Every once in a while, I have kids write me a note- what's going on in their lives, how things are with family and friends, if there's anything they'd like me pray for. I do this in part because it's a way to help them feel heard; I also do it because they're sweet and insightful and sometimes hilarious.
Here are some good'uns from the last round...
- "Last weekend was awesome: I went repelting and spulunking." (I _love_ repelting! And so do the small animals).
- "Please pray for Naivasha to regrow their lake." (Kids feel the water crisis and the national mismanagement of resources too).
- "Please pray that God would help me to follow Him; it's hard to be a teenager." (She turned 13 two days ago).
- "Things with friends are good, but I think I am not talking to girls but only boys." (Hmmm).
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Slackin' in September
If I don't post TONIGHT, that little blog archive at the bottom of the page will only have one entry for this month. Oops.
And really, it's been a phenomenally full September, but nothing's been truly bloggable. It's all been too shallow or too deep- either "went out to dinner again!" or "my soul has been healed in ways you can't possibly understand unless you've known me for at least a decade."
On the other hand, maybe it's that I was sick- finally got an African passenger, probably an amoeba or worm who stole my calories and my sphincter's resolve. But I eventually broke down and took medicine (after using up all my Gatorade and my mom threatening to DHL me some more), and I am doing fine again.
Or maybe it's that I'm too busy- life was getting back to the point it was in the States, where I had something going on every night, something happening each evening, no serious down time. Maybe I'm getting older and my energy's dropping; maybe I've just developed more sense: I don't want to live that way. So, for the first time ever, I quit something, and my schedule and overall health seem to be progressing upward.
Perhaps it's that I've settled in here- things rarely strike me as noteworthy. True, as I was driving yesterday, I had the opportunity to buy a wide variety of goods from folks between the lanes: skirts, paintings, TV antennae, flowers, a puppy, bandannas, pinwheels, peanuts, drugs, a rabbit, some sunglasses. Kind of the usual. So I thought about blogging about it, but it wasn't pressing enough to stay in my mind past the traffic and the police checkpoints and the fact that my ATM card wouldn't work... Life feels normal, though it looks very little like it did in New Mexico.
However, I guess the big news is that I'm staying- Rosslyn offered me another 2 year contract, and I accepted. That puts me here into 2012 at least, with a 2 month furlough in the States this summer. It wasn't a surprising decision; I feel like God brought me here really clearly, and until He leads me somewhere else equally clearly, I'll stay here. But it is still peace-producing to say so publicly.
Life might slow down a little in a few weeks, after CFS and after my quarter-long class ends. Maybe I'll rejoin the thing I quit, or develop a burning desire to blog more. But for tonight I'm off to read Richard Rohr and grade some math tests and pray for rain. Pretty normal.
And really, it's been a phenomenally full September, but nothing's been truly bloggable. It's all been too shallow or too deep- either "went out to dinner again!" or "my soul has been healed in ways you can't possibly understand unless you've known me for at least a decade."
On the other hand, maybe it's that I was sick- finally got an African passenger, probably an amoeba or worm who stole my calories and my sphincter's resolve. But I eventually broke down and took medicine (after using up all my Gatorade and my mom threatening to DHL me some more), and I am doing fine again.
Or maybe it's that I'm too busy- life was getting back to the point it was in the States, where I had something going on every night, something happening each evening, no serious down time. Maybe I'm getting older and my energy's dropping; maybe I've just developed more sense: I don't want to live that way. So, for the first time ever, I quit something, and my schedule and overall health seem to be progressing upward.
Perhaps it's that I've settled in here- things rarely strike me as noteworthy. True, as I was driving yesterday, I had the opportunity to buy a wide variety of goods from folks between the lanes: skirts, paintings, TV antennae, flowers, a puppy, bandannas, pinwheels, peanuts, drugs, a rabbit, some sunglasses. Kind of the usual. So I thought about blogging about it, but it wasn't pressing enough to stay in my mind past the traffic and the police checkpoints and the fact that my ATM card wouldn't work... Life feels normal, though it looks very little like it did in New Mexico.
However, I guess the big news is that I'm staying- Rosslyn offered me another 2 year contract, and I accepted. That puts me here into 2012 at least, with a 2 month furlough in the States this summer. It wasn't a surprising decision; I feel like God brought me here really clearly, and until He leads me somewhere else equally clearly, I'll stay here. But it is still peace-producing to say so publicly.
Life might slow down a little in a few weeks, after CFS and after my quarter-long class ends. Maybe I'll rejoin the thing I quit, or develop a burning desire to blog more. But for tonight I'm off to read Richard Rohr and grade some math tests and pray for rain. Pretty normal.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rejoicing
So much good news lately- things I've been praying for long term are happening!
A few highlights...
A few highlights...
- Brenton, my former colleague here at Rosslyn, got the job he's been working towards for over a year! He and his wife will be able to stay in Kenya long term, use their hospitality gifts, and serve in a really unique environment.
- Alan the Red-Haired Guy (ding) has a defense date for the the doctoral thesis he's been working on for the entire 8 years I've known him! And after many closed doors, God has provided a TERRIFIC post-doc that will give him a chance to see if Asia is really where he belongs.
- Clara Knutson was born today! I delight in the turn that this journey of years has taken.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Count Me (in?)
Kenya's grand tradition of Sudden Public Holidays continues. You might remember Obama Day... Kenya erupted in joy at the election of their own semi-kenyan US President and declared a national day off for everyone.
But this time's reason might not appear to be holiday-worthy at first glance: The Census. Now, I _am_ a math teacher, and I get pretty excited about statistics, but a national holiday? Hm. I'd have picked Pi Day. But no, President Kibaki announced on Sunday that Tuesday would be a public holiday. Wow. A whole day's notice.
See, they want to get an accurate count of absolutely everyone, so they're putting all sort of incentives in place. They wanted the wandering Masaai herdsmen to show up, so they provided free grain and water at a particular border. And they wanted to be able to find all the crazy-living Nairobians, so they closed all the businesses and ordered the police to shut down "all bars and places of entertainment- let's take a break from drinking," said the Census Master.
Speaking of census officials, they gave special shirts to all the people coming around to count and ask questions. See, it's a door-to-door activity, and you wouldn't let just anyone into your house. So they have bright red polo shirts that say ENUMERATOR across the back. I cannot even express how badly I want one of those. =)
And it's a good thing I was home from work today. About 11 AM, Julie the Census Girl came by (sporting a cool red shirt, of course), and asked me questions like "How many people slept here last night?" "Do you have access to the internet?" "How many live children have you given birth to?" "How many still births?" "Do you own a TV?" "Do you own a fridge?" She tried to hide her shock that one, I live alone (Kenyans rarely do), and that two, I own a fridge but not a TV. How bizarre.
When the five-minute questionnaire was complete, she gathered her books, put her shoes back on, and marked my door with the serial number of my census form. I've been counted.
I made good use of the rest of my day off, as you can see from the photo below.
Now I'll take them to my small group meeting and enjoy the conclusion of this unexpected work-free day! Just remember- we might not get Snow Days here, but you probably don't get Census Days.
But this time's reason might not appear to be holiday-worthy at first glance: The Census. Now, I _am_ a math teacher, and I get pretty excited about statistics, but a national holiday? Hm. I'd have picked Pi Day. But no, President Kibaki announced on Sunday that Tuesday would be a public holiday. Wow. A whole day's notice.
See, they want to get an accurate count of absolutely everyone, so they're putting all sort of incentives in place. They wanted the wandering Masaai herdsmen to show up, so they provided free grain and water at a particular border. And they wanted to be able to find all the crazy-living Nairobians, so they closed all the businesses and ordered the police to shut down "all bars and places of entertainment- let's take a break from drinking," said the Census Master.
Speaking of census officials, they gave special shirts to all the people coming around to count and ask questions. See, it's a door-to-door activity, and you wouldn't let just anyone into your house. So they have bright red polo shirts that say ENUMERATOR across the back. I cannot even express how badly I want one of those. =)
And it's a good thing I was home from work today. About 11 AM, Julie the Census Girl came by (sporting a cool red shirt, of course), and asked me questions like "How many people slept here last night?" "Do you have access to the internet?" "How many live children have you given birth to?" "How many still births?" "Do you own a TV?" "Do you own a fridge?" She tried to hide her shock that one, I live alone (Kenyans rarely do), and that two, I own a fridge but not a TV. How bizarre.
When the five-minute questionnaire was complete, she gathered her books, put her shoes back on, and marked my door with the serial number of my census form. I've been counted.
I made good use of the rest of my day off, as you can see from the photo below.
Now I'll take them to my small group meeting and enjoy the conclusion of this unexpected work-free day! Just remember- we might not get Snow Days here, but you probably don't get Census Days.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
New (School) Year's Resolutions
I love the seasonality of teacher-life. And living in a mini-village of educators sure accentuates that rhythm. So while normal human beings make resolutions at New Year's, I've sensed a distinct atmosphere of self-improvement around campus these weeks. Everyone's waking up early to run, lift, pray, grade. Well, hopefully not grade yet- the kids haven't arrived. New students get oriented tomorrow, we run a half-day of assemblies on Tuesday, and classes start in earnest on Wednesday. Classrooms are clean, hopes are high, and friendships are fresh.
My starting prayer:
May this school year be a good apple- crisp, nourishing, and flavorful.
May this school year be a good apple- crisp, nourishing, and flavorful.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Mara
Last weekend, the 4 of us who had gone to Egypt together headed to the Mara on safari for the boys' birthday. (Yes, in addition to the same first name, they share the same the same birthday. And the same middle name.) It was a great time of reconnecting after a summer apart, hearing people's stories, and playing cards- Wendy and I beat the boys _again_ at Rook.
The Mara is by far my favorite place I've visited on safari. I loved the open sky, the tawny plains, the striking trees.
The Mara is by far my favorite place I've visited on safari. I loved the open sky, the tawny plains, the striking trees.
The birthday boys, with a bonus giraffe
Us girls, with a speckling of migrating wildebeest in the background
Wildebeest who finally got up the nerve to cross the river
God did a great job on East Africa.
Us girls, with a speckling of migrating wildebeest in the background
Wildebeest who finally got up the nerve to cross the river
God did a great job on East Africa.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happy Anniversary, Kenya
Two years ago today, I arrived in Kenya. I remember the tearful goodbye with my parents in Chicago, reading the entire 7th Harry Potter book on the way here, and being surprisingly cold when I got off the plane. I remember being exhausted the next day trying to set up my household, and I distinctly recall the frustration of "not feeling like I'm in Africa" within the bubble of the school grounds. Fresh friendships went through their normal fits and starts, as did my involvement in new activities. I was confused, disconnected, and struggling (and probably not a whole lot of fun to be around). I knew God had brought me here clearly, but now that I'd arrived, I wondered about His reasons.
School started, bringing a little routine and predictability, but I hadn't realized what a huge role reputation plays in being a teacher; my students had no idea what to expect from me, so even my job felt shaky. Friends from other seasons of my life came through on visits, and that added a little stability. They suggested I visit Karura Community Chapel, which I'm still grateful for. However, when I joined a small group there, I caught the mumps at the first meeting.
That was the real low of that first semester- housebound, feeling crummy, then feeling fine but still housebound, then feeling much worse and in and out of the hospital. God used it on lots of levels, of course, but the most significant was this: I had written off the Rosslyn community as isolationist expats, but they loved me and cared for me and sacrificed for me when I was sick. I had to recognize their kindness and genuine Christian character; it made me a little more willing to be like these people.
I got to go back to the US for the end of my recovery, and that reaffirmed the truth that I belong in Kenya. "The trouble"- the postelection violence- happened while I was in DC with my parents, and I was anxious to return and be present to my students and the new friends I had made. Karura pulled an IDP camp out of thin air, taking care of hundreds of displaced people and eventually helping them resettle in new homes. God blessed Karura to do that well, and He continues to show favor to us as we care for our neighborhood.
Slowly I adjusted, building relationships with Kenyans through Karura, adapting my teaching to the context of Rosslyn, buying a car, choosing to stay in Africa for the summer. Climbing Kilimanjaro was a HUGE highlight and the accomplishment of a life dream. And by the time my second year started, I was ready to be a host, be a welcomer, be a bridge for the newcomers. God kindly gave me many likeminded friends in that group of new teachers, and I started to settle back into who I know myself to be.
So now it's been 2 years. I've gotten to travel to phenomenal places, and I can honestly say that I like living here. My Swahili is rudimentary at best, and I still struggle with the balance of being called to this expat community and to the much larger country outside of it. But it's good to be challenged to live well, to continually seek God on what He wants your life to look like that day. I take comfort in the idea that it's not a mistake that I'm here, with all my history and personality and quirks and opinions. He's shaping me by this place and using me to shape this place. He's the craftsman, and I am confident in His work.
So happy anniversary, Kenya. I'm glad I'm in this relationship with this place. It's been an eventful and intense few years, and I can't say I'm sad things have leveled out a bit (though it makes for more boring blogging- sorry, readers). I'm looking forward to the adventures the future holds, and I trust the Hand that brought me here.
School started, bringing a little routine and predictability, but I hadn't realized what a huge role reputation plays in being a teacher; my students had no idea what to expect from me, so even my job felt shaky. Friends from other seasons of my life came through on visits, and that added a little stability. They suggested I visit Karura Community Chapel, which I'm still grateful for. However, when I joined a small group there, I caught the mumps at the first meeting.
That was the real low of that first semester- housebound, feeling crummy, then feeling fine but still housebound, then feeling much worse and in and out of the hospital. God used it on lots of levels, of course, but the most significant was this: I had written off the Rosslyn community as isolationist expats, but they loved me and cared for me and sacrificed for me when I was sick. I had to recognize their kindness and genuine Christian character; it made me a little more willing to be like these people.
I got to go back to the US for the end of my recovery, and that reaffirmed the truth that I belong in Kenya. "The trouble"- the postelection violence- happened while I was in DC with my parents, and I was anxious to return and be present to my students and the new friends I had made. Karura pulled an IDP camp out of thin air, taking care of hundreds of displaced people and eventually helping them resettle in new homes. God blessed Karura to do that well, and He continues to show favor to us as we care for our neighborhood.
Slowly I adjusted, building relationships with Kenyans through Karura, adapting my teaching to the context of Rosslyn, buying a car, choosing to stay in Africa for the summer. Climbing Kilimanjaro was a HUGE highlight and the accomplishment of a life dream. And by the time my second year started, I was ready to be a host, be a welcomer, be a bridge for the newcomers. God kindly gave me many likeminded friends in that group of new teachers, and I started to settle back into who I know myself to be.
So now it's been 2 years. I've gotten to travel to phenomenal places, and I can honestly say that I like living here. My Swahili is rudimentary at best, and I still struggle with the balance of being called to this expat community and to the much larger country outside of it. But it's good to be challenged to live well, to continually seek God on what He wants your life to look like that day. I take comfort in the idea that it's not a mistake that I'm here, with all my history and personality and quirks and opinions. He's shaping me by this place and using me to shape this place. He's the craftsman, and I am confident in His work.
So happy anniversary, Kenya. I'm glad I'm in this relationship with this place. It's been an eventful and intense few years, and I can't say I'm sad things have leveled out a bit (though it makes for more boring blogging- sorry, readers). I'm looking forward to the adventures the future holds, and I trust the Hand that brought me here.
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