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!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
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!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
No day but today
sitting here watching Rent in Galloway lobby...
a few comments were made about the appropriateness of the movie and whether we should watch it out in a public lobby...I don't know many better movies to encourage. Yes-there are issues that as Christians we should not promote, but there is much value in accepting and loving those people despite their difficulties. I'm probably not going to encourage homosexuality and prostitution, but I have a lot of respect for the openness and honesty demonstrated.
I have decided this may be one of my favorite movies. With blatant honesty, struggles are not masked-not covered by a fake attempt at perfection. With the song "Take me as I am" playing in the background, I can only envision the possibilities for a community like this.
What makes us think that by being a Christian it means we conceal our failures, temptations, struggles? Why do we feel like we have to one up each other and not let people see our true insecurities?
As the body of Christ it seems to me our purpose is to help one another-to forgive, accept, encourage our brothers and sisters. instead we do goo deeds, put on a smile and "i'm good" attitude. What's so wrong with our needs-the voids in our very own hearts and the cries we cannot always understand ourselves. Yes, I believe Christ wants to and will heal us, but I think He has given us a body of believers in order to help us through that.
I am facing this in my own life. A couple weeks ago I was able to have a time of confession with my college pastor. It was real-it was deep, imperfect, ugly sin. The process of bringing it to light was beautiful. My soul was refreshed and by bringing that to the surface, I have been able to learn a lot more about myself, my past and how it affects my future.
This is not a traumatic experience, it is exhilarating.
I wonder what it would take for us to be comfortable with who we are-so comfortable that we let others see beyond the layers and layers we pile on....
...take me as i am.
a few comments were made about the appropriateness of the movie and whether we should watch it out in a public lobby...I don't know many better movies to encourage. Yes-there are issues that as Christians we should not promote, but there is much value in accepting and loving those people despite their difficulties. I'm probably not going to encourage homosexuality and prostitution, but I have a lot of respect for the openness and honesty demonstrated.
I have decided this may be one of my favorite movies. With blatant honesty, struggles are not masked-not covered by a fake attempt at perfection. With the song "Take me as I am" playing in the background, I can only envision the possibilities for a community like this.
What makes us think that by being a Christian it means we conceal our failures, temptations, struggles? Why do we feel like we have to one up each other and not let people see our true insecurities?
As the body of Christ it seems to me our purpose is to help one another-to forgive, accept, encourage our brothers and sisters. instead we do goo deeds, put on a smile and "i'm good" attitude. What's so wrong with our needs-the voids in our very own hearts and the cries we cannot always understand ourselves. Yes, I believe Christ wants to and will heal us, but I think He has given us a body of believers in order to help us through that.
I am facing this in my own life. A couple weeks ago I was able to have a time of confession with my college pastor. It was real-it was deep, imperfect, ugly sin. The process of bringing it to light was beautiful. My soul was refreshed and by bringing that to the surface, I have been able to learn a lot more about myself, my past and how it affects my future.
This is not a traumatic experience, it is exhilarating.
I wonder what it would take for us to be comfortable with who we are-so comfortable that we let others see beyond the layers and layers we pile on....
...take me as i am.
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