Now that I am able to calm down

I wanted to share with you some pictures from Chicago. Now keep in mind I was in a pretty okay part of town but, nothing great and I happened to stumble upon the  most beautiful garden I have ever seen. I swear that when I was walking in it I was with God. I seriously know that this is what God's garden will look like in heaven and it will be even more beautiful there!

See how utterly wonderful it was?

Open and Shut Doors

It's so funny the expression "when one door closes another one opens" has been in my head for over a week now. Some of you may have heard by now, because I was SO excited, that God has opened a new door for me.
A couple of months ago I was a little down because my door to India had been closed. (Not just shut gently but SLAMMED shut by God) It was a very confusing time for me. I had been so certain that India was where God was leading me to go. I wasn't sure why but, I knew that it was there. Then out of the blue I received an email that said "at this time we have decided not to go with your application for IJM"
Wow talk about a humbling moment. And in a true human form I pouted, shouted, and cried. Then like a true daughter I asked God why? and instead of an answer he gave me peace on it. It just wasn't my time or place.
I accepted that this wasn't my time. So I rushed back to school and re-enrolled as a Counseling student. I changed over my FA and made sure that everyone knew I would be in classes on the 21st. I was excited about being back in class and learning more about what God had in store for me.

Before all that about 6 months ago, when I was certain I was going to India, I had planned a trip to Chicago to sit back, fast and pray. In hopes of preparing myself for the mission work ahead. Then with India off the table I struggled with if I should or shouldn't go to Chicago.
After much debate mom told me to go and like a good daughter I listened ;-) I know, I know first time for everything.

The problem I had no idea what I was going to pray and fast about. I mean I had issues and the basic stuff to pray over but, I was going specifically to find out about India. Three days before Chicago I got a call from the other organization (seven sisters) I had expressed an interest in during my, gun-ho apply to anything that has to do with, India days. The lady told me that she was needing a counselor...
Did you catch that she needed a COUNSELOR to help with victims of sex trafficking... the field I wanted to go into all along. The area I felt God was truly calling me to help with. And here she was laying an opportunity at my feet. I could go at any time, I could stay as long as I wanted, I could do my internship there or I could just do mission it was up to me.

OMG I left for joy was ready to shout but, then I grounded myself and remembered that I had a trip to Chicago coming up and maybe, just maybe this was what the WHOLE trip was for.
During my days in Chicago I prayed and I heard many, many wonderful words from God. I had peace and joy that I am not sure I have ever had. I learned to trust and pray to him and in him. That was hands down the BEST experience I have ever had.
Needless to say I called Janice back and let her know after much prayers I feel that God was calling me to go with her to India.

So with a whoop and a laughter Janice told me that God had answered her prayers and that I was the missing link they needed for the home. And wanted to know when I could go LOL !!! Just like that the door opened and it is now the time for me to GO WHERE HE LEADS ME and for now it looks like that is India.

So thank you for those of you that have continued to pray for me to see where the journey God had planned would lead. As of today and in this moment He has plans for me in India. Please continue to pray that more doors would be open (including fundraising) and more of His plans would come to life.
Thank you,
Sara