Friends and family:
Wanted you to know that I arrived safely on US soil Saturday evening. After a second flight from Atlanta to Richmond, and a long, sleepy drive from the Richmond airport over the mountain, I am home.
To the many who were praying, I believe every prayer was heard and certainly I felt each one.
For every encouraging email sent and comment left, my heart is grateful. I hope to respond to each one early this week.
My time in Guatemala far exceeded my greatest hopes. God’s goodness, even in the depths of poverty and death, grabbed hold of my heart and I am sure I have never been nearer to Jesus.
There are so many more stories to tell. I am not done writing by any stretch.
I hope you’ll keep following, not to hear me, but to hear them.
above photos: Michele Lyn
Each child, each mama, each family, each village has a God-sized story waiting to be told, and my journey would not be complete without telling them.
Today I want you to know how grateful I am for you, that you would take the time to read the posts, pray, and even give this week.
But I also want you to know the story isn’t over just because I’m back home. If I had one wish, it would be for you to become engaged in the story, too. In a deep way, to be engaged by praying, giving, telling, entering in, going, advocating.
Based on your encouraging comments and emails, I think many of you are already engaged, and I want this to be only the beginning for you.
There are more stories to tell than days in the year or hours in a day. Many more than I have time to write.
above photos: Davis Goslin
Yet, I’m going to try to tell the stories, because each life is worth it. Every one of them. I’m unwilling to forget or to move on or walk away or become complacent.
Will you join me in telling their stories?
If nowhere else, I promise you (really promise) that joining and participating in this epic story will lead you right into the Father heart of God.
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This week I’ve been blogging with WorldHelp and Operation Baby Rescue from Guatemala. If you missed it, you can read all of the posts here. For information on giving to the Rescue, click here.
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Welcome home and THANK YOU for your service and sharing it with us! God is to so good!!
Stefanie: You were such a huge encouragement throughout the week… definitely your gift! thank you for your big heart + big prayers!
Wow. I love how you put God sized story-so true! Blessing and happiness being sent your way. Thanks so much for linking up with Sister Sundays.
April: Appreciate your hosting SS and for your kind words! blessings! lauren
Oh friend. How incredible it was to have you along, to see Operation Baby Rescue through your eyes. I loved it. Praying for you as you continue to tell the stories…
The blessing was all mind. So grateful to call you friend, to share the same heartbeat for the least of these, to have had someone with me that got the icky-ness + could process that part with me when so few understand; can’t wait for you to come visit us, or for us to visit there at WH. Either way, soon, right?!
welcome home. can’t wait to hear the rest of the stories. what a privilege it’s been to “join you” in Guatemala.
beautiful.
truly a privilege to serve and be the hands for the Master.
blessings to you!
it is a privilege + such a rich blessing! thanks, Tonya!
Hi Lauren,
Welcome home.
I found you through Faith Filled Friday and so glad I did. I will definitely be back as interested in hearing their stories.
Blessings in His name,
Anita
Hi Lauren,
I am heading to Guatemala next week, and am online trying to prepare a bit. Been soaking in the Word as much as I can, praying feeble prayers, wondering… If you have time (ha!), any words of wisdom, encouragement, tips, something you wish you had known – It would bless me beyond measure. And I think we are VA neighbors. We’re just outside of C’ville.
In Him,
Kristin