Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I am right where I am supposed to be...written by Lacey


We're do I begin?? This has been such an amazing journey all along the way. God is so good!! I must start off by saying if there is ANYONE out there who is reading this blog and doesn't know the Lord..seek him, find him. There is no greater gift than Jesus. I have seen his fingerprints all along our journey. I know he has appointed us to be here for such a time as this. His timing is perfect!! I am learning that all things truly do happen for a reason, they are all part of his glorious plan.

Right now as we sit in this internet cafe the words of the music play "it's undeniable how brilliant you are" how perfect, and true are those words. This land is full of soooo many beautiful people. I thank God for sending me!!

Many of you have been waiting patiently to here about my encounter with one little boy..So I won't keep you waiting any longer.

For those of you who don't know over a year ago I came across a picture of a precious little boy by the name of Weiss. One look at his picture and my life heart was sold. I felt prompted to pray for him. Why him?? out of so many other kids why him?? I didn't have the answer to that question but I believe God called me to pray, so that is what I did. I prayed for his safety, happiness, a forever family, but most importantly that he would know and love the Lord all the days of his life.

We thought maybe I was having such strong feelings for him because he belonged in the Moore family, but shortly after this thought, the Moore's were told K and C were their children. Now what?? I still feel strongly about this little boy so I continued to pray. After giving birth to our second daughter we immediately began dreaming of having a son. So as Jordan and I prayed about our future son, we also prayed for this precious little boy. I am sure you can imagine what conclusion we came to??? Yes, we immediately wrote to the orphanage to find out his status. We were told at that time, there was a Ugandan family who might possibly be adopting him, therefore he wasn't available at that time. Even then, I felt so strongly about him that I made the decision that as long as God called me to, I would be obedient in prayer for his will on this little boys life.

I was so excited when the decision was made that I would travel to Africa. I would not only get to meet C and K but I would also get to meet Weiss. As we drove to the baby cottage I prayed that if God wanted us to have a connection that it would come easy. When we pulled in, the mamas brought precious Katie and adorable Christopher over to us. They immediately knew Jenny was their mama. Praise the Lord!! I was so excited to be a part of their reunion. What would happen next was nothing short of a miracle. I looked down and at my feet was one little boy just one. Yes!! you guessed it. He reached for me and said, "They call me Weiss." Just to give you a glimpse of why this is such a huge miracle... all of the other kids at least 20 and mamas and volunteers were all out in the yard. Anyone could have come, but it was him. This little boy that I had prayed for, for so very long. I scooped him in my arms and was immediately speechless, tears welled up and I was once again reminded that God is soooo faithful!! He said to me "I miss you." "You miss me, but we have never even met??" I said.

He asked if I would help bathe him and he would not let me put him down. So I walked him over for dinner and put him down to take his shoes off. He reached for me again and said I had to go with him inside. Then after washing up I told him I would see him later and he said "no you come with me." Wow!! I will never forget that time with him.

I was so unsure of where to go with my feelings so we prayed and studied scripture. We prayed for peace and discernment. That morning, during breakfast, we were introduced to a family that had just arrived at Amani Baby Cottage. It was then that we learned that Weiss had just been assigned to this family...he was actually assigned to them the day we arrived at Amani. Once again I was speechless?? I was completely overwhelmed and unsure of where to go with these feelings. My heart was aching and at the same time rejoicing. I kept coming back to the fact that I had always prayed most importantly for God's will on this little boy's life. I couldn't help but feel sad as well, I really felt like he was going to be a part of our family.

After a lot of time in the word and prayer, I am learning to find peace in whatever the circumstance. Today I was reminded of one of my very favorite verses, the same verse I was reminded of the week before I left and a few days ago when we felt unsettled about traveling north to Gulu.

Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the lord ALWAYS, I will say it again: REJOICE! Do not be anxious about anything, in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. "

So I will rest in the Lord and his plan for this little boy. I know just as his word says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!! I ask that you would all join me in prayer for this little boy. Most importantly that Gods will would be done whatever that should be, and that he would follow the Lord all the days of his life. Thank you God for choosing me to pray for him!!

Ryen,
I am really really missing my little snugglebug, but at the same time really enjoying my time here in Jinja. I got to ride my first boda boda (bicycle) today. It was a blast!! We have encountered some of the most beautiful children, Ryen I know you would love playing with them! I saw a little white girl getting into a big truck today with her dad and was reminded of you and reminded that I believe God has given Daddy and I a desire to do missions work, and how excited I am to see that plan fulfilled one day. I know you will do amazing work for the Lord one day. Take good care of Peyton and give her lots of hugs and kisses from mommy!! By the way you would love all the birds, frogs, and bugs here. I Love you to the moon and back angel bear!! Love, Mommy

Jordan,
I just want to thank you, you are so good to me. What a blessing this has been, it has been truly life changing. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the future. I feel so blessed to call you my husband and father to my beautiful girls. It makes me happy to hear you all are having such a good time together. I thank God for you every day. Thank you for all the work you are doing for our family!!! I love you more than words can say!!

I will close with a thanks to all of you who have been praying for us, what peace comes from knowing we have so many people surrounding us through prayer. I have to also thank Jenny for asking me to come. I knew God brought her and her precious family into my life for a reason. God is showing me everyday how blessed I am to have her as my sister in Christ. Words can not express how thankful I am!! I can't imagine life without my Jenny!! Her smile and love for the lord are contagious!! As I think of our friendship and this journey to Africa I am reminded: Two are better than one, because they have a better return for their work. So I thank God for sending us together to do this work for him. Thank you for giving us a bond that only you could have created. Christopher and Katie are so blessed to be a part of the Moore family.

May all we do glorify our father in heaven!!

9 comments:

Jenn said...

Ahhh Lacey, there is so much I wish I could say right now, but more than anything I just wish that I was there to hug you tight.

I admire your strong faith, your beautiful heart, and I am SO SO PROUD to call you my sister!!

We are all praying for you and talking alot about Uganda and the people. The boys are so excited for you and cannot wait to see your pictures.

We are a lot sad about Weiss, but also a lot happy that he has a forever family!

Can't wait to see what else the Lord has in store for you!

Much Much Love Lacey,

Jenn Zach Brady Benjamin Zenash Bridger and Yemsrach

Anonymous said...

Hello my beautiful daughter. The tears are flowing for all the emotions inside of me right now. What a precious blessing you were given just to hold Weiss in your arms. Befriend his new parents, so that you can keep intouch with God's precious little boy & know of his progrees thru life. An Auntie of sorts, maybe even a Godmother, who knows His plan for you in Weiss's life. Just always remember, all parents, ( you, me & every parent) are only Godparents for our heavenly Father's children here on earth. He gives us our children, not to be our property, but to raise & nurture for Him & the Glory of His Kingdom. But all is in His plan for the Faithful. You are so incredibly blessed with your family here in Montana. You know that & you know because of your incredibly strong faith in Him, He has big plans for you. If Weiss goes with another family it has to be because he doesn't fit into our Lord's plan for you, sweet girl.
Thankyou sooo much for that precious picture, you two are very sweet together & speaking as a grandmother, I know I would eat that little cutie up if given the chance! He is absolutely adorable!! I am so proud to call you my daughter, I know why God gave you to me to raise for Him. There are too many reason's to list on this site.
You in my constant prayers precious daughter. Vayas Con Dios ( Go With God)
Love, Mom xxoo

Carolyne said...

Lacey and Jenny,

I cry everytime I read your blog. I decided today that I think the reason I cry so much is because it is causing me to reevaluate my relationship with Jesus! I have been a Christian my whole life and we are raising our children in a Christian home. But, I know I don't always walk the walk. Everytime I talk to Erryn or read her blog, I tell my husband how amazing her love for God is. I have seen the same in both of you. Thank you for reminding me that I need to put God first in my life!

Carolyne (Erryn's friend)

aakoenig said...

LACEY,
I am sorry that Weiss will not be a part of your family, but what precious moments you have been able to spend with these past few days. God truly has a reason for you being there and being a part of his life at this moment. May you develop a relationship with his new family, so you can always know how he is doing.

Thanks for accompanying Jenny on this Journey. You are such a good encouraging and caring friend to help her. May He deepen your friendship and strenght you both each day.
Ariel

Cloughamily said...

Jenny,

It is so beautiful to see Jesus' love poured out over the people of Uganda through you. May God continue to bless you and strengthen you through this life changing journey.

Oh, and the sheer joy on your face when greeting your children was absolutely breathtaking...a mommy's truest love for her babes!

"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Psalm 41:9, 10

God bless you, Jenny.

Love,
Erinn

P.S. Lacey, thank you for loving Jenny through this journey and being willing to go to the ends of the earth with her to do God's will. The "three" of you are a mighty team.

My heart goes out to you. And I pray for God's gentle touch to comfort your heart as it hurts. God bless you for trusting in His will for Weiss' life and for praying for your little man.

Jireh Ministries Foundation, Inc said...

Lacey, I think you said it right; You are right where you are supposed to be!
The love can be seen in your picture that Weiss must be feeling when you are holding him. What a gift to him, to have people loving him and wanting him. Being wanted is a great feeling. We will keep him in our prayers so that God's will, will be done! Our Father who art in Heaven...
Thank you so much for being on this journey!
God bless you and keep you safe!
Jim Fruehan

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Uganda Mission 2016 said...

HI Lacey,

We are all praying for you at BSF
and love you!

Nadine

Unknown said...

Lacey,
Beautiful post. I cried all the way thru it. I cannot wait to hear what else God does for your family and Jenny's on this trip.
Karen (MOPS)