It's hard to feel like you are still making a difference when you're settled back in your "old life" in America. We have been back to Texas for almost a year now (June 28th is a year I think), and it has flown by. I think about Kenya often! Jerrod probably thinks about it everyday. I mean, how can you get people's faces out of your minds when God used them in our lives in such huge ways?! There are a lot of things we miss. First on my list would be my friends (duh, I'm very social). We still have quite a few friends there, even though a few have moved back to America. Friendships come and go but I know these will last a lifetime. It's so unique when you share experiences like that together, and when you have very similar goals/dreams in life. I also miss the beauty of Kenya, the people, the ministries we were involved in, and feeling like you are doing something with a purpose everyday. Even if it does feel like you aren't making a difference sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for the job I have and the people I work with, it's just different. This year we have been through a lot of changes, adjusted to life in the states, gotten accustomed to conveniences again, and been quite spoiled. We have been able to travel, go on dates, hang out with friends, spend lots of time with family, be part of a great church, and also be really selfish. I must say though, it does get old....that is, the selfish part. I'm very ready to give my time to something more meaningful. And no, I'm not saying we are moving back. But i've been trying to think of ways I can still make an impact in Africa, but over here in Texas, even while working at my full-time job! We have so many ways to be creative and use the internet for something bigger than ourselves. I don't even know what it looks like but I've been researching alot, and there are some GREAT companies, blogs, ministries, etc. that I've seen.
A few of my favorites are: 31 Bits, Red Earth, The Mercy House, CARE for AIDS, and Noonday just to name a few.
I also came across this conference recently and it really has me intrigued. I want to be a woman of influence, even while I have a 9-5 job. My job doesn't have to define who I am, and I can still make a difference across the world while living in Texas. (Sidenote: I am still trying to make a difference in my own little world of influence here, and I'm involved in various things, but I'm talking globally here.) I'm writing this blog to be real with people.... I know I'm not the only person out there who wants something bigger with their life, to make an eternal impact for the kingdom. I've been praying that God will show me what natural gifts and talents I have that I can use for His glory and to reach His people. Maybe that means starting a business on the side, joining one that already exists, playing a bigger role in a ministry, or starting a non-profit. I honestly have no idea what that looks like right now. All I know is, God has defnitely been impressing it on my heart, and I can't ignore it. I must pray and act. So for now I'm praying for Him to show me what it looks like.
Will you join me in praying?
Blessings,
Amanda
A few of my favorites are: 31 Bits, Red Earth, The Mercy House, CARE for AIDS, and Noonday just to name a few.
I also came across this conference recently and it really has me intrigued. I want to be a woman of influence, even while I have a 9-5 job. My job doesn't have to define who I am, and I can still make a difference across the world while living in Texas. (Sidenote: I am still trying to make a difference in my own little world of influence here, and I'm involved in various things, but I'm talking globally here.) I'm writing this blog to be real with people.... I know I'm not the only person out there who wants something bigger with their life, to make an eternal impact for the kingdom. I've been praying that God will show me what natural gifts and talents I have that I can use for His glory and to reach His people. Maybe that means starting a business on the side, joining one that already exists, playing a bigger role in a ministry, or starting a non-profit. I honestly have no idea what that looks like right now. All I know is, God has defnitely been impressing it on my heart, and I can't ignore it. I must pray and act. So for now I'm praying for Him to show me what it looks like.
Will you join me in praying?
Blessings,
Amanda
