Silia Kwa Yesu

Obedience

2011-10-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

What are some reasons we obey:

Out of fear or to avoid negative consequences of not obeying.
Social obligation. For example: He is a cop so i need to listen to what he says.
To get some reward or compensation for following the rules.
Out of love and respect for the person who is making the rules and setting the guidelines.

I would say these are the 4 big reasons we are obedient. I would say often you and I jump back and forth between the first 3 listed more often than we successfully achieve #4. In fact, the reason I am writing this blog tonight is because my realization of how I lately, in one area of my life in particular, have been obedient to God and looking for the reward instead of being obedient out of a complete and genuine love and respect for my Lord. When I say things like "Jesus, I've followed your calling and I know it would be a lonely calling but if you would just now provide for me a husband, that would be grand", which reason do you think I am obeying for?? Another way to say it would be " Lord, I've done this for you...now do what I want." Ouch...here I am in my head and heart trying to boss the maker of the Universe around.

And the thing of it is: Jesus tells us that there will be negative consequences for our disobedience out of love and respect for us. Jesus is not obligated to give us anything or do anything for us, but He does out of love and respect for us. Jesus blesses us for our obedience because of His great love and respect for us. So essentially i am serving someone who will love and respect more than any other man ever will. He ALWAYS operates for that place of love and all He does he does out of unconditional love. He has no ulterior motives, no angles He is playing, no scheme He is working out...He is pure and genuine through and through.

Lord, help me to do everything for you out of love and respect. I repent for the times where I have been obedient to you because I am Your follower but then I allowed my heart full of wants to twist the truth up and then look for my reward. I repent for feeling You were obligated to do for me because I had done something for you. Lord, make me genuine in my thoughts and acts and reasons for serving. I really do only want your will for my life and I trust in Your perfect timing in all areas of my life. Allow me to stay focused and BELIEVE!

Whimsical

2011-09-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Life with Jesus is such an adventure!!! But we forget :( We settle for the daily hum drum when our every day walk with Christ can be such an amazing journey. We get scheduled, we get frustrated, we get distracted, we get bored, etc. We become shells of people or corked up bottles of energy and passion. We decide to fit in and make due instead of being real about who we are in Christ. We also choose to be in control and have set times in our date books instead of being available to follow the Lord's leading at a moments notice.

A word that resonates in my heart lately is "whimsical." In life in general and in life with Christ, I want to be whimsical. I want to try things I have never tried before and go places I've never gone. I want to experience life and enjoy each moment. I also want to be whimsical in the sense where I finally know what its like to be so totally sold out for Christ that on a whim, a hunch, a nudge...i will do things in Christ's name that I've never done before and experience Christ's love and power through me in a way I never have before, to reach out to people that I've never reached out to before. I/We sometimes think that such experiences are to be saved for focused times of ministry or missions trips. But NO, every single day opportunities are given to us. Do we listen and go and do or do we ignore and check off the next thing on our to do list??

My mind and heart are certainly in adventure mode more than ever before. I am ready...waiting...wanting more of Him and less of me. Let's do this Jesus!!

Back from Camp

2011-09-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

It's been long since i have blogged but I thought we had some catching up to do. It looks like i will have a much lighter schedule this next year in some respects, which just might warrant more time to blog. I returned from summer camp almost 2 weeks ago. It was an amazing time where I learned not only about working with those with disabilities but also about community, myself, adventure, vulnerability, etc. I almost turned down the position to work at this camp but obviously i am glad i did not.

The Lord needed to take me away from the norm to get my full attention. He blessed my obedience by providing a group of people who are excited about working with those with disabilities but also with such hearts for Africa!! I think i have at least 15 people who want to come and volunteer...haha...and I am ready to welcome them when that time comes : ) I felt encouraged and free to share. I also just adored the campers that came and they brought joy to my heart. Their personalities were big and their hearts were bigger still. I felt that I could love well and that I was loved well in return.

I will elaborate more later (because i will get better at this blogging stuff!!!). Since "life is not summer camp," i am back in PA getting my heart and mind ready for preschool to start up again. Satan has really hit me hard this week (which i was fully expecting) but "My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do." (lol) I am glad i have this to time to get refreshed and refocused.

And the Answer is...........

2011-03-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, this post is in response to the questions people ask me about The SKY Mission and what I am up to! So I will answer the "biggies" that i can think of and if you have any additional questions...post them on here or on Facebook....and i will answer them as well. In no particular order:

Are you going to Kenya this summer??
The past two summers I have gone to Kenya for 3 months. However, this summer I believe I will not be traveling to Africa. I have different options at the present time, which I will tell you about when I have a clearer idea on what July and August will look like. Preschool goes until the end of June and will start back up at the end of August, so I only i have 8 weeks at the most to play around with. As much as my heart longs to be in Kenya sooner rather than later, I believe the Lord has something different and exciting in store for me those 2 months.

When are you moving to Kenya??
I am still working on paying off my college loans. With God's help, I have been able to save half of the total loan amount in 6 months. It is my hope that by the end of the year, I will be able to clear the whole amount!!! Once I am able to do this, it will free me to go with out any financial responsibility holding me back here. I am considering if i will finish the school year out in 2012 with the kiddos and then move on with them (the majority of students we have now will be transitioning the end of next year). Still praying and seeking the Lord to see what He would have me do. I've said that I want to move to Kenya before I'm 30, and that seems like a really good possibility.

Do you have an organization you are with??
This is in the Lord's hands. I do believe it is one of the reasons God has me in America for this season. This decision is a big one and I want the Lord to make it...not me. When an option presents itself, I approach it with prayer and I know as long as I keep on surrendering the matter to Him, He will help me find the best fit for me and the SKY Mission. So, right now, the answer to this question is NO. But I see how the Lord is at work and is putting the pieces together. Also, i know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was suppose to move forward independently in faith these past 2 years and that that would be part of the means to the end goal.

Do you know Swahili?
I am learning! I know enough Swahili to make children think I am fluent. I know enough Swahili to be able to piece together conversations, sermons, songs, etc. and know what people are talking or singing about. I know enough Swahili to get around and suprise Kenyans who think i am just an English speaking mzungu. Trouble is, when you start to know enough Swahili to be understood and understand others...then Kenyans switch to their tribal languages and really lose you. And with over 40 tribal languages spoken in Kenya, thanks but no thanks..i'll stick with Swahili and English thank you (well atleast for now).

Are you worried about moving to Kenya?
NO! I know that when I am in God's will, I am safer in Kenya being obedient to His will than here being disobedient. He is equipping me and will continue to equip with me with everything I need to do the work He has sent me to do. I have never felt like I would be a lone ranger in this calling, so am excited to see how the Lord will provide an individual, a team of individuals, an organization...(whatever His plan is)...to help Him and I do the work that I am meant to do.

Would you be okay if the Lord sent you somewhere else after Kenya??
This question was asked by a friend of mine in 2009, a month or so after returning from Kenya that 1st summer I went on my own. When she asked me this question, I was taken back because I had never even considered it. In my head I thought, " Of course God would not send me somewhere else, that's ridiculous." But in the year and half since then, I have been able to think about this question and I've realized that no matter where the Lord sends me, I will serve Him faithfully. So, if the Lord has me in Kenya the rest of my life...praise God...I will serve Him faithfully. If the Lord presents another need in another country and says " Go "...I will serve Him faithfully there. Heck, i didn't even think i would EVER go to Africa and EVER want to move there and He made that change of heart in me. Whatever His plan is, it is much better than mine.

Where will you live in Kenya?
I am hoping to start the home in a village area. Once a place is built or bought, I hope to be on the same compound as the ministry. While I was visiting my friend upcountry in Kenya, I came across many beautiful huts that I really did admire. I took maybe 6-10 pictures of this one hut that I really fell in love with (crazy white girl...right??) Therefore, i think a cozy hut is what I will call home, in a village area, surrounded by "my" wonderful kiddos : )

How can I be praying for you??
Pray that I continue to surrender everything to God. Pray that I remain confident and secure in His plan for me. Pray against the schemes of the devil and the ways he tries to make me ineffective. Pray for PATIENCE as I wait upon the Lord to see how all the lingering pieces will come together. Pray for an open heart that knows how He wants me to serve in the here and now.

Okay, thats all I have for now. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Any more questions?! Feel free to ask. God Bless You abundantly.

God's Will and Nothing Else!

2011-03-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

I want God's will and nothing else. Yet still sometimes I play around and try to control things in my favor. When Jesus was in the Garden, He said "If you can, please take this cup from me. But if not, your will be done." Either way, it was up to God. When I pray sometimes, I bet it sounds more like this "If you can, please make this or that happen. But if not, then I will have to make things happen for myself." Do i know that God's will for me is best?? YES!!! Do I still sometimes struggle with my flesh for the ability to decide all the where, when, who, what, and how questions?? YES!!!

Luckily, I at a point in my walk with Christ that I can usually catch when I fall into this trap. Also, I have great brothers and sisters in Christ who keep me accountable. We have to help each other out because it is hard to remember that there is just one option....not numerous options to pick from when making our live's decisions. Our one option is: God's will and nothing else!

But, boy, do we live in a society that loves options?!? So how are we possibly able to live with a "one option mindset"? The answer is: surrender. Surrender is not an easy thing so it might need to be a one day at a time sort of thing. But when we do it and live a life of surrender, we will most certainly reap the benefits and be living life more abundantly because of it. God does not want us to die to self so we can be miserable here on Earth. Instead, He wants to use us, bless us, strengthen us, and have us fulfill the purpose for why we are here. If we keep on getting in His way, this is likely not to happen or likely not to happen in the way He willed for it to.

With surrender comes sacrifice. We sacrifice our own ways for His. We sacrifice our own wants for His. We sacrifice our decisions for His. And the results will be amazing.

I refuse to ignore the lost and forgotten

2011-02-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

According to CNN, there are about 3 million mentally handicapped people living in the slums and villages of Kenya. Tonight and tomorrow, Kenya will be featured on CNN's World's Untold Stories. The title of the episode is "Lost and Forgotten" and all about the plight of those who are mentally ill in Kenya.

I was able to watch small clips on CNN's website and my heart and mind was taken away with thoughts of Kenya and my mentally and physically challenged friends there. Just seeing these 2-3 minute excerpts raised within me a sudden urgency to get back to Kenya and start what I am called to do. I know it is to happen in the Lord's timing...so i will wait. However, in this waiting time, my passion and love for the disabled in Kenya grows and grows.

I have been able to walk along side families with special needs and work with special needs kids here in the states. I have heard their struggles and sympathized with their difficulties. The Lord has allowed me to feel a piece of what they feel and has allowed my heart to hurt for them. But just imagine, if the struggles are great for those with challenges here in the states, imagine how those struggles can be multiplied when you live in a 3rd world country.

No one deserves to be thrown away, forgotten, mistreated, abused, neglected, hidden, etc. But this is what is happening to mentally ill and physically disabled in a lot of places throughout the world....even in America this happens. It makes me sick to my stomach. It makes me want to scream! But I know God's hand is upon them. I know God is among those who the world has tossed aside.

I've said it before but it is worth saying again..I have been completely blessed and unconditionally loved by those who are mentally and physically disabled that I am honored to call my friends.

As I think about the future and my missions work, the doubt that I can make a real difference does invade my thoughts at weak moments. But then the Lord reminds me that He did and continues to do big things through individuals who are wholly surrendered to Him. May I continue to die to my flesh and live in Christ.

In closing, I'd like to share some lyrics from a song that has caught my attention recently. The title is "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson. It says "I refuse to sit around wait for someone else to do what God called me to do myself. I could choose not to move but I refuse." And this is true in my life, I refuse to make an excuse and do nothing. I choose to move. I choose to hear the cries of the desperate and needy and make it spur me into action.

Community

2011-02-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

We were meant to live in community. We were meant to look after each other, to share each others sorrows and joys, to know each others hearts, to live in unity. The Lord set it up that way for a reason. I believe He knew that we could not do it alone and that love, support, and encouragement were going to be an essential part to our well being and our ability to endure and fulfill the callings He has placed on each of our lives. But it seems that we often miss the mark and that our communities are not as the Lord intended.

This brings me some sadness....knowing that I desire to share my heart but I fear the outcome and knowing that others feel the same way as I do. So instead of seeking out ways to make true community happen, we close ourselves off and live with the belief that we are just being idealistic and this want of love shared and felt within a group of people is an impossibility. Therefore, we press on with this longing but feel paralyzed to do anything about it.

I guess the change needs to begin within ourselves. For instance, I might be the one who needs to set the example of what it looks like to share from my heart about what is going on in my heart. It will involve putting myself out there and putting my heart on the line because I don't know how it will be received. And to be honest, there is a whole bunch of fear that surfaces when I even think about doing this. I think of times I tried to share my heart before hoping it would be received with compassion and care and it was not. This leaves me feeling like I can only test the waters with a person or two before I can even think of diving into the pool.

I don't have a conclusion right now to my musings and I don't know what the Lord will do in me and through me to address this matter. I just know that when I've gotten glimpses of community like that or have even had short periods where I was in community like that...it was good and it was Godly.

Director of "My Life"

2011-01-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

Peace. I am a big fan of peace. I love to live in peace with everyone..I am not one for confrontation. I like when things are peaceful...I am opposed to loud music and obnoxious noises. Above all, I love when my heart and mind are peaceful..those times where I have a calmness of spirit and assurance that everything is under control. Paul mentions this type of peace in Phillipians 4: 7, "And the peace that trancends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Isn't that the best kind of peace of all?? A peace that is so encompassing that we don't question it, we just allow it to take us over and make us over.

Thus far in my 27 years, it is not often that I've experienced this kind of peace. For much of my life, I gave in fully into the torment that worry and doubt offered my heart and mind. It seemed there was always one issue/matter or more that I was trying to figure out on my own and then would come up against a brick wall. This left me defeated and depressed. This warrior in the battle wanted to drop her sword and retreat. But trying to battle alone leads you to one conclusion: you can't battle alone.

The Lord was always holding out that peace that passes all understanding for me to take. He knew that He had big plans for me and that without that peace, my mind and heart would be attacked and vulnerable to the enemy. This time, more than any other time in my life, I've latched on to that peace and I am clinging to the Prince of Peace and let me tell you...I cannot even put into words the difference it has made in my life.

The Lord lovingly brought me face to face with my worries and doubts of the past and showed me how He was present, gave me answers, and showed me the way. This means that the details that will need to be figured out in the next couple years are in the hands of my amazing Father. Therefore, I choose to move forward with peace and excitement and see how everything turn out. I am the star actress in the play, "My Life," and even though I don't have the script for the next scene...BOY, I know it will be great!! I trust the script writer and surrender myself to His direction.

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1....Happy New Year!!

2011-01-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

In an effort to state the obvious: another year has passed. To me, 2010 was a good year! The Lord restored my heart in January 2010 and brought me out of the fog I was in after coming back from my summer 2009 trip from Kenya. He took me down paths that I did not predict but all those paths have led me to a better and stronger place. But even though the year had been good to me, I held within me the excitement of a new year...the freshness of it all and the chance to start off right.

For me, 2011 has already brought a change of scenery. I have moved from the basement (dungeon) to the attic. I really like my new digs and I like that I will be able to see my "adopted" family more. Surprisingly enough, considering we lived in the same house...it was rare to see them. But now that we are sharing a kitchen and I'm passing through their living quarters more, this means more run-ins, times to chat, good fellowship.

I am also starting off this New Year more determined to get done all the things that have been accidently or not so accidently pushed to the side. I want to start of cross things off my list in a timely fashion and carry this on through out the year. For instance, I stopped today at the Dollar General today to get cards to send to people who should have received them long ago. This year holds the consideration of dropping 2 hours from one client so i will have one whole afternoon and evening to make sure that I do all the things that I need to and maintain my sanity. I like this prospect.

As soon as I could this New Year, I dove into the Word. I want to continue to grow as a woman in Christ. I want to see past my weaknesses and always see that the Lord is my strength. I want to be closer to Him than to anybody else or anything else.

Who knows what this new year will bring?! I know that I don't...and my guesses in year's past have been wrong. Jesus is in the business of surprising us and amazing us. Here's to a New Year and the Lord continuing the work He has started in me and each one of you.

A Good Cry

2010-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

There are some times when tears come easily. People would think I am crying at nothing but what is going on in my mind and heart are known, at that moment, by myself and God. For instance yesterday, out of the blue, I started crying at a coffee house I was at (it might have gone unnoticed...with a discrete eye wipe or two). I wasn't crying at the song that was being sung but instead was crying because I was touched by a mentally handicapped person that was there. He was just taken by the music and was expressing it. Tears came first because he reminded me of my mentally handicapped friends in Kenya whom I miss so much. But tears continued because I could see how him and I were the same..we are misunderstood and long to love and be loved for who we are.

As I was thinking about crying I realized that I've always been okay with crying...feels good and sometimes after you get it out then you can get moving again. Crying, I have found though, is more excepted in our culture then in other cultures. In Kenya, to be openly emotional is to show a weakness and it is rare to see that type of emotional unless a person or family has experienced great pain or gone through a traumatic situation. I have embarassed more than one Kenyan by letting my tears flow but being emotional my whole life, its hard to stop the water works when they start. It is true we can be emotional about things that are seemingly ridiculous or we can blow things out of proportion. But other times, emotions surface because we allowing ourselves to feel as the Lord feels or allowing our God given passions to move the very heart of us.

There is a certain freedom in being able to express your emotions in whatever way works best for you. For me, when the tears come I just let them run their course and allow the Lord to speak to me through these moments. He is pulling my heart strings for a reason. When moments touch me, I try to take notice and not push it aside.

Yes, it is easier to be numb and not feel. But it is amazing when you surrender and allow God's heart to be your heart. It is good to be joyful for things that make Him joyful and be broken for the things that make Him broken. I want my heartbeat and God's heartbeat to be in sync. For me, the things that I am most passionate about are the things that make the tears well up and fall.I want things to move me deeply. I want the Lord to move me deeply. So when a good cry comes, I welcome it.

Believe

2010-12-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Every so often I get nervous and worried about if I have what it takes to do what the Lord has called me to do......*sigh*

I went to my young adult group last night even though all I wanted to do was be anti-social at home and watch LOST. I was just in one of those funks where I felt like nobody gets me and honestly I was just missing Kenya a bunch. But I fought it because I knew Satan was trying to knock me down and I also knew that too many episodes of LOST would really mess up my brain.

It was a wonderful discussion but I came away with one word that stuck in my heart and made all the difference. BELIEVE. What do I need to do to accomplish the works that the Lord has called me to do? BELIEVE. He will make all else fall into place.

This is the same word that is the wallpaper on my phone. I took the picture last week when I was in New York City. The word lit up on the side of Macy's just captivated me. BELIEVE. So when I start to doubt or when Satan tries to give me a whammy, I can just know that all the Lord requires of me is to BELIEVE and He will work out the details.

A Precious Harvest

2010-12-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

I have been working with one of my client's going on three years now. We've had our ups and downs but at the end of the day I would say I would say that this little one has a special place in my heart. Sometimes I'll tell people that this girl is my best friend. It seemed that when I felt like the whole world was against me, Little Miss would know it and give me the smile or hug I would need. We developed a bond over the years.

It hasn't been all sunshine and roses though. As I was thinking of what to write on my blog, for some reason I kept being reminded of two words that, when spoken to Little Miss, would make her holler at me something fierce. These two words are: WAIT and LISTEN.

Little Miss doesn't like those words. Sometimes those words would bring her to tears. I don't think we, as a whole, like those words either. This is what the Lord tells us to do but I think we often give the same response as Little Miss does: scream our pretty/handsome little heads off. Sometimes we verbalize our frustrations but often I believe, we are screaming on the inside and trying to keep our cool on the outside. But God hears both the inside and outside screams, so we just to vocalize them like Little Miss and allow the Lord to gently quiet our hearts and trust Him more.

I thought about these words more as we looked at the book of James on Thursday night at a youth ministry I volunteer at. James 5: 7-12 talks about patience and waiting. It talks about how a farmer needs to be patient and wait for the crops to grow. A farmer can't harvest before it is time: He will end up with a lousy bunch of crops which won't be worth much and will be lacking. But if a farmer is patient, then he will have a "precious harvest." Also, the bible study leader that night touched on "establishing your heart." He gave the example of a tree with deep roots, which is compared to a person who knows God and His great love, seeks to know Him more, and who practices waiting and listening to Him. This person will be able to perservere in times of trouble and will be able to stand strong because they know who Christ is and know who they are in Christ.

Okay...so wouldn't you know that in Kenya, I have been given two names from different tribes that have been really special to me. The one I adore is: Nekesa, which means Harvester. I believe that the Lord is telling me to be the patient farmer who will have a "precious harvest" when the time is right. The second name is Moraa (More-uh), which means a tree on a hill that provides shade. I believe the Lord is telling me to dig my roots deep into the soil..to get to know Him better...to trust Him more...to listen more...and that when the time is right He will use me to be a refuge..a covering..for those who need it.

Sorry Jesus for hollering at you when you told me to WAIT and LISTEN! I have been like Little Miss so many times. Thank you for teaching me through these precious little ones and making things connect to teach me and grow me.

A Barbie and A Tiger

2010-11-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a busy one! There was a Christmas Bazaar at my church where I sold things that I brought back from Kenya. I was able to raise $350 which will go towards The SKY Mission : ). It was an enjoyable time and I got to share about my African kiddos with many people who came through the bazaar to do their shopping. On Sunday, I had the blessing of speaking at two churches, one was my Nana's old church and then the other was its sister church about 15 minutes away.

But after looking at the title you might think: So what does a Barbie and a tiger have to do with the bazaar and church?

Well, the person next to me at the bazaar was selling her Barbies. She had a collection of Barbies that represented different countries around the world. She was setting up her Barbies on the table and that is when I saw her...KENYAN BARBIE!

I thought she was beautiful. I kept making her walk over to my table and look at my stuff. I talked Swahili with her. I've never been too fond of Barbies but she was different. Somebody from church saw my love for her and decided that she wanted to buy Kenyan Barbie for me. I think Kenyan Barbie will enjoy the children's home when I move to Kenya. I know its just a toy but that Barbie made my day. I will always be a kid at heart!

Now for the tiger! Don't worry...it was not a real tiger. This tiger was stuffed. At the second church I went to on Sunday, one of my old head start/IU kids was in attendance. I saw him last time I was there and was looking forward to seeing him again. This little guy was one of the first special needs kids I worked with. OH..and he sure made me work hard. He was quite a handful and often had choice words for me that were quite unpleasant. But I've been told I have special heart for the troublemakers and I guess that is true. This boy with his dark hair and dark eyes tried my patience but taught me a lot of things under fire. He will always be remembered by me.

So, like I said, he was at church. I gave my talk and then the pastor asked me to stand in the middle of the church to be prayed for. I was surrounded by the congregation with my little friend, now 7, right in the middle of the circle..closest to me. In his hands was a huge stuffed animal tiger. My friend observed that everybody was laying their hands on me to pray for me, so he took his tiger's soft paw and placed it on my hand to pray for me as well. It was precious. May not seem like a big moment to everyone reading this but it was just confirmation for me that I was on the right path. And also, I just so glad this little guy is hearing about Jesus...and that his family is as well.

So even though I am 27, two toys ended up being the highlight of my weekend!! Its the little things and often the random things that can mean a whole bunch.

Heavy Heart

2010-11-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

It is hard not being in Kenya. It is even harder when I know I have friends that are hurting physically and emotionally there. Please pray for my friend, Eva, who has been very sick as of late. She continues to see doctors and take medicine without any relief. I wish someone could give her a straight answer on what condition she is suffering from but what she has been told has been vague. When she texts me, my heart drops. She is zapped of energy and does not see the sun through the clouds right now. If anybody knows Eva, they would know that she has a lively spirit and a joyful heart. But when I hear from her, I hear a friend who weak, exhausted, and worried. Please join together with me in prayer for Eva. May she experience a touch of the Father's hand!

Also pray for one of my Kenyan mama's. Her and her family recently experienced a great loss in their family this week. This tragedy came three weeks after my mama experienced the death of her brother in a road accident. Pray that the Lord provides for their needs and brings peace to their hearts. Her small children have been really effected and the older boy, who I am particularly close with, has not received news yet because he is away at school.

The Lord has these friends in His hands. He never promised that there would not be sickness and death, but He promised to hold us through these times. I know He is holding Eva and Monica and her family right now.

Disorderly!

2010-11-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, It is confession time. Confession #1: I believe I am the worst blogger known to man. Confession #2: Currently, I am feeling that things are very disorderly and I have a lot of catching up to do. Those two confessions really do tie together. I haven't blogged since August not because I don't have anything to say but because time gets away from me. I WILL DO BETTER! I am hoping at least once a week I can catch ya up on matters pertaining to life, Kenya, and God. Anybody out there is cyber world want to keep me accountable?? Anybody?!?!

Well, lately (meaning this week) I have been frustrated that my house, my car, my brain, my schedule, my time seems to be in a constant state of disorder. I woke up this morning and literally just sat in a stupor on my bed while I looked at the pile of laundry and thought about the dishes in the sink. After seeing the laundry and thinking about dirty dishes, a barrage of other tasks I needed to get done came at me. AHHH!!! I texted the teacher i work with and said that I needed to take a mental health day. And so I've been crossing things off my list. Funny thing about that is that once you cross some off, you think of more. Progress has been made but more have been added...so pretty much my list is the same length as I started. Time to bring in the reinforcements!!

I have to remember, I need to focus on the Lord and He will help me get things down and help me feel more at peace...sometimes I forget that He is even there with me when I am doing my dishes and laundry. He is not a God of disorder so if we just surrender our days, minds, times, hearts, etc. to Him, He is part of the clean-up crew and project assistant. SWEET! Also, I need to ask for help from others. People are willing but sometimes I am afraid to see if they could help me. Honestly, we need to help each other....friends are the Lord's provision in times of disorder.

Well, I will keep on plugging away!! But you will be hearing from me again soon!

Taking Care of God's Children

2010-08-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from volunteering at a special needs school for 3 weeks. I was so blessed, humbled, and amazed. I am filled to the brim with love for these children. They each touched my heart in a special way. I saw some of the most brilliant of smiles and received some of the sweetest of hugs. They were all so genuine and real...they don't pretend...they don't put on a show. They took care of me the way they take care of each other...meaning they act immediately without thinking of the cost...they see a need and meet it. They themselves are God's children but they are also taking care of God's children. I know each will be richly rewarded for the love they show each other.

Not only do the kids take care of each other, but I was able to witness a staff of teachers and caretakers who love those children from the very bottoms of their hearts. The head teacher, in particular, knows more about those 75 children than I know about my closest friends. It was awe inspiring to see them work with the kids and interact with them. In a culture that says that a mentally challenged child is of no worth, this staff is still willing to pour all their energy and love into these children. In addition, I saw a young man who is still considered a youth in Kenya come and volunteer his time daily to support the kids and staff. He challenged me to continue to give of myself expecting nothing in return. It was a pleasure working along side these individuals...they are taking care of God's children. They too will be richly rewarded.

It has moved my heart in many ways to see how I can do more and more to help God's children. There are little things that can go a long way as they say. One thing is to not forget my time and allow those memories to spur me on. It makes me even more excited for the future special needs home and being able to take care of God's children there but I also know that there are things i can do in the here and now for this school. Pray along with me as I seek the Lord on this matter. I also pray that you seek the Lord on this matter as well because there are very feasible ways that we can help. And we too will be richly rewarded heavenward for fulfilling God's commandment to love Him and love others.

My heart hurts because there are people in these children's lives who are not taking care of them. They just went home on break and might face things that they should never have to face. Pray for the parents and guardians to take care of God's children in the way they were commissioned to do.

Take care and God Bless!! I am in Kibera (outside of Nairobi) for a week before I head to Kitale (Western Kenya) to visit an organization there for a few weeks. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all when I return.

Not by chance..

2010-07-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

It is not by chance that you meet certain people, go certain places, have certain conversations. The God who is in charge of your life is arranging your steps and meetings. I am noticing a lot now how He has really arranged mine and will continue to do so. The reason I bring this up is because there was just a team here from my church and surrounding churches in my area. They to help build a children's home in a place called Gatundu....I believe they had a blessed time and God receives all the glory for that. But I can see that it was not by chance that the team leader contacted Janice to tell her about my heart from Kenya. And it was not by chance that Janice and I communicated with each other and shared our hopes and dreams. And it was not by chance that when the team leader came to visit last year, Janice was here as well. And it was not by chance that then a team was formed to come serve the people of Kenya and help God's vision become a reality. God knew what He was doing all along.

We never know how God is use things that might have seemed random or out of nowhere. Every opportunity, conversation, job, relationship, etc. the Lord can used to get you to the place He intends for you to be.

I am next heading to a special needs home and school. It seemed so random that I found a website for this place but look...the Lord is using it to equip me and to help me along as I am moving forward with the vision He has given me.

I can give so many examples but let me stop here for now. Thanks for your patience as I have been away from the computer for a bit as the team was here. Love you and thank you for supporting what the Lord is doing here. God Bless!!

Alysha

Catching You Up To Speed

2010-04-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

To all those out their in cyberspace who tune in to know what's happening in my life and in the life of The Sky Mission...I wanted to catch ya up to speed. I'll be brief and to the point with it and if there is any questions...feel free to e-mail me (I like getting e-mails). Anyhow, here we go!

I have a number of opportunities to share about Kenya and The Sky Mission before I leave. I have been raising the support I need for the trip this summer and additional that will go a trip that I will take to survey and purchase land.
I will go to Kenya for 10 weeks from June 20th to September 6th. On the schedule thus far is helping with a team that is coming to Kenya from my home church (and surrounding churches), visiting a special needs/disabled school and home for a month, and staying with the people of Transformed International for about a month to get more focused information on how to start and maintain a home/ministry (I have been really impressed by the way they run and operate..I hope they can mentor me and show me the ropes).
I hope to bring goods for Africa and start an Africa Store..so to speak. I will sell the goods for a bit more than I bought them for and the profit will go towards The Sky Mission. If there is any readers who have a forte for this type of endeavor, please let me know.
I will return to my job next school year and I hope that by summer 2011, I might begin to full time support raise. Whenever I have the monies to purchase the land, it is then when I will make decisions about the move there.

As you know, this is all in the Lord hands. I am trying to not rush the Lord but be sensitive to His timing. He has opened doors thus far and continues to do so. He floors me by His provision and I am excited about all the people that are getting excited about The SKY Mission and how we are sharing in this endeavor together. Piece by piece, the puzzle is coming together.

I ask that you continue to shower The SKY Mission in your prayers. Thank you for joining me in reaching the broken children in Kenya through the love of our majestic and awesome Savior.

A Stubborn 4 year old

2010-04-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this story by saying...I LOVE MY JOB! How lucky am I to be able to invest in the lives of these sweet children on a daily basis. I actually miss them during the weekends and think about them randomly and they make me smile. I don't have any kids of my own yet but for now, these kids are my kids.

There is one little guy in particular that the Lord taught me a lesson through a few weeks back. This handsome bugger is sweet and funny...yet can be stubborn as I'll get out. What I didn't know about him was that he doesn't like to take walks...especially if the walk delays playing on the playground. He walked nice for about two blocks and then PLOP!...legs went up and his butt went to the ground. As he was sitting on the ground..bent in an unnatural way...i was using all my tools to get him walking to which he responded "No..play playground." I tried to tell him that playing on the playground would require us to actually get there but no go.

He got up for a short bit (5 steps maybe) and PLOP! again. This time, he was scooting on his bottom down the sidewalk in an effort to get away from me. Since my legs go faster than a scooting four year old, i caught up with him rather quickly. When I did, in the middle of his defiance, he started singing a song that went something like this...."I looooove you , I lovvve youuu, I love love love you Lysha." (It was ELF like..if you saw that movie before). Hahaha..too cute..i almost gave in but I had to stay strong...HE HAD TO WALK..lol. When I could do nothing else, I carried him which was met by him cursing at me under his breath. Eventually, we got to the playground but the consequence of his stubborness was no play playground. Yep, I'm a big meanie..lol.

So how does this relate to Jesus?!? Let me tell you. So often we can be like a stubborn preschooler. We walk nice with Him for awhile but when we don't get what we want or a goal is blocked (through a trial), we plop down instead of trusting that we will get to where we need to be if only we persevere. We might have a resurge of reliance on God but our tolerance for the pushes and pulls of life is not so great and we plop down again. Its then when we scoot on our bottoms, saying we love Jesus with our mouths while not truly believing it in our hearts. All the while not, we are not being the child He made us to be. He didn't make us to scoot but soar.

In our defiance, He doesn't leave us or give up...He scoops us up in His arms and carries us through. We are not aware of this because we think He has left us, so we curse him. Truth is He has guiding us and keeping us from going nowhere.

In His great love, He teaches and disciplines us. He has great amounts of patience for us when we are scooting on our bottoms or cursing Him. He puts up with so much and we can be so stubborn that any human would have thrown in the towel and said.."Peace out!" But not our Lord, His grace abounds. We doesn't lose heaven for our defiance...we get to eternally go to the big playground in the sky.

Thank you Jesus for teaching me so much about yourself and myself through working with these kids!! Sorry for when I am a stubborn 4 year old!! Allow me to learn and change...so i'm not scooting around on the ground. Give me vast amounts of love and patience to give freely to these little ones.

Live in the here and now

2010-02-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

So........I GOT THE JOB!!! After many phone calls and many days of patiently waiting, I was told that I could start this week. I have two days under my belt so far and I'm excited about the next few months. I will be learning a lot and have a lot of hands-on experience! I know this is what I am suppose to be doing right now...that this is part of the larger picture. As I am sitting here, sipping hot chocolate with my feet up (snow day already..lol), I am just thankful to have a God who is conducting the orchestra of my life and He is making it into a beautiful symphony.

From now until the summer...Here are some things (not an exhaustive list by any means) I'm looking forward to (that I would have missed if I ran off to Kenya before God's timing):

Getting to know 15 great kids at work, learning more about special education, etc.
Being able to spend more time with family. Being around for my niece's 1st birthday.
Sharing more about Kenya at different places (Girl Scouts, Family Fun Night, etc.)
A disability conference in April
Spending more time with the youth and being able to take a part in the Famine etc.
Continuing work with my two clients (and being able to then work with them after the summer)
Having the chance to see some of my Kenya friends in America (two that I know of might be coming for different reasons)
Helping with training/planning for a team that is coming to Kenya in June
Preparation of heart and plans for summer
Growing friendships and making memories
Much, much more in store than I even know

There is a picture in my apartment that has a saying on it. It says "Every now and then, live in the here and now." In Ecclesiastes it says, "There is a time for everything..." I don't want to miss what's happening here and now...i don't want to miss the joys and blessings of today. I know all things will come to pass that the Lord has intended.....I need to slow my pace and open my eyes....living each day and trusting that it will work together to get me closer to where God has called me.

For instance, I realized that I would be suited to help in all areas of the future children's home. For example, during my college years, I worked at a pharmacy and also interned as a chaplain at a hospital. Did I do these things because I was like " Oh, the Lord will use this when he calls me to start a children's home??" Nope, I just needed a job and I also needed to do an internship. But when there is a clinic on the compound and they need help with patients .....I have the skill set to be able to assist them. I've lately seen how the Lord has had me different places at different times all because it will be of use for His kingdom work.

Okay, I am going to continue cleaning, e-mailing, resting etc. on this snow day. Have a blessed day, week, and month.

The Unexpected!

2010-01-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

Thought I should bring you all up to speed on the recent happenings!! This is not an exhaustive account of the past 2 weeks but I give you the important details. A bunch can happen in a short amount of time when the Lord is moving things along. So here we go:

Two weeks ago, and for a couple months prior, Satan had my heart and soul in a bad place. I was believing lies and I was thinking about myself. I had put walls around myself and became very inward. I wanted to get out of America as fast as I could. I was busy pointing fingers at everyone else and forgot, like the old addage says, that 3 fingers were pointing back at myself.

But boy, am I glad that our God is a God of grace and restoration. He brought me to a place of realization then starting restoring my heart and relationships that had suffered. He got me in a healthy place for me to accept an open door.

I went to visit my old co-workers at a preschool and was offered two jobs in one day. In a time where many are losing jobs, it was a miracle in itself for that to happen. The one job seemed so ideal but I wanted to make sure that it was from the Lord. As I thought and prayed, I realized that taking this job in an autistic support preschool classroom would get me to Kenya faster in the long run. I was in a place where I was able to see clearly that I needed to focus on my responsibilities here and not just run away to Kenya as quick as possible. Yes, this my calling but the Lord does not be foolish about the steps i'm taking. So, I am going to walk through this door that I believed the Lord has opened. If it is not the right one, then He will close it and show me what I am to do.

Taking this job means that I will go to Kenya this summer to continue the work of the SKY Mission. While I am here the next few months, not only will I get more experience training, but I will also be able to prepare for this summer even more...making the most of my time there. I am excited!! It feels right to me.

Please pray as I am trying to contact those at the office so I can start this position as soon as possible. It is somewhat difficult to get in touch with them so I just ask that you pray for favor.

I just want to praise the God who works all things out for good and is never far away.

Almost Christmas

2009-12-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

It is almost Christmas and I still am not in the holiday spirit. I want to be but I am not. In fact, it does not feel like Christmas time at all. I am hoping I switch in Christmas mode on Christmas Eve when all the festivities begin. I think it is fun that there are two babies in the family that will have their first christmas and two other kidd0 that have the energy and joy to bring life to any get together. Being able to spend Christmas with them is special for me.

I am missing my Kenyan friends especially now. I've never spent Christmas in Kenya but I guess the holiday of giving brings them to mind. With my heart trying to be in two countries at once, it is always an inner battle.

I wish all you that read this and that love and support me a very Merry Christmas. May your hearts be full of love and thanks this year for the birth of our Savior. God Bless!!

I am certain of this....

2009-12-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

I am certain of this...that God answers our prayers! Within the past two months, the Lord has shown me that since He answers those "silly" prayers that I speak out to Him that He most certainly will answers the big ones....those prayers that are at the forefront of my mind and heart as I follow Him in obedience.

I have two great examples of the Lord answering my somewhat silly and simple prayers (even though nothing is silly to God). My shower head fixture had been broken for a long time (and had been super glued without success) and therefore I had to hold the shower head myself. On one particular day not so long ago i spoke a prayer in a sigh..."Lord, it would be nice to have a shower head that worked." Wouldn't you know, a few days later I saw a new fixture upstairs that was needed to do the trick. The person who bought it did not hear my prayer but the Lord moved him to buy that shower fixture that week so I would know that He was listening!!

A few days ago, before I left for a trip, I had every intention to do my dishes but, as things usually go, I ran out of time. I saw them sitting there before i left and said.."Lord, I wish these dishes were done and that I didn't have to leave them here a mess." Well, I came home 4 days later....breezed in and out quick to get to work...and then on the ride home said to myself.."Were the dishes there that I left??" Got home and saw that someone had washed and put away all my dishes while I was in Texas. My Lord was listening to me and I was blessed.

So now, I am going to be really honest with what I need...a big prayer request on my heart. I am praying that the Lord provides a team of people to rally around me and really help me as I move forward to establish this children's home. I need and so desire people to tap into that part of me and help me to be comfortable to live and share that passion daily. I am praying for accountability and assistance. I am praying for people to bounce ideas off of, to join me in prayer about decisions I make, to become just as passionate about what the Lord is doing in Kenya through me as I am etc.

" Lord of heaven and earth, I know you are listening and that you love this child of yours. You know my heart and my needs. I rely and depend on you with my entire being and I am seeking to make Your love my constant center. I give this request to you...knowing you will answer it...in your timing..in accordance with your will. Amen!"

I see Jesus!!

2009-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

I am going to keep this post simple....not as wordy as I can sometimes get. I want to just share some of the ways in which I saw (and felt) Jesus this past week. Here we go:

I saw Jesus when...

I spent time with a friend...the Lord has provided a friend who gets me and I get her.
I watched a video by Lou Giglio with the girl's at bible study.
An old favorite verse from Psalms came alive to me because of the video.
A good friend texted me the same verse the next day...too perfect.
I was able to picture 6 empire state buildings on top of each other and Texas covered in 22 inches of golf balls and realize how MUCH God LOVES me (you had to see the said video).
I was able to go to Texas..spending time with awesome friends and making new ones.
I was encouraged in my calling and was surrounded by people who had been to Kenya and understood my heart for Kenya.
I attended a benefit for my friend's missions organization and was reminded how He is Jehovah Jireh
I went to Sunday School had a really great discussion and time of sharing with two girls. We were able to relate w/ each other and uplift each other.
I accepted a blessing than the Lord showed me had already taken care of things.
I heard the testimony of an older man who started a children's home in Kenya.

I think I could list so many more. I love how the Lord knows just what we need and meets those needs. The Lord is really showing Himself to me powerfully. I feel His love immensely and am just trying to live every day with that as my center and focus. With His love as your center, everything else falls into place and you have a proper perspective.

In closing, I want to say that the number one way I have seen Jesus this past week is in other people. Thank you, my friends, for being His hands and His feet. Thank you for being His voice piece, speaking truth and encouragement into my life. Thank you for helping me to see that He cared about me through the care you showed to me. Thank you for loving me and being amazing brothers and sisters in Christ.

My Heroes

2009-11-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hello All,
I know lately I've been a blogging fool! I'm really starting to enjoy it. I don't know how people actually read this because I have a total of 1 follower but I'm gonna keep on writing and sharing.

Okay, so in my previous blog I talked about how I have been so inspired by those in Kenya I have met and become friends with who have disabilities. Their love for Jesus and their enduring spirits have encouraged and inspired me. I would like to introduce 3 such people in my blog here.

Richard, my Kenyan father - I have known Richard since I first came to Kenya in 2005. He was a neighbor in our culdesac and worked a phone booth that we frequented often. We'd share hellos and small talk back then but I did not have a real chance to get to know him. It wasn't until I returned to Kenya and February and then again this summer, that we got to know each other on a deeper level. He truly is a hero of mine.

Richard is in a wheelchair due to a road accident that happened almost a decade ago. At first, he struggled with depression and did not understand why God would make such a thing happen to him and his young family. But he allowed the Lord to teach him and reach him during his suffering. He knew that God could use him to reach others with disabilities so he decided to take classes in psychology so he could become a counselor! He is one of the most caring and loving individuals that I have met. He is a wonderful father, a wonderful husband (who loves his wife soo much), and a wonderful friend. I could write a lot more about him but i will leave it to a paragraph for now.

Daniella-Daniella is a woman I met this summer when I attended an outreach with Richard. She has a vibrant personality and was so friendly to me right off the bat. I could tell that she loved Jesus and others so much and that sharing Jesus and caring for others was her life mission. Although she suffers from CP, she never let it stand in her way. She has a good job (where she oftens faces people thinking she can't do something but she shows the differently), spends her free time visiting homes and schools for the disabled to encourage them, and helps out at the church as well. If i would have to pick three words to describe her I would say: she is fiesty, friendly, and on fire for Jesus. She has allowed Jesus to use her disability to bring Him glory!! What an amazing woman of God.

Tom- Tom is also someone I met at an outreach I attended with Richard. Tom was born healthy but when he became sick as a toddler, he lost his hearing. Although there are many challenges he faces as a deaf person in Kenya, he has a jubilant personality and untiring spirit. Honestly, he is one of the most sincere people I have met in my life. He works so hard is and is a teacher at a college. The Lord has opened doors for him to visit different places and meet deaf people from all over the world. I am glad that the Lord continues to encourage him as he has been such an encouragment to others. He exhibits the joy of the Lord whereever he goes.

So there you have it, three of my heroes from Kenya. I am blessed to call them my friends. Please, if you think about it, pray for these 3 individuals. Thank you for allowing me to introduce them to you.

Joni

2009-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

It wasn't until recently that I started to read more about Joni Eareckson Tada. She has an amazing testimony and an amazing spirit. Her story really spoke to my heart; reading about her ups and downs with dealing with her disability and then how God brought her through and used what happened to her for His glory. I was so captivated reading her book and her honesty was greatly appreciated.

Over the summer, working with so many disabled people it made me appreciate my ability and helped me to realize that He gave me ability not to use it selfishly but to use it to reach out. For Joni, she questioned why God allowed her to have an accident to make her disabled but God had His purposes. She has been such light, encouragement, and inspiration to both those with abilities and disabilities. She states herself that it was very likely that without the disability, her life would have taken a totally different path. Her disability brought her to the end of herself and thats where she truly found and experienced God.

I am in awe of Jesus and how He gives people that capacity to endure and therefore lead others to Him through their testimony. Being able to met and talk to so many people with disabilities has given me the utmost respect for them.

I want to share one story that relates to some of what I've been talking about. While in Kenya this summer, I was able to take part in Challenger's meetings, a group that was composed mainly of people with disabilities but also with families of the disabled and those who worked with the disabled. Sometimes that Challengers would go to different places to encourage other with disabilities. I went on one such mission with them to a school for the physically handicapped. It is the case, because I am American, that when I go somewhere I get a lot of attention whether I want it or not. What I loved about going with the Challenger's to this school is that all the kids paid attention and wanted to know all about them...they were even willing to stand in line for a chance to talk to them. It warmed my heart and made me realize how powerfully the Lord was using the disabled to speak truth into other disabled people. They can reach them in a way I cannot.

And that is why I know that I must continue to have those with disabilities be a big part of the future home. Plus, I know that I have a tremendous amount to learn from them and so I want to surround myself with such fellowship. What a honor and a blessing to be able to get to know so many wonderful, strong individuals.

I had a dream....

2009-11-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, I had a dream. I went to sleep on Tuesday and had a lovely dream that carried me into Wednesday morning. But then, I WOKE UP. I was annoyed because it was not reality and a funk started to develop in my soul in those waking moments. I should have given it to the Lord right there but I didn't. The funk turned into incredible discouragement from morning to mid-afternoon. Then my Mighty Warrior intervened and showed me His great love for me was the true message of the dream.

I was in the midst of texting a friend, still in funk, and I wrote "He delights in me...that is the truth that is getting me through this day." I've read in the bible He delights in me...I've even blogged in May about how He delights in me but I had forgotten. Yet the Lord implanted that truth in my head and then in the following hours taught my heart what it meant.

Using my dream, He made it crystal clear how He feels about me and who He wants to be to me. He taught me so much and brought the Truth so alive to me...that I could not help but share it. I downloaded on the girls last night at bible study and it was amazing! We focused on the verse in Zephaniah 3:17....it was really cool.

Haha..to be honest with you, I have a cold and I wanted to take nyquil last night before I went to bed. But I didn't because I figured that might stop me from having another dream about the amazing love of Christ. Regretfully, I do not remember my dream from last night but today He has me encouraged and enthralled with Him. In addition, He has helped me to have a productive day and to get things done that I've been aching to get done since I've been back. Woohoo...Hallelujah!

Growing Pains

2009-11-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced growing pains?? For some of us, its been a long time since we have had physical growing pains but its when your legs or sometimes your arms would hurt when you were a child because you were growing. I recently had a conversation with a parent who said their daughter was not sleeping well and waking up crying from what she thought might be growing pains. It was after a conversation I had with a dear friend the other day about things I've been going through, that I realize that I am having spiritual growing pains. Like physical growing pains, spiritual pains hurt...I am being stretched... I feel uncomfortable...I feel sensitive...but the outcome is worth the pain.

Often times when we have great struggles, what comes is that we experience great amounts of growth. We grow in trust, faith, love, confidence, peace, etc. True, i don't like the pain now but I am excited to see the outcome when God creates a much more confident and bold woman of God. You might be going through spiritual growing pains too. Don't get frustrated or give up, just ask God what He might be trying to do in you.

Similarly, I think of the refiner's fire. A fire that hot cannot be pleasant...its gonna hurt. But when you go through the fire and the dross is removed, you are so radiant & beautiful and you reflect Christ even more than before.

So praise God for growing pains and His refiner's fire.

Decisions...Decisions

2009-10-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

So, I am being very prayerful about this next set of decisions I must make. I have been thinking about how the Lord would have me move forward and I feel its been narrowed down to two avenues: join an organization that supports independent missionaries or partner with an exisiting NGO/NPO that is already working in Kenya. I have been thinking lately that the Lord might want me to go to Kenya for a length of time to shadow the directors and activities of one organization. This way I can find out the ins and outs of such an endeavor...with people who will be more willing to give me details because I won't be visiting different places but rather focusing on one. At the end of that time, I will be able to make a wise decision on whether I am suppose to do the NPO/NGO process myself or if the Lord is going to connect me with something already established (and not necessarily the same organization i shadow)...like a branch or satellite ministry. As the Lord unveils His plan, of course I might be led differently but as for now I am moving forward seeing if it will pan out with the Lord's help. If it doesn't, I am flexible because I don't want to do it MY way.

In the meantime, lately I have been hearing about different disabled ministries in the states through different media like television, magazines, word of mouth, etc. Since I figure it can't hurt to contact them, I've been sending e-mails out seeing if we can connect and encourage each other. I am inspired by the stories of these ministries...a summer camp for disabled children, a church for the mentally challenged, a group that reaches out to parents of disabled, a home for the disabled and abandoned...etc. It is almost unreal how much lately i've heard about different groups like this so I know the Lord has His hand in it.

In addition, there is an organization right in my hometown that works with special needs and disabled children that wants to chat with me and have me visit their place. God is amazing on how He connects people.

So join me in praying over what God has for The SKY Mission and what the next step is. Thanks and God Bless!!

Rejoice Always

2009-10-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Two words but so powerful....Rejoice Always. Its a wonder what implementing this into your everyday life can do for your soul and your attitude. Actually, Philippians 4 has been such an encouragement to me lately.... rejoicing, being gentle, not worrying, being prayerful, getting peace, fixing mind on Jesus, and being content with any situation (thats a quick summary of sorts). I am clinging to this chapter because it has really helped me to press on despite obstacles, discouragement, etc. All of the things mentioned in Phil. 4 cannot be done by Alysha (or you) alone...she needs Jesus to give her the strength and power because rejoicing, gentleness, not worrying, peace and contentment are not of this world...they are actually fruit of God's spirit.

We need to let the spirit invade our lives and other lives more. We need to let Him freely work as He'd like. And truth is that if we implement Phil. 4 into our lives...it will touch and change others lives as well. We will set an example of Jesus' character and it will be contagious. Wouldn't it be great if our Jesus-like character spread quicker than the swine flu?? Wish that could be the headline of the day... "Widespread Rejoicing and Prayer leading to Peace that passes Understanding happening all over the World."

Processing

2009-09-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I am now home...i have been for two weeks. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I haven't thought of Kenya. I am trying to process my time there but find myself overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, my time there was wonderful and I received a lot of information. The trouble is that now is the time for big decisions. The decisions I make now will be pivotal in what happens from here on out. I know that I am not making these decisions alone but pray that He allows me to hear Him clearly.

So basically, I must decide what missions organization I am coming under. This is a hard task....they all seem to be different and have different advantages and disadvantages. Pray that I can find one that is a perfect fit. I also must plan another trip to pinpoint the province the Lord wants me to start in and then look for available land. I am trusting the Lord has set apart a location and He will lead me to it. In addition, right now I am in the process of making short-term and long-term plans. It is exciting that the Lord is revealing more and more but now I must package it in a way that I can present well to others. Lastly, a big thing is that I must make decisions here about the job i'm doing and how I am going to use my time. The ball is rolling and I do not what to stop the ball. Pray for endurance, boldness and for me to know God's timing.

A newsletter is forthcoming...i've been working on it but again the trouble is there is so much to say!!! I look forward to you all hearing about what happened and what's next. Also, the website will be updated.....this summer proved to be a time of guidance from the Lord and so I want the website to convey the new direction. Thanks all for your patience and continued prayer as I try to get over my reverse culture shock and move forward. God Bless!!!

Home Stretch

2009-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I guess I am now in the home stretch of my summer vision trip to Kenya. With less than 20 days left, I am starting to feel as if I'm not ready for this time to be over. It has been a wonderful time in the center of God's will. You know, when you are in the center of God's will...there is no safer place for one to be. Anyhow, the Lord has made me to dream bigger but focus more. I will write out the new vision or direction soon so I can share it with all. I haven't been the best blogger but I have really tried. My blogging won't stop when I get back and we will just all have to wait in anticipation to see what the Lord does next. Even if it does take me some time to report, I will report. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

Areas of Need

2009-08-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've felt moved recently to share with you two areas of need that I've seen here. I am hoping to be a mouthpiece for these two situations and see what the Lord might do.

Internally Displaced People

As a result of the post-election violence that occured the beginning of last year, there are many internally displaced people still living in IDP camps. Some of the larger camps are still receiving assistance from NGOs but there is smaller ones that are barely managing and ignored by the gov't etc. I had the privilege to visit one of these camps which caused my heart to break. These people are desperate but when you talk to many they are trusting the Lord and pressing forward. I was able to talk to one man who, even though he lost three of children and has to take care of his wife with post-traumatic stress disorder, still believes that God is faithful and good. He brought to my attention that many people in the camp don't even have bibles because most of their belongings were left or destroyed. It is my desire to be able to get bibles to hand out to these people so they can be encouraged by the word of Jesus.

Relatives living with AIDS

Eva, my best friend in Kenya, found out that her brother had AIDS shortly after I arrived here this time. I have seen her struggle with knowing how to get her brother the proper care and food he needs. Her family looks to her because she is very responsible and has always been there when they needed her. She has unselfishly sent most of her monthly salary to her family and therefore barely makes it by on her own. Of course my heart goes out to her because she is my dear friend and I want to help where I can. It is hard to see her going through this but she encourages me by having a positive attitude and a peaceful assurance that her savior and mine knows what He is doing.

I don't know what the Lord plans to do, but I believe He is in control. If you are touched or moved about either of these areas and want to know more, please feel free to contact me. God Bless!!!

Quick Note

2009-08-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your prayers!! I am feeling full of joy and confident in what the Lord is doing in me and through me. Last week was rough but because of God and God's people, I am feeling refreshed and renewed. I have less than a month here but my schedule is coming together nicely and I have much to see and do yet. I hope you are blessed this day and every day!! Thanks again for thinking me and lifting me before the throne.

Steal, Kill, and Destroy

2009-08-07T00:41:00.000-07:00

I've realized that when things are going smoothly and you are making a lot of progress, Satan gets worried. That is why this past week or so, He has really tried to discourage and frustrate me. He wants to steal my joy, kill my efforts, and destroy my progress. There is no good in him and he therefore wants to try to ruin anything that is one the path to giving God glory.

It came to head yesterday when, oddly enough, I planned a trip for the youth I've been staying with to Hell's Gate. I won't go into detail but you could tell Satan was at work to bring confusion, division, and frustration. The Lord reigns supreme and used the challenges of the day to bring us together to share at night. He also provided someone whom I could talk which was a blessing for sure. He works all things out for good.

But today I can say that I am just trusting the Lord and moving forward in joy. I am not going to let satan win. I ask that you pray for my heart and my mind, you know they can be a battlefield. I want to continue to be focus on the Lord and my purpose here. Pray that I can look to all the good He has done and put aside one day that went from bad to worse. I appreciate all your love and support and I know the Lord will do big things in the last month I am here...even bigger than He has already done.

In the Lion's Den

2009-07-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

I was reading Daniel the other day and the Lord spoke to my heart. I admire the way that Daniel lived out His faith. He was so in tune with God and he made sure that his actions and words matched his beliefs and that they were honoring to God. He lived above accusation, people had nothing they could say he was doing wrong. In fact, when two men tried to get him in trouble, the only thing they could find he was doing "wrong" was praying to God. You see, they had to pinpoint an area in his faith that he was being obedient and then trick the king into passing a law against it. This really boogles my mind!! I want to live like that...I want to keep myself pure and keep my ways and actions in tune with God. Daniel listened to God and knew God. He was devoted to God's word and devoted to communication with God. In turn the Lord made him be a great influence on those around him and continually protected him, provided for him, strengthened him, etc. It is my prayer that we strive to live the same.

I encourage you to read Daniel, especially the first half. I really learned a lot from King N. as well. We must remember that power comes from the Lord and not let pride make us think we are bigger than we are. Plus, when we hear from the Lord and know we need to change our ways...lets not hesitate and forget. We must remember that the Lord never lies...therefore we shouldn't challenge Him.

God Bless!!

Kenya Update

2009-07-24T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
It's been a little over two weeks since I've written. As always, I've been busy especially since last week I had visitors from America. In general, the information continues to pour on how to start an children's home and I am receiving and digesting it all. No big decisions are being made yet because I need time to process and then move forward with all the tools in my belt. But even a month and a half in, I feel like I have grown in discernment and wisdom. I continue to pray that God equips a team of Kenyans to come along side me here (and in the future be a part of the staff) and that I just know that they are genuine. I also pray that I won't do anything unless I know for certain its of the Lord. However, I sense that if its from the Lord that He will do all He can to confirm it.

Right now, I am in the phase of visiting children's homes and traveling around Kenya to see where the Lord would like to set up His home. These two goals are going to be somewhat combined because upon coming here I realized that August is a better time to visit orphanages because the children are on break (even though i've already visited a good number). There is much in store for the next month and a half....my heart is at peace and ready for what lies ahead.

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. I know that I am being lifted up before the throne and that gives me energy for each new day. To all my supporters, my letter will be sent to you in the next couple days. I decided to do a midway letter and then a letter when I return. I hope you are having a blessed summer...sorry the weather hasn't been the best there. Love to you from me from Kenya!

Did I Jump the Gun??

2009-07-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Jumping the gun…this is an American saying we did something or said something before it was the right time. This phrase really is not understood in Kenya but the closest phrase I can think of here is “Haraka haraka haina baraka.” This phrase translates like this: Hurry has no blessings. So why am I sharing these phrases with you?? It is not because I am rethinking everything….I know I am called to Kenya, that the Lord is calling me to start a children’s home and extension ministries (school, clinic, etc.), that He is leading and guiding me every step, etc. But what God has been stirring in me is that I might have jumped the gun on the location of His planned ministry.

Since the time I received my calling, I always assumed that Kibera was the location. As crazy as it sounds, Kibera was a place that was comfortable to me because it is the place that I had lived during my two year stay in Kenya. However, after a trip to a town called Eburru, my mind is reeling over the notion that I might have chosen the slum because it was comfortable and not because it was Divine telling me such.

I’ve done this many times before (we all have) but a notable time about 5 years ago comes to mind. It was a time I knew I was called to missions but I choose comfortable New Zealand over something more challenging and stretching. The reason that I ended up in Kenya is that I then actually prayed about the decision extensively and that’s where my patient, loving Heavenly Father wanted to send me (and I am so glad He did). It took God transforming my plans to come in line with His. It took me deciding to take a risk and trust that the Lord would walk me through it.

So how does this all connect?? This is coming to mind now because Eburru is essentially in the bush of Kenya. Few people come out this way to help those here. I saw hunger and poverty in a much different way then I do in Kibera and my heart broke. Kibera has gotten many people’s attention and there is many NGOs reaching out to the slum. But there is more places like Eburru that have been forgotten but also have great need.

Will you join in me in praying about where God wants me to establish this home for His glory?? I am willing to recklessly abandon my prior thoughts to just be filled with His. In fact, this is what this time this summer is all about. Who knows…maybe the Lord will lead me back to Kibera but just maybe He is going to take me to a remote place to serve. Thanks for your prayer support and I will keep you up to date on where God leads my heart.

Seek God First

2009-06-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's me again!! I wanted to write you first about how God showed me that if I seek Him first...all other things will be added to me. As you all know, I followed God in obedience to Kenya this summer. As hard as I worked to arrange everything, I did not know where I would end up staying because I wanted to see the places first before I decided on one. However, since this matter was up in the air I was really worrying about it.

On the plane ride here, my mind was plagued by the fact that I was not sure where I would be staying or if I would be safe. Plus, on top of it all I knew that if I stayed by myself, I would need to prepare all my meals (which is a bit harder here)...I would need to buy furniture etc. (which adds up quickly)...I would battle loneliness...etc. I needed to make the choice on the plane whether to let Satan win by worrying and not trusting or whether to give it to God and believe that He would make all things work. I made the choice to give it to God and anytime a thought creeped in..I gave it to God again.

When I arrived I did look at houses. But while I was doing this, I stayed with my friend Eva, who is the caretaker at an orphanage. It was interesting to say the least....three people sharing a double bed (and people know I have issues..lol). So in my head, i knew it wouldn't work for me to stay there. However, my head was telling me wrong because the Lord wanted to provide for me through them. Eva and Jackie graciously moved to the store room and gave me the double bed and room to myself. I am able to eat with them and the kids there and I won't get lonely. I don't need to buy furniture and don't have to worry about safety. WOWIE...God is AMAZING!!

He is providing for me in other ways because I am seeking Him first and being obedient. He has smoothed the path before me and showed me time and again that He cares for His servants. I hope this challenges you to put Him first as well and you will start to see Him work and move in awesome ways.

I am continuing to focus on special needs/disability centers for two more weeks. Tomorrow I get to visit an inclusion preschool all day which is much like the Headstart program I worked in in the states. God continues to confirm my calling while allowing me to take a small part in the lives of the beautiful children here.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I will post again soon. Jehovah Jireh is our Provider!

We are all God's children

2009-06-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

I have been in Kenya one week. This week, along with getting settled, I have visited organizations and ministries that are reaching out to those with special needs and disabilities. In Kenya, if you have a special need or disability, you are most often ostracized from the community and hidden away. If you try to be a part of the community, there is still a stigma and many are not helpful or sensitive to your additional needs.

I become very sad when I think about this too much. They are beautiful and wonderful children/adults of God and they have been told quite the opposite. I have more faces now in my head of the children here with special needs and disabilities. I have such a love for them and my heart groans for them. I respect the staff who day in and out care for, teach, help, etc. these children even though their society thinks they are wasting their time in such a job. I have such respect for the children as well...that they continue on day by day....with smiles on their faces and abundant love in their hearts. How is it that I am so blessed to be able to even shake the hand of these lovely people??

Otherwise, the Lord is providing for my every need here so far. It has been such a smooth transition and everything that I had worried about has been taken care of by our loving Father. I will write more about this later though....i have so much to say.

You will be hearing from me again soon. Thank you for taking this journey with me!!

Goodbyes

2009-06-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

So I leave tomorrow for Kenya! I am still frantically running around the house trying to get everything cleaned and packed before I go (this is the way I do things). Luckily, I have someone coming over to help me and to keep me moving...woohoo...Praise God for good helpers. And I don't have to leave the house as early tomorrow because my flight was changed. It turns out that I was on the inaugral flight from US to Kenya and they cancelled it last week. Praise God for lovely travel agents who stay up all night to rebook you. Now I will be going from Newark to Amsterdam and then to Kenya.

So the past couples days have been filled with goodbyes. I have done this leaving thing before but each time its hard to say goodbye to my kiddos. I face this going and coming back from Kenya, the kids don't fully understand why you are leaving them and can't comprehend that you will be back. As my sister said "three months is forever to a little kid."

I had to say goodbye to my two clients. They are two precious little girls that I have bonded with and that I get to see nearly everyday. I know that they will grow so much and change so much while I am away...but I am lucky that I will be able to continue services with them when I return. Praise God for flexible work situations and for Zoe and Maddie.

I had to say goodbye to my niece, Daynika. She is only 3 months old so she really does not understand that her Aunt Alysha is going away. By the time I return, she will be 6 months...goodness me...it seems like she was born yesterday. But praise God for beautiful nieces....she is so darn cute it unbearable sometimes. I know when I come back we will have time to get to know each other.

Then I had to say goodbye to my other niece and nephew. They are so special....I enjoy and love them so much. Aidan is going to be 3...he is hilarous and adorable. Grace is 5 and is a spitfire. She is smarter than me I believe and I think we are a lot alike...haha. They can understand a little better that I'm leaving but are struggling with it. They will forget and invite me to all the things they are doing this summer ("Wanna come wit us Lysha? - Aidan) I told Grace that she could e-mail me messages and I will e-mail her back. She told me to e-mail her "I miss you so very much Gracie. Love, Aunt Alysha." I will certainly do this. Praise God for these two...they have a big piece of my heart. And Praise God that my brother in law was late coming home from work on Saturday so I had extra cuddle time with Grace!!

Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to the little girls in my sunday schoool class. They are too sweet. And although they aren't really kids...and do understand that I'm leaving to follow God's will ...I had to say goodbye to my youth group kiddos...they are fantastic too!

Now I really must go clean. I will post soon after I get to Kenya and let you know what is happening. Take care!!

Kenya Bowl!?!

2009-06-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last night the Ave. (the young adult group I am a part of) arranged a fundraiser for The SKY Mission called Kenya Bowl!?! It turned out to be a real success and a great time of fellowship. I did not even have time to bowl because I was chatting so much. Last night blessed my heart...to be supported and encouraged....to laugh and have fun. It is good to know that as I travel I have people that will be thinking of me and praying for me. Thank you to all involved in making it happening and all who came out to bowl. Kenya Bowl!?! YES YOU KEN.

A Travel Companion

2009-05-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

You know I was thinking about something the other day. I have been telling everyone that I am traveling independently(alone) to Kenya this summer...that it is just me who is going. I realized the error in my words....it was like God was essentially saying "Excuse me, you are not traveling by yourself...You have a travel companion."

Whoo hoo...I have a travel companion...the best travel companion ever! Everywhere I go in Kenya, He will be with me. He is the best at making plans and preparing things ahead of time. He doesn't have baggage but is willing to carry mine. He gives me energy and strength rather than zapping me of it. He helps me speak and helps me think clearly. He's a good listener and helps me to process. He does so much more than that and I'm glad to be traveling with Him. In fact, I am glad that I have been officially traveling with Him since the age of 12 and this is just another leg of the journey...the amazing race. So let me correct myself once and for all.....God and myself will be traveling to Kenya this summer....I will not and could not go without Him.

So a short update:
I am tying up loose ends here...figuring out bills, making contact lists, still networking and scheduling, have to soon pack and clean, etc. So far I am not overwhelmed..Praise God for this. I am just filled with anticipation. I am so blessed by the support I received so far and I continue to be floored by how God moves hearts and lives to come along side me in this endeavor (I know I am being redundant in saying it but it is so true). The Young Adult group I am a part of has decided to have a bowling fundraiser..where part of the proceeds go to the The SKY Mission. What a unique and great way to help God and I get to Kenya!!

Estimated Time of Departure (ETD): 12 Days.

Thank you everyone!!

He delights in you!

2009-05-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

Last night, I read Psalm 18. Psalm 18 is quite long with 50 verses total. I have read it many times before and even just recently but God had something to show me in this Psalm. When I read verse 19 the last four words hit me..."He delighted in me." The Lord DELIGHTS in me. The Lord DELIGHTS in you. It is hard for us to accept that Lord delights in us, it is something we don't hear from the world or get from the world. I've realized over the past couple years how much time and energy it takes to be a people pleaser...and at the end of the day those people are not saying that they delight in me. But by doing nothing other than just being me, the Lord says He delights in me. What a great love our Father showers on us! Our Father accepts us for who we are.

I've got the golden ticket!

2009-05-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo!! My ticket for Kenya this summer has been purchased!! It is good to have it finally...I am so thankful for how God is being my provider. I am ready and excited to see what the Lord is going to do with my time there. He is painting on a canvas larger than I can see...I trust the Master Artist.

My Grandmother

2009-05-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

I was able to speak yesterday at the church that my grandmother attended when she was still alive. It was a church that she poured her heart into and tried to all she could to keep it afloat in the years that it was struggling. What a blessing for me to share there and honor her in doing so!

About half the congregation remembered my grandmother and told me kind stories of their memories of her. I could not help but cry at different moments because I miss her so much and cherish her just as much. As a grandmother, she was a jewel.

I know that she would be proud of me and encourage me in what I am doing. She always loved me for who I was. I wonder if she would ever have expected me to be so totally in love with Africa....wanting to be a missionary....etc. Maybe she caught a glimpse of it while she was still alive...maybe she saw who I was becoming long before I even knew.

One month to GO!

2009-05-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well...lets see what has been happening:

~ I have been spoke at two churches so far and have two more scheduled to speak at. God has given me confidence and boldness to go up and present what He has laid on my heart. I am excited to go to my Nana's old church and my old home church.

~I was able to visit a mission's organization that takes on independent missionaries. I had a very nice time there and was able to meet missionaries from Kenya who are on furlough. Through this new connection, I have received much encouragement and for that I am grateful.

~ All things are now in order for me to send off my support letter...so I am working on that. If you would like to receive one...please let me know.

~ God blessed my conversation with the mom's of the little girls I work with. I was fearful that they would be upset about me leaving but they were more than supportive. Praise God!!

There is many odds and ends yet but I believe in faith that it will all fall into place. Thank you for thoughts and prayers. Take care and God Bless.

Steps

2009-04-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

All that needs to be accomplished must happen in steps. Often it seems that I make a couple steps forward and then find myself a couple steps back or with 20 more steps added. I know I must just go one step at a time...little by little...asking for guidance and not running ahead or letting the Devil push me behind. I need your prayers to be able to do this. I also need to praise God and be happy when I even made just one step or really even a half a step.

Willing to be Redirected

2009-04-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everybody know that I am waiting on making The SKY Mission an NPO. I feel as if that Lord has a different way for me to get to the same result. For instance, there is a few mission organizations that will take on independent missionaries with their own vision and plan, rather than having you fit into their existing projects. They support and back you...plus doing all the things that I don't like doing....like handling money, doing logistics, etc. I found one such mission's organization about 30 minutes from where I live and my parents have been talking to one as well. So I am going to find out more about these organizations and see where the Lord leads me.

Thanks for your continued prayers. God Bless!!!

Purposeful Accidents

2009-04-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

It is funny how quite accidently you end up on a website and end up finding a ministry, a person, etc. that becomes a great contact and big encouragement. I know that its not really an accident (we can not see whats happening behind the scenes)...that God has a purpose for it. As I have been pursuing God's call on my life, I see how He is the one who is helping me network and connect. For instance, yesterday I was searching for images on the internet for a presentation. As I somehow started site jumping, I found myself on a site for a special needs school in Kenya. I e-mailed them and before I left for the day, I received one back. I will be able to visit the school during my trip this summer....rather cool I think. This isn't the first time this has occured

I believe God is good. It is easy to get distracted and discouraged by different circumstances but we MUST remember to take time to really see what God is doing in the midst of everything. In Lamentations 3:22- It says that "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.." woo hoo! Circumstances will not consume us...okay...check. Then in verses 25 and 26 it says "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him, and it is good to wait quietly for the Lord." We must keep on hoping, seeking, and waiting....all the while trusting in His goodness.

Sacrifice

2009-04-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

I was praying yesterday and the Lord gave me the word "sacrifice." A bit after I was drawn to the book of Esther and was able to see how she sacrificed herself to the Lord and His people. The Lord taught me about much more than just sacrifice last night but I know there is more He wants to impart to me. Please pray that my heart is open to hear!

Update

2009-04-03T08:09:00.001-07:00

It is now April and time just continues to fly. I am making every effort to get things in order for my trip to Kenya this summer and praying to God for direction each step of the way. Little by little, things are falling into place and I praise HIM for that. I always have to remind myself though that I need to be patient and trust in God's timing and ability. I am a worry wort and I am emotional.....I get really anxious about all that has to be done and instead of laying it at the Lord's feet I dwell upon it. Truth is that I cannot do it but my God can.

This summer I will be focusing on three areas: special needs/disabilities ministry, orphanage ministry, and outreach to orphanages and children's homes in the slums. Since I will be in Kenya for three months, I will take a month to focus on each area. He is helping me to prepare for each of these ministries now and figure out all the details. He is providing in many different ways and I am so thankful. There are still loose ends though, so I ask for your prayer covering for this endeavor.

Other than that, there is a web page that has been started, I am calling churches and setting up speaking engagements, business cards and prayer cards are in the making, support letters will soon be ready to be sent out, etc.

It has been a wild ride so far. Wild because it has been intense and stretching but not wild like out of control. I know everything is controlled in the hands of my loving Savior. He reiterated that to me yesterday when he spoke Isaiah 58:11 to me. Take a minute to read it and I hope it encourages you.

Okay, thats all for now. Have a blessed day.

You are stronger than you know...

2009-04-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share something with you. It is something that God spoke to me but I believe that the message was not just for me but for all that are willing to hear and receive. The message is that "You are stronger than you know!!" The same power that God has is within those who believe. Do we live like the same power that dwells within God, dwells within us?? I think most of the time, probably not. But if we started to live in the strength and power that the Lord promises us and gives us, imagine how different every aspect of our life would be. Satan tries to come and make us feel defeated and discouraged. He lies about who we are and who God is and tries to get us disconnected from our power source. We need to fight to stay plugged in!! The reward is great for those who do stay plugged in though....the reward is having abundant life and the ability for God to use you because He knows that you will channel His power to broken, hurting, lonely, sick people (and the rewards are more numerous than just that and are from here to eternity). YOU are stronger than you know!!

Woo hoo...I have a whole lot more to say on this...it gets me all excited. I am still growing in this area and I know a lot of us are. But God's awesomeness floors me.

I am a blogger now!

2009-03-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

It is exciting for me to be posting my first blog. I never thought that I would be doing something like this but I wanted to be able to update and share with you the journey I am taking as I follow God's will for my life.

You see, God placed the call to missions on my heart as a senior in college. I wanted to go to New Zealand and He wanted me to go to Africa. God won out on this one and got me to Kenya despite myself. I am sure glad He did because the connection I ended up having to Kenya and its people is only something that could only be fashioned by God himself.

I did missions work in Kenya for two years and felt specifically called to the children living in the slum areas. My second year I was volunteering in 4 orphanages weekly and loving every second of it. At the end of my time there, I knew God was asking me to be a full-time missionary and that He wanted me to build an orphanage. Needless to say, I was excited but overwhelmed. This task was much bigger than myself.

So, lets fast forward a bit. God released me from one of my job positions the beginning of this year to move ahead in His will for me. He has really been providing for me and helping me because I don't know how to do this but I am thankful He does. Together, we are making headway and orphanage ministry in Kenya is becoming more of a reality every day.

My blog will be used to tell you what God is doing and to give Him the glory! I pray that it will be an encouragement to you. Take care and God Bless!!!