Mission Hope Girls part 1 and 2

                                          

It's not often that the deep south gets to enjoy a snow storm… So when the girls in the A Life of Faith decided to pray and ask for snow they knew. They must be specific, in what they were about to ask Jesus for.

    The three  girls had just finished a lesson on treasuring God Word…. Led by Mrs.S… the A Life of Faith Group leader on their girls home…

  Mrs.S had started the missions house around ten years ago… took in young girls who families could no longer care for them….

    Mrs.S was a kind lady with soft eyes, that could also dance with childlike mischief. She knew all too well her own self what it meant to come from a broken home… Her goal was to never let these girls feel left out or alone… she wanted nothing more to make sure these girls grow up knowing their heavenly Daddy… Knowing they could go to Him for anything at all. No matter what! This Thursday afternoon was no different. The girls had been chattering for weeks about how they longed for a snow! One deep enough to build a snowman, one that fell and laid pretty, but didn't melt away to fast either!  

    However the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina rarely received snow above 3 inches. When a snow came it was normally gone as fast as it came. After the three girls at Mrs.S home heard the lesson about treasuring God’s Word… They knew they could also ask God for the desires of their heart and He was always listening…

   Mrs. S, Natalie asked “ Do you think if we ask God for a big snow, He might send it?”

“ I mean I know you just told us He hears our every prayer!”

Natalie had been with Mrs.S the longest of all the girls. This past December would mark her 7th year with Mrs.S. she was two when she arrived! She had never known any other parent besides Mrs.S. She liked it that way. She couldn't miss something she didn't remember. Her dark wavy shoulder length hair, dark brown eyes, and freckled face was always waiting for the next adventure to come. Natalie thought that no adventure sounded more fun than a snowy one!

   “Yeah” Ellie replied. A short blond hair blue eyed girl! Her eyes danced with excitement! “Do you think we could tell God how many inches we want?

Caroline also chimed in saying “ and how many days we want to last?”

Caroline a 8 year old with long blonde ringlets and soft blue eyes had been with Mrs S. for several years… Had just recently given her heart to Jesus! Was still learning to trust God could do anything!

Samantha the newest girl of the home… She would soon be celebrating her one year anniversary being with Mrs.S! Her long dark hair, with bangs who framed her sweet round face, soft melancholy eyes that we finally starting to shine with happiness. Was just beginning to open up and feel apart of her new family…

     Samantha chimed in saying” it would be quite the adventure if we have enough snow to sled! I have never been sledding!” Aunt Wealthy is always telling Millie Keith Life is an Adventure not a Tea Party!”

“  I think we should write it down and pray about it Mrs.S! “

   All the girls chimed in with agreement and excitement ! Mrs.S Helped the girls to pen down exactly how they wanted snow for the winter. They decided for the month of December it would be nice to have a snow that fell fat and pretty but did not stick! That way it did not interfere with the Christmas celebrations! They went on to Jesus that they wanted enough snow to build a snowman, they did not want the snow to melt fast so they could enjoy it for a couple of days, they wanted it to fall in the middle of the week, no less than 7 inches, and they prayed for wet snow so they would have a sledding adventure!

  After the girls wrote it down in their prayer journal and ended saying God's word says to write it down! The girls gathered hands and prayed with Mrs.S specifically knowing God was listening to the desires of their hearts!

                                          

   A few weeks passed when Ellie squealed with excitement when a winter weather advisory had been issued for their county ! Snow was expected and guess what she said with excitement! It's not supposed to stick !

   “Isn't that great” Mrs.S ? “The snow won't keep us from going ice skating and Christmas caroling tonight!”

    “ God has answered our prayers !” Caroline said looking up from her favorite book!  

  “ he sure has!” Mrs.S replied. I told you,” what was near and dear to your heart, Is near and dear to yours!”

 “ He loves to make us smile?” Doesn’t He? All the girls said at once! “ ‘He sure does,” squealed Mrs.S!

    The girls loved how the fluffy snow drifted from the night sky as the enjoyed the evening ice skating on the cold December night ! The moon glowed warmly as the stars seemed to rejoice of the beauty being spoke from their creator.

  Later when they went door to door in their community singing their favorite carols …. They again rejoiced knowing God had heard their prayers!

    The Christmas season had came and went…. The girls loved every celebration and tradition that celebrated the Birthday of the king.

     January and a New Year had quickly came…. Homeschooling has returned to its normal schedule! The cold January evening had lead to many nights playing with their favorite dolls and reading aloud their favorite A life of Faith story.

   The girls had not given up their hope for a a snow that would be like none they had ever expected!

     It was was on a Monday night after bedtime stories and prayers , When Mrs.S told the girls she had a very exciting announcement!

    All the girls sat straight up in their beds ! Sparkling eyes , hoping the news would be just what they had prayed for ! “ Is it snow Mrs.S?”

  “ Well I don’t know “ Mrs.S replied trying hard not to giggle!

  “ It may be…. How about you listen to this and you tell me!”

The girls sat up and listened excitedly to the weather forecast. Ellie squealed with delight as she asked, “ Did the weatherman just 8-12 inches of snow ?”

 “He sure did Ellie!” Mrs. S replied. “God has heard your prayers and is sending enough snow to build a snowman.” If I heard the forecast correctly the temperatures will remain below freezing for several days!” Mrs.S said. Before she could reply Natalie was jumping up out of the bed squealing. “ God has heard our prayers once again!” Caroline chimed in behind her “We are gonna get to build a snowman and go sledding!” Her blue eyes dances with excitement.

All the girls were so excited they had almost forgotten it was a school night and it was almost lights out for them. The giggled and made plans to set their alarm early because they did not want to miss a moment playing or watching the snowfall if the could help it!

    Fifteen minutes or so had passed and Mrs.S told the girls it was time for lights out and bedtime prayers,

   She reminded the girls that it was important for them to be sure to tell Jesus thank you for their answered prayer!

The girls all gathered hands taking turns saying their nightly prayers, Each one telling Jesus thank you for the gift of snow!

   The next morning the girls alarm went off at 7 am sharp. There was no hitting the snooze that morning. For the three girls and Mrs.S were anxious to look out the window to see God's masterpiece He had began painting in the wee hours of the morning!

  Samantha was the first to get to the living room picture window to pull back the heavy sage colored drapes. She gasped at the beauty that greeted her eyes. It was like the whole world had been painted white and kissed by fairies. The snow glistened like glitter in the light. The flakes that were still falling were fluffy like cotton balls that gathered on the things it rested on. “ I would guess there is about 7 inches already fallen’. Mrs.S said. I think God may send you more than you asked for girls. The weatherman said it will continue to snow through tomorrow morning!’ The girls squealed in excitement

  In honor of the answered prayer and the snow school was officially canceled and declared a snow day.

   The girls hurried through their breakfast to find their warmest clothes. They would each need their heavy coats, scarves, and mittens. They made a list of supplies they would need for their snowman. Caroline suggested that they set a bowl out for snow cream . It would make a very nice sweet treat after dinner this evening!

Then it hit Natalie, They had wanted to go sledding. Yet the girls had no sled! Her heart felt like it had landed in her stomach. She wanted nothing more than for this snow day to be the best ever. Before moving to Albemarle. Mrs.S had lived in the Nc Mountains.Ellie and Caroline had come to live with them just before the move. The three girls had know what fun snow could be. Samantha has never experienced the magic of a snow day. Natalie wanted her first to be magical. She sent up a quick prayer that Samantha wouldn't be disappointed. That they would not have a sled. Just as she said amen and opened her eyes Mrs.S returned from the garage. The girls hadn’t even noticed she had slipped out. When Natalie opened her eyes she heard Ellie let out a little squeal! “Mrs.S what an awesome sled!” Mrs.S its amazing, its an answered to prayer!” I want so much for Samantha’s first time playing in the snow to be magical and unforgettable”!

   Mrs.S smiled and held out the sled to the girls. “Well I hope it brings you girls as many happy memories as it did me when I was a little girl and would stay with my Mommaw. “When she passed away my Aunt had it sent to me. The  wooden sled was some of the very few happy memories from Mrs.S childhood.

          The girls swarmed around Mrs.S hugging her tight and almost  singing, “thank you for loving us.” “It’s my pleasure , I can not imagine my life any other way!’

   The afternoon was filled with adventure, the girls each built a snowman, took turns riding on the sled with one another, enjoyed warming up with cocoa, and a sweet treat of snow cream for dessert.

   As evening approached Natalie and Samantha looked out the kitchen window at the snow that was still falling.

Both girls thanked God for answered prayers and the best snow day ever. Neither could think of anything that would make their day any better. God had went far and beyond their prayer request and each girl felt more joy than ever before.The girls spent the rest of the evening playing dolls and planning how they would spend their next snow day!

  When bedtime came the girls had no complaints of lights out because today’s activities had worn each out. Each girl gathered hands and each gave thanks for the amazing day spent in the snow and for sending them Mrs.S to be their Mom.

   Just as prayers were ending Mrs.S’s phone rang a special ringtone, set for the agency to contact her when someone needed a home.

  Each girls eyes widened know that this may be the last night it may be just the three of them.

New Friends and Answered Prayers

A few months had passed since the snowy adventure for the A Life Of Faith Girls. When Mrs.S hung up the phone the expression on her face answered what their hearts knew. Their lives were not going to be a tea party for awhile but an adventure. Each sweet girl dropped their head and gathered hands to lift up a prayer for the woman they each had come to love as their own Mom!  Mrs. S had opened her home first for Natalie nine years ago. Since then she had been taking in girls that came from broken homes. mending their hearts and pointing their heart to Jesus so that He alone could mend the broken pieces.

  A few weeks after the call Mrs.S drove 4 1/2 hours to Beckley, West Virginia to pick up the young girl that the agency had called about.

A girl of the age of ten with dark brown eyes, freckles,  jet black hair and a bright purple streak , and side bangs. With a such a sad look in her eyes climbed out of the family mini van. She seemed so sad and lost. There was something different about her.

Mrs. S walked beside her and put her arms around her shoulder as she walked with the girl to meet the others on the front porch.

Each girl has chosen assignment to welcome her. Ellie and Caroline made a welcome home banner! Detailed with flowers and a butterfly for each girl. each signed their name and made a giant butterfly in honor of their new friend. Natalie and Samantha made cake with pink icing and piped welcome home on it.Each girl made sure her bed was made and a pretty comforter and a teddy bear with hearts  was placed on it to make sure she felt welcome. The girls knew the first few nights would be the hardest. they decided to hold hand and surround her bed and pray for her. They wanted nothing more for her to feel welcome and loved.

As Mrs. S got to the top of the steps the girls bellowed out Welcome to your new home! Each girl welcomed her with a smile and told their new friend their name. Mrs.S was so proud of each one of the girls!  She knew in her heart if each was honest today brought their own painful memories back to them! She was happy to know they were able to work through in order to bless some one else.

Mrs.S smiled with such pride and said " Girls this is Lillian and she will be with us permanently!" All though the girls were very excited to have a new sister they kept their joy in their hearts and welcomed her with smiles and each gave her a small hug to welcome her to her new home.

It was weeks before Lillian allowed herself to join in with the girls and open up. She stood back and watched from a far. She had been raised that Jesus was bad and she should never want to go to church or prayed to Him. For these reason that is why Mission Hope Girls Home was the choice for her to come to live. Her past would be hard to over come. However her foster parents knew in the right environment she would flourish and grow. She would be able to overcome the brokenness and live a beautiful life of love. 

Time would be the best medicine and lots of love.  after Lillian arrived Mrs. S

noticed that unless Lillian was looking at her or the other girls she didn't reply them when thy spoke to her.

 One afternoon the girls were outside playing kick ball and the ball rolled into the road and Lillian chased after it. She looked both ways before going into the road to retrieve it. She didn't hear Natalie calling to her. there was a motorcycle coming up the hill. When Lillian reached down to retrieve the ball she caught a glimpse of what Natalie could hear out of the corner of her eyes and moved just in the nick of time.

Natalie screamed and rushed to her new friend! "Lillian you scared me! Did you not hear that motorcycle coming up the hill?" Blushing deeply Lillian replied " No I didn't, if I hadn't seen it .... Well ... I could have been really hurt or even worse, Natalie! When I looked up I could see your mouth moving! I knew you were truing to warn me! Thank you so much, these last few months I have felt more love than I ever have before. Especially from you! I can not thank you enough, yet I can't help but wonder If I could have died today?" Lillian's eyes dropped to the ground. Natalie however wondered if her friend and sister in her heart was asking herself what would have happened to her if she had died. Natalie quickly lifted a prayer that Lillian would accept that Jesus loved her and wanted to live in her heart as He did hers. Mrs.S had asked the girls not to push the issue but to pray for Lillian. Pray they did every chance they got! All the girls were soon surrounding Lillian expressing their concern. Caroline spoke up and said " I think Mrs.S needs to know what just happened! Lillian I have noticed but I haven't said anything you don't hear us a lot. Are you having a hard time hearing us at times? Please don't be afraid to say anything, if you are we are all worried about you and we know you will tell us things when your ready." Lillian looked down at the ground and moved the gravel under her feet with her pink tennis shoes. She wiped her raven hair of her eyes. "Kinda, I mean I can normally read lips. That wasn't possible in this case though. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. My old teacher tried to get my parents to have a hearing screening. They never did so I always just stayed to myself. She did not even realize that tears were steaming down her face. Until she sniffled. "Why are you crying?" Ellie asked sweetly. " I think its because, I finally know what it feel like to have a real family!"

 All at once Lillian's four sisters wrapped their arms around her and hugged her tightly. Samantha looked up at her sister and said kinda weepy. " Now you know how I felt a little over a year ago! It truly only gets better from here! Come on I think we should let Mrs.S about what happened this afternoon!" " Your probably right lets go!" Lillian agreed.

The girls headed into the house each taking their shoes and jackets off leaving them in there cubbies in the mud room. The girls found Mrs. S in the kitchen humming her favorite hymn. As she peeled potato's for loaded baked potato soup for the families dinner. "Oh hi girls! I was about to call you ladies in to help get things ready for supper. Caroline will you set the table?" " yes ma`am"  Samantha could you pour everyone some sweet tea? "Yes Ma`am " "Ellie can you put the cornbread muffins in a bread basket and make sure we have butter on the table ?" "Yes ma`am  Natalie you and Lillian will have clean up duty tonight! " Yes ma`am Momma !" "Lillian did you hear me sweetie?" Lillian's back being turned didn't hear Mrs.S talking to her and didn't reply when spoken too. " Lillian" Mrs.S turned to realize what was going on when she was about to address the situation . She crossed the white tile kitchen floor and touch Lillian on the shoulder. " Lillian dear I think we may need to talk."  At those words tears rushed from her eyes! You don't want me do you? I am more than what you want to love and she rushed form the room. Mrs. S went to follow her to comfort the sweet girls she had grown to love as her own in such a short time! She would never dream of sending her away! "Mrs.S Let me go" said Samantha softly" I think I can help assure her that's not what you ment at all!" I think we can help you understand what brought this on today Momma!" Natalie chimed in! " Yeah" Caroline and Ellie said at once. The girls spent the next fifteen minutes or so telling  about the afternoons events, being sure not to leave out what Lillian had shared with her sisters. "Oh! I see" Mrs.S replied. I think I may should go reassure you sweet girls just confirmed what my heart already knew! I believe she is also beginning to  realize that Lillian was starting to realize that Jesus was actually wonderful and loves her more than she ever knew.

Mrs.S sent a a silent prayer up to her Heavenly Daddy, asking Him to guide her words and let them Lillian to Him somehow.

Mrs.S found Lillian curled up in a ball on her bed still still crying. Mrs.S knelt down beside her caressing her hair and began gently speaking. " Lillian I am so sorry you are so upset. I promise I was not upset with you! Your sisters told me about what happened outside today. I know that must have been very scary for you! I can not imagine not being able to hear all the beautiful voices and sounds around you. When I  told you we needed to talk, it was never going to be a talk about not wanting you! I love you Lillian and I want to be your forever Mom and family!" " Do you really mean that?" Lillian asked "I do with all of my heart! Would you like that Lillian?" Lillian's face softened and a smile broke out on her face . " More than anything in this world! I have never ever had someone love you the way you love and take care of me!" Lillian said in between cries of happiness. "Well now that we have decided your mine forever!" Mrs.S smiled. " I believe we need do need to talk about what happened outside today. Lillian why didn't you tell me you couldn't hear and you had been reading lips?" " It's normal for me! I have always  for as long as I can remember." "Well first thing in the morning we will call and make an appointment to see what is going on and see if we can get it fixed how about that?" Lillian just looked up at Mrs.S and gave her a smile and nodded in agreement. "Well my sweet girl if I know your sisters I bet supper is on the table waiting for us! What ya say... Wanna go eat ?"'Lets go' Lillian said and took Mrs.S and held her hand on the way to kitchen! At dinner Mrs. S told the girls she would be making Lillian a doctors appointment to see what is going on with her hearing ! She went on to share she would like all the girls to be praying that there is something to help her to hear better! All the girls agreed to do just that pray for healing! 

The girls readied for bed said their nightly prayers and quickly drifted to sleep. The  next morning was a gloomy grey rainy kind of day. Caroline was the first to wake. She stretched and made her way to the bathroom and readied herself for the morning. She made her way to the kitchen. She found Mrs.S at the table reading her Bible. Caroline smiled, she new it was like a old friend you met with each morning. She loved being the first to wake in the mornings. It ment she would have sometime with Mrs.S by herself before school. Mrs.S looked up and smiled brightly. "Good morning Caroline, did you sleep well?" "mmmhmm did you?" "I did thank you" answered Mrs.S. 
'"Its not like you to be up so early sweetie is everything Okay?" "It is... I have a question though.." " What is it sweetie?" " Well I was wondering if it was okay if I called you Mom instead of Mrs.S? I  have been with you since I was three and you the only Mom I have ever known! I am 7 now and I can't imagine ever calling anyone but you Mom!" Caroline looked up with Mrs.S with large tears rimming from her eyes. threatening to to spill at any moment!
Mrs.S Crying her own self pulled the long blonde hair girl into her arms and embraced her in a hug! " Caroline nothing would make me happier! I hope you know you are my daughter in my heart and always be, no matter what!" Mrs. S held the sweet girl in a long hug as she closed her eyes and prayed to her heavenly Daddy a short prayer of thanks for allowing her to have the most precious gift of a lifetime besides salvation! The gift of being Mom.   
"Would you like to help me with breakfast?" " I would love too, Mom" Caroling answered with so much love and joy in her voice. The morning went by quickly the the family had breakfast together Mrs.S made a appointment for Lillian for the next morning.
The girls settled around the school table. Their school mornings always began with devotion and prayer and this morning would be no different. Mrs.S read to the girls from the book of Joshua 1:9
have I not commanded you" Be strong and courageous . Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, For the Lord your God is with you where ever you go.
Mrs. S took time to talk to the girls about being scared of new things and when things seem scary. She reminded them their Daddy in heaven promised never ever to forget them. He will be with them always and protect them. He would use the things that the devil their enemy had tried to hurt them with to bring beauty and healing to someone else. She reminded the girls that when they hurt Jesus hurt too. He wants nothing more to heal the broken places of their heart and light them for Him so His light can shine.
Lillian listened to each word that was spoken for the first time she was truly curious of this Jesus Mrs.S and the other girls seemed to love with all of their hearts. when Mrs. S was finished with devotionals she asked all the girls if they had a prayer request all of the girls said in unison we need to pray for Lillian's ears that they can do something to help when she goes to the doctor. Mom Caroline asked " Didn't you teach us that Jesus is our healer and when 2 or more pray He is here with us?" If anyone noticed that Caroline has finally called Mrs.S Mom no one made a big deal about it on the outside. What she didn't know all her sisters except Lillian's heart exploded with joy. They knew healing had finally began and the wounds of her heart were becoming scars that didn't hurt as much anymore.
Mrs.S Responded with " I sure did ! His word also tells us to have faith! I have faith that He is going to help Lillian to hear again." Mrs.S made sure Lillian could see her lips as she talked! She wanted the sweet girl to know that they all loved her but Jesus loved her even more. She knew in her heart that only Jesus was going to be able to change her heart toward Him! She sure hoped it was soon so that her heart too could begin to heal.
All though Lillian held on to each word that was spoken. The words that were spoken to her over and over won out that day... 
That night as Mrs tucked each girl into bed. She kissed each girl good night and whispered in each girls ear a familiar verse. " For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
  2 Timothy 1:7." She reminded each girl that Jesus was with them as they slept, they were loved and safe. When she reached Lillian she recited the same verse and reminded her that she was safe now. Jesus was with her always and she just knew that the next day the doctor would have good news about her hearing. Lillian just looked deep in her eyes and and slightly grinned when she whispered goodnight!
The next morning Mrs.S woke the girls early so everyone could get ready for Lillian's appointment.
Mrs.S had promised the girls lunch at their favorite burger joint with shakes all around to celebrate the good news they anticipated. 

The office was decorated in bright cheerful colors. their was toys in the waiting room. Lillian was nervous she had never really seen a doctor and wasn't sure what to expect.
As the other girls gathered around a table of puzzles laughing and having a good time.
Lillian hung back and sat nervously beside of Mrs.S.
About fifteen minutes and Lillian's name was called by a blonde haired nurse with the kindest eyes.
Mrs.S took her hand and gave her a lil squeeze before kneeling down beside her to reassure her everything was going to be okay.
The nurse measured Lillian's height, weighed her and checked her eyes/ it was son made aware that not only Lillian's ears were a concern. She failed her eye exam as well.
It was becoming clear there was more to her story than most knew ... The appointment led to two more appointments. Lillian would see a ophthalmologist and a ear, nose, and throat doctor. Her hearing was worse than expected and would need a specialist opinion on what could be done. The pediatrician assured Lillian they would get her the best help there was to help her to see and hear! Lillian left the office with tears streaming down her face left wondering why a Jesus who was suppose to love her so very much had allowed so many things she didn't understand happen.
Mrs.S tried very hard to cheer Lillian up on their way to the restaurant! Reminding her no matter what was before them they would get through this together and Jesus would be with them every step of the way! 
Lillian looked at her with tears streaming down her cheeks and asked " The same way He has been up till now?"
Mrs.S assured her He was and he was going to make things better just wait and see! She silently prayed that God would give her and the other girls the words to say to reach Lillian and lead her to Him...
As she watched the girls at the restaurant gather around their new sister and try to cheer her up by telling her how cute she is going to be in her new glasses. Mrs.S thought to herself how blessed she had been to watch God gently heal the broken pieces of the beautiful girls that called themselves the A Life of Faith girls.... She wondered what it was going to take to lead the newest member to that  same beautiful faith and gift of salvation. So true healing can begin..... 

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