We have one day left with our daughter Ama. She leaves us on Tuesday . . . I can’t believe the year is over!
Ama isn’t a blood relative, but she has has lived with us for over ten months. She’s seen us at our best and our worst! Awhile back, when Josh asked if she was ever a baby in my tummy, I replied, “No, she is the daughter of my heart.” Both she and Amira, who lived with us last school year, are so dear to me. I am blessed to be their American mom!
[Ama, my fellow woman on God’s mission just came into the kitchen looking for her camera. “The writing juices are flowing,” she observed, as she breezed past me. After she explained her mission and we both said a prayer, she left to continue searching in her room. I’m really going to miss praying with her.]
There were moments this past year when Ama and I felt like giving up. But, God didn’t let us. He faithfully gave us the strength we needed to grow through the challenges, produce fruit for His glory, and to end the year well. He has given us the victory!
Ama will adjust quickly to her culture, but she will always be part of our family. And I know that if I ever have the opportunity to visit Ghana (and I’m fully planning to go, if God and Tim will allow me!), I will find that I have a home and family there as well.
As we finish this two year journey of hosting exchange students, I am filled to overflowing with …
- memories, LOTS of memories
- humble thankfulness for the lessons I’ve learned
- gratitude to God for His faithfulness
- joy when I remember the consistent encouragement, love, and prayers of friends and family
- the fruit and growth God has cultivated in my life through amazing experiences
- the gift of love I’ve received from two beautiful young women who are now permanently part of my heart and life
After the dust settles, I will tell you more about hosting exchange students; I feel like I could write a book! For now, please reflect with me with thanksgiving to God for all that He has done! Ama and I pray that God will continue to work in and through us as we part ways. Ama, my precious sister in Christ, has already enthusiastically agreed to be the Representative and Coordinator for the African Branch of Women On God’s Mission! 🙂
Women on God's Mission 