The steadfast love of the Lord

²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
   his mercies never come to an end;
²³they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22



National Geographic Photo of the Day



"It's only a day away!"

Tomorrow...

I will be flying to Jordan to be part of the Wheels for the World team distributing wheelchairs to impoverished families affected by disability. Jordan is a relatively safe and modernized country, particularly for that region of the world. Your prayers are nevertheless coveted. Please pray for

1.) Safety in travel and onsite. The team of fourteen people is flying from all over the United States, convening in Chicago, and traveling on to Amman together.

2.) A blend of stamina and tenderness as we spend long days fitting wheelchairs to individual recipients.

3.) Transformation for all who visit the distribution site. We pray that God's love displayed through gifts, service, and kindness will be inescapably apparent.

4.) Wisdom in navigating a Muslim culture.

Thank you for lifting up our team! We will arrive home November 19.

Warehouse Destination

Sometimes my life feels stalled. It's silly really because the Lord's handiwork is so apparent, and I know that "waiting" does not equal "stuck." Yet, I do so need and appreciate those moments when God reminds me that He has not forgotten me. 


Tonight I was watching a picture slideshow movie from last year's Wheels for the World trip to Jordan--where I will be in three days! One image flashed by of a therapist crouching with a newly seated child. My subconscious said, "Hey, you recognize that graphic!" My confused conscious backtracked, paused, and discovered the Operation Christmas Child logo on two large cardboard boxes in the background of the picture. The boxes were the ones that hold a few dozen shoe boxes, and I remember them from working in the Orange County processing center where I supervised workers and volunteers sorting through the donations. 


Operation Christmas Child delivered over 8.2 million shoe boxes in 2010, but I still think it is wonderful that I am journeying to the Middle East to distribute wheelchairs in the same warehouse that distributes shoe boxes. This is very "Katie" but inestimably larger than me. God is impeccable!

Slavery Footprint

I didn't think it could be done, but some brave, clever soul has created a fun and visually appealing survey called Slavery Footprint to demonstrate how you and I unconsciously partake of slave-made products every day. I built a house and played with food and rearranged my closet, only to find out that I employ an estimated 45 slaves! Well, they forgot to ask whether or not I shop at thrift stores or buy fair trade, but the point is the chain of production, not the actual number. To convince you even further that the point is not a guilt trip, let me quote the introduction (which was another two minutes well-spent): "It's the supply chain, stupid. And it's a supply chain that enslaves more people than anytime in human history. They're working for you. So much for abolition. That's why we'd like to help you understand your influence on slavery. Not so you can feel bad. Not so you'll stop buying stuff...so you will ask the brands you like to find out where their materials are coming from."

So how many slaves do you have working for you? Click here for an estimate. You can even get an app for your smart phone to check in with stores about their products as you shop. Note: There did seem to be a technical glitch at the end when I tried to sign up for updates, but overall it was an informative and weirdly entertaining seven minutes expended.  

P.S. A fast, easy way to start keeping your favorite brands accountable is through Chain Store Reaction, which lets you email companies with a simple click.

Rescue--With a Determination that Won't Quit

One of my dreams is to mature in both wisdom and eloquence so that I can adequately represent organizations who are demonstrating God's heart. A favorite non-profit of mine is the International Justice Mission. The staff continually demonstrates incredible passion and long-term dedication to rescue and care for victims of violent oppression. (If you read through their values here, you'll quickly see why I want to work for them someday.) Here is a recent twelve-minute movie showcasing the intentional, determined love they offer. This is a real-life version of "Taken" with Liam Neeson.