Discernment has been a challenge for me at times – you know, with the whole “maybe-it’s-not-really-Him-nudging-me-to-do-something-maybe-it’s-my-own-heart’s-desire-implanted-in-my-mind-to-make-me-think-it’s-His-plan-but-it’s-really-my-own” thing going on.
A while ago, I spoke with my friend Dana who started a maternity home and crisis pregnancy center in Ghana called “The Fern House.” She started this beautiful project with a local Ghanaian woman by the name of Comfort, who, from what I understand, lives up to her moniker and has devoted her life to ministering to the women and children of Ghana.
Dana adopted two little girls from Ghana last summer and what was supposed to be a one week visit to pick them up last August turned into seven weeks due to a few snafu’s that surfaced in the adoption process.
But as we know, God works for the good in all things for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). And of course, He did.
“The Fern House” was born during that unexpected time and now another dear friend of mine, Rachel, is in the process of adopting two little boys from Ghana as well.
After meeting with Dana and listening to her speak of the people she served and her passion for this ministry, I casually mentioned to Jason that I would someday like to go to Ghana and see “The Fern House” for myself.
The next day, Rachel had a dental appointment with the best dentist in town – my husband.
He shared that I wanted to go to Ghana someday.
“How about now?” Rachel replied.
I chuckled when she first called.
“Now?” I thought. “Isn’t this something we should plan a year out?”
And then I thought, “Why not?”
On that day in early April, I placed the opportunity to go to Ghana in the hands of Him. I believed that if He truly wanted me to go, He would logistically clear a path for it to happen. If the details of travel and the care of my children were too difficult to manage, it would be obvious to me that now is not the time.
I received the necessary shots (my arms hurt for three days thank you very much but I don’t think I will be getting Hepatitis, Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Polio, or Meningitis anytime soon) but put the dream to rest after speaking to the doctor.
Dana and Rachel were planning on going two weeks from that day. My doctor recommended I not go for four to six weeks.
Being a conservative mom of three young children, I was not willing to risk it.
But then the court dates for the children were continuously pushed back and it began to look as though it might be four to six weeks before we would be able to go anyway.
I was back in the game.
We began to narrow down travel dates and logistics fell into place. Seamlessly.
We leave this Friday and will return on Sunday, June 5.
If the technology allows, I will be blogging throughout next week from Accra, Ghana; however, if it does not allow, I will begin as soon as I return in a long series so you can feel as though you were there, too.
I will be working with Dana on projects at “The Fern House” and will travel to a few orphanages (they are technically supposed to be called “foster homes” but they aren’t really foster homes – they’re orphanages).
We will also have the pleasure of meeting Rachel’s two little boys for the first time. And this, to me, is a precious gift.
Will you please pray that our time in Ghana is fruitful for both the Ghanaian residents and us? I fully expect that while we are seen as the ones offering the assistance, we will also be the ones to grow exponentially from this experience.
Remember at the start of 2011 when I said my word for the year was “obedience”?
Where He leads, I will go and I will not fear for He is my rock, my strength, an ever-present help in time of need.
There’s much to do this week and I have three babies and a husband to love on before I leave on Friday.
This is my only post this week.
But hold on sweet friends because you are about to experience Ghana with me…
To learn how you can donate to The Fern House, click here.
And of course, it’s Monday a day when I post my thanks though it doesn’t have to be Monday to be grateful…
461. His call
462. The sound of my name on the lips of my children when they call for their mama
463. The call of a husband who loves a wife
464. A phone call from a dear friend who I have not seen in far too long who happened to be in town
465. A difficult phone call I had to make and yet giving thanks in all circumstances
466. Crocodile tears and calls for daddy on the late-working nights
467. The call of glee that beckons that tired daddy up the stairs for bedtime kisses
468. The call to a mommy to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar – how could I ever say “no”?
469. The call of two young boys in Ghana to their mama in the U.S…
470. The nations calling to be discipled…
May you be still and listen. Silence the soul. Read the truth. And then listen to His call.
Partnering with Ann for “Multitude Monday” and Jen for the “Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood”…
Wow! What an amazing opportunity! You’ll be in my prayers!
Oh Nat. I am so, so excited for you and cannot wait to hear about your trip and all the amazing things God does. I am marking the dates on my calendar so I can pray everyday.
Yay for getting out of our comfort zone and being His Hands and Feet!
<3
you will be so blessed by this trip. i can’t wait to hear about the things you will see and do!! prayers for a fruitful and life-changing experience :)
Wow – this is so exciting! I will pray for your safe travels and a wonderful experience by all.
I thought I’d have to read a book for a diosvcrey like this!
3kl4ne eetssjinsowx
The best of luck to you, Natalie. What a wonderful opportunity for you, and for the women and children you will work with. I love that you are taking this call and am excited to hear of all your adventures!!! The safest of travels to you:)
How amazing! Starting to pray for your trip right now..love ya girl!
Oh Natalie -I am so happy and excited for you. What a tremendous opportunity to allow yourself to be used by God. Will be praying for you and your family! ~Jessica
Talk about “seeing” His mighty hand in real time! Praying for you…the blessings you’ll get and the blessing you’ll be!!
How exciting! I just want to have that little one in the pic, too precious!!!! I am visiting from ‘circle of moms.com’ , where I found you because someone else asked me to vote for them………..whoever wins, I am glad I found you! I am following you now on my blog and can’t wait to hear about the trip!
awesome, woman! glad i peeped in as i have been m.i.a. and reading little getting ready for our big move in 2 weeks, etc…praying, praying, praying and so excited for all He will do in and through you, but mostly, He just wants you to see and to grow His heart in you…that you might reflect Him more in all of life. Blessings many and much, prayers abounding, joy unending, Abby:)
You are such an amazing and courageous woman. I will be praying for you and your trip to be safe, and for your family at home whom I’m sure will miss you while you are gone. God has great plans for you. :)
Natalie! This is awesome!!!! I totally want to hook you up with my friend Jessica Honegger. She founded Noonday Collection last fall: http://www.noondaycollection.com.
I will be praying for your trip!
Also, I have loved figuring out that things work so much better if I don’t stress about finding the ‘right’ answer on the front end (with regards to discernment), but instead just walk with a posture of open-heartedness, trusting that God will take care of me and lead me. The process is so much more peaceful this way. It was really nice to read how you’re living that out.
oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness.
What an amazing thing, Natalie. I’m so excited for you. Know that I and all the other SDG sisters will be praying for you! (And your husband and kiddos, too!)
Oh, I’m so excited for you! Way to step out in faith. You’ve inspired me and reminded me why we’re on this planet. Praying that God does GREAT things in and through you.
-Mel
Beautiful story of God’s provision and I can’t wait to read your experience and pray that God is very real and present and felt amongst all the people and you and your friends and that He does a great work at the Fern House.
xo-
What an awesome experience! I will be praying!
May God go with you, may His love overflow to all the tired workers and His joy so fill your heart that all will be drawn to your God.
My prayers go before you.
Pamela
So cool! Will pray for safe travels and for everyone to learn from the experience.
Holy Cow! I am so late to the party, but oh, my gosh I’m thrilled I stopped by.
I can’t wait, can’t wait to hear more. Crossing my fingers that you have technology that works there.
Praying for you, Natalie! I cannot wait to read your updates and see all that God is doing in you and through you on this journey!!
I found your blog when I was looking on Google images for a good picture of Ghana for, guess what? the Fern House! (to use for VBS) How fun to see you are there with Dana!
Grace and Peace,
Laura