Fearfully and wonderfully made

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Today the Casa Adalia team was joined by our friend Diana, a college freshman and our daughter Danelle; both are visiting family for Christmas break.  There was lots of laughter and shared stories during the car ride, about an hour drive each direction.  We prayed together for the girls we would be ministering to at the safe house for underage girls rescued from the sex trade.  The laughter continued once we were inside while playing an "icebreaker" but with an underlying sadness obvious in some, hidden in others. 

Danelle translated Hats for Ivan by Max Lucado and shared personal experiences of times she tried to be someone God didn't create her to be.  "When we do, we feel inadequate, frustrated or weighted down."  She looked directly at the little 12 year old closest to her.  "There is no one like you in all of the world.  You are unique and God has a unique plan for you." 

Two girls volunteered to read Psalm 139:13-16 and Luke 15: 4,5 from God's Word.  Then we "broke out" a bag of different kinds of hats which Katie brought and craft materials.  The girls wore them enthusiastically while they created on paper their own unique hat with words of affirmation and hopes for the future, written or drawn inside. 

As I viewed some of their "hats" I rejoiced inside.  They understood the message.  They have been fearfully and wonderfully made.