22 beautiful years

“22 yrs have gone, 22 beautiful years, completely changed direction in the blink of an eye…and I have no idea what waits for me in this 23rd beautiful year, I don’t know what to expect but I feel like its going to be the best greatest adventure yet.”

Sooo, I feel a bit vain writing about this, but it is my blog, so I guess I can write about what I want! These lyrics are from a songwriter, Kevin Heider (kevinheider.com), who graduated from Franciscan University and I love his music- and he sang about his 23rd birthday, which I happened to experience this weekend in Kenya.

I am sure many of you can relate in saying that birthday’s are just not as exciting as you get older. Alix, the other volunteer with me here just turned 23 this week as well so we could relate very much on this issue. The bells and whistles seem to be gone and it is just another year older, with the expectation that you have your life figured out. And that just doesn’t seem to be the case here! I am a bit in denial that I am 23, that seems so old, especially considering I have no idea what the future holds, and I still live with my parents, oh dear! I have loved this year, being in Kenya, traveling, and seeing friends and family, but supposedly I cannot do this forever. I am applying for different jobs after this Kenya adventure has to come to a close in just a couple short months, but I really don’t have any plans. It’s a crazy place to be, having no idea where I will be or what I will be doing. But everyone goes through it, and I think much of it will depend on my outlook. I am deciding not to have any expectations, to just accept everything that comes as a gift, and be thankful. I have led an incredibly exciting and blessed 22 years and I can only hope that it will continue. If anyone has any other wise words, please share them!

On a more fun note, I did get to celebrate my birthday with the beautiful children of Mogra Star. I bought little biscuits to give to the kids, and they had a fun party of singing and dancing to help me celebrate. Usually they pour water all over the birthday person, and I am thankful I missed that tradition! I love all of their singing and dancing, so it was a blast to do it in celebration of my birthday, and share with them. On Sunday I went to Megan’s house (my wonderful British lady friend, who has 3 kids) and we had a delicious lunch her husband made, topped off with the most delectable chocolate cake, decorated by her own kids! It was so sweet of them to help me celebrate. Her kids made me cards and sang me happy birthday- and of course helped to eat the cake! Then we went to the pool for a bit in the afternoon. Coming from Cleveland, this is definitely the first birthday I have been to the pool and gotten sunburned! I really love going to Megan’s house to be with a family, it is rejuvenating after seeing so much brokenness day after day, so this was perfect. I am thankful for her and all the love she has shown me (and thank you mom, I know you sent her an email… or 2!)

In this 23 year of my life, it is a blessing to be able to look back and see all the people who have given me so much hope, love and life. A big thank you needs to go out to my parents for being so loving and supporting- even when I have no idea what I am doing! And thank you to the rest of you who have and continue to support me, your prayers and love mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it. I send all my love across the ocean to you. Peace and love, christie

karibu kenya (welcome back!)

Well, I’m back. And it is great. Kenya, and specifically these kids are apart of me forever I think. I love them a lot and feel very much alive.

It started off interesting trying to check 2 over weight bags, but with a little smile and some guilt conversation about the children in Kenya, the nice Delta lady let me get away with 8 lbs over without paying. Not too mention my 50lbs carry on bag too! Thank you to everyone who gave me donations, there was an overwhelming amount! Both checked bags were packed to the brim with socks, underwear, shoes and school supplies to give these kids. They will be SOOOO excited, I cannot wait! I had an easy 24 hours journeying over here and was picked up by the wonderful British volunteer, Megan, who so dearly takes care of me. It felt like I had never left, we could catch right back up and get started on things. I had a tiny bit of culture shock with the insane driving, but I don’t think I will ever get used to that craziness.

The kids were just wonderful to me, excited to see me again. It gave them a lot of hope too, because I followed through on my word. I told them when I left that I would be back, but I didn’t know when. So the fact that I did indeed come back was huge for them. They are not used to being able to depend on people. They really trust me. One boy, Gabriel is the best, he is a sophomore and has an incredible faith- I think he will be a preacher, even though he wants to be an international businessman. He sat down and wanted to tell me about the past month for him, and how he is overjoyed to see me again because he knows God answers prayers, like bringing me back. He is excited to start off a new year (their school year begins in January and ends in Decemeber), and when I asked him what he looks forward to most in 2011 he said “focusing on my education so I can see you in America in 10 years. He has quite the 10 year plan let me tell you!

I spent most of Saturday afternoon reading story books to the little ones. The boys especially were loving the books. I doubt they could understand the majority of the books, but they loved being able to climb on me and that I would give them attention. It makes me sad to look at each of them knowing they never have or will have anyone to read stories to them before bed, but I guess that is why I am here to love them. If anyone is looking for a mission trip, this is a simple one, loving children!

I am truly humbled knowing that people actually read this blog… I figured I was writing for mom, but apparently others read it too! I hope you will continue to follow me for the next 2 months, I have a feeling there is a lot in store. Please comment and let me know if you have any curiosities or want me to talk about a certain issue/topic. There is a lot so I would love to give you information you want to know about it!

Stay warm, I’ll be thinking of you in my 80* sunny weather (its better than ideal coming from Cleveland!)

Happy New Year Update

Hello Everyone, Happy New Year!! It has been a month, and 2 major holidays since I arrived home from Kenya, what a whirlwind looking back. It has been wonderful being home, I am taking full advantage of all the American treasures (showers, driving cars, eating delicious food, hanging out with family and friends and even some sledding with the crazy cold snow!) My adjustment home was fairly easy, and I think that was due to a couple major reasons.
1. I was ready to come home. As much as I loved it in Kenya, I knew that my time there had been beneficial but I knew I needed to go home and do more research and fundraising in order to move forward in my projects. 2. I am able to see the beauty that I experienced in Kenya, and I am also able to appreciate the convenient accommodations in the US. It is true, there are MANY unnecessary ‘needs’ that we are too attached to in the US, but there are also great living conditions that I don’t think are bad to have. It is our job to find a happy medium between those wants and needs. I have been taking special note to those since I got home. 3. I missed my family and friends!

One aspect that has been forefront in my mind since I got home is definitely the poverty that I encountered, that is what many people want to hear about. As I have talked to people about the incredibly poor conditions that I saw in Kenya it shocks most people, as it should. But I also find myself sharing about the rich faith the same people have, which is just as shocking. Reflecting on the people I met, it is very clear they must have a great faith in order to live, where as we in the US have so many ‘things’ to keep us going we often forget about faith. I wish that everyone could meet these people and put their faith into perspective because we are being robbed of a beautiful thing by being given so many other things. Especially this Christmas season, when we all stress about gifts (some that we don’t even want to give), I wish we could slow down and realize it is NOT about the things we have, but it is all about our faith and trust in God. Take a moment, think about it. What can you do to simplify your life and grow in relationship with God?

Being home, I have spent time doing research on grants and ways to improve the orphanage and school in Kenya, along with fundraising ideas. It has been a huge learning experience for me, as I continue to learn about grants and topics I don’t have much knowledge on. I am always accepting any advice or suggestions, so if you have an expertise advice please send it my way. I am also trying to find businesses that give donations to projects like I am working on, if you think your business or organization would be interested or has grants available to apply for please let me know! I am continually humbled when I have to ask for so much help, and of course always asking for money! Money… a necessary evil!

With the future always hanging over my head, and a popular question by most people (included my mother!) I thought I would take this time to also share with you my immediate plans, and ask you to continue to join me on this adventure. I am blessed to be able to return to Kenya in the middle of January in order to continue the work and projects that were started. I am excited for this opportunity to return now that I am prepared for what I will be doing and a bit more experienced- not to mention I miss those people like crazy!
As was the case when my parents came to visit, I will be taking donations back with me. So if you are in the Cleveland/Pittsburgh area and would like to donate any clothes, socks, shoes or school supplies please let me know or drop them off at our house before January 10th. Nobody seems to like to shop for boys (especially high school aged) as much as girls, so they are always lacking items- underwear and socks esp. Ages 3-21 for boys and girls!

Thank you for your continued generosity and support. You will remain in my prayers, and I ask you for prayers as I continue to serve. Peace and Love
christie