Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Bound For More Than I Realized

When Portugal Bound began, I used it as a way to keep my family and friends in America updated as to the happenings of our family.  A place to post pictures of the kids as they grow, and of us as we gray.  A way to say, "I don't email pics anymore....go look at my blog."  It took the blame off of me when not every grandparent received the same picture as the next in their in-boxes.  I'm all about equality, I guess.

Over time, my blog morphed into my online community of newly met friends all across the globe.  I've met other Christan women, pastors wives, missionary wives, moms with more kids than I have and folks with problems much bigger than my 'drying clothes in the winter' and 'language difficulties'. 

When I reflect on my childhood/adolescent years, I remember thinking that there had to be more to life than what I was experiencing at the time.  School/peer influence/bullies/bad grades...etc.  I remember thinking that I was bound for much more than life in 'Hickville' AL. (I always called it.)

As I matured, barely graduating high school and began working to support myself and a long distance relationship with my future husband,  I developed a twinkle in my eye.  With the promise of his hand in marriage I was guaranteed to go places!  I had it all planned out.  We'd get married after he graduated from The Academy, we'd be shipped off to some snowy capped region of Colorado.  Maybe eventually spend some time overseas.  Just long enough for him to serve out his indebtedness for his West Point degree.

"This is it!"  I'm getting out of here!  Finally!

Then it happened.  Michael called me one evening from New York.  He'd had an accident at school during football practice.  He'd torn his acl.  After a few surgeries and entering his Senior year, it was determined that he would not be fit for duties as an officer in our United States Army.  Therefore upon graduation he would be released of his obligation to serve his 5 year commitment.

There went the snowy capped mountains and life in some exotic, far away country.

"That's okay."  I tried to encourage myself.  "As long as I have him.  I'll be just fine."

And so today.....I not only have him, my extremely handsome husband, but I have HIM.  The Creator of the universe and the Savior of my soul! 

I was bound after all, for something bigger than I had imagined.

I get to spend my life working alongside my husband, raising an incredible group of kids and serving my Lord....ALL at the same time.

I no longer have a clue what my blog is all about.  I'm finding it more and more difficult to come up with worthy posts....but this one thing I do know......My LORD is worthy of all praise and glory for my life and the ministry HE has trusted us with here in Portugal.

May HE bless and may we see souls saved and lives changed.





7 comments:

Jill said...

Nina, I've enjoyed getting to know you, and I enjoy your posts. It is amazing that God had somthing so much greater even than those snow-capped mountains in Colorado. : ) I've tagged you on my blog post from Monday, if you're interested. It's not serious, just some fun.

Anonymous said...

That was the best post you've ever written! Seriously. I loved reading more of your life story. I enjoy your blog. In fact, yesterday I was thinking about emailing you to make sure all was ok, because I hadn't seen a blog update in a while. Can't hide from us! ;-)

-FringeGirl

Betty W said...

I agree with Jill. I have loved getting to know you and your family. But I do understand the pressure to come up with interesting posts. I´m currently struggling with this myself. But I think you just wrote a very good worthwhile post and you should keep going in that direction.
Many blessings to you and your family!

Ruth H. said...

Loved this post! Wow, what a winding road He orchestrated for your life. Never a dull moment.
I would love to read more about Portugal in general. For instance, what would I NOT want to miss if ever I were to make a visit there? Also, I love, love seeing the pictures posted from other missionary wives. I love getting a small peek into life in their respective countries.
I love reading your blog, it is encouraging, funny and thought provoking.
Ruth H.

Jen said...

Great Post! I'm glad your a blogger... I like reading your blog, lol.

Mom said...

AWWWW, and I thought you liked Hickville, Al.... what do you think of it now?
Yes, God knew where you were bound even back then. Guess HE thought HE better keep it a secret for a while, cuz HE knew you would run the other direction! (at the time)
As far as you not having a clue what your blog is all about... let me tell you.
It is still that avenue that your family goes down to keep updated.
I for one want to see more of just simple everyday happenings at home.
Like, what did Justice do to Tigra today? Did he throw her down the steps? What new words has he learned to speak in school today?Did Major go see his girlfriend? How did Brooklyn do on that test. Has Lib had any more asthma attacks? Whats up with Faith (basketball) and Trin?
Everyone may not want to read about that stuff, but I bet Nanny would agree with Mimi that we want to see and hear more of whats happening right there at home with our grandbabies. (and our adult babies)

I LOVE YOU!! MOM

Amber said...

I love you. :)