Not By Might

adventures in the hills of Kenya

2012-02-11T16:13:00.005+03:00

This weekend is our Midterm break. It's really just a three day weekend, but since it's the only weekend we get OFF all term, mentally it's pretty crucial to a healthy staff (and students, for that matter).Today Naomi and I piled into a matatu with 22 other people and made our way up the hill to Maingi to have lunch with Bernice and her family. The view into the valley was clear today. Can you

plans

2012-02-10T08:57:00.008+03:00

"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in

mornings

2012-02-10T08:43:00.002+03:00

I guess I've been a morning person for a long time. Maybe you have to be a morning person to be a teacher (although I have many teacher friends who are evidence to the contrary). Regardless, I love the morning hours.I get up at 5:45 on school mornings. I move through my routine and by 6:20 or so I'm downstairs in the kitchen and the delicious smell of coffee is seeping out through the french

senior store

2012-01-21T17:00:00.007+03:00

I realized yesterday that I've never actually done a blog post about Senior Store. And since it takes up quite a bit of my time, I thought it was about time I documented it officially.I am a class sponsor (which means I get to be a part of things like Banquet with the fabulous Class of 2012). The culminating class experience before graduation is Senior Safari (a trip to the beach in 3rd term!).

outreach

2012-01-14T16:16:00.003+03:00

Yes, I'm alive! We've made it through the first two weeks of term 2, and it's been a great start! Classes are off and running, and staff and students alike are back into our routine.This morning I did a little something different for Outreach Day. Usually I go down to Beat the Drum, but I branched out a bit (though those precious children are no less dear and I'll be looking for another chance to

my second Christmas in Kenya

2011-12-25T19:37:00.008+03:00

It's a little hard to believe that a year ago today I was navigating the deep and murky waters of my first Christmas away from home. I would hardly call myself a pro at it, and there were still tears, but I think maybe it was just the tiniest bit easier than last year. WARNING: this blog post is a play-by-play from my day. I'm not so sure about it, because I mean, really, who wants that much

nothing says "Christmas"...

2011-12-23T11:08:00.006+03:00

...like camping!!And if you're going to camp, why not camp in the world-renowned Masaai Mara Game Reserve?Even after all those formative years in Nigeria, somehow my years in the States have conditioned me to associate Christmas with cold and--if the planets were aligned--snow. But Christmas in Kenya is warm and sunny and lush after the November rainy season. All this to say: it didn't exactly

Christmas in community

2011-12-23T09:38:00.004+03:00

RVA held it's first (annual?) Gingerbread house contest last week, and Naomi and I joined forces with the Hazard clan to build something spectacular.The kids were very into it, but it was quite difficult to keep them from snitching candy. I remember those days well, so I couldn't fault them too much. There was much laughter, and the creative ideas were flowing.One of the creative ideas was to add

another Christmas tradition

2011-12-18T16:37:00.005+03:00

Last week we had our third annual Christmas celebration with Bernice and her family. There were two new additions this year: baby Dennis and Naomi. Still, I laughed when I was looking at the pictures because they are very similar to the ones from last year and the year before. Dennis requests the same food and activities every year, and how can I resist that cute face? Baby David is growing up so

Christmas party!

2011-12-13T08:11:00.006+03:00

Last night I hosted my first Christmas party since my Charlotte Parkhouse days (we were PRO party hostesses, my roommates and I).Naomi and I, party hostesses:We spent two days in the kitchen baking and cooking, and this was the result....YUM.It was all a big hit.Even Kyalo came! And trust me, he wanted at the food too (and my necklace, for that matter). Even though I ran out of steam with the

love

2011-12-13T07:47:00.003+03:00

I'm reading Lauren Winner's Girl Meets God again right now, because I own it, and because it's vacation so I actually have time to read, and because I love it. I am drawn to her honesty in dealing with her own experiences and spiritual truth.Here's what she wrote about Christmas:"Here is the thing about God. He's so big and so perfect that we can't really understand Him. We can't possess Him, or

Thanksgiving and the end of term

2011-11-26T09:21:00.004+03:00

In Thanksgiving news, I hosted my first Thanksgiving meal this week. Naomi was a big help, of course, but Thanksgiving is not exactly a holiday in Northern Ireland :)We felt pretty proud of ourselves for pulling it all together. And really, we had a pretty impressive spread!Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of our guests...oops. And in school-related news, THE TERM IS OFFICIALLY COMPLETE!

Random update

2011-11-21T17:26:00.005+03:00

I grabbed a few minutes in the midst of a busy week to post a quick update.The end of term is JUST around the corner (Friday is the last day of school), so of course there are a million loose ends to tie up. This past weekend was our last Senior Store of the term (I still really need to do a blog post just on Store with pictures so you call can see what an endeavor it is every time). Also, on

disappointment, and prayers for peace

2011-10-30T09:31:00.003+03:00

This morning my friend Kim and I were supposed to run a 10K in Nairobi. I was really excited, partly because it's been a while since I've done a race, and mainly because I'm so proud of all Kim's work and I couldn't wait to see her run this race.Kim has NEVER been a runner. She asked me over a year ago to keep her accountable in the area of exercise, and we've been working out together ever since

safety

2011-10-22T08:14:00.004+03:00

Some security updates for prayer purposes:1. Those of you who keep tabs on world news know that there have been ongoing issues with Somali rebel groups (Al Shebaab, specifically). Since Somalia borders Kenya, there have been consistent tension between the countries. A few days ago, Kenya made the decision to pursue Somali militants over the border, and the reaction of Al Shebaab was a very

celebrating our multi-culture-ness :)

2011-10-21T13:36:00.007+03:00

Yesterday was that special day on RVA's campus, Multi-Cultural Day, when we take a break from school to celebrate the diversity of our student body. I LOVE this day (you may have picked up on this from one of the other two times I've posted about it!)The day starts with an all-school assembly, filled with singing and sharing in many languages and styles.I think my favorite this year was an

also...

2011-10-19T17:33:00.002+03:00

I had to put a couple pictures up of this little guy.Because he makes me happy.(I heart Kyalo :) )

Dinner Improv

2011-10-19T16:19:00.004+03:00

Last night, I had just started the process of making a delicious and nutritious dinner (lemon pepper chicken, corn on the cob and sauteed zucchini). The chicken was in the oven and two burners were going, when I started to smell gas. Then I realized that the burners that had just one second prior been going were not out. The oven? Also off. RATS. Empty gas bomb.I was tempted to just throw in the

rain; for the ground, and my heart

2011-10-15T11:38:00.003+03:00

Well, we've sure had rain. Three days of it, to be precise. This morning the sun is out and the sky is blue for the first time since Tuesday, and the grass looks just the smallest bit greener than it did earlier in the week.Today the verse on my heart is Ecclesiastes 5: 7"Much dreaming and many words are meaningless; therefore stand in awe of God." and in The Message:"But against all illusion and

SEW, and praying for rain

2011-10-12T07:17:00.003+03:00

This week is Spiritual Emphasis Week at RVA.We have a speaker in from the across the ocean, and nightly sessions where our student body and staff gather together to worship and be challenged by God's Word.I'm excited :)Will you pray with us here, that God would be at work within us through this time, and that our hearts would be open to His Spirit?As I write this and prepare to head of to school,

reflections on term one, so far

2011-10-08T08:42:00.004+03:00

This weekend is our Midterm break, a long weekend which marks the halfway point of our term. It's crazy to think we are halfway through the term. It's caused me to reflect on the past 6 weeks.School. This school year is off to great start. I am teaching 10th Grade English again, and am in a good groove with those classes. But instead of teaching 8th grade, I have English term lengths, which are

sleepover with aunt jenny

2011-10-03T18:54:00.006+03:00

This weekend I had the Hazard kiddos while Jeff and Joyellen had a little getaway (the kids kept telling people "Our parents are dating"...too cute). It was a blast!We busied ourselves with all sorts of fun activities (games, crafts, movie night, fun meals, etc.) I managed to get a few pics in the bustle of it all.The kids took way more pictures that I did. Here are a few favorites :)Artsy......

grasping onto HOPE

2011-09-25T16:43:00.005+03:00

Yesterday, across the ocean in Minnesota, friends and family gathered together for Loren Harrison's funeral.This afternoon, the RVA family gathered to celebrate this life well-lived.Grieving is not something we naturally know how to do well. I don't think it's something you can learn, either. Because as much as it is an inevitable part of life, it's not natural. It's not how God originally

we do not grieve as those who have no hope...

2011-09-22T13:47:00.003+03:00

I didn't know how to teach today.This morning, Loren Harrison went to be with the Lord.We began the day with a chapel to update the students on his condition, and then at the end of second period the superintendent came around to give us the news.Our hearts are grieving with this precious family, and we are grieving our own loss as a community as well.So many breaths these last few days have been

choosing to TRUST in uncertainty

2011-09-20T21:23:00.004+03:00

The past two days have been quite intense here at RVA.Yesterday morning, we received word that an RVA staff member at home in the States on furlough right now was in a coma related to a bleed on his brain.We have been wrestling in prayer, waiting for updates on his condition and finding them bleak from a medical perspective.We KNOW that the God we serve is able to do immeasurably more than

my favorite saturday

2011-09-10T15:01:00.006+03:00

Outreach Day again!We were back at Beat the Drum this morning, but this time we took on a bit of a construction project as well as the privilege of being able to love on the little ones.We worked on a wall and gate project for the orphanage compound. Before there was a rickety wooden gate.After a few hours of work (well, plus the work the fundis had already done before we got there :) ), there

refusing entitlement

2011-09-09T18:35:00.002+03:00

This week I entered the book of Job in my Bible reading.I have mixed feelings about the book of Job.It's got some really beautiful, challenging, inspiring stuff in it. But it's also got some really heartbreaking, difficult, almost impossible stuff.EVERY time I read it I am floored by Job's response to the news that his possessions have been lost and his children are dead. FLOORED. Every time."Job

Zach

2011-09-01T16:52:00.005+03:00

A while ago I posted about finding out a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer. His name is Zach Schellhause, and we have been friends as long as I can remember. Our dads have been friends maybe forever, and so growing up their family has been a part of our lives. To this day, there is Hunt/Schellhause Christmas every year. Zach has soft-tissue sarcoma, a very rare cancer that nobody

tiny update

2011-08-29T20:17:00.002+03:00

I am back in Kenya, where it is MUCH colder than it is in America right now. And I've been running around...getting my new place set up, working in the classroom to prepare for school starting (TOMORROW!), catching up with people. I love arrival day (today). The campus transforms from the peace and quiet which characterizes it during vacation into REAL RVA, with students reuniting and traipsing

my time home, in a nutshell

2011-08-22T15:31:00.002+03:00

I fly back to Kenya today. The bags are packed and weighed (thank you, Dad). Dad is working today so we had to say goodbye last night, Mom is out walking, and Maggie is still asleep. So I'm thinking about this time I've had, that is now coming to an end. In the first two weeks of my time in America, I was in 12 airports I had 36 hours on planes, 24 hours of layovers and 12 hours in the car

O-H-I-O

2011-08-17T15:55:00.005+03:00

Now I'm sucked in, and I am going to go ahead and do one more post, though really I should be getting ready to head to Ben and Libby's. So far during my time in Ohio, I've seen lots of people. Some I got pictures of, and some I didn't, because, I mean, I'm not a tourist, though I sort of feel like one :) Maggie and I traveled to visit my dear Grandad, which was such a sweet time with him. Matt

brier island, nova scotia

2011-08-17T15:03:00.006+03:00

My absence from the Blog world can be explained in three ways: 1) I feel less of a push to blog when I'm in America, for obvious reasons 2) when you're in America for just over a month, time for things like blogging is quite scarce 3) my parents don't have wireless internet anymore so it's just not as convenient. All that said, this morning I am in Columbus visiting people here. Maggie is at

some more adventures in america

2011-07-27T04:47:00.005+03:00

Yesterday I arrived in Cincinnati after two weeks of adventures around America. It was actually an accident that I ended up here. Well, maybe not an accident, but not the plan. I was supposed to fly into Columbus, have a day and a half with my family there (including chumming around with my 2 year old nephew who does not remember me but apparently is pumped to meet me, AND meeting my new niece).

Felicidades Megan y Esteban!

2011-07-20T03:30:00.006+03:00

The wedding was beautiful in every sense of the word. Megan and Esteban did an incredible job of taking pieces of each family and culture represented and merging the two in the ceremony and the reception. I loved the touches of Bolivian tradition and food, and the Spanish :) But my favorite thing, I think, was the absolute focus on God's faithfulness.This verse was the wedding's "theme verse:""

Stanley, Idaho

2011-07-16T23:21:00.004+03:00

So, apparently Idaho is breathtakingly beautiful. This I have discovered. That, and the fact that it is FAR AWAY from everywhere. After three flights and a three and a half hour drive through winding mountain roads, we arrived in Stanley, ID, where the wedding is taking place on the edge of Redfish Lake.The wedding is in a couple of hours, and since there are 8 girls in this lovely mountain house

a few more pics...

2011-07-14T03:05:00.004+03:00

...before I get on another plane (or two) and say goodbye to this delightful place called Long Island.It's been fun--quick, but fun.I must say, it's quite pretty here. We sat by the water with some yummy ice cream this afternoon, watching the boats bobbing up and down.Then Erica drove me though historic Strong's Neck, and we stopped in a cemetery rich in the New York history as far back as the

the littlest Yezerski

2011-07-13T15:53:00.005+03:00

Meet sweet Bo :) He belongs to Erica and Matt, and he's really great.I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of him! Last night Erica got a call from the family she nannied for (before Bo) asking if she'd take the kids for a couple hours this morning while the current nanny went to a doctor's appointment. She agreed, and I get to have Bo while she's gone! We played for a bit, then I put

"home:" leaving and arriving

2011-07-13T04:23:00.003+03:00

After a long trip across the ocean, I am currently in the US of A. Long Island, to be exact.I'd had some coffee with LIQUID CREAMER (delicious).I've driven on the right side of the road (as in, direction, not necessarily correctness :) ).I've gotten my first haircut in over a year.I've run at sea level--which is awesome--and in heat/humidity--which is not quite as awesome--in my new running shoes

truth

2011-07-05T21:02:00.002+03:00

A few days ago, I found out that a dear friend ("childhood friends" doesn't seem to cut it because we've been friends since before I was even old enough to know we were friends) has cancer. Surgery is tomorrow, and recovery will be...well...hard. And there are unknowns. Because, I mean, it's cancer.And I'm in Kenya. Grading finals, and packing suitcases because I fly to America on Sunday (which

it's the little things

2011-06-17T16:16:00.004+03:00

Ian Hazard turned four this year, and one of his birthday presents from me was a coupon for "2 Coke Dates with Ms. Jenny"...he was excited :) So was I.This Monday was our second one.It was a rainy day, which gave us both an excuse to wear our awesome rain boots.We made milkshakes and played "Pass the Pigs." Amanda won.This face just warms my heart.I am SO thankful for the ways God has provided

much-expected visitor and sophomore restaurant

2011-06-12T13:37:00.008+03:00

First of all....Remember this girl?(No, not me...Amanda!) Well, she's back for a three week visit! We picked her up from the airport last weekend, and she has jumped right back into RVA life. It's like she never left :)Last night was Sophomore Restaurant. This is a fundraiser for Banquet, basically (you may recall when the Class of 2012 put ours on this time last year).It was really fun to have

step by step provision

2011-06-04T07:52:00.002+03:00

I'm reading in 1 Kings these days.In chapter 17, we read for the first time about Elijah. God told him to prophesy regarding a drought, a consequence of evil Ahab's refusal to follow God as king. He did it, but then he had to run for his life, as Ahab wasn't thrilled with his words.God told Elijah to get out of there quick, and sent him to the Kerith ravine. He told him he could drink fresh water

a boy named David

2011-05-29T16:16:00.003+03:00

I was realizing it's been TOO long since I posted a David update. So, since it's still the weekend and I actually have a bit of time (read: I have tons of grading to do but it's way more fun to procrastinate), here goes.He is still SUPER cute.He's doing really well, growing like crazy (3 kilograms in his six weeks of life) and very healthy. He just had a check-up on Friday and all was well (

love: the great equalizer

2011-05-28T12:10:00.008+03:00

OUTREACH DAY!!This morning I led a group of students down to Beat the Drum children's home, which I have written about before and which has such a special place in my heart.Several of our students had visited the home before, but for most it was their first time. It's been a little while since I've visited, in all the hustle and bustle of the term, so I was thrilled to get a chance to spend some

Sophomore Girls Retreat

2011-05-03T07:20:00.006+03:00

Term 3 is in full swing!Last weekend was the annual Sophomore Girls Sunday School Retreat, and since I have been a part of teaching that class this year, I got to be a part of planning and enjoying it!The Sunday School teachers (women who have challenged and encouraged me throughout this season of working alongside them):Each one of us took one of the "talks" of the weekend. The emphasis of the

Good Friday

2011-04-22T18:42:00.003+03:00

Today is the day we commemorate the death of Christ. We know the end of the story, that the grave couldn't hold Him, and we wait with anticipation for the celebration on Easter morning. But today, we enter into the sorrow of His sufferings, the high price He paid because of His great love for us.I really love memoirs. Something about how raw and how true they are appeals to me. Lauren Winner

David Kimani Kamau

2011-04-20T15:57:00.004+03:00

Bernice had her baby!You may remember that last year Bernice lost a baby in her eighth month, which was a heartbreaking tragedy that rocked her family and my heart as well. There has certainly been some fear throughout this pregnancy, but all is well and baby David Kimani is healthy and beautiful.I headed up today in a matatu to get some cuddle time :)Precious, huh?I mean, seriously.Dennis got a

vacation adventures part two: the coast

2011-04-18T18:48:00.006+03:00

Ah, the beach. My favorite. Still.Our thatched-roofed but really very glamorous beach house:The table, set for Faith's birthday dinner:Blowing out the candles (with a little help from her brother):Very exciting aspect of the adventure: snorkeling! I'd never been before, and it was a little bit freaky at times, but VERY neat. We also traveled in a glass-bottomed boat, which was neat and lucky for

vacation adventures, part one: Tsavo

2011-04-18T17:46:00.006+03:00

Vacation is a time for traveling, togetherness and fun adventures that involve both, like the one I was on these past 10 days.We (another family here at RVA and two other single girls) got a rental house at the coast for a week, which is always LOADS of fun. But to spice it up a little (and to break up the drive), we decided to stop on the way at Tsavo game park to spend a couple of days with the

Kyalo Mulandi

2011-04-03T21:33:00.006+03:00

This morning at 12:01, Kyalo Mulandi entered the world after quite an ordeal for his mom (read: TROOPER)!Jenna and Dexter have become dear friends here in Kijabe, and I am so thankful for them. Over the past months, excitement has been building for this addition to their family. And now, after all the waiting, he's finally here! And I think his parents would said he is very much worth the

celebrating Sarah

2011-04-02T08:52:00.004+03:00

Yesterday, my dear friend Sarah turned 26.The thing is, I LOVE birthdays. So it was an all-day event.It started with a pancake breakfast and a few presents to open.Then we went to Hippo Point (one of our favorite spots) with a group of people (who all love Sarah) for a picnic lunch.We enjoyed the animals,and the kiddos.Feather collecting was a big hit this trip (last time: bones).For dinner, we

Psych on a Bike (No Handlebars)

2011-03-26T07:34:00.002+03:00

Vacation is finally here (!!) after a very hectic term, so I finally have time to do some blogging.First order of business: Biking Interim!Every year at the end of second term, RVA Juniors and Seniors get a chance to take a trip with a group of other students. They have quite a few choices (a few coastal trips, one to Uganda, climbing Mount Kenya, Zanzibar, camping in Northern Kenya, and mountain

meet Angela

2011-03-05T08:38:00.004+03:00

Two weeks ago, little Angela was born to Simon and Ann. Simon has worked at RVA (in our compound) since I've been here, and there was much excitement about this addition to their family. Sarah and I made the trip up to his home on Friday afternoon. Since Aunt Sarah is Mom-ing it this weekend for Torrie, she joined us (lots of quality Auntie time for that girl!).Torrie loved being able to hold

Banquet 2011

2011-02-26T17:45:00.006+03:00

Well, my hiatus from the blogging world can be explained by one word: Banquet.Junior/Senior Banquet is a tradition at RVA that just gets bigger and bigger. Each year, the Junior class puts it on for the seniors. The class chooses a theme, plans a set (the goal is to COMPLETELY transform the building), writes a script and practices a dinner theater production, and decides on a menu to prepare for

the power of generosity

2011-01-22T14:07:00.007+03:00

Term 2 is busy, probably has been/will be my busiest term yet at RVA. This is largely due to...BANQUET.But more on that later.Today, I'm home sick from this year's AIM Ladies' Retreat. There's been a bug going around campus, with over 50 kids in Student Health, and I valiantly fought it off, with the help of rest and lots of vitamins, until yesterday. I felt pretty miserable during the school day

Ode to Africa

2011-01-13T16:14:00.002+03:00

We are in the thick of a poetry unit in Ms. Hunt's English classes, which is loads of fun for many reasons.One is that I love to encourage my students to develop their creative writing, and it is so fun to see many of them blossom during the poetry unit.Here's a poem I got today; the assignment was to write an Ode. I thought it was beautiful.Africathough a huge continentit fills the tiny spaceof

January 13, 2011...

2011-01-13T16:04:00.003+03:00

...a day that will be long remembered.Today, during lunch, the rain poured down hard. I huddled with a group of students under the cafeteria porch.Then, suddenly, the rain got louder and louder. To our surprise, we found that it was no longer just rain, but hail falling!It soon collected in huge piles under the rain gutters, and the kids lost no time in making the most of it. Soon it was a

a spectacular sunrise and some zebras

2011-01-02T16:32:00.010+03:00

Kenya is an incredibly beautiful country. I was reminded of this fact again yesterday.Sarah has a friend, Lori, who is visiting from the States right now. She's not here very long, so the goal is to give her as much of Kenya as possible in the time she's here.Yesterday morning, we left RVA at 4 a.m. in order to make it to Nakuru game park at 6. Early morning is the best time to spot animals.We

Christmastime in the...hills of Kenya

2010-12-27T19:03:00.006+03:00

It took me a couple of days to build up to this post, because to be quite frank, Christmas was rather emotional for me. It was hard to be so far from family, though I am INCREDIBLY blessed with dear ones here. But I've concluded that it's ok that I was a bit teary for two days at Christmastime. It means I miss home, which is normal. It doesn't mean I'm not supposed to be here.All homesickness

Christmas Hampers

2010-12-24T12:35:00.004+03:00

This morning a group of Kijabe missionaries split up into groups and delivered Christmas hampers to needy families in our community. The elementary students (otherwise known as Titchies) had raised the funds and put together bags of assorted food items before they left at the end of the term.Our group traveled to a town I had never visited before, and it was neat to see a new "neighborhood"

Merry Christmas, Bernice and Dennis!

2010-12-23T13:31:00.004+03:00

This morning I had Bernice and Dennis over for our own little Christmas celebration.We decorated cookies...and Dennis was really into it!Then they opened Christmas presents!After presents, we headed to the playground for some fun. Of course we all worked up an appetite, so we returned home to eat some PIZZA (both Dennis and Bernice have grown to love pizza, which is awesome).It was a fun day, and

Uganda

2010-12-20T12:28:00.009+03:00

I know all my faithful blog readers have been waiting with bated breath for a recap of the last week. Wait no further.On Sunday, Hannah and I said our goodbyes at Jomo Kenyatta International airport and parted ways, she on her way home to Tennessee and I en route to Uganda. Our week together was such a sweet time, and I'm so thankful that it worked out for her to be here. She was able to see a

Born to Die

2010-12-15T09:21:00.002+03:00

I'm in Uganda, but this is not a post about the fabulous time I'm having with the Skinner's. That will come later, with pictures :)Last night, I was a guest at the Mbrarara unit's team meeting. We sang a song by Shane and Shane called "Born to Die." Here are the lyrics:"When the babe was bornIn a manger on the hayGod saw a veil tornHe saw Good FridayHe was born to dieGold laid before the

Beat the Drum

2010-12-09T13:52:00.005+03:00

This morning Hannah, Laurel and I drove down to Beat the Drum Children's Home. Since I was there in September, these kiddos have been on my heart and it was good to be with them again.When we arrived, we sat down with John and Mary, the couple who runs the home. It was so neat to hear their hearts as they shared what God is doing in this place and how they are trusting Him to provide for

Mt. Longonot

2010-12-09T13:31:00.004+03:00

I've been waiting for the chance to climb Longonot again, and Hannah's visit was a good excuse. She was up for it, so we joined a group of RVA staff and embarked on a day-long adventure.Longonot is a volcano, as I've mentioned before on here, and has a huge crater on the top. When I climbed it before, we made it to the peak on the other side of the crater, then headed back. This time we walked

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-09T13:11:00.002+03:00

So first, of all, my dear friend Hannah is here!She's been here since Saturday, which (conveniently) was the day after I had to say goodbye to my parents. God knew I would need some fun time with a good friend, and this week has been just that.And also, even though it's not snowy weather out, it still is Christmas-time, so that means lots of fun Christmas traditions. My Mom brought a complete

seasonal thoughts

2010-12-06T07:50:00.004+03:00

Well, Mom and Dad are safe and sound at home in Milford, Ohio. And I am here, preparing myself for my first Christmas away from home.God is faithful; He knew I'd need distractions and things to look forward to this month, and He sure has provided that. My dear friend Hannah, who has been serving in Namibia for the past 18 months and is heading home to Tennessee, arrived on Saturday night to spend

another trip up the hill

2010-12-02T19:02:00.004+03:00

Today, on Mom and Dad's last day (sniff, sniff), we wrapped up a few last-minute things, did some packing, and made the short trip to Maingi, up the hill, to Bernice's home. Bernice and her family have been such a big part of my life here that I couldn't wait for my parents to get some time with them.She made us chai (of course), and my parents got to know Dennis a bit. They brought him a few fun

The Aberdares!

2010-12-02T18:39:00.008+03:00

First let me just say that I just spent quite some time narrowing down the pictures for this post from about 35 to...well...however many I end up with :)We got back yesterday from the Aberdares, a mountain range which has been turned into a Kenyan national park. It was a fishing trip for Dad and a fun trip for Mom and I. We went with another couple from RVA and two other guys (more men who were

Off to see some animals!

2010-11-27T15:17:00.007+03:00

This morning Mom and Dad and I made the drive to Hippo Point. I drove a rental car, and commended my parents afterward about not being terrible backseat drivers. They were pretty calm, despite the adventure that driving in Kenya is!Of course, we saw some hilarious yet very typical sights as we drove, a couple of which Dad managed to capture.Once we got there, of course the animals were everywhere

Christmas is coming to Kijabe

2010-11-26T19:59:00.002+03:00

Today--since it is, after all, the day after Thanksgiving and therefore the day when Christmas celebrations can officially begin-- we put on the Christmas tunes and got out the decorations. I have inherited some things from friends who are not here any more (sniff, sniff), and a few things made the trip across the ocean with my parents.The nice thing about living in a house the size of mine is

Happy Thanksgiving from Kenya!

2010-11-25T19:53:00.003+03:00

I am thankful for family and friends, near and far.

THEY'RE HERE!!!

2010-11-25T09:11:00.004+03:00

Actually, they've been here since Saturday night, but the last few days have been CRAZY with wrapping up the term (grading finals, entering grades and writing comments, and all the hustle and bustle that is RVA any time of the term). So forgive my delay in posting. Now that it's vacation (!!) there will be more time for fun outings and postings about them.Sarah and I got them from the airport on

Multicultural Day!

2010-11-06T08:46:00.009+03:00

Well, I'm a little behind on this post, since Multicultural Day was a few weeks ago, but I just had so many pictures to share and it takes a while to compress them all so I can upload them with Kenya internet :) So...at long last....This day is maybe my favorite day all year here at RVA. It is a day to celebrate how diverse we are here, and to take pride in our differences. We take the day off of

just an announcement...

2010-11-05T22:36:00.002+03:00

I don't think I've made this blog official, so it's definitely time.MY PARENTS ARE COMING IN TWO WEEKS!I can't believe it, but it's true. I'm really really excited, although it still feels a little surreal (and maybe it will until I go to the airport to pick them up).I know, I know. This was a bad hair season for my Dad. We finally convinced him it was NOT a good look, and now he has hair. And

teacher humor

2010-10-28T19:17:00.002+03:00

Yesterday my 10th graders handed in Literary Analysis Papers....so you can guess what my life is consumed with today, and tomorrow, and the day after that.Anyway, one of them was titled:"The Inedibility of Death in 'The Masque of the Red Death"I'm pretty sure he meant INEVITABILITY. But it's a funny thought...death being non edible.I love being a teacher.

Wholly Yours

2010-10-25T21:56:00.001+03:00

I am full of earthYou are heaven’s worthI am stained with dirt, prone to depravityYou are everything that is bright and cleanThe antonym of meYou are divinityBut a certain sign of grace is thisFrom a broken earth flowers come upPushing through the dirtYou are holy, holy, holyAll heaven cries “Holy, holy God”You are holy, holy, holyI want to be holy like You areYou are everything that is bright

Princess Tea Party

2010-10-17T14:31:00.004+03:00

Yes, you read that title correctly.I don't remember if I've mentioned on the blog before that I'm teaching the sophomore girls' Sunday School class this year, along with several other women. It's a year-long curriculum that covers five aspects of femininity. This term so far, we've talked about being daughters of the King, and as a culminating activity we had a princess tea party this morning.The

6th Grade Hiking Trip!

2010-10-17T07:25:00.006+03:00

Yesterday Sarah and Carolyn took their sixth grade class on a hike to the hot spring, and I was asked to join (responsible adult that I am). It was a total blast.We met in the morning to start out, and it was a beautiful (and WARM) day to be out. The kids were READY to get started.Early on we had to head through Goblin's Tunnel, a clausterphobic's worst nightmare, and so therefore loads of fun

alas...

2010-10-12T20:39:00.002+03:00

...midterm break is over.The sounds of students have returned to campus.Unfortunately, I don't feel like I got the rest I needed. The weekend ended up being way too busy (which is no one's fault but my own, really). I was in town four out of the five days (town=Nairobi), which isn't exactly the most relaxing place. Still, I'm thankful for good time with friends and the chance to get some things

Midterm, part 2

2010-10-11T18:58:00.005+03:00

On Saturday morning, we took two cars into town (one car held the Saum family, the other held Sarah, the Beckers and me). The plan was to go swimming at a hotel.But this is what the traffic was like:So we strategically turned around and formed a "Plan B." We would go to a mall in Nairobi to hang out, get some lunch, etc.On the way we saw this, and I couldn't resist getting photo documentation of

Midterm, part 1

2010-10-09T07:45:00.005+03:00

Midterm Break arrived (rather quickly, all in all) and is now almost over. So before it actually IS over and the busyness ensues, I shall post about it.On Thursday and Friday, RVA had 20 hours of prayer to wrap up the half-term. We didn't have classes on Friday (usually a half day), and instead we prayed. It was great, and a much-needed chance for staff and students alike to focus our hearts in

lessons from Lazarus

2010-09-27T21:09:00.002+03:00

Today one of the new staff couples spoke in chapel and told their story.A year after their wedding, Paul was in a terrible car accident. He was thrown from the vehicle at over 50 mphs, and sustained serious head trauma. After being in a comma for 12 days, we woke up a completely different person. He didn't know Christie, his wife. He couldn't walk. She brought him home grieving the loss of the

Happy Birthday, Dennis!

2010-09-14T19:27:00.002+03:00

Today is Dennis' 7th birthday.Last year, we celebrated by taking birthday cake up to his home in Maingi. Today, we had a birthday party for him right here on campus! A new family on staff here has hired Bernice for the days she's not here, and so they and I worked together to plan a menu, etc.In true Hunt fashion, I had to decorate for the party. The decorations are ALL thanks to my mom, who sent

dirty feet and precious little ones

2010-09-13T06:24:00.008+03:00

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" - Isaiah 52:7(Of course in Africa, the feet the bring good news get REALLY dirty)Saturday was Outreach Day again on RVA's campus, one of my favorite days each term.With a couple other adults and a group of freshmen

hope

2010-09-10T07:32:00.003+03:00

I got some sad news from a DEAR ONE this morning, in the thick of a storm that is devastating, and scary, and full of uncertainty.My heart is breaking, too. And I'm struck with how much easier it is to trust God when things are going well. When your dreams are shattered and you are faced with heartache, it feels, well, not as easy.In my time with Jesus this morning, my heart was drawn to

camping!

2010-09-05T17:47:00.006+03:00

As promised, the camping post.Well, first of all...I have not been camping in YEARS, so I was really excited to add "camping in Africa" to my short camping repertoire.We were 33 strong...29 junior dorm girls, 8 "station girls" (meaning their parents live here in Kijabe) and four adults. Karen, my dear friend and the dorm mom, has been planning, organizing and cooking for weeks, and all her hard

p.s.

2010-09-03T18:27:00.002+03:00

(a few hours, afternoon classes, and a 6 mile run later).....So apparently today was PACKAGE DAY!!!!! When I stopped by the mail room after school today, I had TWO packages in my mailbox, both birthday goodies that took a little while to get here from my sweet friends Megan and Sarah. And let me tell you...I'm a fan of this whole "extend the birthday fun for an extra month" thing!THEN, as if this

miscellaneous

2010-09-03T12:56:00.007+03:00

I've had a couple requests to post pictures of my house, rental furniture free.So. Here is my new chair, reminiscent of my brown chair which was much-loved by my Charlotte roommates and I. Isn't this a nice little nook? It's my new favorite coffee/quiet time spot in the mornings.The full living room...And I realized I hadn't posted pics of my finished bedroom, so here's that too.In more

the best possession

2010-08-17T09:31:00.005+03:00

This morning I came across a verse I underlined YEARS ago, and read it with fresh eyes:"I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession." - Ezekiel 44:28Context, of course, is important here. The Lord is giving instructions regarding the Levites, Israel's clan of priests. The chapter is full of do's and don'ts,

.blessed.

2010-08-15T08:26:00.004+03:00

My dear dear friend Katie sent this quote to me yesterday in an email. It's a section of Matthew 5, from The Message. Amazing how fresh and new it sounds, though the NIV words are so familiar:"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by

news from across the ocean

2010-08-15T07:50:00.004+03:00

This has been a BIG week for getting BIG news. Two of my nearest and dearest friends are engaged!Sunday, on a hike up a Colorado mountain, Jon asked Amy Jo the big question. Yay!And this morning, I was awakened from sleep by a phone call from an excited Megan, and she told me the story of Esteban's proposal several hours before. It's so incredible to think of how we talked and prayed about our

a quote...

2010-08-08T10:41:00.002+03:00

...from Em's latest email:“Yes, your Father is with you ever. He is with you to cheer your loneliness, to sweeten your solitude, to sanctify your sorrow, to strengthen your weakness, to shield your person, to pardon your sins, and to heal all your diseases. Hearken, in your deep solitude, to His own touching words: 'Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will

it's a small world (after all)

2010-08-08T10:21:00.004+03:00

The amazing thing about moving to Africa is this: although one might THINK it makes the world BIGGER, in actuality the world gets a whole lot smaller somehow.Rewind four years: I was a first-year teacher at McClintock Middle School in Charlotte. It was a tough year, but I got to know some GREAT teachers. One such teacher was Pauline Machayo, who taught Social Studies. My second year, I moved to

vacation tidbits and pastimes

2010-08-03T19:00:00.004+03:00

From my reading in Hebrews this morning:"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (6:19)In the midst of a bit of a lonely season (in between goodbyes and hellos), I am anchored in the hope of Christ, privileged to draw near to Him and to find my strength in Him.Today I did some gardening...I planted some flowers and some Cilantro..we'll see how it all does (I'm no green

new additions

2010-08-01T12:05:00.005+03:00

I came home from the coast to find this in my yard:My friend Ryan had read this post and noted my love for the sign post we saw in Nakuru, so he made me my very own! He corresponded with Maggie to find out which locations should make the cut, and then did the rest!Isn't it cool? Look how far away I am from all these places that I love! That sounded weird...but you get the picture.Perhaps my

the coast, again, to my delight

2010-08-01T11:11:00.007+03:00

This past week, I got to head down to the coast for the second time this year, this time with my surrogate family, the Hazards.I love the beach. So do kids, so I was in good company :)Sandcastles!I LOVE Ian's "concentration" look:Lindsay was very into the decoration aspect of the sand castle.And Megan was into "Sand balls."A great birthday present was getting to spend it at the beach. But as if

Kenyan politics

2010-07-24T14:22:00.003+03:00

Below is a letter from AIM leadership concerning some of the issues facing Kenya in the weeks ahead.July 21st 2010 Dear Praying Friends of AIM, From time to time significant issues face a people that merit special attention and prayer focus. Kenya is heading into such a time on the 4th of August and the days following, as citizens of Kenya vote in a referendum on a long anticipated new

manda's last day in kenya

2010-07-23T10:27:00.006+03:00

As a "last hoorah" for Amanda, we rented an RVA car and headed on an outing.It included:Amanda's last trip to Nakumatt (Kenyan Walmart-type store where we do our grocery shopping)...Sarah getting SIZZLING fajitas...Delicious mochas...And a brief photo shoot.That night, I hosted a farewell dinner for Amanda for Bernice and her family. It was such a sweet time together; I am so thankful for this

massai land

2010-07-23T10:02:00.007+03:00

One thing on Amanda's list of things to do before leaving Kenya: a trip down into the valley below us, Massai land, for a visit to Sammy and Givan, two of our security staff at RVA who she has gotten to know in the course of the year.So we did it.We were supposed to meet the driver at the RVA gates at 8 a.m., and I predicted he wouldn't arrive before 8:30. Sure enough, he rolled in about 8:35