I've grown accustomed to change. I even thrive on it. I haven't met a lot of people who share that DNA. Most of the people I've met in my almost twenty years of life love normal and live comfortably. I don't know whether it's just the adventurous, crazy heart I have or it's just the way I've developed because of what God has called me to do. I love moving and it doesn't stress me out at all. I see visions of what great things will take place in new places. I see the potential in dirty, broken homes. I also think that gift came from God. Hes called me to Haiti twice now and when I go I see the most broken and poverty stricken people and country. But I also have these visions of who they could be. I see the beautiful in the darkness. I see orphans who have been abused, abandoned and filled with disesase but in that same breath, God has given me eyes to see the redemption and miracles that will happen through that child.
Today, I moved into a new apartment. I've only been in Ho Chi Minh for two months and this is my second and last move. The apartment I lived in before was amazing but too far from work. The taxi fees to get there and distance were costly and inconvient. Vicky and I moved to an apartment just down the street from our work/church. I was originally really sad about the move because I had to leave my dear friend Kyla behind but I know that this is what God has for us.
This was a huge change for Vicky and I. The community here is so diverse. And since this apartment complex is so much larger, we have so much to do and so many people to meet. I have this vision that this new apartment will bring NEW hope. Hope for these people here. Expat young adults and kids who are just living to get by and settling with a very ordinary life. It's very open and full of light. I have visions of people coming into our home and finding a home. People who need comfort. People who are searching. People who don't have any answers and a lot of questions. I pray earnestly that God would bring people out of the dark and into the light. Eyes WILL be opened. Hearts WILL be changed. I pray that our home can be used as a vessel and a place where brokeness is welcome. A place where you don't have to leave your baggage at the door and put on a mask. A place for broken people to gather together and grieve, learn, heal, and grow.
The is the first apartment that I've moved into that really feels like my own place. I'm so blessed. I am so unworthy. But we will take what God has graciously blessed us with and give it back to Him. Declaring these doors will be open and that healing and love would be found inside. If you are thinking this week, just lift a prayer up for the people of Vietnam.
This vision that I've been having for our new home has been stirring up inside me for almost two weeks but not until a conversation I had on Christmas Eve did it really blossom. I was talking with a Vietnamese friend of mine. A Vietnamese who is a passionate believer and has been a believer for just over a year. They are amazing. They love the Lord so dearly. I'm glad I sat down and took time to listen to their testimony. This amazing person has not had an easy time. Their family has not supported them one bit. They have threatened to kick them out and have even taken their bible. They talked about the confliction they have and the unsettled feeling they have had at times because one of the commandments is to honor your father and mother. They talked about how their commitment to faith goes beyond that. Because I work with an International fellowship, I can sometimes become forgetful of the restrictions and traditions of the Vietnamese culture. What they are doing is frowned upon by most.
My conversation with my friend was convicting to say the least. But it cast a new passion inside me for the vision God has given us to make our house a home. When the Lord gives you visions and dreams, pray about them because He will send people your way to confirm and encourage you for what lies ahead.
