Tuesday

Goodbye. United States of America. Hello. Third World Country.

The other day when I mentioned our plans to adopt, my friend Missy, emailed me and said, "Get ready, because Satan HATES adoption. He preys on orphans and he's going to fight you."

To which I replied:
"Um, we've been talking about overcoming lust and pornography in marriage for weeks on my public blog and I'm going to Africa on Tuesday...I think Satan knows my name," I emailed her back thinking of the week we'd been having.

Her reply: "I bet Satan has wanted pictures of your face all over Hell."

And that thought, (especially for this good girl) pleased me immensely. And scared me a bit.

I understand that spiritual warfare is real, but for some reason, I'm always slow to see it as that. This past week, all my carefully laid plans fell apart-from childcare for my kiddos to unexpected expenses, to plain old discouragement. I got nasty comments, a few mean emails, and physically, I felt horrible.

I'm not gonna lie, it's been a tough journey to get to today.

And if you must know, I stopped for sweet tea waaayyy more than I should have and thus, I'm traveling in stretchy pants today).

(Even on the way to the airport I ran by Chick Fil A. I figured I needed to start this trip in the right frame of mind).

But, I'm on my way to Minneapolis right now, where I'll meet up with the Compassion Team: Shaun Groves, Patricia Jones (Team leader and my roommate), Keely Scott (photographer), Chris Giovagnoni (Compassion staff), MckMama, Brad Ruggles, Kent Shaffer, LV Hanson, and Ryan Detzel.

We'll arrive in Amsterdam Wednesday morning for a layover and then on to Nairobi, Kenya, arriving after about 36 hours of travel.

And I'm just giving Satan and Hell fair warning, there are many people praying for this journey and I've got an amazing partner (GOD) leading the way.

Would you pray for our team?

Would you pray for me? Because the whole Wanted Poster is sort of new for me.

(Please feel free to share this button on your blog with your readers. So many of you have already put this button up, thank you so much. And a special thanks to Pepper Scraps for making it for me.).

p.s. Please don't forget that WFMW is being hosted at Rocks in My Dryer this week and next!



65 comments:

Unknown said...

Praying for you. DOn't let the naysayers drag you down! This is such a great opportunity for you! Best wishes and bon voyage!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm sending you some encouragement. God is WAY stronger than Satan. Fear nothing but God. Prayers for you. :)

Let'sMakeADifference said...

Try to replace EVERY thought of fear! Don't 'take' them. I'll commit to pray for you daily!

Brandi said...

Praying for you and your amazing journey. :) Peace be with you...

Michelle said...

I will pray for you. And negative comments only have power if you let them. It is a battle, but one I am sure you can win!

Tracey said...

What you are doing is an AMAZING thing. Keep your head up and God bless.

Karrie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karrie said...

I know that some other blogs have done a prayer chart/chain that someone signs up every hour or 1/2 hour to be praying for the person in need. For example the person who signs up at 1pm, prays every day at 1pm. Eventually you will be covered in prayer all 24 hours of your day! May be a good idea for you. I am praying for your trip and your family back home everyday as well! Safe travels!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Praying for you! In reading your post I was reminded of these verses.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18

Andréann said...

I'm sending you my best vibrations

Darla said...

Praying for you. Always.

Deann said...

Praying for you and wishing you all the best on your journey!

ohAmanda said...

Awesome. I got a good (sick) butterfly-ish feeling reading your post. I know God is doing great things thru you and cannot wait to see what's going to happen in Kenya!

a

Unknown said...

Good luck to you. You'll certainly be in my prayers. Who in the world would leave nasty comments or mean emails to you? I want names!

Cascia Talbert said...

You are in my prayers. I hope you have a wonderful and safe journey to Kenya.

Jenni R. said...

Kristen: I'm asking that the travel and every experience would be better than expected! I wouldn't give the enemy any air time, but I will quote this:

"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."
Romans 16:19-20

Kristine said...

Remember that God is in control. Rely on him, and he will get you through any troubles in your path.

PSALM 125
1 They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
4 Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

Unknown said...

Praying for you Kristen! Put on your armor and fight. You are more than a conqueror. Remember that Jesus already won every battle! You totally rock!!! You are awesome because He is awesome in you.

Welcome to M and M World! said...

Praying for you and your team! God is leading your journey and Satan may talk a big talk but that's all he can do! I am proud of you and so happy I found you in this blog world! Take Care and Peace be with you during your awesome journey! Love to all!

from all of us with love said...

Praying for your trip. Praying for your adoption. We are a family created by God via adoption. I too like you, am slow on the uptake of spirtual warfare. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it is real. Hang on God wins in the end and that is all that matters;)

Our family said...

Praying like crazy for all on your trip!!! Thank you so much for rising to Gods call on your life, even when satan makes it difficult and umcomfortable.

nicole said...

Of course praying for you. What an amazing gift to you, your family, your readers, and so on.

Lisa said...

Kristin, I'm praying for all of you! Safety, health, strength and open hearts! Can't wait to read and hear the stories.

my cup of tea said...

Girl-we are praying for you and the team! My face has been on a poster or 2 at one time or another, I can relate! Safe travel!
~Blessings~
Donna

Anonymous said...

Please remember that not everyone concerned about international adoption is just motivated by Satan. Here is a link to multiple reports from respected sources on the subject. www.brandeis.edu/investigate/gender/adoption

Emily said...

Another prayer warrior against the kingdom of darkness. Looking forward to your reports along the way!

CrazyB said...

Kristen, your blog is a must stop for me when making my daily internet rounds. I don't remember how I found you but I'm glad I did. You are an inspiration. I wish you the best and my prayers are with you on your trip and with your plans to adopt. Don't let anyone get you down!

harlisha said...

I have lurked on this site for many months, but I felt moved today to just let you know that I just prayed for you. Press on, sister, press on! The battle really isn't your battle - it belongs to our Most High God. Safe travels!

Amy @ Living Locurto said...

Praying and thinking of you!!

Anna said...

Praying for a successful and life-changing trip! Funnel your energy and use those negative comments as encouragement that you are doing the right thing! Opposition is absolute when you are making a DIFFERENCE!!!

Multi-tasking Mommy said...

You truly are an inspiration!

Multi-tasking Mommy said...

P.S. I'm putting your button up now!

Kayren said...

I will be praying for you and the team. My 16 year old daughter just got back from her first overseas mission trip to Togo and had the most amazing time. She's ready to go back next year for a month. She has definitely found her country and people!

Kristina said...

Kristen!
Greater is HE who is in you than he who is in the world!

I'll be praying for you and the whole team during this trip!

In a Beth Moore study I was reading the other day she was explaining a verse that basically said whoever touches one of God's children is touching the apple of his eye. She then explained it like this...Satan attacking you is like him sticking his finger in God's eye. You better believe God is going to not only notice it, but he is going to do something about it!
Just remember what Satan's attacks really are...a last ditch effort from a sore loser to invoke pain and take as many with him as he possibly can....Be STRONG, BE COURAGEOUS! DO NOT FEAR!

I can't wait to hear about your journeys and how God works through this.
Kristina

Anonymous said...

Kristen, I can't believe this is real yet! With Nanny
here I think we'll be OK. I am amazed at you and how
you obey God so well! Only 8 more days away from you. Can't wait till' you come home. I'll be reading your blog and praying for you.

Your oldest daughter

Nancy M. said...

I'm praying for y'all!

Anonymous said...

I will pray for you, your team and your family. You have been called to do amazing work and what a blessing for all those you will contact.

Maria said...

You just crack me up. I have to share with something my childhood pastor shared with me as I began my career in youth ministry. I asked him for words of wisdom and he told me, "Just remember, discouragement comes straight from hell." I wrote in on a sticky note and put it over my phone. I'm slow in recognizing those things too....but it's helpful to remember the TRUTH.

I'm an adoptive mom of a 20 month old and are back in the muddy waters to grow our family. Know you are prayed feel confident that because of that prayer - those posters are probably group pictures!

May God's fingerprints be all over your journey.

Maria <><

spring said...

Wow, I thought we were the only "That Family" crazy enough to think they heard a call to adopt, with our already 3 amazing and "all That" children. The more posts I read, the more kindred spirit I find you guys! :)

Janelle said...

I will be praying for you and McMama while you are away - once we see the battle as a spiritual one I think we are half way there - knowing is half the battle. Knowing takes the mystery away from Satan! Praying spiritual truths over you there and when you get back! We serve a MIGHTY God!!
Blessings!!

la maison LaFortune said...

I have a ten year rule., if it doesn't matter or won'y affest my life in 10 years, it's not worth my time worrying about it. Negative comments most definitely will not matter in 10 years! They shouldn't even matter 10 days from now. Don't waste your energy on them. Think about what's really important to you right now

Shannon said...

YES! Praying and praying! Greater is He who is in you, remember...

Alexia said...

Satan has had my families faces on posters in Hell my entire life and it still scares me spit less and I still miss the subtle ways he like to screw things up.

But, it's always great to know that Satan's out to get you because that means you've scared HIM spit less!

You will be in my prayers as you embark on this awesome trip!

Go change the world!

Stonefox said...

I am PRAYING!! Can't wait!!

(Oh, and if your ears won't unpop, put a hot wet paper towel in a cup and place over your ear. The steam draws the pressure out. It's a lifesaver!)

God goes with you, my friend! Hold His banner high.

Melissa Stover said...

will be praying. satan won't win!

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Sarah @ Mum In Bloom said...

Your button's been added to my site. Praying for you all.

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Lynn said...

You are brave...Satan hates that. You love Jesus...Satan hates that too. You are prayed for...triple blow. Can't wait to experience this trip with you.

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Today a team of your warriors begin a journey to follow your calling. Lord, you know these warriors, you created them and you have a plan! Surround this Compassion team with your mighty protection. Fill the hearts of their families and children's caretakers with strength and acknowledment that, even though they will be stateside, they are part of this team. When satan tries to step in, remind each person to instantly rely on you. Show them the path and the lives that you want them to touch. Remove the fear, and bring each one to see you in a new way! They are working for you Lord, let them feel your presence!
In Jesus name,
Amen

Melissa Angert {All Things Chic} said...

i will pray for your protection - mental, physical and spiritual. be strong and courageous - for the LORD is with you WHEREVER you go!

Laura@HeavenlyHomemakers said...

Totally praying for you...

Anonymous said...

You all are in my prayers, satan is weak compared to God, look out satan, we're not afraid!

Kathie said...

I'm a long time reader..and just wanted to leave you a note that I will be praying! Blessings to you on your trip!

Anonymous said...

YOU GO GIRL!!! I am so praying for you and your team. Satan has NOTHING on GOD! Best wishes :)

Anonymous said...

On the contrary, I think Satan LOVES adoption. After all, a family is destroyed, and a mother and child are scarred for life as a result, and a father too, if he was involved or aware of the child.

I don't think anything would make him more pleased than the destruction of a family, yes?

The Passionate Housewife said...

Reminds me of something that Denver Moore says in the book "Same kind of different as Me"

"When you is precious to God, you become important to Satan"

Praying for you and your family..

Kara said...

Joining everyone else in praying for you! Can't wait to read your posts from Kenya...

Mom2fur said...

God Bless you for your kindness, good-heart, generosity and sense of humor! (I think that last one is very important to get by in life!) May you have a safe trip that is only the GOOD kind of 'interesting.'

BTW, I don't know where I read it, but someone had this under their signature: "I want to be the kind of woman who, when she puts her feet on the floor in the morning, makes the devil say: 'Oh, crap! She's up!'" Sounds a bit like you, LOL!

Unknown said...

Sending prayers for your journey. Satan's got nothin' on you! Godspeed.

bohomamasoul said...

Loved this post, and I am most definitely among the other commenters praying fervently for your safe trip and safe return. I absolutely understand your comment on spiritual warfare. I find that the enemy tries to trip me up the same way he always has, but he just gets more creative with his set-up and execution. You are the daughter of the King. You have nothing to fear, and you are doing God's work by going to Kenya. What an inspiration you are, what an example of discipleship. Thanks for what you're doing for our world.

MelaKamin said...

ok - that gave me chills - good and bad - hadn't ever imagined Satan having a Wanted poster up with my name on it, but my husband & I have definitely experienced spiritual warfare from within and outside of the church when we decided to pursue ministry ... definitely praying for you, sister in Christ

Abounding Love said...

ok...I held it together through the post....but lost it when I read the comment from your oldest daughter. How grown up she sounded. Praying for you and those with you!!

Laura said...

Praying....praying for hope to fill your eyes and heart as you touch the people of Kenya. Well done!

Anonymous said...

Why is it that you list everyone by name except for MckMama? Why not list her by her given name, Jennifer McKinney?