Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Time to get real...

Ok, for all those who read this and have been sensing a little something is "off" ...you were right. I've been getting questions and messages about the "elusiveness" of certain posts, etc. I have to be honest, it has been VERY HARD to blog over the last couple of months... because God has been doing something SO BIG and SO CRAZY in our lives, but it simply wasn't the time to share. But, the time has come. Because I'm not that great of a writer, and am certainly not a "blog celebrity" I carry very little pressure to make this come out just right... so... here's me getting real...

On February 10th, our lives were great... normal... comfortable... nice. Honestly, we had finally "arrived" at the place we longed for: good friends, good church, good ministry within the church, loved our jobs... etc. NO DESIRE for things to be different NOW. We were certainly open to things being different later on... but not NOW. (other than the addition of a new child, that is) I go to bed thinking nothing unusual. Life is good.

On February 11th... life changed. You can read about the specifics over the next couple of days if you desire... (i've been back-blogging... is that a word?) I didn't want it... I wanted God to pick someone else. Actually, you can read my feelings about all that here. "I don't want to change. I like my life." But God wouldn't leave us alone... dag-gone-it.

Over the past 2 months, we have been praying like mad... seeking Godly counsel... having meetings... crying... laughing... grieving... traveling... and loving in an overwhelming way... (welcome to my emotional roller coaster)

My heart has changed from a "oh NO!!!!" to "wow. me? us? YES!" (cut to the chase, right?)

So... here's the news. Our hearts have been stolen away. Stolen by these children:






plus about 210 more. We can't pretend we didn't hear the Lord speak to our hearts... as clear as day. We can't pretend He didn't orchestrate what We would call a very clear path for us to say "yes." The truth is... He did. And we had to choose if we would obey. And we will. We have laid our "yes" on the table. (deep breath) We are the "newest" addition to Lifesong for Orphans team in Zambia. We are moving our family to Zambia! (that's in Africa... it's ok, I didn't know that a year ago) Yes, we are crazy. ... crazy in love with 210+ children in Zambia... crazy in love with the amazing teachers there... and we are crazy in love with the FATHER. Can't even believe He would use us to do anything as amazing as this. So there. It's out. I can breathe and stop trying to be a "fake blogger." ;)

The story is pretty amazing. I'd love for you to follow along and put up with quite a few posts in a short amount of time... I'm going to try to post the things I've written along the way over the next few days. If you are on our support team, you will be getting a more detailed letter within the next couple of days. We love you all and can't do this alone! Ok... so the story begins... I'll leave you with a few pics... of 2 weeks ago... yes... when we were taking the week "off" from blogging... that would be because we were in ZAMBIA! (sneaky little devils)






18 comments:

  1. WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO God! YOU my friend are INCREDIBLE!

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  2. WOW. What a huge thing - I will definitely be praying! You are amazing! :) So in tune with His voice.

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  3. Mitz, I am so thrilled for you guys! It is such a perfect fit. THANK YOU for sharing finally. I am in tears watching these videos and looking at the pictures. I can't wait to read the rest of the journey. Love you guys and will continue to pray for your precious (obedient) family!! I want to hug your neck so badly!!

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  4. Amazing Mitzi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That seems perfect for your family! Can't wait to see what all you do there. Yes, blog away!

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  5. SO SO SO EXCITED FOR THE MCB'S AND FOR ZAMBIA!!!!! What incredible NEWS!!

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  6. I am really excited for you guys. It's so awesome to see where God has taken you on this journey, and where he is sending you now. We will be praying for you. Can't wait to hear more about it!

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  7. YaY, Mitzi!!! Oh my goodness, I am so EXCITED for ya'll! What amazing news!!! I knew that something was up! Praise God that ya'll said YES!!! Can't wait to see all that He does through ya'll in Zambia!

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  8. I am sooo excited for you! And I really can't believe you kept a trip to Zambia a secret!!

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  9. WOW, Mitzi! What an awesome opportunity! So excited for you and your family! I'll be visiting Zambia this summer with Andrea Young and Wiphan and I already know I'm going to leave a chunk of my heart there. I've been doing a lot of research in preparation for the trip and am in love with that country and its people already. Looking forward to reading more about how God showed you this plan, what He is doing in your family, and how he is going to use you in Zambia!

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  10. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! So stinkin' excited for you all and can't wait to follow along on the journey! Wow! So excited....and if I'm honest, a little jealous! :) I know the mixed emotions you are feeling right now as you prepare! I'll be praying for the Lord to continue to go before you, to guide you and give you peace as you step out in faith to follow Him. Excited!!!...did I say that already! :)

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  11. Mitzy,
    We've never met but y husband Darren and I are praying for you guys! My brother Luke is working in Zambia with David right now. These people have stolen his heart and God has created such a passion in him through this work. You will be stretched and blessed! Prayers and love!!
    Britni Gudeman-Eisenmann

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  12. I love that the "cats out of the bag"! Wahoo! So proud of ya'll and so excited! Praying for you daily!

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  13. I heard about this from a certain Mrs. Heaton several weeks ago :). Excited for you guys and been praying for you all as you are obedient to the Lord's call on your family!

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  14. Oh my. Just tears a'streamin'. I LOVE it. Ive been checking like everyday to see when you spilled it!! Im so excited to read about your heart walking through the doors being knocked open in front of you over the past couple of months!

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  15. Knew that this day would come! So excited for your family. Thanks for "rubbing off" your orphan care heart on me!

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  16. We are thrilled to have you on the team and l look forward to getting to know you both better. Thank you for your willingness to step out in faith like this. You and Shane will be such a blessing to Lifesong School.

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  17. Thanks Marla! We are excited to join God in all that He is doing in Zambia! Hope you are well!

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  18. I am soooo excited to be your neighbor, Mitzi! And you know I'm coming to visit and get about 210 hugs!!!! Love you, girl. So excited for this journey God has set you on. Isn't it soooo humbling when He invites you along??? Jen

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