Toes.

   It all started with toes.  Getting a pedicure that is.  I absolutely LOVE getting my toes done.  Anyways, my mom has been in town this past week to help me pack up my house so I can move next week.  It has been totally hectic, but at the same time, I have been able to see God move this week.  It’s definately been an emotional ride for me this week, but it’s so amazing to see when how perfect God’s timing is when He touches your life. Yesterday, my mom and I needed a break so we went to get our toes done.  I’ve been going to this place for years now.  Somehow in conversation it came up that I was going to Africa for nine months.  I was able to talk to the employees about it and all that jazz.  Suddenly, the man that was doing my mom’s toes stopped, looked at me, and almost started crying instantaneously. He composed himself and then started his story.  He was originally from Vietnam, and in 1978 he got on a tiny boat to try and escape to Malaysia to find freedom.  He, unlike many, was lucky to survive the treacherous journey across the ocean to land in a refugee camp.  He stayed there for ten months.  He told me so many times that it was people like me and kids my age that saved his life and becasue of their generosity he now lives today in a free country.  It touched me. Someone almost THIRTY years ago touched this mans life in a way that he will never forget.  After he found freedom and got established in the states, he decided to try and help his own people.  He sends money to Vietnam to help people that have been blind their entire lives raise enough money to have eye surgeries in hopes that they may see.  His ex-wife (that did my toes) told me that at the same time, she walked from Cambodia to Thailand only to find herself in a refugee camp for two years before she was brought the the states.  Incredible.  He was so amazing after that.  He knew that he couldn’t help financially, but he wanted to help somehow.  So, he told me that before I leave he would do my toes for free and he also loaded me up with a bunch of stuff to take care of my nails while I’m there in Africa! He gave me plenty to share with my entire team! So girls, I got us covered! 🙂

  I have no idea if this man is saved or not.  I do know that he acknowledges there is a God that helped save his life so long ago, and knows that God will bless my team and I through our service. I also know that He was used by God yesterday not only as another affirmation for what I’ve been called to but also as encouragement and inspiration.  I have been put in a place to leave a mark on people’s lives. I have been given the opportunity to leave a legacy and touch maybe just one person that will carry on through the generations. Because someone helped save this man’s life, I was encouraged by his story (when I needed it the most) and inspired to be all the Jesus has called me to be.  I really do thank God for yesterday. It was a sweet experience that I’ll never forget.  I can’t wait to go talk to this man again!  It just really put things in perspective for me, and was a shining moment amongst all the craziness.  God rocks. period.

  This weekend my best friend and I are off to New York City to visit her brother and all that he has been doing while being apart of a summer mission program up there.  Super excited.  I have just about $7000 raised thus far, and definately could use some more support! So please pray for that!  I hope you have a blessed week:)