A New Chapter in Life...

So, I guess I will get back to this blog thing. We are starting a new chapter in our lives. Next month Raquel will take her Kindergarten placement test, so she will be off to school next year. Time sure flies when you're having fun! With this new phase, we also start another adventure in our lives, hosting an exchange student next year!

It is so funny sometimes when you are praying to know what's next for you. Praying to know where you are needed to serve others. I knew I wanted to host an exchange student when I first heard out the opportunity because most of my friends growing up have been exchange students, internationals, and later in college Missionary Kids from around the world. I wasn't sure if I was up to the challenge, but it felt right. And, my husband didn't laugh me out of the room. He just said, "Let's do it!" I was a little taken aback, so much so, I asked like 20 more times. :)

We chose a girl from Germany that is Turkish and Muslim. I've never met anyone from Turkey, so I thought it would really interesting to learn more about their culture. I've had Muslim friends before, and they have been some of the most amazing people I've ever met. I'm thankful that my girls have this opportunity to get to know someone that isn't like them. When I told our student that we wanted her because she was exactly who she is...she was surprised and relieved. She thought that being Turkish and Muslim that she would be less likely to be chosen. It broke my heart that this girl thought that she wasn't worthy of this opportunity because she wasn't from the "right" part of the world or had the right religion. Thankfully, God is much bigger than all that and urged us to step out in faith at the same time this girl was praying that someone would just give her a chance to live her dream to come to America to learn more about it.

This has made me think a lot about how we have responded to all that has happened in the las 10 and a half years since 9/11. Have we conducted ourselves in a manner that has made children around the world fear that they will be rejected just because of things they didn't necessarily choose for themselves? Or have we overreacted because a few have done horrid things in the name of their version of a religion? How do Christians feel about the Westbough Baptist Church behavior towards everyone who disagree with them? Have we reacted from a place of fear and ignorance? Or maybe from a place of defensiveness because of ignorance or disagreement? I don't know that I like any of those options...I've always chosen to be the one that's different. One friend said that I like to be contrary. Hopefully, it is much more than just that.

So, the adventure begins!...in 5 months. :)