"oh, the places you'll go..." TOP TEN

(warning this is a lengthy post)

When I graduated from high school my family shared a book with me: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss. This is a typical gift for the gradute to receive. A "GO GET'm" type of book. It serves as an encouraging word to pump up the individual into the ambition-filled mindset needed to make it in the world today. When I think back to this book, the discussions and encouragement from my parents I am greeted with a smile and a sigh.

Boy were they right...OH, the PLACES I would go...

1) a small town in Alberta, Canada where I would study the Bible. The comedy of the location was not that it was nestled next to the rocky mountains (and I only went there twice), but that my home away from home was formerly a youth detention center (prison) turned Bible College (redemption at its best).

2) a two week trip to Israel, via Great Britain. An adventure in seeing the Bible come alive. The comedy of going to a place known as, "David's tomb" to find that a) no one died there nor was burried there, b) especially king David...there were many instances of that.

3) a three year adventure in Chicago (known as College). I completed my undergraduate degree with many journeys...I invested myself in people...and I went to classes too...that was until I found a foreign land named "Chipotle." I should apologize to my Psychology professor for my skewed commitments to academia...or maybe the guilt is that I didn't bring her a burrito.

4) a path that led to marriage. Twice. Yes that's right. Two weddings, one marriage, one beautiful bride, many tears (most good), and no divorce. I could go on, but it is much more enjoyable to tell in person. Just ask us at some time...when you have time (a lot of time).

5) a road that led to Nebraska. To be more specific a church in the middle of a corn field. This town of hard-working and family-oriented folk welcomed us and walked a journey of pain and faith-deepening community... We are humbled and grateful for their partnership in life and ministry.

6) another road (I-80) which led to the burbs of Chicago and graduate school. As we shared our "call" with our family and new found loved ones we ventured toward the "big, scary, and dangerous" Chi-town...we convinced ourselves and others that it was the right choice.

7) a place of utter humility. Life had a funny way of reminding me that when I am weak, HE is strong. A life held together by a thread of faith...an experience of grace that only God can give. Mmmm...Grace...that's Good Stuff! For those who have not experienced that Grace...imagine a bathtub filled with Skittles, DOTS, Swedish Fish, AND Diet Dr. Pepper and it is ALL for you (Yeah...THAT good!)

8) a journey of sadness. (Trying to get pregnant...and not being able to)

9) a destination of complete joy. Once our home (see previous and I'm sure future posts) is completed we will finish the Home Study and then we prayerfully open our doors and heart to the child(ren) that God gives us. We have already been BLOWN AWAY by the presence of God through our friends and family since we said the word "adoption." We have prayed for God to work out the finances (average infant adoption currently is 15k-35k), emotions, and lead the process. Funny, how we are still shocked when we randomly receive a check in the mail, or extra change to put in our "baby jar?" Why? Because as faith-filled as we are, we still find ourselves humbled by the actual love and care that God has for us.

And who would have imagined of all the places I would go (towns, countries and regions)...of all the people and circumstances I would encounter... I would find the following...

10) an outdoor, self serve, insert your money and out comes Live Bait machine...Really?! Oh yes it is true...and I have proof. (see image). This can only serve as confirmation that God has a sense of humor...and some people take fishing FAR TOO seriously. I can only imagine what my loved ones in NE must be thinking now of the Chicagoland area.

Where has your journey taken you? Its ok to share...go ahead and do it...

Tell Me A Story!