Beautiful Chaos

Today, I began diving into what it means to be "Adventures in Missions." Joined my first Development team meeting with a collection of women much smarter than I. Hunted for a pair of scissors and a stapler in a manner that reminded me a lot of the movie, Office Space. Spoke to Jack Ryan, my compassionate and sincere realtor with news that helps me to breathe more freely. Purchased a map of the area in hopes to find a faster than 30 minute route to work. Waged a little battle within.

This day, the move began to settle in. 

This day, I reminded myself of why I breathe, why I am here, and why I know that this new Adventure in Missions is the right "next step."

There are 3 billion people living in poverty. Meet one. Her name is Esther. http://adventures.org/a/trips/rlPoverty.asp

There are 143 million orphansin the world. Peter's story is told here: http://adventures.org/a/trips/rlOrphans.asp.

There are 27 million people- human beings...daughters, sons, infants, toddlers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and fathers - trafficked each year. Lee's story is found here: http://adventures.org/a/trips/rlTrafficking.asp.

No other reason would compel me to leave family, friends, and home than the real opportunity to love people in practical ways. My hope is that this love in action will be key to help move people from despair, loneliness, and grief to a life worth living. Really living. 

I can only offer a story - my story - of a lost life and despair; loneliness, grief, and shame. And a hard-won story of hope, a young family of three, friendships I never thought I'd know, peace, belonging, colorful benchmarks, and a blind one-eyed pirate cat. Beautiful chaos.  

Join me.

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin." Zechariah 4:10 New Living Translation