It's not easy being green...

I may not actually be green, but I think I can empathize a little with our old friend Kermit the Frog.  (I know, you're probably thinking 'where is she going with this?' Just bear with me).  It's difficult at times to be the "different" one amongst a group of people.  As Christians I think we can sometimes feel like the "odd man out", at least I do at times.  As I have grown in my faith, I have begun to realize that that is exactly the life God has called us to; to be different.  He wants people to look at us and wonder what it is that makes us so different from themselves, and that difference should be His love shining through us!  I've found as I embark on this journey to Uganda that many people who don't necessarily share my faith, or beliefs look at me and wonder 'why in the world are you going to Africa?'.  I've actually had a few people say something like "Why are you going to Africa to take care of orphans when there are plenty of kids in need here in America?".  I've caught myself feeling almost offended and hurt when people ask this.  It's true...there are lots of orphans and children in need right here in the U.S., but I feel my calling is, at least for this moment in time, to Uganda.  Not everyone is willing to go to a far away land to care for orphans, but I am.  It is where God has called me, so I will go there. 

I have also been feeling a little "odd" lately from my desire to adopt overseas someday, and maybe sooner rather than later.  A lot of people, including some of my family, just don't understand the heart I have for adoption and how deeply rooted that desire is in my heart.  I know God has placed this desire in my heart for a reason, so I will faithfully continue to prayerfully pursue it in His timing. 

I've begun to realize that some people will never understand my heart, and that's okay.  I just have to continue to follow God's calling, even if it means I am going against the grain a bit.  Is being the "different one" hard at times?  Of course!  But God hasn't called us to an easy life, He's called us to a life of struggles, but also a more abundant life.  (James 1:2-3, John 10:10).  And so, while it may not always be easy "being green", I will continue on this path and look forward to a life lived to the full!!