As we set out to create our goals we had no idea the results that were to come, the impossible that would be made possible. Separating them into categories, surprisingly, the resolutions began flowing out of us. Spiritually, financially, relationally, and physically we suddenly began to see the endless possibilities of where our first year of marriage could really take us. That day we honestly felt like we could really do anything we wanted, however, the journey that we were about to embark upon was one that quite honestly, we never saw coming! I will share one incredible story of our first year of marriage to show you how God showed up in a very real and very powerful way for us because we had the desire to dream and long for something better, something more.
For some reason, the idea sparked of going on a mission trip together. Thinking that would probably not take place, I wrote it down anyway under our "Spiritual Goals." Along with growing our personal relationship with Christ and getting involved with the church, this was that one lofty goal I thought probably wouldn't ever be carried out into completion. We wrote it down anyway and prayed over our goals that day. The prayer was heard and was unknowingly, yet incredibly, already being carried out.
A few months later, after a church service one Sunday morning, a woman in our church approached us about going on a mission trip with her to Agua Viva Children's Home in Guatemala. As she was talking, all I could think about was how in the world did she know that was one of our goals this year? My husband, Brendan, humbly said we would think and pray about it. It was all I could do to hold myself back from shouting, heck yes we are going! If this wasn't a sign...I didn't know what was! I quickly recognized that this was NO coincidence, this was our opportunity! Our chance to cease the moment!
As quick as the excitement came, so did the reality let down. We had no idea how we were going to be able to go. We were ferociously paying off debt (making both Dave Ramsey and my Dave Ramsey obsessed husband very proud) and all the while trying to save for a house. If we were going to go it would be a financial set-back to say the least. Still, who could pass up this amazing chance of fate. So, not knowing how we would pay for it, we stepped out in faith and said yes! We began planning for the trip and preparing our hearts to go. Incredibly we found out that the trip was planned for October 15, 2012...we were leaving for Guatemala on the day that marked our first year anniversary...again...coincidence? I think NOT! As if it didn't get any better than that as we went to purchase our airfare (known to be the most expensive part of course) it was one of the cheapest prices the leader had ever seen in all her years of going. Every detail had been orchestrated.
The week at Agua Viva Children's Home changed our lives FOREVER! It was the most incredible experience we have ever had. Third world country poverty makes our considered poverty level shameful. Even the poorest of poor in our country fails in comparison to their poor. Families living in trash dumps to try and find food, children walking barefoot in raw sewage, little children caring for infants as mom works all day and dad is no where to be found. To say that we fell in love that week would be an understatement.
Mission trips change you. They change your perspective, your appreciation, and your hearts forever. You will never forget the things you witness and the emotions that well up inside of you. There was no greater gift than serving alongside my husband. Barriers were broken in our marriage that week. Walls that were built came tumbling down and we now shared something so raw, so real that our relationship would never be the same. Adoption became a new possibility and if we could have concealed 10 little munchkins in our luggage coming home and gotten away with it, our hearts and home would be forever complete! As we slowly peeled away the little arms that held on to us for dear life that day, we looked our babies in the eyes, and vowed that we would be back. Uno Ano! (One Year).
I can't help but think what if the mission trip had never been a New Year's Resolution? What if we had never pursued that life-changing goal? I can honestly say, our marriage would not be the same, our relationship with God and our faith would not have been as strong, and our hearts would not have been as giving and content with the blessings we have.
Every marriage needs resolutions. Every couple needs to come together, sit down and put their hopes, their desires, and their dreams on paper. Every husband and wife need to know what they are fighting for, what they are striving for, and that their is an accountability in their relationship that really does matter. Don't let 2014 pass you by. Let it be the year that you and your husband will never forget. Let it be the year that sparks an intimacy you've never shared, a love you've never known. If it weren't for our goals in 2012, I can safely say Brendan and I would not be where we are today.
P.S. I spared you the really long post, but every single resolution in the year 2012 was fulfilled for us. Each goal had an incredible story, just like this one! The house that we were saving for and thought would no longer be attainable because we were going on the mission trip...well, let's just say that we found our house a month after returning from Guatemala! God showed up. Something that didn't add up on paper and a house people told us that we would never get, was made possible once again! Dare to dream and dare to believe in the possibilities!
But what I have to remind you up front... it was a daily effort, stairs that we climbed one step at a time. Saving money is a daily effort. Having a healthy marriage is a daily effort. Achieving your goals and believing God will help you accomplish them is a daily effort, a mindset you have to wake up believing every single morning.
So, get your husband, a pen and some paper, and embark on the journey today! You won't regret it!
Shameless Plug: Make a difference and sponsor a child at www.aguavivahome.org Another thing you will never regret!
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