Seriously though, this is one of our big "Chazown" dreams...in fact, Walt and I have both felt called to do this for quite some time. In fact, I truly believe this is one of the reasons God has lead us through this time of financial hardship and "little" in the eyes of the world, so that we can experience these children in this neighborhood and grow to love them all...even the ones that are exceptionally hard to love.
(This is a photo of Walt and our neighbor Malik, digging our flower bed a few years ago. Well, Walt was digging a flower bed, Malik was digging for treasure, which he informed us that he would give half of it to Crystal, half of it to Tim Tim, and half of it to Roque. I guess we didn't make the cut. Sadly, this same child who offered up all of his treasure a few short years ago, is now hard pressed to share any of "his" things.)Perhaps this is one of the reasons for our unanswered prayers for children of our own. As difficult as this is for me to understand, if there is some meaning behind our tears, it would make it somehow easier. If, in the void that children have left in our hearts, we were able to make something larger for Christ's kingdom...
It's difficult for me even to write these words, the longing to have children is so great. Sometimes I fear that God might call us to sacrifice that hope on the alter of his love. I just pray that like Abraham, he will still the hand that holds the knife before killing that dream.
Until then, we must journey up the mountain, gathering sticks along the way and praying for our sacrificial lamb to come and save the day.
So, what is the point? Our dream is to have a Ranch / Camp for children. Primarily hurting, disadvantaged children, but we will be open to all children, rich or poor. Walt and I have had this dream for quite some time now, but it was just yesterday that I heard this broadcast on Focus on the Family and knew that I was meant to hear this message.
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/Archives.asp?bcd=2007-3-26
If you have a few minutes to listen to this, it will explain much better than I can in this post. If not, visit their website www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org They also have informational clinics where they train others to start ranches similar to theirs. Please be praying for us to have guidance and to know if this is the direction we should take.
This is our ten-twenty year plan...unless we get some major donations and sponsors in the meantime! Hopefully we won't be retiring when we're just getting started!! :) Perhaps God has a shortcut for us that we don't know about.
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men suceed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret- it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land." Psalm 37: 3-8
2 comments:
It's a little crazy that you wrote about that ranch because. . . be patient with me this may be a little long winded. . . Will & I hooked up our surround sound so after a year of not having access to radio stations I do now. Only Will set it to a Christian station I've never heard. Anyway, the last 2 nights while I was preparing dinner a Dr. Dobson talk 'show' has come on talking about that exact ranch here in Oregon! What a beautiful dream dear friend. You are in our prayers for many reasons. And I want you to know that this was a beautifully eloquently written entry. I said it before but I'm going to say again how much I love your honesty as you walk through this valley. You're a beautiful woman Saundra Traywick & I'm honored to not just know you but to be able to call you friend. ~Wendy.
I can't imagine the feelings you have gone through or the pain but I'm so glad you allow it to bring you closer to the Lord. You are an inspiration for so many!
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