Sunlight dances on her head and the fire in her soul radiates joy and passion through her eyes. It bounces through her voice. This is my daughter, the one who just returned from a six month Discipleship Training School in Australia.
My heart is filled with joy to see what God has done in her faith in this brief period of time. Seriously, I can’t even take it all in.  Her world has expanded in tangible ways, and it is powerful, the mark of Christ in this slip of a girl.
She tells stories of friends she has made in the Aboriginal communities of northern Australia and the slums of Calcutta, India. On roads less traveled, she has learned to share the Gospel with love and boldness.
I marvel at the power of God at work through opportunities opened, prayers answered, broken hearts redeemed, and ailing bodies healed.
We have an extraordinary God and it has been an astonishing time of learning, growth, and ministry.
Now she is ready to return to Australia to answer God’s call to work on staff for the next two years. On staff she will have the opportunity to continue training and giving through leadership, ministry and mentoring. Her bright green pack is loaded, heavy with the things she will need. How do you pack two years into a backpack?
We are waiting for her visa to be approved, and it has been a mess of cancelled and rescheduled flights. The gift of unexpected time is appreciated as she trusts God with the timing and the details.
Though I am beyond thrilled about what God is doing in her life, I must admit there is a part of my mamma-heart wants to keep her close and keep her safe. Joy mingles with gratitude and an ache in my heart.
Purchasing a one-way ticket for a continent 11, 580 miles away is an act of faith for this mom, and that’s for sure! Join me in praying for God’s blessing, protection, and provision as she steps forward in faith.  Go in grace Sweet Girl!
[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeOyjeQ7agU”]
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Wow, Ginger! I bet you are so proud, yet your heart also torn. I watched the video – she is glowing with excitement for her ministry!
Is she there yet? Will be praying. I can’t imagine having one that far away for an extended period of time, but I know my time is coming…
Scheduling to share this week!
Yes to all of the above. She is still waiting. Thanks for praying!
Oh, my … I’m (sort of )here. I have a daughter who wants to go on a mission trip this summer … she’ll be 16. We’re still praying about it … but it is a challenge laying all this before the Lord.
My girl started with a spring break mission trip to Nicaragua in college. I can see the way God has used the influence and experience of that trip in finding her calling for this season of her life. The energy and joy of watching her truly thrive spiritual and effectively minister to others is a profound experience. May God lead and provide for the next steps for your daughter.
Wow, Ginger. I’m moved by how excited Grace is about her mission. I pray that the details will all work out in God’s good timing. You are one brave mama :-), but I know it’s because your trust is in a faithful God. Hugs and prayers for you and Grace!
Thank you for your prayers! I cannot tell you how much they mean to us. If we could only see the true power of how God works through our prayers, we would never stop praying. I am blessed by your support.
Bless you for supporting and encouraging your daughter as she finds her calling and serves Jesus!
It is such joy to see how she is following God in such an adventurous way. This is the exciting part of parenting. Though we miss our kids when they spread their wings to fly, it is exciting to see them find the paths God has for them. We are so proud of all our children who are each doing different and wonderful things. Thanks so much for joining me here today. Many blessings to you!
Ginger, what a joy it must be, although hard at times, to watch your daughter spread her wings and answer God’s call. You must be extremely proud of her. I will pray everything comes together for her visa and upcoming travel.
Thank you Barbie. What a sweet pleasure to see your comment here. You nailed it. Her visa came through and God provided a flight the next day that was a great itinerary and a lower price than what we had paid for the other two tickets. Thank you for your prayers!
Ginger, that is so amazing to see what God is doing in your daughter’s life as well in your family! Praise God! I will be sharing this on Facebook + Pinterest 🙂 Blessings!!1
Thanks Johanna! What an encouragement to see how many people are encouraging her in this special journey! Thank you for joining us here.
It is so cool to see what God is doing through Grace!!! You and Mark must be beaming with pride! I’m praying we can raise our kids to have this same crazy, go anywhere, do anything passion for the Lord as you all have instilled into your children. Don’t stop sharing what God is doing in all your kids! Love hearing it! Both encouraging and convicting stuff!
Hi there Sweet Friend! You and Brad are making an amazing difference as parents and your influence with encouraging others to get involved with the foster system. Yes, I am in awe of what God is doing through and in Grace. I’ll keep sharing!
I was privileged to meet Grace last weekend when she dropped in at Tun Tavern Fellowship’s Saturday morning bible study. What an encouragement to see how full of joy and Christ’s love she is, and she has certainly embodied her name! I am a Marine and was on an exercise this summer in Australia and was in the same area she was for a bit. We shared a few stories, though hers were much better than mine, but our most rewarding conversation was about the law vs grace. Even in just our short meeting, Grace certainly blessed me and challenged me to a reevaluate where I am in my walk with Christ… Praying for His timing and that He will bless her travels and open the doors for her to minister to more people than she could have imagined.
I’m so glad you guys could meet. She really enjoyed helping with breakfast. May God bless you as you continue your training both professionally and spiritually! Thanks so much for sharing this with me!