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Sunday, March 3, 2013
Hey y'all! It's Grace here. I know it's been awhile since I've blogged, so I'm not really sure where to begin but I'll go ahead and give it a shot...
Lately, I feel like God has laid the word "contentment" on my heart. Ever since my first trip to Uganda when I was in 7th grade, I've learned to be content with what I have. The things I've seen and heard and experienced there have caused me to, whenever I find myself complaining, step back and think about whatever it is that's wrong, and 99.9% of the time I'll realize that it's about something that is SO irrelevant in the long run.
What's hard for me now is being at home in one of the wealthiest counties in the country, where people complain when their slightest needs are not met. Whether it's about a flaw in their billion dollar schools, their friends, family, houses....the list goes on. It's hard for me to sit here and hear that, when all I can think about are my friends in Uganda's smiling faces, so happy with the little that they have.
BUT, the good news is...I've had a solid 4 years to learn patience (it is indeed a virtue) and I have learned how to keep my calm instead of getting frustrated and going on a rant about how good we have it here. And hear me out, I'm not saying everyone's life is perfect and there's never anything to complain about. It's just the little, unnecessary petty things that could use some perspective.
It's also hard for me to be content here when I have so much more joy when I'm in Uganda. I don't know what it is, but something about serving over there, not distracted by petty problems or social media or materialism, connecting and forming long term relationships with people that CRAVE that interaction and appreciate it just causes you to be so simply content. One of the coolest things for me is to be able to talk to my friends over there (I email 2 of my friends, Agnes and Prossy, on a regular basis) and to think that we've been friends for FOUR years...and I consider both of them two of my very best friends. And, to know without a doubt that we can continue to be friends and they can know that I'm coming to visit them (Lord willing) every year.
Although it's hard, God has shown me that it's WORTH it. Over the past four years, I've learned that I can be a light here in Brentwood as much as I can in Uganda, even if it looks different. I can encourage my friends and family and love people to the best of my ability. It's in our human nature to long to feel loved and cared about, and the way I see it, if someone feels loved enough they shouldn't have a reason to always be complaining, right? Although I fail Him on a regular basis, Jesus calls us to love like He loved us and that's what I strive to do.
Speaking of loving others, I'd like to present an opportunity to all of you to show ME some love on my birthday. On March 14th, I turn 17! I know alot of you have probably seen on Gwen's blog where Elijah did this for his birthday, but if you didn't, here's what I'm trying to do...
As most of you probably know, 147 Million Orphans is building a medical clinic in Gressier, Haiti, and I'm trying to raise at least $1,500 to help build it. It's really easy to donate. Just go to http://grouprev.com/graces17th?saved=1 and click on GIVE NOW on the right side. It only takes a minute and even if you only give a little bit, you're still helping make a difference in honor of my birthday!
And remember, the deadline is March 14th. Thanks so much!
Til next time,
Grace
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About Me
- suzanne
- I am a lover of Jesus. I have the most fabulous husband that anyone woman could ask for. The Lord has blessed us with 7 beautiful children. I started this blog so that friends and family could follow our trip to Uganda to visit Katie Davis. I have decided to keep blogging to help bring orphan awareness to the world around me.
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