When Riding in an Ambulance

This week was insane. Work is really ramping up, and so are my requirements outside of work. I somehow managed to completely book events for myself Monday-Sunday, with no. breaks. Who does that?! Crazy people, that's who. I can't even think my thoughts or feel my feelings, because everyone else's are all up on me.

Monday, my plans drastically changed form attending Perspectives to taking my mom to the ER. I know. Totally nuts. She really hurt her back and was immobile. My dad and I could not comfortably get her in the car to drive her ourselves, so we had to call 911 for an ambulance. It was stressful, because it wasn't a really immediate emergency... but we really needed that gurney! Within a few minutes, the ambulance, fire truck, EMT's and Firemen were all in my parent's living room. I ring checked every last one of those men, but I was too stressed to attempt to get one of them to notice me. Whoops.

My dad and I rode separately from mom, in my car. Little did I know, she was chatting those EMT's up for me, telling them all that I was single. Oh Lordy.

But here's where the humor turns into God's glorious grace and majesty- the EMT student, whose name is Lawson, was speaking with a slight accent. My mom asked him where he was from, and he nonchalantly replies, "I'm from Kenya." My mom gasped and told him, "My daughter is about to move there! What part of Kenya are you from?!"

It turns out that Lawson is from Nairobi, and has heard about Naomi's Village. He tells my mom to relay this message to me: "Tell her that she is doing a great thing for Kenya."

What. Is. Happening? In the same moments that I'm cracking jokes and remaining calm on the outside- only to be a complete mess inwardly, thinking about my parents and their health and how I won't be here to help if they need me- God shows His confirmation of my going to Kenya to my mom as she is on an ambulance driving to the Emergency Room. How amazing is our God?

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

you have established strength because of your foes,

to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings[b]

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

you have put all things under his feet,

all sheep and oxen,

and also the beasts of the field,

the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8

Moving!

Some of you may have seen this coming, but I really wasn't certain until after I returned home and prayed more and got confirmation from others... here it goes:

I am moving to Kenya!

I knew when I went to Naomi's Village in 2013 that my interaction with the organization and their vision was far from a one time thing. I just didn't know what the extent of it would come to be.

This is the true measure of all I've learned about truly making Jesus ultimate and living with an open hand. This feels like the biggest thing I have ever done to be obedient.

I don't know all of the details yet, but here are the things I do know:

• When are you going?

I will be going in August of 2015, Lord willing!

• What will you do?

I will be an Assistant Headmaster at Cornerstone. I will be working in the details of teacher training, teacher evaluation, interventions for students, either remediation or extensions as needed, as well as helping to build the portion of students from the community who will be able to enroll at Cornerstone.

• Is this a paid position?

This is considered a missionary appointment. I will raise funds to pay for my living expenses.

• Where will you live?

Most likely, I will start out at the guesthouse at Naomi's Village. Cornerstone still has classes on the Naomi's Village campus, so it would be very easy for me to get to and from work each day. When the school building opens on its own land, I may move to another location.

• How long will you be there?

I have agreed to start out at a two year commitment.

• What about your house, car, and stuff?

I'm selling my house, car, and most of my stuff. 

• What about Hazel?

I don't know yet. I have had a few people offer to keep her for me, but the details of that have not been talked about or agreed upon. This is the hardest part of the whole move for me. I love my doggie- but not more than Jesus (I think)! (Sorry mom and dad- but we have FaceTime!)

• So, how can I help?

Well, first and foremost- pray for me. I am going through a lot of emotions right now and letting go of dreams and learning about the dreams God has for me. I am in the Sending Program and working full time (It seems I am ALWAYS learning/taking classes. Good Lord!)

Secondly, I will need to raise funds once the time comes. In the meantime, help build Cornerstone so we can add more kids from the Maai Mahiu community to each grade level. The vision for Cornerstone is so much bigger than simply educating the kids at Naomi's Village- but we need the building to make that happen. Run/walk in the It Takes a Village 5K on October 4, 2014. If you aren't local or you already have plans that morning, you can race from bed. Or you can just make a donation to the school's building fund on the Naomi's Village website.

I'm so excited to share this journey with all of you as it unfolds!

Slowly Adjusting

Yesterday was the first day I was excited to be at home. My brother and sister in law were coming over for dinner, and I was going to make it for them! They were also going to be getting their souvenirs that I picked up for them, which made me extra excited. I finished cleaning up the piles on the coffee table, and reduced my dining room table down to the small 2 seat version. I was able to lower both leaves after they had been cleared of papers, shillings, euros, to do lists, cards, and kleenexes. Sometimes cleaning up takes making a bigger mess before you can get everything back in order.

We had the best time at dinner. Tacos, talk, laughter, drinks. Nathan played his new drum, Morgan asked if I got her that scarf because it had her two favorite colors in it (of course I had, because I couldn't believe how perfect it would be for her).

This morning, I woke up feeling better than I had in days. Didn't even have to blow my nose. Things were looking up, people.

But then, it happened. A shock to my senses.

I went to the kitchen to fill up a water bottle- I knew I would get thirsty today, helping Carolyn move some classroom stuff. When I opened the cabinet, my olive green Nalgene was staring back at me. I was shocked. What was that doing in there? That's my Kenya water bottle. The one I used daily at Naomi's Village. The one I had purchased especially for this trip- last year I borrowed a Nalgene. This year, I decided to get my very own.

When at Naomi's Village, I often had stomach pains. Some to do with different foods (which all tasted delicious, but my body wasn't used to) and some emotional- fear, not knowing what the future held, and so on. Nurse Ann suggested I take more water (did you hear that? Take water, not drink it. Love her!) and even mix it in with Crystal Light for some added flavor and nutrients (does Crystal Light have nutrients? I dunno but it's delish!) Thank the Lord that the Powell's brought so. many. packets. of. Crystal Light. Since the Nalgene is semi-opaque, on days that I made Crystal Light to drink, John always wanted to know what I was drinking. Was it juice? Did it taste good? What did it taste like?Why didn't I have water? Could he have a drink?

I told him that I was drinking fruit flavored medicine to help my stomach (Remember, a NURSE told me it has nutrients). That was good enough for him, and then he would ask me through the day if I felt better, or if my tummy still had pain.

So, finding this offensive green bottle in my kitchen cabinet in Lewisville, Texas this morning was super weird. It seemed very out of place. But I realized that it wasn't out of place at all. That's the water bottle cabinet- Where we put all the water bottles. It's just that this specific bottle has one specific purpose- it's just for water 'on the go' when I leave home.

10,000 Reasons

I'm back in Texas. It's a weird feeling. I really want to be around people (one on one or in small groups, thankyouverymuch), but I don't really want to talk about Kenya the whole time. But that's what people want me to talk about. I can't really summarize 6 weeks into one conversation over dinner and drinks. It's too much. And to do it over and over and over again feels like torture. Because I loved every minute I was there. Even the minutes where I was lonely, angry, or frustrated. 

One of the most often sung songs at Naomi's Village these days is "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)". We sang it as soon as we knew the Cornerstone Land was ours. My friend Bonface really loves that one. And I love it too. I loved it before going to Naomi's Village, because it reminds me of my Mama, whom I lost here on Earth in 2003, almost 11 years ago.


"And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore"


Even with Ovarian cancer, she believed in the Lord's goodness. For two years she suffered greatly, but there would never be a complaint uttered from her lips. Her food tasted like metal because of the radiation. She had sores on her body where the cancer literally ate through her (she claimed they were just "little old bedsores")- and she still did everything to be joyful and make others feel comfortable. On our last Christmas together, after presents were opened, food was prepared and eaten, and everyone was relaxing- Mama couldn't be found. I wandered around, until I found her laying on my aunt's bed, exhausted from the day's events. As I lie down beside her, she still had the strength to talk with me, ask me about the guy I was dating at the time (Allie that's for you), and how I was enjoying my freshman year at UNT. When she went to Heaven in August of 2003, I was there. I was with her in her and papa's bedroom. I was holding her hand for awhile. I watched her body release her spirit into the spiritual realm.


So, you see, Kenya and worship and memories of Mama are all intertwined. They're my life. It's hard to talk about one without the others. Please, don't expect me to share every detail of every moment of my six weeks in Kenya with you all in one sitting. You might be there awhile, and we might venture back in time 11 years! Please bear with me as I transition back into life in America. If I felt out of place before... wow. Look at me now.

Cornerstone has a Home!

It's been a long and secretive journey to get to the place we were today. It's been 18 months of land deals gone bad, paperwork failing to be produced, and unstable Kenyan land closings. Last Wednesday, Naomi's Village acquired 21 acres of land in the Maai Mahiu area to build the primary and secondary schools on. Bob and Julie took us to see it, and it took my breath away. The views these kids will have when walking to school, or glancing out the window, is beyond beautiful.

It became official on Thursday with the signing and delivery of the land deed, so we cheered and jumped and praised God for what only he could accomplish in this time of striving and working. To stand in a circle with Ashley, Allie, Bonface, Oscar, Fred, Tinkoy, Stella, Dennis, Jane, and John N. singing "Bless the Lord, oh my Soul" was a great reminder to thank the One who makes all things work out according to His timing. I have oftentimes forgotten to take note of that, even in my time here, that God is not on my time table, but rather I am on his. In fact, He is outside of time, something I've written about before.

Today, we took ALL of the school kids, the teachers, the NV staff, and the Mendonsas to check out the new land and to celebrate. It was the sweetest time, to see Nurse Anne rejoice with fervor and Auntie Flo burst into worship and appreciation for all God has provided. He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. We stood in a huge circle in the middle of the land, singing to the Lord as the kids and locals from the area gathered to listen and watch this group of Kenyans and Mzungus dance and shout and sing to our great God.

The Lord was merciful to me in that I'm leaving Kenya on Monday. The fact that I was able to be here when they celebrated with the teachers and kids was very special.  He didn't have to do that for me- I don't deserve anything special.

I will write another time about our teacher get together that we had this afternoon- I am still so raw and moved and teary about it- I can't possibly put it into words tonight.

Mount Longonot

You guys, I hiked up a volcano today! Me, Allie, and Ashley went to hike Mount Longonot, it is very near to Naomi's Village. I was super pumped to go hiking today, since I haven't been in awhile... since maybe the time me and Lissa hiked our way around America. I thought about that trip so many times today, and it made me miss my dear friend even more. We had some TIMES on that trip. I even brought the same giant heifer lady hiking boots for this hike today.

I, of course, was leading up the rear of the group, hefting and hoisting my way through thinning altitude air and as usual, I was sweating buckets. It wasn't pretty, folks. But you know what was pretty? Turning around every once and again and looking at just how far we'd come. When I thought my legs were going to fall off, or I was actually going to fall over from slipping in the volcanic ash that covered the trail- I would stop and turn. There were so many beautiful views of this amazing country that I would have missed if I hadn't walked through the tough terrain to see what has been left behind me.

Taking a breather.

Looking back along the way and seeing where we'd started.

Many times today, I thought of the old hymn, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand..." And it literally was. I mean, I was slipping and sliding in this ash/dust/sand/dirt mix that just wouldn't quit. It reminded me that anything I pin my dreams and hopes on other than Jesus are sinking sand. They can chain me up, feeling like a prisoner in my own life, but Christ didn't come for me to believe that or feel that way! I feel nervous, yet empowered to step out and work toward more of what God is impressing upon me to go and do. Deep thoughts for a hike, I know- but I also yelled "Jesus take the wheel!" a couple of times, and also "Aye yi yi". So there's that.

It's also amazing to me that I would exert so much effort, to the point of breathing hard, having a difficult time talking, and ensuring that my gluteus maximus would be ever so sore- and it was FUN. Just another reminder of this truth: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Check out these amazing pics!

Almost there...

I did it!

The peak

Ashley, me, and Allie

Me and the peak, hanging out

Emoting the beauty all around me, duh.

Ashley and I

Allie and I

Last time looking out at the way we came

The most beautiful expression in the world. I make it all the time. Finally immortalized in print. Best part is, you can't see my hands. Because seriously, what ARE you supposed to do with your hand in pictures, I ask you?!?

Giraffe friends who eat at the base of the volcano.

Standing Firm

Something I've been studying and thinking on recently is what it means to stand firm. In having conversations with others, I have been hearing things like, "I just need to keep my mouth shut", or "I am not good at saying no", or "I don't like confrontation". I believe that we should be doing only what the Lord is leading us to do. Never should we be swayed by what we would prefer, or what we know would assist us in avoiding friction with others. 

I have so been in the place before where fear of man gripped me (or maybe I was gripping it?) that I made decisions based on what I perceived others may possibly think of me if I made one decision or another. Guess what that does? It chains me up, rather than frees me. 

As believers, we should be content to be ourselves because of who we are in Christ. We have been made new, and not because of anything we have done or abstained from. I think especially when we are among other believers, we should find the unconditional acceptance that goes with being adopted into God's family. Standing firm should not be a point of contention amongst the body. Answer this question for yourself: Am I showing the unconditional love and acceptance of the Father in my community?

This morning at devotion, Teacher Simiyu told this story: "There were seven men who were hungry, so they decided to find some fruit to eat. Two went walking, two picked the fruit, two brought it over, and one ate it- yet all were satisfied. How can this be? Well, two men were the legs, two men were the arms, two men were the hands, and one man was the mouth, all of the same body. Do the legs complain that they got no nourishment from the fruit simply because they did not chew it up? Not at all!" This really spoke to me as a reminder to consider others as part of one body, to show honor and love to those around you, not trying to argue about situations that don't matter in light of eternity, and to "get" for myself, rather than trying to give to others. These are actions and issues of the heart that I earnestly attempt to adhere to despite my flesh crying out to be noticed, congratulated, and catered to.

Here are a few verses that have encouraged me over the last few days:

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Chron 20:17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Eph 6:10-20

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Phil 1:27-30

I exhort you to stand firm, show grace, humble yourself, and love others unconditionally. The only possible way to do this is through the strength of Christ.