Well, it's been two and a half months since I posted anything on this blog, but I've heard from a few people who requested a little update so I'm going to try and give you just that! I guess the last post wasn't really a "conclusion," but does life really ever have those?
Jane and I got back to the States in the first week of May and entered into a whirlwind summer of transition, families, and lots of big changes. I celebrated my brother Preston's graduation in Nashville and then went on a family trip to Peru for a couple of weeks, before Jane and I reunited in Charlotte during the first week in June. Since then we've bounced around between Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville,Winston-Salem, the Tennessee mountains (twice), and Cleveland. We've been blessed with wonderful time with each of our families, gotten to celebrate at a good friend's wedding, been a part of a joint family vacation, signed a lease on an apartment, and reunited with many old friends.
We've also had LOTS of wedding conversations and decisions! Right now we are 12 days away from THE day, so most things are planned and we're down to the little details. God has been so faithful to give us many awesome people to help in this whole process and to keep it all from getting out of control. I truly believe that we are both enormously excited about the wedding AND our life that starts together after that, and I thank God for how he has kept us from getting swept up in the craziness. Please pray for us as July 23 gets closer!
I've also had some people ask about what's going on with CARE for AIDS. As soon as we got back to the States, I started transitioning into my new role as Operations Director with CFA. I am our second full-time staff member here in the States, so for the foreseeable future I'll be handling the Operations side of the ministry from Winston-Salem. This will involve keeping tabs on what's happening in Kenya, coordinating textbook drives, working on marketing and back-office projects, planning Cornel and Duncan's trip to the States in October, getting over to Kenya with vision trips occasionally....it's really an unending list! It's exciting, though, and I'm blessed to have the opportunity to take my experiences over the past two years and apply them to the US-side of the ministry. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions about CARE for AIDS - I'm probably a little closer to you now than I used to be!
I'm not sure if I'll continue posting on this blog. I probably will try to post from time to time - more often than the last few months but not as often as when I was in Kenya. We are also trying to start a true CARE for AIDS blog soon, so I will be posting from time to time there. I'll be sure to share that once it is active.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A Chapter Ends
Well, next week this time I'll be in America, and not just for a visit! That still seems surreal to me, but I'm feeling convinced that the timing is right. With the ending of this chapter in Kenya, however, come a LOT of loose ends to tie up (which is why blogging hasn't happened a whole lot lately). This week I've been having final meetings with people, compiling things for a post-Nick CFA Kenya, creating final updates, going through drawers, saying good-byes, sorting clothes...and the list goes on.
In the midst of all that, I'm trying to get my heart prepared for all the changes ahead and attempting to listen and respond to where God is leading my thoughts and my actions in a period of upheaval. I would appreciate your prayers for this time - life in Kenya has become normal for me, and "normal" is about to look very different. While I'm excited for the next step, I'm also feeling a lot of uncertainty right now about readjusting to life in America. I know it's going to require patience, flexibility, and the wisdom of God to see where he is leading us.
In the midst of all that, I'm trying to get my heart prepared for all the changes ahead and attempting to listen and respond to where God is leading my thoughts and my actions in a period of upheaval. I would appreciate your prayers for this time - life in Kenya has become normal for me, and "normal" is about to look very different. While I'm excited for the next step, I'm also feeling a lot of uncertainty right now about readjusting to life in America. I know it's going to require patience, flexibility, and the wisdom of God to see where he is leading us.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Adoption vs. Life Sustained
I'm currently reading a book given to me by my Aunt called there is no me without you by Melissa Faye Greene. I can't give a full review or recommendation on the book yet (I'm only four chapters in), but I wanted to share an excerpt from early on in the book that hits at the heart of the perspective of CARE for AIDS on a role as an orphan preventer and not an orphan caretaker:
"Adoption is not the answer to HIV/AIDS in Africa. Adoption rescues few. Adoption illuminates by example: these few once-loved children -- who lost parents to preventable diseases -- have been offered a second chance at family life in foreign countries; like young ambassadors, they instruct us. ...
'Adoption is a last resort,' I would be told in November 2005 by Haddush Halefom, head of the Children's Commission under Ethiopia's Ministry of Labor, the arbiter of intercountry adoptions...'I am deeply respectful of the families who care for our children,' he said. 'But I am so very interested in any help that can be given to us to keep the children's first parents alive. Adoption is good, but children, naturally, would prefer not to see their parents die.'"
People often ask us what we are doing for the orphan victims of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. Sometimes its hard to answer, basically, that we aren't doing anything for the existing orphans. Thankfully, there are many other organizations, churches, and individuals raising money and reaching out to take care of orphans. Our focus is on the less apparent side - taking care of HIV-positive parents and enabling them to live 20 or 25 years to raise their children themselves. Right now there are about 800 current CARE for AIDS clients, representing at least 2,500 children. Two thousand five hundred children who won't have to experience what it's like to be an orphan.
"Adoption is not the answer to HIV/AIDS in Africa. Adoption rescues few. Adoption illuminates by example: these few once-loved children -- who lost parents to preventable diseases -- have been offered a second chance at family life in foreign countries; like young ambassadors, they instruct us. ...
'Adoption is a last resort,' I would be told in November 2005 by Haddush Halefom, head of the Children's Commission under Ethiopia's Ministry of Labor, the arbiter of intercountry adoptions...'I am deeply respectful of the families who care for our children,' he said. 'But I am so very interested in any help that can be given to us to keep the children's first parents alive. Adoption is good, but children, naturally, would prefer not to see their parents die.'"
People often ask us what we are doing for the orphan victims of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. Sometimes its hard to answer, basically, that we aren't doing anything for the existing orphans. Thankfully, there are many other organizations, churches, and individuals raising money and reaching out to take care of orphans. Our focus is on the less apparent side - taking care of HIV-positive parents and enabling them to live 20 or 25 years to raise their children themselves. Right now there are about 800 current CARE for AIDS clients, representing at least 2,500 children. Two thousand five hundred children who won't have to experience what it's like to be an orphan.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Knowledge Multiplication
I'm an engineer (technically), which makes me, by default, a big fan of math and machines. While my current job doesn't involve too many machines of the mechanical kind - except when my car falls apart - it does involve the creation of mechanisms that attempt to maximize the effectiveness of the resources that CARE for AIDS has at its disposal. I love the idea of an exponential curve applied to growth of any kind, essentially a process where something multiplies then multiplies again and again and again...and never stops. This shows up in all kinds of ways through CFA. For example, if we can help one mother live an extra 20 years, she can keep 4 kids from becoming orphans...then each of those 4 kids can grow up empowered to give THEIR 4 kids a better life...and so it goes.
Another way this idea of exponential growth shows up is in the proliferation of knowledge. Last year, the Central Baptist center in Kisumu held a seminar hosted by an outside facilitator in which clients were taught how to use cheap or free materials to make baskets, which they can sell for people to use when shopping, carrying products to market, storing items in their homes, etc. One client, Mary Ochieng, took this skill and ran with it. She collected construction waste like the wrapping on bundles of materials and created baskets that sold well and provided a much-needed income. The workers at Central told the workers at a different CFA center in Nyalenda Baptist Church about Mary, and last week she visited the current group of clients at Nyalenda to pass on the basket-making skills that she learned last year. Not only is this a great encouragement to the new clients - they get to learn from someone who was in the EXACT same position that they are - it's an empowering experience for Mary. She gets a little extra income from spending a day teaching, but she also receives the confidence and hope that come from realizing that you have something to offer and knowing that you have helped other people.
Now the simple skill of basket-making has "jumped" from one community to another, and the training of one client at Central has multiplied to a whole group of clients at Nyalenda. That's engineering I can get excited about...
Another way this idea of exponential growth shows up is in the proliferation of knowledge. Last year, the Central Baptist center in Kisumu held a seminar hosted by an outside facilitator in which clients were taught how to use cheap or free materials to make baskets, which they can sell for people to use when shopping, carrying products to market, storing items in their homes, etc. One client, Mary Ochieng, took this skill and ran with it. She collected construction waste like the wrapping on bundles of materials and created baskets that sold well and provided a much-needed income. The workers at Central told the workers at a different CFA center in Nyalenda Baptist Church about Mary, and last week she visited the current group of clients at Nyalenda to pass on the basket-making skills that she learned last year. Not only is this a great encouragement to the new clients - they get to learn from someone who was in the EXACT same position that they are - it's an empowering experience for Mary. She gets a little extra income from spending a day teaching, but she also receives the confidence and hope that come from realizing that you have something to offer and knowing that you have helped other people.
Now the simple skill of basket-making has "jumped" from one community to another, and the training of one client at Central has multiplied to a whole group of clients at Nyalenda. That's engineering I can get excited about...
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| Mary teaches basket-weaving at a Nyalenda seminar |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Switching Gears
I have a tendency to get in "work mode." On the positive side, this can make me extra-efficient and super focused on getting things done, but it can also make me keep going when I need to rest or struggle to take my mind completely off of responsibilities. Thankfully, I'm usually pretty good at getting myself out of "work mode" when it's not time to be working, but every once in a while occasions come up that flip the switch for a big chunk of time. The last two weeks of March were one of those chunks. Managing both of the CFA vision trips that came to Kenya took almost all of my brain power and close to all of my waking hours, and then the following week of spending time with Justin and Caleb was fun, but still pretty focused.
Thankfully, there is a place called the beach and a thing called vacation, and four days of that place and thing were just what I needed to get my "work mode" switch to the OFF position! Jane and I had an incredible trip out to the Kenyan coast, just south of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean. Spending time relaxing with each other, reading lazily by the pool, playing lots of volleyball, praying without feeling rushed, eating luxuriously decadent food, and laughing with incredible friends was the perfect follow-up to a very full month. Thank God for giving us the strength to persevere through the challenges, as well as the beautiful relief that follows them!
Thankfully, there is a place called the beach and a thing called vacation, and four days of that place and thing were just what I needed to get my "work mode" switch to the OFF position! Jane and I had an incredible trip out to the Kenyan coast, just south of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean. Spending time relaxing with each other, reading lazily by the pool, playing lots of volleyball, praying without feeling rushed, eating luxuriously decadent food, and laughing with incredible friends was the perfect follow-up to a very full month. Thank God for giving us the strength to persevere through the challenges, as well as the beautiful relief that follows them!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Six Degrees of Separation
Sometimes the random connections that I identify with people I meet in Kenya are really mind-boggling. It started when I arrived here and starting talking with Joe, who has become a great friend. We realized that his girlfriend Caitlyn was the daughter of one of my professors at Vanderbilt. Then we realized his best college buddy Whitlow went to high school with me, and that MY dad had completely remodeled WHITLOW'S dad's house. A little bit freaky...
These crazy realizations continue to happen. This weekend I was sent to go pick up some Americans and bring them to a cookout, and after searching for the white people on the side of the road, I met Dusty and Cecily. We got to talking, and I told them about how my brother Preston just decided to take a church intern job in Jackson Hole. They said, "wait, I think we know about him!" Turns out that last week Dusty and Cecily were in the DC airport when they met a guy named David on their flight to Ethiopia. Dusty and Cecily spent the last few years in Malibu, so when they mentioned this, David told them about his good friend Preston, who had just applied for a job in Malibu but decided to take one in Jackson Hole instead. Well, Dusty had applied for the same job in Malibu - small world!
It continues, though. DAVID was flying to Ethiopia and then onwards to Rwanda, where he was spending a couple of weeks with a Peace Corps volunteer named Caitlyn. While he was there, he hung out with Caitlyn's boyfriend Joe for a week. On Saturday, JOE flew back to Kenya and came to hang out with me, Dusty, and Cecily at the cookout - yep, same Joe that's one of my best friends!
I think that the "six degrees of separation" shrink to about 2 or 3 for white people in East Africa...
These crazy realizations continue to happen. This weekend I was sent to go pick up some Americans and bring them to a cookout, and after searching for the white people on the side of the road, I met Dusty and Cecily. We got to talking, and I told them about how my brother Preston just decided to take a church intern job in Jackson Hole. They said, "wait, I think we know about him!" Turns out that last week Dusty and Cecily were in the DC airport when they met a guy named David on their flight to Ethiopia. Dusty and Cecily spent the last few years in Malibu, so when they mentioned this, David told them about his good friend Preston, who had just applied for a job in Malibu but decided to take one in Jackson Hole instead. Well, Dusty had applied for the same job in Malibu - small world!
It continues, though. DAVID was flying to Ethiopia and then onwards to Rwanda, where he was spending a couple of weeks with a Peace Corps volunteer named Caitlyn. While he was there, he hung out with Caitlyn's boyfriend Joe for a week. On Saturday, JOE flew back to Kenya and came to hang out with me, Dusty, and Cecily at the cookout - yep, same Joe that's one of my best friends!
I think that the "six degrees of separation" shrink to about 2 or 3 for white people in East Africa...
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Numbers vs. Change
I ran across a really interesting article from the Harvard Business Review about, among other things, the criteria that people look for in choosing which organizations in the humanitarian sector warrant their charitable contributions. It seems to be an overriding trend that the average American is much more interested in a low overhead percentage than in actual, demonstrated results from a non-profit. In one study cited in the article, 79% of respondents reported that they wouldn't give money to a cause without knowing how much goes to overhead/administration, while only 6% said they needed to know if their money was going to make a difference.
That's REALLY frustrating for me! As one of the people working in the humanitarian/non-profit/whatever sector, I've experienced firsthand the intrinsic difficulties caused by an obsessive focus on showing off a pie chart with a little tiny sliver labeled "administration" and the rest proudly marked "project costs" or something like that. The problem is that this system doesn't reflect the positive change that is resulting from an organization's work. I've seen many groups that are just giving away things to people in need...helping them for a day but hurting them for the rest of their lives and creating absolutely zero long-term benefit for the individuals, their families, or their societies. Many times this even creates a negative overall impact by cultivating an attitude of dependence, hampering local businesses, and stifling the development of skills. BUT it looks great in a pie chart.
If you don't pay anyone to teach people or monitor their progress, you can get a lot of volunteers to hand out things and make themselves feel good. If you don't put any effort or spending into researching needs and evaluating results, then all of your money can go into whatever short-lived "thing" you decide from the other side of the ocean to throw at people. If you don't hire locals as real employees and give them the benefits they deserve, then you won't have much admin cost. You'll have an awesome pie chart and you'll probably get a lot of money thrown at you from innocent Americans, but you won't be doing any good.
It's a struggle for me to see organizations doing this while we try to run CARE for AIDS with an ultimate goal of producing actual change. This means that we do buy computers to track the progress of our clients and analyze our results. It means that we do give our employees benefits like social security, health insurance, and ongoing training seminars to make them effective in their jobs and equip them for the rest of their lives. It means that we spend money on professional teachers and trainers to help our clients learn skills, not only collect handouts. It even means that we pay for quality marketing materials and professional financial advising in the States, because we view them as a long-term investment in our ability to reach more people here in Africa. All of this adds up to more than just a sliver on our pie chart, but it contributes to the real, sustained, long-term change that is taking place in the lives of the clients we serve, the futures of the Kenyans we employ, the health of the churches we partner with, and the reality of the AIDS crisis all across Kenya.
ps - here is the article mentioned
That's REALLY frustrating for me! As one of the people working in the humanitarian/non-profit/whatever sector, I've experienced firsthand the intrinsic difficulties caused by an obsessive focus on showing off a pie chart with a little tiny sliver labeled "administration" and the rest proudly marked "project costs" or something like that. The problem is that this system doesn't reflect the positive change that is resulting from an organization's work. I've seen many groups that are just giving away things to people in need...helping them for a day but hurting them for the rest of their lives and creating absolutely zero long-term benefit for the individuals, their families, or their societies. Many times this even creates a negative overall impact by cultivating an attitude of dependence, hampering local businesses, and stifling the development of skills. BUT it looks great in a pie chart. If you don't pay anyone to teach people or monitor their progress, you can get a lot of volunteers to hand out things and make themselves feel good. If you don't put any effort or spending into researching needs and evaluating results, then all of your money can go into whatever short-lived "thing" you decide from the other side of the ocean to throw at people. If you don't hire locals as real employees and give them the benefits they deserve, then you won't have much admin cost. You'll have an awesome pie chart and you'll probably get a lot of money thrown at you from innocent Americans, but you won't be doing any good.
It's a struggle for me to see organizations doing this while we try to run CARE for AIDS with an ultimate goal of producing actual change. This means that we do buy computers to track the progress of our clients and analyze our results. It means that we do give our employees benefits like social security, health insurance, and ongoing training seminars to make them effective in their jobs and equip them for the rest of their lives. It means that we spend money on professional teachers and trainers to help our clients learn skills, not only collect handouts. It even means that we pay for quality marketing materials and professional financial advising in the States, because we view them as a long-term investment in our ability to reach more people here in Africa. All of this adds up to more than just a sliver on our pie chart, but it contributes to the real, sustained, long-term change that is taking place in the lives of the clients we serve, the futures of the Kenyans we employ, the health of the churches we partner with, and the reality of the AIDS crisis all across Kenya.
And I'm much more proud of THAT than a pie chart.
Ongoing one-on-one training and counseling means more
spending on salaries/benefits and less spending on handouts,
but it actually makes a difference!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Kenya on the Rise
Not what you expect to find in Kenya, right? You CAN enjoy this incredible cappuccino here though, which is exactly what I'm doing as I work (and blog) on my computer from the new ArtCaffe at the Village Market in Nairobi. It actually feels much more like I am in Italy or France than Kenya at the moment, and the bustling activity here serves as another sign to me of the manner in which Kenya is growing. Even in the last two years, I've observed the "middle class" expanding, with not only expats and foreigners enjoying places like ArtCaffe, but with more and more Kenyans gaining enough disposable income to frequent nicer establishments. At the same time, this is providing more jobs (I can see at least 25 people working on the wait staff and in the kitchen - labor is MUCH cheaper here) and hopefully building an economy that is less and less reliant on foreign aid to survive.
That's enough of the big-picture theorizing, though...back to my coffee!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Beauty
Last night I got home to find a dark house and a lack of power. It shouldn't have surprised me, because when I left in the afternoon the power lines across the street were spewing sparks at the top of a pole...yikes. Not having power isn't the end of the world - just the end of hot water, internet access, coffee makers, and some of those little "conveniences" that we all get used to.
Anyway, I walked in the house last night and Edwin, who guards and takes care of our compound, had set up little candles in strategic places to provide some light for Duncan and I. I stopped for a few minutes in the living room, struck first by the amount of light that came from one small candle in the midst of a completely dark room (I could stop here and break into a reflective post about being a light in the world, but we've probably all heard that one before), and second by the beauty that these tiny lights brought to an ordinary environment. Compared with the ordinary light bulbs I'm used to, these little flickering candles seemed to transform their surroundings with a silent, understated beauty.
Something that's has been a trend in several conversations lately for me is optimism. Now, I know that it's possible - and obnoxious - to be overly optimistic. I've been guilty of that before. In most cases, though, I think that optimism is a good thing, because it draws our minds toward things that are "true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable...excellent...or praiseworthy," and brings us to "think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). Part of this is recognizing beauty, and seeing things that are beautiful as a reflection of God and His love for us. John Eldridge talks in The Way of the Wild Heart about the transition that occurs in a man as he matures and comes to appreciate beauty, and through it, the Creator of beauty. For me, the initial recognition of beauty came through BIG things...the snow covered Swiss Alps, or the golden light on the African savanna. Over time, though, I think I'm coming to acknowledge beauty in the small things, the daily things. Things like the moon behind clouds at night, the blue sky, green grass, and brown dirt that surrounds me. Things like the light from a single candle in a dark room...
Where can you find beauty today? Last night in our small group we talked about the signs that God uses to remind each one of us that He is here. What is it that shows you God is present, that reveals the work of our Creator? Choosing and learning to see beauty in the small things can be a great source of joy, and even the most optimistic people can always use a little more joy!
Anyway, I walked in the house last night and Edwin, who guards and takes care of our compound, had set up little candles in strategic places to provide some light for Duncan and I. I stopped for a few minutes in the living room, struck first by the amount of light that came from one small candle in the midst of a completely dark room (I could stop here and break into a reflective post about being a light in the world, but we've probably all heard that one before), and second by the beauty that these tiny lights brought to an ordinary environment. Compared with the ordinary light bulbs I'm used to, these little flickering candles seemed to transform their surroundings with a silent, understated beauty.
Something that's has been a trend in several conversations lately for me is optimism. Now, I know that it's possible - and obnoxious - to be overly optimistic. I've been guilty of that before. In most cases, though, I think that optimism is a good thing, because it draws our minds toward things that are "true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable...excellent...or praiseworthy," and brings us to "think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). Part of this is recognizing beauty, and seeing things that are beautiful as a reflection of God and His love for us. John Eldridge talks in The Way of the Wild Heart about the transition that occurs in a man as he matures and comes to appreciate beauty, and through it, the Creator of beauty. For me, the initial recognition of beauty came through BIG things...the snow covered Swiss Alps, or the golden light on the African savanna. Over time, though, I think I'm coming to acknowledge beauty in the small things, the daily things. Things like the moon behind clouds at night, the blue sky, green grass, and brown dirt that surrounds me. Things like the light from a single candle in a dark room...
Where can you find beauty today? Last night in our small group we talked about the signs that God uses to remind each one of us that He is here. What is it that shows you God is present, that reveals the work of our Creator? Choosing and learning to see beauty in the small things can be a great source of joy, and even the most optimistic people can always use a little more joy!
Friday, December 3, 2010
December Prayer Requests
Two weeks from now, Jane and I will be in Charlotte, North Carolina - USA. The transition from Kenya to America at this time of year is a crazy one: hot weather to winter, developing world to developed, minority to majority...when you throw all of that in with the general intensity of the Christmas season in America, you've got quite an explosion coming up! A good one, for sure, but with that in mind, I wanted to throw out some prayer requests for the coming month...
1. CFA Staff Retreat - I'll be going to a campground by Lake Naivasha next weekend with all 26 members of the CFA team in Kenya. It's going to be an incredible time to relax with good friends and new team members, and I know there will be some funny stories to come from it. I'm really excited about this, and I'm praying that it will be a meaningful and encouraging time for all of our employees as we eat together (the buffet is their favorite part), get to know each other better, and talk about the big picture of CARE for AIDS.
2. America time - After a long journey through Istanbul and New York (starting at 3am on the 15th), Jane and I will be spending time in Charlotte, Bay Village, and Vail during our 3-week trip to the States. It's easy for these trips to get so crammed full of stuff (and food) that they fly by and I don't even know what's really happening, but I'm praying that we will be able to relish every moment of time with family and friends, and that God would give us a renewed energy and passion for being in Kenya from January to May.
3. The Future - While the wedding planning has reached a bit of a lull these days, Jane and I have a lot to figure out in terms of our life after returning from Kenya in May. Please join me in praying for God's direction in preparing for her to start school again, considering job options for me, and exploring options for where we will live, how we will find community, and what He has planned for us in Winston Salem.
Thank you all for your prayers and support - your encouragement truly is the voice of God's love to me in so many ways!
1. CFA Staff Retreat - I'll be going to a campground by Lake Naivasha next weekend with all 26 members of the CFA team in Kenya. It's going to be an incredible time to relax with good friends and new team members, and I know there will be some funny stories to come from it. I'm really excited about this, and I'm praying that it will be a meaningful and encouraging time for all of our employees as we eat together (the buffet is their favorite part), get to know each other better, and talk about the big picture of CARE for AIDS.
2. America time - After a long journey through Istanbul and New York (starting at 3am on the 15th), Jane and I will be spending time in Charlotte, Bay Village, and Vail during our 3-week trip to the States. It's easy for these trips to get so crammed full of stuff (and food) that they fly by and I don't even know what's really happening, but I'm praying that we will be able to relish every moment of time with family and friends, and that God would give us a renewed energy and passion for being in Kenya from January to May.
3. The Future - While the wedding planning has reached a bit of a lull these days, Jane and I have a lot to figure out in terms of our life after returning from Kenya in May. Please join me in praying for God's direction in preparing for her to start school again, considering job options for me, and exploring options for where we will live, how we will find community, and what He has planned for us in Winston Salem.
Thank you all for your prayers and support - your encouragement truly is the voice of God's love to me in so many ways!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
CARE for AIDS Vision
Since returning to Kenya in July, I've been working through a professional development curriculum with Cornel and Duncan. We are using the "Great Leaders Serve" program, created and used at Chick-fil-A by our own board member Mark Miller. Cornel, Duncan, and I have all been gleaning a mountain of insight through the workbooks, audio messages, and guided study of The Secret (by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller), and it's been incredibly exciting for me to help these guys think through how they can be better leaders. The curriculum focuses on Christ's model of "servant leadership," an idea that is even more counter-cultural in Kenya than in the States, and Cornel and Duncan have really embraced the concept. They are so excited about putting into practice such a revolutionary idea, and I am already seeing the subjects we talk about manifested in their individual leadership - so cool!
Last week we had a long discussion and brainstorming session about vision - "Seeing and Shaping the Future" of various aspects within CARE for AIDS. I thought the ideas that Cornel and Duncan presented were inspiring and exciting, and maybe they will help you to better understand the picture that these guys have of what CARE for AIDS is and will become. Here is what they came up with:
Our centers will be the most efficient and highest quality caregivers in each of their respective communities.
Our centers will create a culturally acceptable environment through which every HIV-infected man or woman will have the opportunity to receive the gospel and to receive nurturing and care via the hope that comes through Christ.
Our centers will reach every man and women living with HIV/AIDS and living in poverty within their respective communities.
Our centers will educate and inspire church congregations to love people living with HIV/AIDS.
Our staff will be the client and community educators, health providers, and agents of change.
Our staff will all completely understand HIV and its implications for individuals and society.
Our staff will all know how to share the Gospel and provide hope to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Our staff will learn how to responsibly and faithfully manage their lives and families.
Our administration will exemplify a new concept of servant leadership that will permeate from the staff to the partnering church, the clients, and the whole community.
Our administration will make CFA into a first-class NGO that will stand the test of the day in terms of accountability and good stewardship of the resources that God has entrusted to us.
Our administration will always examine the big picture of our calling as believers.
Our administration will continually assist and develop the center workers, always seeking to better and more efficiently serve people living with HIV/AIDS through every CFA center.
Last week we had a long discussion and brainstorming session about vision - "Seeing and Shaping the Future" of various aspects within CARE for AIDS. I thought the ideas that Cornel and Duncan presented were inspiring and exciting, and maybe they will help you to better understand the picture that these guys have of what CARE for AIDS is and will become. Here is what they came up with:
Vision for CARE for AIDS
CARE for AIDS exists to engage American Christians to partner with African churches to transform and empower HIV-infected men and women both physically and spiritually.
Vision for each CARE for AIDS Center
Our centers will be the most efficient and highest quality caregivers in each of their respective communities.
Our centers will create a culturally acceptable environment through which every HIV-infected man or woman will have the opportunity to receive the gospel and to receive nurturing and care via the hope that comes through Christ.
Our centers will reach every man and women living with HIV/AIDS and living in poverty within their respective communities.
Our centers will educate and inspire church congregations to love people living with HIV/AIDS.
Vision for CARE for AIDS Staff
Our staff will be the client and community educators, health providers, and agents of change.
- Educators: They will teach the clients how to improve their health and prevent illnesses
- Health Providers: They will treat common illnesses early, before they become serious
- Agents of Change: They will help the clients and the community members to change their knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and practices so that they all lead healthier, positive lives
Our staff will all completely understand HIV and its implications for individuals and society.
Our staff will all know how to share the Gospel and provide hope to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Our staff will learn how to responsibly and faithfully manage their lives and families.
Vision for CARE for AIDS Administration
Our administration will make CFA into a first-class NGO that will stand the test of the day in terms of accountability and good stewardship of the resources that God has entrusted to us.
Our administration will always examine the big picture of our calling as believers.
Our administration will continually assist and develop the center workers, always seeking to better and more efficiently serve people living with HIV/AIDS through every CFA center.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving!
Kenyans don't celebrate Thanksgiving - BORING! Luckily, there are other Americans here who know their history books and know when it's time to cook some turkey, so I'm counting down the hours until Thanksgiving dinner tonight. Until then, I wanted to take a quick minute and thank YOU for being in front of your computer right now reading this!
I really do appreciate all of you who read my rambling thoughts. I appreciate the time you take to join with me in what's going on in Kenya, I appreciate the comments and emails that you send me every once in a while, and I appreciate the prayers that so many of you are regularly sending out on my behalf. All of these things are a great encouragement to me!
Now, a few Thanksgiving week memories:
I really do appreciate all of you who read my rambling thoughts. I appreciate the time you take to join with me in what's going on in Kenya, I appreciate the comments and emails that you send me every once in a while, and I appreciate the prayers that so many of you are regularly sending out on my behalf. All of these things are a great encouragement to me!
Now, a few Thanksgiving week memories:
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| 2009: Mara with Preston |
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| 2008: VU at Kentucky Football (win to get bowl-eligible!) |
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| 2007: Back to Vandy for November football |
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| 2006: New York City with the whole family! |
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| 2005: Apple bobbing at the CRU Bonfire |
Monday, November 22, 2010
Societal Cost Savings from CFA
A few months ago I was presented with the following question:
"What is the cost to the Kenyan society of NOT providing CARE for AIDS services to a person living with HIV/AIDS?"
After researching online, speaking with other professionals, and gathering data from our staff, I came up with an answer and discovered several interesting facts along the way. This might get a little long, so you can skip to the bottom for the final results if you'd like. If you would like more information on where any of the specific numbers came from, feel free to ask!
First, I tried to determine how many people are directly impacted by a person living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. The majority of our clients are married, both living with HIV/AIDS. From our records, we found that about 40% are single parents or are part of discordant couples, so for each family represented, we have an average of 1.6 infected parents. Also from the data collected with incoming client groups, we know that our clients have an average of 4 children per family.
Next, we needed to know the life expectancy for a person living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya - both if they were receiving care and if they were not. From several published research projects looking at the life expectancy of HIV-positive adults in various places around Africa, with different sets of extenuating circumstances and various socio-economic situations, it became apparent that the life expectancy for a typical client, without the counseling, education, and assistance provided by CFA, is 2.75 years. This is assuming that the person will not be consuming a healthy diet, will not be properly taking ARV medication, and will not be taking every possible precaution to guard against opportunistic infection. If we are successful in providing care, the client WILL be doing each one of these things, and can thus survive an average of 20 years. This figure is again supported by professional research and is a conservative estimate when the advances in medical care in the coming decades are taken into account.
After that, we considered the opportunistic infections that any HIV+ person will experience. These are diseases like malaria and tuberculosis that prey on the weakened immune system of people living with HIV/AIDS and are often the actual cause of death. Without care and education, most people living with HIV/AIDS are victim to some kind of infection every 3 months, an average of 4 infections per year. The vast majority of our clients come to us with no health insurance, which means the doctor's visits and medication associated with each infection will cost the client approximately $60. Because most of the clients are not producing any excess income, this cost must be assumed by relatives, well-wishers, and other members of society. While in the CFA program, clients are put on a proper regimen of medication and are taught about sanitation and preventing opportunistic infections, which lowers their infection rate to about 1 opportunistic infection per year. They are also enrolled in a government-sponsored health insurance scheme for low-income people called NHIF, which lowers the cost of treatment to about $6 per infection. Over the course of an entire year, the client will pay about $75 for healthcare.
Then we explored the costs associated with a funeral - a major expense in Kenyan culture. When someone dies, their body must be transported back to their traditional homeland, along with a group of relatives or friends. They must pay for a coffin, burial expenses, and outstanding hospital fees in additional to the cost of transportation. According to a poll among several members of our staff, the average minimum cost for all of this is about $300. Again, none of our clients have money put aside for these expenses, which means they must be assumed by the people around them. Because we work with our clients to save with credible institutions and budget for the future, though, and because our clients can live long enough to accumulate savings and allow their children to grow to an income-producing stage in life, the cost of a funeral for our clients 20 years down the road will not be imposed upon society.
Another important aspect of this question concerns the children of people living with HIV/AIDS. If an orphan is taken care of in an orphanage in Kenya, someone will end up paying about $180 per year. Most children who find their way to an orphanage receive care until the age of 18, so we assume that our clients' children would require an average of 9 years of care each if their parents were to pass away.
Finally, we tried to estimate how many additional infections a person living with HIV/AIDS would be responsible for without the care and education provided by CFA . Through data available online and the anecdotal evidence provided by our staff and others working in the medical arena, we determined that about 80% of people will infect someone else during the course of their life through sexual transmission or caregiving. About 25% of women will give birth to an HIV+ child. With a proper understanding of the virus and of the methods of transmission, though, the reinfection rate falls close to 0%.
After gathering all of these numbers, we were able to group the cost to society for people without care into several components:
This gave us our final number - the cost to society that is saved when each client receives the life transformation and empowerment that CARE for AIDS provides: $16,500.
Obviously this isn't an exact number and there is quite a bit of estimation involved, but the bigger purpose in pointing to this number is to show how much is accomplished for a relatively small investment. The cost of taking one client through the CARE for AIDS program is only $200. After that, the client will "pay" only around $100 per year for health insurance, medical costs, and savings for funeral expenses. Because they are providing for themselves and their children, saving for the future, and guarding against opportunistic infections and the spread of the virus, their financial burden on society drops by over sixteen THOUSAND dollars. I find this truly amazing. What a testament to the impact that a small investment from an American Christian can have not only on one family, but on the struggling economy and society of a developing country.
"What is the cost to the Kenyan society of NOT providing CARE for AIDS services to a person living with HIV/AIDS?"
After researching online, speaking with other professionals, and gathering data from our staff, I came up with an answer and discovered several interesting facts along the way. This might get a little long, so you can skip to the bottom for the final results if you'd like. If you would like more information on where any of the specific numbers came from, feel free to ask!
First, I tried to determine how many people are directly impacted by a person living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. The majority of our clients are married, both living with HIV/AIDS. From our records, we found that about 40% are single parents or are part of discordant couples, so for each family represented, we have an average of 1.6 infected parents. Also from the data collected with incoming client groups, we know that our clients have an average of 4 children per family.
After that, we considered the opportunistic infections that any HIV+ person will experience. These are diseases like malaria and tuberculosis that prey on the weakened immune system of people living with HIV/AIDS and are often the actual cause of death. Without care and education, most people living with HIV/AIDS are victim to some kind of infection every 3 months, an average of 4 infections per year. The vast majority of our clients come to us with no health insurance, which means the doctor's visits and medication associated with each infection will cost the client approximately $60. Because most of the clients are not producing any excess income, this cost must be assumed by relatives, well-wishers, and other members of society. While in the CFA program, clients are put on a proper regimen of medication and are taught about sanitation and preventing opportunistic infections, which lowers their infection rate to about 1 opportunistic infection per year. They are also enrolled in a government-sponsored health insurance scheme for low-income people called NHIF, which lowers the cost of treatment to about $6 per infection. Over the course of an entire year, the client will pay about $75 for healthcare.
Then we explored the costs associated with a funeral - a major expense in Kenyan culture. When someone dies, their body must be transported back to their traditional homeland, along with a group of relatives or friends. They must pay for a coffin, burial expenses, and outstanding hospital fees in additional to the cost of transportation. According to a poll among several members of our staff, the average minimum cost for all of this is about $300. Again, none of our clients have money put aside for these expenses, which means they must be assumed by the people around them. Because we work with our clients to save with credible institutions and budget for the future, though, and because our clients can live long enough to accumulate savings and allow their children to grow to an income-producing stage in life, the cost of a funeral for our clients 20 years down the road will not be imposed upon society.
Finally, we tried to estimate how many additional infections a person living with HIV/AIDS would be responsible for without the care and education provided by CFA . Through data available online and the anecdotal evidence provided by our staff and others working in the medical arena, we determined that about 80% of people will infect someone else during the course of their life through sexual transmission or caregiving. About 25% of women will give birth to an HIV+ child. With a proper understanding of the virus and of the methods of transmission, though, the reinfection rate falls close to 0%.
After gathering all of these numbers, we were able to group the cost to society for people without care into several components:
- Medical costs - the number of opportunistic infections per year multiplied by the cost of treatment for each infection, multiplied by the number of infected parents and the life expectancy.
- Funeral costs
- Childcare costs - the number of children multiplied by the number of years of care required and the cost of each year of care in an orphanage.
This gave us our final number - the cost to society that is saved when each client receives the life transformation and empowerment that CARE for AIDS provides: $16,500.
Obviously this isn't an exact number and there is quite a bit of estimation involved, but the bigger purpose in pointing to this number is to show how much is accomplished for a relatively small investment. The cost of taking one client through the CARE for AIDS program is only $200. After that, the client will "pay" only around $100 per year for health insurance, medical costs, and savings for funeral expenses. Because they are providing for themselves and their children, saving for the future, and guarding against opportunistic infections and the spread of the virus, their financial burden on society drops by over sixteen THOUSAND dollars. I find this truly amazing. What a testament to the impact that a small investment from an American Christian can have not only on one family, but on the struggling economy and society of a developing country.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Western Development
Now that I've been in Kenya long enough that people raise their eyebrows when I answer the question, "So how long have ya been here?", I get asked a lot of questions about development. People always want to talk about what development and aid strategies work (or don't work), how money can best be used, where the most spiritual impact is realized, etc. etc. Instead of writing a long post about all of this, I just read a blog post that Jane wrote and decided that it would be a great start for any of you guys to read who don't follow her blog. Teamwork is part of getting married, right? Here's the link:
http://canyakenya.blogspot.com/
She is right on here, and I just wanted to add a couple of questions for YOU to think about in your personal outlook on international development...
What does "secular development" really do? Is it good (in the big picture of eternity) to take a person with glaring physical needs and satisfy those needs, without attributing the help and love to Christ? Or is this just making their earthly existence more comfortable, making them believe - like so many westerners - that they don't need God in their lives? Could it be removing an opportunity for evangelism, or even creating a negative impact?
Where does the church fit in to helping the developing world? Where SHOULD it fit in? Where do you fit in to the church?
In addition to the book Jane mentioned, I'll also throw out several books that have challenged my understanding of the relationship between my faith, the western church, loving the world, and helping the needy of this planet. Read them if your interest in hearing some Biblical truth, but expect to be challenged:
Radical by David Platt
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
http://canyakenya.blogspot.com/
She is right on here, and I just wanted to add a couple of questions for YOU to think about in your personal outlook on international development...
What does "secular development" really do? Is it good (in the big picture of eternity) to take a person with glaring physical needs and satisfy those needs, without attributing the help and love to Christ? Or is this just making their earthly existence more comfortable, making them believe - like so many westerners - that they don't need God in their lives? Could it be removing an opportunity for evangelism, or even creating a negative impact?
Where does the church fit in to helping the developing world? Where SHOULD it fit in? Where do you fit in to the church?
In addition to the book Jane mentioned, I'll also throw out several books that have challenged my understanding of the relationship between my faith, the western church, loving the world, and helping the needy of this planet. Read them if your interest in hearing some Biblical truth, but expect to be challenged:
Radical by David Platt
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
All sorts of excitement!
So it's been a week and a half since my last post, but I promise there is a good excuse! The last ten days have been some of the most hectic of my time here in Kenya, and while it will take a few posts to fully describe all that has happened, I wanted to at least provide a quick run-down so yall know what I've been up to...
1. Steve's wedding - LAST weekend Jane and I drove to Kisumu for the CFA Financial Director's (and a great friend of mine's) wedding. Definitely more details to come on this one, but the short version is that this was one of the MOST Kenyan experiences that I've had. Even more than the wedding I was a part of in March, this one truly typified the mantra, "All Kenyan, All the Time."
2. Road tripping - As a part of the wedding, I got to drive back and forth to Kisumu (4.5 hours) on back-to-back days. Because of the wedding's very, very slow pace, most of the return drive took place in the dark. In the rain. Yikes.
3. Burglary - While we were at the wedding, Jane and I learned that some robbers broke through the roof in her house and stole her computer. While everyone was asleep. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the volunteers got to experience the magic of Kenyan police investigation. Unthankfully (is that a word?) Jane is out one Macbook. Thankfully, all her data was backed up. A 2 to 1 ratio is pretty good?
4. Moving - After the ACTS house demonstrated its lack of adequate security, Jane moved to Brackenhurst last Monday. Pros - safety, beautifully manicured grounds, short commute, DSTV in the lounge, her own bathroom. Cons - no kitchen, lots of volunteers around, unappealing paint color in her new room. Not an ideal situation, but at least it's only for another month or so!
5. Food Poisoning - Steve's wedding decide to reappear in our lives last Tuesday in the form of food poisoning. Jane and I were given the unique opportunity to bond through alternating trips to the bathroom and group doctor visits to discuss our symptoms. We are both back to 100% now, with another story to tell - hooray! Seriously though, praise God for working out medication and making us well. As a side note, almost all of the 300 guests at the wedding also got sick...what a mess.
6. Leadership - On Wednesday, all of the CFA admin team (7 of us) met up in Limuru to attend the Global Leadership Summit in Nairobi all day Thursday and Friday. We all stayed in my house (party!) and spent two very long days in town watching DVD's of some awesome Christian leadership speakers (exciting!), listening to local Kenyan speakers (not quite as exciting), and bonding together as a group (makes you feel warm and fuzzy right?). Although I was still a little sick and worn out, it was an AWESOME time and there will definitely be more to come on what we learned...
So there are the high points! Add in other staff meetings, Jane's face swelling up, the brakes on my car going out, losing power in the house, disgruntled employees, meetings with pastors, etc. and you get an idea of the pace of life lately. Whew. This morning, though, I'm back in the office playing catch up and I have a pot of coffee all to myself - thankfully, Kenyans hate the stuff. I feel like I've learned a lot and God has shown himself in some unique ways over the past couple of weeks, so once I can process all that you'll hear about it...get excited!
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement! Oh yeah, Jane and I also decided to come home for Christmas, which is REALLY exciting! Hopefully we'll see some of you around Charlotte, Bay Village, or Vail (boom!).
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:12-13 (in a small way, Paul, I feel you!)
1. Steve's wedding - LAST weekend Jane and I drove to Kisumu for the CFA Financial Director's (and a great friend of mine's) wedding. Definitely more details to come on this one, but the short version is that this was one of the MOST Kenyan experiences that I've had. Even more than the wedding I was a part of in March, this one truly typified the mantra, "All Kenyan, All the Time."
2. Road tripping - As a part of the wedding, I got to drive back and forth to Kisumu (4.5 hours) on back-to-back days. Because of the wedding's very, very slow pace, most of the return drive took place in the dark. In the rain. Yikes.
3. Burglary - While we were at the wedding, Jane and I learned that some robbers broke through the roof in her house and stole her computer. While everyone was asleep. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the volunteers got to experience the magic of Kenyan police investigation. Unthankfully (is that a word?) Jane is out one Macbook. Thankfully, all her data was backed up. A 2 to 1 ratio is pretty good?
4. Moving - After the ACTS house demonstrated its lack of adequate security, Jane moved to Brackenhurst last Monday. Pros - safety, beautifully manicured grounds, short commute, DSTV in the lounge, her own bathroom. Cons - no kitchen, lots of volunteers around, unappealing paint color in her new room. Not an ideal situation, but at least it's only for another month or so!
5. Food Poisoning - Steve's wedding decide to reappear in our lives last Tuesday in the form of food poisoning. Jane and I were given the unique opportunity to bond through alternating trips to the bathroom and group doctor visits to discuss our symptoms. We are both back to 100% now, with another story to tell - hooray! Seriously though, praise God for working out medication and making us well. As a side note, almost all of the 300 guests at the wedding also got sick...what a mess.
6. Leadership - On Wednesday, all of the CFA admin team (7 of us) met up in Limuru to attend the Global Leadership Summit in Nairobi all day Thursday and Friday. We all stayed in my house (party!) and spent two very long days in town watching DVD's of some awesome Christian leadership speakers (exciting!), listening to local Kenyan speakers (not quite as exciting), and bonding together as a group (makes you feel warm and fuzzy right?). Although I was still a little sick and worn out, it was an AWESOME time and there will definitely be more to come on what we learned...
So there are the high points! Add in other staff meetings, Jane's face swelling up, the brakes on my car going out, losing power in the house, disgruntled employees, meetings with pastors, etc. and you get an idea of the pace of life lately. Whew. This morning, though, I'm back in the office playing catch up and I have a pot of coffee all to myself - thankfully, Kenyans hate the stuff. I feel like I've learned a lot and God has shown himself in some unique ways over the past couple of weeks, so once I can process all that you'll hear about it...get excited!
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement! Oh yeah, Jane and I also decided to come home for Christmas, which is REALLY exciting! Hopefully we'll see some of you around Charlotte, Bay Village, or Vail (boom!).
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:12-13 (in a small way, Paul, I feel you!)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Character
Over the last couple of nights, I listened to the first episode in a podcast series by Andy Stanley called Character under Construction (the last couple of nights, because I like listening to podcasts when I go to sleep, but I tend to fall asleep about half-way through). His message really hit me, so I wanted to share a few of the highlights, take-away, key points, or whatever you want to call them...
1. Character and Ethics used to be tied together, but in the modern world ACHIEVEMENT is often valued higher than character, so achievement becomes the foundation of the ethics that most people live by. For example, it's ok to cheat or cut corners if the end result is profit, gain, pleasure, or advancement.
2. Character, for a believer, is "the will to do what is right as God defines what is right, regardless of the cost." It's not doing what is right because it takes me somewhere or keeps me from some punishment, but doing what is right BECAUSE it is right!
3. Proverbs 11:3a - "The integrity of the upright guides them..." How often do I ask God for guidance, looking for a sign or a message or a word? Sometimes he might provide those things, but the first form of His guidance is through a person's own integrity. If I could live a life of character, where I am continually choosing what is right because God defines it as right, my own integrity and outlook might provide the direction that I need in many choices.
1. Character and Ethics used to be tied together, but in the modern world ACHIEVEMENT is often valued higher than character, so achievement becomes the foundation of the ethics that most people live by. For example, it's ok to cheat or cut corners if the end result is profit, gain, pleasure, or advancement.
2. Character, for a believer, is "the will to do what is right as God defines what is right, regardless of the cost." It's not doing what is right because it takes me somewhere or keeps me from some punishment, but doing what is right BECAUSE it is right!
3. Proverbs 11:3a - "The integrity of the upright guides them..." How often do I ask God for guidance, looking for a sign or a message or a word? Sometimes he might provide those things, but the first form of His guidance is through a person's own integrity. If I could live a life of character, where I am continually choosing what is right because God defines it as right, my own integrity and outlook might provide the direction that I need in many choices.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Wonderfully Overwhelmed
So it's been over a week now that Jane and I have been engaged, and I think my mind is starting to come back down to earth and a state of "normalcy." The last week has been amazing, and I'm getting to the point where I can start to put together a few of my thoughts in a little more coherent manner. Here are a few of the things that have stuck out to me over the past week:
1. Being engaged is AWESOME! Last week I posted about the emotional swing from "scared to death nervous" to "out of this world happy" that accompanied the proposal, but as time has gone on I've realized all sorts of other aspects of this time that are amazing. Since I have known this was coming for a couple of months, I've been constantly biting my tongue when conversations come up about the future, trying not to give away too much. Now it's all on the table, though, which is a great feeling! Jane has also confessed that she's much less suspicious of me these days...
2. Jane and I have UNBELIEVABLE friends and families! The outpouring of support that we've received this week has been humbling, inspiring, encouraging, and so full of love. Talking to both of our families last week was incredibly joyful, and we are so blessed to have parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. that are thrilled to share this season of our lives with us. It was so fun to call friends back in the States (sometimes even waking them up in the morning) and share our big news...the screams and laughs and excited questions just multiplied our exhilaration! Then the news got out on facebook, and it was super entertaining to watch all of the comments, wall-posts, "likes" and messages come in on a minute-by-minute basis while everyone woke up in America and saw the news pop up in their newsfeeds...sometimes technology is mind-blowing in a great way!
3. Weddings are a big deal! All of my married friends have passed on their wedding-planning knowledge, but I don't think I could ever really understand all of the aspects that go into it before I started to really sit down and think through everything. Thankfully, Jane and I are very much on the same page with everything, and we CAN'T WAIT to celebrate with all our friends and family! We have also been blessed with parents and friends who are willing to do so much to make this happen, even while we are on the other side of the Atlantic. I would love your prayers for this planning process - there are definitely challenges associated with the fact that we are in Africa right now, so we are really praying that God would go with us through every step of the way, that He would help the details to fall into place, and that He would protect all of our hearts and minds, keeping us sane and full of joy in everything!
God has been so faithful and good to us - thank you all again for your prayers and your support, and stay tuned to see where this journey takes us!
1. Being engaged is AWESOME! Last week I posted about the emotional swing from "scared to death nervous" to "out of this world happy" that accompanied the proposal, but as time has gone on I've realized all sorts of other aspects of this time that are amazing. Since I have known this was coming for a couple of months, I've been constantly biting my tongue when conversations come up about the future, trying not to give away too much. Now it's all on the table, though, which is a great feeling! Jane has also confessed that she's much less suspicious of me these days...
2. Jane and I have UNBELIEVABLE friends and families! The outpouring of support that we've received this week has been humbling, inspiring, encouraging, and so full of love. Talking to both of our families last week was incredibly joyful, and we are so blessed to have parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. that are thrilled to share this season of our lives with us. It was so fun to call friends back in the States (sometimes even waking them up in the morning) and share our big news...the screams and laughs and excited questions just multiplied our exhilaration! Then the news got out on facebook, and it was super entertaining to watch all of the comments, wall-posts, "likes" and messages come in on a minute-by-minute basis while everyone woke up in America and saw the news pop up in their newsfeeds...sometimes technology is mind-blowing in a great way!
3. Weddings are a big deal! All of my married friends have passed on their wedding-planning knowledge, but I don't think I could ever really understand all of the aspects that go into it before I started to really sit down and think through everything. Thankfully, Jane and I are very much on the same page with everything, and we CAN'T WAIT to celebrate with all our friends and family! We have also been blessed with parents and friends who are willing to do so much to make this happen, even while we are on the other side of the Atlantic. I would love your prayers for this planning process - there are definitely challenges associated with the fact that we are in Africa right now, so we are really praying that God would go with us through every step of the way, that He would help the details to fall into place, and that He would protect all of our hearts and minds, keeping us sane and full of joy in everything!
God has been so faithful and good to us - thank you all again for your prayers and your support, and stay tuned to see where this journey takes us!
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| Blast from the past - exactly three years ago! |
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
WE'RE ENGAGED!
I am unbelievably excited to officially tell you all that Jane and I got engaged this past Saturday! We had an incredible weekend away from Limuru that culminated with our decision to take this step, and we are both so full of joy as we look toward the future. On Saturday, I went from being about the most nervous I've been in my life, to the HAPPIEST that I've ever been - and that feeling is still overwhelming me a few days later! Jane does a much better job of telling the whole story than I do, so please visit her blog if you want to hear the details:
Jane's Blog
You can also see a full photo album of the weekend (including the ring!) here:
Pictures!
Thank you so much to each of you who have been praying for Jane and I, encouraging us, and supporting our relationship over the past few years. We know that we could not be where we are today were it not for God's guidance, patience, strength, and wisdom, and we believe that all of the prayers offered up for each of us have been a major factor in the way God's hand has been on our relationship. We would love for you to continue praying as we embark on the next stage of our life together - the next year will hold all kinds of decision-making, wedding planning, learning more about each other, and preparing for marriage, and we know that we can't do all of this on our own. Please also joining us in PRAISING God for how he has blessed us with each other and with such unbelievable joy!
Jane's Blog
You can also see a full photo album of the weekend (including the ring!) here:
Pictures!
Thank you so much to each of you who have been praying for Jane and I, encouraging us, and supporting our relationship over the past few years. We know that we could not be where we are today were it not for God's guidance, patience, strength, and wisdom, and we believe that all of the prayers offered up for each of us have been a major factor in the way God's hand has been on our relationship. We would love for you to continue praying as we embark on the next stage of our life together - the next year will hold all kinds of decision-making, wedding planning, learning more about each other, and preparing for marriage, and we know that we can't do all of this on our own. Please also joining us in PRAISING God for how he has blessed us with each other and with such unbelievable joy!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
One of the aspects of going on safari that always surprises and thrills first-time visitors to Africa is how CLOSE you can get to the animals. Its one of the reasons that pictures turn out so good - you don't have to have a $10,000 400mm lens to get a picture of a zebra's face, because the zebra is literally ten feet away from you! Animals seem to have a totally different presence when they are "up close and personal," and the experience of being mere feet away is magical in a unique way for each type. Sitting still while a herd of elephants meanders past, I am always blown away by the sound of their giant ears flapping against their bodies - like the sails of a boat flapping in the wind. Watching a lion stalk across the road three feet away from the van's bumper, I am struck by the intensity and focus of her gaze, and by the reality that it would only take a quick leap for her to be IN the van next to me. Holding my breath as wildebeest run past on both sides, I can't help but wonder what they think about the crazy "animals" that block their path and point shiny cameras at them all the time!
Many of the animals in the Masai Mara have adapted to the point where they barely seem to notice the presence of safari vehicles. They've realized that the white vans and green Land Cruisers aren't going to hunt or eat them, and they know that the humans aren't competition for their sources of food. Often times a giraffe or elephant will look at a van for a few seconds when it drives up - and then go right back to the important matter at hand: eating. Sometimes a sleeping male lion will open his eyes and glance at the strange species a few yards away, only to lazily roll over and get on with his nap. We aren't a threat or an opportunity, but simply something to be ignored. The humans, vans, and trucks have become a part of their environment.I feel like we respond to many aspects of our culture in the same way. Something that might be startling at first, be it for good or bad reasons, becomes routine and unremarkable over time. Lions probably didn't sit passively by when the first trucks arrived in Africa, but now they don't give them a second thought. Whether the novel feature is an exciting thing (a new toy, an opportunity, a technological advance that makes life easier) or a negative influence (vulgarity in movies, compromises to "the world," immoral messages from TV shows), we become accustomed to their presence over time. Sometimes this causes us to take things for granted - think about how you respond when your internet connection is interrupted! Other times it causes us to gradually accept the things that we once found repulsive or sinful. In either case, it usually happens without our noticing, and it could end up being dangerous. If Kenya suddenly legalized hunting and all of the tourists carried rifles instead of cameras, the lions would be in trouble...
What are you getting used to?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Competition
I realized quickly after graduating from college that one of the big things missing from life was competition. Intramural sports were one of the most fun parts of Vanderbilt for me - especially during my senior year, when I was only taking a couple of classes, I think I spent more time on the intramural fields than in class! I absolutely loved getting outside with a bunch of friends and playing soccer/frisbee/football/whatever, and there are few feelings better than falling into bed exhausted after running around in the grass all day.
I could definitely feel the lack of competition last year in Kenya. Even though we had some heated ping-pong matches, it doesn't have quite the same feel as a good team game outside. A few weeks ago, though, I found the answer! There is a guy named John who got to Kenya about a month ago to work with Kim Pace's Blue Sky Ministries - he's from Georgia and happens to be a big ultimate frisbee player. We asked around and found a group of westerners who play ultimate every Sunday afternoon at one of the International Schools in Nairobi, and we've joined in the last two Sundays. It's a great atmosphere - intense enough that it's a challenge and I can really get into it, but not so intense that a mistake ruins your day. There is a great mix of people from different places and with different experience levels, but pretty much everyone has played "organized" frisbee before and is at least decent.
Having not played a sport like this (lots of running, sprinting, and diving on the ground) in a year or so, my body was definitely feeling it after last Sunday! Between super sore muscles and all kinds of scrapes, I was totally exhausted on Sunday night - and most of Monday and Tuesday too - but it was a beautiful feeling. It feels SO good to get out and run around till I'm about to fall over, and I've found that I definitely need that adrenalin rush of diving in the end zone for a catch...there's just no substitute for winning!
So this Monday morning, sitting at my desk sore and stiff again, I'm thanking God for providing answers to needs that we might not even know we have. Sometimes it's the little things, like a frisbee game, that can show us He cares about us and knows what will make us happy or give us something new to get excited about.
Thanks Lord!
I could definitely feel the lack of competition last year in Kenya. Even though we had some heated ping-pong matches, it doesn't have quite the same feel as a good team game outside. A few weeks ago, though, I found the answer! There is a guy named John who got to Kenya about a month ago to work with Kim Pace's Blue Sky Ministries - he's from Georgia and happens to be a big ultimate frisbee player. We asked around and found a group of westerners who play ultimate every Sunday afternoon at one of the International Schools in Nairobi, and we've joined in the last two Sundays. It's a great atmosphere - intense enough that it's a challenge and I can really get into it, but not so intense that a mistake ruins your day. There is a great mix of people from different places and with different experience levels, but pretty much everyone has played "organized" frisbee before and is at least decent.
Having not played a sport like this (lots of running, sprinting, and diving on the ground) in a year or so, my body was definitely feeling it after last Sunday! Between super sore muscles and all kinds of scrapes, I was totally exhausted on Sunday night - and most of Monday and Tuesday too - but it was a beautiful feeling. It feels SO good to get out and run around till I'm about to fall over, and I've found that I definitely need that adrenalin rush of diving in the end zone for a catch...there's just no substitute for winning!
So this Monday morning, sitting at my desk sore and stiff again, I'm thanking God for providing answers to needs that we might not even know we have. Sometimes it's the little things, like a frisbee game, that can show us He cares about us and knows what will make us happy or give us something new to get excited about.
Thanks Lord!
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