Grace. Joy. Blessed.

It is Monday. Typically I love Mondays but today was just exhausting. I'm coming to the realization that my life is extremely busy, on the go, non stop, hectic and just all together a lot. Today was a day that I wanted it to stop. This past week actually was kind of like that. Yes, I was happy but laying in my bed after a long day was basically my 24/7 desire. I've just had a lot on my mind, especially about school and college. So yesterday I came to the conclusion that I need to slow down. Stop allowing college to consume my thoughts and definitely stop pushing myself way too hard. Jesus has me in His hands. It's always good to be reminded of that from other brothers and sisters of Christ. It's even better when it comes straight from the creator. That's what tonight was for me. I spent my night watching videos from my first year in Guatemala. Oh how great it is to fall in love over and over again. I LOVE love and that is what my heart feels when I think of missions. I watched footage of me holding babies and kissing their cute little faces, our team building a playground, the team giving gifts to the staff, my favorite little voices and so much more. The video came to a scene where it was me and my Guatemalan friend at an altar call. (I have never watched these fully so this was a pleasant surprise) This provoked many tears. It's the first time I can ever remember praying for anyone who was desperate for Jesus. I had prayed for kids in youth group, family, and done the drills that any good little Christian girl would want to do but this time was different. This prayer changed not only Micaelas life, but mine as well. Micaela is a friend I met my first year down there. She was 17 at the time and had a little baby. She was really shy the first few days we were there and just seemed so sad and depressed. So, I did what any sad and depressed person would want someone to do....I basically stalked her. Haha. I followed her around and always hugged her, helped her with the baby and just love her. This went on until Friday night service when that prayer took place. Our missions leader, Fred, lead an altar call to those who hurt. I nudged Micaela and she wouldn't budge. So, I did it again about a minute later and nothing. After about 3 minutes of Fred praying with others and the Holy Spirit working His stuff up in there, Micaela asked me to come up with her. YES. I was thrilled. We prayed with Fred and I laid hands on her to pray. After, with both of us sobbing and rejoicing in The Lord we hugged and went our separate ways for the night. The next morning her smile beamed like no other. We acted like sisters that had known eachother since forever and played like little kids on that playground until we were too tired. She had a joy and peace. It was so good to see The Lord who is so big care about someone who is so sad. It was life changing for both of us. 
Shortly after her heart had been healed I found out that her child was a product of rape by her father. He flead to get away from the police and Micaela was sent to the orphanage. 
I haven't seen Micaela since then. We wrote back and forth once, then she moved away. But, one thing I know for sure is the joy in her heart she felt that day is something she can never let go of. That is what give me joy. 
Jesus is good. He cares. 
I can't help but think of my other trips that have followed that first trip that made me fall in love. Guatemala 2012, Honduras, and soon to be Guatemala 2013. 
God has shown me so many new things in each one. He has given me friendships and relationships that will live in my heart forever. He has done works that changed my life. He has done works through me. He has made me whole. He has given me joy. 
This next trip ought to be a new adventure. I get to enjoy it with my absolute best friend in the entire world. Can we say BLESSED? What did I do to deserve a passion like this and WHAT did I do to be able to share it with mi alma gemela?! (That means soulmate in Spanish, that's what I call my best friend and twin) 
I did nothing to deserve any of it. 
Grace is beautiful. 
My dad sure knows a lot about beauty. 

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