Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What's Going On?

I thought very hard about whether or not to tell anyone other than a select few about what all of this "Following the Call" stuff is about. Just like everyone else, I hate to fail and it makes it worse when you fail with everyone watching. I didn't plan to talk about this until after something big happened or until it was off the ground, but then I thought..."Maybe I should document this. Maybe I should make everyone aware of just how serious I am about this." Afterall, the entire past 5 years of our lives have been documented in one way or another. Our entire infertility struggle is written in the pages of a journal, as is every detail about Tommy's adoption. Most of his adoption is documented on a blog, as well, as is life since he's been home. I wanted him to be able to look back at it all one day, which is the only reason I started doing those things. And then I thought, "I am not going to fail because this is His plan, not mine."

So why not document this? Why should it be a secret until we're ready to roll?

It shouldn't. So here we go.....

I am getting ready to start an organization that will provide orphan care and family outreach to (hopefully) countries around the world, beginning in Guatemala. This is something that I have been planning to do for years, but I did not have the courage to do it "alone" and those plans were put aside when Weaving Families was formed. I planned to join with them on their outreach, but for now that is impossible as they are far from being in a position to launch such a program in addition to their adoption ministry. I support the Caswell's ministry 100% and believe that eventually we will work together to touch the lives of orphans and families that are at risk of leaving their children as orphans. In the meantime, I believe that it is time for me to act on what I know I have been called to do.

While I wanted to do "something" long before I fostered Tommy in Antigua, it wasn't until two weeks into my stay as I sat starring at Agua, crying and praying, that I realized exactly why I was there and what I had to do.

What needs to be done in Guatemala goes far beyond what any individual or organization can do alone. I understand that there are several well established organizations and a few new ones that have many supporters currently working to touch the lives of those most in need. I applaud every person and every group of people that does anything to help this country that holds a large piece of my heart. I look forward to getting to know and possibly working hand in hand with some of them as we all work together to support orphans and families that desperately need our help just to survive.

This organization will be quite bit different than those that you may already be familiar with. I will not go into details now, but will share more information as time passes.

It is going to take time to launch this organization and establish our program in Guatemala. I am not living in a fairy tale land thinking that all of this will happen overnight and I certainly do not think and would never try to "save" all of the orphans in world. And I cannot do this work alone. Most people probably do not know what it takes to form an organization like this. Let me tell you....it isn't easy and I have more respect now for those that have done it than I ever have before. This certainly takes patience, dedication and extreme passion. I'm not going to rush this. Yes, I want to get to Guatemala as soon as possible, but it's going to take a little time to find people that I trust to work with me in order to establish this program. Then there is fundraising. And finally, I will need to find people...all kinds of people from families with small children to individuals to church mission groups to work in Guatemala. More on that later....

The bottom line is, as I began writing my Guatemala story for Weaving Families which I have yet to submit to them (sorry, Rebecca...are you really ready for a 4 page story?) in July, I was brought right back to that swing on the rooftop terrace of Casa Bella. The swing I sat on that day while Tommy was sleeping and I was beside myself with anger and sadness because all I wanted to do was go home. Something changed that day when I asked God to open my eyes to what it was He wanted me to see and my heart to what it was He wanted me to feel. He did open my eyes and my heart and His plan was made clear. Just as I heard the call to "go" to Antigua, I was waiting on the call to go back to Guatemala to begin this work, but because of fear, I have been unable to hear Him...until now. Until I was asked to write my story, the story I wasn't ready to write because I didn't really want to hear Him again yet, not until I felt I was strong enough to do what He wanted me to do. How foolish am I to question my ability to do His work when He is the one that asked me to do it?

And so, as I said when I first wrote about the call, let the journey begin. My eyes, my ears and my heart are still open and I cannot wait to be His hands and feet in the country (and eventually countries) that have and will capture my heart.

You'll hear time and time again as the weeks, months and years pass.....

Wherever He leads, I will follow.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well I already knew this is what the "something" was. Anyone who knwos you kniows what a desire this has been for you.

You know I'll be there to help in any way I can!!

Bobbi said...

I had a feeling it was something like this. Best of luck to you, and I will do whatever I can to support you. This is certainly a great cause

Rebecca said...

I am so glad that the Lord brought us together.
Praying for you as you take this LEAP with the Lord.
You have been so gracious as Weaving Families continues to evolve and be formed into what the Lord intends.
Praying with you and for you and Danny both.
Love,
Rebecca

Kelsey's Mom said...

I am so lucky to have found you also Terry. You are a wonderful example of what God wants us all to do. Listen to what he wants us to do and follow! God Bless You!!
I will be praying for you in the journey.

Tam said...

I know it's been quite a while since you were "stuck" in Guatemala and I doubt if you remember me telling you at the time "everything happens for a reason", but this news only strengthens my faith in what I always have believed. Praying for you, girl.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

I am just going to say RIGHT ON SISTER ... I will join you in prayer ... I can't even explain how Katie has changed my life over the past two months ... Partnering w/ her to help her children in Uganda has made my perspective on life take a 360 ... When God calls we must answer and run towards Him ... I applaud you for listening and taking the first steps ... Can't wait to see where the Lord takes this ...

Terry said...

Tam - Of course I remember you saying that. And I remember telling myself, too, but not believing it until that beautiful day in September. You so suportive during our wait for PINK. Thanks for your prayers. (And by the way, I'm going to need nurses...think you might want to travel back to Guatemala one day?)

jajbs said...

WOW! This is EXACTLY how I have felt for some time, but have not been disciplined or dedicated enough to "press in" to listen. Thanks for stepping out... you are so right when you say that you cannot fail b/c it is HIS plan. I canNOT wait to see where this leads....

amanda

Anonymous said...

Lurking.... :)

You know I don't usually comment, but I do keep up with you. Your blogs really lift me up. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. :)

Vanessa said...

Terry I haven't checked in in a while but then I got your recipe email so I stopped on by!!!
Good luck with your business venture ebcause I know and seen myself first hand just how many children and families in Guatemala need help!!
I'm leaving in nine days for mission trip number 4!! this trip started out small and has grown into several stops and two that were just added!! I will now be visiting four orphanages and leaving toys and supplies at each!! God has been so good to me and usual!! Let me know if I can help in anyway!

Carmen y Xavier said...

I just found your new Blog through your email and wanted to say how thrilled I am about this new calling in your life. How wonderful, Terry!
Love and hugs from Spain,
Carmen.