Journey of Faith

A Bittersweet Send-Off

2012-09-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

This past fall has been an exciting season at Providence Church as we have been able to send song long term workers to serve internationally. Sarah is one of those gals! For as long as I have known Sarah I have seen her heart of compassion towards people and her desire to offer herself to loving other people. She has dedicated years of her life to working with YWAM, serving as a DTS team leader and leading students all over the world. One thing that always seemed imminent was that Sarah would end up putting roots down in a far off land one day. Well, now is her time. She walked through a lengthy process with Providence in order to be "sent". On Sunday night we had the privilege of commissioning her out from our church to head to the Middle East to work. We were so grateful to have her family there with us as Sarah shared her desire to go and received love from so many around her.

Please pray for Sarah as she serves in the Middle east for this next season of her life. Pray for the ability to learn the language, be united with her teammates, and to build friendship in her new home. Sarah is an incredibly gifted artist and will be documenting much of her new life in a unique way. You can follow Sarah through her own website HERE!

Opportunity Knocks

2012-08-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

Opportunity knocks….

This past weekend I had the privilege to share about the Neema Project at Tulpehocken United Church of Christ in Richland, PA. I was so nervous and had no idea what to expect. This was the first time I had been invited to share back home in the area I grew up in. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor service. Rick and I stayed with my parents the night before and Sunday morning we loaded the vehicles and headed over to set up a Neema Display and prepared to share the story of the girls.

I love sharing the story in new places where people have not yet heard. I appreciated the smiles and nods from individuals in the crowd. It really helps ease the nerves. I shared for about 10 minutes and was thrilled to share some specific stories of these young ladies whose lives have transformed mine. It is a privilege to introduce them to people.

I was blown away by the generosity of the people as they swarmed the table after the service to ask questions, demonstrate interest, purchase some goodies, and offer some donations. THANK YOU, Tulpehocken UCC, for helping us raise $448 to go towards the Neema Project! Your generosity exceeded my expectations! God Bless You!

Wow!!! We raised......?!?!?!?!?

2012-08-04T09:52:00.000-04:00

WOW!!! We raised……..?!?!?!

Tonight I feel completely humbled to be a part of the work that Transformed International (TI) began. My heart has been drawn to these at risk girls in Kenya, and the Neema Project has provided me with an outlet to learn to love and dream and hope for so much more than I ever have before. Leading teams to Kenya for the past 4 years has allowed me to share the experiences with close to 50 individuals who have volunteered there time to serve with Providence Church and TI. While it has presented challenges and has stretched me in so many ways, I have seen God's faithfulness to the Neema Project as he has provided time and time again.

Today, Melinda Snow (and her family), hosted a sale at their beautiful home in West Chester. We had lots of room to spread out and create beautiful displays of handmade jewelry and bags. It was a hot day, in the middle of the summer, on a weekend so we weren't sure what to expect in regards to how many people we would have. So may gals worked so hard to help prep for this sale...cleaning up jewelry, pricing bags, ironing labels into the bags, creating displays....the list could go on and on! We do all of this for the Neema Girls and so many people invest their time and talent as volunteers. THANK YOU will never seem like enough for those of you who have spent so many hours helping me prepare for these sales, raise awareness, and invite friends. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

I always try to set a goal for each sale of how much I hope to raise to pour back into the project. Today my goal seemed a bit lofty, set at $1000. To raise $1000 at a 2 hour sale was likely impossible, but I prayed and hoped, and prayed some more. After all sales were in and I was back in the comfort of my home I added up every cent and was blown away by the sales and donations. In 2 HOURS we raised (drumroll please): $1,591.76!!!!!!!!!

THANKS to all of you who made that happen today! I hope you enjoy the treasures you went home with and think of the Neema Girls each time you use your new items. We appreciate the way you help us not only reach our goals but EXCEED them!

Sincerely,

Faith

Neema Girls

2012-08-01T09:50:00.000-04:00

Neema Girls

On Saturday we will be hosting our first sale of the latest designs by the Neema Girls. Here is a photo of each of the gals who worked so hard to produce some beautiful items.

2012-07-01T09:46:00.000-04:00

What?!?!?! I’m a grandmother!!!

: Sassy Sharon

Meet Sharon! I first met Sharon in 2008 when I visited the Neema Project for the first time. Sharon was one of the original girls to come off the streets into the Neema Project. Sharon has always been full of life ~ sassy and fun, loving and resilient! Sharon has not had an easy life, but she continues to press on with life.

Mama Janet & Sharon in 2008

Sharon, Mama Janet, & baby

Sharon graduated from the Neema Project in December of 2010. She came back to spend the week with us last year when I took a team over in July. Sharon was doing well and took her work more seriously than ever before. She was still silly and fun and making people laugh. She always wipes my tears away and tells me not to cry whenever it comes time to head back to the US. Last year she even told me to tell Rick (my husband) to come to Kenya and buy land so that we have a home there and she agreed to help watch my baby for me so that I can still work in Kenya once I have children. Oh how I love this girl!

You and imagine my surprise when I returned to Kenya in June, and saw that Sharon's name was not on the list of girls who we would be working with this year. When I asked why she couldn't be there I was told that Sharon had a baby and was married! I was shocked but even more determined to find a way to see Sharon and meet the baby! By Monday afternoon (4 days later), my dear Sharon had arrived to see me and introduce me to my "grandbaby"!?! Yes, you heard me. She called me the "grandmother".

Two of Baby Cece's Grandmothers

Sharon has always called me "Auntie Faith". I have no idea how I suddenly went from being "Auntie" to being "Grandma". We laughed about it while I walked into the house and then I saw HER. Baby Cynthia (6 weeks old) was so beautiful! She is content, calm, and so incredibly happy! I spent hours holding her on my lap while working on jewelry samples to teach. I rocked her to sleep, sang her songs, and prayed as I held her in my arms each day. As much as I wanted to stash her in my suitcase and bring her home, I could see that she is changing Sharon. Sharon was such a loving and caring mother to her precious bundle.

I have had many highlights during my past 10 trips to Kenya, but this is one I will always remember and one that will always hold special meaning for me. It is such a privilege to watch these girls grow up and become hard working young women and mothers! If you think of it from time to time, say a prayer for Sharon, Fred, and Baby Cynthia. Pray that they would grow as a family and learn to love one another well. Pray that they would have opportunities to work and raise a healthy family!

The Gift of a Chicken.....and so much more

2012-06-30T09:44:00.000-04:00

The gift of a chicken…..and so much more.

Last year when I left Kenya I knew that sponsoring children would have to be something my family got involved with. I felt like the Lord impressed upon my heart my responsibility to respond to all the suffering and need that I was exposed to. This year it was my great joy to meet two of my sponsored children and I can’t express to you what a blessing it has been. The first was a complete surprise.......while the team was serving out at the Veronica Home on our first day here, playing with all the kids and just enjoying being with them I realized that one of the older boys that we were playing cards with was one of my sponsored children. Derrick (12) is such a wonderful, bright, athletic and outgoing young man that it was hard for me to believe that this same young man was close to death last year when both his parents died and he was left to fend for himself. My second meeting was more orchestrated. Today Maddie, Katy and I traveled out to a nearby village to meet Maria, a 14 year old young lady who lives with with her aging grandmother and 4 other children. We were all graciously received by a very excited grandmother and ushered into a tiny dark sitting room in their mud hut. You can imagine this scene was a little awkward but still a joy to be able to meet this family face to face and to pray for them. The meeting ended with us getting up to leave and being presented with a live chicken.....”a blessing upon your family” .......Now we had to take a live chicken on the back of a motorcycle, already holding 3 people each, through the mud. It’s safe to say we passed our blessing along to the Veronica Home. I’m still wrestling with what emotions I am experiencing after meeting these kids...and I think it is mostly gratitude. Gratitude for the ministry of Transformed International that makes this relationship possible, for the local Kenyan staff here in Kitale that feed, cloth, and minister to these families on an ongoing bases, and for God allowing my family the privilege of being a pat of this work.

With thanksgiving,

Melinda

It's Friday!

2012-06-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

It’s Friday!!!

It is Friday here in Kenya and due to the lack of internet we have been having trouble posting on the site. We promise to add photos later. Time has been flying by and we have so much to share.

It has been quite a productive week as the team and the Neema Girls have all been working so hard. We have accomplished so much more than last year. Over the past two days, the team has worked incredibly hard getting the Neema dormitories primed and ready for paint. Once it is ready, the cement walls will be painted and the floors will be cemented and then it will be ready to be lived in. We still need to raise $1000 to pay for the labor to complete the dormitories, but we are confident that it will come in quickly.

The Neema girls have been using their sewing skills to create wallets, a small clutch bag, and a large boho style bag. we are excited to bring home new patterns and colorful fabrics for you to add to your personal collections. Another group of girls is working on creating some colorful and beautiful necklaces and bracelets that we can’t wait to see on people back home.

Each morning has begun with group devotions lead by Kenyans or Americans, a new song to be learned (mainly in Kiswahili) and then some time in prayer. So far Melinda, Katy, and Jackie have all shared in the morning. It looks like today will be my turn. Upon finishing our morning routine, we head to our separate classrooms and begin working. I have been amazed by how motivated a majority of the girls are in this Neema group. I will be posting more specific updates later of special moments that have taken place throughout the trip and photos to accompany. We have 2 more days here in Kitale and then we begin the journey back to PA. It is always a bittersweet time filled with goodbyes. The team asked me if we could stay longer, or if I could leave them behind. If you have a loved one here with me, pray that I can get them back to Nairobi and on the plane.

Faith

Who Needs A Gym

2012-06-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

Who needs a gym?

I think it's safe to say the team is exhausted. Sunday and monday we stayed overnight at In Step orphanage. The home holds around 20 teachers, aids, and nannies, and 110 children ranging from a few months old to 13. The time we spent there is something we will never forget. From playing with the kids and being climbed on like human play gyms, to helping hand out food in a 100 ft. veranda, to just sitting with the kids, it was truly amazing. The entire day I was kept busy with a child on one arm, my camera in another, and a horde of children around my feet shouting, “AND ME! AND ME! AND ME!” as they peered into my lenses. I would snap a photo, then turn to show them, and have all of them giggle in response, then begin to shout again. One of my favorite things was just playing with the kids in the yard. I met a 12 year old boy named Bafo, who has been with the home from the age of 3. He was so smart, cheeky, and athletic, truly just a joy to be around. We played a hurtle game which he definitely won, mainly because I have no coordination. It hit me when we were playing that these children would be dead or on the street if not for this amazing home. They have sponsorship opportunities and on their website they tell the children's stories. The home itself is astonishing, but bursting at the seams. They are in desperate need of dormitories and I highly recommend donating to this cause because they truly help the children and the community. Part of god's blessings was providing the school with a natural spring of clean drinking water that is so abundant that they choose to share it with the community. I would ask for prayers for the school and the kids, specifically that the dorm funds are raised and they can begin to build soon, for sponsorships for the children, and for the rest of our time in Kenya. The team has fallen in love with this place and these kids, so much so that 2 days isn't enough and a few of us are returning at the end of the week. Oh and I do apologize for being so late, every time it rains here (which is quite a lot) the internet is wiped out. Maddie Snow

"Another Day in Paradise"

2012-06-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

Jambo y’all! Today was an amazing day! I had the wonderful opportunity to lead a devotional with all the Neema girls. The devotional was a parable in John 4 about the samaritan women who encounters Jesus at the well. The girls really resinated with the story. I emphasized the fact that the samaritan women was lonely because no one would acknowledge her. When I mentioned this loneliness three Neema girls raised their hands signifying that they have been feeling this loneliness. My heart was full due to the fact that God used the message to touched these girls. Praise God......for giving me the words and opening their hearts. The day just continued to move my heart. After we left the girls, so they could continue working, we journeyed to the Veronica House. The Veronica House is a home for children living with HIV. The day consisted of card games, dancing, and nail polish. All of the kids turned out to be so affectionate by climbing and cuddling with each of us. One girl in particular, Rosa, took me outside to teach me how to play a game. We laughed and giggled in this intimate moment that God orchestrated for reasons that I hope will impact Rosa long after i am gone. To end the day a few of the kids and Mark, one of the TI staff played a game of volleyball. The little girls repeatedly caught the ball and would away with it but eventually we got a pretty competitive game going. We decided that we wanted to play the two boys in a game of futball (soccer) and of course we didn’t stand a chance. It ended up being a productive day for the in store.

Jackie leading devotions.

.......and ACTION

2012-06-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

………..and ACTION!

Katy D and Madi

Jambo! This is Katy Davis updating you guys on our first day in action! After 48 hours of traveling, we arrived at Karibuni Lodge last night around dinner time, extremely weary. We all crashed in our wonderful room around 9:00 PM, only to be waken up by some violent rain around 3:00 AM. Most of us managed to fall back asleep, but some did not. Prayers for rest would be greatly appreciated! Anne, the Kenyan social worker who is taking us around, allowed us to take our time this morning to sleep in and eat a delicious breakfast. Melinda and I took advantage of this down time and went for a run on the surrounding dirt roads. Despite the altitude making us feel extremely out of shape, it was so special to interact with the locals (even though our vocabulary is limited to Jambo- hello!) The children walking to school would join us and run alongside of us. Sadly, we forgot our cameras but videos and pictures will soon be posted! After some time of prayer, we headed out to the Neema project to meet the girls for the first time! After another bumpy ride, we arrived at around 11:00 AM. Each of us greeted each girl individually with a handshake and a hug. Then we sat down in a big circle and went around and said a little bit about ourselves. The girls are absolutely beautiful, and all have such unique faces and personalities. Some smiled and looked down when they introduced themselves, and others warmed up very quickly. We went into a time of song and dance, where we made fools of ourselves trying to sing some very rhythmic worship songs in Swahili. Then we played a name game to break the ice and get some girls laughing. I can semi-confidently say that as a team we can name all fifteen girls. (almost.)

Neema Girls singing for the team

After spending a lot of time as a group, we dispersed. Jackie, Maddie, and I got to talk a little bit with the girls about their lives. Almost all of the girls, whose ages range from 16-20, have a child. Four of them live at the Neema project, which will give them a place to live if they are homeless or come from a house of abuse. Other than that, the girls live with their families and come to the Neema school every week day. They have all been through so much, more than any of us could possibly imagine, but they can still praise the Lord and give thanks with a smile on their faces.

Marysella, Susan, and Metrine

With about an hour left before we had to go come back to the lodge, the children from the Veronica Home, a home for kids with HIV/AIDS, got out of school and joined us. We enjoyed watching them giggle and smile shyly when we showed them pictures we took of them. All they wanted was to sit on our laps and give us hug after hug. We are all excited to spend more time with them tomorrow!

After a delicious Lebanese meal, we are all exhausted from such an After a delicious Lebanese meal, we are all exhausted from such an amazing day. We would love your prayers for peace, presence, and rest as we enter a full day with the girls tomorrow. The Lord has been so faithful in listening to your prayers, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless!

48 Hours Later....

2012-06-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

After 3 hours in a van to JFK, 8 hours on a plane to Zurich, a 45 minute layover, and 8 hour flight to Nairobi, a stay over in a Guest House in Nairobi and another 8 hour journey (of wild Kenyan driving) in a shuttle......we have finally arrived in KITALE! Needless to say, we are tired, but we are all here. We are staying at Karibuni Lodge and are currently sipping coffoo on an outdoor porch being entertained by a monkey in the tree next to us!

We are preparing for our first day with the Neema Girls tomorrow, after a bit of rest of course. Please keep the team, the TI workers, and the girls in your prayers. This morning we learned some more specifics about the girls situations and the struggles that they face in their lives as young single moms. Pray that we are able to offer them some positive memories and also that we might have opportunities to pray with them.

That's about it for now! We hope to take you on this journey with us and bring you the news of the day! Thanks for your encouragement along the way!

For those of you with Instagram on your phone feel free to follow:

@le_triste
@katy_davis
@melindasnow1965
@fwise

Faith (for the team)

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

2012-06-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

Leaving on a JET PLANE!

The Kenya 2012 team is leaving today. 6 of us are about to board a plane and spend a full day traveling to Nairobi. We appreciate your prayers for:

-smooth travels to JFK, Zurich, and Nairobi

-health for the team

-rest for the team

-hearts prepared to serve one another and our friends in Kenya

-baggage that will make it all the way to Kenya with us

We leave West Chester, PA at noon and then head out of JFK airport around 6pm tonight. Once we complete two 8 hour flights we arrive in Kenya on Wednesday at 6pm (Kenya time). We look forward to updating you as we can.

Faith

Reflection.

2012-03-14T20:49:00.002-04:00

I have been watching this video over and over again and REFLECTING. It has spoken many different things to me each and every time I watch. I am filled with a wide range of emotions as I look into the eyes of the individuals and see the surroundings. In the midst of my reflection, I am learning more about who I am!

Update on the Neema Construction

2012-03-14T20:25:00.002-04:00

Hi All!

I know some of you have been waiting for the latest news from Kenya. There was a slight break in construction while we worked on getting more funds together for the project.

Since the last update, all the doors and windows have been put in and the brick work is finished. The next stage is putting in the cement slab floor and plastering the walls!

This is the dormitory building which will house up to 15 girls in the Neema program. The classes are well under way and the girls are doing great! Thanks to those of you who have purchased items made by the girls, bought a brick, and made donations. This is really happening. :)

Neema Girls in School

2012-01-22T11:06:00.006-05:00

So, for those who have been following me for the past 5 years you know that I have invested a lot of time and energy into raising awareness about the Neema Project. From the onset of this program that Transformed International began in 2007, I fell in love with the girls, the staff involved in the project, and the hope for a better life it offers. Immediately I began dreaming, along with TI, of ways that we could help more girls. The hope was always to expand and be able to reach more girls from the Kitale area and now that is beginning to happen.

It was exciting to be there this summer to see the new Neema school being built and then to follow it up with photos and stories of others there has been great. BUT, I just kept waiting for the photos and stories from the launch of the new school opening in January 2012. While, I desperately wish I could have been there to see it all happening, the photos and stories of others who are there bring me such joy.

On Friday, Ray Smith (a friend of mine who went to Kenya with the first team I lead there and is now there for several months), went out to take photos of the girls first day of business class for me. THANK YOU Ray!

For this first semester, the girls enrolled in the school will be learning sewing/tailoring (monday, tuesday, wednesday), on Thursdays they will learn general life skills, parenting and receive counseling, and on Fridays they are learning business skills. I love the changes that are being made to add that into the weekly classes for the girls. The Transformed International staff care so deeply for each one of the girls that come through this program, and that is demonstrated in the way they teach and care for the girls.

Here are some photos from the first week of class:

Business training with Eric (TI National Director)

Eric Teaching

Girls working on an assignment from Eric during their first business class

Eric checking their work

The girls taking a break to stretch

(many of the girls are teen moms and some bring their babies to school with them)

THANK YOU to all who have contributed generously through donations, purchase of scarves, handmade bags, jewelry, and crafts. YOU are what makes all this possible!

More to come........

Buy A Brick

2012-01-17T09:35:00.002-05:00

So back in December, as part of Advent Conspiracy, we allowed people to buy a brick to help us raise the remaining funds for the dormitories at the Neema Project. We are waiting for the final numbers but we might have done it!!! Thank you Providence Church for helping us accomplish that goal.

On top of that there are businesses that offered support, many individuals who purchased and helped sell the items the girls made. We raised close to $10,000 in 5 months! This was nothing short of a miracle in my mind. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Below is the latest update from Adam, our friend from NY who is overseeing the building of the Neema Project. The school is now filled with beautiful girls who have the hope of a new future learning a skill and finding value in who they are as moms.

Here are the latest photos from Adam:

Where In the World Are We

2012-01-08T12:19:00.005-05:00

So, I have a wide variety of tasks on my job description as Global Missions Director. As much I as I love to travel and walk on the soil of foreign countries greeting, I am just as happy to send others out. For this Sunday, I enlisted the help of Lindsay to create a little map that shows where people from Providence are serving (around the world) this month. Some of them are involved in short term work using their gifts of medicine, finance, art, photography, teaching, evangelism, encouragement, and LOVE! Others are committed as long term missionaries committed to discipleship with the next generation of missionaries, evangelism, and using their time and talents to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of broken people all over the world. They are serving with various organization and missions agencies that are committed to seeing the love of Christ reach all the world.

PRAY for these as they serve!

**Joe: will be heading back to New Zealand late this month

**Kearston: is currently doing World Race and will be in several different countries throughout the year

NEEMA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

2012-01-06T17:15:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your continued generosity! Over the past several months we have been able to raise over $9,000 through Mosaic Designs sale of Neema items and other items. Those sales along with donation through Advent Conspiracy at Providence Church have allowed for the Neema project dormitories to be built. The school is completed and the dorms are well on the way, just in need of the bricks. Here is the latest update from Transformed International:

After a few weeks off, Adam and the construction crew is back to work at the Neema Project working on the dorms. This week they finished the roof and the foundation, next step, bricks, bricks and more bricks.

We are looking forward to launching this pogrom this month and seeing the lives of young woman transformed.

The Roof is Up!

2011-08-31T08:46:00.003-04:00

Hi All!

This morning I had great news awaiting me. The latest update from Daniel at Transformed International announcing that the roof has gone up on the Neema School. It shouldn't be long now before the school is finished and ready to open. Please be praying as they begin seeking out the next group of young women to enter the program. It is certainly exciting to think about new lives being changed. My heart is bursting with excitement! Here is the update from Daniel.

Adam, the project manager at the school, also posted a recent update with new photos. You can read more about it here:

Return to Kitale Kenya: The Roof is Up and On!

Thanks for sharing in our excitement and in the changing of lives!

August 27, 2010....it was a day to remember!

2011-08-25T23:54:00.020-04:00

It was a gorgeous Friday, August 27, 2010. Rick and I both remember waking up feeling a lot of nervous excitement! There are so many memories from that miraculous day:

seeing each other for the first time at one of my favorite spots in the city
walking through the city with our bridal party for photos
hearing the music in the church as so many people began to file into the church
listening to the wedding music start and realizing it was our turn (after being in and at so many weddings, it was hard to imagine what you feel when it's your own)
the walk down the aisle was so intense. that moment was ridiculous. i still remember turning to my dad and saying out loud "holy crap, this is intense". then i realized i said it out loud. moments later the place erupted in cheering and clapping. i turned to my dad and said, "i have never seen this happen, what do we do." he said, "just walk to the dot (referring to the taped dot on the floor)." i was so grateful when that moment was over and we were at rick's side.
the worship with brian and steve, hearing all those voices in the beautiful church
the personal messages from Doug and Phil
our parents praying over us
the party to celebrate was just what we wanted, time with people we love
dave and emily singing harvest moon for our first dance (and there actually was a harvest moon that weekend....unexpectedly!)
sister's toast
dad's blessing and prayer
leaving as husband and wife

That day was just the beginning and it keeps getting better.

kenya 2011

2011-08-25T23:51:00.003-04:00

I travelled to Kenya with a team of 15 and returned again. We kept a blog as a team while we were gone. Feel free to check it out for stories from the team: provinkenya.blogspot.com. It held some of my favorite moments and it officially launched the Mosaic Designs projects with the girls. You can find that update at www.mosaicdesigns.org.

There is so much coming up in the next few months. I will keep you posted as time goes by.

Learning to PAUSE.......& DELIGHT

2011-08-25T21:23:00.000-04:00

As a leadership team at Providence, we have been going through the book

"Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" and I have been learning many things about myself which include:

I have been rushing through life for much too long
I need to have better boundaries (with saying yes/no to people and things)
I need to slow down and rest

I don't know where things got so off track, maybe my senior year of college when I took 21 credits first semester and 28 credits second semester while working at a mental health facility. It could have been while I was working as a high school guidance counselor, serving as a worship leader at a bible study, and also in leadership at a house church. Maybe it was while a full-time grad student, working part-time at a church and part-time at a college. You get the point, I have filled my life with really great things, but have often forgotten to PAUSE and DELIGHT in what God is doing around me.

This year, has been spent learning to rest. Yes, I really do mean learning to rest. In recent years I have not been the type of person who stops to take days off with "nothing" to do. I struggle to sit outside on the porch and read a book for hours, or sleep in on my days off. I am on the go, and when I sit and rest I feel guilty. For some reason it has felt wrong to just take time to be. This year finally brought conviction as I am quickly realizing that we were created to work.........and rest, then work.............and rest. Marriage has been a valuable tool in teaching me that. My patient husband was observing my life and would often remind me to "sit down and relax". When I sit, I fall asleep if I am not doing something. This has meant me sleeping through numerous movies on our at home "date nights". Marriage has exposed the fact that since there was noone in my life showing me balance, I had NONE! I am learning. Another that has taught me about this lack of rest in my life is the many moments where I crave Kenya. I know that sounds funny to people. I love Kenya! I love the people that I get to work with when I am there, I love the community at Transformed International, I love the sites, life slooooows down and amidst the work there is always rest and time to delight in relationships with people and time with God. So as I found myself craving Kenya, I realized I was really wishing to have that same sense of calm and balance.....a rhythm of work and rest!

So, lately (and by lately I mean the past few months), I find I am giving myself time to pause and delight! Yesterday I drove down the road just to watch the sunset, and as I sat there I begin a list in my mind of all the snapshots where I allowed myself to delight the past few months. These are moments that I want to cherish and remember for a long time:

Sunsets....last nights sunset was glorious
Watching and listening as my brother (Peter) and Trish shared their vows with one another with sincerity, love and commitment (it was beautiful). It was from their hearts to one another and shared boldly before those of us privileged to be a part of their lives.
Watching as Justin saw his beautiful bride, Julianna (rick's sister), coming down the aisle on her dad's arm. Justin's love for her is so pure and I am proud to get to call him my brother!
Sitting with my entire family at my cousin Brittany & Kevin's wedding reception and realizing how blessed I am to be in family that can laugh together and later sitting with them on family vacation in the mountains praying together as we face potential job losses and struggles finding work.....as we encourage one another to TRUST that God has His best for all of us.
Seeing my husband first thing each morning and around 5:30 each evening and realizing that he is not going anywhere. He loves me so well, even when I am undeserving. He is a gift!
Being in Kenya and watching the neema and shimo girls work so hard with pride and self-confidence, using the skills they have learned.
Seeing Eileen Roche singing and dancing with Joann in Kenya (she probably has no idea I was even watching)
Hearing a compound filled with laughter as my Providence team broke through any walls and loved my kenyan family so well.
Sitting at a table with my grandparents onso many occasions this past year, and feeling blessed by the heritage I get to receive because of who they are.
Kayaking and picnicking with Matt, Missy, Aubrey, & Leah at March Creek. That day was chaotic but ended up being a gift as we learned to know one another.
Sitting with Rick's mom teaching me to make jewelry so I can train others. She was generous with her time and so willing to teach me.
A weekend in Philly with Rick to celebrate his birthday (and a free place to stay thanks to so generous friends)
Finding amish chicken bar-b-que while out for a drive with Rick one saturday.
Walks at the trail with Jess, celebrating her engagement, talking about life and realizing how much has changed.
Spending 2 days away with the leadership team going talking about how to live healthy lives. I appreciate that the leaders at Providence care more about our emotional and spiritual, our marriages and our families than they do about our job descriptions (and YES, we do all have plenty of work to do). It is a joy to serve with them.
A saturday morning poolside with a funny book (yup, I got it for Christmas and I still have yet to finish it). :)
Watching as Rick got baptized last week and realizing we were surrounded by our family and friends.

There are so many simple things that breathe life into us each day, but we have to pause long enough to see them and recognize them. My hope is that throughout this year I can pause longer and rest more, that I find delight in the daily joys that are often right in front of me.

Kenya, Kenya, Kenya!!!!

2011-07-26T08:12:00.002-04:00

Hello All.

It has been a busy busy few weeks, full of adventure. 3 weeks ago today, I boarded a plane, with 15 other people and headed to Kenya. It was quite a journey to NY, then off to Dubai, from Dubai we landed in Nairobi. From there it was a night of sleep in a hotel and then heading off to Kitale.

I have so many stories to tell and photos to show. For now, you can follow some of the team updates at: provinkenya.blogspot.com

Hope everyone is having a great summer.

It's Getting Closer

2011-06-26T09:28:00.005-04:00

Hi All.

Well, in just 10 days I am heading back to Kitale, Kenya. You can track the teams journey at: provinkenya.blogspot.com. It seems this trip can't come soon enough. I can barely sleep right just waiting to pack my bags and GO. It has been 14 months since I was last there which is a. very.long.time. I miss the beatiful green landscape and seeing all the small villages along the way from Nairobi to Kitale. I am craving a samosa from the quick lunch stop in Nakuru on the long bus journey.

It will be so nice to sit with a cup of Kenyan coffee at the TI compound and listen to the very loud bird that drowns out every other peaceful sound when sitting under the "gazebo".

I am looking forward to the walk into town to purchase colorful fabric at a local market area and then maybe hop a ride back to the compound on a piki piki.

I miss all the smiling faces and I can't wait to spend time with these girls.

And play around with these kiddos.

More importantly.....I can't wait to see what my God teaches me about His heart and His character as I spend time with Him in this place that I love. What a gift it is to be a part of His story.

China Team Updates

2011-06-20T08:11:00.002-04:00

Late last week a team from Providence and CFC headed to spend some time with our friends in Guilin. They will be reunited with friends and make some new ones. If you would like to follow the Care Team's journey click HERE!