God is funny like that

Earlier this year I told someone in our women's ministry that I would be willing to share some of our story during a bible study.  God used that in a big way and it was a huge blessing.  It was very healing for me.  When I get to share my story it gives purpose to my suffering.  Some relate even if they aren't living the exact same situation and they see that someone understands.  Some can't relate but maybe they better understand the suffering of someone else in their life. 

After that was over we went through some very hard times with Oksana and so there was no time to focus on anything but surviving.  Now that she has been out of our home for a couple of months and we have had time to regroup, God has decided it's time for me to get working again.

A month or so ago I was given the opportunity to give some input into a written piece about parenting children with mental illness.  http://themighty.com/2015/10/a-parents-guide-to-mental-illness-in-the-family/http://themighty.com/2015/10/a-parents-guide-to-mental-illness-in-the-family/

From that I was asked to write a piece on my own and I recently wrote this: http://themighty.com/2015/11/5-ways-having-a-child-with-mental-illness-has-changed-me-for-the-better/

I was also asked to write something for Lutheran Children and Family Services and NAMI but I haven't done that yet. 

Then came the speaking. 

First NAMI called and asked if we would come speak to a politician that they were meeting with and share our story.

Next, I was approached about being the speaker at the Christmas Gala event that the women's ministry of our church has every year.  I agreed to it but I still have no idea why they chose me.  Apparently God has something for me to say so I've been writing and asking Him to make it clear to me.

Then the Department of Mental Health approached me and asked if Larry and I would come speak at their big regional staff meeting about a parent's perspective on mental illness and our struggles in the system.  Ummmm.....yes.

Finally, Lutheran Children and Family Services contacted me and asked me to come to their staff meeting to talk to them about our story and then do a Q&A with their staff. 

On the more relaxed and fun side of it all I got to do a presentation on Down Syndrome to Anya's class and was asked to come next week and do the same thing in another class that has a boy with Down Syndrome.

I have no idea what God is up to but he gave me this for a reason so I'm just going to follow along and see what happens.

I promise I will do an Oksana update soon.