He knows my name..

Just in case you forgot how breath-takingly gorgeous it is.. :)

First, a quick background recap: This past summer I was blessed with the opportunity to spend two full months in a place that I absolutely have fallen in love with~ Kodiak, Alaska. Through the North American Mission Board, I worked with Frontier Baptist Church, Kodiak Filipino Bible Church, their two wonderful pastors, the Kodiak Baptist Mission and the lovely people that work there, as well as many others along the way. Ecstatic about continuing relationships I had already formed and creating many new ones as I lived alongside those in the Kodiak community, I set out on my adventure!


My first 24 hours in Kodiak were disastrous. Not in what actually happened~ Just in my panicked mind and trembling heart. Don't ask me why, but I absolutely fell to pieces. I doubted why I was there; I felt inadequate, underqualified, and way too self-conscious, shy, and broken to do anything; I was terrified. And crying. There was definitely a lot of crying. To say I felt out of my comfort zone would have been the understatement of the summer.

Well.. The day after I arrived, a team from Wasilla, Alaska, came to Kodiak to conduct two Vacation Bible Schools (one in Kodiak and one in Old Harbor). And again, I was afraid. I didn't want to be in their way or make them feel like they had to include me; I didn't want to try to fit in where I didn't belong.

*I love when God has other plans*

 

The family of God is amazing! By the end of the week - much sooner actually - I had a group of new friends that will last for eternity. I found my place in the group and never once did I feel like an outsider. God created bonds that felt like they had existed for years, and by the time they departed a week later I said goodbye to close friends.

 

Vacation Bible School at Native New Life!

Sweet Giselle with me and Buddy :)



Bible Stories with Miss Melissa

Rica, Sophie, & Maggie :)

Oh the dandelions...

 



Sienna and her dandelions.

:)

Matt Matt --> Precious. :)

Sweet girl!

God knew how badly I needed to meet and work with this team at the beginning of my summer! ~ I don't know how I ever would have made it without them. They encouraged and uplifted me. I was able to observe their passion for the work they were doing. They reassured me when I expressed fear and provided support that I needed in those moments.

 

If I am to be completely honest, I would have to admit that I wasn't so pumped when I heard that there was a team coming in so soon after I arrived. I thought it might be better if I had a few days to get settled in a little bit first. I couldn't have been more wrong; God knew that. Before I sent in my summer missionary application to NAMB, before I was accepted, before I set foot on Kodiak soil in 2012~ God knew what my fears were going to be. He knows my shortcomings and when I fail. He knows what I struggle with no matter how hard I try to hide. He sees every tear that falls and every doubt that crosses my mind. He knows my strengths and my weaknesses; He knows what I need. He knows my name.

 

"I have a Maker, He formed my heart. Before even time began, my life was in His hands."

 

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." ~ Luke 12:7

 

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" ~ Matthew 6:26

 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

YOU have a Maker; He formed your heart; He cares about you. He knows your name!