A grateful heart

This year has been a defining, strengthening, empowering one to be sure. I have found my calling, my love of African children, and part of who I was meant to be. I am SO thankful for everything in the past year, because without it I would still be the immature, self-centered Natali of 2008. And, trust me, that would NOT be a good thing. As everyone does, I grew up and I realized that life was not about me, but included others - even those who are rarely seen by anyone. I realized that GOD has given me a heart for missions, specifically African. I don't know why I love this continent so dearly, but I do. And I love that it was something that grew on me, and that I can say it was a GOD thing. Because a little over a year ago, I would not have cared about the orphan. Of course, I would have wanted to help, BUT, I would not have put plans in action to do so. I would not have told people about them. I would not have really cared. Thank You, GOD, for bringing me to my senses. I will never be the same.

I am thankful for my Mama and Daddy [I don't have a picture of them together, so you'll just have to imagine]. I love you both SO much, and I want to thank you guys for all the opportunities you have given me, for raising me in a Christian home where GOD and church were first, and everything else second. I want to thank you for showing me that real love isn't all about money, but a genuine feeling.
I am SO thankful that GOD has given me a twin sister, Allisyn, who I share my deepest desires and thoughts with. Like myself, Allisyn has a heart for the orphan and one day hopes to adopt from China. She, along with GOD, opened up my eyes and heart to the orphan, and for that I am grateful. I also want to thank you, Allisyn, for having a relationship that isn't like the world. You and Cristian are great role models. I love you, twin a, and wish you guys only the best.
I am SO thankful for my older sisters, Stephanie and Kimberly, and both of their families. Without them, my world would be very dull. Without you guys I would never know the meaning of trusting GOD, and not worrying.
Cole, I am thankful for you. You have turned into a wonderful 13 year old young man, that is very talented and will go far. Thank you for making me realize that GOD did give me the little brothers I asked for long, long ago - even if it was through 4 nephews.

I love you, Holden, and I am SO thankful for you and your sweet little 5 year old self. I have loved watching you grow up, and consider you my practice kid :))

Jillian, beyond words you are the best 4 year old niece ever!

Judah, your silly personality makes me giggle everytime I think of you. Keep being the precious little 3 year old guy you are. I am SO thankful for all the laughs you give me!

And little Josiah, even though you are new on the scene, 7 months of my life have been better because of you :)

My little foster kitty, Izzie, love you sweetheart, and I am so thankful for the spontaneity you bring to the apartment.

Little Lexi, THE sweetest cat ever! I am thankful for your loving personality. I've needed it this year.

My little kitty daughter, Nastia Joy, love you honey! I am thankful for the warmth you bring to my feet at night :)

And last, but definitely not least, dear little Max. I love you, and I thank you for showing me that there is a season for everything. My little Ribb would love to still be here with you, but I am thankful that you have filled the void.

Thank You, GOD for all you have blessed me with. The best job ever, loan money to be able educate myself, and a warm apartment. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I thank You for all You are doing, all You have done, and all You are going to do!

a little slice of truth

"Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10

Every heart has its defining moment, this is mine and I'm not going to miss it. I don't care if it makes me look different, I'm not letting go of my convictions. --- Matthew West

I AM going to go on a mission's trip as soon as possible (with funds, etc.)

I AM going to adopt one day.

I AM going to live by what GOD's plan is for my life, not mine. So if that means not knowing about my future job, my spouse, my kids, that what it's going to be. I'm not settling for a cookie cutter life. My GOD has planned it out for me, and it is anything but normal. :))

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

What to do? I'm SO confused about my education right now. As of next December [2010], I will officially be a college graduate with a BA in English. It opens up a world of possibilities!

plan a [the plan I REALLY hope works out]- Graduate with BA in English. Attend Graduate school for Master's degree in English/Fiction. Get a job teaching English at a local high school and, while I work, obtain my teaching license [which is doable, I already checked]. [My heart is creative writing, and I just don't feel adequate with a BA to teach high school students the craft of it, so that is why I would be furthering my skill in creative writing] & perhaps teach overseas after I've established myself.

plan b - Graduate with BA in English. Attend Graduate school for MAT [Master's of Arts in Teaching] degree that is coupled with obtaining my teaching license. Then get a job.

plan c - Graduate with BA in English. Get a job teaching high school English, obtain license while teaching. [LESS MONEY. p.s. and not that it is all about money, b/c believe me it is NOT. but just something to think about]

If any of you have any experience, advice, thoughts, prayers to give me, they would be very much appreciated! :))
Gosh, there's so much to think about these days...

To the least of these...

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Matthew 25:40




You were helping this little sweetie...

And this little guy...

And this little kid...

And these too...

Even these.

I want to feed the hungry children, and reach across the farthest land, and tell the broken there is healing and mercy in the Father's hands. My hands, my feet, my everything. My life, my love, Lord use me. --- Britt Nicole

Africa, you're all I think about lately. I know GOD is raising up a generation within your own lands and others to reach this generation of lost, sick, and lonely children. GOD's children, that is. <3

"Keep your heart open, and love will always find its way in."