Never once will I EVER walk alone

country road in Moycullen, Ireland April 2010

"He leads us on paths we did not know;

Upward He lead us, though our steps be slow, 

Though oft we faint and falter on the way,

Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day; 

Yet when the clouds are gone, 

We know He leads us on.

He leads us on through all the unquiet years;

Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,

He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze

Of losses, sorrows, and o 'erclouded days;

We know His will is done;

And still He leads us on."

       Nicolaus L. von Zinzendorf, 1700-1760

Isn't the way our life unfolds simply amazing? I am truly in awe of how God works to bring me to new places. puts new people in my life, teaches me new things...all the while doing so  with the rest of humankind. Close to this time last year I was hoping to be accepted on with a missions school through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in England. I had no idea when, how, or if the opportunity would be open for me to attend. Here I am nearly, one year later having completed my six month training (back in February) most in England and some time in Ghana in West Africa. I NEVER could imagine all the wonderful things that have transpired this last year. I am so grateful for God's attention to detail with getting me to the right place (YWAM Harpenden), at the right time (September 2011) and under the direction of the lovely people who were leading my school.  

Having recently spent much time in England the purpose of my life was reaffirmed. All of my life I had been drawn to England never truly perceiving why I felt such a connection. It wasn't until I was able to have a brief visit to London in May of 2010 that I realized that I was Home. I've discussed this with people before who have experienced this feeling for the place that they feel they were created to be, it just feels like Home. While my team served in Ghana we worked with a woman who, along with her husband, started a children's home for children being rescued from a life of slavery in the Volta region. she said from the time she was young she had the idea she would live in Ghana. She said she had never heard of the place and in fact didn't even know it was a real place until far into her years at primary school. She said there was just something in her that believed she was to be in Ghana. Once she eventually visited Ghana, she said she was Home. She now lives with her husband and children and does amazing work with the children they have rescued. So I know that London is where I am to be for a time. When I left England back in May of 2010, I knew that I would be returning to work in London and specifically with women. I am now on the way to this becoming a reality. I had always dreamed of living in London, never knowing why I had such a draw or connection to the place, now I know and after spending time there, I truly believe that EVERYONE has something that they are purposed or created to do. I pray that everyone finds and does the thing they were created to do. 

This journey of choosing a life of full-time missions was an easy decision to make, but the transition can at times be complicated. I know that I have family and friends who don't quite understand and probably think I've gone to extremes, but I can honestly say, I've never been happier or more at peace with my life. Thankfully I've reconnected with several lovely women who have been a tremendous support to me in this time of transition. God has also brought into my life individuals who, without knowing, have been inspirational and who's wise counsel has aided me. The bottom line is that I have always had a heart for England, for  women (especially those who suffer injustice), and serving others, so my decision was obvious. I was purposed, created specifically to be in London for this time, working with women who need an advocate. My heart has always sought after justice, I've always wanted women and children to be treated with love, respect, and have a life full of joy and peace. All people should have these things. At times I can feel like I am walking down an unknown path and am all alone, but then I am reminded that I am NEVER alone. God has brought me through so many difficult situations in my life and shows me that I am , in fact, stronger than I think I am. he gives me strength, courage, boldness, vision, and is always my provider. While in England I was sent the 10,000 Reasons music album by Matt Redman from an amazingly inspiring woman of God and there was a song that lately has tremendously encouraged me. One of the lines says, "Never once did we ever walk alone. Never once did you leave us on our own. You are faithful, God you are faithful." I sometimes forget, but somehow everyday God reminds me, "YOU are NOT alone." So I will continue to follow after God and even when I feel like I am going at it alone, I will remember...NEVER will I EVER walk alone.