what i saw in the background
Last week I was sitting at the Toyota dealership waiting on my car to be serviced. They told me it could take up to five hours, so I grabbed my computer and started going through some photos from the last few months. I've always believed pictures can tell a powerful story, sometimes even more than our words can. That certainly proved true when I came across these. A friend had captured them without me even knowing, and it was the first time I had even seen them.
As soon as I saw them, I had tears in my eyes. At first, I noticed Sandra. Then I looked past her, and standing in the background were our dear friends and ministry partners, Bob and Margaret. They weren't posing for the camera. They were simply watching the moment unfold, smiling from ear to ear.
Sandra wasn't expected to walk. Yet here she is, taking determined little steps toward me with the biggest smile on her face. Every time I look at these pictures, I'm reminded that God is still in the business of doing things that once seemed impossible.
The first thought I had was that I have two incredible friends cheering me on, supporting me, encouraging me, and praying for me more than I know. Then another thought came to mind, as I looked at these photos, I couldn't help but think about Zephaniah 3:17:
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
I found myself wondering if we really believe those words. Not just that God loves us or that He's with us, but that He delights in us. That He rejoices over us. I think that's a truth we know in our heads, but it's one we often struggle to believe in our hearts.
Maybe today you need that reminder as much as I did. My hope is that these photos remind you of that today too.
Bob and Margaret weren't trying to be part of the picture. Yet there they were, smiling as they watched it all unfold. Maybe that's why these photos mean so much to me. Looking at them, I realized how much those little moments represent. God has given me children to love, friends who faithfully stand behind me, and little reminders, often when I need them most, that I'm exactly where He has called me to be.
Seeing those photos reminded me of something I've needed lately. Living overseas can feel lonely sometimes. There are days when I miss family, friends, and the familiarity of home. There are even days when I wonder if I'm doing enough or even making a difference.
On the days I feel alone or struggle to find meaning and purpose, these photos will remind me that I'm not alone.
Because that's what God does. He gives us little reminders of His presence exactly when we need them.
He has surrounded Preston and me with people who faithfully pray, encourage us, and cheer us on, even from thousands of miles away. Without even realizing it, this photographer captured a beautiful picture of what that support looks like.
I wondered if this is just a small glimpse of the joy God has when He sees us living where He has called us. Not because we've done anything extraordinary. Not because we've somehow earned His approval. But simply because we're walking in obedience.
That thought has stayed with me all week.
These photos became about so much more than one little girl taking steps toward me. They're a reminder that God is still doing what only He can do. He continues to provide encouragement exactly when I need it, often through the people He has placed in our lives and the children He has called us to love.
Thank you for being part of that story.
Whether you've prayed for us, encouraged us with a text or email, supported us financially, or simply followed along from afar, you're part of moments like this. I wish every one of you could have been standing there that morning. Until then, I hope these photos bring you just a small glimpse of the joy they brought me.