Finding grace in two broken Walmart bags!

I literally am wondering how to put my thoughts together today.  I wonder if there are words that make sense to what God has been teaching me.

I'm so amazed at this journey that I'm somewhat speechless.

A few short months ago, an amazing young woman found refuge in our home.  She was broken in more than a few pieces.  She had just come through detox and needed a place to stay for a while.

When we picked her up all she had with her were 2 torn Walmart bags.  We quickly realized more than anything, she needed a big dose of love and hope! 

How is it that she would soon become a precious gift to us.  I've never thought that a beautiful gift could come in a broken package, but this time it did.

We learned about Chelsea through a dear friend.  I can't thank you enough Dave for sending her to us.  I know it had to be God ordained.  Chelsea would move in with us and we would grow to love her like a daughter.

We would spend hours sharing our stories.  She would open up about the brokenness she experienced.  We would share our pain with her.  We would have many late night talks.  

Sometimes laughing hysterically into the wee hours was like good medicine  Those late night talks would be fuel I had hoped, for her to begin to live again.  To live whole and free of her pain.

In a short amount of time she became one of our family.  As much as we think we might have helped her, she helped us.  I learned a lot from Chelsea.  That the bottom is very deep and to help her climb out would take a village.  Our family and friends united.  We were a force to be reckoned with. 

I would again believe that God was really big and he was up to something bigger than us. 

I knew very little about the pain and addictions she struggled with.  But God didn't care.  He said "I'm with you. I'm Immanuel." God with us!  I learned it doesn't matter what we know. It's that we cared that mattered. 

God would show me again that he would use our pain.  It was through the heart break of Jayden and Brooklyns diagnosis of Sanfilippo syndrome that fueled an open heart of love for Chelsea and to help her land in the midst of hope. 

 She changed me in so many ways.  I wouldn't exchange the last few months for anything. My heart is bigger now because of Chelsea !

She taught me without words about Gods grace.  I saw it in her.  I know God uses hard things to get our attention.  Where I used to run away from them.  I'm now learning to run toward them.  It's when we run forward, grace shows up. 

I knew that all I could do was be myself and to listen a lot.  God would slowly remind me again that he doesn't call the equipped but he equips the called.

I realized I didn't need all the answers because I certainly didn't have any.

A lot of love and hope mingled with faith became my mantra!   Sending up prayers  was like breathing!   

It seemed every step we took with Chelsea we would hear a voice behind us saying this is the way walk in it. 

I'm thankful for this course that Chelsea took us on.  I've learned a ton.  I'm extremely grateful for the lessons.  She came with two broken Walmart bags but she left us with her bag full of hope and a future and now an entire extra family. 

Chelsea has gifts galore to share with the world.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.  I know that she will share her story some day to help change lives.  I'm glad we could be one chapter in her book. 

Rock on Chelsea!  You are amazing!  You are going to thrive again.  You will soar!  Thanks for changing my life.  

We were the lucky ones.  I knew the minute we heard about your story we were ready to say yes to the call.  You and your two broken walmart bags taught me more than you'll know. 

I'm always amazed when God shows us grace and even more when grace shows up in 2 torn bags.  You wrecked us for good Chelsea! 

We have now exchanged those 2 torn bags for a piece of luggage. 

She's now on her next lap of her journey. She's now in the heart of Florida palm trees and sunshine learning how to overcome some obstacles and she will.  

So thankful for Chelsea's parents for sharing her with us.  For stepping back a few steps so we could enter her life. Allowing God to do the work that only He could do. 

She will thrive!  We are all in this with her.  Because He is Immanuel - God with us! 

We love you Chelsea!  You have two extra tag along parents now.  Sorry.  Deal with it!!

 Jeremiah 29:11-12 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.