Sunday, December 16, 2012

It's hard to sacrifice.


Today, I was introduced to someone new at church.

"This is Emily. She's in the PsyD program, and she adopted my family."

A nearby college student piped up, "Ha! Mine too!"

Another one, "Ours too. She hangs out with my grandparents."

At that moment, Michael, my "Oregon dad" walked by and patted the top of my head.

Drew said,
"Emily, you're just like that girl in Uganda."

By "that girl in Uganda", we clarified, he meant Katie Davis... If you don't know the story, you should definitely check it out, as it's pretty amazing.
 A girl about my age moved to Uganda for a gap year after high school and ended up staying.
She now runs a large child sponsorship program and has adopted thirteen young girls.

I can totally see the similarities between us.

My careful ensuring that I have at least one invitation to dinner every night of the week,

is exactly like someone who moved across the world from her family,
broke up with the love of her life,
skipped college,
works like crazy to feed a town full of people,
and is a full-time single mom to thirteen children.

I'm so glad someone finally noticed.

No comments:

Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.