I went to the beach and spent time with my family.
I started nannying two of the cutest kids ever.
And most importantly, I spent two weeks in Africa.
We just got back stateside two days ago and I'm already aching to go back. I don't know what it is about that place, but it does something to my heart that I can't even describe.
I've tried summing up this trip multiple times in my head, but each time words don't do a justice for the prayers answered, the ways God moved, and the things He showed me.
Every time I've been to Africa, this was the third time and fourth different country, God has shown me something new, placed a new perspective in my heart as He shapes me to become more like him.
During my first trip, He placed in me a love for the 140 million+ orphans around the world.
While on my second trip, He revealed to me ways that my book needed to be changed and planted in me the idea of missions.
This trip...this trip I went in with a specific prayer. I've been feeling called to the mission field for years now, even before my trip to Uganda in 2013. But it's only gotten stronger as the years go by. And so my prayer was this: Lord, if this is what you want me to do, show me, breathe it into me so that I'd know without a shadow of a doubt.
That prayer made me beyond nervous. Both a yes and no to that request terrified me. Both came with so many questions and what if's.
But throughout the week, I don't know if it was at dinner with 50+ missionary families or during the day with their children or even playing with children at an orphan center...He showed me that at some point, Africa will be the place I call home.
I've never been more sure of anything in my life.
And I don't know if I'll be teaching or running an orphanage or working for another organization...I don't know if I'll be married or single or any of the details.
But I know that Africa will be home. And right now, that's all I need to know.
Because I already know He knows everything else. He knows the plans He has for my life.
So for now, I just thank Him that Africa will hopefully be a big part of that plan.
~Bailey
You have amazing insight Bailey, I know you will be a great leader for Jesus to help others to follow HIM.
ReplyDeleteHello Bailey. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India . I am glad to visit your profile on the bogger and the blog post and know your amazing family and you. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you through your profile on the blogger and the blog post because of who you are in the Lord Jesus christ and your love for Him. I love to get connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one anothe. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 37 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. we would love to h ave you come with your friends to work with us during your vaation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwkar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteHello Bailey. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India . I am glad to visit your profile on the bogger and the blog post and know your amazing family and you. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you through your profile on the blogger and the blog post because of who you are in the Lord Jesus christ and your love for Him. I love to get connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one anothe. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 37 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. we would love to h ave you come with your friends to work with us during your vaation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwkar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends.
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