Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10Â If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11Â Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12Â Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
It was the theme of our wedding message, "two are better than one." But we didn't realize that the same message would be repeated a year and a half later in a doctor's office when we found out we were pregnant with two baby girls!
Today those tiny baby girls are 13 years old! Teenagers! They are smart, beautiful, talented, kind, generous, lovers of Jesus, and brave! Brave because they are about to trade their normal teenage years for something completely out of the ordinary! They are brave to give up their passions for ballet and soccer, their puppy and their friends to travel across the globe for 2 years and embrace the adventure God is calling them to. And not only are they brave to go, they are willing!
It was not just my husband and I that made the decision to move to Africa. The whole family decided to go. And our little (not so little) girls, they were the most excited of all! They quickly went to the library and checked out Katie Davis Majors' books about living in Africa and adopting children, which only fueled their excitement! They have studied French, they have spent endless hours watching Mercy Ships videos on YouTube, they face time their dear friend and teacher on board, Beth Kirchner... these girls are all in!
In an age where youth seem to be only living for themselves, I'm more than blessed to have 2 new teenagers who are excited about living a life poured out. And when I have moments of worry about them leaving behind their friends and perhaps being lonely, I remember, "two are better than one." God gave them each other 13 years ago, perhaps for this very moment in time. They get to move to Africa with their best friend!
Happy Birthday sweet baby girls! You are the best gift I've ever been given and I can't wait to go explore the world with you and share the love of Jesus to all we meet!