On My Knees with Lifted Hands

Today has been one of those days where almost every word I've said has been on the verge of tears. I know from past mission trip experience that this is the part where the enemy attacks with all his might.

I'm having issues getting to and from Dallas for my domestic flights and it will probably cost hundreds more to change my flight.

My sister is still in the hospital and the doctors still have no idea what is wrong with her. Let me just mention that Heather is one of my best friends and I miss her and I'm worried about her and I would do anything to make her better. I would rather go through this for her than have it happening to her. I hate that I'm not there. It absolutely breaks my heart.

In times like these I don't know how I could ever survive without the love of my God. I know that none of this is taking Him by surprise and none of this is out of His control. I know that the only way that I can stand is on my knees with lifted hands.

Giving it back to Him and walking through the tears.

until all have heard,
lauren michelle gross

Even When We Don't Understand

Today has been one of the hardest days I've had in a long time. Reminders of hard times I haven't thought about in a really long time. The pain and brokenness of loss came flooding back. More than anything I long to be able to comfort the girls in my church and take the pain away but I rest assured that God is faithful even when we don't understand.

God is faithful to all of His promises even when we don't see how or why.

So in the hard times, raise your head and walk forward and wait for the Lord to show you the way out of the darkness.

Until all have heard,
lauren michelle gross

Getting Excited

Tonight I had the first conference call for my trip that starts a month from tomorrow. I can't explain how excited I am. I know more than anything that God has placed a passion inside of me for the orphans of Africa. I can't think of anything I love more than sitting with a child and letting them know that they are loved.

Tonight we were informed of some of the ministries we will be visiting. We heard of an orphanage in Kenya that we will be staying at. My heart broke to hear how little food the kids get because they simply can't afford to buy more. And these are the kids that are taken care of... Here we throw away food constantly because it's not what we want or we bought too much or it just went bad. How spoiled and entitled are we?!

I found out that one of the crafts we will be doing goes along with Daniel and the lion's den. We will be able to make lion-shaped pillows for each one of the children. For most of the kids this will be their first pillow and/or toy.

I say none of this out of pity or even to make anyone feel guilty. Just wanted to share the perspective I received tonight.

Until all have heard,
lauren michelle

P.S. If you are interested in giving toward my trip, or if you would like to provide any of the craft material or donation supplies, please email me.

Laurenmichellegross@gmail.com