Peace.

I often feel like I'm in high school again.

People asking me (seems like constantly), "What's next?"

In the past few weeks, I have felt like there is a major tug of war going on inside of me.

It was painful, really.

As many of you know, I have a strong desire to move overseas. A longing to love on 'the least of these'. I also have fallen so in love with Dulci, the girl that I work with, that I was really struggling.

Struggling to the point of tears and frustration. I didn't understand why God would give me a passion for children around the world, and then let me be in Dulci's life, only to be totally in love with her.

I began to pray desperately for an answer, a 'slap in the face', if you will. I just asked God to show me where I need to be right now. I only wanted some sort of confirmation of where I was supposed to be so that this literal pain in my body would go away.

About a week later, I started to see His work very evidently. Dulci's family camps, so I've been with them at the campground they stay at. One night, after I had left, Von (Dulci's mom) went to show some friends around, and noticed a girl in a wheelchair who looks similar to Dulci.

The next day when I got there, she told me about it, and just said, "I felt like I needed to tell you that." She told me the spot where they walked from, and mentioned that maybe Dulci could have a new friend. So I took Dulci for a walk and decided to go there.

I debated going up there, just because it was gravel and really bumpy (and Dulci kept sliding over in her chair). But I did.

When we got almost to the end of that part of the campground, 4 really little kids came up to Dulci and started saying "hi!" and "what's your name?". I figured that these kids must know this girl that Von was talking about, because they were so comfortable with Dulci.

Eventually the mom came out and started talking to Dulci and to me, and told me about her friend that was out there the previous day, whose name is Racheal (ironic?).

She told me a little about their family and how they've been praying for a loving caregiver to come along and take care of their daughter.

This girl said "I think you may be it! They've been praying so desperately, and here you came, walking down the road!"

She proceeded to take my name and phone number, and very enthusiastically went and called her friend to tell her!

Later that afternoon, her mom called me and told me a little about their family and Racheal, and in talking, we realized that the schedule would work pretty perfect with the hours I'm working with Dulci right now.
She also said she never wanted me to feel torn between Racheal and Dulci (thank goodness!).

Von & I were SO excited that afternoon about how it all had happened.

I mean, think about it. She never had to tell me that she saw another special needs child at the campground. I didn't have to take the walk down the long bumpy road. If the children hadn't come out and said hi to Dulci, I may have never even met their mother and talked about Racheal.

It's times like these where I get even more excited about serving the Lord. He was so evident to me that day, and as humans, I think we all need tangible reminders that He really is there and listens to us.

I have to admit, a part of me was disappointed that moving overseas isn't where I'm supposed to be right now, but the larger part of me is excited to see where He takes me with this new family, and continues to take me as I work with Dulci & Megan!

I know that this fall will be busy. I'm also going to be attending Moody Bible Institute through their distance learning program (at least for this year).

I've had many people ask me about this ; "Are you sure you can do that?"

While the 'job' (which is really so much more than a job, it's a passion) of working with two girls that require total care may be physically tiring, I always leave with my spirits lifted. Everything seems a little bit easier. I can't recall a time where I haven't left the Genzink's house with a smile on my face because of my growing love for Dulci, or the cute little smiles and giggles she'll give me, or just because the happiness of their family is contagious.

I'm very excited to see what this fall brings. I feel confident that here, with Dulci, Megan, and soon Racheal is where I'm supposed to be for right now. My heart is so content, and so full of love for these precious girls!

May He be glorified in all that we do, and He will be faithful to those who wait on Him!

Love,
Rachel