My Daughter’s Beautiful Heart

I was having a really tough day about a week after sharing the “adventure” with our kids. This was so big, so new, so scary, so different: moving to Haiti and Ethiopia for a year! We promised Hannah and Michael the freedom to feel exactly what they were feeling, no matter what! Our biggest prayer was not closing their spirits, but encouraging them to trust us and trust what Jesus has asked us to do as a family. That was a big request! Hannah was watching me like a hawk after we met the new family adopting our dog, Tate. This was actually harder to tell the kids about their dog, than the actual mission adventure. Tate has been a part of our family for five years, but it’s not an option to take him along with us. We are living in a 1,200 sq ft. condo for 6 months during our transition time until November 20th! Tate’s new family is thrilled, but our family … not so thrilled. I went up to her room and laid down on her bed. She looked at me and I started boo hoo’ing … it breakes my heart we have to let our crazy dog go. I think it struck her heart to tenderness, seeing me so sad. I told her I needed a frappuccino and would she drive with me to happy hour at Starbucks.

“Mom, you need a good crying song and a coffee.” Oh my daughter knows me so well!

We jumped in the car and she picked the perfect song for me. Britt Nicole’s “walk on the water” … the song brought me to tears and we started laughing and crying together how crazy her mom really was. I cried all the way to Starbucks, but felt so good and connected to my daughter. I told her when the song finished …

“Hannah, this is THE HARDEST thing we have ever done in our life … but I couldn’t do this without you.”

“I know mom.” Smile.

The next day, I asked her her what was one word that described how she was feeling and one song she was feeling. My daughter expresses her feelings through her music. Her word- relaxed. Her song- What makes you beautiful (One Direction)

I think that was a major breakthrough … we are moving forward. Our children will also be challenged and stretched and loved, just like we will be for our year of missions adventure. God did not promise this would be easy, but He promised us that He will never leave or forsake us. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:5-7

I read this today in my very favorite book … “Drawing prayer circles often feels foolish. And the bigger the circle you draw the more foolish you’ll feel. But if you aren’t willing to step out of the boat, you’ll never walk on the water. If you aren’t willing to circle the city, the wall will ever fall. And if you aren’t willing to follow the star, you’ll miss out on the greatest ADVENTURE of your life.” (The Circle Maker)

(crazy Tate got a “storage” sticker stuck on his tail)

I want to ask you if you will come along side of us the next six months as we prepare to go and love big in Haiti and Ethiopia. Pray for my children, pray for our hearts, pray for God’s direction, and supernatural protection. I’m going to commit blogging through this new change- the good, the crazy, and the hard days ahead. We are packing up 10 years of memories in boxes and storage and it’s not an easy thing to give up this stuff. I’m going to need YOU to keep me accountable- Will you join me?

Walk on the Water

You look around
It’s staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder

What if I’m overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one’s there?
Will you hear my prayer?

When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won’t let you go

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

You know you’re made for more
So don’t be afraid to MOVE
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don’t wait
Don’t you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you’re not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away

If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won’t let you go

(step out)
Even when its storming
(step out)
Even when you’re broken
(step out)
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
(step out)
When your hope is stolen
(step out)
You can’t see where you’re going
You don’t have to be afraid

So what are you waiting,
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

You know you’re made for more
So don’t be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water…
Walk on the water too

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