Written On July 16:
I started my day off like most my days here in South Africa. Singing and dancing with the Lord in a field looking off to the mountains. I don't like musicals that much, but I do have my sound of music moments. Unfortunately, during that time my journal was stolen.
Tears started to form in my eyes at the thought of forgetting all the memories I had written down: my time spent on the race, people I had met, truths God had spoken to me, encouragement people had given me.

Seeing my sadness, Jonathan drove me around in his car to look for it sure someone would ditch it once they realized it only had sentimental value, but we didn't have any luck.

Feeling like it was a lost cause I went on a run to sort my emotions. As I was running I told God how I was feeling. I admitted that I was scared that I had lost all of those memories, those truths. In response, he reminded me that he documents my whole life (psalms 139:17) better than I ever could. He writes everything in the light, every tear, every smile, every moment not missing a single detail. He encouraged me that the most important memories and the people I encountered throughout the race are written on my heart, and the truths that were written in the journal are in my mind. He speaks directly to me so I don't need to look back. He is bringing me new revelations and new truths daily, because I am made new in him. So I released my journal to him knowing that he redeems all things for his glory. I was no longer sad. Sure that the journal is going to bring life somewhere to someone: weather it was to the person who stole it or someone who picked it up, because that is what he does.

After my run I walked through the door and Jonathan hands me a new journal for new memories with Romans 8:28 written inside. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Reinforcing exactly what the Lord had just spoken to me.

kids I got to share my story with during morning devotional 

July 23: I came home from longboarding and everyone is in the kitchen staring at me. Kristin informs me she has something to tell me and from behind her she pulls out my journal. My stolen purple journal from my best friend at home with all of my race journeys. There is some children's name scribbled inside, but almost all of my encouraging notes are in tact. The pages tattered but not ripped. And some dirt but no scratches. I had given up but God had not. "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." -1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT Someone had shown up to the church with the journal in hand and it was given back to me. He stewarded my journal well. He gave it back to me and more. I now had a testimant about my sentimental journal with a new journal and the wisdom of previous truths covered with new revelations. :)

I also get to do devo weekly with the policemen and I shared my story with them as well.