No Rainbows or Butterflies today ;)

I've been wondering what I should write about on my latest post...

I was thinking about writing about how things at the office have been, or more on our trip to Australia. But the problem with that is I don't want to only paint a story-book picture of how life is. I mean, yeah, I love traveling and had an awesome time in Sydney. But, I have hard days too, and I figure that's what I'll write about today.

It started Thursday, actually. It's weird, you know those days where everything seems to be crashing down on you all at once? It makes me wonder why my problems can seem so complicated but they aren't smart enough to pace themselves out over time. ;)

Anyway, since then I've felt a lot of stress. Budgeting money, booking plane tickets, getting more involved with church, planning my future (how's that one for a small thing to have on your 'To-Do' list, ha! :)

I know deep down that all these things have solutions...they won't last forever. The word says that God is my provider and He will give me all I need. Eventually, I'll make a decision about which plane ticket to book. Time will help me feel more plugged into church. And as far as my future goes...I'm sure the Lord's got that one covered.

All the same, I know I'm weak and need God's super strength to carry me through all that's going on. So please keep me in your prayers as you think of it. I know God is eager to help me in my weakness, as His word says. And also, please let me know how I can be praying for you! I mean it; email me and let me know what God' s been up to in your life! It'd be such an honor to pray for you, and it helps me get my eyes off of myself and my problems and onto our BIG GOD! :)

Thanks all,
KC from CA

Back and In Tact :)

We're home!!

We left at 10:00 PM on the 23rd, and then arrived in LA at 1:00 PM on the 23rd making Sunday the longest Easter day I have ever lived! :)

The trip to Australia was phenomenal! God heard all your prayers and blessed us abundantly!!

Some of my highlights from the trip:

~Speaking to loads of people about the orphans in China and God's heart for them.
~Seeing people becoming motivated to help the kids.
~Spending lots of quality time with the Vidler family, who essentially planned all of our whole trip.
~Taking in Australia's beautiful scenery and exploring Sydney. (We saw koalas, wallabies, and kangaroos...though we watched one get hit by a golf ball, lol)
~Learning that I love macademia nuts and Turkish food (esp. kabobs, which we had for lunch and dinner one day...)
~Laughing and making really fun memories together.
~Feeling completely and utterly blessed to have had this experience.

Thanks for your prayers!!
Hugs from CA,
Kristen

Instruments in His hands

The Speaking Tour is going great! Our opportunities to share about BMH and the orphans in China has been extensive, thanks to our "tour managers" Sam & Julie, who are the town celebrities here in Port Stephens and have a real connection withe the community!

Some highlights have been sharing at churches (we had 5 speaking engagements collectively on Sunday!), teas, small groups, and special dinners. We were featured in the newspaper, and recorded an interview for a Christian radio station the other day. Connections have formed left and right it seems, and we feel blown away at God's goodness to us and how much He is doing!

I've often ask God to use me in the way He wants to...that He can have full reign over my life, myself, my dreams. And it's been an amazing time to watch God answer that prayer by using my hands and feet in a small way to glorify Him. As I was listening to our radio interview this morning, I was so thankful that God would use my voice to speak up for orphans. I am simply an instrument in my Maker's hand...and I want all of this to be for Him (even though I feel so blessed by Him right now.) I just want to speak when He asks me to and do what He wants me to...with "Kristen" fading away and CHRIST becoming all others see.

~K.

P.S. Some photos -

Christy & I with the family we're staying with here who are simply fantastic. A walk on the beach was a nice way to get over jet lag! :)

James...my Australian love.


We visited the boy's Primary School and spoke to the older kids at their chapel service (not pictured here.)


Lookin' out at the big blue...We spotted some dolphins, and there's been talk of Great Whites in this area! I'll keep my distance, thank you very much! ;)

Thanks everybody! Please do keep us in your prayers!

On your knees for me?

K, so I was looking back on my last few posts and realized they lacked substantial substance, haha. I apologize for that! So much has been going on lately, and I am better at relating my thoughts once I have processed them (which I'm working on...) So more posts are to come, as soon as I've gotten the time to "think, think, think" like Pooh Bear would say. :)

Anyways, I'm leaving for a Speaking Tour tonight actually, and will be off of the computer for a few weeks. But I wanted to ask that you be praying for me for some of these things while I'm away...

Please Pray for:

-For our upcoming Speaking Tour. Pray that many people would be touched and want to help orphans in different ways. (And that we stay safe and healthy. :)

-That I would have a greater "secure and undivided devotion to the Lord" like 1 Corinthians 7:35 talks about. And that He alone would be my single passion and biggest delight! :)

-That God would continue to grow me in the area of discernment (I love Romans 12:2!) and that He would help me understand clearly what He's showing me.

-And please pray that David and Christy don't snore on the plane and keep me up all night. Thanks. (Though I don't think they snore...so I should be fine. Just covering my bases. ;)

Thanks y'all!! I think you're the bestest!!!

~Kristen

Psalm 23

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how God leads us. When I start to worry that I won't hear His voice clearly directing me or wonder about the unknown ahead, the Lord has often been bringing Psalm 23 to mind.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

I just love that! :)

~k

P.S. I just wanted to give a quick "Happy Birthday" shout out to one of my dear from home! Hope you had a great day today Suzanne! I miss you and love you lots!