Thankful – Withhold Nothing

Never Alone

“Those who pass by us, do not go alone, and do not leave us alone; they leave a bit of themselves, and take a little of us.”
Antoine de Saint

I wasn’t planning on writing two blogs in one week but hey, when He does something cool I wanna share it.

For a part of the trail today at Zion, I was doing it by myself. As I was walking I was praying to God. I don’t know if I was actually talking or just trying to let Him guess what I was really feeling today.. a feeling of loneliness and I don’t know why. I just did. Reality is in life we can experience a day or even just a moment of joy, and then in instant we can feel low.

As I was walking I saw ahead two people. A woman named Sherion and a man who goes by O. Sherion shared with me about her friends from South Africa (I know crazy right:). O shared with me facts about the place that I was born in that I never even knew about. Both these wonderful people have carried a friendships since ‘87. Both love traveling the world. Both love even more how traveling brings so many life lessons and experiences to help shape us to understand the world and the people that are around us. I don’t know if they’re believers, but I do believe God wanted our lives to cross paths.

As I got to finish the trail with them I was reminded we truly are never alone. God reminded me that today with a woman named Sherion and a man who goes by O.

Caili

His Magic Moments

“You may believe in God, but never forget – it’s God who believes in you.”
Ann Voskamp

This past Saturday night as my mom and I were waiting to get on the plane, we started up a conversation with the couple that was behind us and they asked us where we were from.

I said, “Michigan.”

Then they asked us what the reason we were going to Utah for and we said we were going to visit a University.

They replied, “Is it Southern Utah University?”

With a chuckle we replied, “Yeah, how do you know about SUU?”

They ecstatically said, “Our niece goes there and she loves it there.”

As I walked on the plane that night I thought, “Wow out of all the airports and out of all the schools.. what a small world God..”

This morning we woke up before sunrise to drive two hours to visit the University. As my mind was racing with thoughts and imaginations of what today might hold, I looked out my window and I saw the sun coming up. I saw between the shades of the clouds the faintest rainbow piercing through. A reminder of God’s promise. The promise of His love for us.

When I left the campus today, I didn’t feel any profound feeling like “this is it” or “I know this where God wants me.” But instead, I said, “why not?”

“Why not here?” From the time I got on campus to the moment I left, I was greeted with an overwhelming kindness of so many hearts.

SUU is bringing me a challenge, to leave my comfort home of West Michigan, to meet people with different backgrounds and beliefs, and to have an endless amount of opportunities to be in God’s creation with the National Parks. With a hopeful and confident heart I will be attending SUU next fall.

I think sometimes I allow myself to put so much pressure on making a decision that I miss the little magic moments in life. The magic moments God gives us. From the couple at the airport, to the rainbow that was peaking through the sunrise, to the heart warming love of SUU.

I don’t know if I’ll be here for 1 year or 4 years but I know this; God won’t lead me where He doesn’t want me, He has a plan for my life, and it all begins with stepping out in faith.

Today I learned that sometimes in life we can’t be so focused on making the right decision. Whether it’s moving to a new place, picking the right college, finding the best job etc., because if we do, we will miss the little magic moments of Him.

Caili

He is Good

“So, whatever happens I will not be afraid. Cause You are closer than this breath that I take.”
Tenth Avenue North

This week I learned God invited me into spaces that I wanted to run from. I learned God’s plans are different from mine and I ask myself, what will this look like when I’m in South Africa? Am I willing to step away from being in the drivers seat and allow God to take total control?

My faith has been challenged in many different ways this week. I realize as I’m sitting here in Istanbul this is just the beginning for my faith.

Before I fly out tonight I want to praise God. I praise Him that tomorrow I get to be in South Africa. I praise Him for my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me. From receiving text messages, phone calls, and answered prayers from all my people back home I just want to say thank you! Thank you for coming along on this journey with me:)

Caili