WHY I HAVE A GIRAFFE IN MY JEWELLERY BOX

Even though it was almost ten years ago, I still remember where I was standing in the Church foyer that Sunday. A lady, who I knew of, but didn't really know, came up to me with her arm outstretched but her fist closed with something obviously inside.
She said, "God told me to bring this to church today. I thought it was for your sister, but when I saw you, I knew it was you I was meant to give this to."
She uncurled her hand and lying in her palm was a small plastic giraffe. You know the ones; the type you find in kids zoo or jungle playsets. It was beige with brown spots. And...completely random!

She was almost apologetic about it saying how weird it was to give someone a toy giraffe. But earlier that morning she couldn't shake the thought or ignore the quiet voice telling her to bring it to church.

Well I got a little teary. Because that little giraffe told me that God knew exactly everything that was going on, and he used an obedient woman to show me.

You see, unbeknownst to her, Dave & I had been given an opportunity to go and work for an organisation in Uganda, Africa. We were still praying and deliberating about whether this was the right thing to commit to, when we rocked up to Church that Sunday. God gave me the tangible answer I was looking for. A giraffe. There's not much more African than that!

I told this lady the big decision we were facing, and I think there was a bit of relief for her knowing she hadn't crossed over the loopy line, but had indeed heard from God. How thankful I was that she listened. Not only listened, but she went out on a limb and obeyed!

Living in Africa turned out to be one of the most amazing years of our lives. We made friends for life. Did some pretty cool stuff. Saw some amazing things (yes even real life giraffe!)  And had our hearts moved in some incredible ways.

So even though we have been back from Uganda for more than eight years, this giraffe still lives in my jewellery box.

It reminds me that God answers prayer. It encourages me to go out on a limb and pray for a sign. And it reminds me not to get bogged down in the literal and natural world but to trust Him and remember how He works in the supernatural. He isn't limited by the natural thing we are. The earth, and everything in it is His. He can use anything to guide us & show us He is there right beside us!

And it reminds me that God still does that today. If He is the same yesterday, today and forever, then he can do the same thing for us today. 

Be encouraged xo