I've been thinking how to begin this blog for the last 2 days. These kinds of things are never easy to do and I'm certainly not the best story teller, so here it goes...
It was at the end of 2011 that I first stepped foot in Lesotho. A country I knew very little about. Little did I know that Lesotho, otherwise known as the Mountain Kingdom would quickly become my home. I fell in love with the people quickly and built a strong bond that you could only dream about. It was something so special, something I knew God was right in the middle of.
I joined forces with Beautiful Dream Society and we hit the ground running. Half the time I had no idea what I was doing, but my heart so longed to make a difference. God was so good to us during that time and gave us so much undeserved grace.
During my first year here, we provided shelter to 18 victims of human trafficking. They found rest, counseling, healing, and spiritual growth in their home called The Love House. How fitting.
We continued to grow and partnered with Joyce Meyer's global ministry Hand of Hope. We opened a 2nd home for our clients of trafficking. This was a home that would help transition them back into society. This home we named The Hope House.
About a year ago, our founder, Jennifer Crow shared another dream with us. She wanted to expand Beautiful Dream Society to not only care for victims of human trafficking, but to also serve vulnerable women and children. She wanted to build a children's village and help care for the over 180,000 in Lesotho. This particular part of the dream resonated in my heart and my own dreams.
I was ecstatic.
In December of 2013, we took in 12 orphans and opened our very first children's home. What a day that was. Because it was around christmas, we decorated the house with a tree and stocking. Watching the children walk in their new home for the first time is something that I could never truly explain. It was magical.
For the next several months, these children began to learn what being in a family is all about. They became so close quickly. I knew it was only something the Lord could do.
My role shifted a bit and I began to oversee the children's home and house mothers. I loved it so much.
We laughed, we cried, and prayed.
We did it all together.
We were now family.
I knew my 3rd year here was quickly coming to a close and I would need to raise more funds in order to stay and continue serving here. I continued to walk in faith praying God would provide.
Through lots of prayer and fasting, I have felt the Lord release me during this next season to go back home to the states and raise more funds in order to return in the near future.
Although it's not the direction I thought would happen, I am at complete peace and know he's in total control. My prayer was I would have the finances to continue the great work that has already begun, but the Lord has another plan and he is faithful.
As I've mentioned several times in my blogs, Lesotho feels like home. My desire is to be here for the long haul. As much as I don't understand it all, I have an overwhelming peace about this decision.
The great thing is we will have more american staff during this next season, more than we've ever had before. That means more help, more support, and the perfect time for me to head home and get to work!
My goal is to return to Lesotho when the new children's village is finished. This is slated to be finished within the next couple of years.
I'm hopeful, joyful, and at peace, but my heart aches to return to Lesotho as soon as possible.
Now to answer a few questions:
1. During this next season, while you're in the states, where will the finances go for those that are interested in giving?
If you give thru Beautiful Dream Society, just be sure to put my name in the memo and then let me personally know so I can follow up. This money will be set aside for me until I return to Lesotho and is tax-deductible. If you give thru my personal blog, the money goes directly to me immediately but will also be set aside until I return to Lesotho.
2. I am a current monthly donor. What is the new process?
There is no new process. If you still feel led to give, continue to do as normal and this money will be set aside in my account and available for me to use once I return to Lesotho.
3. What will you be doing for work in the states?
First off I will be taking some time off to spend with friends and family. After that I have a few exciting opportunities that I will make you aware of once everything is finalized:)
Although this is a hard time and I do not want to leave, I know God's hand is in it and he's sees the whole picture. I am trusting him to provide so that I can quickly return and continue the work he's put on my heart to do.
For every prayer, every email, facebook message, card in the mail, etc. THANK YOU!! Your support is everything to me.
I am not swayed. I am not shaken. God is in control and I am excited about the future. Even though this next season was a bit of a curveball, I am hopeful and at peace.
Continuing to pursue the dream,
Melissa
No comments:
Post a Comment