We were assigned to the Krasnodar Region in Russia. Krasnodar was originally named Ekaterinodar after Catherine the great which meant "Catherine's Gift". After the Russian revolution in 1917 the name was changed to Krasnodar which means "beautiful gift". I found this to be a sweet reminder and quite encouraging. Sasha is a beautiful gift that God created in His own image. A child He created knowing that we would be her parents.



Friday, June 18, 2010

Choices

Last Wednesday was a really tough day. From the time Sasha woke up to the time she finally fell asleep things just weren't fun for her. She paced the house most of the day not content with any toy or game or anything else we tried. As she had to do at the baby home to be noticed, she tends to act out seeking negative attention. This was her approach to everything that day. By the time Matt got home I was in desperate need of a break. As I tried to separate myself from the day and refocus I found myself asking why: why did we choose to do this and why did we give up the the lifestyle we had before?

As if someone sitting next to me blurted it out, the answer came back loud and clear. We did not choose to change our life. We chose to be obedient to what God was calling us to do. God never promised an easy life to those who serve Him. We are going to have challenges and obstacles to overcome as a result of our obedience. More than likely the challenges will be even greater as God continues to work in our life which often takes us outside of our comfort zone.

With each passing day as parents of a two year old we see our comfort zone fade further and further into the distance. Nothing about life these days is comfortable for us. Thankfully we have friends and family to share our frustrations with and be encouraged by. Then there are those moments when we look at Sasha and are so thankful God has brought her to us.

I started thinking about all those we know called to serve as missionaries in far away places. No question their decision of obedience is also life changing. After spending three weeks in a foreign country I have a much greater appreciation for the choice these friends have made. Whether we are influencing the lives of many or the life of one little girl, God will remain faithful to those who are called according to His purpose.


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