Ok, so that title has little to do with what I want to say, but as a side note, it's totally true! These girls would challenge ANY man in their eating skills!
All kidding aside, I've come to see that God has put me here to teach me more about myself and who He is than helping and teaching these girls. Honestly, I've realized that I don't know enough about what I'm doing this summer to do anything for the girls in 3 months. All I can do is show them God's love, which is really all God has asked me to do, but even that is hard sometimes. There is one girl here who is a chronic manipulator and liar. She is completely irresponsible and going to deliver in a week or so. There have been times where I just want to kick her and make her wake up to the fact that she is about to be a mom and she has absolutely no idea what she is going to do. Other things she's said make you realize that she DOES NOT understand this fact. But all I can do is continue to love her. I'm at the point that God is going to have to be in control of her and her baby and there is nothing I can do or say that will change her. So it's really hard to see people deal with stuff like that.
I think one of the hardest things is dealing with the girls' emotionalness. I know what you're thinking, "Duh...they're PREGNANT and GIRLS!!!" But seriously, these girls cry at the drop of a hat; if they don't get their way, they want to do something different than what is on the schedule, if they THINK you MIGHT start raising your voice at them; I mean, the list goes on and on, so I walk on pins and needles when I'm around them AHHHHH!!! Then, like 2 minutes later, they are really happy again! I have no clue how to handle this. But it's more about learning how to love... God's way... without conditions.
God is also challenging me this summer with making my faith my own. Growing up in a Christian home, I was spoon-fed the Bible and just blindly believed what I was told without really checking it out for myself and seeing what the Bible, itself, says. One of the staff members is 7th Day Adventist. She has invited me and the other summer missionaries to a Bible study at one of her friends' house on Wednesdays. So I've gone with her the last 2 weeks and I've really enjoyed it. Tonight though, I started learning about some of the doctrinal differences between Seventh Day Adventists and Baptists. So, now, I'm determined to learn about the subjects of death and hell directly from the Bible. I may or may not change what I believe, but I want to know why I believe it and be able to back it up with Scripture... ***Also, for those of you who have studied Spiritual Warfare, feel free to pass on any scripture that would aid in my study of the subject. Seriously! You can leave a comment or facebook/email me or call me! I'd love to hear from people from home!***
OK... So, I think that's it for now. I'm really excited, my parents are coming down to visit me for my birthday! I can't wait to see them. I really do miss familiar faces so if you get a chance to take a trip why not choose Savannah and come see me!!!!
Prayer things :)
1. We now have 7 girls and they ALL need prayer. One girl is supposed to give birth in the next week or so and she has no plan. I'm afraid DFCS is going to step in and do something because of this situation. One girl is extremely depressed because of different legal and family situations and it's hard to see someone hurt so much and be able to do nothing for her, except pray. Finally, the newest girl is REALLY young and she doesn't know anything about pregnancy and is really nervous about a new place where she basically just got dropped off, new emotions, and not really knowing what's going on.
2. I've still got decisions I have to make about staying here or not for the semester. While I'm leaning toward staying here, I haven't been given the OK from God. So, I'm learning patience.
Oh, I totally forgot! One of the reasons I love being here is that, even though I haven't gotten to actually share the gospel with the girls, I have been able to share my faith with them and just have really good conversations about who God is and what He can do with them. I love this job!
Alright! That's it for real! Thanks for praying!
Mel
1 Peter 1:7
Thanks for the update! I am thankful that you are willing to put career aside and serve where He wants you. We continue to lift you up in prayer.
ReplyDeleteBeverly & David Shivar
Hey Mel!
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to read an update! And it is exciting to hear how God is using you and teaching you all at the same time.
I was listening and sharing with someone today and a thought came to me, that I have to believe was prompted by the Holy Spirit - "I have my own picture/definition/idea of what God's Work is supposed to look like. And when it doesn't 'fit' I am convinced that I or someone else has made a mistake and headed in the wrong direction.
But Scripture has example after example of wild things that were God's Work - an ark when there had never been rain; a big fish to swallow Jonah and redirect him; a talking donkey - how would I react today if someone told me that was how they were hearing from God - I would dismiss it. Because it doesn't 'fit' my idea.
I am saying all that to say - you are walking in new territory, new experiences, new responsibilities - ask God to help you see Him and His work outside of the box you have designed for Him and enjoy the thrills!
Uncle Danny has a lot of stuff on Spiritual Warfare I will get some stuff together for you.
We love you and wish you an incredible Birthday!
Aunt Susan & Uncle Danny