At times, planning a big missions trip, and especially one that's going to turn into something bigger...a children's home...is stressful. There is fundraising...figuring out what it might look like to have this home, etc. On top of that, I don't get a break from everyday life while I figure it out. I DO however have a very supportive church and generally have something every few days, which helps with the stress. I know once I get there it will be worth it. But then there is stress being in a foreign country...we really don't get a break from having potentially stressful situations.m
The thing that hits me though, is that once I open a home, these kids come with stress in their little lives. They come with broken hearts. They need to know how to find peace and healing. True healing comes from a realization that no matter what God is still in control, and He cares deeply, and He has a purpose. These truths can be grasped on different levels, depending on the age of the child. But there are ways to help them to find peace and to experience some love and healing. And these strategies work for adults too.
I am an adventurer and a think-outside-the-box kind of girl. I love traveling and exploring new places. I haven't lost the ability to play, laugh, and enjoy life. I am the person who will try almost anything...at least once. I am a pretty adventurous eater. Sour mango soaked in fish sauce is not a favorite. Neither is frog...I tried it once, and really once was enough. I am sorry to those who like to eat frog, but I will have to pass. I am the person who will ride various forms of public transportation with my face to the window taking in everything that is different about life overseas...it never gets old. And the beautiful little ones who are everywhere...if I am in their neighborhood they will call out "Americano" and will crowd around if I pull out a camera and pose for pictures...and then of course they want to see. And some of the people I have met are lifelong friends. The Filipino people have touched my heart and life forever.
Any endeavor that I set out...or rather that The Lord sends me on is going to be a little bit unique...but not in a bad way. I am learning a lot about what brings me peace when I feel chaotic...and then how to translate that into working with the kids in my home that I don't have yet. I want to learn more about different forms of play therapy. Teaching kids how to express themselves through the arts. I recently discovered how therapeutic it is to paint something...and I didn't think I was very artistic aside from photography. I was wrong about that. It's super relaxing. Music is another thing that ministers to me. I will add a link to a song that has kept me focused recently. Dance is also therapeutic. And I can dance to an audience of one. Really all of this...dance, painting, music, they can be forms of worship if my heart is coming before God ready to let Him fill me up with His peace. These are things I want to take into this next phase of my life. And it's not just about helping the children to begin to heal. It's things that will help myself and my staff navigate through the ministry life without losing focus when things become hard.
I am going to stop this post for the night. But I am going to continue another day with another post on creating peace in the midst of chaos. It's been a busy day of preparing for a fundraiser this weekend, and I haven't felt good today. But I did manage to find a few moments to create a little peace and to worship The Lord even in that. But here is a song to close with. Click the green words which will take you to a youtube video.
I pray this song will minister to you. Really take the time to listen to the words. This is one of the songs that brings me peace.
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