Inspired {true stories from a far place}

After having a Russia week, I guess this is Africa week. Welcome to "around the world" on Jennifer's blog...!

But I digress.

A month or two ago, this recurring theme began of a girl named Katie with children in Africa. People were sending me the link to her blog, commenting about her here, and writing about her on their blogs (I think the first time I heard of her was here although I've been embarrassed by the side-by-side praise with Katie!)

When I had a chance I went to see what everyone was talking about and WOW. Words fail me! I was so moved. What she is doing, taking children under her wing and being mother to those to have none and serving and pouring out her life an offering...it's incredibly inspiring. Besides that, Katie has a real gift for communication and sharing the need in a powerful, honest way. I hope to learn from her as I continue reading her blog.

I also LOVE that she is "just" 20 years old. I started this when I was 20, relocating here when I was 22, and it was absolutely the best time of my life. To have a passion and get to throw your entire self into it while single, it's a special gift.

Want to read more? Go to Katie's blog, scroll down to the post on August 14 , and be prepared to be blown away. There she shares the beginnings of her ministry. I’ve seen other mothers write on their blogs about Katie and encourage parents to let their children GO. Amen! Don’t hold them back! My parents didn’t for a minute – even though they wish they had when the challenges threaten to overwhelm me – but I am eternally grateful they did not.

(Digressing again: I wanted to write another post after the one here, dreams, passions, longings, but never did. What a warm response! It was also great to see the ripple effect of other posts on the same subject, namely how God sometimes leads us just as we dreamed as a child…and sometimes not. We single gals need to uphold one another and truly need “mothers in the faith” to encourage us in our journeys and ministries!)

This is another absolutely heart rending, convicting post by Katie: Amazima: The Truth.

We live in a world of unimaginable heartache and loss, sickness and pain, but also a world of hope, love, mercy, and passionate people who are making a difference right where they are, one hurting person at a time.

Let's be God's hands and feet in our corner of the world today! Consider if He's calling you to do more.

Not because we have to, but because He gave His all first.

One of my favorite songs ever about a little girl in Rwanda.

Now that I have seen, I am responsible

Faith without deeds is dead

(I just might have gotten more than one volunteer and more than one sister hooked on Brooke Fraser, but couldn't rightly say....)