"One thing you lack...."

Jesus told the rich young man that there was one thing he still lacked in his life and I am going to paraphrase his response to my own understanding of it: "Get rid of everything that you rely on in your life and completely surrender yourself to God. Give it all away, don't let any possession keep you back from being able to freely give and freely love, for this is what your heavenly Father has done for you. It's about your heart, not what you can do or have done." As I was meditating on this, I realized that in my heart there is one thing I lack: giving everything I rely on away.

Another verse he has been speaking to me about is "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." Matt. 13:44 and "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." Matt. 13:45-46. I feel that during my short time here, that I have found the treasure, the pearl of great price, and that nothing that I own, nothing that I have or rely upon is worth keeping anymore. Looking into the face of these children, especially Baby H (whom you can see pictures of her on facebook), I have found what it means to love.

I am not saying that I haven't loved before, I am saying that I haven't known love to this measure, especially how to give it. I can't bear the thought of leaving Baby H for a minute. I can't imagine spending a moment without her laughing, smiling, and crying. I am praying about adopting her and I am having the foster parents talk to the social worker. These children are the treasure that God has shown me to go and sell everything for because it's a piece of his heart, a piece of him in each of them. I would give everything that I rely on, everything I possess, to be able to love these precious ones of His. I would lay down all of my own hopes and dreams of marriage, traveling, etc... just to be able to raise one of these with HIS love.

You see, Jesus is the pearl of great price, everything He is is a treasure, and therefore because He is living in us, we are a great treasure and a pearl of great value. Have you gone treasure hunting? What are holding back and relying on? There are treasures and pearls out there that God has called you to give everything for.... Mine are these children right here, right now. I know He has called me to more, but for right now, my treasures and pearls are Baby H, Baby K, Baby M, Baby G, Baby F, Baby M, Baby L, Baby A, Baby Z, Baby L, Baby B, Baby B, Baby, A, Baby N, Baby T, Baby G, Baby K, Baby N, Baby H, Baby T, Baby A, Baby T, Baby T, Baby C, Baby K.... These are the children that I love at the Havens here in Joburg, SA. His treasures, his pearls = my treasures, my pearls. I cannot bear leaving them and going back to the States. I am hoping and praying that I can get my volunteer Visa while I am still here. That Visa is for 3 years. Please pray and contend with me in this and for wisdom and guidance... If you are interested in partnering financially with me then please contact me at alicia.turnock@gmail.com. Thank you and God Bless!!!