Feeling Thank-Full

Feeling Thank FULL that I 'stepped up, stepped out and did something'

During the month of November everywhere we look, there are reminders for us to give thanks.  At Amilia’s Light, we are doing the same thing, reminding everyone, to consider the blessings in their lives and to ‘step up, step out and do something' to make a difference in another’s life.  

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and it’s a perfect New England fall day; sunny, clear skies with a slight chill in the air - just cold enough to start a morning fire and warm the house.

 I’m blessed to have the time and resources to sit and reflect on my own life and what I have to be grateful for… God, my children, my friends, my dog, my work, my health, my home, my garden…  

And while things are not perfect (is it supposed to be?) my life is full. Maybe not as full as I dreamed it would be, I’m learning though, for it to be enough. 

My family is changed, not by choice, but by circumstance.  The word ‘family” has expanded to include dear friends and those who have touched my life.  One such young lady who has had the courage to step up, step out and do something positive with her life, is Teddy.  She is one of the original five young women our family sponsored to attend Destiny Women’s rehabilitation program.

When I visited Uganda last March, I had hoped to see all five of the girls we sponsored.  By the end of week two, I was able to see three of the girls.  One, had moved out of the country, and we had been praying for her safety.  But Teddy was just a no-show.  Her school was not in session, and we just could not locate her.  I was sad and worried about the burdens of what she was facing at home.

The last night we hosted a gathering for the Destiny Girls. I resolved to enjoy the night of celebration.  As I was handing out bibles, Vicki, who had been searching everywhere,  all week, came in with Teddy right behind.  I could not believe my eyes! What joy!  We sat together, talked and made plans.  We talked about the possibility for her to switch to a vocational program and getting her resettled into a safer family hostel.



Later that night,  she was tearful, upset and afraid.  And we were afraid for her.  I begged her to stay the weekend with Miriam,  but she insisted on going home.  Home to what – I wasn’t sure.  To be honest I'm not sure I wanted to know.  I was praying that she had not been forced back to her old life. I gave her some money for the ride, and told her we would be there for her, but that the choice was hers and hers alone.  I couldn’t make her choose what I thought was the “right choice”.   I left the car, headed up to my nice, clean air-conditioned hotel room, took a long hot shower and just sobbed.

I found out more details later.  Teddy’s mom, living and working in a dangerous situation elsewhere, left Teddy in charge of her two younger siblings, with little resources to care for them.   

Months later, more details - Teddy was 7 months pregnant.  Immediately, I thought FAILURE.
How would I tell our followers about this?  What would they think???
That’s NOT the model we are working toward.

And then… I was humbled

As Miriam noted that Teddy was stepping up and taking responsibility for this beautiful child of God.   

And then…I found a bit of grace

Despite little prenatal care, Teddy’s baby girl was born this summer, and we are happy to report that both mom and child are healthy and safe.  Teddy gave me the courage to step up and out of my comfort zone,  to share the story in church, not knowing what kind of reaction I would get. 

And then...I was grateful

When I asked for prayers,  I was astounded, at how many people expressed gratitude that I shared this story of courage of Teddy and her new daughter.

Introducing, Baby Michelle

And now...I am full up

Michelle Luhrmann

Founder, President, Amilia's Light 

#Illuminateourworld