At 26 years old, I sometimes wonder, "God, why in the world am I still single? Why in the world have you not brought my Prince Charming my way?" It's nothing I dwell on, but of course the thoughts run through my mind occasionally, especially since almost all of my friends from high school and college are married and some are beginning families! It's so crazy how though we are all the same age, we are all at such different places in life.
However, I PRAISE GOD for where I am in life! I have seen much of this world, I have fallen in love with cultures - and I'm learning it's not only the Egyptian culture that I love, but any culture. It's all so intriguing to me! He has undeniably given me a heart for the nations and I get excited to get to be a part of the lives of those whose ethnic background differs from mine.
I am a part of something bigger than myself, bigger than what can be seen by the naked eye. And though we don't always understand why we are where we are, He does. He has planned it all out. If we would just TRUST in Him, the days would pass by much more stresfree!
Today, October 10, 2005, I am living in Fort Worth, TX. In January of this year, when I first moved to Fort Worth, I came here with a deep love for Arabs, esepcially Egyptians. Because of the two years I lived in Egypt, God gave me an emmense love for the Egyptian people. I sought out Egyptians and found Ahmed, Mohamed, Sabah, and Ibrahim at the Muslim feast in Arlington. God has developed a beautiful friendship between this family and me. I learned last night when I went to break fast with them, that they will be returning to Egypt at the end of November. My heart broke - I've fallen in love with Ahmed and Mohamed. But, I know that Egypt is their home. They have an older brother and sister there whom they have not seen for 3 years. I knew this time was coming, their days in America would end. I'm thankful for the time I have had with them. Last night Sabah asked me to spend the night with them. And of course, I did! In the hours I spent with the family last night, I layed hands over the boys and prayed healing over Ahmed's legs and over Mohamed's somewhat paralyzed right hand. I ask the God of the Universe, our Great Physician to heal those boys. In the powerful name of Jesus, I prayed healing over the boys. I prayed revelation of Himself to the family. Sabah always listens intently. She sometimes has questions.
I slept in a double bed last night beside Mohamed and Ahmed. Both boys were asleep when I got in bed. I spent the next half hour or so praying over them, praying over their house, asking the Holy Spirit to dwell in their home. I believe His presence will linger there, even in my absence. He is penetrating the darkness.
I woke up this morning and Mohamed cuddled up next to me and kissed me. We layed there, me holding him, while Sabah gave Ahmed a bath. Mohamed took a bath. I helped them get dressed, fed them their breakfast while Sabah showered. The boys and I sat there and I sang to them. I've been teaching them, "Jesus loves me" and I sang an Arabic worship song to them, "Enta Azeemun" (You [God] are great). Mohamed reqeusted for me to sing "Adeemun", as he says it, again. Oh, that God would grow these two little boys up to be fearers of the Lord of lords and King of kings. That the life and breath He has given them would be used for His glory, for His kingdom's expansion!! GOD SAVE THIS FAMILY!!!
I thank You, oh God, for this season in my life. If I had my own husband, my own family right now, I would have missed this opportunity. I would have missed waking up next to Mohamed and Ahmed.
For those familiar with Ruston, you can probably imagine what it was like! Lots of people, all made up - makeup, hair in place, new outfit, - smiles and laughs. Katie, a friend from college who is now living in Dallas, and I drove to Ruston together Friday afternoon, went to the engagement party, went to a shower Saturday morning, and came home on Saturday afternoon. We weren't even in Ruston for 24 hours! 
Since then, the times we've seen one another have just not been enough! While I was in Egypt, she moved to Baton Rouge. Visits to Ruston for both of us are usually packed with family time. But...this weekend, though we only saw each other at the announcement party, it was a breath of fresh air. You know those friends of yours who have been in your life for so long that they know so much about you? I've realized that since my move to Egypt, there haven't been tons of people around me who know me like an old friend knows you. Anna knows that when I go to Taco Bell, I order a mexican pizza - ALWAYS. She knows that when I was in high school I was incredibly insecure about the scrawniness of my legs. So much so that I always asked my friends if my calf muscles looked any bigger! We can look at each other from across a crowded room and guess the thoughts of the other! HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE LIKE THAT?!?!??! Oh, it was SO GOOD to see her!! 
And God's blessings and joys didn't end there this weekend - with old friends. No, He's given me new friends as well, or should I say a new friend. He is a man of God, passionate for the nations. Passionate for cultures and languages. Passionate for the glory of God. He is a gift from the Lord. Our Lord's blessings are numerous and I am so undeserving! He is a generous God. He is a good God. He is a loving God. He is a just God. He gives. He takes away. He loves unconditionally. He gives joy to His children. He shows us grace and mercy. My heart is so grateful. He blows me away with His great love! 
