Hear Their Stories

While my team was in Kenya last October, Kristy mikel had a phrase that she focused on during the trip. "Hear their stories." So I'm standing in school today working and that phrase comes to my mind. Hear their stories. So I think about the people I've met in the past 3 weeks and recall their stories.

The story of a girl who had a baby at 17 and is now in a healthy marriage at 25. The story of a woman who lost her mom tragically the last time she was in cosmetology school and is now able to take steps to her dream of owning a salon with her daughter by finishing school. The story of a girl who has 3 children and a boyfriend, but believes marriage would ruin her life. The story of an amazing lady that is divorced with 2 kids and laughs about how much she couldn't stand her ex husband. The story of a woman who is married to a man with a daughter, from a previous marriage, who she can't get along with. The story of a young girl who is married to a man in the army and how joyful she is that he will be coming home soon.

How amazing it is to learn their stories. To listen to them and hear their stories without ever asking about it. People want to share their stories. It's who they are. It's how they got to where they are now. It's their life. And they've shared their life with me. I'm so glad to know their stories...see where they come from.

I think God has used my story of Kenya to build friendships at school. I have pictures of the kids and me on my notebook that I see atleast 5 times a day. I smile everytime I see it. I look at Andrew's big smile and precious cuddling up to me and one of the boys at sunday school I got to give one of my bracelets to. I see these kids who just want to be loved. God saved them and has HUGE plans for their lives. That notebook with pictures has brought up more conversations than I could ever start on my own. One of my classmates wants to provide me with the opportunity to sell my bracelets at her salon when it opens and all of it will go to help me get back to Kenya. I've know these people for less than 3 weeks and they want to help me get to where I want to be. I'm amazed by this. These girls don't go to church. They don't read their bibles. They smoke. They cuss like there's no tomorrow. But they want to help me because they think I can make an impact.

I know God has such a purpose for me being at Vogue. So I'll continue to hear their stories. Continue to listen and obey God's voice. I know he is faithful. "He was faithful before and he'll be faithful again." Thanks, Lord for where you've placed me and for the opportunity you've given me with these amazing girls. Help me be an impact.