Well it has been awhile since I have updated…and I can say that so much has happened in my life in Africa!
I sit and think that I only have 3 more days here and it is so crazy. It is truly bittersweet. Everytime I look into the eyes of any of these beautiful children I pray to God that I have a chance to come back and see them grow.
A couple of weeks ago I spent a few days in Nairobi with some people. We were able to visit a couple other orphanages, a school in a desperate village, and the Kibera slums which is the largest slum in Kenya. There was so much to process from that time. It was nice to see some other programs that are reaching out to give hope to people. At one of the orphanages, they were celebrating getting their first car-and all 15 or 20 kids were so excited, piling into the back and looking it over. That one old car was such a blessing to that place. We met a girl from Canada who was volunteering there for the summer and it was amazing to hear about the fundraising and support she is raising for the orphanage. She has an excellent heart of giving to others and it is so neat to network with people who want to do something great to change the world. While in Nairobi we also spent time with a woman who was visiting for a conference. She does a counseling ministry in Zimbabwe so it was neat to hear her heart and how God has been moving in her life.
Going to Kibera was quite an experience. Words can’t capture the stench of urine and trash everywhere and the many many people crammed into small houses and a small area. Today we went to an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp and the situation was similar. The really heartbreaking thing at the IDP was that these people have no control of their situations. They lost their homes and what they had during a time of rioting and violence, and they have been given no way out. Corruption rules the camp as many donations will be taken over by the heads of the camp and used for personal benefit and the people have not found a way to overcome those leaders because of the force they have built up. Therefore, these people are forced to live in 10x10 shacks. I went in one today and I just can’t grasp how that is a way of life. It doesn’t seem right in any way. Coincidentely as I was so upset about the corruption here today, I read in my bible a chapter about obeying the leaders of the land because God has placed them there. It is really challenging for me to think that God has placed such corruption and I am battling in my mind what that really means for these people. There are 4 thousand people on 3 acres of land. Can you imagine living so close to so many people? In the house I visited, a man was pointing out all the different parts of the house. I saw a little fire in the middle of the floor, a few shelves, and boards on the ground with some coats and blankets which served as beds. Why, God, why must people live in such awful conditions? It is really challenging to face and I feel as though I can not provide much help. I am glad that I will be able to donate some towards getting blankets for every family, but they need so much more. As we were leaving, there was a worship service going on. The people here love God so outwardly and it really takes me back to look at their situation and then look at their joy and praise. It doesn’t really make sense, but it shows how God has called us to turn to His faithfulness above anything else.
Over the past week and a half, we have taken in 6 new children. Joy is about 5 or 6 months and she lives in the room with Sara and I. She is precious and has big eyes and an adorable smile. It will be hard to hand her over to someone else’s care. Milka is about 3 years old and so so cute. She was taken from her home where her mother is dying of Aids and was unable to take care of her children. The neighbors said Milka was often found digging through the village garbage for any food. I love her so much. She was afraid of me, and any other white person, the first day, but since then she has ran into my arms, and gives me lots and lots of kisses. She also has a laugh and smile that just melts me! Hope is about 2-3 weeks old. She is 6 lbs and so tiny but she has a full head of black hair. Oh my goodness she is so precious. I look at her and I just can’t fathom how someone can abandon a beautiful child. All the kids here have such heartbreaking stories…and it doesn’t seem quite right. Hope came with the name Faith, but since we already have a girl named Faith we decided to change it so now we have Faith, Hope, and Joy J It just makes sense JWe have taken in 3 others from the Nairobi Rescue Center. Lucy is probably 5 years old and she has a very strong personality. She takes a lot of patience from me because she likes to be defiant and mock me all the time. We have learned a little about her past and think she came from an abusive home, so I really enjoy just hugging her and kissing her forhead, even when my stress levels are skyrocketing! Peter is 4 and he picked us. When we first went to the Nairobi home, he really took to Sara and I and we kept saying we had to go back and get him. He is so cute and he has a wonderful smile and he can’t remember my name so he just calls me “Howareyou” which is the phrase they relate to white people. Haha. Richard is our other new boy and he is probably 5 or 6. ( I say probably because since they are abandoned, we don’t really know how old they are so we go by the estimates that were given when they were rescued, and our own estimate). Richard is a very sweet and quiet boy and I think he is going to be really smart.
These are 6 more reasons it will be hard to leave this place.
I have really enjoyed the staff here as well. I’ve learned how to mash potatoes with a huge wooden spoon, I have bagged potatoes and learned more about gardening, and I have watched the men build a new animal barn. There is one woman, Jane, who will be so hard to leave. I have been able to cook with her, watch the kids with her, and just talk so much with her. She is a woman who can do anything and I love her ambition. She is so inspiring and when she told me she doesn’t know what she will do without me, I almost cried.
God has been so good to me through this whole experience. I really feel closer to Him in prayer and in just a relationship with a best friend that He is. I have had my challenging days, but I have always came through with joy and a purpose for everything. I have been challenged this summer to really give my all everyday. Especially when it comes to my calling to counseling, I want to be the best I can so I can give the best to those in need. I have been challenged in thinking about my future. It is kind of exciting, though, to just say “Ok God-here I am and I have no idea what’s next so you have to take me!” And I am excited to see where life goes.
I miss you friends! I am excited to hear about everyone’s summers and just share experiences together. I am also really excited to show off my 1000 pictures and let you see the faces of these wonderful people and the scenes of this beautiful place that has been my home and community. I will always carry apart of Kenya with me and it is such a huge part of my life story. For that, I am so grateful. See you soon America!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The beauty of Simplicity
It is another beautiful day in Africa! I am halfway done with my time here and it is such a bittersweet thing. One part of me can’t imagine leaving here. I can’t imagine waking up to anything but the yells of the kids, the cows, and the awful bird we hear every morning. I can’t imagine not doing homework after school and just being away from this place that has taken me in and made me feel like such a part of a big family! On the other hand, I can’t wait to get back and see my family, friends, and Nate and share a summer of experiences.
Today I am just amazed at how beautiful children are. This morning I was holding and feeding baby Jacob, and I believe God made us all so perfectly. He just fits right in my arms and is so snug-I just love it! As I was playing with the younger ones this afternoon, I just feel God’s warmth through their precious smiles, hugs, kisses, and laughter. It is a very beautiful thing.
Tuesday we were able to go with a man from the church and visit 4 primary schools. It’s very strange to step out a van and be swarmed by children just wanted to say Hi and shake your hand. I am having a bit of a difficult time dealing with that kind of attention because it really seems that Kenyans believe the white American has it all and has it all together, and that’s not true. I try to wave and smile as much as possible in hopes that they will see I am just a child of God like everyone else. In one of the schools, a teacher asked his students- How many of you would like to be able to visit America someday? Every hand went up, and then he told them, Work hard and maybe you can. Then he turned to us and said- America is a dreamland for us. I had to walk out of the room because that just humbled me to the point of tears. I’m not sure how to feel about it and I’m really processing some things in regards to situations such as that one.
The schools was a humbling thing altogether. Many students had no shoes, the floors were all dirt, they had to copy their homework from the board for every problem, and there is no lunch offered. Some can afford to bring their own, some can’t. The things we take for granted….Students compete to get into high school and college and they work so so hard. I can’t believe it all.
Some pretty exciting news- I got to see monkeys just swinging in trees the other day! It was when we went to pick up the older kids from school and our van had to be the school bus for the day and take other kids home because the bus was broken down. So we were there waiting with the kids, and it was really fun because they showed us their classroom, some dances, and introduced us to their friends…we got tons of pictures! While we were there the boys spotted some monkeys so we ran down the road to watch them! It was really neat to see them just in their natural habitat. I’m not sure if I will go on a safari or to a park of any kind while I am here, but I like just seeing the animals doing their everyday life!
There are so many things I’ve learned so far and I know the next 3 ½ weeks will be packed with fun and even more learning. I’ve really learned to appreciate hard work because these people work so hard everyday and they thank God that they have the health and work to do so! I want to always appreciate what I have and work hard for things. I have learned a lot about parenting and I think this summer will make me a better mother and wife! I’m really thankful for how God has allowed me to experience that. I’ve learned so much about prayer as I have been praying for so many people daily and have found the time to pray…which is something that is such a challenge back home.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to visit more places and see more things and interact with more people and just witness God’s beauty in so many different ways. Everytime I look out at the mountains here, I am just taken back. There is a quote above the computer that says, “Faith beings where mans power ends.” I have seen over and over that my power is very limited, and to have faith is to have so much. The renewal of my spirit is something that has been needed for me, and I thank God for his gentle reminders of how much I need him.
As I continue on today and with the rest of my journey here, I’m thankful for every day and every experience and I can’t wait to share more when I get home. Please continue to pray that God’s hand will be over this place and continually working in this wonderful land and also for his protection and blessings back home. That has to be the hardest part being away from home, but I am daily trusting that God hears my hearts desires to be back with my family and friends soon, and His provisions are beyond adequate. Thank you!
Today I am just amazed at how beautiful children are. This morning I was holding and feeding baby Jacob, and I believe God made us all so perfectly. He just fits right in my arms and is so snug-I just love it! As I was playing with the younger ones this afternoon, I just feel God’s warmth through their precious smiles, hugs, kisses, and laughter. It is a very beautiful thing.
Tuesday we were able to go with a man from the church and visit 4 primary schools. It’s very strange to step out a van and be swarmed by children just wanted to say Hi and shake your hand. I am having a bit of a difficult time dealing with that kind of attention because it really seems that Kenyans believe the white American has it all and has it all together, and that’s not true. I try to wave and smile as much as possible in hopes that they will see I am just a child of God like everyone else. In one of the schools, a teacher asked his students- How many of you would like to be able to visit America someday? Every hand went up, and then he told them, Work hard and maybe you can. Then he turned to us and said- America is a dreamland for us. I had to walk out of the room because that just humbled me to the point of tears. I’m not sure how to feel about it and I’m really processing some things in regards to situations such as that one.
The schools was a humbling thing altogether. Many students had no shoes, the floors were all dirt, they had to copy their homework from the board for every problem, and there is no lunch offered. Some can afford to bring their own, some can’t. The things we take for granted….Students compete to get into high school and college and they work so so hard. I can’t believe it all.
Some pretty exciting news- I got to see monkeys just swinging in trees the other day! It was when we went to pick up the older kids from school and our van had to be the school bus for the day and take other kids home because the bus was broken down. So we were there waiting with the kids, and it was really fun because they showed us their classroom, some dances, and introduced us to their friends…we got tons of pictures! While we were there the boys spotted some monkeys so we ran down the road to watch them! It was really neat to see them just in their natural habitat. I’m not sure if I will go on a safari or to a park of any kind while I am here, but I like just seeing the animals doing their everyday life!
There are so many things I’ve learned so far and I know the next 3 ½ weeks will be packed with fun and even more learning. I’ve really learned to appreciate hard work because these people work so hard everyday and they thank God that they have the health and work to do so! I want to always appreciate what I have and work hard for things. I have learned a lot about parenting and I think this summer will make me a better mother and wife! I’m really thankful for how God has allowed me to experience that. I’ve learned so much about prayer as I have been praying for so many people daily and have found the time to pray…which is something that is such a challenge back home.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to visit more places and see more things and interact with more people and just witness God’s beauty in so many different ways. Everytime I look out at the mountains here, I am just taken back. There is a quote above the computer that says, “Faith beings where mans power ends.” I have seen over and over that my power is very limited, and to have faith is to have so much. The renewal of my spirit is something that has been needed for me, and I thank God for his gentle reminders of how much I need him.
As I continue on today and with the rest of my journey here, I’m thankful for every day and every experience and I can’t wait to share more when I get home. Please continue to pray that God’s hand will be over this place and continually working in this wonderful land and also for his protection and blessings back home. That has to be the hardest part being away from home, but I am daily trusting that God hears my hearts desires to be back with my family and friends soon, and His provisions are beyond adequate. Thank you!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Another update :)
Hello again from Kenya :)
Things are really wonderful here, and today has been the most beautiful day! I can’t even convey how wonderful it is to sit in the sun with the kids, feel the breeze, hear the animals and no other distracting sounds, see the mountainside in the distance under the mountains and just praise God for His beautiful creation!
I have been learning many new things, which makes me excited.
1. I learned how to milk a cow (without a machine). This is not to say I am good, strong, or quick, but I know how.
2. I have learned to plow a field by hand. Again, this doesn’t mean I am very good, but I know how to put that hand tool in the ground until my fingers are blistered!
3. I learned to deal with the driving. I am actually doing alright and not closing my eyes and thinking “oh no!” in my head at all times. I have learned to watch the wonderful scenery and appreciate not having a radio in the van.
4. I have learned that God’s mercy and peace are new everyday. There have been times I have woken up very homesick, but God has given me days full of so much fun and His strength and I am always reminded of His divine appointment of me here at this time.
I have learned much more from just sitting and talking with the women, and helping the kids with homework at night. I have visited the open market in Naivasha as well as the store. At the market, we were definitely stand-outs and I was asked by an older man if I was married. I said yes…. Whoops.
I have really been learning about prayer and trusting in God. Everyday I have been praying for my family and friends, and for the wonderful community I have become apart of here. I have really enjoyed helping with the daily duties and seeing how people work together for a common good without so much of the things we have back home. At one time I thought these people just needed the conveniences we have in America. Now I think in America we need to step back and see the simplicity of life and joy as these villages know it. I have been reading a prayer book from Desmond Tutu and he talks about all the different nations and how no one is better or superior to the other, but we all have so much to give and can learn from one another. I pray my time here allows me to learn much that I can bring home and bless others with.
Thank you to everyone praying for me and supporting me, that is what gets me through the days. Keep praying!
Things are really wonderful here, and today has been the most beautiful day! I can’t even convey how wonderful it is to sit in the sun with the kids, feel the breeze, hear the animals and no other distracting sounds, see the mountainside in the distance under the mountains and just praise God for His beautiful creation!
I have been learning many new things, which makes me excited.
1. I learned how to milk a cow (without a machine). This is not to say I am good, strong, or quick, but I know how.
2. I have learned to plow a field by hand. Again, this doesn’t mean I am very good, but I know how to put that hand tool in the ground until my fingers are blistered!
3. I learned to deal with the driving. I am actually doing alright and not closing my eyes and thinking “oh no!” in my head at all times. I have learned to watch the wonderful scenery and appreciate not having a radio in the van.
4. I have learned that God’s mercy and peace are new everyday. There have been times I have woken up very homesick, but God has given me days full of so much fun and His strength and I am always reminded of His divine appointment of me here at this time.
I have learned much more from just sitting and talking with the women, and helping the kids with homework at night. I have visited the open market in Naivasha as well as the store. At the market, we were definitely stand-outs and I was asked by an older man if I was married. I said yes…. Whoops.
I have really been learning about prayer and trusting in God. Everyday I have been praying for my family and friends, and for the wonderful community I have become apart of here. I have really enjoyed helping with the daily duties and seeing how people work together for a common good without so much of the things we have back home. At one time I thought these people just needed the conveniences we have in America. Now I think in America we need to step back and see the simplicity of life and joy as these villages know it. I have been reading a prayer book from Desmond Tutu and he talks about all the different nations and how no one is better or superior to the other, but we all have so much to give and can learn from one another. I pray my time here allows me to learn much that I can bring home and bless others with.
Thank you to everyone praying for me and supporting me, that is what gets me through the days. Keep praying!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hello from Kenangop, Kenya!
I am here! I arrived on Wednesday afternoon to a beautiful village. Tuesday night I flew in to Nairobi and stayed at a woman's house and then went the next morning to exchange some money and come out to the orphanage!
I have seen so many things in such a short amount of time! I have seen the city, the villages, and the mountain range. This is a beautiful land!
It has not taken long to fall in love with these children...there are 5 younger children who are home for the most part of the day, and the older kids who go to school until evening. We have spent a lot of time playing with the younger kids...they love to climb, rub our white skin, and play with our hair! The have the cutest laughs you could ever imagine, and their smiles melt my heart in an instant! This morning I got out some finger puppets that Deb (nate's mom) got for them...they loved trying to make the animal noises (which mostly just turned into growls!)
The older kids love to make up stories and grab our feet under the table when we are supposed to be eating dinner! They have lots of questions and we help them with their homework as much as we can...and then they try to have us read Swahili, and they get quite a kick out of that!
The staff here have been very helpful and hospitable. We are well taken care of and safe!
It has certainly been interesting being the definite minority. When we walk the younger kids to school, or drive to pick up the older ones, we get many looks and most people wave and are friendly. Many kids will just stop and look at u s, though, because we are such an unusual site for them! It is neat to think about how God made us all...and we all have our individual beauty! Yesterday when we picked the younger kids up from school, the rest of the village kids walked home with us and even tried to come into the gates...we had to tell them to go to their homes. They were so fascinated with our freckles and hair, though!
It has been a tough adjustment, being so far from home and everything comfortable...but God has really been at work in me and I trust He will continue to use each day to form my heart and I hope I can give all I have to these kids and this community each day.
Please continue to pray for me, and for this beautiful village I am apart of for 45 more days. May God's love be so real here...and with you at home!
I am here! I arrived on Wednesday afternoon to a beautiful village. Tuesday night I flew in to Nairobi and stayed at a woman's house and then went the next morning to exchange some money and come out to the orphanage!
I have seen so many things in such a short amount of time! I have seen the city, the villages, and the mountain range. This is a beautiful land!
It has not taken long to fall in love with these children...there are 5 younger children who are home for the most part of the day, and the older kids who go to school until evening. We have spent a lot of time playing with the younger kids...they love to climb, rub our white skin, and play with our hair! The have the cutest laughs you could ever imagine, and their smiles melt my heart in an instant! This morning I got out some finger puppets that Deb (nate's mom) got for them...they loved trying to make the animal noises (which mostly just turned into growls!)
The older kids love to make up stories and grab our feet under the table when we are supposed to be eating dinner! They have lots of questions and we help them with their homework as much as we can...and then they try to have us read Swahili, and they get quite a kick out of that!
The staff here have been very helpful and hospitable. We are well taken care of and safe!
It has certainly been interesting being the definite minority. When we walk the younger kids to school, or drive to pick up the older ones, we get many looks and most people wave and are friendly. Many kids will just stop and look at u s, though, because we are such an unusual site for them! It is neat to think about how God made us all...and we all have our individual beauty! Yesterday when we picked the younger kids up from school, the rest of the village kids walked home with us and even tried to come into the gates...we had to tell them to go to their homes. They were so fascinated with our freckles and hair, though!
It has been a tough adjustment, being so far from home and everything comfortable...but God has really been at work in me and I trust He will continue to use each day to form my heart and I hope I can give all I have to these kids and this community each day.
Please continue to pray for me, and for this beautiful village I am apart of for 45 more days. May God's love be so real here...and with you at home!
Monday, June 8, 2009
One week until Kenya
I am sitting at home amazed that in one week I will be boarding a plane for Kenya. It is so amazing to look back at how this started as a tug on my heart, and now here I am packing my bags and taking care of last-minute details. There was a time when I did not think I could raise the money, get things together, and see this happen. I couldn't, but God has really shown up and amazed me yet again. The worst of it is over-I got my shots. Oh how I hate needles. I have also been gathering some clothing, mostly warm, because it is actually winter in Kenya right now. That is probably the thing i expected least! I have my itinerary, passport, insurance all together. I have had the wonderful opportunity to sit and talk with my family and share my heart with them. I have been able to visit friends and spend late summer nights with the boy I love. It has been a great couple of weeks as I have been preparing and try to seize every moment of life!
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet up with Jane, the founder of the orphange and also Kristine, a Kenyan women who serves as the administrator. My mom and I along with Sara and her mom were able to meet up with these ladies for lunch and hear all about Into Abbas Arms and some things that will probably shape our summer. I had to try so hard to hold back the tears as I heard stories of the children and their personalities. I heard about the other ministries IAA has such as giving out clean water to the community once a week and looking towards providing some better schooling for young kids of the orphange and community. As far as expectations, I have tried to keep them at a minimum. I truly want to embrace each day and experience what God has for me. I believe He placed this on my heart to continue shaping me and the way I live the rest of my life. I expect to fall in love with those children and their precious hearts such as these:
Ruth and Jacob
I expect to miss summer a little. I expect to have days when I just can't stand being away from Nate and others. I expect to see gorgeous sights and know that God's hand is the reason for creation everywhere. I expect to love as much as possible even when it is difficult. I expect to be blown away by God's never-ending grace and commitment to me. I guess those are quite a few expectations, but I'm trying!
I wish there was a practical way to really show my appreciation for all the support I have received. Yeah I have sent thank-you letters and shared hugs. Yeah I have tried to keep others updated on what is going on, but I can't emphasize the beauty of other people as much as I would like to. I have had support and prayers from all over, and I know it will never cease. I have a wonderful family and friends who help me to stand tall and pursue dreams and callings. There is such beauty in the body of believers, and I have been reminded that very strongly lately. This week, I continue to pack, take care of things that need done for the summer, and pray for God's guiding hand in every step that I take. One week...wow.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet up with Jane, the founder of the orphange and also Kristine, a Kenyan women who serves as the administrator. My mom and I along with Sara and her mom were able to meet up with these ladies for lunch and hear all about Into Abbas Arms and some things that will probably shape our summer. I had to try so hard to hold back the tears as I heard stories of the children and their personalities. I heard about the other ministries IAA has such as giving out clean water to the community once a week and looking towards providing some better schooling for young kids of the orphange and community. As far as expectations, I have tried to keep them at a minimum. I truly want to embrace each day and experience what God has for me. I believe He placed this on my heart to continue shaping me and the way I live the rest of my life. I expect to fall in love with those children and their precious hearts such as these:
Ruth and JacobI expect to miss summer a little. I expect to have days when I just can't stand being away from Nate and others. I expect to see gorgeous sights and know that God's hand is the reason for creation everywhere. I expect to love as much as possible even when it is difficult. I expect to be blown away by God's never-ending grace and commitment to me. I guess those are quite a few expectations, but I'm trying!
I wish there was a practical way to really show my appreciation for all the support I have received. Yeah I have sent thank-you letters and shared hugs. Yeah I have tried to keep others updated on what is going on, but I can't emphasize the beauty of other people as much as I would like to. I have had support and prayers from all over, and I know it will never cease. I have a wonderful family and friends who help me to stand tall and pursue dreams and callings. There is such beauty in the body of believers, and I have been reminded that very strongly lately. This week, I continue to pack, take care of things that need done for the summer, and pray for God's guiding hand in every step that I take. One week...wow.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Half way there!
I am amazed to think that I will be leaving in ONE MONTH for Kenya! Wow. How exciting! I am over half way there with my finances, and it has been so encouraging to have so many people come together and support me. Each donation really has touched my heart as I experience the giving nature of so many people. It challenges me to be giving at all times, as well. May I remember the gift I have been given and extend those same blessings to others!
Right now my mind has really been set on wrapping up the school year. It is sad to have yet another year done, and to think that I only have one year left here. It has also been fun to join Nate as he has been preparing for graduation and the next step in his life. He truly amazes me everyday.
There are so many things to do in the next month! I have enjoyed writing thank-you cards, being in contact with people I haven't talked to in awhile, and seeing where I can get my vaccinations the cheapest! Shots are never fun, so that's a touchy subject....
I am thinking about what to take, and how to save room to bring back a piece of Kenya with me (and if I at all could...I would bring back one of the children!)
As I continue preparing...I have been praying that God would be opening my eyes to every step of this adventure...from being so thankful for the gifts I have been given, to preparing to live without many conveniences I have here, to asking Him to really shape my heart to be a lifelong servant to others. What a privilege it is to work for the Lord...I pray that kind of work is my daily life.
Right now my mind has really been set on wrapping up the school year. It is sad to have yet another year done, and to think that I only have one year left here. It has also been fun to join Nate as he has been preparing for graduation and the next step in his life. He truly amazes me everyday.
There are so many things to do in the next month! I have enjoyed writing thank-you cards, being in contact with people I haven't talked to in awhile, and seeing where I can get my vaccinations the cheapest! Shots are never fun, so that's a touchy subject....
I am thinking about what to take, and how to save room to bring back a piece of Kenya with me (and if I at all could...I would bring back one of the children!)
As I continue preparing...I have been praying that God would be opening my eyes to every step of this adventure...from being so thankful for the gifts I have been given, to preparing to live without many conveniences I have here, to asking Him to really shape my heart to be a lifelong servant to others. What a privilege it is to work for the Lord...I pray that kind of work is my daily life.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A genesis week
As I have been preparing for Kenya, so many things have come across my heart. There are days when I'm really nervous...I am not seeing enough money for this to be possible, and wonder if I will. I hear stories that make me a little scared, and I wonder how God will change my life if this opportunity goes through.
There are days when I am so excited I don't know what to do. I am pumped about pursuing a dream and doing something out of the ordinary. I am expecting God to really take hold of my heart and continue shaping my passions to serve others. I see pictures of the kids or hear stories about them, and I can't wait to be apart of that. I believe that this trip is a calling from Him, and so I lay my own worries aside and trust in Him. The biggest blessing so far is having people's encouragement- through donations that are unexpected to the words in a card that were just needed that particular day....
The other night, a Psalm was really on my heart. Psalm 51. I have been using a NIV/Message side by side bible, and have really enjoyed being able to compare verses and ways of considering God's words to us. There are two lines in particular that have really grabbed my heart-
" God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. "
I wonder what it fully means to allow God to shape a Genesis week out of our chaos. For me, I think it has meant giving up my hurts, my doubts, my pains and letting God show His incredible powers and mercy as He makes something that is beautiful and good.
The other verse I have loved is-
"I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice."
How wonderful it is to think that we learn how to worship God, how to be ready for love when our pride and hearts are shattered, torn, broken and ready to let Him take control.
There are days when I am so excited I don't know what to do. I am pumped about pursuing a dream and doing something out of the ordinary. I am expecting God to really take hold of my heart and continue shaping my passions to serve others. I see pictures of the kids or hear stories about them, and I can't wait to be apart of that. I believe that this trip is a calling from Him, and so I lay my own worries aside and trust in Him. The biggest blessing so far is having people's encouragement- through donations that are unexpected to the words in a card that were just needed that particular day....
The other night, a Psalm was really on my heart. Psalm 51. I have been using a NIV/Message side by side bible, and have really enjoyed being able to compare verses and ways of considering God's words to us. There are two lines in particular that have really grabbed my heart-
" God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. "
I wonder what it fully means to allow God to shape a Genesis week out of our chaos. For me, I think it has meant giving up my hurts, my doubts, my pains and letting God show His incredible powers and mercy as He makes something that is beautiful and good.
The other verse I have loved is-
"I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice."
How wonderful it is to think that we learn how to worship God, how to be ready for love when our pride and hearts are shattered, torn, broken and ready to let Him take control.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Kenya- The beginnings
Wow. I can't believe I am anticipating and preparing for a trip to Kenya.
Here's the story....
I have been praying about this summer and where God would take me. I had a job offer, but didn't feel entirely peaceful about it. Over spring break, Sara Crabtree and I were talking and she told me about a trip she is taking. She has organized to go to an orphanage, Into Abba's Arms, for the summer to help with the children and have an awesome experience. She told me that she has been seeking someone to go on this trip with her. Once I heard that, I was filled with so much excitement and knew this was something to pursue.
I have been praying about it, and believe this is a great chance that God has given me and has given me peace about. I am a bit nervous right now, because I have about 2 months to get my passport, plane ticket, etc. It is exciting, though, to trust God in something that I know I cannot accomplish myself.
It is my prayer that my friends and family will be excited about this and prayerfully consider supporting me in both prayer and finanical support.
I plan to use this blog as an update on how things are going, and hopefully update a couple times from Kenya this summer.
Thank you for joining me on this awesome journey. I can't imagine life without the love and support I find in friends and family on a daily basis. Our Lord is the provider, and His love is so beautiful!
Here's the story....
I have been praying about this summer and where God would take me. I had a job offer, but didn't feel entirely peaceful about it. Over spring break, Sara Crabtree and I were talking and she told me about a trip she is taking. She has organized to go to an orphanage, Into Abba's Arms, for the summer to help with the children and have an awesome experience. She told me that she has been seeking someone to go on this trip with her. Once I heard that, I was filled with so much excitement and knew this was something to pursue.
I have been praying about it, and believe this is a great chance that God has given me and has given me peace about. I am a bit nervous right now, because I have about 2 months to get my passport, plane ticket, etc. It is exciting, though, to trust God in something that I know I cannot accomplish myself.
It is my prayer that my friends and family will be excited about this and prayerfully consider supporting me in both prayer and finanical support.
I plan to use this blog as an update on how things are going, and hopefully update a couple times from Kenya this summer.
Thank you for joining me on this awesome journey. I can't imagine life without the love and support I find in friends and family on a daily basis. Our Lord is the provider, and His love is so beautiful!
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