Writing Her Story ...
"Katya arrived last night - so tired she couldn't even walk to the van." 
And so, on June 20, 2008 my journey to "open my mouth" for this one who could not speak for herself began. Katya was one of the hundreds of millions of orphans in this world. She had been abandoned at birth as a 2.2 lb. preemie, taken in by her grandmother, and then placed in a Ukrainian orphanage when she was six years old. She had no voice.
Katya is no longer a statistic. She has been rescued, even redeemed. But not by Bill and me. Not by us. We were merely a fumbling pair of hands and feet who were willing to be His hands and feet as He began an Isaiah 61 on this little lamb. In spite of our fraility, He used us.
And now ... Katya is home. She has brothers and sisters.
And a Mama and Papa ...
Katya's story is burning in my heart ... as are many more stories. Stories and messages of healing, hope, and help to encourage women to go after all the fullness of LIFE which Jesus offers. Messages to place courage into the hearts of women as they contemplate their identity in Christ and how to cross the Jordan into the land. And we need courage, for there are giants in the land...
Five years ago I participated in She Speaks, a conference offered through Proverbs 31 Ministries. Since then, the Lord has opened avenues for me to speak at women's retreats, MOPS events, and churches. I have loved every opportunity the Lord has opened up.
Now, She Speaks beckons again, but this time, I sense a call to participate as a writer. My desire to write the messages the Lord has given me continues to be stirred as I study the Word and pray. Godly women and men say "Yes!" when I tentatively share these desires. And now, I'm getting it out there for the world to see ...
Although the price of the conference is quite a bargain for the value of the workshops, the speakers, the expert advice, the opportunity to meet with publishers and connect with other speakers and writers ... as a ministry family with seven kids, the cost is potentially prohibitive.
But, Lysa TerKeurst, of P31 Ministries, is offering a full scholarship to She Speaks. If I am able to attend, I will participate in workshops such as:
How to Prepare a Powerful, Effective 15-Minute Publisher Meeting
Magazine Writing 101: Honing Your Writing Skills
Book Proposals That Get Noticed
The Pathway to Publication
Advanced Writing Techniques: Moving from Good to Great
How to Write a Book
Become a Marketing Maven
An Agent's and Writer's Best Advice
I will even be able to meet with publishers and present a book proposal...
Katya's safe now. She shares "Princess Paradise" with a sister. She rides a bicycle and climbs trees. She has three meals a day and as much fruit to eat as she would like. She gets tucked in bed every night with books, Bible stories, prayers, and songs. But there are others who are not safe. Others who still need rescue.
There are widows who need care.
There are foster children who need shelter.
There are homeless men who need work ... and dignity.
Katya's story needs to be told. And not because her story is so compelling, so unique, although as her Mama, I surely think that it is. Her story needs to be told because God is asking me to "open my mouth" and tell it. And not just speak about it, but write about it that others may join me in
learning to do good; seeking justice, correcting oppression; bringing justice to the fatherless, and pleading the widow’s cause. Isaiah 1:17
Katya's story needs to be told, because frankly, if we can do this, then others can too. And not just adoption, but all that Isaiah 1:17 is talking about...
seeking justice, correcting oppression; bringing justice to the fatherless, and pleading the widow’s cause..
all as a means for learning to do GOOD instead of evil that we may participate with God in HIS Kingdom work. 'Cause that's what it's about - doing what HE'S doing, what's on HIS heart.
Do you agree? Do you think Katya's story needs to be told? Do you believe that others need to be inspired to participate with God in what HE is doing on the earth?
And, if anything in Welcoming Katya has encouraged you or inspired you, I'd love to hear about it!