Your grace is enough...

So after the first full week of a very busy schedule, I find myself at peace...my heart is at peace. I have had so many cool God moments this week not only in the projects that I have been in, and in my house with the girls that i live with, but also in my very own heart. God is working in my in ways that I didn't think He would. My heart is completely broken for the people of SA and the people that I am working with. One of the projects that we do, New Life Center, is a place where women go during their pregnancy to have a safe, quiet, calm, Christ filled time. These women have also made the huge decision to go through with the pregnancy and give their child for adoption instead of choosing the abortion route. As soon as I walked into the New Life Center, I knew immediately, with out a doubt, I'm suppose to be there. I knew that if nothing else happens while I am here at YFC Cape Town, that I have accomplished what God has called me here to do. The feeling I felt is an indescribable one. My heart is with these women. At the moment, there are only 2 women here at the New Life Center, and both are due any time now (on of them, Janine, due Saturday!) We spent time with them, having girl talk, eating cookies, getting to know them, and then Dani and myself taught them how to make friendship bracelets. They loved it! Now, being pregnant, we all know pregnant women have weird cravings, so half way through the time, Janine asked Dani if she could make custard...I have never had that before--but of course Dani, being the servant that she is, got up and made us all custard. The women were so excited! After we finished our bracelets (and ate our custard) we all put on our friendship bracelets and then we shared with them a few verses Philippians 1: 3-6 (the message)

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears."

I think i needed to hear that just as much as they did. Sometimes, I think I need to take what I say or share with other people and take it for myself and my heart. Anyway, after we shared, one of the women shared something so sweet and personal with us that I was moved to tears. She shared with us the profile of the parents she chose to adopt her baby. She was so excited and so happy and so willing to share with us a very special piece of her life. Because of one decision she made, this baby will have an amazing life--because she chose the road less travelled (mom, you know where i got that from ;)) I have had total confirmation of why I am here this week--It's amazing how God does that! I know, with all my heart, that when I leave this place, I will NEVER be the same.

I'm really focusing on listening and really hearing what He is saying to me. I feel it in my heart, I see it all around me. It's such an exciting time and scary time! I'm not sure what the "next step" is for me when I return, but I have a feeling that it will be something that I least expect and something that HE wants and not what I want.

Please be in prayer for clarity and guidance and that I will hear what I need to. He is moving and I can't wait to see what happens next! It's just a really cool feeling to know that you are right where you are suppose to be at the right time. Faith...wouldn't be here without it!

Miss you all so much!

so much love from Africa :)

Shawna