truthlovegrace

Fun first month

2011-11-27T15:35:00.003-08:00

Today she turns one

2011-11-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure the pictures can capture the way her eyes twinkled and mind sparked with curious delight as we sang at the tops of our lung happy birthday to Bailey as she walked into Aunt Pam's house for her birthday dinner. Her little mind was surely processing this was different and entertaining and I would like to say she was figuring out it was for her. She learned quickly how to tear open presents and we learned equally as well to not give her the books if we didn't want the process to stop for a reading session.

She did get clothes from Clayton and Amy in which you can see her delight and hugging.

The cupcake singing was the best as she again watched with intent eyes and looked at each person while the song was being sung. And then as she leaned to blow out her candle and take a first bite of sweets. How children who have never had sweets know to say yumm, yummm will always surprise me with delight.

The day of her party Bailey celebrated in Minnie Mouse style and this is the jumper I gave her.

Also wanted to start her a charm bracelet, so she got her 1st birthday charm at her party. Happy Birthday sweet girl....Aunt Lisa loves you!

Hooray! A King is Here!

2011-09-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

After many months of waiting and days of waking up to expect a text or phone call, I know it was relieving for all of us to know Amy had a scheduled induce date. It wasn't the original Sept. 21 we all had in our heads, but Andrew was sure to be in town and we were fully ready to meet Colton James King! The blog title says it all in a text from Greg as he realized he was a second cousin and a true king Colton has proven to be. I know I was excited to be apart of the day since when Bailey was born I received a picture text at 8:00 in the morning and had to wait until 6:00 that night to hold her! I debated just taking off half a day, I mean it was my sister who was having the baby NOT me, why should I take the day off. I sure am thankful I did though because there were precious moments for me that morning as I got to spend time with my little sister before she "became" a mom. Much of the story I would write from my perspective would be completely different as we all could take a different angle to share, but the calm and patience I saw her hold onto as she had matured into an amazing woman was outstanding. I guess the unspoken maturity of her allowing/tolerating me to be apart of the moments spoke volumes to my heart and transferred to me a love that I long to receive from my sister. Here's the rest of the story:

Dinner the night before at Chuy's.

Memorial Herman was a very convenient location and after jokes of Andrew sleeping in at the house while mom took Amy to check in that morning, they all got their pretty early and quick to start induction. The delivery floor was nice as each patient had their own rooms, but as the family we were free to walk between the waiting area and Amy's room. During delivery Erin even commented she wanted to hear Colton's cry for the first time and attempted to walk down the hallway in time. After seeing the doctor leave the floor Phillip, Erin, and I assumed he was here and shortly after Andrew came out to announce Colton was here and show pictures. We all quickly took turns watching Bailey in the waiting area and seeing Colton for the first time. Here Bailey finally gets to meet her cousin for the first time.

The nurses did a great job giving him a bath and letting us feel apart of the process. The big picture windows sure help you feel like you are right there with them.

All cleaned and sleeping with his snuggle pup Aunt Lisa gave him.

After we had settled into the new room, Andrew and I changed him into his 1st day picture outfit. It came all the way from H&M.

Day 2 a quick visit after church and waiting for them to be ready to come home.

This little man is not going to be this small forever, so a picture on my legs will prove that in time.

A great family picture.

Showing Colton his room for the 1st time.

Playing dress up again.

Welcome home King family!
(Hook'em is already aware of the change)

Drowning in a sea of newness

2011-09-03T08:43:00.001-07:00

This is an email that never got sent to people willing to pray for me. I'm not sure I even FULLY remember those first months of changing to 2nd grade as every day was just survival. I wish now that I had more time to write it all down. Let's just stay that it was a new kind of breaking and humbling process.
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I'm not going to send an email every week, but I did want to give you some specifics to pray for and say thanks for being willing to receive them. I also wanted to let you know the 2nd week did not start off as "peachy keen" as my first one sounded. (it did however end better)

Behavior was a struggle since the 1st day of school and seemed to get worse into the 2nd week. It wasn't until Wednesday that I realized perhaps it was my fear of letting go of control and feeling of not being prepared that left me stressed NOT the students. I have been in a very foul mood and didn't seem to want to fix it. Not being prepared seems to leave me unknowingly grumpy...it is always under the surface, but just lately I am realizing that's what causes the feeling.

Thanks for the prayers and listening ears.

Teaching is my passion and I am humbled because of it.

2011-08-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Humbled by how our plans are never better than HIS plans. - I am finally back to teaching at my dream grade level 2nd grade!

Humbled by how loved I am- never knew I had so many people who love me enough to say they were thinking of me on the 1st day of school

Humbled by my inability to shake that "new teacher" feeling after 10 years of teaching-Only God knew I would need it to remain close to HIM and give HIM the credit

All of these lessons came the first day of school. Many of you have gotten a "back to school" email from me in the past on the night before the first day of school. I fully intended on writing one and even sat down Sunday night to compose it, but didn't feel like the timing was right. Sure glad I didn't run ahead because I know I would had missed out on these sweet blessings.

I didn't go on any big mission trips this summer although my heart longed to go. I wrestled a lot with God about the idea of being lazy, but He continued to remind me to be still and relax for His purpose. I am learning who I am is not about what I do and He wanted to drive that home this summer. So all of that leads me to this email already a week into the school year. I am reminded again I am called to teach! I was blessed to know when I was little what I wanted to be when I grew up (although my poster from elementary school says I wanted to be a nurse!) Teaching is my passion, it brings me great joy. So despite the fact that I try and convince myself that other things sound more noble, for now this is what I am called to do and I love it.

I am going to continue to update my blog throughout the year http://truthlovegrace.blogspot.com/ but when I started these emails a few years back it was because I had friends who were missionaries. They would send updates to me about specific prayer requests about their area of the world. It was in reading one of these and trying to put myself on mission somewhere else that I realized I had already been sent somewhere....my own school! Although I have lost focus, I would like to start sending these emails more consistently on behalf of all teacher. So if have a desire to pray for teachers or even just for me and want to continue to get emails from me this year, please email me back.

Below are the verses I taped up around my room behind posters and decorations. I also included a picture of my room, but more will be on my blog. Thanks for being apart of my life!

Romans 10:13-15; Isaiah 61:3; Ps 5:11-12; Isaiah 64:4; Psalms 118:19-24; Psalms 18:16-19; Psalms 16:5-6; Psalms 31:6-8; 2 Corinthains 5:17-21; 1 Peter 3:15-16

Watching her grow

2011-08-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

After months of getting to hold her and small times for people to leave us alone...this was the first "real" babysitting I got to do for Bailey. She was just starting to sit up, but not able to sit on her own. With Aunt Lisa's couch pillows and borrowed toys from Nana's house, we had a blast while the mom, dad, and grandparents were taking care of other things.

Although she won't sit for long any more, this was Bailey's first moment at the piano. It was so fun to watch her tap out the keys and "sing" along.

Throwing her in the air and watching her squeal, we watched as she also began to find pure delight in bouncing on your lap. I was excited to buy this jumper and watch her go.

The process of walking is an amazing thing to see as it happens months before the actual first steps. In fact, looking back on all of these pictures I realized how blessed I was to be able to see her through all of these stages and compare it to our own "walk" with God. Babies gain the muscles needed to hold up their head, so they can transition into laying on their tummies for crawling and sitting up on their own. Before watching Bailey "learn" to walk, I thought the sitting was the most important step before walking, but I actually realized it's when they are on their tummies learning to roll over that is most important. If babies never learn to roll over and gain those muscles, then during those awkward crawling moments when they need to sit up and turn around they can't get their leg under them quite right. It's at those times we have seen it happen with babies, their arms get stuck and their legs are tangled in just a way that makes it impossible to move, that's when they flop face first onto the floor. How many times have I done the same things, only whined and complained even more about the process to God. He's trying to teach me to "walk" with him, only I'm trying to run before I have the skills and muscles to turn around. Much like parents it would be easy for Him to scoop me up and make life so easy I never learn anything. We don't have a Father whose mean enough to let us suffer, but loving enough to grow our muscles stronger so we can run with Him.

Why crawl before we walk? We all knew Bailey wouldn't crawl for very long because all she wanted to do was jump and stand. It's the arms that are gaining strength to pull up on objects so they can stand during the crawling process. Here's a picture of her pulling up, shortly after Nana bought her a walker and she took off. Balance is the last, most important skill in walking. Observing Bailey I realized you first learn to balance by standing in one place. The first moment I saw her doing this was in her parent's front yard. She didn't like her feet touching the grass, so she didn't want to move when I stood her up. Distracted long enough by a cell phone and she was standing for a few minutes on her own. Do our arms have the same strength or do we give in too soon and stop "crawling" letting our weakness keep us on the floor instead of taking adventures? Most of the times God is calling me to be still, I feel like I am not doing anything but looking at this process of walking I can see how standing still does require action. This sweetness is now running places and I love keep up with her!

Today I saw a rainbow

2011-07-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

The very first verse I taught myself to memorize was Genesis 9:16 "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

I had handwritten it onto a sheet of paper and found a heart sticker with a rainbow on it. The paper was taped to my desk next to my bed so I would see it when I woke up every morning. The promise of God after the flood has always stood out to me and I love how forever we have a symbol of His spoken Word. So...when I started seeing rainbows around I got really excited. The one above came in the middle of standing at the base of a waterfall. While at Yosemite my dad and I took a detour from picking up my brother from hiking. My normal tendency is to be anxious when we are suppose to be doing something, but lately I have started going with the moments. This one gave me a special blessing. Below is the picture of the river coming off the waterfall. The only reason I am not completely drenched is because someone offered me a plastic covering. What a thrill to hear the roar, have water rushing around your ankles and look up to see a rainbow!

Rainbow #2 came during the hike my brother and I completed up from a different waterfall. Some people might say, "But Lisa, rainbows are made from water and sunlight, so of course you are going to see one." But I would say, "yes, but how many other people are pointing out the rainbow when there is a giant waterfall to look at?" Notice the small glimpse of a rainbow in the bottom right hand corner.

Unfortunately for rainbow #3 I don't have a picture and it did come much later than these two (I saw these in the same day). This one was weeks later and I was driving with my mom to my sister's house, actually she was driving and it was probably a good thing, because I started shouting with joy and pointing. "Look it's a rainbow! Look do you see it! Mom do you see the rainbow!" Now I know I sounded like a three year old and you might be annoyed at my response. I think she was probably trying to figure out what the big deal was with the rainbow, so let me explain this joy of seeing three rainbows. The past several years I have sought God out to teach me how to love Him, people and find joy in life. All of my attempts to accomplish these have failed, it is just recently in surrendering to Him that I am starting to see how it all works together...Him loving me first, me loving Him back, Him showing me people to love and the joys of life. So the exciting thing those few weeks was to see God's promise to me appear over and over. He does not forget us, He loves us deeply and if we aren't looking or taking our own plans, we might just miss the simple things of life that can bring us joy. Rainbows might not be your thing, but as you dwell on how God loves you, you might just ask Him to show off for you too.

Moses wanted to take a peek, am I willing to take a second look?

2011-07-29T15:36:00.001-07:00

Words jump off a page as you read, you know the same words you have read many times before, but suddenly the Holy Spirit allows you to see them in a different way. Here's my words:

The verse is Exodus 3:4-5 When the LORD SAW that he had GONE OVER to LOOK, God CALLED out to him from the bush, "Moses, Moses!" "Here I am," he answered. "Do not come closer," He said. "Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is HOLY ground.

I capitalized the words because it struck me that Moses had to take action, but once God saw his movement of obedience He was able to speak to Moses. Lately I had been stuck, almost feeling rebellious (well okay in a way I was) Telling myself it was okay to sleep longer because it's the summer and I wouldn't have much longer to enjoy. Having my gym bag fully packed, but talking myself out of going. Those things in themselves are not rebellious, but I knew my heart in these and other matters at hand. I knew in a way I was going through a growing journey with God. Thank goodness He loves us more than we love ourselves sometimes. I have a friend that once was taught, when you stop thinking you hear God, go back to the last thing He told you and do it. Makes sense right, why would He give us something else to do if we wouldn't do the first thing. Quenching the Holy Spirit. Often times I mistake it for my laziness, or an option for something I could do. But how many times have I missed out on the burning bush, and ultimately missed out on God's Holiness?

Exodus 2:11-3:1 also has some verbs that tell Moses' story. When you think back to how he was saved as a baby it speaks volumes to how we can plan our life, but God will take our failed actions and use them to write HIS story/ HIS plan. Too often I have become stuck with my plan, pitching a fit because I don't get my way, forgetting that I enjoy most when He surprises me with His plan. The question the study asked that I am still asking myself is: thinking about the bush, when was the last time you took a second look at something out of the ordinary?

Counting my Blessings and Adventures

2011-07-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

We were very excited to see my cousin Elizabeth get engaged and invite us to the wedding, (especially since they have always lived in CA but we had never been to visit). So in family style we decided to jam pack it full as a vacation. We saw a lot of fun things, but my favorite part was being able to do it with groups of my family.

Group#1

Being off for the summer I wanted to go up early and "explore." My dad at the time didn't have a job, so he booked his ticket to come with me. When my brother learned about the plans t

o visit Yosemite, he decided to change his flight times and come along. What a blessing to spend the time with these men who I love and value so much!

Did I mention that my dad got laid off from his contract job and asked to interview for another company with a permanent position in the same day. MIRACLE! because he had to go back for a second interview, he had to delay his flight that Monday, so Phillip and I visited the Golden Gate while we waited for him. The clouds were hanging low that day and the wind was very cold.

That night dad got in sooner than expected because he got to the airport early, so we made our way to the hotel. Did you know to get good hotels you have to plan like a year out to stay anywhere near Yosemite? This was another huge blessing because during the planning we went back and forth about what we wanted to do for the three days. Well the week before we left, I got back online to look one more time (the guys said it would be fine to sleep in the car and while I am okay with that as a last resort, I would rather a good night's sleep) Low and behold, one of the hotels that was 10 minutes from the park had one room open that was not unreasonable. Here's the view from the balcony:

Amazing adventure #1

We started at Glacier point that morning and while taking pictures a man told us we should hike up to the waterfalls. So we did...

Amazing adventure #2

Who knew repelling into a cave and crawling around would be something I enjoyed! This was so much fun and again a somewhat unplanned blessing. My dad had found Moaning Caverns online, we planned to go, but then my brother had us talked into white water rafting. (Did you see the river in the picture above?) Every place we called first of all said "Today! You want to book something today?" Guess we have always sort of planned in the moment. The second thing they would say is that the river was too high from all the snow run off. To top it off it was raining that morning. I secretly was glad because the big rapids scare me and who wants to raft in "ice water" with no wet suit gear. So as we stood shivering in the parking lot they called off the trip. This did lead us to another unplanned find...the biggest redwood I have ever seen. And after walking through the forest to find the river we came to a sign that said 3 more miles. Phillip and I without needing to have a conversation turned around and walked back (we had spent the whole day at Yosemite doing the same thing)

Another blessing how we got our own private tour of the cave. This was her first group and we beat getting lumped with the girl scouts by a few minutes.

Dad got to repel down into the cave after we finished our climb out...so much fun and a memorable experience.

Amazing Adventure #3

Group #2 and 3

I thought this was just going to be another check the box I have done it tourist thing, but this was so cool. The way they have the prison set up with self guided audio tour makes you feel like you are the only person in the area. Good facts and history about the whole island. Biggest things that stands out to me is how daily the prisoners could hear/see the sounds and joy of life happening just across the water.

As you can tell by the pictures, by this time everyone else had joined us and it was fun to still be enjoying the different groups of my family. Phillip, Erin and Bailey shared a suite with us, so we got some one on one time. Amy and Andrew joined up with us each day on the adventures. After the island we spent some time walking on Pier 39.

Then off the see the Golden Gate Bridge with everyone. Bailey loves the wind, so she was in squealing heaven. I wish we had more video that captured her delight. This girl is going to be one whirlwind of a roller coaster rider.

Amazing Adventure #4 (although there really are more, but who really wants a page full of pictures :)

Another great find by dad, the steam locomotive. He has always love the train since my grandfather worked for the railroad company. This was something we talked about doing, but almost didn't have time for...sure glad we did. The cable car was really the last family thing we did, but that's a whole adventure for it's own post and my sister has the pictures.

They had the area set up like a small town, so it included a school. I just had to ring the bell.

Showers of blessings-Getting ready for Colton

2011-07-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

With the time quickly approaching, I "helped" give Amy a baby shower for Colton. The reason I have "helped" in quotes is because despite my love for my sister....her and my mom are the ones with the gifted creativity. They both love to have all of the i's dotted and t's crossed when it comes to excellence.(I keep hoping it will rub off on me, but it doesn't seem to be happening) So here are some of the beautiful things they were able to put together for the shower.

I did however get Colton a fun bag of goodies. I am hoping we will be able to use the frog bag equipped with a magnifying glass on some adventures in the future. He also will now have a fabulous wardrobe that will include an outfit about how much his aunt loves him.

Of course Nana is looking

forward to having another grandbaby to love on.

The afternoon was spent being showered in gifts and pictures books by those who love Amy the most. The best thing about showers is the people who come to give them. Thankful to have learned from the GREATEST AUNT how to be an aunt.

On the field at Minute Maid Park

2011-05-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Being on a professional baseball field was not something I ever dreamt of doing, yet I found myself standing on the Minute Maid field with about 30 other Teacher's of the Year. What an awestruck moment to walk through the same hallways the players walk through and onto the soft green grass. I remembered waiting in those hallways with Greg for Tampa Bay pitcher Jeff Neimann, but now I was able to keep walking on my own reward. Scanning the audience for my supporters, Mom, Amy, Andrew and Sharon, they snapped pictures. I somehow became a "line leader" and in rows of two, made my way towards home plate. As we smiled and waved while the announcer explained our reason for being on the field (no one was really listening, who listens to those things) the camera scanned the lines projecting us onto the JUMBO TV in outfield. I couldn't help but look to see if I was up there and sure enough, there I was smiling back. What an out of the park experience!

Celebrating 32 What would you do?

2011-05-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Skeet shooting 101

2011-04-30T17:21:00.001-07:00

Moving to Houston didn't leave many options for practicing skeet shooting or duck hunting, so when we get the chance I am always a little rusty. I do remember though, the bigger the kick...the bigger the bruise.

Bailey moments with Aunt Lisa

2011-04-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

First time in Nana and Grandaddy's pool

First time sleeping over at Aunt Lisa's apartment

At the Houston Zoo

Favorite Aunt attire

A completely unplanned spring break trip to Marseille France

2011-03-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Marseilles, France

One of the best things I got to doe was spend the day with a 2nd grade teacher in her classroom. She did the morning weather report, and job charts just like we did. She was so sweet and for the second time in France I ran into a student with dyslexia.

The Mediterranean Sea

For anyone who remembers my trip this past summer to Paris, you know I love the French Chocolate Eclairs.

The best thing about serving God is most often He asks you to step outside of your comfort zone which then allows His glory to shine through you. I resisted three times the offer to play softball one night and then knew if I didn't go I would be disobeying. In the process I gave my new friend a black eye.

Crystal Award

2011-02-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

The intercom at school announced the faculty needed to gather in the community center real quick because the principal needed to talk with us. (announcements like this always leave us on edge with imaginations of the worst possible situations) In my head I was thinking maybe she wanted to give an announcement about the recent TAKS scores. Since the meeting was going to be quick, we didn't sit at the tables and she started by saying the Houston Chronicle had called a few minutes before to announce that one of our own had been announced as one of four Crystal Award winners. She turned and looked straight at me. "No way," I thought "this can't be possible, you have GOT to be kidding!" This award is given by the Houston Chronicle to outstanding teachers, and my name had been submitted by the PTA president. So for a second time in one year, my mind tried to process how just doing my job had turned into this grander of recognition. After 31 years of comparing myself to my brother and sister's athletic trophies, God was having me realize that He calls us to where He wants us and equips us for His purposes. I truly love teaching and have desired to serve Him in this area with my whole heart. The trophies that I longed for growing up, have come in different shapes and sizes, but only after I have learned that God treasures me more than any trophy that could identify me as valuable.

After six years as a 4th team, this was such a special moment to have them all there to celebrate with me.

My cousin Brian and I had the same 9th and 10th grade English teacher. She had a huge impact on how I challenge students to reach for high exceptations, so it was an honor to have her with me.
This memory can not be described in words because family is so important to me. Support and love are words that hardly seem adaquate. At this point trophies no longer seemed important because to be recognized in such a way with those who love you through the good and ugly days was monumental to who I have become as a person. Thank you Dad, Mom, Amy, Erin, Phillip, and Andrew who I know would have been there if you could!

Cool slide show they played as they read about my accomplishments as a teacher.

Bailey moments

2010-12-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Everyone was right about this whole aunt thing!

Bailey's first Christmas

Sharing my favorite place with Bailey...the Drive in

We watched Gnomeo and Juliet.

Bailey announces shes is going to be a cousin...she Amy and Andrew are pregant!

Hanging on to this new outfit for my chance to be aunt to #2.

She's here (just a tad bit early)

2010-11-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Erin went to her regular doctor's appointment, but the doctor decided to admit her to the hospital because of low fluids. So we went to the hospital to bring her and Phillip dinner. The plan was to let them rest and then start to induce the next morning. At 8:00am I got a text saying mom and Amy were headed to the hospital because they had decided to do a C-section. Less than an hour later while teaching my math lesson I heard the beep of my text message and was surprised to see the picture of a beautiful baby girl. Welcome Bailey!

I got to the hospital later than I wanted because of a flat tire, but was delighted to see her open her eyes for the first time.

She wore her "My aunt is my BFF" outfit the first time I went to see her at home.

Becoming an aunt..it's a big job

2010-09-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Life has not turned out as I planned, but as I am realizing things are better when you leave them in God's hands; His hands are bigger and His dreams for us are better.

My brother and sister-in-law have given me much grace and love as I have pestered them with silly requests during this process of "becoming an aunt". Erin has let me "attack" her at the door to "talk" to Bailey, let me lay my head on her stomach to feel Bailey move across my cheek, and allowed me to tag along to Babies R' Us and use the scanner to register. (my excitement can sometimes get the best of me) So for all of those people who have told me that being an aunt is the best thing ever...I can't wait to see if the moment holds true.

At Babies R Us registering.

Setting up the crib,
Baby Shower where Bailey got lots of fun things.

Region 4 District Teacher of the Year Dinner

2010-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Region 4 Dinner for all of the District Teacher of the Year winners. We were presented with a nice trophy..of course it has an apple on it.

Valerie, my principal. It's always an honor to be supported by your administration.

And even more of a blessing to have your parents support you!

Other places in Paris and Toulouse France

2010-06-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

After my brother left Paris, I was able to sit Sunday in the Jardin des Tuileries in a lawn chair waiting for Eva. This was the view I had for the day...amazing memory of solitude, only God could plan something like this.

Eva and I then took a tour boat on the Seine River.

I then with no phone or form of communication pulled out my notebook paper drawn map from friends, bought a RER train ticket for the latest hour so I didn't have to pay for another hotel that night, woke up in Toulouse France, found my way to the smaller train to take me to Saint-Gaudens and thankfully ran into people who spoke English who let me borrow their phone to call the friends to tell them I had arrived at the train station. Here's the street where they live.

And amazing French cheese.

With a trip through the Pyrénées

This trip was just the beginning of my new spontaneous self, and what an adventure it turned out to be.

Who knew this was on my bucket list too?

2010-06-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

We all have those people in our lives. The ones who push and challenge us to try something new and make us realize that we just did something we previously thought was impossible. That person for me is my brother and he has been inspiring me for the last 30 years. Little did I know four years ago how much his impact would begin to help transform me into a beautiful person. This trip up Alp d' Huez with him at my side was a culminating moment.

Who dreams of riding up the world famous Tour de France Alp d' Huez on a bicycle as one of their bucket list dreams, my brother of course. So when he found out about his trip to Paris, he began researching how to get there. These are snapshots of my adventure as he let me tag along for the journey.

The train ride 6 hours south to Grenoble, France. We had to change our plans that day because a bike race was coming through the next day.

At the bike shop getting equipment and ready to start. My face sure says that I am not really confident about this whole thing, so my jersey (King of the Hill) is a boastful but only jersey I had to wear.

At the base of the Alp, about to make the turn to head up.

Looking down from were we came. I don't have a picture, but after that turn the incline increased by a significant grade. I took one pedal stroke, tried to switch gears, yelled out to my brother...he yelled out put it in the lowest gear, and I didn't see him again for a couple of hours when he was on the way back down. Most of my "journey" and it was a journey rather than a ride for me was mixed with riding, stopping, and walking. Phillip actually had to coach me up for a good part of the way with tough love and inspiring encouragement.

We didn't make it back down in time to see the bike race that came through, but we did see a lot of the buses for the teams the next day.

The summer my couch moved to France.

2010-06-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Despite the many amazing awards from my school year, there were a lot of hard personal trials, so when people asked what I was doing for the summer my response was always...relaxing, laying on the couch, doing nothing. Well all of that changed two days before school ended. My brother told my mom he needed to go downtown to get his passport updated, his company was sending him to Paris on Wednesday. She told me later that night and I told her how on the way to school that week I had a French Bakery shop and thought how good a chocolate eclair would taste. So June 5 I bought a plane ticket to leave for Paris on June 9....this was the beginning of my spotantious lessons.

My brother and I in front of the Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame

Climbing the Bell Tower stairs.
We attempted to get a bike to ride on the streets like my family did last time, but the card didn't work, so this is the closest we got.

Looking out from on top of the Arc de Triomphe

Spring Branch ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

2010-05-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

Desert had come, we had finished the meal, listened to last year winners give speeches and now were waiting for the announcement of the Elementary and Secondary district winners for Teachers of the Year. Although desert looked amazing, my stomach was filled with butterflies as they played the video of pictures and comments from the finalist. Like a RED Carpet moment, our Superintendent opened the envelope, paused to glance at the name and read the winner of the Elementary District Teacher of the Year is Lisa Luce. You know that moment when you think you heard something, but it seems too big to believe...that's what happened. I was still unsure my name had been read, why would they pick me? But as my principal, math SIS and mom turned to congratulate me, I knew it was real! Trying to appear calm, I walked up to the stage to receive my apple trophy and thank the committee for choosing me. Desert was so much sweeter as I sat thinking what an honor!

Sasha(math SIS), Me, Valerie (Principal)

A sweet pink cast for Abby

2010-05-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Abby hurt one of her nails, so had to take a trip to the vet today. She is not excited about the pain, so is sleeping it off. The pink bandage seems to make it all better. (She did not like the soft cone around her head, so I took it off to stay away from embarrassing pictures.) Other pictures below of better times.

Feeding herself from the bag.

Lazily "tanning" by the pool

She is also known for tearing up things. This is some of the stuffing of my couch pillows she decided make her own bed in when I had the cover in the washing machine.

The year of flowers

2010-05-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

I wrote a month ago about these beautiful flowers I kept receiving and wanted to post pictures of two more from parents of students in my class. Amazing how flowers can brighten your day!

And now I'm a Spring Branch ISD finalist

2010-04-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who has given such warm wishes for my recent teacher of the year award. More excitement this week as I received an email congratulating me on becoming one of the Spring Branch ISD finalist. I will go to the district office along with 5 other winners for an interview on Wednesday. The person voted for this will become the teacher of the year for the district and then move onto interview for the region.

Spring Cleaning..well maybe not

2010-03-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

During the recent spring break I was able to enjoy my dad's spring cleaning endeavors. Although I was originally enlisted to wipe down and clean off the items for sale, it soon became evident to me that my first days of spring break would be better spent reclining in the intended bucket seats for sale. Thankfully I was able to get him to sit with me for a while and quick picture.

As I was reclining I noticed my dad's childhood bunkbed frame leaning against the fence. Remembering a conversation from before about the possibility of selling them, I wanted to claim them before they were sold or given away to someone else. So although I don't have space for them right now and part of the bed is being used at my parent's house, we wanted to be sure I had in writing my prior claim to them before something else happened.

He loves me, He loves me NOT...He LOVES me!

2010-03-06T12:07:00.001-08:00

As a young girl sitting with friends we would pick at the flowers in the grass and sing the famous, "he loves me, he loves me not" song trying to decide if the guy we were in "LOVE" with, loved us back. All girls know that it was a sad moment if the last petal ended on a he loves me not (soon to be followed with the picking of another flower to try again :)

Unlike the silly childhood past, I have seen the recent love from the all mighty God who chooses to love me. In spite of the fact that I continue to be hateful and mean, even rebellious at times, he desired to show and tell me how much I am loved by Him. The process all started a year ago, but I had to laugh this week as he continued to send me flowers. How does a God who is "invisible" send you flowers to show how much He loves you?

The whole thing started with me being able to do what I love, teach! Although I have had struggles this year, and learned many lessons, I do love teaching. So, when caught up in the moment, I enjoy the passion of incorporating new things into a lesson. Last year I began sharing with my students my journey to Kenya. It has carried a little over into conversation with those same students this year. Another fun project has been my discovery of videoconferencing and we were recently able to "travel" to the Grand Canyon while still in the classroom. You may be asking how does this all fit with flowers and love, well.... a few weeks ago I was surprised by the PTA president as she nominated me for the School Bell Award this is awarded in Spring BranchISD. She invited me to the PTA dinner, telling me it was going to be about technology. It really turned out to be an award ceremony. Surprised and honored, this is where I got my first flower "from God", a yellow rose.

Later that week they announced at our school PTA meeting about my nomination and presented me with more flowers-tulips. With my yellow rose greeting me in the morning by my bedside stand and the tulips on my dresser, I could feel my heart swell with love in return for a Lord who would let me struggle and then show me how much He loves me in that way.

The final set of flowers came in the form of beautiful orchids. These flowers came because the other teachers at my campus voted for me to be the teacher of the year at my school. At the time I didn't realize it, but looking back as I watched them bloom from their buds, I was reminded daily of the process the Lord takes with us and how He desires to make us Him own.

Romans 5:6-8 (New International Version)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2009-My journal thoughts from the year (no wonder it was hard, God had a lot He was working on)

2010-01-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

1/2/09 "Wisdom begins with basing one's life on reality. When we really understand who God is, the natural response is to offer Him whatever we can get our hands on and all we have is ourselves. If we have not yet gotten to that point of laying ourselves on the altar before Him without reservation, we have not yet encountered the living God. His glory prompts sacrifice. Worship is a lifestyle, a sacrificial way of living that acknowledges every moment of every day that there is One far more worthy of our allegiance than ourselves. " Chris Tiegreen

You are far more worthy to govern my life, help me to give up my right, you will never do me harm. Help me to say I exist for your purpose and for you alone.

Disney-where dreams come true year of a million dreams

1/8/09 Though we want God's guidance and ask for it, we often do not wait for it. We make decisions based on what our internal logic tells us. Is that logic guided by the Spirit? Or do we sense our own emotional needs, self-esteem cravings?

How I feel like waiting is standing still with no action as the world passes you by. But actually waiting takes more action to accomplish. Does it also require more faith?

"See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." James 5:7 "God can not be mocked. a man reaps what he sows."

1/19/09 "The center of God's will is our only safety." Betsie ten Boom

1/23/09 wrinkled pages of my Bible left me understanding obedience of hearing His voice and grace Ps. 107, 89

1/28/09 I was tired of trying to do things and events. My focus needed to go back to "my first love (God)" as they say, but I realized that God has never been my first love. I have loved myself more than Him. I must love the Lord rightly first. My prayer for loving people comes from this, to also love people, I must love God.

3/9/09 you are beautiful, I love you. Ps 145:16

I am so proud of my two cousins who graduated. One is a famous artist, the other an amazing lawyer.

5/14/09 "if you want to know God's will you must respond to His invitation to love Him wholeheartedly. God works through those He loves to carry out His kingdom purposes in the world. " Experiencing God-Henry Blackaby

Completed an Olympic distance triathlon with my dad

6/4/09 "Obedience is the outward expression of your love of God. The reward for obedience and love is that He will show Himself to you. If you have an obedience problem, you have a heart problem.

Uniform shopping with my sponsor child in Kenya.

8/5/09 culturally we are afraid to let anyone close to us, because we might have to be real-greet people, spend time with them ( the task can wait, people can't)

8/10/09 I can never be content with not being apart of what God is doing. I have seen the hand of God, like Elijah said, realized my sinful nature and will never again be satisfied with doing my own thing for long. It began many months ago as God started to woe me as Lord and reveal to me my love for myself instead of Him. I want to go where He is no matter where that is, not just do good things here in Houston, but those that vest in relationships. We live so earthly and forget that only things for eternity matter. ... I pray give me more of you and that excites me. Will it stretch me out of my comfort? Yes because otherwise I depend on myself.

9/10/09 ways we misuse our tongue: Proverbs 6:17 lying tongue; Proverbs 10:19 when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.; Proverbs 12:22;Proverbs 17:9; Proverbs 17:27; Proverbs 18:13;Proverbs 20:19; Proverbs 26:20; Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 27:2; Proverbs 29:20; Romans 10:14-15 Beautiful are the feet that bring good news.

9/16/09 "Pride is thinking more of yourself than you should. A person who has pride will never see a need for grace, that is why He only gives grace to the humble."

9/20/09 Submit yourself to God can only be done if you do not want to be in control, but humbly step down from "our throne" to let God be on THE throne. Falling into a "trap" of what others think of my actions, guilt and boasting.

10/9/09 the alarm goes off over and over again each time God saying rest, me knowing the night before I made a choice for others things instead of bed. In His grace He says rest until it finally feels like rebellion. My heart does not cry out love and desire, but routine. So I want to avoid, but that is just a play. Am I even asking to see His face?

10/10/09 Jesus said "come follow me" Matt 4:19

A broken relationship with Jesus is the primary reason for prayerlessness or ineffective prayer.

10/19/09 I went to Kenya because God told me to serve, that was the time He gave me to serve. Dealing with thought processes, confusion, calling, focus in the wrong direction and fear of mountain top experiences.

HIDING

10/31/09 As I have been reading 2 Samuel the kings go in and slay everyone after they succeed the throne. I do not want to be anywhere near the throne except for at the feet of Jesus who sits on it. I am too consumed with trying to make my own plans for the future, when James 4 says I am not even promised tomorrow and then it is the Lord who purposes our step, not the plan of man, the Lord's will prevail.

The Grand Canyon-connecting learning in BIG ways

11/27/09 Remind me what hearing your voice sounds like and not to feel guilty if it's not a "grand" thing, but content in walking out obedience because you have called me.

1 Samuel 7:7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came p to attack them. And when the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. verse 10 ...the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before Israel.

Romans 8:31-32 If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.

The Lord brought about victory, but not before they repented from pagan practices.

"Samuel's lack of trust and patience led Him to appoint his sons. His pride might also have wanted to keep the lineage. Envy leads a person to intimate others. "

Snow in Houston and the joy of sharing it with 9 and 10 year olds.

12/3/09 Another life principle I have been able to practice again-Will you give up something good because it is not in God's will?

12/27/09 In who do I trust?

My brother is an Ironman...

2009-12-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Recently my brother accomplished a goal that not many even think or have the desire to achieve, he completed a Ford Ironman event. (Most people know and watch the big one in Kona) After months of training and preparation he swam out into the cold waters of Tempe Town Lake in Arizona among thousands of other participates. With a final wave from the waters to us standing high above on the bridge, the starting gun sounded and he was off on his 2.4 mile swim. Through transition to the bike portion, he gave us another excited wave and was off again for the 112 mile bike ride. We repositioned ourselves at the parking garage and waited for him to pass by on the first lap, there were 3 laps to make the full course. He was making great time on all the portions so far, and the best was to come... the run. He hates running, but we all knew he was going to do an amazing job. He had trained not only physically, but mentally as well. He would have to run a full marathon, 26.2 miles after all of the other portions he had completed. His goal to finish the whole event was under 12 hours. The proof of what make my brother MY hero and a true Ironman is shown in the picture below:

Notice the clock time...11:58:24, just under 12 hours he pushed himself to make it the last few miles.

Great run form and untrue to his normal head cock to the side.

More great form on the bike.

A little spectator action

Here's the wave I mentioned earlier.

Prepping the night before, he even had his number shaved into his hair.

SO now at 28 years old, (Happy Birthday Today!) My brother continues to be my hero and inspiration for many of the athletic adventures I have been most recently inspired to achieve.

Happy Birthday Sis~

2009-12-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

My sister turned 24 today. Despite the stares we get sometimes at the mall, we are not twins. From the sweet little Christmas gift she was to me one year, to this amazing women God is calling her to be, I continue to blessed to get to know my sister more and more. Here are some of the moments we have most recently shared together.

Her wedding day, April 4th

The Wurstride from Austin, Tx to San Marcos, Tx

On the steps Jesus walked in Israel.

Goofing around in Paris, France

I know not all people are blessed to have a sister, but I sure able glad I am have one who loves me so much! Happy Birthday sis.

Road Trip

2009-12-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

As a child, I remember during early morning hours being guided half asleep with my pillow through the house to the direction of the car. My brother, sister and I would all settle into our seats, quickly falling asleep again as one of my parents would start our journey towards the coast. Some years it would be towards Savannah,Ga to see my dad's parents, other years (mostly during the summers) it would be in the direction of Sarasota, FL to see my mom's parents. We never flew anywhere, but I always enjoyed the special moments that a road trip brings; stops at the gas station (of course for gas, but more importantly the snacks you don't get at other times) the games to keep yourself entertained to make time pass quicker (the license plate game, or alphabet bill board game), but best of all the many hours of being together in close quarters together(drawing imaginary lines on the car seat to be sure you have a fair amount of space) therefore building a foundation for the family you will become later in life. Slowly as we grew up, other members of the family would become legal to drive therefore sharing the burden of the long drives. Recently as full grown adults, we were able to share these memories all over again. (Perhaps more joyfully shared by me than my other family members, but a trip that I will treasure all the more because of the connects it allowed me to make)

Here's some wonderful stops along the way...

Thankful we were able to all fit in my brother's new car, and because of the "rule" of no eating in the new car, we had to stop for meals along the way. This stop was at the Grand Canyon, a planned stop along the way. What a measure of God's amazing creative power. I was also in awe because after 3 weeks of teaching my 4th graders about erosion, I was seeing up close real life application. Below is our next stop, a little less planned, but planned thankfully to the hotel rack of brochures. My dad was excited when he found the brochure on the Meteor crater that was near us.

Next stop...the petrified forest and painted desert, then onto Carlsbad Cavern...

These quick pictures were another moment along the trip that allowed me to connect the teaching of 4th graders with real life. Is the sun really a renewable resource?

All in all, the trip was "Grand" and the family road trip at 30 years old crammed in a car still proved to be able to build memories.

International moments in the States

2009-11-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

The first year I taught at Bunker Hill, I was like one of those kids caught in a daze when I watched the International Day parade. The drummers kept the beat as students stumbled, waved, and walked proudly to represent their country. The parade is a tradition at the school and students proudly dress to culturally represent the sign they hold proclaiming their country. This year was no different and as the students filed pass the audience, I could feel the emotion arising within me, what a proud nation we are gathered together as so many. This year I think held more meaning, I had lived for seven weeks in a foreign country so I felt like in someway I could relate to those students who still couldn't speak English, but could wave their flag with a smile on their face. They were the ones who I had been called to come back and teach. They are the ones who I try to walk out obedience on a daily basis with wisdom.

Earlier before the parade, I had the privilege of having another cultural moment. Some of the friends from my church have started to befriend refugees from Nepal. During Halloween, my church puts on a big event like a carnival, so we invited these families to participate with us in the event. Below are some of the pictures with the little boy, his mom and some friends.

Come and Celebrate "His Cherished Ones"

2009-11-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

What an amazing opportunity I have had the last few months to continue to share the work God is doing in Kenya, Africa with His Cherished Ones. Last week I was able to share with the now 5th graders at my school who followed my journey all summer. As Trena plans her first very benefit dinner, they would like to pass along the invitation to all who would like to come. Below is the invitation with details and a link to her website for how to RSVP.

http://www.hischerishedones.org/donations

Starting another school year :)

2009-08-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

Every time I have walked into my classroom this week I have gotten this giddy feeling. It is a feeling of knowing I am suppose to be here, a feeling that someone is praying for me to enjoy the start of my school year. It is an excitement of know that those who walked with me last year as I stepped out to walk "missionally" in faith to commit the year to the Lord will get to walk with me again this year. (kind of like a friend that you haven't seen in a while, and I think that is why I am most excited about the year.)

Thanks for all who have supported me to get to this place.

So here go for this school year...

The first word that came to mind on August 21 was light, so I copied verses about light and this is the one that stood out. "Arise, and shine for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold the darkness shall cover the earth and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will rise over you, and His glory will be seen on you. Isaiah 60:1-2

This is the verse that was printed on our t-shirts the second year I went to Kenya, as I prayed this scripture I know that God will be the Light in our classroom.

The second word that came to mind was purpose. I know He has a purpose for why I am here, and the verse I read was Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to walk in them. "

Please pray: that I will be the light that shines Christ glory. I pray that I will be the light/ smile the students need to see as they walk into the room each morning.

That I will be brave enough to allow Christ to fill me with HIS truth daily and then be couragous enough to walk in the purpose He has for me.

The babies are at Haven!!!

2009-08-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Tracy: One of the baby caretaker's daughter, she is 16 months old.

Jeremiah: 6 months old.

Elizabeth: 2 1/2years old

Julia: 9 months old

AND THE NEWEST...
Kate: 3 months old

For more on each baby, check out Trena's blog:

http://thelordprovides.blogspot.com

The power to "move mountains": A glimpse into what God is really doing with us

2009-08-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Many mornings I woke up in Trena's room (because there was no way I was sleeping in the "spider room" alone) staring at the intricate wooden ceiling with the feeling that I was being prayed for by someone. Often I would just lay there a while, pretending to sleep, listening to Trena click out her messages/ to do list for the day on her phone, and wonder WHO it was that was praying for me... there was never a specific event, or action that I felt was going to happen, but just knew that someone was taking time out of their day half way around the world to lift me up before the Lord. I guess I QUESTIONED how I knew, or why on specific days I would wake up feeling prayed for, or feeling loved by God as opposed to other days. In those few moments each time it happened, I felt that peace and power, and I remember letting it soak in thinking "well it's just because I have asked people to go with me in prayer through this journey, I guess a few are praying."

Fast Forward to...

Sunday, August 9

My first Sunday back to Sunday school class and a few people mention how when I was Kenya, they had my name at their table to pray for, so they had prayed for me.

Monday, August 10

At a farewell party for a friend, someone who is in SS class (who I haven't had a chance YET to get to know well) says the same thing about getting my name in class and praying for me.

AT THIS POINT I AM BEGINNING TO BE BLOWN AWAY BY GOD. (because I am also beginning to remember all the people who emailed in response to my requests, and knew they had been praying)

The rest of that week as I saw co-workers for the first time at school, they were asking about the trip and excitedly shared how they had followed through the process on my blog. Another wow! moment.

Friday, August 21

Meet the teacher day at school ( I had been in a "battle" all week with myself about wanting to be in Kenya to hold the babies, but having a peace of knowing God has me here to do His work)

Throughout the afternoon of greeting my new students for this year and hugging old ones from last year, in walks the confirmation to my many mornings of waking up and staring at the ceiling. One of the girls from last year handed me three yellow cards wrapped in a white note, she said she had submitted my name throughout the summer to her church prayer room and they had prayed for my trip to Africa. She explained how sorry she was that she didn't know my address there, but had kept them to give to me and wanted me to know I had been prayed for.

A sudden peace and connection for why I am here, back in the classroom, connecting with the kids occurred.

For me, she was a beginning glimpse into something so much greater when we ask others to walk along side of us in prayer through our journey of life. I continue to see how God desires for us to be apart of HIS story, and the joy we get when we have other share in the process. I echo the phrase I learned as I was leaving for Kenya, Do we believe what we say we believe about Him? Are you willing to walk with Him and give others the joy of walking with you? I now believe that if we are willing to ASK others to walk with us, we become bold in Christ. I also believe that it does NOT have a be a grand adventure, like Africa to have friends and family rally around you in prayer. Take a simple step, ASK God where He has you if you can serve Him, JOIN Him in His work, FIND those around you who will pray for you, GO...

Finally a complete "story" of my summer in 30 minutes or less

2009-08-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Now to Him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all genereations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Where He leads I will go

2009-08-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

The bitter sweetness of returning before the babies would come, but knowledge of knowing God has called me to teach another year, keeps me excited to see where He will lead. Checking my email the week after my return found me in two God confirmed places that I was home and where He wanted me.

Opportunity #1:

Handing out school supplies to the children at Los Arcos apartments.

The apartments are located in southwest Houston and are home to Bhutanese refugees. This summer while I was away, the Sunday School class I attend in Houston participated in a ministry called the Houston Project and this was the apartment complex where they helped. SO... the email I received was asking for volunteers to hand out school supplies to the children in the apartment complex. Perfect connection, planned by God, for the children I so badly missed in Kenya at kid's club every Sunday. We were able to go into homes, talk with the families, and pass along a small gift. My favorite home was where the parents were gone, but the kids came in from outside to greet and accept our gift. Only in cultures other than America does that happen, and it made me see I can have that experience right here in Houston.

Opportunity #2 Collecting for the Bicycle World and Fitness "Diaper Drive"

The second I was so excited about and had me thinking, I know God has brought me home to show me His work here in Houston, was the diaper drive. I thought, "What better project to help be apart of than collecting things for babies who I had spent all summer preparing for in Kenya." I emailed back to see how I could help and found out that all I needed to do was show up at the bike store and sort through the things donated.

I was beginning to see the connection of what I had been doing all summer unfold before my eye, right here in Houston! The scary thing was I could have missed it! I could have been sitting at home mopey about how I wished I were in Africa holding babies, but instead I was looking for where God was and asking Him to give me the desire to be apart of it.

Distracted by many things in the last few days I am sure I have missed so many opportunities to see God at work and missed even more because I haven't asked for my heart to be drawn close to the things He wants me to be apart of, but it leaves me one final thought that will hopefully draw us all back every time...do I believe the song when I sing, "wherever He leads I'll go"?

Reentering the world as I knew it

2009-08-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Slowly slipping back into culture, or "reentering" the world as I knew it has been difficult. I look around at the things I knew and can't understand why they don't seem to matter to me any more. I feel changed and different, although my quick "fleshly/worldly" reaction to things don't always show it. :(

While laying on the swing outside and then later vacuuming the dust off my couch, I realized what the difference was...

In the seven weeks I had been gone, I had seen God in a bigger way than I had before. I had seen the way He provided as I stepped off the plane with 8 bags and only two hands to carry, I had seen the way He changed the hearts of government officials to give us a call, I had seen His love for me in ways that came in simple gifts like famous runners and I had seen the peace He could provide in a situation that didn't seem like it should have peace.

I had also come face to face with the basic need for survival through, food, clean water, and shelter. The biggest change, I was reminded that even with the basic of things, we are still left with the simple fact that at the end of our life we will still be held accountable for our eternity.

The Bible says we can know for certain where we will go after we die, eternal separation from God (hell) or eternally with God (heaven). I have seen that it is impossible for us to hold to the fact that because we are a good person and did good things, God will let us into heaven. We can only rely on Jesus' sacrifice and willingness to die in our place to pay the punishment for our daily sinning. So this change I feel has a lot to do with culture, but more about what God is showing me in life, or how I will explain to others their opportunities for eternity. What a gift I have discovered and in the past have been too selfish to share.

Welcome Home

2009-08-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

The familiar turn of the key in the lock and creaking up the stairs meant my mom was coming to find me, a sound I had not heard in 7 weeks. "She may not be a Kenyan baby, but I have a baby for you to hold," she said as she came around the corner. With a smile on her face Aubrey, the little girl my mom watches one day a week, let me take her in my arms and give kisses all over her face as she squealed with joy. It was fun to hold a baby and a great reminder that I am on this side of the world because God has called me here for this time.

Culture shock is something I always deal with on this side of the trip, returning to the States. Many people say be ready to see things you have never seen before when going to another country, it will put you in culture shock, but the opposite is always true for me. Returning to a place that you don't have to worry if the power is going to go out in the morning before you take a hot shower, or knowing that whatever food item you are thinking of at the moment will more than likely be in the pantry, (such as having a box of Bisquick pancakes, boy are they yummy). These are the things that don't seem like they should be real when only 24 hours before I was sitting with friends who each have their own story about why the job they have will not only buy them food, but help support their family as well.

Staring through the blinds, I see houses nicely lined down the street adorned with green grass in the front yard, and am again confronted with the fact that I am in a different place. I am reminded that to spend 7 weeks of your life in a different country you can't help but be changed. So although I have felt the change happening over the last several weeks, I have been unable to pinpoint what is different with my life. A slow processing of what I have seen and how I have been tested will eventually cause me to see with new eyes the life I reenter. Where and how will I put into practice the things I have learned?

As the cop cars sat in our cul-de-sac yesterday, it seemed only natural to question why they were there, however this new person I have become also saw the need to greet them and have a 20 minute long converstation. The part of the Kenyan culture I was at first so annoyed with, I was now surprised to find myself in America living out a skill I had come to value. A small example in the large scheme of things, but exciting to see how when we are listen, God can grow us in small ways and call us to follow in our everyday life.

A little fun the last few days in Kenya

2009-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Meet Esther. She is the 3 year old daughter of the neighbor where Trena lives. Since I wanted to visit one of the local schools to hand out gifts, the neighbor suggested her class, which has 30 students between the baby and nursery class.

The kids loved having visitors and sang songs to welcome us, what fun to bring them a gift at the end of the school term.

During a short lesson, I was able to use the beads made by the girl scouts from Houston to teach the kids to count to ten.

5 days left...and coming full circle

2009-07-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

The start of my trip to Kenya had me questioning whether I believed what I said I believed about God. Did I really trust Him?

The last few days have had me looking deep into that question as I entered my last week here. Stepping back from myself and realizing that I am not here to serve myself or even others here who have become dear friends, but the God who created and called me. The one who I have learned to call Lord in all situations. So as I watch paperwork try to be submitted, others go on safari to see God's wonderful creation, I am content to sit and have conversations with men who love the Lord and those who are seeking to find answers to questions they don't even know they have. These are the moments God has called me to and I would rather be no where else than where He calls. The last two days as I watch God surprise me with the small gifts of a schedule, answered prayers that only I know about, and peace that can't be explained to return to teach, I see the greatness of who He is amaze me. Who else knows when there will be no traffic? Who else knows how to send water to the thirsty? Who else knows the names of babies that need a home?

We serve an amazing God if we will but stop and listen to where He is calling us. As I go from Africa to America, I will never forget that with each new day He continues to tell us to GO with Him. We have to remember to be silent enough to listen to where that path will lead us, and courageous enough to take the steps that put that into action.

Prayers:
*meeting with neighbors for a fellowship meeting-thursday morning
*meeting with a small community school-thursday afternoon
*spending the night with missionary friends-thursday night
*passing out water from a water truck-friday morning
*completing and submitting paperwork to the new district officer-friday afternoon (praying for a letter of recommendation to accept the children we have identified that same day)
*trying to get paperwork together for His Cherished Ones to take to America-saturday

Praying for babies before I leave Monday, but at peace if they don't come before then, because God is faithful!

Haven of Hope

2009-07-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

This is the staff working at Haven of Hope, the place where I have been living with Trena. They have become like family to me and it will be hard to leave them at the end of the week.

Here's Trena's blog link, she has done a wonderful job of keeping things up to date. check it out.
http://www.thelordprovides.blogspot.com/

Dedicating the baby center

2009-07-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Tromping down the stairs to deliver Trena her ringing cell phone, still sleepy and in my PJ, I was not planning on staying, but when I rounded the corner I was called by Sarah into the conversation by the staff. Tom, Emmanuel and Sarah were discussing how the devil is the one who tempts (not sure how awake I was for this kind of early morning conversation, but I was not going to miss it) this quickly proved to be a great start of the day.

Someone throughout the day commented about how I have been able to be apart of the start of the baby center full circle, and this morning event reminds me of the first "family" dinner with the staff. Trena has wanted to create a family environment with the staff, so has made Monday nights eating together as a family. The first Monday we were here I was able to see how God has anointed this place because Tom, the Massai nightwatchman, began to ask questions about forgiving others who have wronged him. This conversation led to a discussion about salvation in Christ. How amazing and full circle it was to see Tom again asking questions the morning of the house dedication.

People began to pour into the yard and Trena welcomed them like the gracious hostess of a house filled with love. I have been amazed to watch and learn all that she has shared in the process of "building" a house. Children gathered on the lawn and adults claimed seats in the plastic chairs as Stan began to play his guitar and the Kenyan group began to sing. As Trena shared the process of Haven of Hope and vision for the ministry, we listened to how God has unfolded and sped through the process of getting a house, setting up staff, and bring us to this time ready for babies to come. As I looked around I realized I was surrounded by the hand of God, He had sent me here to build relationships with people and I was delighted to see those around me where not just people, but friends.

Trena had asked Deborah to explain for people to pray over the house as a foundation before babies arrive. This was my favorite part of the day as everyone spread out around the yard, house and rooms lifting prayers for the ministry. As we drove back from town tonight, I shared with Trena the peace I have about not having pressure to feel the need to get the babies before I leave in a week. I have a confident assurance after today, I have come and completed what God has sent me to do as the "second set of hands" I have come and helped set up the house for the babies.

While I'm at it, here are some fun pictures...

2009-07-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

Adopting my baby elephant Kudup.

Amy and I at giraffe center

"KISSING" the giraffe (i was told I had to do it, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, uck!)

Baby Rhino at elephant orphange

Another busy week

2009-07-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Monday-July 20 We were able to meet the HFBC team at Flomina. It was fun to watch the kids introduce themselves and try to shake hands with everyone. Here I am with the kids in their uniforms. I know many teachers from my school donated money to help pay for the uniforms, so it was important for me to see them coming home from school with them on.

Tuesday-July 21 Picking up Hezekiel and Tyson from Nairobi Children's Home with Janice, Naomi, Laura, and Jackie. We were able to see the dining room and hold some kids while Janice and Trena talked with the admin, about picking up the boys. This was the day I was hit with the reality of a lot of the children in the country and their situations. Below is Tyson and Me near the playground at the clinic.

Wednesday-July 22 Visiting Mike Eden's place, again we were blessed to visit with the HFBC team. Since Monday, Trena and I have been without power (cold showers are not fun) and then we lost the ability to pump water from the borehole, so were without water. (we are in Kenya :) So when we were offered to have warm showers at Brackenhurst by the team, Trena and I willingly woke up early that morning to drive to the hotel. Below are pictures of the kids of Eden.

Thursday-TODAY!!! We are going to meet with the lady from Nairobi Children's Home, she has prepared a list of files for Trena to look through to see if any of the babies match the ages she is trying to target and accept for the home.

Miracles of God are often mistaken for a daily event that has gone our way.

2009-07-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

If we chose to acknowledge the event as something we made happen we take our eyes off what God is doing and try to steal His glory. The miracles of God are all around us, are we willing to step away from ourselves so we can see His greatness? A song we sung as children defines a miracle as a supernatural intervention of God, I expect a miracle.

The past few days God has been working soooo fast it is hard to even keep up with what He is doing much less have time to blog about the events. So here's a quick run down of the events:

7/17/09 praying the night before we did not want to have to travel to Kajaido in order to submit more paperwork, but felt a peace about staying home, I think we rested well that night with the thought of a slow morning. Friday morning we had a message from the children's department officer that he would be in Ngong that day, so we could come there instead. (the Ngong offices are 5 minutes from home and the Kajaido an hour and 30 minutes) another of the small miracles was that he even called to tell us. When meeting with him, he said was very polite and said he was even encouraged by our progress with the paperwork. Our goal that day was to get a letter from the department saying that we could accept children. Although we didn't get a letter, we are close, he told us that if we have children identified that needed homes along with their background, then he would give us the approval to accept them.

7/18/09 meeting the Houston First Baptist team to feed the community around Heshima. What fun as the children played and were able to eat rice/veggies prepared by the teachers.

7/19/09 Amy spent the night and we got up to travel to elephant orphange, giraffe center, and market. I was able to drive the two of us around all day and only had to call for directions once!

7/20/09 Flomina orphanage was where we spent the day with the Houston team. We again played with the kids, they were so cute as they would start with a handshake, but then not let go of your hand and cling to it as we walked around the compound. The morning started with an amazingly smooth trip to the area with no traffic and plenty of time to pick out fabric for the rest of the baby rooms.

God is so good, because that is His nature and it is fun for me to see Him reveal Himself.

Visiting Amy at Brackenhurst

2009-07-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Amy's here from Houston! I have been looking forward to her visit for the last few weeks. She had scheduled her trip after I knew I was coming, but we have both been looking forward to our time together here in Kenya. She is going to be teaching this week on discipleship and I have the blessing of being with her on the first day. I have enjoyed the refreshing time of being with a friend, while building experiences together at the same time. Last night as we waited for the fire to die down in the cottage, we remembered how only last summer we were touring Israel together with our sisters. Oh how we wish they were here with us!

We have to keep pinching ourselves as we walk down the path, or sit with Jamie and Mimi at dinner. Are we really in Kenya together? Today after a wonderful time of worship at church, we were able to go to town with friend's of Jamie's for lunch. Building friendships, that was what I had asked for in my journey, what a blessing to see that happening.

Sorry for the delayed update, but here it is...

2009-07-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

Moving Day! (or shifting as they say in Kenya)

Rolling over on the new blue mattress we bought the day before at Nakumatt, it hit me, if I were on a mission trip like I have done in the past, I would be home by now. Yet I am seeing God is so faithful to Himself and I continue to be in awe of how He lets us be apart of His work. When I committed to come for seven weeks (as my mom pointed out, not six weeks) many people said, "Wow, that's a long time," and so I began to think maybe it was too long. Two weeks into my trip, I am soooooooo glad that I will not be leaving soon, there is still too much excitement I am getting to see God unfold.

Here's a recap of the last week:

Monday, June 29, 2009-With a plan to return to Kaijado in order to turn in registration papers, we walked outside, opened the gate, were ready to lock up the dogs, and latch the door; only to realize the car would not start. With a clicking sound when we turned the key, we realized something was wrong with the battery, what could three girls do to figure out how to fix a car on such an important day. Trena called her "normal" contacts, and Julius, the administrator of Heshima came to save us for the second time in the week. (We had two punctured tires only a few days before he came to fix.) Thankfully we realized that the folder of registration papers was laying on the table inside the house and we would have drove off without them. Arriving at the children's administration office, we had to wait for the assistant to return from lunch, but then saw the sovereignty of God's hand as Trena was able to share the heart of her vision and ministry. The fun part of the day was I drove back, making a driving record of 100 kilometer drive.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009- Thinking back on this day later in the week, we really could not remember what we did, so knew it had to be busy. This was the day that Alice and Lynette came to the baby house, they had a pool of water on the floor to mop before we even thought about getting one out. They are incredible women! Tom was also here for the first official day of work, he is the Masai night watchman. We are so thankful for him and feel completely safe knowing he is out watching at night. (Trena claims she didn't steal him from the current landlord, but as they say in Kenya, "that is a long story."

Wednesday, July 1, 2009-Moving day, and up at 7:00 (ugh!!!) Silas, the contractor who is making repairs on the baby house, was able to get us a guy with a Toyota truck as a transporter for the furniture. Unfortunately the day started with negotiations about pricing for how much it would cost to move things. Trena offered to "top off" his truck, which means to fill it up all the way, but he said that he would rather have the money, because if his truck got carjacked, then all the fuel would be wasted. With the pricing settled for the day, they had three rooms cleared, furniture disassembled and waiting to be loaded in the truck within the hour. The three guys had the whole house moved within two trips to the house, and one trip to the furniture shop with a quick stop by to pick up the big refrigerator at Nakumatt. We were thankful, because we had been invited to a friend's house for dinner that night and it was a great fellowship time for a long day.

I'm still here, the internet is just not :(

2009-07-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted everyone to know that we have moved into the baby house, and I have tried several time to update the blog, but so much has happened and each time I run into a problem with either the battery or internet. I hope to post all the fun pictures soon.

God is working things out, will you join us in prayer?

2009-06-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

We went to turn in the registration paper work today for the BABY HOUSE. (I think I should mention that I drove all the way back home, Trena is so trusting after only a day of practice)
We were very encouraged as we talked with the assistant children's director of the area, because he was very interested in hearing Trena's heart with the ministry and listened to her desire to be so specific in how God is directing her to serve the community.

So as we walked away we prayed:

*For the senior children's director of the area to be open and willing to listen to the explanation of the assistant, who heard us speak today, so that he can also hear the heart of the ministry
*That the assistant is able to communicate the goal and vision of the ministry the way we have expressed and God would have them see what He is doing in that area
* For the committee who has to meet to give approval to meet quickly and agree that they should allow the go ahead of the babies to be accepted by the baby center
* That all the remaining staff (cook, ground keeper, night watchman) travel safely to the house this week
* The certificates of good conduct, resumes, and all remaining paperwork for staff come in quickly, so the registration process can be complete so we can submit to the government headquarters.

So amazing to see God go before and after us, please continue to walk with me as we go.

2009-06-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Mombasa, Kenya: Fort Jesus and Meeting Barisa-my sponsor child
Going to Mombasa: Longing has been in my heart to return to Kenya since I came on my last mission trip in 2006. I just knew I would come back, so at a conference over a year ago when I saw the World Vision table, I wanted to pick a child from Kenya. Two things helped me find Barisa, his picture had him standing in front of a Masi blanket and the second was his birthday is May 8th, a day before mine. It was exciting to think that I would be so close to sharing a birthday with someone who lived in a place I loved.
When contacting Trena to come to Kenya, the thought didn’t even cross my mind that I was going to be in the country and to arrange a visit with him until well into my planning with Trena. As soon as I realized it, I was on the phone with World Vision to see what the process would be to make it happen.
Many phone calls during odd hours, waiting on background checks, and a final clearance to learn that Barisa lived near Mombasa, I was ready to make plans to visit and decided it would be best to have someone travel with me. I was blessed to have Jamie and Mimi Johns offer to travel and experience the adventure with me. Many thanks go to Jamie for making and generously blessing me with all of the travel arrangements for us to travel to Mombasa on June 22 and then visit on June 23.
Trena, Kirsten and I got up that morning to meet Jamie and Mimi at Java Junction (a restaurant in town) I called World Vision at 10:00am to be sure about the details of meeting before we all got on the airplane and flew to Mombasa. The lady on the phone said she knew who I was, the name of the hotel where I was staying, and that they would take care of it all. I asked if we would have to travel and she said about 100 kilometers. I felt better, but still had an uneasy feeling about the full details, I waited for someone to call me all day, but nothing.
While in Mombasa I was also eager to visit Fort Jesus, as recently God has put another person in my life with whom I feel call to get to know more. He is a Kenyan living in Houston and when found out I was going to his home country asked if I would take some pictures of a few simple things to bring back for him. Fort Jesus was one of those places. I was amazed again at being called to be a part of God’s work (which He is always doing around us, we only have to be available and willing to be a part of it) and feel that this connection will open more chances for me to get to know what God is doing in his life. What an amazing blessing!
HOWEVER…The beginning of the adventure started at 9:00 pm that night when I got a phone call to my room telling me someone from World Vision was downstairs wanting to talk to me. I thought it best to go find Jamie to come with me (my mom told me to listen to my heart when making wise decisions, this was one of those times : ) and boy was I glad that he came! As we entered the lobby I saw the man and introduced myself, he then went to say he would be there at 8:00 in the morning so that we could drive the 246 kilometers and then 45 more. I was instantly distressed because I knew we couldn’t drive that far and still make it back for our flight at 4:00pm that same day. Thanks to Jamie and his willingness to be my voice, an hour and a half later after “negotiations” Jamie had convinced our driver that he needed to go pick up Barisa with his father and bring them back to us at the hotel by 11:00 the next day. (A conversation and process I will never forget! Lesson learned: Always finish the deal before you leave.)
So… Jamie and I went back upstairs, still uncertain that the Kenyan driver would hold true to his word and I would be meeting Barisa the next morning. I went to my room ready to burst into tears and prayed for all the details we had talked about until I knew the only part left was to just trust. Trust that God knew better and had our best interest in mind.

Meeting Barisa:

The next morning at 11:05, (a miracle when working in Kenya) the World Vision van pulled up to the hotel with Barisa and his dad all the way from the village where they lived. It was so neat to see God at work as He brought us a greater plan than what would have been done. Barisa and his father ate breakfast and then after the father wanted to thank me for how much I did for Barisa. He also wanted to tell me that he has saved the letters I sent and even wanted to answer one of the questions I asked. It was really a “how did I get here moment” J I then gave him a soccer ball, and we looked through a picture album I had made for him. With the World Vision people gone and the Johns upstairs at the hotel, Barisa’s dad was able to tell me that Barisa needed a school uniform, so later in the day we went to a uniform shop and bought him 2 pairs of shirts, shorts, belts, shoes and socks for him. The rest of the day we made and threw the airplane models, colored, and then went to play soccer at the park off the Indian Ocean.

I had brought a machine called a Pogo, which prints pictures straight from your camera, so was able to give Barisa pictures of us together from throughout the day. The Ocean was my favorite part of the day, because as we approached the water and Barisa saw it, the biggest smile he had all day came over his face as he saw that much water for the first time in his life. The day ended with a huge tanker truck coming down the canal and Barisa watching it pass by.

I have come from the other side of the world to met the child that I sponsor, I have seen him experience things that he would have never had the chance to see before, and I have hear the heart of a father who struggles to feed his family on a daily basis. My memories are so full as I walk away from Mombasa and remember the place where I learned the practical lesson of finalizing plans, but more importantly the cemented reality of what I say I believe about God has being tested. I feel to have been found faithful, blessed and continuing to growing in the direction of believing what I say I do. Will you ask what He is calling you to believe?

Visiting my world vision sponsor child on June 23

2009-06-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers for my time in Kenya. I will be traveling to Mombasa tomorrow to visit my world vision child on June 23. Please pray:

*safe travel to the airport and flight to Mombasa
*clear communication ahead of time with the World Vision representative so that I know what time and location I will meet him
*excitement and love as I meet Barisa, he is a 13 year old boy
*fun time together as we meet on Tuesday, not an awkward time, but quick unity
*that I can share with him how much God loves him

Thanks for your prayers as this is something I have been planning and waiting for a long time to do, but am a little anxious to have happen.

How to eat a Haagen-Daz Ice Cream bar-a tribute to my dad on Father's Day

2009-06-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Many people do not know there is a right and wrong way to eat an Haagen-Dazs, however a few weeks ago my dad enlightened me on the process, so I thought I would share on this Father’s day about a subject so near and dear to his heart.

After a stressful day, dinner was done and my dad was going for a walk, so I joined him along with my dog Abby. (I don’t think he knows that although we workout together this walk and one other will stand out in my mind as special times together because instead of wanting to do something else, he wanted to spend time with me, what an act of selflessness, thanks dad)
So the conversation went:
Dad: “Boy, a Haagen-Dazs sure would be good right now.” (this said as we were passing Highgrove, the street that leads to the Walgreens which sells the ice cream)
Me: “Dad, you just said on the other block that you were so full!”
Dad: “I know but it sure does sound good. You know there is an art to eating a Haagen-Dazs.”

Here’s the process:
1. After dinner, or before dinner,(or really anytime you all the sudden get a craving) jump in the car and drive to the local Walgreens. When at the store, look for the Haagen-Dazs ice cream bar box that contains three bars.
2. Come back home and offer the other two bars to a family member, while opening or already having opened your own. When they say no thank you, put the remaining two in a safe spot in the freezer for later.
3. Begin eating the bar, but be careful to bite slowly as the chocolate covering is different than any other ice cream and will crack off falling onto the couch or floor.
4. Once the first bite is taken, plan your next bite carefully and accordingly to where the last piece of chocolate cracked. Sometimes this might require turning the ice cream stick to the side to prevent the chocolate from falling.
5. Once you have eaten most of the ice cream and are at the bottom of the stick (which is a short one, not like those of popsicles) bite the remaining chocolate and ice cream off into your mouth.
6. Congratulations! You have now eaten one of the most delicious desserts sold in stores. In about 5 minutes begin thinking about when you could eat the next one. (remember since your family members politely refused the first time you can skip step two this time) Enjoy!

Hope you are enjoying your Father’s Day, wish I could be there to share an ice cream with you. Love you bunches, you are the best dad ever!

A trip to Haven to visit the boys.

2009-06-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

What a fun day! A trip to Nakumatt for “treats”, picking up friends, sitting in traffic to realize we were passing the football stadium at the “right time” for traffic, and winding through the bumpy dirt road to finally see a small face peek around the corner of the house when we honked the horn at the gate. We were finally at Haven. The four boys that live at the orphanage, Kelvin, Joshua, Godrey, and James greeted us with smiles and helped unload the car with the treats we had brought. They were soon giggles as the three of us (Kirsten, Alisha, and myself) chased them around the car to tickle each other and they had even more fun climbing on and off the car. At one point, kids from the road noticed there was fun going on in the yard, so they wandered in through the gate. Concerned they were not allowed into the yard, I went to get Trena and the house mom. They said it was fine and even had the boys offer sweets to their friends. (what a great skill to teach them in sharing and making friends.) The best part was we had just talked about playing Duck, Duck, Goose, so we went up the hill to the flat portion. I explained in English how to play and then one of the house mom’s translated for the kids and the game was on! What fun to watch these kids interact and take turns being sure that everyone had been picked at some point to chase. They caught on quickly and we told them we would be back next Saturday to play some more games. So we brainstormed already: red light, green light; Simon Says; hopscotch; red rover. Any other suggestions? :)

What I say I believe and what I really believe

2009-06-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

I’m here and what a fun journey!

Most of you don’t know the Sunday before I was to leave, I received a phone call from Trena’s friend letting me know that there had been a mix up in our dates and Trena would be away on safari with her friend when I arrived in Kenya. After the shock of what I had thought might happen (no one to pick me up) Trena did an amazing job arranging for her neighbor to pick me up and for me to spend the night at her place. The whole experience gave me the opportunity to realize that what I “say” I believe in God, doesn’t always match what I “do” believe in who God is for me.
After a great dinner the night before, prepared by my aunt and a wonderful surprise by my sister-in-law (giraffe cookies, I wish I had a picture to share, but now their legs are all broken, well more than their legs) The day started with the crucial help from my dad. We went from errand to errand, without him we would not have gotten much done. Thanks dad! J
The fun started when we got to the airport and started weighing the 7 bags that were packed full of school supplies, children’s clothes and shoes. On the scale one bag would go, and out would come a pair of shoes, or notebooks until the check in lady would say it weighed 50 pounds. After 6 bags of doing this, the last bag is what got the BIG red flag. It weighed way over 50 pounds and would need to reach a certain amount so I could pay the $45 extra dollars so it could go. The problem was I could just not get it down to weight. The climax reached it’s height when she looked over at my carry on suitcase that I had all of my personal clothing in and said that it was not going to be allowed as a carry-on because it was too big. She said “you know you will have to pay $162 for the extra bag fee.” With tears in my eyes, I said I know that I will and frustrated, swept my hair up with a sad huff. Seeing my despair she said, “hold on, let me go talk to my supervisor.” So I guess long story short (well I guess not really short) God decided to bless me through others many prayers, by bumping me up to World Traveler Plus, giving me the ability to have another suitcase. So onto the plane I went!
My connection through London was smooth and off the plane in Kenya I was able to meet my connecting person and onto Trena’s house. I know that God had planned for me to have the day to myself while they were still on safari, as I was able to sleep off and on throughout the day. Now I feel rested and ready to go.
Today we traveled to the government offices to find out the steps for registering the baby house and then also visited the house.

Lesson learned: Don’t worry in the moment for you will miss the presence of God if you try to solve it on your own power. What are you saying that you believe about God, that you might not have experienced yet to really believe about Him? Having walked into the uncertain through this experience, I encourage you to be obedient, let God take you out of your comfort zone to see His greatness.

I'm here!!!

2009-06-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

I am safe and here in Kenya! Just wanted to let all of you follower know. I will write more later. :)

PACKING...but more than that....

2009-06-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

So too many amazing things have happened in such a short time period to give them all their own posting. :( But I wanted to share the amazing time I had on Thursday when I was packing with some new friends.

What do you do when someone offers something so generous, it leaves you speechless and stunned? That's the question I had to answer about a month ago when I received an email from an amazing mom from the school where I teach in Houston. Her email confirmed the strong instance from my two advisers who have helped me plan the trip, to ask those around me for support. Now about 100 lbs., 2 hours, 5 sets of hands and many generous families later, I have two extra bags full of donated clothes and shoes for the children of Kenya.

The story does not stop there, and again left me even more speechless with how this mom is instilling in her children the value of giving through her daily life and passion to serve Christ. Prepared to leave with the bags already in my car and feeling full of blessings, her 13 year old daughter turned to the mom and said, "can I go get the card now?" She returned quickly with a folded hand-made card clipped around the edges with paper clips, holding money inside. As she handed it to me she said, "this is for your trip, for a child in Kenya who needs it more than me. I don't really have anything that I need to buy right now anyway." Inside the card, I later discovered was a VERY generous amount of money for a child her age to be giving. I was not only impressed by her desire to be apart of something she had seen her mother so passionately model, but her willingness to sacrifice her savings for someone else, over something she had been saving to purchase, that she now saw as only a material item.

Scripture clearly says in 1 Timothy, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

This young lady, was a model for me that day of what it looks like to live for others, not yourself and will be carried with me as a reminder that nothing is of too great a value to be firmly gripped in my hand. Thank you Dickinson Family!

Also a huge thanks to others (Cooksey family, aunt Pam, Denise) who have generously giving out of their supplies and desire to provide for those in need. I have collected many towels, washcloths, sheets, and pillowcases. Thank you for listening to the need and answering in this way.

How can I donate?

2009-06-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Many are still asking how can they donate to help me finish my goal financially. I still need $1,282 towards my total budget of $3,327. If you would like to help contribute towards this goal, you can send a check to His Cherished Ones Inc.
11307 Travelers Way Cir
Houston, Tx 77065

Be sure to write Kenya 09 in the check memo line, so the donation goes towards my trip.

Those going with me....

2009-06-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Blessed beyond measure is the thought that comes to mind right away. I have put off writing this post, since I am not sure I can fully express what I even want to say.

The list just goes on and on of those who have responded to go with me. Last Thursday my prediction came true as I cried in front of a room full of students and their moms, knowing that I would not ever be able to call that group of students my own again. These students have been a large part of my preparation in going. They have listened with ears of curiosity as I described what Kenya is like, questioned how students are alike and different from Americans, and given me such a vibe of energy for what I am doing this summer as they watched me share pictures of Trena and her mission. These are the students I will take with me, and as I look into the eyes of the Kenyan children, I will say HI FROM AMERICA! for these are the students who have taken the most steps with me on the journey, yet will not be able to board the plane to go with me physically.

For my birthday I was gifted with a large donation from the parents in support of my trip, so little did I expect anything for an end of the year gift from them. With emotions already on the edge of escape, one of the room moms handed me a book with a beautiful purple bow tied around it. As I removed the bow I realized it was a journal, but the undoing of my emotions was an even larger donation towards my trip and the signatures of all 21 students from my homeroom class. Pictured are the quotes the mom included in the journal, a very appropriate tie to my theme of going, and even more treasured as I will be able to take their sweet names with me into the heart of Kenya.

Update from Trena and her pictures of the house for the babies.

2009-06-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Just to update you.....I signed a two year contract on Friday and will go through the house tomorrow with the owner's son to finalize all the updates/repairs they need to make and to exchange keys. So exciting!

I am SO looking forward to having you here as we set up the baby house!!! It would be overwhelming to think of doing it myself. I see God is so sovereign in His timing and I am so thankful that you will be here when you will. I somehow knew that He would work everything out this way; I had a great peace in His timing and thought it would be so perfect for you to be here.

I don't know if we will be registered by then or not, but I am hoping to "open" or at least move there July 1st.

Side view of the house

Front room-big enough for toddlers and babies to play

One of the bedrooms

The goat and cow pens

A gift from the Girl Scouts :)

2009-06-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

After school today the girl scouts presented me with a gift for the Kenyan children. The gift is beautiful counting ropes with handmade beads. The girls put 10 beads on each string, so the children will be able to use it for counting during math lessons. Thank you for the thoughtful gift, I know that they will love them!

June 1...

2009-06-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

I try not to BE overwhelmed when I think:

only two more weekends left before I leave
I won't be sleeping in my own bed for 6 weeks
am I really getting on a plane alone, flying across the ocean to another continent, then getting my own VISA, and finding my friend in a foreign country to pick me up
being homesick for my family
will I be able to stay healthy and eat enough
what exactly am I going to be doing while I am over there
will I be accepted

But then I AM overwhelmed:

By a God who wants to tell His story of how much he loves us
the generosity of those willing to "go" with me
how He can speak a gentle assurance through walking at the lake, with the sun on your back, as a heron swoops down to skim across the water and YOU JUST KNOW He is there
how He wants us to be apart of what He is doing through our willingness to be moldable and available to His plan
how details are His speciality and everything just falls into place
That in the end the things that overwhelm me are not the things that overwhelm Him!

I am reminded as I type that when I focus on the earthly things I overwhelm myself, but when I look at what God is doing through my steps of faith, I am able to see far past myself and see the faith of those around me.
Those who ask me questions that cause me to doubt my safety and decision to go all summer are far less than those who have stepped in faith with me to believe that I am called to go and help.
They are the ones who are courageous!
They are the ones who have listened to the call to support me and in turn have strengthen my faith to keep stepping in the right direction.
As I have reflected this weekend about all I have seen God do this last two weeks, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and that has left a joy and strength in my heart to overcome my fears and instead be overwhelmed in His presence.
A huge thank you to all of you who have decided to "go" with me (that includes the excitement from my students who ask questions at school) Your joy, dedication, generosity, and support has given me courage. Thank you!

planning to go...who will go with me?

2009-05-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

God’s truth, love, and grace are three big concepts I have learned over the last few year and several months ago I was challenged as to whether or not I was ready to put these skills into practice. A friend mentioned that she was thinking of going to Africa for the summer, I was excited as I had been longing to go back to Kenya; I however was thinking two weeks, and she was thinking longer. The conversation got me thinking, how long was I willing to go and what was I willing to give up to be there? After conversations with friends and a growing passion in my heart to serve others, I made a commitment to go.

Trena Ivy, is a missionary serving in Kenya, Africa and I will join her to be “a second set of hands” for 6 weeks. Trena oversees two orphanages and a school for learning disabled students. I am excited to see how on a daily basis God will use me, while I meet people and get to know their stories. Unlike other mission trips I have gone on, this one has no set schedule to serve, other than my arrival and departure time. I will leave Houston June 15th and stay with Trena until August 3, 2009.

The journey to go has reshaped my understanding of trust; God has called me to trust on Him and not base my trust on what my earthly eyes can see. I know that He wants me to see how worthy He is in being called trustworthy.

Will you commit to go with me?

Perhaps in prayer or financial support.

Please pray:
•Physical- That my body remains healthy and strong, that I am able to eat the right foods needed.
•Safety- travel to Africa and entering customs alone be smooth, connecting flight in London on time, making smart decisions while talking and meeting people
•Work-that I remember to see what God is already doing joining Him and not planning my own activities, that I love the people with a love from the Lord, I will not be a burden to Trena but a second set of hands in her ministry
•Financial- I am still trying to raise financial support for those who desire to give. The total trip from June 15-Aug. 3 is going to cost about $3,327. This amount will include airfare ($1,426), food and drinking water ($734), shots needed for the country ($380), insurance, visa and traveling in the country ($787). At the start of this letter in May, I had $835, that has increased to a total of $1,105!

Thanks to all who have already started praying and given financially to see God use me in a powerful way this summer. I can’t wait to share what He is going to do.

Thanks to all who are asking how to donate. You can do it two ways, you can send it to me and I will apply it towards costs already spent ( such as the plane ticket and shots) OR Trena's ministry is registered for tax deductions, so you can send a check to the ministry and then she will write me a check.

If you send it to His Cherished Ones, be sure to write Kenya 09 in the memo line, so she knows it is a donation for me. Here's the address for that:

His Cherished Ones, Inc.
11307 Travelers Way Cir.
Houston, TX 77065

My first blog!

2009-05-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Always wanted to blog, but never really had a reason to share my life with the rest of the world on the Internet. :)

BUT now...

(picture of me with

some kids in Kenya, 3 years ago)

Thanks to all who are even interested in following what God will do this summer while I am in Africa. I would love to share the link for Trena, who I will be staying and working with this summer. Her site does an amazing job of describing the ministries she organizes and has some even better pictures of the kids!
http://hischerishedones.org/