What I am learning..

So it has been four days with Rebekah and it has been a challenge and a blessing all at the same time. I have had a great time with her and have learned so much. I see so much of myself in Rebekah that its overwhelming at times. And funny that I can sometimes see 11-year-old Krista right in front of my eyes!
I am also overwhelmed by the great responsibility of taking care of a child. I have a deeper respect for my parents. How in the world did they raise me? How did they put up to my rebellious attitude, my annoying outbursts, and my constant chatter. Well with the Lord’s help of course. Patience is a real virtue; also constant prayer and reliance on God’s strength to get through each day, especially during the hard years. I am also reminded that parenthood is a partnership and that relieves me so much! Dad had a HUGE role in raising my sister and I. I won’t have to do it alone.... He loves us unconditionally even when we messed up many times. He disciplined us but always told us we were loved. He supported mom and took care of her. He tried to conduct his family under the fear and admonition of the Lord.
I have also had an even deeper desire to become a mother. I have always had a desire to “be married and have a family” but over this summer and this week so far with Bekah, I have understood what it is really about. It’s a sacrificial love, unending patience, and giving your time, every moment of the day. I have watched the mothers here in Sweden and have seen gentle and quiet spirits and a deep love for their children. I am reminded of my mother. She is patient and her love for her family is so pure and beautiful, touching the deepest parts of our hearts. I am so thankful for a mother who is a beautiful example to me.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies…She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue…Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is worthy to be praised.” ~ Proverbs 31: 10, 25-26, 28-30

17 days...

So I am slowly bringing this trip to a close. It's crazy to think that I have only 17 days left here in Tranas. The past month and a half has gone by quickly but I am so thankful for everyday I have had here. God has taught me so much about his church: people are taking each other's burdens, love each other unconditionally, and serving one another. It's so beautiful. I have learned what it means to be a woman of the church and where I fit into this glorious work of furthering the Kingdom of God... I always remember that I am an instrument for the Redeemer.

Starting Sunday morning, I will be living with Rebekah for 10 days. I will be her nanny, big sister, mommy, camp counselor and ballet teacher. I will be giving her a dance intensive/camp where we will do other fun things like swimming, walking, going into town, and arts and crafts. I am aware of how much time this will take up and how selfless I will need to become. Time isn't going to me mine; I am sharing all of it. I am taking care of an 11 year-old, not my child, someone else's. I feel honored that the Johnsons trust me to take care of her for 10 days. Its going to long and hard, but amazing at the same time. I do have Laura for 5 days to help me a bit, but Rebekah is my responsibility. I kinda get a taste of what raising a child is like... I just jump in at 11 years old....
Rebekah is a joy, a beautiful and special girl who I hope with be in my life forever.

Pray for us as we begin this journey on Sunday morning. Pray that I will love her unconditionally. Pray that Christ would bind us together in love. Creating a friendship that will last beyond long distance and life circumstances. Pray for me as I get closer to leaving, that I will remain focused on Bekah and not on myself.

All my love.

Oh say can you see.....

So I found out that because we have so many americans in the church here in Sweden, we celebrate the 4th of July! Its a day for all of us to be excused to be crazy, obnoxious Americans!!! It will be a day of baseball, food, and games... and RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!! I think Cristin and I and Laura are all going to make a Flag cake using fresh strawberries and blueberries and cream cheese frosting.... you will never taste better strawberries than in Sweden....