When I left the castle last night, Heinrick was sprawled out on Cory's car.

He liked the warmth of the engine.

Heinrick is a fat, grey-stripped cat that thinks he owns this YWAM castle at Herrnhut.

I stooped down to say "hi" to Heinrick and to scratch behind his ears. I enjoy cats very much. When I went out into the meadow for a walk, Heinrick followed me. The light rain was beautiful and the night air had an inviting warm breath in spite of the rain.

I could hear my footsteps squeaking along the grass and cutting through the evening quiet. I listened and began to lose myself in my thoughts. But then I noticed another sound not far behind me... smaller paws were making sounds in the grass behind me. Heinrick was following me! I stooped again to pet him and I said out loud "Are you going to keep me company?"

Just then  I heard God speak to me very clearly: you're not alone. I immediately began to cry. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that.

I walked along the meadow path with greater peace and confidence. God is right here, I thought to myself. God is right here, I could feel...

Heinrick walked with me for 40 minutes and I had to marvel at him. He seemed more like a faithful dog than a cat. I've never had a cat walk with me anywhere like that.

It reminded me of the time when I lived in Los Angeles. I used to go jogging in the evenings some times. I didn't always feel so safe in that neighborhood and sometimes I found myself avoiding certain parts, taking detours, or just praying fervently for protection.

One evening when I was out for a jog, a dog began running alongside me a couple minutes into my jog. I had never seen the dog before and I had no idea where he came from. He was small and cute and reminded me of the dog I had when I was little called 'peanuts'. 

I liked the company. Somehow it was a comfort having the little dog beside me. I felt safer wtih him running at my side.

The strange thing is...a couple hundred feet before I arrived at the base, the dog disappeared again. He went on his way and I jogged home.

Sometimes I wonder if God sends angels in DOG form! :)