In my twenties the deep desire to have a place where women can be restored filled my being after finding an abandoned property near our home. As the winds blew against the dream and I not yet equipped to make it happen, it got buried deep within my soul.
40 years later, after many twists and turns along life’s journey, God resurrected the longing for the place again when we moved to Savannah. These past fifteen years, seeking and finding possibilities, aspects of the dream have materialized, and more are in process.
During the wait, I had to grow personally – heal from life’s hurts, learn greater skills to hear and see others, have a burden for the brokenhearted, and thrive whilst serving others.
Our non-profit, the International School of Story, was birthed with an understanding of the various aspects within it to bring Hope, give light, and life during challenging times for women. Each year, we have added a next step to do so.
For a season, we moved into a physical space, Abode – an aspect of the vision to serve community, startup businesses, and ministries. A place to share gathered stories, and we launched our Publishing House, Marigold Press Books. It is amazing to see this all unfold – impossible tasks, creations, outcomes. There has not once been revenue to step out with ease to accomplish it, yet each time God has made a way.
There is more to come – the picture is still to be completed. We are seeing the greatest miracle of it all – the HiStory Gallery, for the one million one-page stories we are gathering, to display and share, of when God made the impossible, possible. We do dream of a historic Chapel, which was a mere vision given in 2017, not even knowing what it would be for. As for the women’s housing project, this will be a story for another day. We are about to walk through a giant door! I am in awe, a little scared, as we watch this impossibility become possible. Incredible to experience God giving witty ideas to make His plans happen.
My heart overflows with deep thanks, praise, and worship for our Heavenly Father. I am alive, living in the purpose He designed me for and in peace, knowing Him a little better than all my yesterdays, less than tomorrow. What joy lies ahead – learning to love and serve Him and others more!
Emra