, talking to experts, and seeing the problems first hand, and then joining into the work that is going on to fight these issues.
The first half of the trip will be dedicated to a rigorous learning process, and will include the following:
-Exploring the city and learning about the culture
-Field visits to the slums, street children, and places associated with the sex industry
-Visiting Tiny Hands International projects (Children's Homes, Border Stations, etc.)
-Playing with the children
-Visiting other NGO's that are doing similar work
-Talking to the leaders who work in these fields to ask questions and learn about these issues
-Researching books and other materials about these issues and discussing them
After the first half of the trip the VisionTeam leaders take time with each member to discuss which areas he/she would like to volunteer. Through assessing our strengths and weaknesses and praying through finding the right niche for our hearts to serve in each team member will then choose an area of the ongoing work of of the org that they would desire to get plugged into, some examples are:
-Developing materials for the children's homes or anti-trafficking efforts
-Sports ministry with street children
-Making promotional videos for the org in various areas of the ministry
-Teaching English, Games, or other subjects to the children
-Designing and leading camps for the children
I believe that God has called me specifically to serve with this org and I am beyond excited to do so. I really believe in their mission and their hearts and faith. My hope in sharing this journey with you that God is taking me on is that you will join in it. I hope and pray that you will join me in prayer and in giving if you feel lead.
The trip is going to cost a total of $4,000.00. I have been in Boone, NC over the past 7 months working part time and living out the call of a disciple. I have been able to save up some funds in the anticipation and expectation of God calling me to the nations this summer, but I definitely need and desire the support of the Body of Christ as I go where God is sending me to serve His children.
I am in the beginning stages now and I am full of faith that God will meet all of my needs to be apart of this amazing journey. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information and or if you would like to partner with me in prayer or funding!
In Christ's Love,
Kaity Ruhland
540.229.0204
kaityruhland@gmail.com
This summer I have been invited to be a member of a VisionTeam with a Christian Non-profit organization that works with at risk women and children for a six-week trip to Nepal!! I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to serve and grow in my faith with this organization and team. In order for you to grasp who Tiny Hands is and what their work is like I will explain below!
This org i will be working with is a Christian, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the Body of Christ in the developing world to fight against poverty and social injustice. They are particularly called to orphans, street children, and victims of the sex-trafficking industry. Their mission is dedicated to empowering the Body of Christ in the developing world to fight against both poverty and social injustice by employing effective strategies and biblical principles. They are committed to identifying the greatest injustices in the world and working towards bringing relief to those who live under its oppression. They are particularly called to orphans, street children, women's empowerment and those threatened by, or victims of, the sex-trafficking industry.
I first heard about this org. through the Passion Conference that I attended a little over a year ago in January of 2012. This was also the first time I had heard of International Justice Mission, with whom I interned with this past summer in Washington D.C. Most of you know that I have been highly involved with the work of IJM since last year and through my time as an intern my heart was plucked more and more for field ministry. Working at IJM headquarters opened my eyes to the harsh and true reality of violent oppression all over the world and the lack of laborers that are wiling to go bring in the harvest. So, since my summer internship I have been asking God to reveal to me when, where, and how I can serve Him and the nations that need Him most. This process over the past 7 months since my IJM internship ended has included lots of prayer and applying for multiple programs with multiple organizations and ministries, in order to find the perfect fit. The door that God chose to open through this process happened to be with this org!
The trip I will take begins June 18th and end July 30th. Over the course of these six weeks this is what I will be doing:
I will be exploring working directly on the issues of poverty, street children, and human trafficking, by reading, talking to experts, and seeing the problems first hand, and then joining into the work that is going on to fight these issues.
The first half of the trip will be dedicated to a rigorous learning process, and will include the following:
-Exploring the city and learning about the culture
-Field visits to the slums, street children, and places associated with the sex industry
-Visiting Tiny Hands International projects (Children's Homes, Border Stations, etc.)
-Playing with the children
-Visiting other NGO's that are doing similar work
-Talking to the leaders who work in these fields to ask questions and learn about these issues
-Researching books and other materials about these issues and discussing them
After the first half of the trip the VisionTeam leaders take time with each member to discuss which areas he/she would like to volunteer. Through assessing our strengths and weaknesses and praying through finding the right niche for our hearts to serve in each team member will then choose an area of the ongoing work of of the org that they would desire to get plugged into, some examples are:
-Developing materials for the children's homes or anti-trafficking efforts
-Sports ministry with street children
-Making promotional videos for the org in various areas of the ministry
-Teaching English, Games, or other subjects to the children
-Designing and leading camps for the children
I believe that God has called me specifically to serve with this org and I am beyond excited to do so. I really believe in their mission and their hearts and faith. My hope in sharing this journey with you that God is taking me on is that you will join in it. I hope and pray that you will join me in prayer and in giving if you feel lead.
The trip is going to cost a total of $4,000.00. I have been in Boone, NC over the past 7 months working part time and living out the call of a disciple. I have been able to save up some funds in the anticipation and expectation of God calling me to the nations this summer, but I definitely need and desire the support of the Body of Christ as I go where God is sending me to serve His children.
I am in the beginning stages now and I am full of faith that God will meet all of my needs to be apart of this amazing journey. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information and or if you would like to partner with me in prayer or funding!
In Christ's Love,
Kaity Ruhland
540.229.0204
kaityruhland@gmail.com
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The White House Hang Out : Human Trafficking
Check out the recording of the White House Hangout on Google plus I had the honor of being apart of with world leaders in this fight against Human Trafficking in the U.S. and all over the world!
White House Hangout on Google Plus : Human Trafficking!
Blessings & Eternal Love,
Kaity
White House Hangout on Google Plus : Human Trafficking!
Blessings & Eternal Love,
Kaity
God is the Dream Weaver and Ultimate Believer
This past week has truly been a whirl wind to say the least. I am still trying to process it all mentally, physically, and spiritually. I really can't wait to put into words all that the Lord has spoken over my heart since I've returned to Boone, NC since the summer and since I've returned to Boone, NC just this Tuesday night from NYC after meeting Barack Obama and attending the Clinton Global Initiative.
Hang tight for more to come - all I can truly say for now is that God is beyond Good - He is elevating his children on behalf of the kingdom and I am humbled and blessed and honored to be a mouth piece for our generation on behalf of the fight against human trafficking! Justice is coming and Jesus' is the answer and freedom we all need.
Psalm 113
Hang tight for more to come - all I can truly say for now is that God is beyond Good - He is elevating his children on behalf of the kingdom and I am humbled and blessed and honored to be a mouth piece for our generation on behalf of the fight against human trafficking! Justice is coming and Jesus' is the answer and freedom we all need.
Psalm 113
"Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, you his servants;
praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
Let the name of the Lord be praised,
both now and forevermore.
both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He settles the childless woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He settles the childless woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the Lord."
May it all start and end with Praising the Lord in our lives.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
"The Kingdom is within you" Luke 17:20-21
Dearest Beloved's
here I am to blog a little blurb - there is no way I can pack into this one blog post all that the Lord has been revealing to me or teaching me but as I have this little life breather here in Boone, NC I thought to myself I shall update you slightly on the truth that God has so graciously made real to me most recently and how He has captivated my heart and mind and soul with His love and goodness.
I have been reading through the Gospel of Luke and as I got to chapters 16 & 17 this week I have simply been unable to get out of them. It as if God has sunk me deep into his generosity and grace and has daily revealed to me more and more about these scriptures - specifically the one that states in 17:20-21 that His Kingdom dwells in us. Yes as born again believers we know that in Jesus Christ and through His blood on the cross we are made COMPLETELY NEW and are actually new beings - but how often do we wake up and truly reflect on the truth that it isnt just our human-ness that dwells in us anymore it is the living, breathing, holy Spirit of God that lives in you and me. He has given us His Son Jesus Christ and His Son Jesus Christ gave us the Holy Spirit as the counselor and power house of faith to live in us and actively live on the earth as His ambassador. So WYLD! I am so greatful that every day this week God has shown me a little but BIG glimpse of His kingdom in me and in those around me. The words of encouragement from a friend, the sweet song of hymns and praise that I witness my brothers and sisters utter, the food that is graciously given to those who are in need through the churches and ministries we have here in Boone, NC the kind gifts of hugs, clothes, cards and so many more things I can't even list them all. It has been incredible to catch a glimpse of the King in each and every person I've meet or spent time with this week.
God made us each in His image - it is true that no matter what, whether the people around us know WHO's they are and WHOM they are in Christ they are still the beloved in God's eyes and how different would our days and our interactions with people be if we just simply remembered that the Kingdom of God is in us and we are to see EVERYONE as our brother and sister. They are God's and they are the closest thing we have to that which tangibly bears HIS glorious image. Not the sunset, sunrise, the mountains, the flowers or the trees - they cry out of his majesty and authorship but it is in each human being that was made in Christ's image that we are to see the depth of our Father's heart revealed.
Look at your neighbor differently today - this week. Let us pray that the Lord's will would be done on Earth as it is in Heaven - starting with looking at those around us with loving, intentional and gracious eyes - through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
-Matthew 25:34-40
here I am to blog a little blurb - there is no way I can pack into this one blog post all that the Lord has been revealing to me or teaching me but as I have this little life breather here in Boone, NC I thought to myself I shall update you slightly on the truth that God has so graciously made real to me most recently and how He has captivated my heart and mind and soul with His love and goodness.
I have been reading through the Gospel of Luke and as I got to chapters 16 & 17 this week I have simply been unable to get out of them. It as if God has sunk me deep into his generosity and grace and has daily revealed to me more and more about these scriptures - specifically the one that states in 17:20-21 that His Kingdom dwells in us. Yes as born again believers we know that in Jesus Christ and through His blood on the cross we are made COMPLETELY NEW and are actually new beings - but how often do we wake up and truly reflect on the truth that it isnt just our human-ness that dwells in us anymore it is the living, breathing, holy Spirit of God that lives in you and me. He has given us His Son Jesus Christ and His Son Jesus Christ gave us the Holy Spirit as the counselor and power house of faith to live in us and actively live on the earth as His ambassador. So WYLD! I am so greatful that every day this week God has shown me a little but BIG glimpse of His kingdom in me and in those around me. The words of encouragement from a friend, the sweet song of hymns and praise that I witness my brothers and sisters utter, the food that is graciously given to those who are in need through the churches and ministries we have here in Boone, NC the kind gifts of hugs, clothes, cards and so many more things I can't even list them all. It has been incredible to catch a glimpse of the King in each and every person I've meet or spent time with this week.
God made us each in His image - it is true that no matter what, whether the people around us know WHO's they are and WHOM they are in Christ they are still the beloved in God's eyes and how different would our days and our interactions with people be if we just simply remembered that the Kingdom of God is in us and we are to see EVERYONE as our brother and sister. They are God's and they are the closest thing we have to that which tangibly bears HIS glorious image. Not the sunset, sunrise, the mountains, the flowers or the trees - they cry out of his majesty and authorship but it is in each human being that was made in Christ's image that we are to see the depth of our Father's heart revealed.
Look at your neighbor differently today - this week. Let us pray that the Lord's will would be done on Earth as it is in Heaven - starting with looking at those around us with loving, intentional and gracious eyes - through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
-Matthew 25:34-40
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Psalm 116:7 - At rest once more
"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."
- Psalm 116:7
I am back in Boone, NC - it has been a whirlwind of an adventure and transition back here to the beautiful mountains. It has been one of the fastest transitions I've ever made. I am trying ever so much to take it one step at a time and truly abide in God's Spirit more than anything and I can honestly say that God is faithful and has met me with every ounce of strength, energy, and peace that I have needed as I zoomed back here after ending my Internship in D.C. on thursday evening and began the IJM AppState leadership retreat on Friday. God showed up in wonderful and mighty ways during the retreat - something I've never lead before - which is just testament to God and his strength in our weakness. The leaders are so excited for the year and I cant wait to watch God unravel their passions.
Anyways - I also have started my work at Gladiola Girls - the womens clothing/jewelry boutique here in Boone, NC and it was so fun and sweet. I can already feel and see God moving on my heart for the women who wil be coming to the store and just his heart for us as his disciples to live intentionally in community. So that is what I am doing. Thats who I am - His disciple. No matter where I go and what I do God is my security and my refuge and he calls me His beloved. So here I am now in Boone instead of D.C. being his beloved by the empowerment of his holy spirit.
I will have more to share soon - just awaking to a new day here in the High Country and so thankful for all God is calling me to here as it unfolds. Keep me in your prayers - please pray for me and my new room mates - Kelly Scott and Kelly Harry - they are powerhouses for the Lord and love him so much and I know he has great plans for all of us to minister together and to be servants and allow our apartment to be a place of refuge and shelter for those who are in need. Also pray for me and my heart as I hold loosely to my ideas of how God wants to use me and allow my hands to be just fully open and willing to do whatever daily deeds God prompts in me through his Spirit. I'm also praying Psalm 90:12 -
"Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."
Thanks for taking this journey with me. I am excited to see God as He moves in these next ste
- Psalm 116:7
I am back in Boone, NC - it has been a whirlwind of an adventure and transition back here to the beautiful mountains. It has been one of the fastest transitions I've ever made. I am trying ever so much to take it one step at a time and truly abide in God's Spirit more than anything and I can honestly say that God is faithful and has met me with every ounce of strength, energy, and peace that I have needed as I zoomed back here after ending my Internship in D.C. on thursday evening and began the IJM AppState leadership retreat on Friday. God showed up in wonderful and mighty ways during the retreat - something I've never lead before - which is just testament to God and his strength in our weakness. The leaders are so excited for the year and I cant wait to watch God unravel their passions.
Anyways - I also have started my work at Gladiola Girls - the womens clothing/jewelry boutique here in Boone, NC and it was so fun and sweet. I can already feel and see God moving on my heart for the women who wil be coming to the store and just his heart for us as his disciples to live intentionally in community. So that is what I am doing. Thats who I am - His disciple. No matter where I go and what I do God is my security and my refuge and he calls me His beloved. So here I am now in Boone instead of D.C. being his beloved by the empowerment of his holy spirit.
I will have more to share soon - just awaking to a new day here in the High Country and so thankful for all God is calling me to here as it unfolds. Keep me in your prayers - please pray for me and my new room mates - Kelly Scott and Kelly Harry - they are powerhouses for the Lord and love him so much and I know he has great plans for all of us to minister together and to be servants and allow our apartment to be a place of refuge and shelter for those who are in need. Also pray for me and my heart as I hold loosely to my ideas of how God wants to use me and allow my hands to be just fully open and willing to do whatever daily deeds God prompts in me through his Spirit. I'm also praying Psalm 90:12 -
"Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."
Thanks for taking this journey with me. I am excited to see God as He moves in these next ste
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
There is a time for everything...
Tonight I am packing up my room and getting ready for my last day at my internship with International Justice Mission.
The moment I am in is so bitter sweet.
I don't want to leave - if I'm honest it brings sooo many tears to my eyes. Each day this summer was full of the Lord.
The best part of it all is that I get to take the Lord with me - he goes everywhere with me and before me.
This truth I know but in these last few days I have simply been able to truly understand the depth and width of the love that God has lavished on me throughout my time here in D.C. as I served as an Intern at IJM.
All things have a time and place and so much has happened these past two weeks that I have yet to blog apot and I will as time presents itslef. Tonight my boss and I cooked dinner and celebrated the summer and all that God brought to us and brought us through. It was beyond sweet - Jaclyn Lesch Toscas has truly been one of the biggest blessings - this is a friendship that I know God is just beginning to use and grow. Last night was my last night with esther - the sweet friend that housed me in Alexandria - and her prayers are so powerful and our time has been short but yet again so intentional. I know God has so much in store for our friendship and I'm excited to always have a home in the D.C. area. She has given me more than i could ever repay in wisdom and joy - God is good and always provides.
I am going to leave you with these verses from Ecclesiastes 3 - they are everything that God is speaking to me and over me right now. Time is so precious and so purposeful. Please be praying for me as I transition back to boone, NC and as I start my new job at Gladiola Girls and serving with the IJM Campus Chapter at AppState and volunteering with The Hope House. I love each of you and thank you for your support and love this summer - I couldn't have done any of this without God leading me and y'all praying for me every step of the way.
The moment I am in is so bitter sweet.
I don't want to leave - if I'm honest it brings sooo many tears to my eyes. Each day this summer was full of the Lord.
The best part of it all is that I get to take the Lord with me - he goes everywhere with me and before me.
This truth I know but in these last few days I have simply been able to truly understand the depth and width of the love that God has lavished on me throughout my time here in D.C. as I served as an Intern at IJM.
All things have a time and place and so much has happened these past two weeks that I have yet to blog apot and I will as time presents itslef. Tonight my boss and I cooked dinner and celebrated the summer and all that God brought to us and brought us through. It was beyond sweet - Jaclyn Lesch Toscas has truly been one of the biggest blessings - this is a friendship that I know God is just beginning to use and grow. Last night was my last night with esther - the sweet friend that housed me in Alexandria - and her prayers are so powerful and our time has been short but yet again so intentional. I know God has so much in store for our friendship and I'm excited to always have a home in the D.C. area. She has given me more than i could ever repay in wisdom and joy - God is good and always provides.
I am going to leave you with these verses from Ecclesiastes 3 - they are everything that God is speaking to me and over me right now. Time is so precious and so purposeful. Please be praying for me as I transition back to boone, NC and as I start my new job at Gladiola Girls and serving with the IJM Campus Chapter at AppState and volunteering with The Hope House. I love each of you and thank you for your support and love this summer - I couldn't have done any of this without God leading me and y'all praying for me every step of the way.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain
from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen
the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in
its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
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