Ames On The Way...Why Now?

   In October of 2010 I had the honor of going to pickup my adopted cousin Jonathan Davis(on the left) from China. I visited for 2 weeks. I was able to see many adoptive families and hear there stories. I also was able to visit 2 orphanages. This apparently happened rarely when adopting in China. I never felt so close to God, and the calling he gave me, then when I was in China experiencing this adoption. On the LONG plane ride back I prayed about what to do next. My heart and prayers changed but my actions lacked the push.

     Then one afternoon I went out to lunch with 2 of my friends. I really respect what each of them have to say which made it hit home even harder. One of my friends joked about her future husband (which lots of girls do) to which my other friend replied how do you know you will get married? I flipped before I even heard his words. I honestly cant wait to start a family and didn't want to hear what he was about to say next. He went into explaining how he constantly checks his thinking. He said things like if we are so focused on getting married all the time then we are not focused on living our single life to the fullest to serve God. BAM! There was that push into action I needed. It was as if God told him to say it just for me...yup one of those moments. It reminded me of  1 Corinthians 7:32-35 "³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. " I knew I wasn't serving God with the undivided devotion that can come from singleness.


      I decided I would look into college courses for the Summer to start in that direction. I researched what I wanted to do to make sure I was going to steward my finances and time right in college. I didn't want to be in college, I wanted to be on the mission field! I emailed Monica Jarvis asking about what I should go for in college. We had never previously chatted or met. She replied asking about me and then next thing I know she is inviting me out to the Philippines. We met a couple of times and I make the decision to go on a short term trip in September to see where else God leads me. Now I am here. I am raising support and suiting up my spiritual armour to go love on these orphans.


     I can't even begin to explain how it feels to be ON THE WAY to what God has been telling you  he will send you to do for years! I have had so many people even prophesy(speak something God puts on their heart as encouragement for someone;sometimes very specific)  over me about it. It got to the point I was like Ok God I get it but WHEN? He has been preparing my heart and growing me. I have so much experience now and I can be used more adequately. He truly is faithful.


    Also,  come visit First Assembly of God @2925 NW39th Ave. Gainesville ,Fl on April 17th. There are two services: 9am and 11am. There will be a few missions booth, including mine, set up after church. Come ready to buy some baked goods, maybe get some babysitting coupons, donate and learn more about how you can support me or others that you may feel called to.


     Thanks for your support,

     Ames : )