Journal Journey

It was Sunday, February 27, 2011. After months of tearful conversations with loved ones, praying long into the night, and more whining than I care to admit, I took my journal to a park and began writing out my heart. 

I worshiped God in song and tears. I wrote His Word and the words of His followers that inspire and challenge me. 

I had been seeking God’s next adventure for well over a year. I knew if my Mom were a phone call away, and not seated in my Heavenly Cheering Section, she would be encouraging me to go after the “Wow Dee Wow!” (her signature phrase). So it makes sense that I would write the next entry, but it still surprises me that I asked God for a deadline!

When I left the park I didn’t have a definite answer as to my future, but I did have a renewed sense of peace and joy and at least one Spirit-inspired action step: I made a significant phone call Monday evening. Then I grabbed my journal and wrote:

Tuesday morning I went to work as usual at a local assisted living. It seemed like a strange “fit” since both my education and experience centered on youth. But for nearly three years God had been teaching me about loving the elderly and frail. He had made my heart tender and turned it towards them. 

At 12:50 p.m. the Executive Director called me into her office. “Kim, the staff and the residents love you. But due to budget cuts, your position is being eliminated.”  

I’m sure she expected me to be upset at the very least or totally fall apart at the most. She had no idea God had just answered my prayers….and on Mom’s birthday! The rest of the day was so full that I didn’t pick up my journal till the next morning. 

When that door slammed shut, I was quickly ushered through a door which led me to begin serving at-risk elderly in Romania through Elder Orphan Care.  On March 1, 2017, I begin my 7th year of this amazing, God-birthed adventure! 

"Wow Dee Wow" indeed!

I pray that this testimony is used by God in your life, or in the life of someone you know. May God receive all the glory!

Psalm 77:11, 12: I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. 

Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.