The Summit

This past week I had the privelege of attending Orphan Summit VI. Corrie Rusch, Steph Maass, Jen Arkins, Joy Primm and myself traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a weekend that will always be remembered! I am so thankful to have had these ladies to process all that I heard. I have never laughed, cried, and talked so much in my life. I loved every minute of it! I went into this conference not really knowing what to expect. I left feeling so many emotions. I was truly saddened with the "yuck" that is going on in the world near and far. I was overwhelmed with the magnitude of the need. My heart was wrecked after hearing story after story of sorrow and celebration. I was humbled that God has blessed me with so much that I don't deserve. There were things that I heard that will change my view of life, the way I parent, and especially my heart attitude. However, I was impacted to the core by these three statements given by people who understand trials...... "Even though you take an orphan and give them a home, food, and a family- the "orphan spirit" will still remain. That spirit can be healed by God alone!" (Quoted by Stephanie Fast a Korean orphan that survived the streets for 9 years before she was adopted. ) "Why do we feel like we need to live the perfect life now? We have it coming in ETERNITY. For now, we are meant for war! Having FAITH is not the ultimate factor in whether you suffer or prosper- God is the ultimate factor." (Quoted by John Piper) "You give and take away but blessed be your Name." (Quoted and sung genuinely by Steven Curtis Chapman) Amazing people with extraordinary faith!