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