Day 14

Okay, so TODAY was actually the day marking two weeks since we have begun our journey here.  Friday's ministry team outreach was wonderful.  Ava and I sat at the playground on the Riverfront in Clarksville, and did our usual thing.  We played on the slide, met some kids, and climbed on the climbing tower.  However, THIS time was different.  This time I was making a conscious effort to love people and pray for them.  I immediately saw two girls playing in matching outfits...and noticed their mom sitting to the side studying what seemed to be a gigantic Biology textbook.  I casually sat beside her and made small talk.  Then I strolled back over to Ava and a smaller boy who was laughing, and chasing after her.  His mom looked very tired, and so I started encouraging her and making small talk with her too.  After about 20 minutes, I asked if I could pray for her.  She seemed surprised and even hesitant, but said okay.  After I prayed for her she began to tell me about her son and how he was her miracle baby.  I then ventured over to the other woman who was studying for her Biology class.   I asked her if I could pray for her...she actually acted like she hadn't heard me.  She seemed very hesitant, but then agreed anyway.  I finished and went back over to Ava....and she followed me over.  She opened up and began to tell me how she was struggling in her class, and pondering over whether she should actually even be pursuing her nursing degree...or if God had something else planned for her. 

In both cases, after I prayed with both of the women, it seemed to release something in the spirit.  They willingly shared part of their lives with me.  It was a more than fantastic experience, and I only wish I had been praying for ALL the moms at ALL the parks I have ever been to with Ava. 

Be encouraged in this story to be bold and pray for strangers you meet in your everyday lives!  This might not be a new concept to some of you, however when you experience it...it is rejuvenating and reminds you how great God really is!

Tomorrow we will be traveling in to Nashville to stay for 3 days.  We will actually be camping out in the church that Ava and I have been to for the last two Sundays.  Our speaker for the week will be coming there to teach us about our identity in Christ.

This is a picture of our second speaker, Troy Sherman.  He taught us amazing things about hearing God's voice.  He brought his wife and son too...which is who Ava is hugging in the second picture!

I miss you all, and hope that you are enjoying my blog as much as I am!  I might not have an entry for the next few days, but I'll catch up at the end of the week.  I love you all!