A Girl Named Orissa

There's someone you just have to meet.

And her name is Orissa.

She's been in this blog from the beginning.  I've often referred to her as my "beautiful neighbor/friend".  But she's so much more than that.  She's a sister of my heart.

And I'm going to miss her.

You see, I've had the privilege of walking beside this dear friend through her journey to becoming a young woman.  I met her when my husband and I were youth pastors and she was merely thirteen.  I remember knowing then that God had big plans for this little lady.  And what a joy it has been to see those plans unfold.  I have laughed and cried and prayed with her.  I have rejoiced over her heart of obedience.  Her path has not always been an easy one, but she travels the narrow road with narry a backward glance.  

And now her eyes are fixed on a mission field. A mission field of needy mothers and babies eager for life.  Orissa has enrolled in a Birth Attendant School at an International Christian Mission Organization called YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Australia.  From there she will travel to undeveloped nations across the globe assisting women in childbirth and in mother/child health care.  For one whole year.

For one whole year she will be living out of her backpack, loving women and children in desperate need.  For one whole year she will be ushering life into this world and into the arms of their Savior.  

She wrote a beautiful letter describing the school in detail and sharing her heart.  You can read it HERE on her Aunt's blog  (it was published in the local newspaper as well).

God has been ordering this dear heart's steps.  Every single one.  I have watched Him give her direction and open doors only He can open.  I have watched her take hesitant steps of obedience until she broke out into a full run!  She has taken leaps of faith.  You may have thought it strange to see a shiny red PT Cruiser in the picture I took of Orissa above?  Well, the story it tells is one of surrender. 

 God gifted that car to Orissa in answer to her prayers for a vehicle.  He literally gave it to her.  For free.  And then He placed this mission on her heart.  And because it was the cost of obedience, she sold her prized possession, she gave it back to him.  That is faith.

And faith pleases God.  Oh, how it pleases him!

Maybe your heart has been stirred to give in faith to Orissa--whether monetarily or prayerfully.  If that is the case, then send me an e-mail and I will be happy to give her information to you!  She is setting up a blog as well to keep us all updated on her journey of love.

I can't stop thinking about that sleek little red cruiser Orissa sold and comparing it to my own treasured possessions and gifts from God.  Even though He gave them to me with no strings attached, would I be as willing to give them back to him?  Would I sell everything, leave family and friends for Him?  I hope I would.  I pray I will.

P.S.  It's coming! My 100th post giveaway!  I won't be blogging over the weekend because it's Lil Man's birthday, but I will post it for Monday.  Monday, monday...is gonna be a funday!