tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40467175400885108972018-05-16T03:30:00.981+03:00too small a thingthe Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-80104667576804885422018-01-22T23:18:00.001+03:002018-01-22T23:18:09.212+03:00Where have YOU been?<p>Hey, we still have a blog! Who knew?</p><p>Lord willing, moments of reflection will be afforded over the next few months while we are on Home Assignment and we may actually post a few thoughts on what we’re learning and doing. In the meantime (and since our last post well over a year ago!), we have been utilizing Mailchimp to send out email updates more regularly. </p><p><strong><font size="3">WANT REGULAR EMAIL UPDATES from the Schmidt family?</font></strong></p><p><a href="http://blogspot.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=aad22c9111" target="_blank">If you’d like to SUBSCRIBE to those updates, click here.</a> If you’d like to peruse the past year’s worth of emails, you can pick and choose from the individual links below.</p><p>Thanks and God bless!</p><p>Newsletter <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=c811daab7a" target="_blank">February 17, 2017</a></p><p>Newsletter <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=2f02124290" target="_blank">March 14, 2017</a></p><p>Thank you for praying! <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=e20d82e34b" target="_blank">March 15, 2017</a></p><p>Is it legal for a man living in Tanzania to be buried in Kenya? <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=512ad5b1f3" target="_blank">March 26, 2017</a></p><p>What’s the best thing about Switzerland? <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=1499a8feac" target="_blank">April 10, 2017</a></p><p>What’s the trouble with pet chameleons? <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=7c78282080" target="_blank">April 26, 2017</a></p><p>In Kijabe, when it rains…<a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=b22c896714" target="_blank">May 9, 2017</a></p><p>Sharing is Caring…unless it’s the stomach bug. <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=93ca6e5610" target="_blank">May 24, 2017</a></p><p>Glass half empty or half full? <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=13976c1112" target="_blank">June 6, 2017</a></p><p>Winding down<a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=df7ed0da10" target="_blank">June 24, 2017</a></p><p>Look who’s 35! <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=b22886ff14" target="_blank">July 8, 2017</a></p><p>Moving on…<a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=c6002a376d" target="_blank">July 11, 2017</a></p><p>What is a missionary’s favorite car? <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=b047e35344" target="_blank">August 3, 2017</a></p><p>Behold, the new has come! <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=dffdf45733" target="_blank">August 20, 2017</a></p><p>Praise and prayer update <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=ab5206e09e" target="_blank">September 7, 2017</a></p><p>What did one autumn leaf say to another? <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=97cfce729c" target="_blank">September 23, 2017</a></p><p>New Ministry video! <a href="http://mailchi.mp/e901daa54988/new-ministry-video" target="_blank">September 30, 2017</a></p><p>Multi-cultural Day! <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=aa0ae6c53a" target="_blank">October 27, 2017</a></p><p>Gobble, gobble…<a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=ba03f90633" target="_blank">November 20, 2017</a></p><p>Puddle jumping v3.0 <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=cfd9fa1169" target="_blank">November 27, 2017</a></p><p>Merry Christmas from the Schmidts <a href="https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=07731e1bc3317a48f9aafced3&id=61f14d8674" target="_blank">December 20, 2017</a></p><p>Praise Update <a href="http://mailchi.mp/9aa6d50da432/praise-update" target="_blank">January 22, 2018</a></p>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-75474419042996456402016-09-21T14:40:00.001+03:002016-09-21T14:52:39.213+03:00Live to Serve<p><em>We live to serve.</em> A phrase I've heard my good friend Kelly say for years and a phrase that the Lord continues to bring to mind as Dan and I transition our roles here at RVA and watch other staff do the same. <p><strong>I want to live to serve. Not because the work is glamorous or personally fulfilling (though sometimes it is) or even because it lines up with my gifts and abilities, but out of a heart of obedience first. </strong> <p>We moved here in 2012 in order to serve the children of missionaries, <strong><a href="http://issuu.com/genevacollege/docs/gm-winter-2013/17?e=1160105/1430679">washing the feet of those who bring good news.</a></strong> <p><strong>We didn't come simply to teach math to missionary children or simply to <a href="http://schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.co.ke/2013/07/this-is-why-were-here.html">mentor missionary children</a>, we came for all of it, <a href="http://schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.co.ke/2013/07/in-their-own-words.html">the whole package</a>, however we can best help wash those feet.</strong> Our roles and responsibilities have looked different each year here at RVA, we've worn a number of hats, and this year we take on yet another. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9YjVFvfzXg/V-Jz-zT6BaI/AAAAAAAAFQw/_XfVp7aAetQ/s1600-h/DSC_0226%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0226" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0226" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YimdLztogQ0/V-J0AGh4oqI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/GUxUd76GwTo/DSC_0226_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>A few weeks ago, we welcomed five new families into our home, those who were bringing their son to RVA for the first time. Those who were bringing their son not only to RVA for the first time, but were prepared to entrust US with him for the next twelve weeks. Over tea, we talked about their ministries and their work and their kids. <strong>My job this year is to be a mom to these ten boys in addition to my own three.</strong> It's a role I feel extremely inadequate to fulfill, but it's a role we felt the Lord leading us to take on and <strong>we live to serve. </strong> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vdLcSEwSSAM/V-J0EkrDsBI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/QwTdF-BVJD4/s1600-h/DSC_0017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uVkbft_hv_4/V-J0Fm2H3vI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/quRad4ihKG4/DSC_0017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>Those families stayed with us on their last night and said their <em>see-you-later</em>s to their precious children in our front yard. Four more arrived on flights from Mozambique and Uganda among other places, those who have boarded here before, and <strong>we began life as a family of fifteen this term.</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-srofC7K2boE/V-J0IIBtUnI/AAAAAAAAFRA/zY-Evl408xM/s1600-h/DSC_0015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9iTsTKL6pY/V-J0KfSyQoI/AAAAAAAAFRE/TQvv42F6-Gg/DSC_0015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We live to serve. We live to serve a risen Savior who asks us to do hard things for His kingdom and His glory.<strong> </strong> <p><strong>We live to serve by obediently stepping into roles, sometimes different ones every year, <font size="3">sometimes glamorous roles</font> but mostly not, <font size="3">sometimes center stage roles</font> but mostly not, <font size="3">sometimes personally life-giving roles</font> but mostly not. And that's OK. Because it’s not about <font size="3">US</font> and whether what we do here fits into a nice neat box. </strong> <p><strong>It’s about THE ONE who called us here to do the foot-washing, whatever that may look like, and it will likely look different every year.</strong> <p>May we all learn, as I am in the process of being taught, to do what is asked of us with a willing heart, <strong>grateful just for the chance to be a part of the foot-washing. </strong></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/522dd3fb5512faf6ccc5a9967b88cc5a.png"></a> <p><em>How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.” Romans 10:14-15</em></p>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-61615353300403828212016-08-13T07:43:00.001+03:002016-08-13T07:43:53.792+03:00Passports for Minors (Nairobi Edition)<p>If you’ve been hanging around our blog for awhile, you may remember a humorous jab we took at ourselves, the red-tape bureaucracy of international travel, and the joys of raising children in general, about 5 years ago. <a href="http://schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.co.ke/2011/08/comic-relief-passports-for-minors.html">You can read all about it here.</a></p> <p>Well, we’ve done it again. Expiring every five years, passport renewal appointments for anyone under 18 years of age applies to 3/5 of our clan – that’s twice every decade, folks. This opens the door for memories to be pasted into the scrapbook of our collective minds, more quality family bonding time, and <strong>additional lessons to be learned on the highways and byways of life – or, in this case, Nairobi, Kenya.</strong></p> <p>Come along with us as we recount our recent tribulation…I mean, triumph. Join our tribe on the adventure that is lovingly referred to as <strong>a necessary evil, one that keeps us legal here in Kenya and allows us to return to the home of Michael Phelps every so often.</strong> Take these statements for what they’re worth (not much) and consider them as you plan your own excursions along the oft-traveled path to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.</p> <p>The morning of, pack several compact discs featuring Adventures in Odyssey. These are vital for <strong>maintaining the sanity of any parental chauffer with children under 10.</strong> Alphabet-based competitions are always an fan favorite, along with rousing games of <strong>“Count the donkeys, kids”</strong> or <strong>“How many speed bumps was that?”</strong> Anything to keep the pre-adolescents from constantly touching, tickling, and screaming on your way to stop number 1.</p> <p><strong>Stop number 1: PASSPORT PHOTOS.</strong></p> <p>If you play your cards right, these photos can be processed in less than an hour, giving you ample time to shop for a few necessities, visit a toy store or two, and give your children the opportunity to stretch their legs after the hour-plus journey. Always remember: YES to pushing the cart and NO to riding the close-to-life-size elephant outside of Nakumatt. Close encounters with any aquatic life wading in decorative ponds are also encouraged, just not too close. </p> <p>When having their passport photos taken, we stumbled upon the sheer genius of letting the photographer do all the verbal correcting. They’re not likely to listen to your suggestions on appropriate head-tilt anyways, and too many chefs in the kitchen…well, you get the idea. 15-20 minute photo processing is a wonder of the 21st century that we can all agree is a GOOD technological advancement.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4HuamKRfHuU/V66lOaDeSYI/AAAAAAAAFPs/X9NHsXJ5upc/s1600-h/passports%252520for%252520minors%2525202011%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="passports for minors 2011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="passports for minors 2011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJQVTF-6Sb4/V66lQnImhnI/AAAAAAAAFPw/ITU7-y5n2ak/passports%252520for%252520minors%2525202011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="176"></a><br>2011</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ijZMwxyn1k/V66lSNHLlEI/AAAAAAAAFP0/yQTsKbVJDXQ/s1600-h/Picasa%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Picasa" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Picasa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vF-cZ2TkSMg/V66lTAZNjCI/AAAAAAAAFP4/lKS2JeyHh58/Picasa_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="178"></a><br>2016</p> <p><strong>Stop number 2: FOOD.</strong></p> <p>Yes, the journey thus far has taken you up to the lunch hour; this isn’t suburban Pittsburgh, people. If there is a food court with the Olympics playing on television, great; take advantage. Unfortunately, this is somewhat rare (only occurring about 5 times per decade if you count both Winter and Summer Games) so try to plan your passport expiration and renewal needs accordingly. In our case, we ignored the food court (too many choices for our crew) and went with the can’t miss option nearby: <strong>DOMINO’S PIZZA!!</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fYy42ucs0gE/V66lU5t_DnI/AAAAAAAAFP8/bcbG9e7_7WQ/s1600-h/IMG_1088%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1088" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1088" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-14gXiEzaqhU/V66lW926QnI/AAAAAAAAFQA/PswVRJgw37s/IMG_1088_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="337"></a></strong></p> <p>This choice will likely result in the following: cheers all around, food everyone loves, bottom-less sodas, and <strong>another screen to keep them occupied whilst you enjoy empty calories as a family.</strong> YOU ARE ALL-STAR PARENTS!</p> <p><strong>Stop number 3: PARKING.</strong></p> <p>Those who choose to do proper research ahead of time can largely ignore this “stop” along the way. For us, however, it was the most exciting leg of the expedition. Using Google Maps to plot our course, we simply assumed all the <strong>nice gentlemen dressed in camo and toting impressive artillery</strong> would allow us to settle our car in the Embassy’s main parking lot. <strong>Silly us.</strong> But, if you want to really spice up your trip, try to park there anyways. They will be very helpful, directing you to turn around and pay for parking somewhere nearby, where you can proceed to enter the grounds on foot. </p> <p>As an added bonus, <strong>try making an illegal U-turn</strong> in such a way that several armed Embassy officers are in plain sight, one of which might sternly direct you to pull to the side, exit your vehicle promptly, and open both the hatch and the boot (hood, for you Americans) in order to inspect the vehicle. After all, there are terrorists among us. <strong>This will not be a pleasant conversation</strong>, and you would do well to implore his forgiveness for this lack of judgement on your part, ensuring him that you only want to get to your appointment at 1:00 (it is now 12:50) so your children can legally depart from his country at some future date. </p> <p>Assuming you properly primed your offspring with glucose during stop number 2, you will benefit from constant <strong>giggling, wrestling, and other varied shenanigans</strong> from your young ones in the back seat during these tense moments with a very upset member of the Kenyan military. This will serve to increase the anxiety level of your wife, who is sure your mindless highway infraction <strong>will result in the incarceration of her husband, and possibly one or two of her children as well.</strong> After all, this is immediately outside the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, possibly the most highly secured and well-guarded destination in all of East Africa. <strong>THIS</strong> is the place you want your kids to be on a sugar-high. <strong>THIS</strong> is the place you want to make an illegal U-turn. </p> <p>But I digress.</p> <p><strong>Stop number 4: PARKING, for real.</strong></p> <p>After your brief interaction with the authorities, you will likely be shaking, your wife will be boarder-line inconsolable, and your kids will either be crying or dying of laughter simply due to the fact that <strong><em>“Daddy almost went to prison!”</em></strong> At this point, despite the insatiable curiosity from the back seat concerning, “Why do they all have to carry guns?”, and the time dwindling before you’re late for your appointment, find a LEGAL parking spot already and get on with it!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-15mo8MHPpnI/V66lY5LQqII/AAAAAAAAFQE/1BPPxphh5oA/s1600-h/passport%252520cover%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="passport cover" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="passport cover" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3hIjBv94FM/V66laBIp7rI/AAAAAAAAFQI/LlomoFhSTac/passport%252520cover_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>Stop number 5: EMBASSY SECURITY</strong></p> <p>U.S. Embassy. Security. High (the sugar level in your kids, that is). Thankfully, your kids might still be cute enough that their outlandish comments and behavior will mostly be overlooked, even smirked at, by <strong>the myriad guards and security personnel you will meet over the span of 200 yards or so from the gate to the location of the U.S. Consulate.</strong> Once there, you will breath a sigh of relief, as the woman who hands you your number (like the tag you get a the deli so you know when it’s your turn) directs your children to the play area. <strong>A play area!</strong> You’ll be even more thrilled when another family, similarly distraught and angst-filled due to the privilege of carrying out this task with minors, walks in behind you. <strong>Friends to play with!</strong> This is key. Make any arrangements necessary to ensure this happens on your trip. </p> <p><strong>Stop number 6: WAITING</strong></p> <p>As long as your kids don’t start arm-wrestling on the floor with the kids from the other family, you should be fine. Just wait. Patience is a virtue, right? <strong> If they DO start arm-wrestling, try to remember that nobody cares as much as you</strong>, and that everyone else waiting in line is probably grateful for the entertainment (all cell phones and electronic devices were turned in at the 3rd of 12 security stops on your way in, so Facebook and/or Pinterest are non-options).</p> <p><strong>Yes</strong>, there are bathrooms. <strong>Yes</strong>, your kids will need to use them at least once each (remember the bottom-less sodas?). <strong>Yes</strong>, they are located close enough to the waiting area that everyone will hear EVERYTHING that takes place in those restrooms. <strong>Relax. It’s almost over.</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jdTV0P9SlxQ/V66ldBxliKI/AAAAAAAAFQM/mBP4dlswgKE/s1600-h/passport%252520inside%252520page%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="passport inside page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="passport inside page" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vzusbHk-G_c/V66leVga-_I/AAAAAAAAFQQ/RbvqbOec7cs/passport%252520inside%252520page_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>Stop number 7: YOUR NUMBER IS CALLED!</strong></p> <p>Proceed to the private room where the nice lady helps you process your passport applications. You have already paid the fee, so the painful part is behind you (cough). <strong>Now it’s just a matter of convincing her that the 5 year old girl sitting on your lap is, in fact, the same girl in the original passport picture at 11 weeks old.</strong> This will likely not happen based solely on your word, so plan to email her several growth photos when you get your electronic devices back later. </p> <p>You’ll provide your John Hancock in a few spots, you’ll be told that you can pick up the renewed passports at a time and place that is inconvenient for you, and you will walk out of that little room <strong>just a little happier than when you entered it</strong>. Now your reply to “Can you go now?” will be “Yes, my love, of course we can”, instead of the hushed, harsh, and repeated response of, “Would you just sit STILL!?!” </p> <p>Remember, you’re a good parent and your children are angels. </p> <p><strong>Stop number 8: RETURN to KIJABE</strong></p> <p>Open the windows, crank the tunes/Odyssey episode, and <strong>please plan on bringing snacks</strong>. Your children will try to convince you that they’ve experienced a minor famine over the past three hours and might not be able to carry on (try to be understanding – the crash after a sugar high can be rough on the little ones).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WTA_pm7cyYw/V66lgNXHK5I/AAAAAAAAFQU/-IjTUBpqF2o/s1600-h/IMG_4285%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4285" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4285" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtsDmYDexiA/V66lhvjgL8I/AAAAAAAAFQY/gcPDAWWtjj4/IMG_4285_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>Stop number 9: HOME</strong></p> <p><strong>You did it!</strong> With any luck, you’ll soon be granted legal passage for your minors to and from all sovereign nations of the world!<strong>*</strong> Well done, brave soul. For another five years, you can relax and watch your children grow.<strong>**</strong> Reassure yourself that the next time you are tasked with this objective, it will almost certainly be easier.<strong>***</strong> </p> <p>That’s it – thanks for reading! Feel free to email the U.S. Embassy today and get started on your own adventure. <strong>****</strong></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a> <p><font size="1">*Travel visas and airfare expenses NOT included.<br>**Please remember to take pictures of your children from time to time in case you need photographic evidence that they are, in fact, still the same children 5 years later.<br></font><font size="1">***This is not likely to be the case, but you can fool yourself into thinking so.<br>****<strong>DO NOT</strong> email the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi (unless, of course, you are residing in Kenya when you need to renew your U.S. passport)</font></p>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-88071921867420723342016-07-23T09:49:00.000+03:002016-07-23T09:52:15.248+03:00All things NEW<p align="left">Last Thursday was RVA’s Commencement Ceremony. For our family, it marked the ending and beginning of many aspects of our lives here in Kenya. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1uT_x8qkwGY/V5MTiH25mqI/AAAAAAAAFME/dlmmGZBeHGQ/s1600-h/DSC_01033.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gA5XFEZ-9b4/V5MTkm03d1I/AAAAAAAAFMI/JUeop-iIJwU/DSC_0103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left"><u><strong>ENDINGS:</strong></u> </p> <p align="left"><strong>Class of 2016</strong> – We will miss the smiling faces of the class we’ve come to know and love these past four years. God has big things in store as they literally spread from here all around the globe this week. This is, of course, a significant beginning for them as well. College for many, gap years for a few, military service, work, and many other “firsts” await these young people, just after they’ve wrapped up so many “lasts” here at Rift Valley Academy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xR_n4pnmcuI/V5MTnBryvcI/AAAAAAAAFMM/_15p7ocqVh8/s1600-h/DSC_0228b7.jpg"><img title="DSC_0228b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0228b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-meQT6w8QUCg/V5MTrKZKg-I/AAAAAAAAFMQ/lxwfrOWcacg/DSC_0228b_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="249"></a></p> <p><strong>House #832</strong> – Our little white house has been a wonderful home for us since we arrived in August of 2012. Many memories and transitions, laughter and tears were shared within those four walls. <img title="DSCN4709" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCN4709" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AVU52QDPXvs/V5MTtE3sgnI/AAAAAAAAFMU/AfdMJTP47ww/DSCN4709_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="337"><br><strong>Relationships</strong> – We’ve said hard goodbyes before. It turns out they don’t get any easier just because you’re a veteran. Tear-filled embraces were shared and gut-wrenching farewells were given this past week as our best friends left RVA to step into the next chapter in their lives. As hard as it was to see them go, we are confident this isn’t really an ending, just an adjustment; a turning of the page, as our student commencement speaker so eloquently noted. <strong>God is still God. We are still His children. Nothing can tear us out of His hands or from His family around the globe.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IvEQ-4Cjrrc/V5MTvdcXO3I/AAAAAAAAFMY/pBXu0_yIy3c/s1600-h/DSC_00393.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P85W7eTuB4Q/V5MTx7BXc9I/AAAAAAAAFMc/rlekqwHw1Ps/DSC_0039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="284"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q0trq10hdgE/V5MT0m_O9eI/AAAAAAAAFMg/eD1-cDYNdRo/s1600-h/DSC_04013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0401" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0401" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3vl5fwMhT2o/V5MT3NIl2zI/AAAAAAAAFMk/QvvloedRH80/DSC_0401_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><u><strong></strong></u> </p> <p><u><strong>BEGINNINGS:</strong></u></p> <p><strong>Classes of 2029, 2027, 2026, 2025, 2024, and 2023</strong> – These are the RVA graduating classes that will soon be represented in our home (our three included). 11 bundles of pre-adolescent male potential and kinetic energy will soon be added. By the end of August, our home will be multi-colored, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural! New smiling faces, new adventures, new joys and pains, and lots of NOISE. <strong>By God’s grace and through your prayers</strong> will we enter this new chapter of mentoring young men to His glory.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YvXvuxX7BSE/V5MT5bY8D0I/AAAAAAAAFMo/MpCUB8uIOPE/s1600-h/DSC_00993.jpg"><img title="DSC_0099" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0099" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qGVjDTBVkeU/V5MT7kY65rI/AAAAAAAAFMs/hDJqsIjXeVQ/DSC_0099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><br><font size="1">An appropriate wall decal in the dining room.</font></p> <p align="left"><strong>Tembo Dorm, #812</strong> – We have now moved across the campus and up the hill (we’re convinced it’s 10 degrees cooler up here!). New digs at a new elevation, complete with new neighbors, new roles, and new brothers! <strong>Pray for our family, and their families, as we anticipate their arrival in a few short weeks.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnATfPVvHGE/V5MT-fbIWWI/AAAAAAAAFMw/A-LdO2NUBnA/s1600-h/DSC_00973.jpg"><img title="DSC_0097" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0097" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrwtsxBuZ6M/V5MUBOmOVbI/AAAAAAAAFM0/nAPp1Ame5To/DSC_0097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>NEW Relationships</strong> – A whole new batch of RVA-ers arrives in the coming weeks. Dorm parents, teachers, administrators, project managers, moms and dads, sons and daughters. Some returning, some brand new, all excited about the ministry opportunities that await them. <strong>Pray for good transitions</strong> and a welcoming spirit by those of us receiving them. </p> <p><strong>NEW Video</strong> – Check out our newest video, created by us thanks to a request by Alden Mennonite Church’s VBS this past week.<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N1Pc5s9xhKU?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.rva.org">NEW Website</a></strong> – Check out <a href="http://www.rva.org">RVA’s newly updated website</a> – see if you can find any of us in the pictures :)</p> <p><strong>NEW Life</strong> – Pray with us as we grieve from across the ocean. Two solid Christian men, dear friends of ours, and pillars at First Presbyterian Church in Beaver, PA, entered into the Lord’s presence earlier this month. <strong>Lift up the Maize and the James families as they settle into life without Ian and Tom.</strong> Praise God with us as we find comfort in knowing their eternal resting place, worshipping His glorious name, face to face, for all eternity. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ5Tw0RiY4o/V5MUDbiDx9I/AAAAAAAAFM4/JH3AQczmmvY/s1600-h/IMG_12803.jpg"><img title="IMG_1280" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1280" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2fF1dU0xBc/V5MUHNWbK5I/AAAAAAAAFM8/vavPbsgJOiE/IMG_1280_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="337"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>NEW lessons</strong> from an old truth:</p> <p><strong>But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, <sup></sup>I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. <u>For <sup></sup>when I am weak, then I am strong</u>. <br>2 Corinthians 12:9-10</strong></p> <p>Too many times I desperately want to be better, to perform, to measure up, to be the best, to figure it out and overcome obstacles in my own strength. God has been gently and consistently reminding me how, and in what state, He chooses to use His people. His glory will be made manifest, His power will be on display, His greatness will be shown to the nations, if only His children will get out of the way and let Him do it. <strong>He still desires to use me, but only in the depths of my weakness, when my need for Him is real.</strong></p> <p>Right now, amidst all the changes, the goodbyes, and the new challenges ahead, I am keenly aware of my need for Him. </p> <p>I guess this is exactly where He wants me.</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-24434640310451745092016-06-01T11:48:00.001+03:002016-06-02T08:05:03.100+03:00Gentle Reminders<p>Dear friends being called away from life and work at RVA has sent me into an unexpected emotional tailspin and I’ve been more homesick in the past month than in all of my four years on the field. <strong>During this painful month of May, I’ve been asking God to show me why I’m here</strong>. I want to remember His faithfulness and abundant clarity in bringing us here and I want to see again His faithfulness and abundant clarity in keeping us here.</p> <p><font color="#b02807"></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kf0Lb3rvKJk/V06hW4FQRmI/AAAAAAAAFLc/GLC19qUf6TA/s1600-h/IMG_0772%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0772" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0772" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eeDWe7yXpbc/V06hXnG8_AI/AAAAAAAAFLg/sKtHc8Fa6B8/IMG_0772_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"></a></p> <p><strong>Just outside our little white house in Kenya, we have a newly renovated bungalow.</strong> It’s intention is to house student teachers for a term at a time, however this school year it has been used regularly by visiting parents, missionaries from all over Africa. Its always been my joy and my blessing to host these families, whether they’re here for medical appointments at Kijabe Hospital or because their child is struggling or they’ve come to surprise their student for the weekend. <strong>Truly, coordinating and maintaining the guest cottage and serving these families in this way is one of my favorite roles at RVA.</strong></p> <p><strong>In these last few weeks of emotional upheaval, in all of my questioning and longing for home, I’ve hosted two different families from two areas of rural Tanzania.</strong> Both had elementary aged homeschooling children with them and <strong>as they each did a load of laundry in my kitchen, we got to talking about life.</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bW2mWBJ4pxQ/V06hYoZH_yI/AAAAAAAAFLk/sPfvg6HzhCA/s1600-h/DSC_0106%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0106" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0106" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rT-SfqXGRGQ/V06hZbK3ijI/AAAAAAAAFLo/3VRcpoQsLFo/DSC_0106_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Life in the bush. <strong>Life where homeschooling happens with countless interruptions from visitors, needs that come knocking multiple times a day</strong>, all day long. One of these moms was sharing that she has no medical background whatsoever, but has become the resident expert in her village, and the constant interruptions are taking their toll on schooling. The other mom was sharing that <strong>her current fifth grader is already begging to come to RVA. She said “he’s just so ready to be in a classroom, learning alongside his peers, but I’m not sure<em> I’m</em> ready for him to be here.”</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wb195vFzYXc/V06haeVztvI/AAAAAAAAFLs/O_clI_YZcFM/s1600-h/DSC_0103%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RVCbKjWkCw0/V06hbJ1VNbI/AAAAAAAAFLw/I1vFwJTpI9I/DSC_0103_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="271"></a></strong></p> <p>And I was reminded of two things:</p> <p>1. <strong>The need for missionary family care and missionary kid education is very real.</strong> We are here to help care for the whole family by hosting them in our little bungalow for a week AND by teaching and caring for their boarding kids. </p> <p>2.<strong> It’s HARD for these families to send their kids here.</strong> This is no light-hearted decision for them as they put an amazing amount of trust in us as staff to care for their children. <strong>Our role here is important! </strong></p> <p>This. These conversations over a load of laundry. This is why we’re here. And we do love what we do! I love what I do. I’m glad to be reminded of it this morning. And I’m thankful for a patient and loving Father, who gently reminds me over and over again “this is why you’re here.” </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/522dd3fb5512faf6ccc5a9967b88cc5a.png"></a>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-87171363850012975632016-05-28T09:25:00.001+03:002016-05-28T11:12:12.206+03:00A vote worth casting<p>During the third and final term of each school year at RVA, several underclassmen candidate for the position of Student Council Chairperson. They have the opportunity to give a short speech in front of the staff and student body. Often these presentations are infused with some comedic element or a few tongue-in-cheek campaign promises designed to elicit a chuckle from the audience. These are always worth attending - even if it is only to see the joker, who knows he doesn’t have a chance at winning, make everyone laugh.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZ8HKLECgrk/V0k54Yn6GfI/AAAAAAAAFKw/TE7oiajFMI0/s1600-h/DSC_0042%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0042" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5VcbeZUcbqI/V0k55E2yCPI/AAAAAAAAFK0/RN90aYYp42A/DSC_0042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was refreshing to hear the young man quoted below use his three minutes in the public eye in such a way that the spotlight was aimed somewhere other than on himself. I asked him afterwards for a transcript of his speech so I could share it with all of you. Enjoy.</p> <p>“Each year we have these elections for student council president. And each year, several candidates come up here, and persuade you why it is they that should be president. They come here with hilarious and comical speeches, witty lines and slogans, and talks on what it means to be a leader. I know this, because last year that was me. And always at the end, we tend to add a little thing about how we want to serve God this year, and how really it’s all for his glory anyway. Well, as I was planning my speech, thinking about the president I wanted to be, I realized something. <strong>I don’t want God to just be the pretty bow on top that I wrap up my speech with.</strong> It should be all about him. So instead on talking on what a good leader is, I’m going to talk about the Godly leader that I want to be this coming year. <p>When we look at the kings of Israel, King David was considered amongst all the Kings to be the Mightiest, the greatest. Saul may kill thousands, but David kills tens of thousands. He was promised that his descendants would reign on the throne, forever. I see David, and I have to ask… how? How does this man, who was guilty of adultery, and murder, who was constantly crying and weeping for deliverance from overwhelming enemies, who’s own sons turned against him and against God, how, is he seen as the greatest leader of Israel’s history. <p>In truth, it was not for his strength, but for his weakness, not for his might, but his humility, it was not because he was whole, but because he was broken, that God was able to use him to do awesome things through him<a name="_GoBack"></a>. I learned this past year, that leadership is a spiritual gift, not an innate ability, or an ascertained talent. True leadership is when we finally surrender, so that he can lead us. <strong>A true leader is actually just a follower, a servant, a humble and broken man, who knows he can’t do it, but also knows who can.</strong> <p>If I am to lead a body of Christ, then I better be representing Christ and not myself.<strong> My goal for this coming year, is not to bring about huge changes or great ideas, which can both be good, but what I want instead is to lead in a Christ like manner.</strong> To be able to honor him, and just follow after him. To be humble, and fully dependent, not on my own strength, but on his. <p>‘Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does no faint or grow wary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength, Even youths shall faint and be wary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be wary, they shall walk and not faint.’ <p>Thank you.” <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQ9QaQtfIjc/V0k567lpqPI/AAAAAAAAFK4/HeDMnRLs0NE/s1600-h/DSCN5357%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN5357" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCN5357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LfHJ3IPWjWM/V0k57mpixMI/AAAAAAAAFK8/qH9hULRfxpg/DSCN5357_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="333"></a> <p>God is at work in the hearts of the students here. <strong>Thank you for helping our family have a hand in teaching, mentoring, and witnessing these young people as they grow more and more into the likeness of Christ.</strong> It is an honor to watch them mature here at RVA and go out into the world, well-equipped to play their own role in expanding God’s Kingdom on earth. <p><font size="1">*The picture above was taken our first term here (fall 2012) when I coached the 7th and 8th grade boys soccer team. Many of these young men, including the author above, are now preparing to enter their senior year; it has indeed been a pleasure to walk through life with them. </font></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-64405944225214097742016-05-06T19:58:00.001+03:002016-05-06T20:21:58.238+03:00…but grace<p>Four years ago. Four years ago we sold our home, gave away a car and a set of couches, sent many of our worldly possessions off to safe places with friends and family and boxed others up into storage. We were thinking through goodbyes, upcoming transitions, moving our little ones to Kenya, flights, packing, more goodbyes, financial considerations, prayer letters, blog entries etc. So many things to think through. We were talking about ‘lasts’ and leaving well. In short, we were counting the cost of this call He had placed on us. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBTuEsckrAs/VyzPXs39F4I/AAAAAAAAFH0/W2HzWn15fT8/s1600-h/017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FtL_Q-aWDgY/VyzPY8gs60I/AAAAAAAAFH4/SZb2v0udYR8/017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QK146Tn_q9w/VyzPZgOkifI/AAAAAAAAFH8/T_-lSOZb61g/s1600-h/DSCN4214%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN4214" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCN4214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iwdfs3Apouk/VyzPaSnOjvI/AAAAAAAAFIA/4DMhXmAFMaI/DSCN4214_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="304"></a></p> <p>During that final month in the states, our honest prayers were filled with painful, angry, doubtful, yelling. The sacrifice seemed too much and we were overcome by the laying down of things that were precious to us.</p> <p>We moved to Kenya not knowing WHEN or IF we would make friends here, not knowing WHEN or IF our family would come to visit. We moved to Kenya not knowing HOW many of the details of daily life would play out. <strong>We had counted the cost, but what we didn’t count on was His grace. </strong></p> <p>Christ calls us to do hard things in this life, yes, but He also offers us grace; <strong>unmerited blessing to undeserving sinners</strong>. During those months of transition back in 2012, we forgot about His grace! After all, Ephesians 3:20 describes God as “him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us.”</p> <p><strong>And did He ever surprise us with his grace!</strong> Four years later, we are still surprised by the outpouring of God’s grace on us daily. </p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">He has given us a growing love for this school and this community, for our students and our co-workers, for our work here. </div> <li> <div align="left">He has lavished on us deep, lasting friendships here on this side of the world. </div> <li> <div align="left">He has enabled us to maintain solid, pick-up-where-we-left-off relationships with dear family and friends we rarely see at home. </div> <li> <div align="left">He has provided time and time again caring, Godly teachers for our boys in this school, wise counsel for them and for us when we struggle, and a body of believers to live and serve alongside. </div></li></ul> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxnvCCQTlOc/VyzSrl52TgI/AAAAAAAAFKc/7Z15WiSYW0o/s1600-h/DSC_0324%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0324" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0324" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CI7_Pzkso5Y/VyzSspLJvJI/AAAAAAAAFKg/NC6hoeuP2Nk/DSC_0324_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="355"></a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o60upH0w_nA/VyzPduDRIyI/AAAAAAAAFIM/jC5KlxsCK_U/s1600-h/friends%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="friends" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="friends" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PbgY7IVZ6vk/VyzPeaOMMRI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/wOLetXrrWoQ/friends_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="284"></a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v82IlpjdW1c/VyzPfYshXYI/AAAAAAAAFIU/-_CRtFzxmoE/s1600-h/Nate%252527s%252520class%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Nate's class" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Nate's class" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7w4zGVYAhOk/VyzPgNXyV_I/AAAAAAAAFIY/iyHg4Qu8g5g/Nate%252527s%252520class_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="394"></a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qp5iOWph_wY/VyzPhBNg5sI/AAAAAAAAFIc/Rejo9bGNlh4/s1600-h/stats-selfie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="stats-selfie" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stats-selfie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSxC3kD5mMY/VyzPhkE-99I/AAAAAAAAFIg/YBbea3hsVBU/stats-selfie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="287"></a></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3F9ioCuMHEs/VyzPiy59WMI/AAAAAAAAFIk/yHg1ZyrPRcY/s1600-h/DSC_0401%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0401" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0401" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZCzA0roN8MU/VyzPjYKYlmI/AAAAAAAAFIo/Rg5VUoAKwak/DSC_0401_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>And then, during this second term of service, He began showing off his grace to us in the bridging of our two worlds.</strong> And unmerited blessing He continues to pour out! First, we hosted Kelly, Sabrina and Henry Knapp, having the privilege of introducing our beloved Beaver community to our Kenyan community in 2015. Then, Dan’s parents were able to serve at RVA for three months in 2015, bridging our Alden sending community to this one through their service. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRmovIWjXL0/VyzPkNiUWoI/AAAAAAAAFIs/EFJzaRR02NQ/s1600-h/DSC_0039%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2DAMb_odgE/VyzPkmQeI9I/AAAAAAAAFIw/ABBl-RrcwSc/DSC_0039_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="299"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--dHKiQiAqIw/VyzPl4BlI2I/AAAAAAAAFI0/gnXIjJ-WbyM/s1600-h/aug%252520hiking%252520longonot%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="aug hiking longonot 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="aug hiking longonot 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fbk28qTwT8/VyzPmeGGwtI/AAAAAAAAFI4/GC2BU_U75Q4/aug%252520hiking%252520longonot%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrsV9MUVL5Y/VyzPnMfGtPI/AAAAAAAAFI8/BPnQDRJH-wU/s1600-h/DSC_0011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nPMgIanlIgE/VyzPnz92q7I/AAAAAAAAFJA/hBFGEyuSSTM/DSC_0011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="529"></a></p> <p>And so it continued: It was pure, joy-filled fun to have Dale & Martha Schartner with us in early February and to soak up Martha’s gifted speaking ability at our women’s retreat! Less than a week later, Dan’s sister Rachel, her husband Dale and their four kids landed on Kenyan soil to serve at a children’s home 4 miles from us. We spent 6 weeks semi-together as they served, and 3 weeks doing life as a family of 11 in our home. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fTK6tFW5778/VyzPoXAHJDI/AAAAAAAAFJE/shsCyMaFVjE/s1600-h/Schartners%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Schartners" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Schartners" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SwlY-d2sVrE/VyzPpNfzy4I/AAAAAAAAFJI/5N7bsvlM2pg/Schartners_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="483"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5-Tr6AuKxp8/VyzPp-DEb8I/AAAAAAAAFJM/Hdiz4U_ruKM/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qReeH-Gp448/VyzPsb-E1EI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/nWcVL-1cAyo/DSC_0025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>To top it off, dear friends Chris & Ellen Crefeld and their four kids flew in to celebrate the Resurrection with us! <strong>What abundance!!</strong> Even now, we’re thrilled to be planning and looking forward to my mom & Craig’s upcoming visit, their second time to Kenya! <strong>He IS able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine and He DOES. </strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bMMsdr6FM4/VyzPtX5aZ8I/AAAAAAAAFJU/Jy1Kwkt9nYE/s1600-h/DSC_0602%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0602" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0602" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RbGugGQFckc/VyzPuUEFLGI/AAAAAAAAFJY/M_XFtlvWNFA/DSC_0602_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="357"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8n4qM8UlXmo/VyzPvYx3QZI/AAAAAAAAFJc/9lZ-crDWHvk/s1600-h/DSC_0612%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0612" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0612" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-BBad6TAG8/VyzPv4-XhtI/AAAAAAAAFJg/a2LlGFr2uTQ/DSC_0612_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And as this 2015-16 school year comes to a close soon, we find ourselves in transition as a family again. Not nearly as big of a transition as ones we’ve made before, but one nonetheless. <strong>Nearly 60% of our staff will go on home assignment or be called away from their ministry at RVA this year</strong>. Over half of our little community!</p> <p><strong>Some of that 60% are the very people God so generously placed in our lives for the past few years, and we find ourselves counting the cost yet again.</strong> We count it for our kids as we watch their close friends move to different continents and we count it for ourselves in the very same way. How quickly we forget the grace He extended in even providing those friends! We certainly didn’t expect or demand these relationships, and yet He provided them. A gift. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMm6bKSq_eM/VyzPxIRyHNI/AAAAAAAAFJk/XORSd_cqQBg/s1600-h/hemphills%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="hemphills" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="hemphills" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l7aQ-MPg2No/VyzPx8F5XGI/AAAAAAAAFJo/DXeGBCtTxAU/hemphills_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="342"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gOop2Y0DURE/VyzPypt2zVI/AAAAAAAAFJs/UYvjICYCjFA/s1600-h/DSC_0064%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wP3xpltoY8M/VyzPzFUarPI/AAAAAAAAFJw/t11V0DY-3bg/DSC_0064_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="327"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7RRcuwSfulY/VyzP0FoluMI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/777o5SEZWjk/s1600-h/DSC_0052a%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0052a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0052a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FyT6CfQgSdM/VyzP08Bvy5I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/DaJDDmFv1fg/DSC_0052a_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXd7OtnI6bw/VyzP1_TGEZI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/D7qMncTh2ZM/s1600-h/DSC_0061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0061" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0061" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iRYUy2WpAH8/VyzP2hR6fCI/AAAAAAAAFKA/yU38EDWWYIk/DSC_0061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NHGaw5Fc5Kc/VyzP3Xz0mwI/AAAAAAAAFKE/yZIqdnN1fxg/s1600-h/cha%252520cha%252520evie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="cha cha evie" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="cha cha evie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R_cGOVTF14E/VyzP4Fwq6kI/AAAAAAAAFKI/pF4kkmTOnNc/cha%252520cha%252520evie_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="401"></a></p> <p>I pray that as we enter another season of goodbyes, we would draw near to the One who called us by name, the One who lavishly pours out His grace and faithfully provides more than we can ask or imagine. </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-26385207797375291252016-04-05T10:23:00.001+03:002016-04-05T10:23:55.483+03:00Just your typical field trip<p>6 nights, 7 days, 16 seniors, 3 adult leaders, 1 20-seater bus and 1 awesome bus-driver; put it all together and throw in bungee jumping, white-water rafting, rock climbing, repelling through a waterfall, cliff jumping, camel riding, milking, and eating; this all adds up to a pretty amazing experience, right?</p> <p>Well, when these guys are assigned to hike with you for protection, you know you’re in for excitement. Better to be safe than sorry should the scenario arise where we cross paths with a cape buffalo…or bull elephant…or leopard…or lion. It’s important to arrive without incident so that you can jump off cliffs for the morning’s activity.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWE9ckgLhic/VwNmCP5lPQI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/pBZB_J2sEBI/s1600-h/DSC_0427%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0427" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xnEYavRD2mA/VwNmDDL8VAI/AAAAAAAAE_c/HKG5M9BikZw/DSC_0427_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t8QnItvtGoA/VwNmErRJmVI/AAAAAAAAE_g/i8ghNiw_quo/s1600-h/DSC_0539%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0539" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0539" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eEvD3p-UIyg/VwNmFWFb_rI/AAAAAAAAE_k/kY9ppr-CWT8/DSC_0539_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvdqslgxJpY/VwNmGe4r6YI/AAAAAAAAE_o/yxGequlyOHw/s1600-h/DSC_0445%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0445" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0445" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s6gy98Yb45M/VwNmG1DcU_I/AAAAAAAAE_s/ZYJM60Qv6Q8/DSC_0445_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQMCwK0Y8aM/VwNmHr7gRqI/AAAAAAAAE_w/1zw608BnLtA/s1600-h/DSC_0548%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0548" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0548" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hb8KWLMZAu0/VwNmIQXHUKI/AAAAAAAAE_0/fAgoNfMSokk/DSC_0548_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--urGYK1rt4I/VwNmJCCFdTI/AAAAAAAAE_4/vm_e8RJ5HSY/s1600-h/DSC_0567%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0567" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0567" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vzG1CNxdBts/VwNmJmp2HGI/AAAAAAAAE_8/f-H3E6jDpTw/DSC_0567_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a></p> <p>In the course of one afternoon we chilled at a chimpanzee sanctuary and then posed for selfies within feet of the last living male of the Northern White Rhino species ON THE PLANET. Later, we shoveled his dung. That’s what you call scarce scat.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B60tzfvPc8A/VwNmKUoNi7I/AAAAAAAAFAA/_jf3oJwizC8/s1600-h/DSC_0271%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0271" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hd0PEiamg7w/VwNmLKkWJzI/AAAAAAAAFAE/N5OqzRDfcDw/DSC_0271_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-97Xr2P168iA/VwNmMQcHaSI/AAAAAAAAFAI/Anquy9AHeh4/s1600-h/DSC_0312%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0312" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7PzcPVMbJlQ/VwNmNfim3wI/AAAAAAAAFAM/eaHowYcee3Q/DSC_0312_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHK5VTb8Q6U/VwNmOY20fOI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/0ckCF_nGyl4/s1600-h/DSC_0334%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0334" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0334" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qbjaq_jZq7k/VwNmPGjfmAI/AAAAAAAAFAU/6VWVDPbAWZY/DSC_0334_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>If you were a camel at our Northern-most stop in Laikipia County, you were either on our dinner menu as a burger, on our breakfast menu as a sausage, milked by one of us just after sunrise, or our mode of transportation through the deserts of central Kenya. 50% of those options weren’t terrible (if you’re the camel).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-okOSS6gvXCA/VwNmQePVefI/AAAAAAAAFAY/bUvMxlpzsaU/s1600-h/DSC_0728%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0728" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0728" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SXx-dF1-WSo/VwNmRN9s9MI/AAAAAAAAFAc/slbtqp7haUE/DSC_0728_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vaM5qS5hmuI/VwNmSLMSpbI/AAAAAAAAFAg/bW_pKEsa_Zc/s1600-h/DSC_0723%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0723" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0723" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XaKkqz6OJuw/VwNmTYVGapI/AAAAAAAAFAk/BnW94mKxoe4/DSC_0723_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yGfQl63063Q/VwNmUysrOxI/AAAAAAAAFAo/ATT5QJjU-xo/s1600-h/DSC_0038%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0038 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7NpLGXYFxUc/VwNmV3ogVII/AAAAAAAAFAs/vkSlwXmuMoU/DSC_0038%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>This was truly a “bucket list” trip. One of our students had always wanted to be in two places at once. She nailed it by standing in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iwBmxPp4Tmo/VwNmWxjt5cI/AAAAAAAAFAw/oaMFHXYYOkk/s1600-h/DSC_0383%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0383" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0383" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oMdYycT8O6s/VwNmYGlavtI/AAAAAAAAFA0/RBS7wnVWUAc/DSC_0383_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>You know it’s a good day when you have to wait for an elephant to cross the road before passing and you get to snap a photo of 4 sleeping rhinos.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bj2_nrGYdkY/VwNmZFS_VNI/AAAAAAAAFA4/_V_dQn06pC4/s1600-h/DSC_0360%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0360" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lyBjX1_7W8g/VwNmZ8gs8KI/AAAAAAAAFA8/nAjV6SfKc2Y/DSC_0360_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vC9XUQYKWE4/VwNmauvUZVI/AAAAAAAAFBA/FUIQtTBsu7Q/s1600-h/DSC_02371%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0237" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0237" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOo6oS3dwko/VwNmbDWut0I/AAAAAAAAFBE/dXZT7EOfX94/DSC_02371_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="336"></a></p> <p>Then there was the visit to a tree-house restaurant; while waiting for our meal, we hung out with some of the locals (we didn’t see the sign until later…I promise)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JSXYVu-q3Uc/VwNmcQX2-tI/AAAAAAAAFBI/8x1gYvyODBc/s1600-h/DSC_0143%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0143" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0143" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZBN2a0JyQY/VwNnAnDYPJI/AAAAAAAAFBU/hDNmiSjRyzg/DSC_0143_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVVOjFnPJ3A/VwNnBn400LI/AAAAAAAAFBY/ocYnqBtVAJk/s1600-h/DSC_0130%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0130" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0130" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8aR4pEVD-Y/VwNnCkAycWI/AAAAAAAAFBc/pX8uCnRcRQU/DSC_0130_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kb58DfOLMgA/VwNnELcE7cI/AAAAAAAAFBg/3MF1XITIazE/s1600-h/DSC_0122%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0122" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uhN7STwVqdw/VwNnFV52xnI/AAAAAAAAFBk/RHruwuRIvcM/DSC_0122_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8viQrSdllNs/VwNnGh8aWEI/AAAAAAAAFBs/OtfVtz_62aU/s1600-h/DSC_0148%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0148" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mH3L4efz0R4/VwNnHhSa6UI/AAAAAAAAFBw/hj_ZZ2BjdtE/DSC_0148_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Most of the week, we were within sight of Mount Kenya – a pretty spectacular backdrop, and the actual mountain that another group of students from RVA were climbing while we gazed up at it.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CZWBlo5F6v4/VwNnI4KfwAI/AAAAAAAAFB0/QB0Lr39u_Hs/s1600-h/DSC_0409%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0409" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0409" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ova_VJU5UqQ/VwNnJtP85vI/AAAAAAAAFB8/pkwcPYdmFmQ/DSC_0409_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4AqbKFZYvk/VwNnKWaMOkI/AAAAAAAAFCA/cTnaahABHLo/s1600-h/DSC_0931%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0931" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0931" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKuec5Dq4tY/VwNnLL1eshI/AAAAAAAAFCE/2Gt96rUBopo/DSC_0931_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We petted and fed a blind rhino and learned about conservancy in a room full of artifacts and animal bones with signs that begged us to interact.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mv5l1uY9F4s/VwNnMpnaSrI/AAAAAAAAFCI/RibABUZ_k5Q/s1600-h/DSC_0298%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0298" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0298" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L-O2MoiHO7o/VwNnNkPVpnI/AAAAAAAAFCM/GyzHre_P5UI/DSC_0298_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EHrcva7gj6k/VwNnOmkixOI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/2D1phsFeRE8/s1600-h/DSC_0306%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0306" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7qzmgRFYLIY/VwNnPvjaRRI/AAAAAAAAFCU/bUk09ndfi-U/DSC_0306_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We hiked, we camped, we drove and we slept.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_YSsR9kFCLU/VwNnQjphALI/AAAAAAAAFCY/08PLybT3Czw/s1600-h/DSC_0103%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uu9s_IsVS8U/VwNnR-CGr1I/AAAAAAAAFCc/Ut12mvpbx14/DSC_0103_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="754"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7fRy97jv3k/VwNnTfA8F8I/AAAAAAAAFCg/BmJcZDGJLbg/s1600-h/DSC_0675%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0675" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0675" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v-5u50IcHU8/VwNnUERfkZI/AAAAAAAAFCk/mGGFTdd9JI4/DSC_0675_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U9UU4-PrNrU/VwNnVO1qdnI/AAAAAAAAFCo/GewybPfQ4zI/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wI5i09uRVTI/VwNnV_KknwI/AAAAAAAAFCs/nvLYqsSyHGw/DSC_0019_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Each night devotions were led by a pair of students and we all shared what God was teaching us around the campfire. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6v_H42pOQ58/VwNnW4gPy1I/AAAAAAAAFCw/PFhbejtKxZw/s1600-h/DSC_0924%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0924" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0924" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TxbeyG8JcNw/VwNnXlwMY9I/AAAAAAAAFC0/NftowML80Ok/DSC_0924_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We herded, counted and sprayed cattle for ticks. We climbed and belayed. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b7D8iG9dXn8/VwNnYoxjc_I/AAAAAAAAFC4/W7wfg0cOUs4/s1600-h/DSC_02181%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0218" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0218" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Pawd2m9xGQ/VwNnZaaVC3I/AAAAAAAAFC8/BgjzMbrSwPU/DSC_02181_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="336"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q7LO4SLeVd0/VwNname6oYI/AAAAAAAAFDA/P0-FjzxxKcI/s1600-h/DSC_0703%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0703" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrDREA-4eqY/VwNnbkGXdnI/AAAAAAAAFDE/_YpvGUEJ8CU/DSC_0703_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E4REYI10GdU/VwNncguRcTI/AAAAAAAAFDI/-U9P25L2NWM/s1600-h/DSC_0186%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0186" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3R4xfAD5KpE/VwNnddpt4hI/AAAAAAAAFDM/E0XeZRCDOYk/DSC_0186_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P54wwS0TRTk/VwNneqEQlgI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/Ea4inyqVO1U/s1600-h/DSC_0213%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0213" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EZo1X0yRlFc/VwNnfSO3kXI/AAAAAAAAFDU/k8xwXKozbC0/DSC_0213_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxJnyY0R7lI/VwNngZBAm5I/AAAAAAAAFDY/g1epAj4lZ6s/s1600-h/DSC_0783%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0783" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0783" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CRAuguKN3rE/VwNng0ClALI/AAAAAAAAFDc/iO8RlVgOgo8/DSC_0783_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We plummeted from varying heights, always wearing our safety equipment with a smile :)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xD6ECCGQ80o/VwNniDQrbvI/AAAAAAAAFDk/oAM1LRgc7JQ/s1600-h/DSC_0589%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0589" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0589" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cd6cenlJ3ao/VwNnjNNLDEI/AAAAAAAAFDo/pxMg2eMfwnE/DSC_0589_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhSuQKI9jAc/VwNnkQlc90I/AAAAAAAAFDw/Qt4s26rw3AI/s1600-h/DSC_0037%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0037" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HfLm-FOWFJI/VwNnlxWGNKI/AAAAAAAAFD0/8i7P31yI35A/DSC_0037_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NrNnRt7nVrc/VwNnnJDkTTI/AAAAAAAAFD4/aecbqfiNmI0/s1600-h/DSC_0591%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0591" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0591" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjFdeXIWcQQ/VwNnoN34N_I/AAAAAAAAFEA/OY75j5AyJvE/DSC_0591_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wqZIFrKgXvE/VwNnoxzoVUI/AAAAAAAAFEE/m1HbC-Bhcbs/s1600-h/DSC_0076%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0076" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0076" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I7hYTRhpa-g/VwNnplpsLhI/AAAAAAAAFEI/h5Bd9kbPAMw/DSC_0076_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="754"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gLrI_eS4lFg/VwNnqAPbZWI/AAAAAAAAFEM/Vxxv1NjFaOU/s1600-h/DSC_0069%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNzCFqFhh-0/VwNnqpdvaqI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/4Bt1JzfbXlE/DSC_0069_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>A primary school welcomed us with open arms, showing off their newly acquired technology while we shared our dancing “skills”. Another quick visit to a local village tested our ability to move rhythmically to music as well.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBPFWoh9zzg/VwNnr_5RY3I/AAAAAAAAFEU/d2W8jX-kus8/s1600-h/DSC_0163%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0163" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0163" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jKxUjIC4CV8/VwNns-9N1wI/AAAAAAAAFEc/EWn8aFtLGYQ/DSC_0163_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-afcKRNVNYt8/VwNnuH1XV0I/AAAAAAAAFEg/_letqrgqs-4/s1600-h/DSC_0169%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0169" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0169" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uijdz-pr628/VwNnvLINkjI/AAAAAAAAFEk/-gaM1d3BCAA/DSC_0169_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Z_7JSJ9iiI/VwNnwKbnRqI/AAAAAAAAFEs/3XNfjFo30xQ/s1600-h/DSC_0161%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0161" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0161" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-je4mX43zUjE/VwNnwwWuipI/AAAAAAAAFEw/A7NHxufYPtk/DSC_0161_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was the most exhausting yet rewarding excursion in memory. We bonded, we sang, we got sick of each other, we shared, we cried, and we got dehydrated. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zkSVLQ-1Jpg/VwNnyFTqJgI/AAAAAAAAFE0/0y25lJOc8D8/s1600-h/DSC_0892%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0892" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0892" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZV9uVYZK1s/VwNnyqGvJ6I/AAAAAAAAFE4/qI384Hl8Ioc/DSC_0892_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We drove six hours on a rocky desert road at an average speed of about 10 kilometers per hour without ONCE stopping to pee (perhaps the best demonstration of our state of dehydration).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XbnZKzOWZiU/VwNnzhuk3yI/AAAAAAAAFFA/Y4psuJcT2zM/s1600-h/DSC_0114%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0114" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0114" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3o-IJ9TCBLs/VwNn0pK1k0I/AAAAAAAAFFE/zeNX_ulqjRg/DSC_0114_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OP9hEYAL_Gg/VwNn2cq5unI/AAAAAAAAFFI/DsKHGWwKvYQ/s1600-h/DSC_0020%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T5vfsgnyZXU/VwNn3ViWuHI/AAAAAAAAFFM/jdIPvw_1dk8/DSC_0020_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yJtMwBHCKLo/VwNn4IOvETI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/SC-WDgMYVos/s1600-h/DSC_0175%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0175" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0175" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIkoOESxOww/VwNn4_iiQ7I/AAAAAAAAFFU/RzdH7QZPib8/DSC_0175_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PuGD4aO2sZA/VwNn5xRu1vI/AAAAAAAAFFY/tn8ZY-t7hDE/s1600-h/DSC_0330%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0330" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0330" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2NXdix8TOhw/VwNn60PQeUI/AAAAAAAAFFc/z6eLHW3UqTI/DSC_0330_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHNCzd6Vr5w/VwNn8N0tymI/AAAAAAAAFFg/exjSWeMlV24/s1600-h/DSC_0331%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0331" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0331" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzRJH3eT7Hw/VwNn9YzpYiI/AAAAAAAAFFo/0IW-8bwut6Y/DSC_0331_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1tBE2GOYDM/VwNn-661xnI/AAAAAAAAFFs/9wc_wIQE7So/s1600-h/DSC_0635%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0635" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0635" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJu-4lwNQ20/VwNn__kUEzI/AAAAAAAAFFw/-KSFS-m98Kg/DSC_0635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRirDq9SfFQ/VwNoBD_HVEI/AAAAAAAAFF4/BCh53O-zKgQ/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k8r198_PZY0/VwNoCQoCAyI/AAAAAAAAFF8/NPy6OmkTMZo/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="298"></a></p> <p>We were stretched WAY outside our comfort zones, we were challenged and encouraged, we stood in awe of our Creator as we marveled at His creation. We learned a lot, ate well, drank too little, and slept better than expected. We sang loudly, laughed often, and grew closer as friends.</p> <p>Overall, I’d say our field trip* was a success**, eh?</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> <p><font size="1" face="Century"></font> <font size="1" face="Century">*This was just one of several trips that RVA’s junior and senior classes take each March, called Interims. Our group traveled within Kenya while other destinations included Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, and many more. One of the goals is for the students to experience a different part of Africa from the context that their parents work and serve in. Another aim is to learn about a current issue affecting the lives of those we visit – our team focused on conservation and the unique struggles that arise between government agencies attempting to preserve “wild” Africa and land owners trying to earn a living. It was fascinating to hear from both sides of the same issue.</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Century">**Success on a week-long adventure like this was only possible thanks to a gift provided by our family. A quick shout-out to the Meyers clan, specifically my awesome sister, Rachel, for loving on our kids while we were away. <a href="http://meyersmission.blogspot.com">Check out their adventure in Kenya too.</a></font></p>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-73045936378563944392015-12-29T09:17:00.000+03:002015-12-29T13:39:48.368+03:00“Get in the boat!”<p>This was the title and theme of a charge Dad gave to the students of Rift Valley Academy on the last day of school before December break.</p> <p>He spoke during the final chapel service of the term, a much anticipated, culminating event at the end of each trimester here at RVA. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sWfnxg2D4sQ/VoJieYURAqI/AAAAAAAAE7c/mr2oLrPCaus/s1600-h/DSC_0011-3.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011 (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011 (3)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Qa-3PMBL9s/VoJifiKgISI/AAAAAAAAE7k/NENdrkT9v00/DSC_0011-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="455"></a></p> <p align="left">We have a flag raising ceremony every Friday, as required by all Kenyan schools. All 500 students K-12 gather in the courtyard between the cafeteria and Kiambogo, the oldest building on campus. There we rise, as the national anthem is sung in both Swahili and English, often accompanied by a student-led choir or the wind or jazz ensemble. Kenya’s National Anthem is striking – a prayer offered by a chorus of voices:</p> <p align="center"><strong>“Oh God of all creation, bless this our land and nation. Justice be our shield and defender. May we dwell in unity, peace, and liberty, plenty be found within our borders.”</strong> </p> <p>Each week we stand and sing. Over our three years here, it has yet to get old, as we corporately lay our request before Almighty God. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5R4pXuHiXs/VoJighbopII/AAAAAAAAE7s/bOr2KqYtW_Y/s1600-h/DSC_00533.jpg"><img title="DSC_0053" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0053" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJRyUcl9JVc/VoJiifrJjwI/AAAAAAAAE7w/mrd7bHNliCc/DSC_0053_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="328"></a><em><font size="1">Thanksgiving in Kenya? Yep, plenty to be thankful for here, too!</font></em><br></p> <p>Friday chapels are always unique, but the LAST flag-raising of each term has its own special flavor. It is a celebration of coming to the end, it is a time for hugs and good-byes and see-you-soons. The student body counts down from ten and one lucky Titchie (student from K to 6th grade) rings a hand-held school bell, signaling the end of term. It’s funny; as I sit and picture that moment in my mind, I’m not even sure what we all scream at the end of the countdown. <br> “Vac!” “School’s over!” “Hooray!” <br>I’m sure it’s a combination of all those – everybody cheering and smiling and high-fiving. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCYUYNF3SUU/VoJij-RvDkI/AAAAAAAAE78/Hefa_YoJN3I/s1600-h/DSC_00203.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Humu32A4K6E/VoJik6GVpiI/AAAAAAAAE8E/MeUF1mOhAeg/DSC_0020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><em><font size="1">My dad has a bit more gray hair than the last time he was in the classroom!<br></font></em></p> <p>This time around, as the first term of our school year came to a close, so did the time of service for my parents. They had answered the call to “get in the boat” and follow Christ’s call to Kenya sometime last spring. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Im0r1mVu6A/VoJimzwNufI/AAAAAAAAE8M/TjUd8hkqO3U/s1600-h/DSC_00023.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VC_B4wDJxfo/VoJioAe1E0I/AAAAAAAAE8U/l71EYzAu6dY/DSC_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><font size="1"><em>Visiting the home of a Kenyan friend</em><br></font></p> <p align="left">A need was presented in the Social Studies department, I thought of my dad and mentioned it to him, my parents prayed, and God answered! The rest is history; Don and Paulette Schmidt served at Rift Valley Academy, living in Kenya for about 4 months. They’ll be in the school yearbook, they will be fondly remembered by the students they taught and cared for, and my family will forever be grateful for this unexpected blessing of cherished time with them.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--EzrNRriYe0/VoJipFkw3VI/AAAAAAAAE8c/f-kngB7Pxis/s1600-h/DSC_00153.jpg"><img title="DSC_0015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dug9ERN6AnM/VoJiqJkGA8I/AAAAAAAAE8k/PcpqJNYZLRo/DSC_0015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><em><font size="1"> For awhile, there were two Mr. Schmidts at RVA! Dad’s last day of teaching.</font></em><br></p> <p align="left">Because he felt like God was nudging him yet again, Dad volunteered to speak at this final chapel service. This is noteworthy because, usually by this point in the term, everybody is exhausted and few staff volunteer to speak at the last chapel – or if they do, their devotion is kept short to make time for the countdown and release of the students. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQbfsNKHr6E/VoJirbzslQI/AAAAAAAAE8s/Xd0XOZwLw3E/s1600-h/DSC_00413.jpg"><img title="DSC_0041" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0041" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdfBe8En5v0/VoJisWN-EZI/AAAAAAAAE80/_cNLAzD8ZLo/DSC_0041_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><em><font size="1">“Are you going to get in the boat with Jesus?”</font></em><br></p> <p>Well, my father, being the newbie, wasn’t aware of this minor point. And even as he dreaded the thought of speaking in front of the entire staff and student body (and quite a few parents as well), he knew the Lord had one final thing to say through him before he left. <strong>So he signed up. He got in the boat. And he challenged the rest of us to do the same.</strong> Just like he and Mom had decided God was leading them to get in a slightly larger ‘boat’, as he put it – “they call it a 747” - to head over the Atlantic last August; he heard God’s prompting and he obeyed. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fdp6YHfoMw/VoJitzJLtoI/AAAAAAAAE88/2vhexGgFywk/s1600-h/DSC_01003.jpg"><img title="DSC_0100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0100" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TmxiHWWi5OY/VoJivQV8oeI/AAAAAAAAE9E/4VgGQmo3DY8/DSC_0100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="338"></a><em><font size="1">Nate, having a chai break and sitting between two of his favorite people in the world: Grandpa Schmidt and Jesse, our outside worker.</font></em><br></p> <p>When we do that on a regular basis, when we follow God’s leading, when we answer the call, bend our will to His, lay our lives on the altar, or ‘get in the boat’ for Jesus, God does something pretty awesome: <strong>He blesses His children.</strong> I can report with confidence that there were many brothers and sisters in Christ who were built up and edified as a result of this act of obedience! </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gQftJpFteF4/VoJiwywkjGI/AAAAAAAAE9M/kgLucLocpgk/s1600-h/DSC_0004%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1zOqj2SMAbw/VoJiyR-DkXI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/NKbpMN4H0Vo/DSC_0004_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <br><em><font size="1">Baking Christmas cookies with Grandma</font></em></p> <p>A song we sang a lot as a school during Spiritual Emphasis Week in October included this line, <br><br> <strong>“I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God”</strong></p> <p>Fear is what keeps us from getting in the boat – fear of failure, fears about reputation, fears concerning provisions or comfort or health or safety. Fears of the unknown, fear of the risks and potential pain and the ‘what ifs’ and on and on and on. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Atk5eEu1wJ0/VoJiztnBNUI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/HZQWyAnheLQ/s1600-h/DSC_00193.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgWacvTSNqY/VoJi0i3vbMI/AAAAAAAAE9k/lp3p2z1Lx20/DSC_0019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><em><font size="1">Mom worked mornings in the Business Office – counting lots of Kenyan shillings!</font><br></em></p> <p>But He doesn’t call us to think about that, He simply bids us to get in the boat and trust Him to take us where He wills. <strong>He knows best, after all.</strong> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZdF2mf-qBcU/VoJi1vyqnII/AAAAAAAAE9s/U4loH7bOCDI/s1600-h/DSC_03133.jpg"><img title="DSC_0313" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0313" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sN5IywDS2xU/VoJi2tB27SI/AAAAAAAAE90/lfr7kaVC4zM/DSC_0313_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><em><font size="1">Flags flying on Multi-Cultural Day, representing a few of our students’ homelands</font></em></p> <p>My parents are in the middle of a life lived in obedience to God – it’s pretty inspiring to watch them. It was a gift to witness it up close as they stepped WAY out of their comfort zone to live with us for a few months. What they really did was open up the doors of blessing for many of God’s children. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w6BpFsVoLgo/VoJi4NEH0yI/AAAAAAAAE98/67ZmD_5MtZc/s1600-h/IMG_77539.jpg"><img title="IMG_7753" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7753" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHGk2yKMLVo/VoJi5_dkkRI/AAAAAAAAE-E/-xqqKU2Goys/IMG_7753_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><em><font size="1">“Come over to my Grandma’s house – she’ll give us all cookies!”</font></em><br></p> <p align="left">What is God asking you to do this year? As this one ends and the next one begins, are you asking yourself that question? I want to, but it scares me. There’s that fear again. I need to be reminded that <strong>God leads where God is.</strong> He’s already in the boat and is simply asking me to join Him. Good reminders from my parents as they stepped out in faith this fall. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SbDTulTa1aw/VoJi7HO_1hI/AAAAAAAAE-M/mGpmsck33mg/s1600-h/IMG_7348%25255B36%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7348" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7348" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgkySDaLmGw/VoJi8SmEh4I/AAAAAAAAE-U/ZsfgdtW15bE/IMG_7348_thumb%25255B37%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> <em><font size="1">Attending the local church service in Kijabe</font></em></p> <p>Having them here was awesome. </p> <p>Thanks Mom and Dad! Love from Kenya :)</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a>the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-36057863363202808802015-11-21T09:29:00.001+03:002015-11-21T10:14:56.712+03:00the god of fear<p>We wear it like a badge of honor. It is a sign of wisdom, proof of discernment and good sense. <strong>We are quick to confess it, proud to reveal that we feel it, and prouder still when our obedience to it informs our decisions and guides our actions.</strong> It's worshipped in our politics, our planning, our churches, and our families. <p>We talk about it with the assumption that it is justified. We refer to it like it should be obvious. At the first sign of shame, we conceal it with words like "concern" and "being responsible". We are convinced that it should be touted with confidence by anyone who has a true sense of the state of things - anyone who is informed or aware or who sees the pitfalls, dangers, or risks. Certainly it is prudent. Certainly we are in the right when we warn others about their reckless actions, or offer our opinions about the craziness of their choices. <p>At all costs we must never disobey this god. He demands our allegiance. He requires our constant deference. He insists that we forever bear his "cross of anxiety". It is VERY heavy, but we have long honed the muscle groups necessary to carry it. <p>How many things are left undone due to our devotion to this god? <p>We rarely venture onto the other side of the tracks. If we do, it is briefly and only to serve the related demi-god of guilt. <p>We applaud ourselves for standing alongside people we can identify with and pushing away those who need us most. <p>We don't hesitate to change our profile picture in support of one people group that was terrorized on one horrific Friday in November, but we refuse to hold out our hands to a group of people who've endured countless Fridays of terror, several years worth of homelessness and unknowns, and who've forgotten that 'security' even exists in this world. <p>We have no problems protecting our own children, while refusing others the opportunity to protect theirs <p>We hold onto conservative, American principles, proclaiming safety, liberty, and the pursuit of health, wealth, and happiness as if they are gospel truth, while the real Gospel message of <strong>unmerited grace to undeserving sinners</strong> is somehow ignored. <p>The god of fear enables us to worship family, comfort, safety, and security. It allows us to care for the less fortunate of our choosing, freeing us from debilitating thoughts of having to care for those who are different. It allows our guilt to be assuaged simply by placing a few bills in the offering plate, by sending a check to the most deserving go-fund-me campaign, or even by ‘liking’ a convicting post or hash-tagging whatever’s trending at the moment. <p>As we close our borders, we cripple our torch-bearer by disregarding the very inscription that she (and we) were once known for: <p><strong>"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"</strong> <p align="right"><em>New Colossus</em> by Emma Lazarus <p>Maybe that's why she's weeping. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xlgwJZnC17I/VlAPPubkI5I/AAAAAAAAE60/nTt_G9I_ykk/s1600-h/weeping%252520lady%252520liberty%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="weeping lady liberty" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="weeping lady liberty" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C9mJ6pQGA0o/VlAPQvCWIwI/AAAAAAAAE64/3PtghYTW6g8/weeping%252520lady%252520liberty_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="338"></a> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-45132405114133704372015-11-04T09:29:00.000+03:002015-11-04T10:24:38.466+03:00I miss Sudan<p><em>“I miss Sudan.”</em> </p> <p>He was feeling reminiscent today, nostalgic even. Sometimes we chat about tests he’s studying for or issues with friends in the dorm. Often it will be the ups-and-downs he experiences in his walk with the Lord. We focus on accountability and the constant struggle of sin in our lives. Once in a while the conversation might turn to <em>that girl</em>, the one everyone assumes he likes but he insists is just a good friend. <p><strong>Not today. Today, he wanted to talk about home. Sudan.</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7gI3aEEdGg/Vjmxwup7AGI/AAAAAAAAE5M/lOYXxkzf0Pg/s1600-h/sudan_highlight%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="sudan_highlight" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="sudan_highlight" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MtejRfVDLss/VjmxxWoT2zI/AAAAAAAAE5U/54i9OcXaKvM/sudan_highlight_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="425"></a> <p>Of course, any mention of the word <em>home</em> with MKs exposes a broad range of meanings. For this student, at least today, <em>home</em> meant Sudan. This is where he spent most of his childhood.<strong> In the years before coming to RVA, he lived on a farm outside of the city and commuted to an International day school</strong>. His best friend, another MK from Switzerland, went to school with him. <strong>This is the period in time he remembers as <em>the good ole’ days, </em>though as he describes his life there, it’s hard to believe why.</strong> <p>He remembers, with what can only be described as fondness, the harsh living conditions; <strong>if they had relied on rain for their water supply, they would’ve died of thirst. It was a remote place, a hard place, but it was undoubtedly the place their family was most needed. </strong>The Sudanese people they served were not Christian, and their ministry was making an impact. They were helping people. His dad was training them to raise crops in an unforgiving environment, how to get clean water, and how to conserve. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ktf1t-vuQMI/VjmxyxuMvrI/AAAAAAAAE5c/OGg2YzKcCg4/s1600-h/NIKON%252520D3100058%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="NIKON D3100058" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="NIKON D3100058" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yawj8w-pDVs/Vjmxz8XvELI/AAAAAAAAE5k/ebHGXcUstYc/NIKON%252520D3100058_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="372"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MF4w-mSHebc/Vjmx0glGKDI/AAAAAAAAE5s/CP4EzaWTges/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qdqna96pcmA/Vjmx1psOOcI/AAAAAAAAE50/wrkYXRy84iQ/DSC_0006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p><strong>A place where rain would fall only a few times a year and the mercury would climb higher each day, the air so thick it was hard to breathe – this is the place he was homesick for today.</strong> <p>At certain points in the conversation, I couldn’t tell if what he was missing more was a time or a place. Growing up for this young man has been a series of goodbyes. Goodbyes to people, farewells to places, and see-you-laters to chapters in his life he won’t likely see again. It was a simpler time, though, and a younger version of himself battled less with the unknowns and the what-ifs of a teenager. <strong>He smiled as he explained how he used to be able to relate to just about anyone, as long as there was a soccer ball involved; it was the one language in which everyone was fluent.</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUgaFswFqSY/Vjmx2lmmTvI/AAAAAAAAE54/w2bIZzI8ZjU/s1600-h/children_soccer%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="children_soccer" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="children_soccer" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nA-EX_uUus0/Vjmx3l_q0TI/AAAAAAAAE6E/7L0hcd_K3aM/children_soccer_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="466"></a> <p>South Korea doesn’t feel like home, although that’s what his passport says. South Sudan, where his parents are now working, doesn’t either. Kenya is where he goes to school and has spent the vast majority of the last 4 years, but its not home either. <p><strong>The reality is - he can’t go<em> home</em>.</strong> In December of 2012, his family, along with all other Christians, humanitarian aid workers, and anyone affiliated with anything that wasn’t Muslim, were forced to leave. <p><em>“We were told to leave, but we couldn’t because they were holding our passports.”</em> <p>It was a purging of the country. The government wanted to make it a Holy Nation, and in Islamic terms, that meant no infidels. Everybody out. They were forced to go to the airport and wait for someone who promised to bring their passports to them. As it turned out, that ‘someone’ didn’t show up that day. <strong>So his family spent the night in the street across from the South Korean embassy. </strong> <p><strong>He chuckles as if the significance of that day just now struck him,<em> “Huh. That was Christmas Eve.”</em></strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JCEn4aiZswA/Vjmx5U_HhbI/AAAAAAAAE6M/sEocCeZHI30/s1600-h/2654991841_ea28339650_b%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="2654991841_ea28339650_b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2654991841_ea28339650_b" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B1sLdtNibn0/Vjmx6n5YUGI/AAAAAAAAE6U/hE5Puo8tJJk/2654991841_ea28339650_b_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>He and his family left their home in Sudan on Christmas Day of 2012 and will likely never go back. Today he’s feeling a bit gloomy, a little down. <p>What could I say? <p>Sometimes I feel like I have something to contribute to the conversation – some pearl of wisdom or a Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to mind. <strong>Once in a while I can offer a strategy for fighting sin or a bit of perspective from an adult who’s been there. Not today. Today I had nothing. I just listened. I asked a few questions. I told him I would pray.</strong> <p>I failed at an attempt to make him feel better: <em>“everybody goes through changes as they grow up”</em> I said. I regretted those words as soon as I said them. Of course, he wasn’t offended.<strong> I’m not sure he even sees his story as different from anyone else’s.</strong> He’s never mentioned any of these details before today, and we’ve been meeting weekly for over 2 years. ‘' <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ol6jqvDbIUw/Vjmx7sSaQJI/AAAAAAAAE6c/Q0gVeOjPdyo/s1600-h/DSC_0241%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0241" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0241" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ug6wAU6b2c/Vjmx-LPE5lI/AAAAAAAAE6k/gd2Djw5CSVs/DSC_0241_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>I am blessed to be involved in mentoring relationships with several young men on campus this year.<strong> Every time we sit down, I’m challenged. Every time we talk, I’m encouraged.</strong> Every time I hear a story about what they’re struggling with and how the Lord is working in their lives, I’m convicted to walk closer to the Lord myself. <strong>What a privilege and an honor to work here and live life with these students!</strong> <p>Who’s mentoring who, anyway? </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a></p> <p><em>*this story was published with the permission of the student*</em></p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-2388603769066717732015-10-31T16:44:00.001+03:002015-10-31T16:44:33.268+03:00many are the FACES of R.V.A.<p>Enjoy these shots from Multi-Cultural Day. It is one of the most memorable events on RVA’s calendar for sure, a full day of celebrating the diversity with which God has blessed RVA! </p> <p>Students and staff are encouraged to dress in such a way as to represent their “home” countries. For some that means where they were born (their passport country), for others they represent where their parents are currently working. For most, it’s a combination of all the places they’ve called home at one point or another. </p> <p>As you scroll down through the pictures, you may notice that the most patriotic thing I own is a Buffalo Bills polo. Sorry, America.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqCwis7DzOQ/VjTD3xpvjII/AAAAAAAAEtw/bJV3fO1vhVk/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F5nax6YsvHw/VjTD5jbGmzI/AAAAAAAAEt4/Ex3eSQiPBBY/DSC_0005_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5PVEfvcJxJs/VjTD7MHo8tI/AAAAAAAAEuA/z1cLnMdbrQY/s1600-h/DSC_0018%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5fdMNZhpiY/VjTD8UgR1VI/AAAAAAAAEuI/WuAfeoyNtsc/DSC_0018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7zUEnMgWf84/VjTD9kGYZmI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/_AiReZyBEKg/s1600-h/DSC_0034%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gu3yLGse23E/VjTD-_qijdI/AAAAAAAAEuY/4QEec2mRJhQ/DSC_0034_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GvhYVtNiv5Y/VjTEAZQHnOI/AAAAAAAAEug/MCwxdLcRhGo/s1600-h/DSC_0026%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6rx9fVXQ2ms/VjTEBQey4aI/AAAAAAAAEuo/rpwYc6v3O4w/DSC_0026_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Atexu6-nBg/VjTECwmYplI/AAAAAAAAEuw/yb_GP_zTM7A/s1600-h/DSC_0082%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0082" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0082" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OHe14ckgnqg/VjTEEB3Ua-I/AAAAAAAAEu4/K0glYF2fadY/DSC_0082_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cwwZCa_zZJk/VjTEF-E5SnI/AAAAAAAAEvA/x02VU72l7gg/s1600-h/DSC_0302%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0302" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0302" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Os8tQfgB8lE/VjTEG8j0-7I/AAAAAAAAEvI/wPgS8P7eWa0/DSC_0302_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yo7lF3Uf6Pk/VjTEIQVDTqI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/sUxjS0iPJ3Q/s1600-h/DSC_0305%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0305" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0305" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73bNFw-2n0Y/VjTEJtMXd-I/AAAAAAAAEvY/W1T4_wDA11o/DSC_0305_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VIeo2lnqk9w/VjTELKSeTlI/AAAAAAAAEvg/ruvf41ftt4c/s1600-h/DSC_0343%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0343" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0343" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1L_JBcTh3ZI/VjTEMzWUxqI/AAAAAAAAEvo/LFoa35Rguzs/DSC_0343_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCgekiaraJE/VjTEOGDSCBI/AAAAAAAAEvw/bLllPJSJ7bc/s1600-h/DSC_0071%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mAI_wKyPgZM/VjTEPTakn5I/AAAAAAAAEv4/w_l9RFDcB3s/DSC_0071_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--72qNu3hTK0/VjTEQfugSAI/AAAAAAAAEwA/oM6jIUcLdoo/s1600-h/DSC_0081%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0081" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0081" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-reuaWX56g/VjTESA8l7vI/AAAAAAAAEwI/qamXa-tVTWs/DSC_0081_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HRd518HoTII/VjTETapSW3I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/8KK-qd_Mfq0/s1600-h/DSC_0086%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0086" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0086" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bz2AHUO8Zwo/VjTEUfMBa1I/AAAAAAAAEwY/7htIm5iNAdY/DSC_0086_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLGnzjR7jvo/VjTEWowSV2I/AAAAAAAAEwg/hvFWtmqmPng/s1600-h/DSC_0087%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0087" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0087" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ol5Yj5PQGvY/VjTEXxsWlJI/AAAAAAAAEwo/lH4xq8Ancbw/DSC_0087_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_SbQP4KLgw/VjTEZbpVnGI/AAAAAAAAEww/uP9DPzCj-I4/s1600-h/DSC_0088%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0088" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0088" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tfNOuBjKZQQ/VjTEaTtLZaI/AAAAAAAAEw4/z93oUV3oRkc/DSC_0088_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E7_e4WhOifo/VjTEchM41sI/AAAAAAAAExA/DpBDGLniHG8/s1600-h/DSC_0093%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0093" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0093" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-my7OS4XZrSE/VjTEeJECiPI/AAAAAAAAExI/ndr8l2N7jFM/DSC_0093_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrqWrd6dAk4/VjTEfTofKjI/AAAAAAAAExQ/fVICZKkoUpk/s1600-h/DSC_0098%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0098" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0098" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NL5jeBxWMXk/VjTEgnoWZDI/AAAAAAAAExY/QrXeHub2ov4/DSC_0098_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2TzZZDHXtg4/VjTEhz9JrxI/AAAAAAAAExg/V2EqTeAEWuk/s1600-h/DSC_0100%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0100" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t7amFNccQwg/VjTEi4W5BfI/AAAAAAAAExo/ipehH0SwGZY/DSC_0100_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a></p> <p>The best part of each Multi-cultural Day is the FLAG CEREMONY. This year, 30 flags were carried by students hailing from those countries. They hold their flags high, processing as their National Anthem plays, and then they have the chance to greet or bless the crowd in their heart language. We cheer loudly for each one, but the most enthusiastic cheers go to Kenya each year! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f3Eu73d_ySM/VjTEkHb0kmI/AAAAAAAAExw/wuSxSk15xQY/s1600-h/DSC_0124%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0124" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0124" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C-737wc19E0/VjTElKRP6HI/AAAAAAAAEx4/JH5p3RtiEBg/DSC_0124_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e_DtqJKEwoY/VjTEmc0tRgI/AAAAAAAAEyA/KiPzNku5MGA/s1600-h/DSC_0150%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0150" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0150" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iViv-cQiRwM/VjTEncaEuiI/AAAAAAAAEyI/dsbfqh_LOxo/DSC_0150_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--c1qmCH9cds/VjTEognYQhI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/SwnzR37hSqU/s1600-h/DSC_0157%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0157" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0157" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tK-6kOpYVY/VjTEp_7DIoI/AAAAAAAAEyY/qs5DULZqTYg/DSC_0157_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ixlIc-ofRRc/VjTErIxqKEI/AAAAAAAAEyg/yGxfBKzVyzo/s1600-h/DSC_0167%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0167" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0167" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ZJ0AyQgzNk/VjTEsYu2_yI/AAAAAAAAEyo/G8ftU9AYxPs/DSC_0167_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YQje3_YzB2k/VjTEtsnl_9I/AAAAAAAAEyw/HJeQmuuizFE/s1600-h/DSC_0194%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0194" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0194" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2YoMF-gDn4/VjTEvJlXpSI/AAAAAAAAEy4/0lh_WWnhWCI/DSC_0194_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vV7wBljS-5U/VjTEwhYaU3I/AAAAAAAAEzA/NJCt3Btgio4/s1600-h/DSC_0205%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0205" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0205" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OWw8XX4O9WA/VjTExmtOnvI/AAAAAAAAEzI/w5npJ7WlTFM/DSC_0205_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PnCnkmPKcRc/VjTEzBenwEI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/w0AXnHzSLVc/s1600-h/DSC_0213%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0213" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0213" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1F0hEU171_Q/VjTE0qixVpI/AAAAAAAAEzY/scU7kdKs91A/DSC_0213_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IKkt0gOpTZw/VjTE2AohhhI/AAAAAAAAEzg/_yQ9m_zn2bw/s1600-h/DSC_0230%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0230" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0230" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NvfqoFrLQF0/VjTE3XYRULI/AAAAAAAAEzo/XlM0uFStTSo/DSC_0230_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-foXnlnBp778/VjTE4hMDQnI/AAAAAAAAEzw/l2vcYPRI3PA/s1600-h/DSC_0242%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0242" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0242" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OMF3Q-biMvc/VjTE6JcY17I/AAAAAAAAEz4/gfp0SKuv7Kk/DSC_0242_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LuuDbXkgoo8/VjTE7DGKEAI/AAAAAAAAE0A/HXezhdo4oYQ/s1600-h/DSC_0266%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0266" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0266" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKjXMgyCmr4/VjTE8RoC2oI/AAAAAAAAE0I/jFS-Ug7wShU/DSC_0266_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="360"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YeSsawx5OfE/VjTE9XO2a8I/AAAAAAAAE0Q/DDUhTvfGEq8/s1600-h/DSC_0292%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0292" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0292" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z80VlprXtFQ/VjTE-pg1HkI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/qe6XuJ4iC0c/DSC_0292_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a></p> <p>We LOVE these students. And we are PRIVILIGED to be a part of what God is doing in this GLOBAL COMMUNITY. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w4ydV1cO_fs/VjTE_1C5fzI/AAAAAAAAE0g/EogUfZdFnvk/s1600-h/DSC_0300%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0300" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7GokhsMC678/VjTFBptQl0I/AAAAAAAAE0o/Q8SNoEbCz1M/DSC_0300_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICV5kV0fVaQ/VjTFDfEzMwI/AAAAAAAAE0w/4HCTV97ZQhk/s1600-h/DSC_0331%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0331" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0331" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GCwUAHQGLqg/VjTFEqfqqyI/AAAAAAAAE04/zQiiJ7idbmE/DSC_0331_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fbv4IHe9Gxw/VjTFGWag7HI/AAAAAAAAE1A/cQn0W4fONz0/s1600-h/DSC_0333%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0333" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0333" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--TMKqD4gOlc/VjTFHg38W3I/AAAAAAAAE1I/srGE1nN7f_g/DSC_0333_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6KHHMHN5z0/VjTFJPfDlgI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/hGM5CCNbdJk/s1600-h/DSC_0335%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0335" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0335" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UkAVLwjI_Do/VjTFKUkbkDI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/iZvpr5oPR2E/DSC_0335_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QFt9Me3BTfM/VjTFLwkJvnI/AAAAAAAAE1g/0LNVHqDyLyU/s1600-h/DSC_0338%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0338" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0338" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-21aCxXArw78/VjTFMxade_I/AAAAAAAAE1o/weWO2p_4u4Q/DSC_0338_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZWy2EG4ovzk/VjTFOaRHPiI/AAAAAAAAE1w/uICluOavgmU/s1600-h/DSC_0346%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0346" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0346" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wv7XSV5oeR8/VjTFPj3YfsI/AAAAAAAAE14/iGXdfr0Ulv8/DSC_0346_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--aqRvjxb2No/VjTFQs7TbsI/AAAAAAAAE18/vJUOOQSaRzA/s1600-h/DSC_0347%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0347" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0347" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tHXxgGrxx9Y/VjTFR-SfO7I/AAAAAAAAE2I/IklsK9kKctQ/DSC_0347_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i9bG_pFeAHQ/VjTFTwILaxI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/Ix8MccvqD-E/s1600-h/DSC_0352%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0352" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0352" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THtQ8P0QWEk/VjTFU-uALQI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/DG2Jy4ysVyA/DSC_0352_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_h2aiauWRPw/VjTFWJ4kqoI/AAAAAAAAE2g/_-4eiu_j6GU/s1600-h/DSC_0353%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0353" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0353" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vu8TxBVN5xk/VjTFXXjFWfI/AAAAAAAAE2o/pAajXRgNutk/DSC_0353_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="359"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-itKvzzAu-pA/VjTFYwywY1I/AAAAAAAAE2w/uttKRkQJo4Q/s1600-h/DSC_0665%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0665" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0665" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r86zhhOTa7U/VjTFaE9UeII/AAAAAAAAE24/TvM5yhpPkYY/DSC_0665_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eBbBk0NhHY/VjTFb_ykHCI/AAAAAAAAE3A/AnhXvIsbCQc/s1600-h/DSC_0658%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0658" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0658" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HuS69NZNGSU/VjTFdp3gA1I/AAAAAAAAE3I/_uyFknpSUCY/DSC_0658_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LKHz2BSV0Gw/VjTFfMxkm8I/AAAAAAAAE3Q/FkHH-FcUn58/s1600-h/DSC_0668%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0668" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0668" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hov8iZZTZaY/VjTFgrDmsVI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/PaAvsq4LuNU/DSC_0668_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U51ZbPpnPds/VjTFhsKgsBI/AAAAAAAAE3g/XnZ2dhfYOak/s1600-h/DSC_0643%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0643" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0643" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olZAAOHLEEU/VjTFi4eSlsI/AAAAAAAAE3o/Rx5EtUsMkzc/DSC_0643_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldJfsUEdGQU/VjTFjymAJ0I/AAAAAAAAE3w/IM4pbb-BeUU/s1600-h/DSC_0328%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0328" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0328" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tx2FWKY74eg/VjTFlfdQKDI/AAAAAAAAE34/86j3YXMq3Ag/DSC_0328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-xzkPv8qoU/VjTFmdOTvJI/AAAAAAAAE4A/K3SxKVYuwFU/s1600-h/DSC_0329%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0329" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0329" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzDDC_i_9c4/VjTFnTu5dOI/AAAAAAAAE4I/k2R_EY6lbDM/DSC_0329_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ag5z9z0EWOM/VjTFor7YAyI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/KIlg9kVKiRM/s1600-h/DSC_0348%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0348" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0348" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WucrSJlSoqs/VjTFqLmbwGI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/7sZYIkIdI1o/DSC_0348_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LjlFJx6pwiE/VjTFr5--auI/AAAAAAAAE4g/LKgBeKThYOY/s1600-h/DSC_0350%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0350" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0350" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8N2P6kSj-vk/VjTFs7XmgII/AAAAAAAAE4o/iI6J84QjPUM/DSC_0350_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5aQRGgXg6lE/VjTFuC73RbI/AAAAAAAAE4w/y9F7l5LSUfw/s1600-h/DSC_0639%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0639" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0639" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TOUpY75AXcM/VjTFvLXY7fI/AAAAAAAAE44/WR1Qbm4uMtM/DSC_0639_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="350"></a></p> <p>Thanks for allowing us to be here. For the expansion of His Kingdom. Until the whole world hears. </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-885832914737653272015-08-31T17:26:00.001+03:002015-08-31T17:26:10.645+03:00Lessons from my father<p>I went to class today. <p>As I arrived at the third floor of the building that looks out over the Great Rift Valley, there was a group of students standing at the doorway of the classroom I was aiming for. They were busy talking about some last minute schedule changes. Entering the room, there were maybe 20 students already seated, filling out the obligatory first-day survey and textbook cards. There weren’t any seats available, so I sat at a table in the back. That’s when my dad looked up, noticed me and smiled. After a long day of introducing students to his U.S. History and American Government classes, I could tell he was tired. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9tCDnI1aoAk/VeRj-cnCQCI/AAAAAAAAEtU/VbcyVkWNFqI/s1600-h/Dad%252520teaching%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="Dad teaching" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Dad teaching" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tJtcDp_gXSk/VeRj_p73phI/AAAAAAAAEtc/2k30XLht-FA/Dad%252520teaching_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="504" height="186"></a> <p>But I’ve never been more proud. <p>My dad is the second Mr. Schmidt that many of his students have met here at RVA. When I came 3 years ago, I struggled to pronounce some of the same names he fumbled over today. His go to phrase over the past week has been, “We’re not in Kansas anymore”, and he’s certainly not in Alden, teaching at the public high school where he began and [thought he] ended his teaching career. Although he mastered the art of pronouncing some of the Polish-American “ski’s” that make up much of Western NY’s populous, nothing prepared him for the Korean or Kenyan names he saw today. By 7<sup>th</sup> period, when I sat in, he simply smiled when he got to another one he knew he’d butcher, and then humbly asked a student nearby to translate for him. <p>The students were extremely polite…and quiet! I remember being blown away my first day at how quiet everyone was, not sure if it was out of fear or respect. I now know the answer, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve fallen in love with teaching here. <p>Many of the “kids” are hardly that anymore. Most are seniors and Dad congratulated them on finally reaching the top of the pack. He talked about political cartoons and faith, liberals and conservatives, cultural clichés and mandatory textbook covers. I could tell he was in his element – this isn’t his first time teaching American Government. <p>But it is his first time teaching in Africa. <p>I’ve learned innumerable lessons from my father over the years. The greatest irony in all of this was when the principal asked me if I’d be willing to be my dad’s mentor teacher. I laughed out loud and then realized he was serious. How do you mentor someone who’s been your mentor? <p>I may have the title this time around, but the way I’ve witnessed my parents’ walk in obedience over the past few months has mentored and encouraged and challenged me in ways that I’ll never hold a candle to as I attempt to support Dad in his new role. <p>Thanks Mom and Dad. Thanks for loving Jesus enough to do things that are hard and scary and new. I can already see the impact you’re going to have on these students – they may or may not talk your ear off over the next few months, but I can assure you they notice your obedience, they admire it, and they won’t soon forget it. <p>I know I won’t.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a></p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-30053152605524218542015-08-01T17:31:00.000+03:002015-08-01T17:39:01.520+03:00Beauty and the Beast<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZMl7yJlu-o/VbzYPjZKsgI/AAAAAAAAEkY/yzQRfx8RA40/s1600-h/DSC_0011a3.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011a" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JV9Hrg9xKKw/VbzYQ-Hm8gI/AAAAAAAAEkg/Q_oLfbMi8KU/DSC_0011a_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="338"></a>Ok, a bit of explanation. First of all, our guest and dear friend, Sabrina Knapp, recently starred in her high school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” as Belle (we were privileged to see it via DVD copy and can now easily agree with every other review we’ve heard – she NAILED it!) So for the title of this post, the Beauty is Sabrina. Secondly, “the Beast” is what we will refer to as the week we just had with her touring various parts of life and outreach here in Kenya (not to be confused with the vehicle that President Obama tooled around Nairobi in last weekend, also referred to as “the Beast”)</p> <p>One week is only a fraction of the time Sabrina has spent with us, but <strong>we all agreed that this week has been one of the most varied, thrilling, raw, exhausting, and down-to-earth real since her visit began in the middle of June.</strong></p> <p>We are thrilled to report that very soon, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from Sab – she has agreed to author a few guest blog posts for us, so stayed tuned!</p> <p>Here, in mostly pictorial form, are some highlights from “the Beast” with our very own “Beauty”. ENJOY!</p> <p><strong><u>MONDAY, 27 July:<br></u></strong>Building a fence with Pastor James.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCSmewKm9Uc/VbzYSv4sTxI/AAAAAAAAEko/23mUFy80yBg/s1600-h/NIKON-D31000487.jpg"><img title="NIKON D3100048" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="NIKON D3100048" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tq4Q48AdWUY/VbzYUCpBREI/AAAAAAAAEkw/dxckAhP_esE/NIKON-D3100048_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="338"></a>Pastor James started a ministry called Brook of Hope to rescue abandoned street boys in Maai Mahiu, and has recently raised funds to buy a piece of land there. He hopes to begin construction of an orphanage, school, and outreach center to provide hope to more children in need. We assisted in putting up a fence around part of the newly acquired property! <a href="http://brookofhope.wordpress.com" target="_blank">The short video on their blog is worth watching,</a> and tells a bit more of his story.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dn6VXwucu1c/VbzYWSAF-gI/AAAAAAAAEk4/oUttOZUmh1I/s1600-h/NIKON-D31000683.jpg"><img title="NIKON D3100068" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="NIKON D3100068" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sig-8MslFfI/VbzYXw8lKBI/AAAAAAAAElA/qQwof9WQMwo/NIKON-D3100068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ISLOtEDlxQ/VbzYbRtIC4I/AAAAAAAAElI/Oa6RqyjRFHA/s1600-h/NIKON-D31000663.jpg"><img title="NIKON D3100066" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="NIKON D3100066" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5KHtO3kOQs/VbzYciUYSTI/AAAAAAAAElQ/IQ7_wZZ6xEM/NIKON-D3100066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>Both of my boys wanted to be sure Grandpa Schmidt saw these pictures of them working hard on a fence. They did a great job!</p> <p><strong><u>TUESDAY, 28 July<br></u></strong>Family movie day in Nairobi – <u>Inside Out</u>. Great movie – sorry no pictures :)</p> <p><strong><u>WEDNESDAY, 29 July</u></strong><br>Visit to local Kenyan Primary School to see <a href="http://kenyakidscan.org/" target="_blank">Kenya Kids Can</a> in action. <br>A few of our colleagues here at RVA are heavily involved in the oversight of this program that had its beginnings in 2002 with another RVA family, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dream-So-Big-Unlikely-Journey-ebook/dp/B008EGRCA8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1438433699&sr=1-1&keywords=steve+peifer" target="_blank">the Peifers</a>. KKC’s aim is to “enhance the education of Kenyan students by providing meals and offering computer training to impoverished schools.” <strong>Over 16,000 students are receiving a hot meal at lunch each day in 26 different schools, and for many of these students, it’s their only meal that day</strong>. It was ironic that Tuesday night we had just written a blog on star power because on Wednesday, <u>we</u> were the celebrities!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4MzeebCZpM/VbzYeMWi1lI/AAAAAAAAElY/UkMC7z_bBkc/s1600-h/DSC_0066c1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066c" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066c" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CR9t8WVLhag/VbzYfiUjSKI/AAAAAAAAElg/Kya_x6wOtLY/DSC_0066c1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="211"></a></p> <p>As we went around visiting each of the classrooms, the most common requests were either to hear the mzungu children talk or to shake their hands – volunteers were not hard to find. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XfmyPvj1OJ8/VbzYiJHVT8I/AAAAAAAAElo/5ubJwCQrZuE/s1600-h/DSC_00563.jpg"><img title="DSC_0056" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0056" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jq3So2b9V74/VbzYkEk2tYI/AAAAAAAAElw/xhyxF4Mb8W8/DSC_0056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1OfbYKNtKHU/VbzYld-BqJI/AAAAAAAAEl4/zv8lmIJvn6w/s1600-h/DSC_01103.jpg"><img title="DSC_0110" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0110" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w5LGw4kGNH8/VbzYm_s2DZI/AAAAAAAAEmA/FuyNIZ7iGDw/DSC_0110_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_oemas_G4zY/VbzYpJ6bKBI/AAAAAAAAEmI/TdjOG3CpxGY/s1600-h/DSC_00803.jpg"><img title="DSC_0080" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0080" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0JsbxM2zKy8/VbzYrOgXqTI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/x1jbrYOVWiI/DSC_0080_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TY455rqgIo8/VbzYsz1xV8I/AAAAAAAAEmY/xnSS4QK7RWQ/s1600-h/DSC_00403.jpg"><img title="DSC_0040" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0040" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q6f6npWg3eA/VbzYuQM2nZI/AAAAAAAAEmg/rQd94c3RMgo/DSC_0040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YyWrvS1SW9k/VbzYw09SCeI/AAAAAAAAEmo/Z_lAq3USNcc/s1600-h/DSC_01333.jpg"><img title="DSC_0133" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0133" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jzMHGUz_PkY/VbzYzFSJRpI/AAAAAAAAEmw/aEGXFTCTY5c/DSC_0133_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong><u>THURSDAY, 30 July<br></u></strong>Game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park (captions included).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bafq4TX3zPo/VbzY1UKQJ9I/AAAAAAAAEm4/fd_j8lOLgvQ/s1600-h/DSC_00013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W6GOajznOzo/VbzY2oq3k3I/AAAAAAAAEnA/uENL-yAeszI/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>“<em>Good morning, Nakuru!</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UDfPHSSvHwA/VbzY4IKcGuI/AAAAAAAAEnI/H95MFGuAhAo/s1600-h/DSC_00143.jpg"><img title="DSC_0014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fg1w4YO1QD4/VbzY5bfdx2I/AAAAAAAAEnQ/44M5BdvBRjA/DSC_0014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>“<em>What’s so <u>good</u> about it?</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2CdqmSV0zs/VbzY6pvErKI/AAAAAAAAEnY/NSnRG91t3MA/s1600-h/DSC_00173.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvWfeoKr9aA/VbzY701GPiI/AAAAAAAAEng/PzAAT1Rqy-0/DSC_0017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="338"></a> “<em>Look at it this way – at least you’re not as ugly as I am!</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAaP582mhB0/VbzY9GagdaI/AAAAAAAAEno/SOF-S7h6BRs/s1600-h/DSC_00313.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4GG72Klo6Vc/VbzY-ruqAPI/AAAAAAAAEnw/6QrW0v9vCV8/DSC_0031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>“<em>I’m pretty sure this is my best side. Go ahead, take the picture.</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Htvo9Yt6k6o/VbzZAP97VZI/AAAAAAAAEn4/BveH8rd9UOU/s1600-h/DSC_0046a3.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0046a" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jE-hx_ZSCAk/VbzZBkE8SiI/AAAAAAAAEoA/e02g4zMqZ-0/DSC_0046a_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="338"></a>“<em>NOW where did that cub get to?</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcqmjVBsPv8/VbzZDAPK8BI/AAAAAAAAEoI/nAeENZoD-z4/s1600-h/DSC_0050a4.jpg"><img title="DSC_0050a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0050a" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqC4bLBlsq8/VbzZEf85AXI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/k0n7NFgGYmU/DSC_0050a_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="372"></a>“<em>She’ll never find me down here!</em><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UN47t6yPopE/VbzZF9Pof2I/AAAAAAAAEoY/nM0JqUenNSs/s1600-h/DSC_00653.jpg">”</a></p> <p><img title="DSC_0065" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0065" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pu6IkT6nNQY/VbzZHMtCVZI/AAAAAAAAEog/oyABqh1mA6Y/DSC_0065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="299">”<em>Wait, Dan isn’t PEEING in this one, is he?</em>” <em> (no!)</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MBrwpkOh7MY/VbzZI4Y4xTI/AAAAAAAAEoo/aWD_usvmHm4/s1600-h/DSC_00773.jpg"><img title="DSC_0077" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0077" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bikVdNLgF6E/VbzZKI7LwFI/AAAAAAAAEow/hmZNDnWKPMY/DSC_0077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>“<em>If I just stay right here and don’t move, they might mistake me as part of this tree…</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIXqaef5M5Y/VbzZLXDyjpI/AAAAAAAAEo4/fVJZ-OTX8sQ/s1600-h/DSC_0109b3.jpg"><img title="DSC_0109b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0109b" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5_LANacihs/VbzZM4K7lyI/AAAAAAAAEpA/QWUuilpZkTo/DSC_0109b_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="278"></a>“<em>Why do flamingoes lift up one leg?</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YzQxf4kNPs/VbzZOJq6CtI/AAAAAAAAEpI/nCqBtQxc3Pk/s1600-h/DSC_01003.jpg"><img title="DSC_0100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0100" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G_oWy5RqzQw/VbzZQf6YFEI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/vqftL12FLRA/DSC_0100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>“<em>Cause if they lifted both, they’d fall over!</em>”<br>“<em>Bahahahahaha! Good one, Dad!</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMdOTpW_w5Q/VbzZRrVVhdI/AAAAAAAAEpY/daosX34xlXs/s1600-h/DSC_01193.jpg"><img title="DSC_0119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0119" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSgRGltqt6E/VbzZTwt8htI/AAAAAAAAEpg/Ao1xSmmTIHM/DSC_0119_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>“<em>Be the rock, be the rock. Grrrr. This camouflage thing isn’t working at ALL!</em>”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VlOPIDnvSFA/VbzZVFaDc-I/AAAAAAAAEpo/_8FFHHAgsrs/s1600-h/DSC_01263.jpg"><img title="DSC_0126" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0126" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NxjEuCaSmRc/VbzZWq2ZV6I/AAAAAAAAEpw/XjJ9Mr3F_pM/DSC_0126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>Courtney: “<em>Okay, so how many more hours do we have to drive around with these crazy people?</em>” <br>Sabrina: “<em>Shhhh. Just smile for the camera!</em>”</p> <p><strong><u>FRIDAY, 31 July</u></strong><br>Spending a day with Florence, a young girl we’ve sponsored through <a href="http://compassion.com" target="_blank">Compassion International</a> since 2005, when she was just six years old. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nX2N3b7Use8/VbzZZKkC2kI/AAAAAAAAEp4/HYENjiD8bJs/s1600-h/DSC_01303.jpg"><img title="DSC_0130" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0130" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3h7TvJ2apkM/VbzZaura-zI/AAAAAAAAEqA/ihVsnKLKAZo/DSC_0130_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="338"></a></p> <p>What a joy to finally meet Florence. We also had the privilege of meeting her mother, Jane, and her little sister, Lucy. Jane said we now have 3 American children and 1 Kenyan daughter! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ynbu16EXMqM/VbzZcfvCwgI/AAAAAAAAEqI/EqEAvbiguL0/s1600-h/DSC_01423.jpg"><img title="DSC_0142" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0142" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8nItA27lJIs/VbzZdu8Z1hI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/2jt3d5rs0Do/DSC_0142_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="338"></a></p> <p>The day began at A.I.C. Jericho, the local church where the Compassion project takes place each Saturday and during breaks in between school terms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3adx7lfCqs/VbzZe_hm_FI/AAAAAAAAEqY/61ZD16MuBCY/s1600-h/DSC_01383.jpg"><img title="DSC_0138" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0138" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jdPSwiL6i2Y/VbzZggofKtI/AAAAAAAAEqg/5DHexBDEweU/DSC_0138_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="338"></a></p> <p>The project coordinator answered about a hundred of our questions as we all enjoyed a cup of chai together. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbzUmhO361Q/VbzZiBYrIII/AAAAAAAAEqo/yB4g8y7HhBg/s1600-h/DSC_01543.jpg"><img title="DSC_0154" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0154" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAZIyZ1BLOs/VbzZjoHiAxI/AAAAAAAAEqw/rb77k9qV1zU/DSC_0154_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The next stop was to visit her home. I say home because house certainly wouldn’t be accurate. The living conditions in her ‘village’ are, in a word, deplorable. <strong>Florence’s family has recently been relocated to a plot right alongside a trash-infested creek that often floods.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U67CA7D5TSw/VbzZlxx6Q7I/AAAAAAAAEq4/XA-ZlySJvp4/s1600-h/DSC_01463.jpg"><img title="DSC_0146" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0146" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HcK_WjavdwY/VbzZnAnUfbI/AAAAAAAAErA/lFtMagcGdZA/DSC_0146_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The shelter that the 6 of them live in is smaller than our bedroom, and the trash heap we had to walk through to get there spills over everywhere. We gingerly stepped over rotting food, trash, and feces, and the smell along the path was enough to knock you over. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P4dKvnxOJhk/VbzZotQQ27I/AAAAAAAAErI/A_EA3bDJ4Dw/s1600-h/DSC_01633.jpg"><img title="DSC_0163" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0163" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GW6Pl2Lv5FM/VbzZqsi_eHI/AAAAAAAAErQ/Y1u66PoTcGg/DSC_0163_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>We are continuing to process through many thoughts and hard emotions after this leg of our visit. True poverty is ruthless and unforgiving. Witnessing it firsthand is one thing - caring deeply about the people who are stuck in it sheds a different light on the entire topic.</strong> Much more on that in a future post.</p> <p>With just enough room for 4 of us to sit and 5 to crowd around and watch, we brought her family a few bags of groceries and Florence a new purple backpack full of things we thought she might appreciate. She was so grateful for everything, but her whole face lit up when she pulled out a Bible. <strong>Wrapped in well-worn pink duct-tape, complete with underlining, notes and highlights throughout, it was a gift from our other ‘daughter’, Sabrina; she had been praying for an opportunity to leave her own personal Bible with a young girl here in Kenya before she left. God’s plan and timing are perfect! </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEcvFkAXlYU/VbzZsL90n3I/AAAAAAAAErY/qm7hWmS_pDA/s1600-h/DSC_0158.jpg"><img title="DSC_0158" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0158" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nLIuS3782w/VbzZth4ijeI/AAAAAAAAErg/xkeVxmmcBjQ/DSC_0158_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="375"></a></p> <p>Florence shouted gleefully, “I love the Bible!” and held it tightly to her chest. It was an encouraging moment as we prayed for Florence and her family. <strong>Pray with us that the truth of God’s Word would infiltrate their hearts and minds and that salvation would come to the whole family. </strong></p> <p>From there we took a drive to the Giraffe Center. Always a highlight! Florence got the hang of feeding the giraffes quickly, but Lucy never quite appreciated their sticky, purple tongues. She preferred watching from a distance :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZo-Rv2ZW7g/VbzZvO0ulQI/AAAAAAAAEro/3-pj3w59n7o/s1600-h/DSC_0192%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0192" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0192" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aHL4ooWVVdA/VbzZwenDdrI/AAAAAAAAErw/L3W0IrU8ZTg/DSC_0192_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="338"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ll2BJidQXY/VbzZyCjCoQI/AAAAAAAAEr4/O45Ee6TBbFk/s1600-h/DSC_0211%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0211" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0211" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-om73bmlsDls/VbzZzhnNTFI/AAAAAAAAEsA/RnNm24HgJQo/DSC_0211_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhF3tGWgQl0/VbzZ1IVFFyI/AAAAAAAAEsI/asYz8X3GCL4/s1600-h/DSC_0214%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0214" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0214" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vQPtEmN4VQ0/VbzZ2lGfUDI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/NlptxlhZf1U/DSC_0214_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>On our way to see the giraffes, we passed a Pizza Inn. Making conversation, I asked Florence if she has ever tasted pizza. When she said no, it was clear that we needed to stop for lunch!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-213c7ylEVso/VbzZ4RE3E_I/AAAAAAAAEsY/0MjCNvB8kz8/s1600-h/DSC_0237%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0237" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0237" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R6Ols3pV1x8/VbzZ6DmNgGI/AAAAAAAAEsg/jWJbNq0NLKs/DSC_0237_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Pepperoni, chicken tikka, and peri peri chicken – Florence enjoyed all three. It turns out that love for pizza transcends at least one cultural boundary. And the ice cream seemed a little cold to Lucy at first, but she ‘warmed up’ to it quickly!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hgp86vO9MY8/VbzZ7cn0XxI/AAAAAAAAEso/0NmUnJeCtuc/s1600-h/DSC_0243%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0243" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0243" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ifxXqrwd2jA/VbzZ8wlSd_I/AAAAAAAAEsw/gR_ZguCDJRA/DSC_0243_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We want to say a BIG thanks to <a href="http://www.compassion.com/" target="_blank">Compassion International</a> and the work they do in tough places, bringing hope and Truth and light where the darkness is overwhelming. To God be the glory for the work He is doing in the lives of His children around the world!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7E3Lyoj7rHU/VbzZ-U5N9WI/AAAAAAAAEs4/qUuaLCi4lZU/s1600-h/DSC_0233%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0233" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0233" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vM65NLtT5i8/VbzaAEZFkQI/AAAAAAAAEtA/cRo3TPJIytI/DSC_0233_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>Pictured: Dan, Florence, Lucy, Jane, Courtney, Izaac, and Boniface <br>(Izaac and Boniface were our guides and representatives from Compassion International – Kenya)</p> <p>That was quite a week. We’ve had no trouble sleeping each night!</p> <p>One more shout-out to Sabrina for being determined to make this visit to Kenya happen. We have LOVED having her here and will miss her terribly after she’s gone. The following conversation lends some insight into how much our family has cherished her time with us:</p> <p><u>Evelyn</u>: “When is Sabrina going to change her last name to Schmidt?” </p> <p><u>Courtney</u>: “Oh, honey, she’s not going to do that. She’s just visiting us for a few weeks.”</p> <p><u>Ethan</u>: “Yeah, but she’s pretty much our sister.”</p> <p><u>Dan</u>: “Well, we like to call her your sister, but she isn’t <em>really</em>.”</p> <p><u>Nate</u>: “No Dad. She is. She’s our sister in Christ!”</p> <p>And there you have it, folks.</p> <p>Blessings,</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-42157890190868283402015-07-29T09:33:00.001+03:002015-07-29T09:33:30.867+03:00Star Power<p>Back in May of this year (wow, we haven’t blogged in awhile!), as the third term of our school year was just getting under way, Kijabe Hospital was gearing up for its centennial celebration, 100 years of God’s faithfulness in East Africa through medical missions. In honor of the event, Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta scheduled a visit to shake hands and tip his hat to the quality care <a href="http://kijabehospital.org" target="_blank">Kijabe Hospital</a> has provided all these years. <p>In anticipation of his visit, the community of Kijabe was ready to roll out the red carpet (almost literally). If you’ve ever traveled the road down the escarpment from the main highway to our compound, you know it is certainly not fit for a presidential motorcade, so it received one of the best facelifts we’ve seen in three years. But there was a good chance he would arrive by helicopter, so RVA administration prepared for a possible landing on our school’s rugby pitch. <p>It wouldn’t be right for him to land on our field without a proper Kenyan greeting, so this particular Friday, the entire student body and staff were donned in their Sunday best, just in case we would be called upon to line the field and welcome him. Emails and student announcements prepped students and staff to keep any photos off of social media. There was talk of the “presidential toilet” (not even joking) and how it would be properly transported down the hill. It turns out that the tunnel underneath the railroad wasn’t quite wide enough for the trailer it usually travels on! <p>As it turned out, we never did catch a glimpse of him. The helicopter landed on the airstrip below the hospital instead. But oh, were we prepared! Here’s a picture of my third period Algebra class, all decked out and ready for the visit that never was. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JqBeHPUGH7o/VbhzkkU5FtI/AAAAAAAAEjc/6Wt2mWRv_4c/s1600-h/DSC_00083.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IsTIqNkfUdg/Vbhzma074SI/AAAAAAAAEjk/_2ceSlopZ0w/DSC_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>A few years ago, I was teaching at Beaver Falls High School in Western Pennsylvania. Two weeks into the school year, in the height of high school football season, we were graced with a visit from Joe Namath, the school’s most famous alum. “Broadway Joe” was celebrating his 50th high school reunion, visiting his alma mater for the first time since he went off and got famous as a star quarterback in the NFL. <p>In anticipation of the big day, the first two weeks of school were a little crazy. It was kind of a big deal, really. The entire town (school, county, city of Pittsburgh, ESPN, HBO, NFL films, the Golf channel?) was watching as Joe was ushered back to the place where it all began; as he and several of his 1960 and 1961 high school teammates were honored; people lining up for autographed jerseys, t-shirts, football helmets, etc. That Friday our football team played their biggest rivals at home. Classes were canceled so a pep assembly could be held, a visiting college band played before the big game, and Joe was honored in front of a pregame crowd that blew every previous headcount at the local football stadium out of the water. Everybody who was anybody turned out for the game to see if they could snap a picture or shake his hand. Just like everybody else, I was caught up in the “how many degrees of separation are there between you and Joe” frenzy. All because the guy used to be able to throw a football (it’s possible he still can). <p>This past weekend the celebrity theme has pervaded most conversations yet again, this time on a slightly more global scale. U.S. President Barack Obama made his long-awaited visit to Kenya, flying into Nairobi on Friday night and staying through the weekend. The statistics associated with the size of his entourage, the vehicles, the cost of the trip, and the groundwork laid in preparation are staggering. Nobody knew quite what to expect in the city as far as traffic patterns and security measures, but be assured that the world was watching and Kenya was ready. Televisions were tuned to his live news conference, newspaper headlines for the past two weeks were dedicated to this epic event, and Obama was on everybody’s mind and lips. Even in our local church service Sunday morning, his name must have been mentioned 7 times; a few during the announcement and prayer request time, as an object lesson during the sermon, and again in the closing comments before the benediction! <p><strong>Star power.</strong> <p>In each case, I was impressed by the shear anticipation and reception of these honored guests. There was a just-hold-everything-and-wait-until-______’s-visit-is-over-so-we-can-get-on-with-life-as-usual mentality that gripped each respective community. Celebrities and politicians are big news. They become THE topic of conversation. I, like everyone else, was caught up in the hype, chatting about the itineraries, plotting the best spot to snap a photo, wondering how close I could get to the action while still looking casual. It’s not every day you get to rub shoulders with a guy like one of these: the myth, the man, the legend. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5prFAezi6E4/VbhznhhRaxI/AAAAAAAAEjs/_ONP6MMxkJk/s1600-h/DSC_03423.jpg"><img title="DSC_0342" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0342" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NU1XTXj4ny0/VbhzpA-ibvI/AAAAAAAAEj0/i1Kv6DcMXpE/DSC_0342_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="238"></a> <p>And oh, by the way, I set aside a few minutes this afternoon for some quiet time in the Word of God. This weekend I told more stories about a guy I’ll never meet than about how Jesus has reached down and redeemed me from the pit of hell, dying so I don’t have to, giving His life so that I might live eternally. I focused more on “Broadway Joe” than the Alpha and the Omega, more on the Commander in Chief than the Creator of the Universe. <p>Sure, it’s neat to meet someone famous, to be around when someone who’s really done something is visiting, to tell people that so-and-so was in the area. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with any of that. But to watch my excitement over a fellow human being, a fellow sinner, a talented athlete rise to a level that beats out the zeal that I have for my Lord is shameful. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBU_sYd68Ow/VbhzrJsVi0I/AAAAAAAAEj8/anrsHTrNm9s/s1600-h/DSC_02223.jpg"><img title="DSC_0222" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A98gVn6bqgo/VbhztqQJSsI/AAAAAAAAEkE/vOjVEUs9d1A/DSC_0222_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>As I’ve observed these reactions to human stars, it struck me how sinful and idolatrous I really am. Thank the Lord that He forgives me, that He’s taken care of the depths of my sin, that <strong>He’s infinitely more faithful to me than I am to Him</strong>. <p>King David had the right idea of what true star power looks like. Although an imperfect man himself, he got it right when he reflected on the accomplishments of his hero, his God, his Savior. <p>“Many, O LORD my God, <br> are the wonders you have done. <br>The things you planned for us <br> no one can recount to you; <br>were I to speak and tell of them, <br> they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5 <p>A Super Bowl MVP trophy? Not bad. <p>Elected to a position of national or global influence? Impressive. <p>Eternal victory over sin and the grave, God becoming man and dying so we can live? <p>Priceless.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a></p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-18069891367897413282015-06-06T13:13:00.000+03:002015-06-06T13:42:10.040+03:00on contemplating missionary service<p>The decision to come and serve on the foreign mission field is a tough one, both for those considering a short-term opportunity or a long-term commitment. We often forget this, as God has grown in us a fondness and love for what we do. </p> <p>On one hand, <strong>it's never going to make any sense</strong>. You will never sit down and say "this could really help add to my savings, advance my portfolio, and put me in a better position financially." The truth is, you will likely end up paying to work there. You will never say "that sounds like a good opportunity to live with relative ease. I'll have my nights and weekends free, and all that I want will be at my fingertips." The truth is, the schedule here at RVA is quite full for 13 straight weeks each term, weekends included, and much of life in Africa is inconvenient. <strong>In a typical American worldview, RVA (and all missions work) will never make an ounce of sense. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-29AI3P5ikO0/VXLH3NiT7HI/AAAAAAAAEh0/1CuMkxIfeqg/s1600-h/stats-selfie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="stats-selfie" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stats-selfie" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y4zQGbX1vhI/VXLH4R9aj5I/AAAAAAAAEh8/xNHk4jmYVy8/stats-selfie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="287"></a><br>What it boils down to is that living and working at RVA is not an occupation like one in the states. It's a service. You likely won't gain a single thing monetarily from it - in fact, it will cost you. You likely will have to eat food that is slightly different than you're used to, live with things in your home that don’t work quite right or aren’t built quite right, and be inconvenienced regularly when a culture much different than yours collides with your own. Not to mention, the internet is slow and Nairobi traffic is a nightmare. </p> <p><strong>But our service is to the Lord alone and our purpose is the advancement of His Kingdom, til He returns. We have the AMAZING opportunity here to teach and disciple and welcome into our homes children of missionaries serving in the HARD places.</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPXWwrS2yaI/VXLH5zIrrbI/AAAAAAAAEiE/E3i1Ca5R27U/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ey7pAEtmIPw/VXLH7KjTTAI/AAAAAAAAEiM/uJyrZ_AMhjo/DSC_0014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>We had a staff appreciation chapel on Thursday morning, where our school board read letters out loud written by parents of these missionary kids. Parents serving in closed countries writing to <em>us</em> about the necessity of RVA to their ministry, for their children to have a safe place to attend school. Parents writing notes of appreciation for men and women of the faith on our staff who sacrifice comforts and salaries to invest in their children so that they can remain in the hard places, building relationships and loving the lost into the Kingdom. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9Hw9v11d-U/VXLH7zAl7xI/AAAAAAAAEiU/BhsxW3uKvjM/s1600-h/10931214_10204912606727294_2046147393013714918_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="10931214_10204912606727294_2046147393013714918_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="10931214_10204912606727294_2046147393013714918_n" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aVck3JacS0c/VXLH80dLlWI/AAAAAAAAEic/uJ8unedgJmg/10931214_10204912606727294_2046147393013714918_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="201"></a> <p><strong>It's not always easy, but it is rewarding.</strong> We have a fine staff of about 120 people who pray together daily and share meals and fellowship with one another. We have men’s and women’s bible studies and accountability groups, and we worship together each week. It's a community. Not only that but we're sent and encouraged by a community that we love and miss dearly in the states. <strong>We have the love of the body in two places. People faithfully committed to giving so we can be here and people faithfully serving alongside us here. </strong> <p><strong>The rewards ARE great, but most of them are not going to be in this life. This is Kingdom building, and Kingdom investing.</strong> <p>It's teaching, yes, but its so much more.<strong> It's service. It's sacrifice. It's flexibility. It's teaching something or leading something you're not completely comfortable with because it's a need, and we live to serve.</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LQzY7bfJC0c/VXLH-iCjdGI/AAAAAAAAEik/wH9VnaEY_Xo/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZ5oD-gYoA4/VXLH_4m4jbI/AAAAAAAAEis/mpUCFrfczOU/DSC_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>If God lays on your heart to come out to Kijabe and serve at this fine school or if He lays on your heart to serve in one of those HARD locations or with one of those HARD people groups, I guarantee it will not be because of any earthly gains. <strong>This decision will never make sense and it will never be at a convenient time for you. </strong></p> <p><strong>It will be because you want nothing more than to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to be used in whatever way is needed at the time, with the talents and abilities God has given you, for His Glory and His purposes.</strong> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/522dd3fb5512faf6ccc5a9967b88cc5a.png"></a></p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-60451313847649960732015-04-04T09:28:00.001+03:002015-04-04T09:28:17.505+03:00Good Friday?<p>Good? </p> <p>Death, good? Crucifixion, good? The Savior of the world tortured and hung on a cross to die, good? Followers deserting Him, God the Father forsaking Him, criminals dying on either side of Him, the Jewish leaders finally rid of Him, Satan smiling because of what he’s done to Him, a stone rolled in front of Him. Good?</p> <p>Yes, good.<br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GTUXywY6XC0/VR-EZardPGI/AAAAAAAAEg4/5tyxk6IgPQ4/s1600-h/DSC_0246%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0246" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0246" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3EH88U5y_T4/VR-Eap4XHQI/AAAAAAAAEhA/NbO2KBnHLl8/DSC_0246_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>“Before we can grasp the full meaning of the resurrection, we first have to witness the crucifixion. If we spend our lives so afraid of suffering, so averse to sacrifice, that we avoid even the risk of persecution, then we might never discover the true wonder, joy and power of a resurrection faith. Ironically, avoiding suffering could be the very thing that prevents us from partnering deeply with the risen Jesus.”</strong> <em>The Insanity of God</em>, Nik Ripken</p> <p>We are slowly walking through the reality of the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32169080" target="_blank">deadliest terror attack on Kenyan soil since the U.S. Embassy bombings in 1998</a> – it has not been easy. Praying, thinking, questioning, fearing…</p> <p>Emotions are flashing back to the Westgate Mall attacks in the fall of 2013. Then again on December 2, 2014, while we were on home assignment in the States, we read these two headlines on the same day:</p> <p>“Al-Shabab massacres non-Muslims at Kenya quarry”<br>“U.S. Teacher Killed 'With a Sharp Tool' in Abu Dhabi Shopping Mall” <p>In a matter of weeks, dear friends of ours were preparing to move to Abu Dhabi within days of us heading back to Kenya. I was in the middle of preparing for a Sunday School lesson on how our faith should speak into our fear, based on Hebrews 11:29-38. Suddenly, I was no longer presenting a theological concept for discussion; this was real life – too real. </p> <p>What does it mean to trust God amidst headlines like that? How does my faith in God and His Sovereignty shape my response? What if I can’t depend on the (true or false) sense of security that living comfortably in the States provides or rely on responsible decision making to avoid risk? What if I feel completely naked, completely exposed, completely vulnerable, living in an area of the world where bad things happen and where some of those things are because of what I do or don’t believe. </p> <p>So here we go again. 147 dead. Non-Muslims targeted. Al-Shabab at large, increasing the frequency of attacks. Wouldn’t it be easier to move back? Certainly it would be safer, right? Wouldn’t we feel more secure in the States? Surely God’s protection there is more legitimate, more guaranteed, more humane than the craziness that grabs headlines around here. Questions, tears, doubts, fear.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D5uYgUnaj4w/VR-EbeaZcdI/AAAAAAAAEhI/TacQrmNPJdU/s1600-h/DSC_0019%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jNAxoF54blY/VR-EcR-s0DI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/edoFhZCK26w/DSC_0019%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><br>I want so desperately to respond with authenticity like friends of ours did after a recent cancer diagnosis, “There is no reason to fear, only another opportunity to trust.” Wow.</p> <p><strong>Psalm 27:1-3<br> </strong><strong>The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?<br> The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?</strong></p> <p><strong> When the wicked advance against me to devour me,<br> it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.</strong></p> <p><strong> Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;<br> though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.</strong></p> <p>Funny thing about being under siege – you’re stuck. The whole military strategy hinges on cutting off supply lines and eliminating the possibility of escape. Victims are completely isolated and it is only a matter of time before they die or surrender. Completely helpless and hopeless, they slowly waste away, limited only to the diminishing resources that remain in their stronghold. </p> <p>UNLESS…</p> <p>God is your stronghold. Think about being stuck within the shadow of the Almighty! Diminishing resources? Try ABUNDANT! David had an intimate knowledge of persecution, being on the run, of people seeking to take his life. Psalm 27 wasn’t written in the hypothetical. He wrote, “though an army besiege me,” not, “If an army would ever besiege me.” It is when we are cut off from everything else, when we are the most vulnerable, when we are at our weakest point and all we can turn to is our Savior; only then are we truly strong!</p> <p>Ironically, it’s the peripheral defenses, the false blockades and pathetic attempts at security that we mistakenly place our faith in; these, put up and maintained in our own strength, are what keep us from retreating sooner. They prevent us from finding refuge in our True Stronghold.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ORHuUq0aGls/VR-EdQCnyyI/AAAAAAAAEhY/CycHHQ54_Io/s1600-h/DSCN0559-B%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN0559-B" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN0559-B" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E9FbWRsSRas/VR-EeVHv70I/AAAAAAAAEhg/1CmOLPO_TQc/DSCN0559-B_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <br><strong>“The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” </strong></p> <p>It is because of the events we celebrate this Easter weekend that we can stay, choosing to obey in spite of our fears. It is because of the sacrifice of Jesus, the terrible silence and the questioning and the doubts that followed, and then the indescribable joy when He arose, victorious over sin, death, and the grave. And it is because He is still in the business of raising men and women from the dead that we can walk by faith and lay our fears at His feet.</p> <p><strong>“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” <strong>Ephesians 2:4-5</strong></strong></p> <p>Praise God, Jesus Christ is risen!</p> <p>He is risen, indeed.</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-16270437775925244892015-04-01T11:17:00.000+03:002015-04-02T16:57:15.358+03:00A Day in the Life: Flat Stanley Visits RVA<p>World-renowned international traveler, Flat Stanley, has one more stop to check off his list. Earlier this year, he visited <a href="http://www.rva.org" target="_blank">Rift Valley Academy</a> in Kijabe, Kenya. His gracious hosts, <a href="http://schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.com" target="_blank">the Schmidt family</a>, gave him the grand tour of the school for missionary children that was founded in 1906. In his own words, here are a few of the highlights of his trip.</p> <p>“Hi everybody! First of all, I’d like to give a shout-out to the one who made this all possible, Sam Mateer. Without him, I never would’ve had the chance to visit Kenya. Even though the journey was long, USPS flat-rate postage (no pun intended) did the trick and I arrived safely in the Schmidt’s mailbox in about two weeks’ time. </p> <p>The school day here isn’t too different than some of the schools I’ve been to in the States, but there are a few key differences. I arrived in the middle of what they call ‘Term 2’. The academic calendar is split into three terms, each about three months long. </p> <p>Here I’m sitting in on AP Calculus. The students seem engaged and, for the most part, interested. Weird.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w0S-vRgVYcs/VR1J4RNopjI/AAAAAAAAEa8/OHpoDtE0pjM/s1600-h/DSC_00303.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7MDSYiNsH1Q/VR1J5tLe_NI/AAAAAAAAEbE/bmGOEQPKmIo/DSC_0030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>This group of sixth graders was intent on their reading assignment during English class. Back in Pennsylvania where the Mateer family lives, there are very few opportunities for outdoor reading in the beginning of March!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D_AjbVvaE9A/VR1J63h3hhI/AAAAAAAAEbM/h_BpFT-4bA0/s1600-h/DSC_00273.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-utozXYmcYQ8/VR1J8LJNgJI/AAAAAAAAEbU/5X6g-O4kddE/DSC_0027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I like Edward – he’s the Swahili tutor on the right. I didn’t learn too much of the language, but he did give me a piece of candy! At least I knew enough to say, “Asante sana!”</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_ty9To5LxSw/VR1J9WBRi0I/AAAAAAAAEbc/rjRRgq6Za4Q/s1600-h/DSC_00033.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1v3YNx9b6O4/VR1J-WXMVCI/AAAAAAAAEbk/05o_O4eZwZo/DSC_0003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Chai break is a pretty big deal here. After 3rd period, the whole school stops for 15 minutes to have a hot cup of chai – basically black tea with milk and sugar. A few of the guys that work in the cafeteria let me join them. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wt__w_IIncI/VR1J_YPQf3I/AAAAAAAAEbs/EbCcYjIKmJw/s1600-h/DSC_00023.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4-0FTe3Ru6E/VR1KAgjp32I/AAAAAAAAEb0/RhPPiBzoC04/DSC_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Here I am in the “chai tree” – a lot of the students leave their mugs hanging here in the outdoor courtyard. Not very sanitary, in my opinion, but then again I’m just a piece of cardstock. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-02uJ79bI1Vg/VR1KB9zOVKI/AAAAAAAAEb8/T29TP1xqgo8/s1600-h/DSC_00043.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b2u153AkK9g/VR1KC1O1BCI/AAAAAAAAEcE/YeGhJjtCAY0/DSC_0004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J7j6pmnrZEI/VR1KEMz4B3I/AAAAAAAAEcM/LJWIpoSIPm8/s1600-h/IMG_37863.jpg"><img title="IMG_3786" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3786" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6PQXE2kbr3U/VR1KFJezgrI/AAAAAAAAEcU/n_4RG6b_wkc/IMG_3786_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="384"></a></p> <p>The library is a pretty cool place. Lots of good books – a few in particular caught my eye…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JbTv5VJE_2Y/VR1KF05ie3I/AAAAAAAAEcc/dWHZpZEU1mc/s1600-h/DSC_00083.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fh06x4PRcBQ/VR1KG_Ge1NI/AAAAAAAAEck/V7rCB3BnlVk/DSC_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-te0wGke2F1w/VR1KIZuAj9I/AAAAAAAAEcs/ZcvUkcd9FkY/s1600-h/DSC_00213.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rkfbT4lzAJE/VR1KJHUe1FI/AAAAAAAAEc0/jJSQ5y8WoBo/DSC_0021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I even got a little homesick!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XQ748h1pF4U/VR1KKbKz11I/AAAAAAAAEc8/e2WxxmnAGMQ/s1600-h/DSC_00243.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NuXcY2P5f6A/VR1KLOA1KUI/AAAAAAAAEdE/LGPa1kIvbaE/DSC_0024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>But mostly, I just tried to figure out why there were so many stuffed animals. No, not the cuddly, sleep-in-your-bed kind – stuffed, as in they used to be alive! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tChfskMiNE8/VR1KMfZANWI/AAAAAAAAEdM/bLyc44HGpZs/s1600-h/DSC_00103.jpg"><img title="DSC_0010" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h-P4p3PHKvQ/VR1KNMSt87I/AAAAAAAAEdU/YnF0bn9FkgU/DSC_0010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mRtkBMhIq3s/VR1KNypp6sI/AAAAAAAAEdc/yU9bbOsCj8c/s1600-h/DSC_00123.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-56-9GKdL2sA/VR1KOtCLcpI/AAAAAAAAEdk/MHoLHL_1OcM/DSC_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="338"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x3wrDg08x-Y/VR1KPk78idI/AAAAAAAAEds/XOuBej1Qnjk/s1600-h/DSC_00093.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EWT_BBAcjt8/VR1KQrehHRI/AAAAAAAAEd0/dvTDwtqMpfI/DSC_0009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I thought I read something about hunting being illegal in Kenya. I guess when you’ve been around for over 100 years as a school, your exploits pre-date some of the current laws!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CjPbIB1Q2TE/VR1KRx7kpPI/AAAAAAAAEd8/wrHU_X-oRZI/s1600-h/DSC_00263.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KmRIBwaRfgU/VR1KTTi423I/AAAAAAAAEeE/_2QEfJau2KI/DSC_0026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The best part of my day was definitely hanging out with students. There are lots of amazing kids here. Above, I’m chilling with the first graders. Then, after lunch, I found a random Algebra 1 class being held under a tree!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EZ1msYEIwxo/VR1KVK62K0I/AAAAAAAAEeM/iOv3APr9lU4/s1600-h/DSC_00333.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KFF7WxwZ_1Y/VR1KWTao5MI/AAAAAAAAEeU/TrqSXRcniYU/DSC_0033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gotta love Freshmen!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nWW_QwauArc/VR1KXk9b-5I/AAAAAAAAEec/C7gC6KREIYY/s1600-h/DSC_00323.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3vgXHCreHFA/VR1KYzlt8NI/AAAAAAAAEek/kfe37BS9nrA/DSC_0032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I am, in fact, in the picture below. I’m just taking after my buddy Waldo – where’s Flat Stanley?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wahN-9_zoOo/VR1Kaadr79I/AAAAAAAAEes/Oi8AzR9vVik/s1600-h/DSC_00313.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bMQS0uDqRoc/VR1KcAOHzeI/AAAAAAAAEe0/PTJfp61FVEs/DSC_0031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Everybody wants a picture taken with Flat Stanley! The most common reaction from the high school students was, “Flat Stanley?! I remember him!” </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r-4CxpDEgT4/VR1Kc_E9pvI/AAAAAAAAEe8/ssZ5GqSCYBM/s1600-h/DSC_00357.jpg"><img title="DSC_0035" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TiUq-KSFaec/VR1KeIUGnWI/AAAAAAAAEfE/JDdOpbomaYU/DSC_0035_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4LCQ-E3NfBE/VR1KfB31M8I/AAAAAAAAEfM/QHOvncLxUhM/s1600-h/DSC_00113.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t46bxacYKiM/VR1KgsYbzXI/AAAAAAAAEfU/Tw8l2wkEUkk/DSC_0011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I was able to get a quick shot with these lovely ladies just before their semi-final football (some of you readers might call it ‘soccer’) match. Turns out they won and went on to win the championship a few days later! Go Buffaloes! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eVX_BdYCcjk/VR1KiYk-ynI/AAAAAAAAEfc/37_kklA9qUc/s1600-h/DSC_00363.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0CHwOgjt_WE/VR1KkWnSsqI/AAAAAAAAEfk/JRvM7cY7q5o/DSC_0036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>This is part of the ‘psyche squad’ that cheered the Lady Buffaloes on to victory. There are no official cheerleaders at this school, but I assure you, everybody in the stands gets involved!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DlWdoVl1Bg8/VR1KlsHsb8I/AAAAAAAAEfs/ifnukV9kKxY/s1600-h/DSC_00373.jpg"><img title="DSC_0037" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BOkBgDYOH5I/VR1Km6AQ2tI/AAAAAAAAEf0/qWr_JqU7vxE/DSC_0037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And who can pass up a picture with a metallic giraffe?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q7lgVDXtPBQ/VR1KoP-nJrI/AAAAAAAAEf8/6L5h-tWtCCs/s1600-h/DSC_00283.jpg"><img title="DSC_0028" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3xBqDrJbzZU/VR1Ko8Gtu7I/AAAAAAAAEgE/gFhDSNOl8s8/DSC_0028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="338"></a> </p> <p>This after-school tradition was another highlight. Tennis-baseball! As you might have guessed, it’s basically baseball with a tennis racquet. This match-up featured Kindergarten through 2nd graders competing for the most runs and the biggest hits. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X_FqEqcdNTg/VR1Kqxa7A2I/AAAAAAAAEgM/qK8SIUJnfu4/s1600-h/DSC_00443.jpg"><img title="DSC_0044" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-alORq_xrgPI/VR1KsLAJS7I/AAAAAAAAEgU/bCGvfan5FNg/DSC_0044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Rift Valley Academy certainly was a unique place to visit. I originally hoped to see a bit of the Kenyan landscape and culture, but it turned out there was plenty to see here, right on campus! Students and families from all over the world live and learn here together everyday. Taking a page out of one of Dr. Seuss’s most well-known works, these kids grow up seeing and experiencing lots of different things. My recommendation is coming from a guy who travels around the world quite a bit – RVA is definitely one of the coolest places you can go!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xNb2Wavhbvo/VR1KtD-1a1I/AAAAAAAAEgc/_caSR0s3YS0/s1600-h/DSC_00233.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-boAPsmxm1iA/VR1KuCRoV_I/AAAAAAAAEgk/5P0Fk4qgMWc/DSC_0023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Sincerely,<br>Flat Stanley</p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-72149066666276609692015-02-21T19:30:00.000+03:002015-02-21T19:51:56.679+03:00BQ<p>Each grade, 7-12, has a group of staff members called sponsors who help students to plan class activities. A lot of planning and organization goes into sponsoring a class and usually sponsors stay with that class through graduation. <strong>Near the end of our first year here, we attached ourselves to the fine class of 2016.</strong></p> <p>In 9th grade, classes begin fund-raising activities to cover the cost of their senior class trip. Freshmen sell snack concessions during movie nights, Sophomores sell Valentines and put on a restaurant for staff, Juniors and Seniors sell breakfast and lunch concessions at major sports tournaments. </p> <p>In addition to this, most of their Junior year is spent designing and planning a Banquet in honor of the Seniors. <strong>The Jr/Sr Banquet, called “BQ” around here, is one of many unique RVA traditions. The Juniors pick a theme for BQ and based on that theme, they design an elaborate set & table decorations, prepare a five course meal, write and star in a play and perform live entertainment for the senior class and their sponsors.</strong> It takes 4-6 months of planning, an immense amount of coordination and is a ton of work for both the juniors and their sponsors.</p> <p>All of the planning and coordination for this event comes together during mid-term weekend, when, instead of retreating for a long weekend break, our juniors, along with many of their parents, descend upon this campus in order to build Banquet. </p> <p>Last weekend (mid-term) we had 79 junior students, 90 parents, and 10 sponsors take on this feat. For three days, we hammered, drilled, constructed, paper-mached and painted, while others cooked, sewed, hot-glued, acted, and sang. It was non-stop. </p> <p>Last night, we reaped the rewards of our hard work. We got all dressed up, processed at dusk through a lantern-lit path to the cheers of underclassmen & staff, and enjoyed an extensive dinner theater along with the seniors and their sponsors. </p> <p>Our theme? <strong> Narnia!</strong> </p> <p>Come along & see what BQ is all about: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bU7nDhoRqDI/VOi2oLDwoTI/AAAAAAAAEVE/wh2W8sBw82c/s1600-h/DSC_0017%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jjAcIvqozX8/VOi2plJs6nI/AAAAAAAAEVM/TTuX9JrK1X8/DSC_0017%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mFZSXxyOJEU/VOi2q09aJSI/AAAAAAAAEVU/OdcOdDVqxJs/s1600-h/DSC_0018%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dMDHjb5TxiY/VOi2ryIG7BI/AAAAAAAAEVc/8sJ2FNSlAJs/DSC_0018%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="623"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c88uFpVp8XU/VOi2s4jq9oI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Ck1SMCTxwkU/s1600-h/DSC_0019%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HLtYx-0CY5A/VOi2t1yjwWI/AAAAAAAAEVs/HHNuyapbfck/DSC_0019%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="561"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IQ7FmuD_Sac/VOi2vfju7gI/AAAAAAAAEV0/LDBu1P1hNMk/s1600-h/DSC_0016%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0016 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0016 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xyUJkgQBKEw/VOi2wVO-XWI/AAAAAAAAEV8/3wIePF8218M/DSC_0016%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="338"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B7RGdltnofE/VOi2zVDPFCI/AAAAAAAAEWE/ovU1hBK0XzE/s1600-h/DSC_0013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EZ87JGpw_XI/VOi20QE3ooI/AAAAAAAAEWM/rwF7UZ31WTI/DSC_0013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BRXm9e8YFFQ/VOi21w79DUI/AAAAAAAAEWU/lICxYbKq9co/s1600-h/DSC_0023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RpcN7R70FZk/VOi227MMz6I/AAAAAAAAEWc/l5J0uomQctU/DSC_0023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z73wpQr_Bu8/VOi24Hzd8NI/AAAAAAAAEWk/kUypR5NiBtU/s1600-h/DSC_0007%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iBep-dPjz9s/VOi27MEuW2I/AAAAAAAAEWs/nbVI8hXZDPc/DSC_0007%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="373"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Otv_9OfLDDI/VOi28G6eb0I/AAAAAAAAEW0/zvqQNIAq4yg/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MOX73VQtsRU/VOi29L7AOJI/AAAAAAAAEW8/VNEBgXTi2bM/DSC_0025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="329"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cpyWjOaRdCI/VOi2-S9uCaI/AAAAAAAAEXE/HhbxGdyDnTE/s1600-h/DSC_0044%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0044 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0044 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6XNP_ETFlxs/VOi2_v8hGyI/AAAAAAAAEXM/t7sF9LoGmj8/DSC_0044%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="257"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fKBhq1PPMCk/VOi3AkieHtI/AAAAAAAAEXU/EoVznq9FAdo/s1600-h/DSC_0045%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0045 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0045 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--4_Y-v107Ts/VOi3BlN18iI/AAAAAAAAEXc/kUKWjFBEgHE/DSC_0045%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="282"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JTdwDp0r27M/VOi3C0RqM3I/AAAAAAAAEXk/7sX79Nxvt2E/s1600-h/DSC_0032%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ePJsXlY7dow/VOi3DwKFBqI/AAAAAAAAEXs/tMhKC9chGcE/DSC_0032%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xqXDUMdSZwo/VOi3U4yaOvI/AAAAAAAAEX0/Z3XPLXoc7I0/s1600-h/DSC_0046%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0046" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tSO2ebrayU0/VOi3WEyBSnI/AAAAAAAAEX8/BMCN3uiXWiw/DSC_0046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u_MUqlecQ70/VOi3YvRVYZI/AAAAAAAAEYE/JwA24iW3Z7k/s1600-h/DSC_0034%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g9kgYZ4TP-o/VOi3aAzm1EI/AAAAAAAAEYM/1AlMmAyCO0Q/DSC_0034%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3lrYrsWm4Hg/VOi3bjQXrqI/AAAAAAAAEYU/rxILS9zY1SQ/s1600-h/DSC_0036%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1peCR2g5pk/VOi3ddMKqAI/AAAAAAAAEYc/FxigYinOw_c/DSC_0036%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EVDkxKglXIg/VOi3ejZCBwI/AAAAAAAAEYk/r-vqU99P3YE/s1600-h/DSC_0048%252520%2525282%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D8VWvk4UR7w/VOi3f5nwrWI/AAAAAAAAEYs/PmKtCANkMII/DSC_0048%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--XIddPPAFTw/VOi3hCGtJqI/AAAAAAAAEY0/LyTgDmOEcg4/s1600-h/DSC_0050%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0050 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0050 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZGcEqS3AW8c/VOi3i_mckuI/AAAAAAAAEY8/tY6SiP0ShhM/DSC_0050%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PhVUfSsofAw/VOi3kC8Zn8I/AAAAAAAAEZE/nSViyY3LX-w/s1600-h/DSC_0039%252520%2525282%252529.1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039 (2).1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039 (2).1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K2KF_egBHHw/VOi3l_AC8CI/AAAAAAAAEZM/0gVEuFmwJh4/DSC_0039%252520%2525282%252529.1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="338"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UZsH-S6Ys8o/VOi3m7R4O_I/AAAAAAAAEZU/dKEbopBWl_4/s1600-h/DSC_0065%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0065" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L_pi0OdqDZk/VOi3nyc-fBI/AAAAAAAAEZc/fc311spO934/DSC_0065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="403"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L7vmfWBrCaE/VOi3pKDbbfI/AAAAAAAAEZk/MzgFIJi1TTU/s1600-h/DSC_0029%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0029 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0029 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7i390orjjPc/VOi3qKApQdI/AAAAAAAAEZs/cjhbpH2xi4c/DSC_0029%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="390"></a></p> <p>What a joy and a privilege to be part of this tradition here at RVA! </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-13995373631494344002015-02-10T11:41:00.000+03:002015-02-10T13:27:13.825+03:00We are back<p>We are back to life in Kijabe – back to small town shopping at the Dukas, bringing our own baskets, shaking hands with and talking to the store owners, greeting each of the ladies who sell vegetables.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mZbvyYTUAow/VNnbPLrphcI/AAAAAAAAESo/PHxIOqnCgK0/s1600-h/DSC_0007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cu0To7-eRJE/VNnbRUKC5BI/AAAAAAAAESw/iCSbq6xOcfs/DSC_0007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--wyWqY2rHts/VNnbSQUqEsI/AAAAAAAAES4/lBH7G_RL4v4/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xPuYjGNb5xI/VNnbToxiHDI/AAAAAAAAETA/9tHr0VHluEM/DSC_0005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cMNIVwzmUKk/VNnbWjoOvXI/AAAAAAAAETI/Es-Fb1eIefI/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IDW0cDDciEQ/VNnbX43ObnI/AAAAAAAAETQ/FFTNivZo8ls/DSC_0006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We are back to life in Africa – where kind Kenyan women will take your filled-to-the-brim basket and hoist it on their backs to carry it to your car for you. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i2lHKduTVpM/VNnbZ0d1BCI/AAAAAAAAETY/zeEvBF7bpno/s1600-h/IMG_1633%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1633" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1633" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tlXNji1SufA/VNnbbGpSUdI/AAAAAAAAETg/82BJeylf0Qs/IMG_1633_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="378"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z2FXscfijcQ/VNnbdnSOgJI/AAAAAAAAETo/A3r_gZDTo7E/s1600-h/DSC_0002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qeT9a9U5wqw/VNnbeu-jc1I/AAAAAAAAETw/_enADIZkS-8/DSC_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="326"></a></p> <p>We are back to life at RVA, where Evelyn goes to story time on Mondays and preschool on Wednesdays, where Nate attends half-day kindergarten and Ethan is a full-day 1st grader. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nu0x6zXFizM/VNnbfie1ppI/AAAAAAAAET4/AUCt7RvimR4/s1600-h/DSC_0186%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0186" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0186" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-agor5mQiHM0/VNnbgiKZgYI/AAAAAAAAEUA/H7TU-kFpoiU/DSC_0186_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="429"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oe8xDe_GYy8/VNnbiXj-DPI/AAAAAAAAEUI/K9QTXR7OK6k/s1600-h/DSC_0187%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0187" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0187" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3nXIm8I-2PI/VNnbjrjU_PI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/CdCrWup3YAE/DSC_0187_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="457"></a></p> <p>We are back to life at RVA in all of its fullness – a math classroom full of Algebra and Statistics students, a JV basketball team to coach. I am back in the Guidance office three mornings a week, and in and around our home most other times. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LltQl2cAFtk/VNnbk3UUWtI/AAAAAAAAEUY/v5AaAAJda9w/s1600-h/_MG_1070%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="_MG_1070" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_MG_1070" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIF1rHO9HSE/VNnbmYWJH5I/AAAAAAAAEUg/SLGVN4ZlcSQ/_MG_1070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhddrcO16dU/VNnbnDTNskI/AAAAAAAAEUo/prwAVLBRdds/s1600-h/_MG_1183%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="_MG_1183" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_MG_1183" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8xTliaFTUqg/VNnboDYNZqI/AAAAAAAAEUw/9PC7nxbAmSk/_MG_1183_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We are back to life at RVA and the myriad responsibilities that come with living 24/7 with the students we teach. Things day schools don’t have like sponsoring an entire class of 79 juniors, like dorm cover Monday nights to give HS dorm parents an evening off, like staffing tournaments on the weekend or hosting them at your house. </p> <p>We are back to a full, fast-paced life during each term. </p> <p>We are back to life in Africa because we have a strong team of prayer and financial supporters, who allow us to live and serve here. THANK YOU for your faithfulness in giving, in praying and in encouraging us. </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-54180521189995844852014-12-06T19:48:00.001+03:002014-12-06T20:42:10.111+03:00Green Light!<p>We are <strong>thrilled</strong> to announce that our family has been officially cleared to return to Kenya! I spoke on the phone yesterday with a good friend from our mission’s home office in Georgia, and she was pleased to give us the thumbs up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZcmbBkZrww4/VIMzTsFh7uI/AAAAAAAAERY/6ClghhIKZuw/s1600-h/green%252520light%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="green light" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="green light" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ChjwDdtwBVI/VIMzT1ewQ3I/AAAAAAAAERc/Ya8aqtSD6HM/green%252520light_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="315"></a>As a faith-based and completely donor-supported ministry, we are required to have 100% of our financial support<em> pledged</em> before we return from home assignment. This policy is in place so that people don’t return to the field and struggle to make ends meet. </p> <p>A financial target is set based on family size and ministry location (for us, it’s a family of 5 at Rift Valley Academy), and then our support raising goals are set around it. <strong>When we arrived in the States in July, we were at about 88% of that magic number. As of yesterday, we are at 106%!!</strong> Praise the Lord for His abundant provision! And a much deserved <strong><u><em>THANK YOU</em></u></strong> to those who have stayed with us, those newcomers who have jumped on board, and those who have pledged to continue once we get back.</p> <p><strong>Partnering with all of you in this venture has been a joy!</strong> Watching God provide the exact amount we need, precisely when we need it has been a humbling, faith-building experience, allowing us to witness first hand that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights…” (James 1:17) </p> <p><strong>THANK YOU</strong> for your prayers. <strong>THANK YOU</strong> for your partnership. <strong>THANK YOU</strong> for your obedience as God has called you to walk by faith with us! </p> <p>In three short weeks we will board the plane for Kenya with this peace of mind: <strong>“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”</strong> (Phil 4:19) That is quite a promise! Consider, just for a moment, what ‘the riches of his glory’ really means. This is the basis for being able to trust Him – His storehouse never runs out, His cattle are on a thousand hills, His people and resources span the globe…<strong>and this is OUR GOD!</strong> Find encouragement today in that truth. We certainly have!</p> <p>Blessings to you as you celebrate the ultimate GIFT this Christmas season – the one we could never earn, pay back, or deserve. The life of Jesus, given for us, while we were yet sinners!!</p> <p>Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-29921396011887931762014-11-26T19:05:00.000+03:002014-11-26T21:09:36.198+03:00In their own [words]<p>What follows is a completely unprompted, unedited (from what my memory and scribbling notes can recall), and unsolicited (is that the same as unprompted?) response to tonight’s dinner topic of choice. Courtney was with friends, so it was just me, the three kiddos, and an 18 inch pizza. </p> <p>As the oozing mozzarella and pepperoni settled swiftly to the bottoms of our welcoming tummies, Nate posed a suggestion: </p> <p>“Let’s play, ‘What do you miss most about Africa?’”</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ISIOgeJPGpc/VHX6RTECMnI/AAAAAAAAENk/XDZ-ABB5P0g/s1600-h/DSC_03003.jpg"><img title="DSC_0300" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qxh_zJLlQjs/VHX6R_olLfI/AAAAAAAAENo/QXg8De-o2wQ/DSC_0300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Ethan and Evelyn were clearly game. I knew this could be gold, so I ran for a scrap of paper and a pen – our dining room table is a good spot for those. It usually houses our family’s version of a haphazard, starving artist’s studio. As I was about to grab a naked brown crayon, I spotted a ball-point hidden halfway under an unfinished coloring page. Success.</p> <p>Dashing back to the kitchen, I entered just as the negotiation of turns was ending. It came as largely unchallenged that Nate should be allowed to answer first, since he came up with the idea. This is standard procedure in the world of dinner conversation amongst our band of under 8’s. </p> <p>My attempt at narration below [<em>italics inside of brackets, as here</em>] follows no known protocol for recording conversation. Do not attempt to match it to MLA or APA writing formats – you’ll be sorely disappointed. I simply hope to provide the most accurate picture of what took place with a ‘minimal’ level of commentary for your comprehending pleasure. </p> <p><strong>NATE: “I miss working with Jesse</strong> [<em>our outside worker</em>], <strong>I miss Tyler</strong> [<em>Nate’s Kindergarten buddy</em>], <strong>all my pet chameleons</strong> [<em>‘pet’ is used here in the loosest sense of the word; he catches many and keeps none for longer than a day</em>], <strong>my bunk-bed, my pre-schoolers, and my room. Also my toys and Ben…”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BiYTeVZsi7I/VHX6Sd-LsXI/AAAAAAAAEN0/80pckCVjUi4/s1600-h/DSC_0425-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0425 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0425 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--hTDsfQ250I/VHX6TLwYBhI/AAAAAAAAEN4/phT2EATN4Ik/DSC_0425-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong>DAD:</strong> [<em>interrupting for clarification</em>]<strong> “Wait, Ben who?”</strong></p> <p><strong>NATE and ETHAN:</strong> [<em>almost in unison</em>] <strong>“You know, big Ben? Our neighbor with the trampoline?”</strong> [<em>How could I overlook our 9th grade next-door neighbor? Duh, Dad!</em>]</p> <p><strong>NATE:</strong> [<em>continuing</em>] <strong>“…Titus</strong> [<em>another buddy, Nate’s age</em>], <strong>the trampoline, and Caroline</strong> [<em>Ben’s 11th grade sister</em>]…<strong>but mostly Tyler.”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lUMWVIR1mP8/VHX6Tcf6DPI/AAAAAAAAEOE/AmOKNbCkVLY/s1600-h/DSCN6422%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN6422" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN6422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QrfAO59o0gI/VHX6UPJnQ4I/AAAAAAAAEOI/9STh14jTXRg/DSCN6422_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="368"></a></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Ok. Ethan’s turn.” </strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE: “No, my turn!”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Evie, let Ethan go first.”</strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE:</strong> [<em>ignoring me completely</em>] <strong>“I miss Haley and Elisey and my bed…”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Evie, let’s let Ethan go. You can go next.”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “I miss my toys, my room. School… yeah, I guess I miss school. </strong>[<em>pause</em>] <strong>Oh! Pinewood Derby! Coke date, drive-in movie, carnival and corn flakes”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UPe345nJPg4/VHX6UiGpdBI/AAAAAAAAEOU/rVlycbI2ZR4/s1600-h/DSC_00333.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-weWWsGXeokg/VHX6Ve6t_sI/AAAAAAAAEOc/mUL_eShaK7g/DSC_0033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EeP6UDv4hv0/VHX6WP2pARI/AAAAAAAAEOk/gZJEA-Z1cCA/s1600-h/DSC_0057%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0057 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0057 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vZM6rs_ayhg/VHX6W5hO--I/AAAAAAAAEOs/2ZqU8pqJjPE/DSC_0057%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>NATE: “Yeah, corn flakes!”</strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE:</strong> [<em>fed up with being the only girl, the youngest, and always getting the short end of the stick during turns negotiations, which aren’t really negotiations at all, but rather pre-determined conclusions that the boys will always go first</em>]: <strong>“No, Nate, MY turn!”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Go ahead, Evie.”</strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE: “I miss Haley</strong> [<em>Evie’s 11th grade ‘big sister’</em>],<strong> Elisey</strong> [<em>Titus’ younger sister</em>],<strong> my bed, Veronica</strong> [<em>our inside worker</em>], <strong>Caroline, the trampoline, Africa, my kitchen…” </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3-xZxcD-pxk/VHX6Xt1v34I/AAAAAAAAEO0/O1PMs2QoGTI/s1600-h/DSC_0061-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0061 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0061 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5xbYHp7k0ps/VHX6YTK2fVI/AAAAAAAAEO8/KoskfhWGsGU/DSC_0061-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="303"></a></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Good. What about when we go back? What do you guys think </strong><strong>you’ll miss most about America?”</strong> [<em>Referring back to my original claim of ‘unsolicited’ and ‘unprompted’ (which the more times I write, the less I’m convinced is even a word), this is the ONLY legitimate question I posed that wasn’t in direct line with the current vein of the discussion</em>]</p> <p><strong>ETHAN, NATE, and EVIE: “OOOH, me first, me first!”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Let’s let Evie go first this time.</strong> [<em>Justice delivered. Excuse me while I reach awkwardly to pat myself on the back</em>] <strong>What are you going to miss about America when we go back to Kenya, honey?”</strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE: “Ice, Lydia…”</strong> [<em>Lydia is a good family friend, about six years older than Evie, and represents to her everything good about knowing someone who ISN’T one of her older brothers</em>]</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jd7rhx-Sz7E/VHX6ZKAr6lI/AAAAAAAAEPE/M4my5l7BufI/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7CqzGg5xGy4/VHX6ZwuqCxI/AAAAAAAAEPM/qojTtQdX1Yw/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="358"></a></p> <p><strong>NATE:</strong> [<em>acting as though Evie’s answer was perfectly acceptable and within reason AND as if someone had clearly said, ‘OK, Nate’s turn’, which nobody had – this is not uncommon</em>]<strong> “This house…”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “Snow!”</strong> [<em>at this point, I will refrain from interjecting a narrative note as each successive speaker steps to the front. Suffice it to say that they were all answering at once, casting off their high view of turns and fairness. I did my best to keep up</em>]</p> <p><strong>EVIE: “…this house…Daddy, can you draw it? </strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “Don’t forget the chimney, Dad”</strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE: “Can you draw the big bad wolf? And some people?”</strong> [<em>Here, I rattle off a quick sketch of a very generic house, with a</em><em> chimney, the big bad wolf standing nearby, and some people. Satisfied laughter follows from Evie and Ethan</em>]</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0gYmi2y6RHQ/VHYXPKfu9fI/AAAAAAAAEPc/5AIM_nGTRDE/s1600-h/big-bad-wolf-sketch7.jpg"><img title="big bad wolf sketch" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="big bad wolf sketch" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hk3371SS800/VHYXPcsN8PI/AAAAAAAAEPg/w9SwQOVRSqs/big-bad-wolf-sketch_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="254"></a></p> <p><strong>NATE: “Wait, let me see!</strong> [<em>the paper is turned so Nate can see; he smiles</em>] <strong>Cool, Dad.”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Ok guys. Anything or anybody else you might miss?”</strong></p> <p><strong>NATE: “Grandpa, working with Grandpa, cousins…”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Txgf6GF8cVk/VHYXQJVEGTI/AAAAAAAAEPs/mV6yUcKcVdA/s1600-h/DSC_01114.jpg"><img title="DSC_0111" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0111" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xMuG-_0bPF4/VHYXQxsX8eI/AAAAAAAAEPw/4jz5-N0pCoQ/DSC_0111_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="459"></a></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Ye_jWvjklk/VHYXRaLbetI/AAAAAAAAEP8/u9hOtsgwYxs/s1600-h/DSC_0008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jEbASv6WkTo/VHYXSF47waI/AAAAAAAAEQA/jiBxVRpt6jk/DSC_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN:</strong> [<em>very excited</em>] <strong>“Dad! Did you know that actually two days after we leave, someone else is going to be leaving to live somewhere a LOT closer to us while we’re in Africa?! It’s Ben!</strong> [<em>his best U.S. buddy moving to the U.A.E. for a few years</em>]</p> <p><strong>DAD: “Yeah, I know. Are you going to miss Ben?”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN</strong> [<em>less excited</em>]: <strong>“Yeah.”</strong></p> <p><strong>NATE: “….Grandpa’s farm…”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4RPgzguVALk/VHYXSh5ZXjI/AAAAAAAAEQM/T6WwRn3WWik/s1600-h/DSC_00093.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JcYQMxJhFLI/VHYXTCR5dgI/AAAAAAAAEQU/YsnuLrEXRF0/DSC_0009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w376ipP9Quo/VHYXT7qIPKI/AAAAAAAAEQc/Dp3BN46D_BA/s1600-h/DSC_0064%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hon0s04UfQ0/VHYXUuEvl8I/AAAAAAAAEQk/kb6kstKjT4A/DSC_0064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE: “Oma, Grandma…</strong>[<em>pause, then with renewed enthusiasm</em>] <strong>Africa!”</strong> [<em>she had a tough time with the abstract concept of what she thinks she’ll miss when she gets to a place that she isn’t currently in…can hardly fault a 3-year old for that</em>]</p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “football games, trick or treat…”</strong></p> <p><strong>NATE: “I thought they had trick or treat in Africa.”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “No, they have carnival, Nate. Cottonball!</strong> [<em>the lone surviving sheep on Grandpa’s farm</em>]</p> <p><strong>NATE: “Yeah, Cottonball! And Milly and Billy.”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Who are Milly and Billy?”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “Those are Grandpa’s goats”</strong></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j3CkXe6b3YQ/VHYXVsY-v2I/AAAAAAAAEQo/GJV8nFJGLP0/s1600-h/DSC_00253.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3c0N4hhXrB8/VHYXWFX_uZI/AAAAAAAAEQw/o8mh4joi77I/DSC_0025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><font size="1">*I am aware that this picture is NOT of the goats.<br>**Also Note: Most of the animals in this picture WERE harmed, although not for the purposes of taking this picture, or writing this blog post, and completely on an unintentional level. It turns out Grandpa wasn’t such a good sheep farmer. </font></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Oh.”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “…Raisin Bran Crunch, Life, Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Nut Cheerios…”</strong></p> <p><strong>EVIE: “Haley…”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Evie, she’ll be IN Africa! Any other people you’ll miss from America when we move back to Africa? </strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “Mrs. Knapp…”</strong></p> <p><strong>NATE and EVIE: “Yeah, Mrs. Knapp!”</strong></p> <p><strong>ETHAN: “…Jason, Sabrina</strong> [<em>also Knapps</em>], <strong>and Bobbi</strong> [<em>the Knapp’s blind and miraculously still living dog – not to be confused with Ethan’s long time favorite stuffed animal, Bobby the not-so-white-anymore dog</em>]</p> <p><strong>EVIE: “…Africa!”</strong></p> <p><strong>DAD: “Oh my …” </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Wr61QPmy28/VHYXWx2h3mI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/jW9d3iG7GWo/s1600-h/DSC_0009%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009 (3)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009 (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PdEVKuLnyrM/VHYXXp9m42I/AAAAAAAAERE/FyyxQUhAyI8/DSC_0009%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="453"></a></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/d65abd0026dbb6098b050ec995bdeacd.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-21138374618140479352014-11-20T21:38:00.001+03:002014-11-20T21:38:50.650+03:00In the Day of Trouble, He will Keep me Safe<h4><font size="2">Psalm 27 – a Psalm of David: </font></h4> <p><strong><sup>1 </sup>The Lord is my light and my salvation—</strong><strong>whom shall I fear? </strong><strong>The Lord is the stronghold of my life—</strong><strong>of whom shall I be afraid? </strong><strong><sup>2 </sup>When evil men advance against me </strong><strong>to devour my flesh, </strong><strong>when my enemies and my foes attack me, </strong><strong>they will stumble and fall. </strong><strong><sup>3 </sup>Though an army besiege me, </strong><strong>my heart will not fear; </strong><strong>though war break out against me, </strong><strong>even then will I be confident.</strong></p> <h4><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MQuVwlWbpeA/VG41Bzpux4I/AAAAAAAAEKo/ksKfosByngM/s1600-h/DSC_01013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0101" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0101" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Rnw78AvDH8/VG41CUFOYuI/AAAAAAAAEKs/D8CE4oGGoew/DSC_0101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></h4> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pEtGE3cqihk/VG41Ckd14iI/AAAAAAAAEK4/XxwPDLTCprs/s1600-h/DSC_0039-24.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9hFIkElLpZk/VG41DZFqbvI/AAAAAAAAEK8/mSKpBMsF4G8/DSC_0039-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a></p> <p><strong><sup>4 </sup>One thing I ask of the Lord, </strong><strong>this is what I seek: </strong><strong>that I may dwell in the house of the Lord </strong><strong>all the days of my life, </strong><strong>to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord </strong><strong>and to seek him in his temple.</strong><strong><sup>5 </sup>For in the day of trouble </strong><strong>he will keep me safe in his dwelling;</strong><strong>he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle </strong><strong>and set me high upon a rock.</strong><strong><sup>6 </sup>Then my head will be exalted </strong><strong>above the enemies who surround me; </strong><strong>at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; </strong><strong>I will sing and make music to the Lord. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6QYTVZNyUH4/VG41D8vjGOI/AAAAAAAAELI/J9QhV5I4edU/s1600-h/DSC_0004-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tNDdQKXB80s/VG41ErgCsoI/AAAAAAAAELQ/2xTlFB4Juf8/DSC_0004-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WVxRvkCM7h8/VG41FKLHqOI/AAAAAAAAELY/MK789ABVXWw/s1600-h/DSC_0045-24.jpg"><img title="DSC_0045 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0045 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QsLJy7pYRPk/VG41F6FtT0I/AAAAAAAAELg/HNkdlh1sDmQ/DSC_0045-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a></p> <p><strong><sup>7 </sup>Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; </strong><strong>be merciful to me and answer me. </strong><strong><sup>8 </sup>My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” </strong><strong>Your face, Lord, I will seek. </strong><strong><sup>9 </sup>Do not hide your face from me, </strong><strong>do not turn your servant away in anger; </strong><strong>you have been my helper. </strong><strong>Do not reject me or forsake me, </strong><strong>O God my Savior. </strong><strong><sup>10 </sup>Though my father and mother forsake me, </strong><strong>the Lord will receive me. </strong><strong><sup>11 </sup>Teach me your way, O Lord; </strong><strong>lead me in a straight path </strong><strong>because of my oppressors. </strong><strong><sup>12 </sup>Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, </strong><strong>for false witnesses rise up against me, </strong><strong>breathing out violence. </strong><strong><sup>13 </sup>I am still confident of this: </strong><strong>I will see the goodness of the Lord </strong><strong>in the land of the living. </strong><strong><sup>14 </sup>Wait for the Lord; </strong><strong>be strong and take heart </strong><strong>and wait for the Lord.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jvp75CUMHVE/VG41GX4lzmI/AAAAAAAAELo/JJSl30IYn8A/s1600-h/DSC_00414.jpg"><img title="DSC_0041" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0041" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AyeNMK37lsM/VG41G0panPI/AAAAAAAAELw/JGvxlxAIsOc/DSC_0041_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a></p> <p>I’m no stranger to anxiety. I’ve struggled with it for as long as I can remember. I have a vivid memory of lying awake at night as a child, counting down with the clock the hours and minutes of sleep I would still get if I fell asleep now … or now … or now. Worrying and fretting about not getting enough sleep, but not wanting to close my eyes for fear of falling into a horrible nightmare. </p> <p>Somewhere in my growing up years, my sleep habits improved, but I continued to struggle with fear and anxiety. <a href="http://schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.com/2014/09/looking-back.html" target="_blank">During my faith-growing years in college</a>, <strong>the Lord began revealing to me the depth of my worry, and through that He pointed a spotlight on my sinful control issues, my self-interest / self-preservation, my idolatry.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V6ysstsUVuw/VG41H8tOkOI/AAAAAAAAEL4/EKULHtuGUB4/s1600-h/DSC_00243.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OrDmDAHUJ7k/VG41IV7AQII/AAAAAAAAEL8/1oZ1N3a5RUs/DSC_0024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Ten+ years later, I still struggle. I wage war against the idolatry in my life – <strong>good things</strong> like my husband, my children, my own life, our finances, other people’s happiness, my reputation – <strong>all seem to creep into the number one</strong> most important spot in my life, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ takes a backseat. <strong>And when any one of those GOOD things becomes the ONLY thing or the MOST IMPORTANT thing, I sink into fear unspeakable and anxiety riddled what-ifs.</strong> What if ___________ happens and I’m not prepared? Or worse, what if _____________ ? </p> <p>In this 10+ year struggle with fear, even as a believer in Jesus Christ, </p> <p>I found myself often unable (or unwilling) to pray about it, </p> <p>unable to see past the fact that bad things still happen in this sin sick world, </p> <p>and unsatisfied with the response that “the likelihood of one of those scenarios taking place in my life is quite small.” </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IDSjMVk2RUk/VG41JKLp4tI/AAAAAAAAEMI/PXOlxpEpmQA/s1600-h/DSC_00623.jpg"><img title="DSC_0062" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0062" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X_RCfVrBgWM/VG41JxVk1pI/AAAAAAAAEMM/F9X-1yH85_c/DSC_0062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rip56jh3weo/VG41KXraxJI/AAAAAAAAEMU/aacCRCQFyko/s1600-h/DSC_00694.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UuFaCJDvE3s/VG41K_XCZLI/AAAAAAAAEMc/aeW81O7rcxQ/DSC_0069_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a></p> <p>But just recently <strong>God brought me to Psalm 27, a Psalm of David, and it is rocking my world. What if the absolute worst thing you can dream up or imagine actually happens?</strong> David says WHEN evil men advance against me… THOUGH an army besiege me…THOUGH my mother and father forsake me. Nowhere does he contemplate the what-ifs in this Psalm. His fears have in fact become reality, and yet, he writes that he can gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and not fear. </p> <p>This. <strong>This is a solution that takes into account that bad things do indeed happen, and God is still sovereign. </strong>How does David face these real adversities without fear? Verse four says he gazes upon the beauty of the Lord, seeks Him in His temple, and dwells with Him there.</p> <p>For it is there, with God in His rightful place as the FIRST and ONLY thing we’re striving for, that we are free from the worry, the fear, the anxiety, the panic that binds and cripples and destroys. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BcN5YKGU7mQ/VG41LgK0Q-I/AAAAAAAAEMk/1s0iOK9h1YM/s1600-h/DSC_00813.jpg"><img title="DSC_0081" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0081" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cjqF1O0Y2QQ/VG41MX5XFoI/AAAAAAAAEMw/I09QSKmufLs/DSC_0081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>How do we do this practically? When life IS hard and our lives or our family or our security IS threatened. What does gazing on the goodness of the Lord look like? I think it probably looks like the cross. <strong>Because of His mercy and love, God sent His only Son as the atoning sacrifice for my sins (past, present, and future), while I was still dead in my trespasses.</strong> God’s great mercy. God’s great love and goodness and provision. <strong>He IS, after all, the ONE thing, the ONLY thing we should be gazing at and seeking.</strong> </p> <p><strong>And secondly, we have to be putting to death those other things that often take the place of the FIRST thing, sacrificing them, as we reorient our will and our purpose and our life toward God through Jesus Christ with the Spirit as our helper.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G7eM2bKDdW8/VG41NZFlAfI/AAAAAAAAEM4/eLdASZutKG4/s1600-h/DSC_00824.jpg"><img title="DSC_0082" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ojRrIdJx_Wc/VG41N8VRY8I/AAAAAAAAENA/2mNLTH3oZuI/DSC_0082_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="477"></a></p> <p>Fear is still a huge obstacle in my life, but it’s one that Christ is redeeming, by exposing it for what it is, and providing me with a way out of it’s strong grip. <strong>Gaze at Him, Seek His face, Dwell in His presence.</strong> </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/522dd3fb5512faf6ccc5a9967b88cc5a.png"></a> <p>*all of the above photos were taken on our ten year anniversary trip to Portland, ME, this past October. we loved our time in Portland and we love being married. </p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-92132643958362905612014-09-24T19:53:00.000+03:002014-09-24T20:31:06.197+03:00Home Assignment {so far} in Photos<p>Enjoy a few shots from our time Stateside so far. Two months down, only three to go. Unfortunately, time flies when you’re loving it! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wbYXHU56kbQ/VCL4b28P1iI/AAAAAAAAD_M/8I3X1fLIIF8/s1600-h/Family-photos-July-26th-1307.jpg"><u><font color="#b4a7d6"></font></u><img title="Family photos July 26th 130" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Family photos July 26th 130" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sf_pfRM9ssc/VCL4dnh3t6I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/-GEVRMnw6Z8/Family-photos-July-26th-130_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="317"></a>We were able to coordinate ONE evening where all 33 people in Dan’s “little” immediate family were together. We were sure to snap a quick picture to document it! (2 Grandparents, 10 siblings/spouses, 21 grandchildren + 1 more due in October) </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W7pNe0zpW2A/VCL4eO-ObhI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/5oY3IXsGpZ4/s1600-h/DSC_00357.jpg"><img title="DSC_0035" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DHE8310H6uM/VCL4elhAVxI/AAAAAAAAD_g/A2EV8fkfzTA/DSC_0035_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" align="left" height="186"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U58FgXk4kpI/VCL4fSPbCmI/AAAAAAAAD_o/DFW0qngpXH4/s1600-h/DSC_0033.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qyufrqmuJqs/VCL4fwq8oOI/AAAAAAAAD_s/iPv0c8nPn_o/DSC_0033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" align="right" height="186"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#b02807"></font> </p> <p>Our boys enrolled in swimming lessons for two weeks in August and boy, have they have come in handy since then!</p> <p><font color="#b02807"></font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sy1e6AhVYaI/VCL4gfRiXnI/AAAAAAAAD_4/da9oQSA00as/s1600-h/DSC_0291-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0291-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0291-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-408HB8Mj-7U/VCL4g1bHbzI/AAAAAAAAD_8/p4XJXAm18A8/DSC_0291-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="404"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fdz1PSdBQyw/VCL4h6M-p8I/AAAAAAAAEAI/-DkvzX3mWRI/s1600-h/DSC_01084.jpg"><img title="DSC_0108" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0108" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Vkoo7Wx5Jc/VCL4ilycIzI/AAAAAAAAEAM/6uwmKIcUGbQ/DSC_0108_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Ic0JPJJNgw/VCL4jVoziKI/AAAAAAAAEAY/QbBj8cj1I-g/s1600-h/DSC_04804.jpg"><img title="DSC_0480" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_VCzOwFnlLc/VCL4kJwwYtI/AAAAAAAAEAc/VO7SlX7xGv4/DSC_0480_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5HUVIxHsOB0/VCL4kp6m4hI/AAAAAAAAEAo/o__1GJEbj3s/s1600-h/DSC_00993.jpg"><img title="DSC_0099" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0099" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5prfjmIitxY/VCL4lcDsK6I/AAAAAAAAEAs/uZJhJgtxHXg/DSC_0099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>No three-night family reunion would be complete without volleyball tournaments, swimming, hiking, and archery lessons. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eZJensXxDOk/VCL4l6oKW9I/AAAAAAAAEA4/uTIOtm-DekE/s1600-h/DSC_00025.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-14ZKs1lqtYM/VCL4m8dh-0I/AAAAAAAAEA8/v6Yoxxktvyc/DSC_0002_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a>Lots of visiting - Extended family, church family, supporters, friends. One benefit of living in transition: our kids love people, quickly. You wouldn’t believe the number of hugs they insisted on giving Great-great Uncle Joe and Aunt Jo, having only met them an hour earlier!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3KIeao4WdA4/VCL4neyOHtI/AAAAAAAAEBI/V_dNcxAITVM/s1600-h/DSC_00267.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oB6x5C3awtM/VCL4ovpSYLI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/EX6ViK2AJhA/DSC_0026_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0ZOcBkN-lEw/VCL4pdqQnHI/AAAAAAAAEBY/ifZbh4Tkjew/s1600-h/DSC_0001-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XEFxA2QMvPs/VCL4qfz5XOI/AAAAAAAAEBc/Yw2QSUz0WwE/DSC_0001-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TwTPoRHvhjk/VCL4q3LhmxI/AAAAAAAAEBo/Qj_x4kQmgy4/s1600-h/DSC_00083.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_jipSuc3hZE/VCL4rTwky9I/AAAAAAAAEBw/aRqezKgFUCk/DSC_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r87PhUNlsZc/VCL4sIkkxLI/AAAAAAAAEB4/fPXnuTiFM5A/s1600-h/DSC_00043.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dlPzEvrDRXA/VCL4tNWdglI/AAAAAAAAECA/UXuvGhbXG-8/DSC_0004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s4Jx4EHQSQI/VCL4uswxCSI/AAAAAAAAECI/y0hF3fIYb6I/s1600-h/DSC_0008-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fmik2BjM0QE/VCL4vVAw0LI/AAAAAAAAECQ/gc3Oyb8lhug/DSC_0008-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5wZZlXCeK5Y/VCL4wLFMuWI/AAAAAAAAECY/Hi7ubdK_CUA/s1600-h/DSC_00123.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r7YpmHr6Pws/VCL4xletG2I/AAAAAAAAECg/4YA_jUNTxgI/DSC_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>Hiking, working, and playing – lots of time spent and great memories made on Grandma and Grandpa’s farm!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q_NQD7U9Mf4/VCL4yI1o7VI/AAAAAAAAECk/EShxQQTohF0/s1600-h/DSC_00484.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hcl1VbG73Eo/VCL4yzPTMpI/AAAAAAAAECs/XnG18i_nCR8/DSC_0048_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" height="177"></a></p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zn7KiIVllf0/VCL4zWUWAfI/AAAAAAAAEC4/eq6KONigwN0/s1600-h/DSC_00665.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s3HPe1loPj4/VCL4z1y6PRI/AAAAAAAAEC8/Q9FY6KzfrX4/DSC_0066_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" height="178"></a> Sailing on Lake Erie? Check. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rqWwiERewEI/VCL41fIi4gI/AAAAAAAAEDI/p8bNxPa0RzI/s1600-h/DSC_00223.jpg"><img title="DSC_0022" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BIjNbp0Sz2g/VCL41-6Ao4I/AAAAAAAAEDM/Xn2b4agGP0o/DSC_0022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>A chance to pick up an RVA grad at the airport and deliver her to college? Absolutely! We jumped at the chance to walk Grace through her first steps on U.S. soil. She ordered food at a drive-thru and went shopping for college basics at Wal-mart, all for the first time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EOjjxesiLls/VCL42UdvxeI/AAAAAAAAEDY/_D_bRVjaeuM/s1600-h/DSC_0556-0013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0556-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0556-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--wL-rIQ9W0U/VCL426PJaiI/AAAAAAAAEDc/0TMUA_Mc9aQ/DSC_0556-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7_mo_4XQFtU/VCL43u7XCAI/AAAAAAAAEDo/gD6qfiB2Zs0/s1600-h/DSC_05533.jpg"><img title="DSC_0553" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0553" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iteC-wyHVTA/VCL44dly1YI/AAAAAAAAEDw/Nag0lLQQ6B0/DSC_0553_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5iOPR-NZWKU/VCL45Gf__CI/AAAAAAAAED4/AnopBxKDGLQ/s1600-h/DSC_0566-0016.jpg"><img title="DSC_0566-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0566-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xVNgl02vHr8/VCL45xTW-OI/AAAAAAAAED8/1ZalBvM1lQo/DSC_0566-001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="354"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tY7Xt8EyF2s/VCL_zOnXE_I/AAAAAAAAEJM/9mzUFiP72pc/s1600-h/DSC_0616%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0616" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0616" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bTbqgLswuGk/VCL_0cExxnI/AAAAAAAAEJU/5WEN_PuBRMw/DSC_0616_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_nFepebOXM/VCL46WD1kPI/AAAAAAAAEJc/xP-e5Ve8Tm4/s1600-h/DSC_0521.jpg"><img title="DSC_0521" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0521" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zVrx8UoBXEU/VCL47mxjdoI/AAAAAAAAEJk/0Z0E_yd2BW4/DSC_0521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a>A long weekend with Oma and Buddy in Altoona gave us the opportunity to visit with Nana, as well as go out for icecream in our PJs, go bowling with buddy, and spend a whole day at DelGrosso’s amusement park. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X_BygbETSPc/VCL48B8brWI/AAAAAAAAEEY/D33v50nsjbQ/s1600-h/DSC_01277.jpg"><img title="DSC_0127" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0127" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-75HkXheCNdY/VCL48w13poI/AAAAAAAAEEc/qG5R_1wQIlQ/DSC_0127_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nHdluZV36as/VCL49hAI-AI/AAAAAAAAEEo/2DLwu2TG57A/s1600-h/DSC_01903.jpg"><img title="DSC_0190" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0190" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-POandjuh82c/VCL4-79-CoI/AAAAAAAAEEs/enA4k9GYja4/DSC_0190_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--VfdX8Le1M0/VCL4_YLRXEI/AAAAAAAAEE4/qa4cl7LpkLU/s1600-h/DSC_0050-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0050 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0050 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SEgHGVRcjoE/VCL5AP_xe9I/AAAAAAAAEE8/Jmf27r8aCAw/DSC_0050-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gNZdqb0apFw/VCL5Aq1mKyI/AAAAAAAAEFE/tVvHV9jmbvc/s1600-h/DSC_01077.jpg"><img title="DSC_0107" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0107" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ne691D2frEU/VCL5BvPazwI/AAAAAAAAEFM/Lhc2iIspQN8/DSC_0107_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BUbwRjP0kr0/VCL5CU1UAKI/AAAAAAAAEFY/x8J8RoC2QBQ/s1600-h/DSC_01223.jpg"><img title="DSC_0122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Jtv7sNHfF0/VCL5DP8q9-I/AAAAAAAAEFc/a-2XXJDj3xk/DSC_0122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xM-LdPy973w/VCL5Dw-YvJI/AAAAAAAAEFo/5mxcYwxxdP8/s1600-h/DSC_01953.jpg"><img title="DSC_0195" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0195" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o-5iaGukB00/VCL5EVl13YI/AAAAAAAAEFs/u8CYX5-IeHU/DSC_0195_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>It has been SO good to be with family!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wqKbPeSFMBc/VCL5E0VvIaI/AAAAAAAAEF4/4ucMlFrmEnw/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhPZ34tbRLg/VCL5FqyCwSI/AAAAAAAAEF8/LJBMTZ-VFF4/DSC_0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="528"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o1kIdikxulM/VCL5GIGKqgI/AAAAAAAAEGE/xCIUmq6HXBA/s1600-h/DSC_0005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nzFrUpRzfZE/VCL5G-tR3zI/AAAAAAAAEGM/zkbFgrq1tJI/DSC_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxu1I4IpBII/VCL5HDum09I/AAAAAAAAEGY/b350y0aOXAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0022" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XT6S3C6tcKE/VCL5II01saI/AAAAAAAAEGc/quVvPblh4pg/DSC_0022_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--_zWjGCjQ1U/VCL5Iz1Kj-I/AAAAAAAAEGo/HYTIjaTnuR4/s1600-h/DSC_0002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-clUMG_lNsIY/VCL5JqjRXOI/AAAAAAAAEGs/bgmIRje4AjA/DSC_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="289"></a>September marked the beginning of <a href="http://schmidtsinafrica.blogspot.com/2014/09/looking-back.html" target="_blank">our stay in Western Pennsylvania</a> and the start of homeschooling for the boys. We are thankful for this time spent together as a family of five. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p4T0cwjUEks/VCL5KGI74TI/AAAAAAAAEG0/P8RZtUwvkAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0186%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0186" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0186" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sGdtTFYuhyI/VCL5KsytQPI/AAAAAAAAEHA/kJepvG4p0Vo/DSC_0186_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_el43juJPZw/VCL5LW9yAsI/AAAAAAAAEHI/ENjzuMz2N-Y/s1600-h/DSC_01003.jpg"><img title="DSC_0100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0100" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-91mafRTjeBU/VCL5L0spbHI/AAAAAAAAEHM/zUBBKaORfLU/DSC_0100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Evn3jyiFwtc/VCL5MSaplkI/AAAAAAAAEHY/18BS340cuHs/s1600-h/DSC_0102.jpg"><img title="DSC_0102" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0102" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-blBg42UJMtU/VCL5NPgBcKI/AAAAAAAAEHg/jyMR6IbHw3w/DSC_0102_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="362"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VjT7grt4nhc/VCL5N9JVVlI/AAAAAAAAEHo/sX6R0Wi4c_4/s1600-h/DSC_0033%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pEvIlo_m2JY/VCL5OfCd4YI/AAAAAAAAEHw/R4fv0HaTfA0/DSC_0033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="440"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3WiteryulQ4/VCL5PZaLR-I/AAAAAAAAEH4/_idOnIWRrKA/s1600-h/DSC_0046-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0046 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O_SVf9I6GI8/VCL5QU9HWmI/AAAAAAAAEH8/2U8jp33G2a8/DSC_0046-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cDPmHpCe6DE/VCL5QyC5l4I/AAAAAAAAEII/Utlvad6-X64/s1600-h/DSC_0034-27.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2ktPIc1FNBc/VCL5RhOWUoI/AAAAAAAAEIM/o9ENTxQ6zM4/DSC_0034-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QtFOVRULI8Q/VCL5SNLay8I/AAAAAAAAEIY/ap3BCrvgO-w/s1600-h/DSC_0080%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0080 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0080 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nB2nKWRY3eM/VCL5S9bXwJI/AAAAAAAAEIc/jiMTLp-nY08/DSC_0080%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-anTGFmOpxho/VCL5Teri8DI/AAAAAAAAEIk/fTxe8d5U3TM/s1600-h/DSC_0084-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0084 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0084 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FTpSDazgbLs/VCL5UayjXtI/AAAAAAAAEIs/r8aXgq18i3c/DSC_0084-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e-fPFH6G5Lw/VCL5VB9Kt9I/AAAAAAAAEI0/Zr6_qcc6mvc/s1600-h/DSC_0058-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_0058 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0058 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GVwxBWrsRBo/VCL5WEM3jNI/AAAAAAAAEI4/qUslCf9hX28/DSC_0058-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a>September also took us south to visit family again, this time in the form of a beach vacation. The Lord blessed us with 7+ days of sunshine, laughter, close friends/family, and loads of fun. </p> <p>More pictures to come – THANK YOU to so many who have made our time here memorable and comfortable. God has used you to bless our little world-traveling crew and we are couldn’t be more thankful!</p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/04670094e2d7176400e19afd75591eaa.png"></a> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046717540088510897.post-9720436655928308962014-09-08T18:35:00.000+03:002014-09-08T19:15:09.244+03:00Looking Back<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uvp0O812UVA/VA3VcqIBTmI/AAAAAAAAD-A/cRbMgxPMTBA/s1600-h/DSC_0003%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0003 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L1XE2P1tPNQ/VA3VdBtR7cI/AAAAAAAAD-E/gifCOqZA8F0/DSC_0003%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The view from our front porch reveals that we live in a town. A sidewalk outlines the bottom of our yard and a four-way stop sits just beyond the row of parallel parked cars. But we don’t just live in any city. We now live in the very same section of town that is home to our Alma Mater. We are four blocks from <a href="http://www.geneva.edu/page/index" target="_blank">Geneva College</a>, and we live on a city street that 11+ years ago we used to walk down together. </p> <p>We drove to church this past Sunday morning, taking the same route I used my freshman year to attend this very same church. This time, of course, it was with my husband of 10 years and our three children. Nonetheless, it felt the same and on that drive, <strong>God started calling to mind people and places and events in my life so intricately woven together that only He could be the author. </strong></p> <p><strong>It was as if He was saying, “See where I’ve brought you, Courtney, back to the place we began. I have all of your days in my hand. My plans for you are perfect and good.”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D9glwpvKkcw/VA3VdzYO9UI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/pfuAuhKMOoE/s1600-h/DSC_0010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0010" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H5AUAFJ1OTc/VA3VfNupbgI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/X748dwTTzHI/DSC_0010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I began my freshman year at <a href="http://www.geneva.edu/page/index" target="_blank">Geneva</a> in 2000, a very new believer, surrounded by peers much more grounded in their faith than me. It was during my first week of classes that I learned of a church in a town nearby that several staff and students attended. So on my second Sunday attending college, I hitched a ride with a junior on my floor, and landed at <a href="http://www.fpcbeaver.com/" target="_blank">First Pres Beaver</a> for 9am worship. </p> <p>As it turned out, my ride was an intern for the youth director at that church and needed to stay for the Sunday School hour. I looked at the adult Sunday School options and mustered up the courage to attend one taught by a name recognizable to me from Geneva, a professor. To my complete surprise, when I walked into that Sunday School class that morning, I recognized several people. Not fellow students, but community members and Geneva staff who knew me by name from the past few weeks. We studied the Word that morning, both during the service and in the hour that followed. I left Dr. Guthrie’s class on First, Second, and Third John that September Sunday in 2000, and knew God had led me to a church home. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yAYnouKZPSE/VA3Vf0ImanI/AAAAAAAAD-g/9wqHzCblQJg/s1600-h/Fullscreen%252520capture%252520982014%252520113147%252520AM.bmp%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fullscreen capture 982014 113147 AM.bmp" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Fullscreen capture 982014 113147 AM.bmp" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZwfiFbz6H9w/VA3VgYtEhWI/AAAAAAAAD-k/rNpZEFfzKV0/Fullscreen%252520capture%252520982014%252520113147%252520AM.bmp_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="244"></a></p> <p>More than that though, He was starting me down this path of sanctification, of growing and maturing my new baby faith, and He was using a small Christian college and a body of believers at <a href="http://www.fpcbeaver.com/" target="_blank">First Pres</a> to do it. Many of those same people who were in my life in a small way at that time 14 years ago are in my life now in a much bigger way. The body of Christ, specifically in this area, is responsible for my Spiritual health and growth in college. It has nurtured our marriage from before its beginning 10 years ago, has prepared us and shaped us for being called to GO, and has supported and sent us these last two years with love and encouragement and prayer. </p> <p><strong>The Lord continued to reassure me on our drive yesterday. The college I attended, the local congregation I joined, the people He placed in my path over those first four years, and the people He’s placed in my path since - None of it was by chance.</strong> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ip_1bQM5GvE/VA3Vg3SuxvI/AAAAAAAAD-w/pAFelraOQIg/s1600-h/DSC_0001%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0001 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0001 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-po5MHe1jqxk/VA3VhfRzOZI/AAAAAAAAD-0/6JlsJPfPVfg/DSC_0001%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I’m a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I’m a mentor to third culture kids in Kenya. I’m a believer and disciple of Jesus Christ, and He has been guiding and equipping me for each of these roles for His glory and His purposes since He called me to Himself in High School. </p> <p>I was created for this. </p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85917/danandcourtney/522dd3fb5512faf6ccc5a9967b88cc5a.png"></a> <p align="center"><em><strong>For you created my inmost being;<sup></sup><br>you knit me together<sup></sup> in my mother’s womb.<sup></sup><br>I praise you<sup></sup> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;<br>your works are wonderful,<sup></sup><br>I know that full well.<br>My frame was not hidden from you<br>when I was made<sup></sup> in the secret place,<br>when I was woven together<sup></sup> in the depths of the earth.<sup></sup><br>Your eyes saw my unformed body;<br>all the days ordained<sup></sup> for me were written in your book<br>before one of them came to be. </strong></em><em><strong>Psalm 139:13-16</strong></em></p> the Schmidtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128noreply@blogger.com0