"You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." - Psalm 139:15-16

Today is my daughter Lauren's birthday! As I consider the amazing woman that she has become, I remain thankful to the one who knew from the moment that he created her, who she would be. Lauren is a woman of noble character. She is everything that I want to be. My life is blessed by her presence.

One of the best things about my daughter and my relationship is the respect that we have for one another. Aside from the many things we have in common (we have literally bought the same clothing, shoes, jewelry... and then each come out of our rooms to go somewhere wearing the same thing at the same time! ... then we have to awkwardly decide who gets to wear whatever it is so that we don't look like we planned to be twins) We like the same music, the same foods, the same scriptures, the same people...we even laugh at the same very silly things. God knew exactly what He was doing, and I am forever grateful.

As I have had the pleasure to watch Lauren grow up and mature, It has been most wonderful to see her faith blossom and bear much fruit. Wherever Lauren goes she takes the Lord with her. Literally her car is filled with scriptures printed out on cards and placed strategically where she can see them to be reminded of how the Father wants us to live.

She is working as a social worker in the intensive reunification unit within a Christian supplemental organization and plans to begin her graduate work in Christian counseling at Philadelphia Biblical University this summer. To say that I am proud just does not even begin to express my feelings.

You might wonder what this could possibly have to do with my trip to Malawi...Well, one of the best stories about my trip to Malawi includes this fine young lady. You see about a month before the first mission meeting for the Malawi trip, our church began showing short videos at the end of services describing the up coming trip. Lauren and I sat next to each other week after week, each talking personally with God about the trip. As the weeks went by and the first meeting drew near I began to know without doubt that God was calling me to go to Malawi. A day before the meeting, Lauren asked to talk with me. She seemed pretty serious. "Mom" she said, "I don't want you to be worried, but, I am feeling called to go on the mission trip to Malawi this summer." I was so excited to tell her that I had also been feeling called to go. We decided to go to the meeting together :) Driving to the church office we shared our separate calls and couldn't help but smile.

One of the greatest things about this trip is my being able to share the experience with Lauren. Like I said, we are alike in many ways...but we are just different enough to make it interesting and fun to be around each other. God knows what He is doing...everything that He does is good.

Lauren and I both came to Christ together. Every year we celebrate our born again date in some special way. This year will be 11 years for us in Christ (a long story, but 11 is a very important number between  God and I) and we can't help but believe that He engineered our going on this trip as a commemoration of that time for us to celebrate and be thankful.

I am forever amazed at what God weaves together...the intricacy of His purposes for different lives ...families...churches and nations....He is making a masterpiece out of us if we will only let Him. Thank you Lord for loving me, and giving me such a special gift as Lauren!