Bucket List?

I thought about writing out a "bucket list" last night while I was falling asleep. A compilation of all the goofy witty things that I want to do before I go to my real Home someday. As I got to thinking of it, I realized that the things that I *really* want to do are much deeper than anything you could put on a bucket list... This is my "heart's desire" list.

1. I want to work in pediatrics as a PTA. It is possible to become recognized as a 'specialist' in peds by taking continuing education courses and working with them for multiple (thousand+) hours. PT can be miserable as an adult, and to do it with children you have to be able to make it enjoyable for them. I especially would love to be able to work at a large hospital like DeVos in MI, or another children's hospital, but most of all I just want to be able to work with and love on these kids... All while helping them to live a more functional life.

2. I want to go back to Honduras... Work with the orphans. Possibly in a medical setting, or simply just to go and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I don't know that I would say I want it to be long-term. But the opportunity to go back for a couple weeks and share Him with them... I've seen it before, these kids thrive off of love and attention... I figure I have plenty to share with them. Not to mention that they. are. adorably. precious.

(doesn't he just make your heart melt?)

3. I want to marry the man of my dreams, becoming his support, his helper, and loving him for as long as God allows, through whatever we may face together. Side by side, hand in hand.

4. This has been a piece of my heart for practically forever.. I am just going to say it, so that you can take it however you want. I am not saying I am going to go get pregnant. I am completely content to wait until God brings the right time. But in my heart, I want to be a Mom. I want to bear children. I've been told I'm crazy... And I might be! But I believe God has given me that desire for a reason. I know that He doesn't give it to everyone.. I know other woman my age who have no interest in children whatsoever. In fact, pregnancy is viewed as a burden... But to me? It's one of the most magnificent, incredible things that could happen.

5. After #4 happens, I want to homeschool my children. I picked this picture because I'm hoping my little girl/boy will have curly hair like I did when I was little ;). But I want to spend time with them each and every day, raising them to Love each other, to work with each other, and most importantly, to Love God. I have no intention of working as a PTA once I am a Mom. I want to teach them how to write. How to count. I want to tell them about Daniel, David, Ruth, Esther, Jesus. I want to curl up on the couch after lunch and read with them...

6. I want to know my Bible. I figure that if I know my Bible, I will have spent many, many hours with Him. Which honestly? That is my life's amibition. To know Him and walk with Him every step of the way. Through joy.

Through gladness.

Through pain.

Through tears.

Through heartache.

Through love.

Through happiness.

Through every thing that I encounter, I want to have Him with me. I want His heart for His people to become my heart. I want His Love for His children to be my Love. I want to see others as He sees them. 

Simple, right? There are plenty of other things that I want to do. But these are the things that my heart aches for. The things I have wanted to do since I was a little girl. The desires that I believe God has given to me, to live out to His glory, honor, and praise... Step by step.