Andrew and I are back from Baltimore. We had a wonderful time. It was very informative, yet realxing and a great get-a-way. We absolutely love the area that we are feeling called to move to and had fun getting to know the area, the atmosphere of it and the culture of it. We truly feel this is where God wants us and feel like we will fit there as well. I know I am excited! There are several exciting things coming up. The birth of our first baby, a daughter, Katie, only 11 more weeks, YAY! Then, of course moving. Both of these are going to be stressful at times and I am sure I will feel unsure at both of these at times too, but I know that where the Lord is leading us on these things, all the stress and hardships will be worth it. We have a lot to do before we move, and I am sure Andrew is a little stressed as well, but be praying I can love and support him in ways he needs to stay encouraged. We are praying through how to go about support, when to exactly move, so be keeping those in your prayers. Be praying especially for Andrew to find a job that supports us so I can be a stay at home mother, because I feel that is truly what the Lord is calling me to do. Although there are many uncertainties right now, I am not too scared. I know God will provide what we need, when we need it, to accomplish what He is calling us to do. I just cannot explain in words how I feel about the Baltimore area. The people are amazing, and I cannot wait to reach out to them in love and share the amazing love of Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to get on site and begin relationships with families around us. I actually met and talked to several people while on vacation, and I loved it. I wasn’t scared, which is totally a God thing. There was a time, where I didn’t really like walking up to people I didn’t know and talk with them, but God is transforming me to be less afraid. Just keep praying for that, especially to be less afraid when it comes to time to actually share the gospel story with those around us. It can be scary! But I know, and need to remember, if the Lord calls us to share with someone, He will give us the words to say. We are only responsible for sharing those words, and God is repsonsible for the heart change of the person, not us. So, even if I share with someone who rejects what I share, it isn’t my fault. That is hard to remember sometimes, but I need to try, so that I can boldly share my faith with those around me! It was a little strange, because even being there on vacation, it was already staring to feel like home. God is really shaping our hearts to the people of this city and it is such an amazing transformation!
Also, can I just say, I cannot wait to be a mommy. I went to visit my friend Jennifer (and her husband) in the hospital yesterday, and their brand new baby girl, Hope. She was absolutely beautiful and precious. The immediate bond formed between mother and daughter was amazing to see, so it makes me a little less nervous. We were both a little nervous about, omg, we have a baby, what do we do now!? BUT, she assured me the motherly instincts kick in immediately and how truly amazing it is. AAA so many exciting things coming up. I am sure I will be apt to lose my mind, but I am pumped all the same!
