The Meaning In It All

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; 

your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. 

Do not forsake the work of your hands." -Psalm 138:8

Photo taken from: http://www.travelfish.org/blogs/vietnam/2012/06/22/lotus-flowers-in-hanoi/ 

Here I am again preparing to travel to S.E. Asia!  A year can go by so fast- sometimes too fast, sometimes not fast enough.  This trip brings some different emotions than last year, but the excitement and anticipation is just the same.  This year, however, I am going back to familiar faces...faces I've starred at in picture frames and collages that are hung in my room.  I cannot wait to see my little sister, Tre, who I have supported throughout college. It is becoming so surreal.

A few of the collages I made from my Vietnam pictures last year!

I am so excited for all that is in store for this trip!  I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement- I have been overwhelmed at how blessed I am. I prayed I would receive enough money to go on the trip and the amount I raised is double of what I needed. God is sooo faithful.  All the extra will now be used for Homes of Love, for future trips, and/or the missionaries we partner with in S.E. Asia.  I am still praying about how the Lord desires me to use it specifically.


The Lotus flower, Vietnam's national flower, was the inspiration for this blog.  The Lotus flower is also known as "the flower of the dawn" and is an Asian symbol of rebirth, purity, commitment, and faithfulness. The flower naturally grows in muddy waters across many ponds and lakes. Its roots go deep into the dirt and mud but after just a few days, a beautiful blossom emerges.  In so many ways, I feel like the legend of the Lotus reflects my story as a follower of Christ-- Jesus pulled me out of the muck and mire (my sin) and made me whole and "pure" through His death. Even now, through the up's and down's, He uses that very muddiness to grow and challenge me.  He is making me into something beautiful and is committed to finish His purpose in my life.  As Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Through everything in life, my purpose stems from that promise. 

 Lotus flowers displayed at a restaurant in Vietnam