I think God is up to something...

... and I love it.

Remember when I mentioned Sara Maria's trip to Columbia 6 years ago when she was only 11?  Columbia, kidnapping capital of the world?  She had asked me if she could really pray for anything.

I responded, "Sure, Honey, if you're open to God saying 'Yes,' 'No,' or 'Wait,'" fully thinking I knew exactly what God would say when she prayed, "God, open the way for me to go to Columbia."

So, our beautiful, bouncing, bold daughter went with us and while she found her niche in the barrio, she nearly gave a couple of our team members heart failure by her disdain for potential danger.  Such is the heart of an 11-year old tree-climbing, Redwall-reading, Robin Hood-playing tomboy.

She left home on June 23rd to participate in Compass, a leadership conference for rising high school seniors who are considering a future in ministry.  She loved her La Vida experience, enjoyed her classroom time, but when I read this quote on the Compass Blog, I nearly cried...

By early afternoon each team was at its site. Tom's group is at Iglesia Biblica Cristo Promesa Fiel, a new independent church plant that meets at a storefront children's party room in the north part of Mexico City near the Basilica of Guadalupe, one of the most famous sites in Mexico City. Today the group visited the basilica. Chris's team is at Iglesia Nacional Presiteriana Bethesda, an established Presbyterian church in the northeast side of Mexico City near the airport. Lane's team is at Casa Hogar Emmanuel, a Christan orphanage for boys and girls established 14 years ago on the southeastern outskirts of Mexico City in Chalco. Lane's group is partnering with and staying at a nearby church, Iglesia Valle de Chalco.

Sara Maria is with Lane's group.  Lane's group is partnering with an orphanage run by a couple who have adopted 18 of the kids.  Lane's group is connected and staying with a local church.

I nearly cried...

not because I'm afraid of the danger, although it's real,

not because I miss my daughter so much, because I do,

but because I am in awe of the God who says.

I know the plans I have for you ... plans for good and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Orphanage.  Adoption.  Local church.  Six years ago, God proved me wrong when I thought I knew his plans.  He proved me wrong when I wanted to keep my daughter "safe." And through the years I have learned and am continuing to learn to trust him with my life, but what's even harder, to trust him with my children.

I can't wait to hear what the Lord does in her and through her in Mexico.  I can't wait to see his plans unfold for this daughter of mine who still loves to climb trees, read Redwall, and build hide-outs in the woods behind our house.

If you're struggling with trusting God with your children ... do it.  Trust him.  And trust me, he's up to something really good.