CARE for AIDS

Today Jarred and I had the pleasure of visiting the CARE for AIDS organization based in Limuru, Kenya. First we heard a general overview of the organization from our friend Duncan. They are currently running 14 different church-based clinics across Kenya for people who are HIV/AIDS positive. At each church, there are two counselors and 80 clients who build relationships with one another during a 9 month course. Throughout the 9 months, clients meet weekly with both a medical counselor and a spiritual counselor. They also have group sessions, home visits, and empowerment seminars where they are taught skills to make money for their families.

Most of the clients begin the program quite depressed,  feeling as though they have no hope and will probably die tomorrow. However, the CARE for AIDS centers help them realize their full potential and helps to improve not only the quality of their lives, but also that of their children. 

After learning about the program, we were able to sit in on a group session in the morning and go on several home visits in the afternoon where we prayed with each client. It was so touching to be invited into each home and hear the stories of struggle and triumph. We met both people who had completed the program, thriving with their new found hope, and those who were just starting the program, feeling very dejected. Seeing an entire range of clients gave us a true feel for how large of an impact the organization is having. God is blessing their ministry tremendously and Jarred and I were overjoyed to experience their work first hand.

So now, after a very busy and wonderful week, it's already time to return home. Before heading to the airport tomorrow we're stopping by an elephant orphanage and giraffe center...giving Jarred a mini-safari! We can't wait to share more with you all as soon as we're home!  

Beautiful Deaf Children of Kenya

Hi everyone!!

Jarred and I spent the past two days visiting the school for the deaf in Machakos, Kenya. It was absolutely AMAZING!! The children were so, so beautiful. Just thinking about how much I love them moves me to tears. I instantly felt a special connection to them the moment we arrived because of my sweet nephew. We are so thankful to report that God made it very easy for me to communicate with them using my sign language skills from college. Although the children are now working on learning Kenyan Sign Language, they've traditionally used ASL at their school, so they were able to understand everything I was saying. They were also very willing to teach Jarred and our good friend Boaz several signs as well. No words were even needed for Jarred to share his love of American football with the kids! He had them throwing spirals in no time, even though none of them had ever seen a football! It was so cool. Many of the students there were orphans, some were children the school found wandering the streets with no way to communicate with anyone. However the school took them in and now they are doing very well. All of the kids were very loving towards one another, like a big family. So heartwarming and yet heartbreaking at the same time, especially to see the few who also had some other disabilities. The school is boarding, so they live together most of the year. I'm so incredibly thankful God gave us the opportunity to meet them and be even a tiny, tiny part of their lives. And I can't wait to show you pictures and videos!!

Staying in Machakos was also great because we were able to spend a lot of quality time with our friend Boaz. He's an incredible man with a very special story and God has used his life to impact me forever. Having Jarred get to know him was such a dream come true.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Keep them coming. We'll be home before long but we're getting quite tired. Pray that our energy will keep up for a few more days!! Tomorrow we're off to volunteer with the CARE for AIDS organization. Can't wait!

Youth Centre in Korogocho

WHEW! What a day! If you ever wondered if teaching was just as hard around the world as it is in the US...the answer is definitely yes! The kids at the Youth Center in Korogocho completely wore us out today! We visited grades 1-8, making bracelets and singing songs. I'm going to be completely hoarse by the end of the week, but boy do I love singing with gusto!! I feel far more free to sing loud and clear for all to hear in Kenya...as if the language barrier keeps the kids from knowing whether or not I can actually sing! Something inside me knows they can tell I'm no pop star, but I'd rather pretend and live it up diva style!! We also spent a significant amount of time playing with the kids and all of their new play equipment. Thank you Frontier Academy!! The kids loved their new jump ropes, soccer balls, ribbon dancers, and American footballs. There will be plenty of pictures and video to come when we get home, but we forgot a USB cord, so you'll have to wait!

I also had the wonderful pleasure of introducing Jarred to my special friend, Boaz. Boaz and I met 4 and 1/2 years ago on my first trip to Kenya. Since then we've kept in touch, and it was so awesome to have Jarred and him meet face to face. Boaz is currently studying to be a doctor here in Kenya and ultimately wants to specialize in oncology. He has such a heart for others and truly enjoys all he's learning. It's such a joy to spend time with him! Jarred's also been introduced to many other familiar faces from my first trip, the ever smiling Joab, the soccer superstar Saul, and my former interpreter Isaac, just to name a few.

Overall we're having a great trip so far and will continue to keep you updated! Pray for our strength and energy to get through each day. And thank you for your kind words and messages!! We can't wait to share more with you when we get back to the states.

Safe and Sound in Kenya...Barely!!

Well, we made it!! And boy are we glad we did! Although our flights were totally smooth and landed safely, I can't say the journey was drama free. In fact...it was horrifying!!! Midway across the Atlantic, I had a Home Alone moment. All of the sudden, just like the mom from Home Alone, I sat straight up in my seat and felt my stomach sink as low as it could go!! I gasp for breath and turned to Jarred...

I realized that we 100% did not have the immunization documentation we needed to enter Kenya. The doctor had given us a little yellow card that he said we MUST have to cross the border with proof of our Yellow Fever shots...and I had totally forgotten to pack them. In fact, they didn't even cross my mind once leading up to the trip. Daily I thought of things we needed to pack and for weeks I added to our suitcases...but not once did I think of those cards. Needless to say I almost had a heart attack, and I'm positive that it was the most humiliating moment of my life. All I kept thinking was how all these people helped support our trip, all these people donated money and items for the kids in Kenya and now I totally ruined it! We weren't even going to be allowed in the country!!

The next 4 hours of flight time to Amsterdam were pretty miserable. We were supposed to be sleeping to help our bodies adjust to the time change, but we spent all 4 hours desperately trying to make contact with my family. We tried to send out emails and texts from the little tvs on the back of each plane seat. We begged 3 different flight attendants for any comforting word that we wouldn't be rejected from the country, but none of them were sure about the policy. One sweet, sweet attendant actually went and talked to the pilots. She got them to send out some message to an operator to call my mom and have her try and convince our doctors to go to their offices in the middle of the night to find and fax our paper work...to who knows where!? It was an absolute mess!! And I was completely horrified and humbled. Jarred and I made plans to stay in Amsterdam for a few days if we had to while the little Yellow Cards were rushed mailed across the Atlantic to us. It was complete DISASTER mode. I truly cannot express how awful it feels to be on a plane with no access to the outside world, knowing that you forgot one of the 3 things you need upon arrival. All we could do was sit there and pray that somehow the policy had changed...somehow we wouldn't need them.

As soon as we landed in Amsterdam we rushed to the airport's medical clinic. There they told us they "thought" the shots were now optional for Kenya and that we probably didn't need the documentation. While it was somewhat comforting, we still had to board our second flight to Kenya without knowing for sure whether or not we'd be let in. Not the greatest feeling in the world!! But we continued to pray for a miracle.

When our flight arrived, we waited in line to buy our visas and show our passports, terrified. However, the mood suddenly lightened when both Jarred and I realized a funny coincidence. Just last week we watched the "I Love Lucy" episode where Lucy gets stuck at the Italy/France border because she forgot her "passa-port." We both laughed. When I was little I told my mom I wanted to be just like Lucy...and what do you know...I really am!! Haha

 After the "Home Alone" face...I made this Lucy face!!

A few minutes later it was our turn and Praise the Lord!!! Me and my Latin Beau were not turned away! Kenya welcomed us with open arms. The Yellow Fever shots are no longer required for entry to Kenya, only recommended. Hallelujah!! We are now safe and sound!

This morning we were able to go to church and worship our great God with the beautiful people here. It was a blessing and an honor to be a part of their congregation. Tomorrow we're off to our first school and we absolutely can not wait! All of the little children we met today were so precious! As soon as they saw us they stuck out their little hands to say hello. We just wanted to pick up every one of them and spin them around. So cute!!

Well that's all for now! Dinner time! We'll keep you guys updated! And THANK YOU for your prayers. We realize more than ever that we are completely incompetent on our own and rely solely on the provisions of the Lord Most High! Bye Bye for now!

Africa Trip Prayer List

Hi Friends! If anyone out there is willing, we'd love for you to join us in praying for our trip to Kenya. Below I've compiled a list of some specific things you could pray for if you need ideas. We are humbled, honored and thankful that God's called us to go on this trip! We can't wait to see what He has in store! We are also thankful that God's blessed us with wonderful friends and family who've supported us in this journey. Keep watch of the blog next week during our trip for updates. Again, THANK YOU!! Prayers are MUCH appreciated!

• Pray that God would be glorified in every area of our journey and through all of our interactions
• Pray that God would break down any language barriers whether they be Swahili or Sign Language with the Deaf (Hooray for a smile being the same in any language!)
• Pray that Satan would not be able to distract us from the purpose of our trip, which is to share God's love with everyone we meet
• Pray that we will have boldness when sharing the Gospel and that God will give us His words to speak Good News
• Pray that Jarred and I would be open to all that we can learn from the beautiful people in Kenya
• Pray that God will give me insight and wisdom as to the aspects of teaching I can share with the teachers there to improve their classrooms
• Pray for safe travels to and from Kenya, as well as driving throughout the country (Kenyan roads can be a little scary!)
• Pray that our luggage would not be lost and that all of the school supplies we've brought will be in good condition to give to our two schools
• Pray that God would give us strength, energy and good health while we're there (no traveler's diarrhea!! ewww gross!)
• Pray that we'll have no trouble adjusting to the 8 hour time change both going and coming back
• Pray that God will give Jarred and I a shared vision for how we can continue to support the ongoing ministries of the Youth Center, CAREforAIDs, and the deaf in Africa for years to come

There's a lot to be nervous about, so we're letting Phillipians 4:6-7 speak to us this week! "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Thank you for your prayers!

WeGiveBooks.org

Attention Teachers, Parents, or anybody who cares about supporting Public Education in America: A while back my sister told me about a great website where kids can read books online, and then donate a book for charity...just as a result of reading their book. Well, that website has upped the ante a little bit more! On the We Give Books website, you can now donate books to YOUR public school of choice! First you'll want to register for free and select which school you'd like to donate to in your personal settings. Then read a great book, and at the end simply choose to "Give a Book." It's so easy and perfect for giving back to your local school! Watch the video below or visit their website for more info! Hooray!!

Art Raffle Winner!

Happy Valentine's Day and Congratulations to...drum roll please...Karen Baumgarner!! Your name was drawn this morning for the gorgeous stained glass mosaic window. Thank YOU and everyone else for supporting our trip. We are SOOO ready!!! Please be praying for us in the coming week and check this blog for updates while we're in Africa!

 

*Note: A video was taken this morning of the actual drawing, but immediately following the filming, the camera battery died. Of course. So if you need video proof, I can upload it once a fresh battery is charged!

New Product Alert!

Jarred and I came across a new product in the grocery store last week. Krusteaz has created a One Step muffin mix. All you do is add 2/3 cup of water to the container...shake...and pour into your muffin cups. It takes all of 60 seconds and there's NO cleanup. No washing a spoon and mixing bowl/slash/let's be real/ no leaving them in the sink to be cleaned by your loving husband! Being that these new One Step mixes were on sale and so ridiculously easy, we decided to give them a try. We've used Krusteaz's regular muffin mixes in the past and always enjoy them, but something this easy couldn't actually be good, right?!?! WRONG! They were DELICIOUS! The easiest and greatest muffin mix ever!! We are soo buying them again!

If you're an "all natural, organic" elitist, then no, you probably won't like them. But if you regularly do muffin mixes from the store, I highly recommend! Enjoy!

Tag, I'm it.

My sweet friend Andrea is playing a little game of "blog tag," and I am to answer the following questions that she thought up:

1. If you could have someone play you in a movie, who would you choose and why?
Hmmm, I'll tell you who I wouldn't choose, Katherine Heigl. And no, we do not look alike.

2. If you won the lottery, what would be the FIRST thing you'd do with your money?
Now this is a tricky one. I would simultaneously buy land for a deaf school in Uganda, give money for a high school to be built at a certain school in Nairobi, Kenya, and book a trip for my dad and I to go to Alaska. Boom. All at once.

3. What songs will ALWAYS bring you out on the dance floor?
It's pretty much a guarantee that if any Journey song or Pour Some Sugar On Me is playing, I'm dancing. End of discussion.

4. What is one quirky thing you do that others find strange?
One thing. Really Andrea? You thought I could name just one thing. Perhaps it'd be easier to try and narrow down to one thing I do that others don't find strange. On the other hand, I've come to believe that many of my strange behaviors aren't all that odd, they're what other people really wish they were doing...if they didn't take themselves so seriously. Let go people, be loose, have fun!! Go Rollerblade while twirling a baton. You know you want to!! Oh wait, you don't? Really? My bad, I guess it is just me.

5. If you could change your profession to anything, without having to go back to school, what would it be?
I'd like to be a Volunteer Coordinator for something. I LOVE recruiting people to give back. I could never have a normal sales job, but selling people on helping others: ding, ding, ding, best job ever!

6. What one superpower would you choose to have?
I'd have to go with the ability to teleport. I use to say flying. But teleporting is like the lazy way to fly, right?

7. Who is one famous person you'd like to meet?
While there's not really any one famous person in particular I'm dying to meet, I'd love to go to Ellen's show. Such a fun audience to be in!

8. If you could live during any time in history, when would you choose?
Although the whole Civil War thing and slavery aren't all that appealing, hoop skirts and elaborate dresses totally are...Take me to Gone With The Wind baby!!!

9. What is your favorite photograph?
Hmmm, now THAT is tough. You've inspired a stand-alone blog post to address this issue. For now I'll give you my favorite picture of you, Andrea:

10. Would you rather be 4' or 7' tall?

4 feet. If I was a boy, I'd go with 7 feet.

11. If you could only do one dance for the rest of your life, would it be the macarena or the electric slide?
Electric slide, duh!! You can do so much with it: twirls, slaps to the ground, shimmies. The possibilities are unlimited!

So there ya go! Love you Andrea!

Ben Crane...My Long Lost Best Friend??

One of the best things about loving any sport, is getting to know your favorite players a bit via interviews, facebook, twitter, etc. While there are many golfers I love, I think I just discovered who has to move to the top of my list...because quite frankly, we are obviously long lost best friends. Ben Crane is a decent golfer, 4 PGA Tour wins to date, no superstar on the course, but respectable. However it's off the course that he's caught my attention. His twitter account says he's "leading a campaign to let yourself go and have fun. Love Jesus, family, golf, and being ridiculous. Join me..." Um Hello? Is that my twitter account or his? In the last year and a half or so Ben has released several hillarious videos featuring himself and other golfers, they're definitely worth YouTube-ing. But it's his latest video that shows the greatest link between the two of us:

Look familiar?? It's obvious great minds think alike:

So as the Fantasy Golf season heats up, watch out Ben Crane, because you're getting some playing time!!

Also, if there are any other freaks out there that would like to play Fantasy Golf on Yahoo with Jarred and I, holla back!

A Major Life Accomplishment

Hear ye, Hear ye. I have a big announcement to make! This afternoon I had a major life breakthough! One I'm sure my mom wishes would have come about 20 years ago. I actually ate an entire package of orange peanut butter crackers...and loved it! (Pick your jaw up off the floor mommy).You know the ones...

Maybe this doesn't seem like such a big deal to you, but I've encountered these crackers many times in my life  and it's never ended so well. These have always been the go-to snack my family and friends take on hikes in the mountains. While everyone munches away, I scrape the peanut butter off each individual cracker and eat it plain. Yes, I was that kid in elementary school who only ate Jelly sandwiches. No peanut butter involved! Ew. Gross.

But I've turned a corner folks! I officially like peanut butter crackers, and it couldn't be more perfect timing! Jarred and I will likely be living off these things in Africa. Bring it on though, because they are delish!!

On The Willows

     For all you hard core Blog readers out there, a new blog was started just a few weekends ago that you might be interested in. On The Willows is a blog for women that discusses a range of topics from movie reviews and Etsy to deep spiritual matters and the nitty gritty challenges of everyday life. It was created by my good friend Stephanie and has contributers from all over the country post about what's on their hearts and minds. While most are women from the West Coast or Northeast, I'm holding it down for the southern gals out there! In fact, you can check out my debut post here! The blog is meant to be both an enouragement to women and a form of Christian community amongst ladies from all over. If you're in the mood for some interesting reading, check it out!

Happy Monday!

That Magical Time of Year...

Let's be honest, January is a pretty boring month. Unless you have a birthday to spice it up or plan some fantastic get-a-way for MLK day, January stinks. The holidays are over, it's cold, spring break and summer are still forever away. Boring. That is until you make one very important realization...something quite magical rolls around each year at this time and it makes me smile from ear to ear. That's right ladies and gentlemen, it's Girl Scout cookie season!!! *cheers and loud applause*

Doesn't your heart secretly leap for joy when you see the first cookie stand outside the grocery store? Don't lie. It does. One of my fabulous former students up here in Boston is a Girl Scout superstar, and I was delighted to buy several boxes of cookies from her last week. This year we went with Thin Mints and Caramel Delights...both staples of course...and a new little treat, the Lemonades. And let me say, I highly recommend them! If your daring enough to stray from your usual favorites, the Lemonades are worth a try! If that makes you nervous, just remember the old Girl Scout tune you sang as a child, "make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other's gold." You don't have to give up your old favorites, just add to your cookie repertoire!

Speaking of favorites...what's yours?

Returning to the Dark Side

We are inside a month until our trip to Africa...whoop whoop...and thus I've begun the last minute preparations. Suitcases are already being packed, and we are pumped!! If you've been friends with me long enough to remember my first trip to Africa, you may remember something was a little different about me...

You got it! I was rocking a deep brunette look for the first time in my life. My sister thought it might be a good idea since standing out in a foreign country isn't always the best thing for an American to do, and there aren't exactly a ton of blondes bopping around Kenya. So I abandoned my traditional southern blonde and went over to the dark side. While I quickly transitioned back to blonde upon my return to the states, I've enjoyed looking back on my brown hair from time to time. I'm not going to lie, brunettes do have a lot of fun too!! Or maybe the fun was in being in such an amazing place...but who's to say? The big question now is...what about this time? Do I dare going dark again???

Oh I dare...

Welcome back you brunette locks of intrigue...welcome back.

Chatterbox Kids

While I've stepped away from my Etsy store at the moment (too busy babysitting and tutoring this school year), my sister has stepped up to fill the family craftiness shoes (although let's be for real...she was always the more crafty one anyway!!). Rather than monogramming and embroidery, she is a master seamstress, sewing precious clothes for her little inspiration, MC. If you're a facebook friend of mine, perhaps you've already seen the amazing T-Shirt quilt she made me for Christmas. PERFECTION!! If you haven't, here it is again:

Now back to the main point...Terri is starting her own Etsy store. She's a hard-working, stay-at-home mom looking to make a little extra cash for her family and for some of their favorite charities as well. Through her Etsy store, people can buy baby/toddler/elementary age girl clothes and choose one of three great causes to support. Here are her causes and coupon codes:

2020Clarke- 20% off and 20% of the purchase price will be donated to Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Jacksonville. Until May 2012, this donation will be tripled by a private foundation. That means Clarke will receive 3 times 20% of your purchase price. On a $12 purchase, that adds up to $7.20! 

2020Uganda- 20% off and 20% of the purchase price will be donated to Boanerges Deaf Initiative in Uganda through Commissioned Believers Deaf Ministry. These donations benefit children who attend a school for the deaf in Kampala, Uganda. The outlook for deaf children in developing countries is typically tragic. Children are often outcast, abused, and have no access to language of any kind. Ministries like Boanerges provide hope and access to the world through sign language, education, and the good news of Jesus. 

2020Adopt- 20% off and 20% will be donated towards the adoption of a child with special needs.

And HERE are some pics of items for sale on her Etsy store:

Super cute, right?! She makes little jumpers too and is working on getting everything put on facebook/Etsy. She can make any of the skirts in larger sizes for older girls as well, just send her a message on Etsy. And if you don't have any little ones to buy for...help us out and "favorite" her items on Etsy so they begin to show up more for others to see. You can also "Like" her facebook page: Click here! OR "pin" her items on Pinterest so they link to her Etsy site.

Thanks so much everybody, your support means the world! : )

What if you lost your most treasured possession...

What is your most treasured possession? A family heirloom passed down through generations? That shiny new iPhone you just bought? Perhaps some rare collectors item? Each of us have special items that we seem to enjoy more than our other possessions, whether they be gifts from loved ones or things we worked hard to buy. We admire these things. We love them. We take care of them. We treasure them. 

One of the things I love and admire the most on a daily basis is my engagement ring. Although I've worn it for a good 3.5 years now, I still catch myself gazing at it, commenting to Jarred about how much it sparkles in certain rooms. I absolutely love everything about it. I love that my sweet husband had to save up and work his rear off to buy it for me because I had to have this one. It's unique and rare, from a collection that's no longer being made. It's petite and delicate and the perfect ring for me. But what if I didn't have it anymore? 

This question became a reality for me this past weekend. As Jarred and I were preparing to take a weekend trip up to New Hampshire and Maine, we had a bit of car trouble. Well, to be more accurate, we straight up knocked our side mirror out of its holder backing down our alleyway too fast because we forgot our camera at home and were too eager to get on the road. Thus started a downward spiral of events. We hit a pole, out pops the mirror and crap...we aren't going anywhere until this is fixed. But hark, what do I remember? I have some special car putty that I can use to put it back on! Yay! I get the putty, start working it in my hands and think to myself, "oh goodness, I don't want to get this stuff on my rings!!" Of course not, right? Off go both my engagement and wedding bands, which are soldered together to make one ring, and my Clemson ring. I set them on the car to finish my repair job. Finally the mirror is back in place and we are on the road, flying up I-95 to  new adventures on the horizon.

Once we checked into our hotel for the night, right at the New Hampshire/Maine border, we start thinking about dinner options. As we're getting ready to go eat, I start rubbing some lotion on my hands. Now ladies, you especially know that you have to be careful putting on lotion because it can get all up in your rings! Just as that thought crossed my mind, my face went white and I gasped. Poor Jarred didn't know what was going on. "MY RINGSSS!!!, MY RINGS, oh my goodness my rings! They're gone, Oh my gosh, they were on top of the car!!!!! I didn't put them back on. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh...they're gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!" My thoughts were racing 90 miles an hour, which is almost as fast as we were going up the interstate when my rings were ON TOP OF THE FLIPPIN' CAR! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

After the initial startling realization of what happened, my "calm in emergencies" phase kicked it. I immediately started thinking about what to do next. Should we go home? Could the rings have fallen off the car immediately when we started driving? Perhaps they're lying in our parking space? Would the scavengers who roam our alley looking through trash have noticed them yet? It was dusk where we were and would be completely dark in Boston within 30 minutes. There was no time to go home and still have daylight to search. Ah-Ha! Call the neighbor. Maybe she'll look. Who else? The folks I babysit for, they'll look! Sari, my co-teacher, surely she'll go look! Oh my goodness my mom is absolutely going to FREAK (and is probably doing so right about now as she reads this for the first time...eeek!).

As the search party was being sent out in full force, my stomach started to do flips. That sinking feeling just wouldn't leave. I NEVER take off my rings, how could this have happened?! I sleep with them, shower with them, and only rarely take them off for cleaning. What a disaster!

But then, in the exact same moment, something quite profound happened. I thought...this is not a disaster. In the grand scheme of life this is not even a big deal. There are people losing loved ones to cancer. The children I'm going to visit next month in Kenya don't have enough food to eat. I am so ridiculously blessed. These frivolous pieces of rock and metal are not something to freak out over. I know it may sound crazy, but...Perspective, it washed over me. I was more concerned with the fact that I probably should be flipping out more than I was. But then again, should I? No, not really.

Over the years I've actually wondered a good deal about whether or not I loved that ring too much. It's a mere material possession that I won't be able to take with me when I leave this world. In the Bible it clearly says that we should not treasure possessions here on this earth, where thieves can steal and rust can destroy... or in my case...that I can leave on top of my car and send flying to only the good Lord above knows where. But rather we should glorify the Lord with our lives so that we store up eternal treasures in Heaven. While I was sad that my rings were gone, I also had a calming peace that it was okay. It was almost a freeing feeling to be without them because in that moment, I realized the answer I'd been wondering about. No, I don't love my engagement ring too much. I am okay without it, and without my Clemson ring too. I don't need them. During the stress of it all, in my heart I was truly thankful for the time I got to have them, for the time to enjoy them and admire them, but okay with moving on ringless. Clarity is a great thing.

Now let me also say that I'm not delusional enough to think that in my sin I don't have other idols in my life, things I treasure far too much. I definitely do, and I pray God will show me those things in time. But this story is about rings...and it's not quite over yet...

The phone rang several times over the next 45 minutes with updates from my search party, but never to inform me that my rings had been found. That is until my precious husband decided to go join the search party himself, not back in Boston, but in the hotel parking lot. He went out to examine our car and think about the trajectory the rings might have taken. As he was walking out there, an idea hit him, and immediately he knew there was a chance! Low and behold, safely tucked away in the crack between the trunk and back window, to what to his wondering eyes should appear...BLING BLING!!! My engagement ring and wedding band!!! They had traveled from the top of the car, straight down the back window and gotten stuck in the crease. Can you believe it! They made it all the way up the interstate to Maine. How insane!! Praise the Lord, what a gift!! Isn't it funny how that works? More than once in life I've had to realize I was okay without something before the Lord decided to give it to me. Interesting.

Unfortunately my Clemson ring is still at large. Lots of searching but no luck yet. I'm pretty sure I've seen the last of that one. But again...I learned my lesson, and I'm A-Ok! Perhaps I should ponder the meaning of it's absence...perhaps it's Clemson I love too much!

In Loving Memory...RIP Clemson Ring, you were loved...

Midweek Confession Time...

As inspired by my friend Meagan on her blog, it's midweek confession time...

1) I desperately want someone who knits to make me a nose warmer, perhaps with little elastic bands that go around my ears to hold it on. And no, I'm not kidding. My frozen nose and I am quite serious. Heat = $$$, and money can be spent on so many other more wonderful things like flights home to see family.

2) I am now 100% addicted to seltzer water. No I don't mean flavored sparkling waters, while those were my gateway drink, I now only drink the hard core unflavored carbonated seltzer water for the worst addicts. I blame this on fancy pants Boston. Everyone here drinks sparkling waters. At first I couldn't stand it...and now...there's no going back.

3) During this week's Bachelor episode, I had a mini hissy fit over Kacie whipping out her baton in the middle of her date to impress Ben. I mean, how dare she steal that from me?! Now what am I going to do when I get on a reality show one day? She totally stole my quirky thing! Dang it. But somehow I love her for it at the same time. We do share a special bond after all. Never mind that she's actually had training...

Okay, there are my confessions for the week, who's next??

Boanerages Deaf Initiative - Uganda

Hi Friends!

Last night Jarred and I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting a very special Ugandan named Joel. He is the director of two schools for the deaf in Uganda and has a beautiful heart for helping those who cannot speak up for themselves. Joel has been in the US speaking to various groups and participating in a Deaf Expo out in California. It was such a blessing to hear from him about all the work he's doing. It was also heartbreaking to hear some of his stories...

His heart for the deaf was originally born out of tragedy. Joel had a deaf brother who was burned to death by members of their community who didn't understand him. Since that time he's dedicated his life to serving those who are misunderstood and taken advantage of. He tells the story of a little boy he met in his travels around Uganda. When Joel asked the parents of the child what his name was, they stared at each other with blank expressions. They'd never bothered to name the boy. But later, when Joel asked the name of their family dog, the parents replied its name in unison. Deaf children are thought of so poorly in Uganda that many are not even given names. If that doesn't break your heart, I don't know what does. The boy has since been named by Joel and is now learning sign language at school where he is loved and supported. There are hundreds more children with stories just like his. 

Joel also told me about a wonderful girl from Nebraska who followed God's call to leave her comfort zone here in the US and travel around the world to volunteer at his school. Before her visit, the community in Uganda around the school had never understood why Joel would care for the little "cursed" children. Many Ugandans think deafness is contagious and would rather stay far away from the kids. However, mzungus, aka foreigners, are widely respected in the community. When the girl from Nebraska came to play and interact with the children, the community watched with wide eyes. They started making connections that if this girl whom they respected wasn't afraid to interact with the deaf kids, maybe they shouldn't be either. Even Joel's own mother who had never visited his school said, "did that girl come all the way from America just to see your school? If she did, maybe I should too!" His mother now does all that she can to help the students and has even proudly handed out certificates those who've graduated. An entire community has begun to change its opinion of deafness just because one girl from America volunteered her time to hug and love on a few children who needed love the most.

If you'd like to learn more about helping the Boanerages Deaf Initiative, please let me know. There are many needs, but Joel trusts that the Lord will raise up the support the school needs. Currently his school in Kampala has 40 children and just 1 teacher. Although Joel has worked hard to train more teachers, he is not able to pay them, so they leave. Just over $3 a day or $100 a month would pay for a teacher to be able to live comfortably and have the freedom not to worry about food or shelter. For $1 a day you could feed a hungry child. And by a visit, you could help change an entire community. Prayerfully consider if there is something you'd like to do to help.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." -Proverbs 31:8-9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFaOYpIa7c

My heart is already in Kenya

Over the past few weeks, as Jarred and I have begun raising support for our Feb. trip to Kenya, I've been constantly scouring the Internet to read more about deaf orphanages and schools. Each new article or website I come across encourages me and leaves me heartbroken at the same time. I'm thrilled when I read about the people who are working hard to give these children the love, education, and support they need. But in the same sentence I usually read more about the neglect and abuse that hundreds of thousands of other kids with disabilities are going through without the resources available to help them. Precious children without the ability to communicate who are being locked in their homes, raped, and tied to trees left for wild animals. My mind can't even wrap around the horrible injustices these children are experiencing. I want to hold each one of them, rock them back and forth, and tell them about how Jesus made them special, and he cares for them even when the whole world is against them. February can't come soon enough...

"Defend the weak and fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

-Psalm 82: 3-4

One of the many articles I've read: http://this.org/blog/2009/10/19/kenya-deaf-school/

Art Raffle for Africa

As a way of raising money for our upcoming mission trip to Kenya, Jarred and I are happy to announce an "Art Raffle for Africa." In the coming months we'll be raffling off this gorgeous, handmade stained glass flower mosaic. It's encased in an antique window frame and would be the perfect addition to any screen porch or bay window. It's valued at over $300 and was created by local South Carolina artist Kathy Dublin. Kathy went with me on my first trip to Kenya back in 2007 and is going back herself this fall.

Entries into the raffle are $10 each. For donations greater than $10, you'll be entered once for every multiple of 10. Twice for a $20 donation, 3 for $30, etc. The winner will be announced on Dec. 1st. There will also be 2nd and 3rd place prizes which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

100% of all money from raffle entries will go towards funding our trip. You'd like to enter, please email me at maryellen.callura@gmail.com, and I'll reply with our address. If you'd like to donate to our trip without entering the raffle, simply include that in your email to me. You can read more about what we'll be doing in Kenya on my previous post "A Smile is the Same in Any Language." Thank you so much for your support!