Before I start, I would like to give a little preface to the story. In African culture, the guy has to give a dowry to the girl's family before he can marry her. But, in my case, Nic didn't have to do that because that's not part of the American culture. And plus, how could I send 6 goats to my parents' house in America? But, I did warn him that instead of a dowry, he did have to call my parents and receive their blessing. My dad was going to be out of town starting last Monday for the next 2 weeks. So, meaning, Nic had to call him before he left. Sunday night Nic made the comment, “Oh, yah, your dad is leaving tomorrow.” He said it in a way that made me think he hadn't talked to my dad yet. So, I wasn't anticipating an engagement yet.
Nic and I were invited to a special dinner on Thursday night, November 25th, for Liza Mucheru-Wisner, one of the 4 finalist in Donald Trump's 'The Apprentice' show. She's Kenyan but married to an American and lives in TX and she happened to be in town for the week. It was at a really nice and classy golf course called Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya. I had just finished having Thanksgiving lunch at one of my coworker's home. After that I met Nic in town to go to this other dinner. When we got there, we got a tour of the golf course and hung out with some of Nic's friends while we waited for Liza to arrive. Finally she did, along with lots of other people. There were many speeches and presentations. Then, we ate. We just relaxed and took it easy.
Around 11pm people were leaving. I was getting tired, so when we were one of the last people there, we finally decided to leave. On our way out, we walked over to a pond in the center of the golf course. He started telling me how much he loved me and how important I was to him. It was very sweet. But, in the middle of his talk, his friend called and asked him where we were. Nic told him we were next to the pond. The guy said he hoped we weren't on the grass. Nic said we were and asked if that was a problem. The friend said yes because if the guards saw us, we could get in trouble (golf clubs have so many strict rules). We then walked over to a different grassy area where the guards couldn't see us. There was a tree in the middle and Nic started talking about the tree (the poor guy was nervous). At one point, I was standing between Nic and the tree. Then Nic pointed at the tree and asked, “What in the world is that tree trying to grow?” So I turned around and said, “Well, flowers, of course.” But, I was thinking, “What is wrong with this man?” When I turned back around Nic was on one knee and he said, “Jen, I have a question to ask you.” He pulled out a box and opened it. I started laughing out of nervousness and because I was still thinking his comment about the tree was so funny and random. He then asked, “Jen, will you marry me?” I kissed him and of course said, “Yes.” He proceeded to tell me sweet things. I was in a bit of a daze because I couldn't believe this was finally happening to me. I never thought this day would actually come for me. So, it feels a bit like I'm dreaming.
We then took pictures. I did have a panic moment and asked Nic if he had called my parents. He said yes, that he had called them earlier in November (2 weeks earlier to be exact and he played it off so I wouldn't suspect). He proceeded to tell me about his conversation with them. My dad asked him a bunch of important questions and Nic successfully passed. Then, Dad asked him what he was going to do if I said no (you must know that my father is a jokester). Nic said he would have to go to Plan B, but he wasn't sure what that would be. So, Dad told him to make sure and give me lots of chocolate and then I would for sure say yes (when I was a kid, in our family photos I wouldn't smile unless they gave me chocolate). So, anyways, my parents gave him their blessing.
When we got to the car, first thing he did was opened the door for me. Then, when he got in he held my hand and prayed. He thanked God for our relationship, our engagement, for him not making a complete fool of himself, and that we would have a godly future. I was AMAZED!!! I was so distracted by the engagement, that I didn't even think about praying and thanking God. When Nic prayed, I was so thankful to God that He gave me a man like Nic. That was my favorite part about the whole engagement. After praying together, Nic handed me a plastic bag full of really yummy dark chocolate (my favorite). I thought it was a bit strange, but at this point it was midnight and now the 26th, so I figured it was for my birthday. I didn't know yet what my dad had told him about the chocolate. When I got home, I called my mom to tell her what happened. I couldn't call my dad because he was in another country without communication. So, when I told my mom the story, she busted out laughing when I told her about the chocolate. Then, she proceeded to tell me that Dad had told Nic to get me lots of chocolate. When I asked Nic why he got me the chocolate, he said that he had to be sure that I would say yes. So, he had to do what my dad said since my dad is a wise man.
It turns out that Nic had wanted to wait until midnight to propose so that it would have officially been my birthday. But, ends up he proposed 30 minutes before my 30th birthday. So, he was still pleased with that. It was a very sweet proposal.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
I LOVE ...
- my life
- my family
- that even though I'm thousands of miles away from family & friends, modern technology allows me to be in daily contact with them
- learning new things
- seeing new places
- watching action movies
- colors
- my church in TX (Arlington Hispanic Bible Church)
- my church in Kenya (Karen Community Church)
- jewelry
- flowers
- dark chocolate
- living in Kenya
- my students, even if I don't show it
- my job, despite the hardships
- what God is doing with my life
- listening to thunderstorms while wrapped in a blanket
- playing games
- soccer
- hanging out with close friends, just talking
- dessert
- Asian chicken salad
- wearing jeans
- listening to music in the car while singing at the top of my lungs
- the feeling after working out really hard
- being right, which is not too often
- the feeling after shaving my legs
- getting text messages from special people
- the way I was raised
- traditions
- Christmas time
- Thanksgiving meal
- my birthday
- when leaves change colors
- when flowers bloom
- getting emails
- making lists
- checking off things from my to-do list
- being organized
- plain Cheerios
- that I am a TCK (third culture kid)
- to travel
- watching & listening to people who are REALLY good at playing the piano
- colors of a sunset
- when you can't see the sun, but you can see the sunrays streaming down through the clouds to touch the earth
- farms
- agriculture
- John Deere branded items
- Christmas lights
- my office
- my Lord & Savior
- His amazing grace
- His unconditional love
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Facebook | Sent - support
Facebook Sent - support:
http://www.nics.org/donation.php
These are the following ways to support me financially (using the website above), while still getting a tax deduction:
1)Send a check to the organization I work for at:
Network of International Christian Schools
3790 Goodman Rd E.
Southaven, MS 38672
2)Send money online with your credit/debit card at: http://www.nics.org/.
Go to:
1. 'donate',
2. 'donate securely online',
3. next to destination - select 'missionary project',
4. under 'select a school' - pick 'Nairobi(Kenya)',
5. under 'select a person' - pick 'Prather,Jennifer(003282)'.
6. fill out 'Donation amount',
7. fill out all the billing information.
3)Or you can have automatic withdrawals from your bank account by filling out the 'Automatic Donation Form' on the above website.
http://www.nics.org/donation.php
These are the following ways to support me financially (using the website above), while still getting a tax deduction:
1)Send a check to the organization I work for at:
Network of International Christian Schools
3790 Goodman Rd E.
Southaven, MS 38672
2)Send money online with your credit/debit card at: http://www.nics.org/.
Go to:
1. 'donate',
2. 'donate securely online',
3. next to destination - select 'missionary project',
4. under 'select a school' - pick 'Nairobi(Kenya)',
5. under 'select a person' - pick 'Prather,Jennifer(003282)'.
6. fill out 'Donation amount',
7. fill out all the billing information.
3)Or you can have automatic withdrawals from your bank account by filling out the 'Automatic Donation Form' on the above website.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Random Thoughts
Random Thought #1: I was talking to my Dad on skype the other day. My nieces are staying with my parents for the week to go to camp. The other morning, on the way to camp, my Dad was praying with them. He started by thanking God for the weather, for their health, for the girls going to camp, and so on. Then Ellie (8) prayed, "Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins." Dad said that after that he felt like such a jerk. Here he is a pastor and missionary and praying simple prayers because he thought that's all they would recognize. But then his grandaughter prayed, thanking God for His atonement. Kids are amazing. No wonder Jesus tells us to have "faith like a child."
Random Thought #2: Yesterday I was working in my office at school. One of my students, whose mother works in the office, came to see me. He said he was bored sitting in his mom's office, so he thought he would come see if I needed any help with anything. I had him help me move all of my Physics lab equipment from one classroom to another. We got to talking about our summer and other random topics. Then we started to talk about dating, relationships, and what we believe God intended marriages to look like. We came to the conclusion that no matter what, we have to always trust the Lord in everything and pray about all things in our lives. After our conversation he said, "This is what is different about our school." I said, "What?" He said, "That we can talk to our teachers about stuff." I thought about it. He's right. Our school is special because the kids can feel safe to talk to their teachers about all kinds of matters, and they know their teachers will be real with them. I'm very thankful for that. This is one of the reasons why I love my job.
Random Thought #3: In my quiet time this morning, I was reading about Miriam (Moses' sister) and how she had that moment when she questioned Moses' authority and ability to lead the Israelites. In doing so, she was also questioning and undermining God's authority because God was the One who had placed Moses in that position. It caused me to reflect on myself. I am very much like Miriam. I often question those in authority over me and have a hard time submitting to them. But I realized this morning that when I do that, I am also undermining God's authority and I am ultimately not trusting in His sovereign plan. God is the One who has allowed for those different individuals to be in leadership over me and I have to respect and obey them. This doesn't mean I have to agree with decisions they may make, but I need to submit to their authority anyways. They will have to answer to God for the decisions they have made while in leadership, and I will have to answer to God for my attitude and the way I have responded towards them.
Random Thought #2: Yesterday I was working in my office at school. One of my students, whose mother works in the office, came to see me. He said he was bored sitting in his mom's office, so he thought he would come see if I needed any help with anything. I had him help me move all of my Physics lab equipment from one classroom to another. We got to talking about our summer and other random topics. Then we started to talk about dating, relationships, and what we believe God intended marriages to look like. We came to the conclusion that no matter what, we have to always trust the Lord in everything and pray about all things in our lives. After our conversation he said, "This is what is different about our school." I said, "What?" He said, "That we can talk to our teachers about stuff." I thought about it. He's right. Our school is special because the kids can feel safe to talk to their teachers about all kinds of matters, and they know their teachers will be real with them. I'm very thankful for that. This is one of the reasons why I love my job.
Random Thought #3: In my quiet time this morning, I was reading about Miriam (Moses' sister) and how she had that moment when she questioned Moses' authority and ability to lead the Israelites. In doing so, she was also questioning and undermining God's authority because God was the One who had placed Moses in that position. It caused me to reflect on myself. I am very much like Miriam. I often question those in authority over me and have a hard time submitting to them. But I realized this morning that when I do that, I am also undermining God's authority and I am ultimately not trusting in His sovereign plan. God is the One who has allowed for those different individuals to be in leadership over me and I have to respect and obey them. This doesn't mean I have to agree with decisions they may make, but I need to submit to their authority anyways. They will have to answer to God for the decisions they have made while in leadership, and I will have to answer to God for my attitude and the way I have responded towards them.
Caution: I'm on a Rampage
Lord, help me to be cautious with whatever I say next. Amen.
I just finished reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Wow! Can I say "convicted"? I am convicted of my current life and what I'm doing, or what I'm not doing. I'm turning 30 this year and what do I have to show for it? If God were to ask me "What have you done with what I have given you?", what would I say? I have the desire to obey and follow the Lord, but I realize I only do it half-heartedly. What's with that?! God didn't give His only Son, to die on the cross for my sins, half-heartedly. My life is but a vapor on this earth. In the grand scheme of things, my life is here and gone in no time. And what am I doing with it? How am I making a difference? What impact am I leaving behind? How am I leading people to Christ? How am I even showing Christ to others? How am I loving others, including my enemies? How am I serving others? How am I making myself smaller so that He can be greater?
Sure, my title right now is "missionary teacher in Nairobi, Kenya." But, if you were to see my life here, it's not much of a sacrifice. I'm currently staying in a really nice home, using a car, have a salary that provides for my needs here, have running water, have electricity, have house help, have lots of clothes, have a computer, have lots of shoes, have my own office at work, and so on. People in America tend to have a misconception of "Africa." They tend to automatically think that all of Africa is in the bush or desert and people live in huts with no running water or electricity. This is wrong! Sure, there are lots of places in Africa that are like that, and there are some areas that are more difficult than others to live in. But, let me set the record straight for Nairobi, Kenya (since I have not been to other parts of Africa, I can only say for this part). The areas that white people live in are not difficult. We have everything we need and more here. Yes, driving is crazier than it is in the US and there is not the wonderful world of convenience like in America, but the only thing we truly sacrifice by being here is being with our family and friends back in the States (in fact this past summer when I was home, I saw more family than I did when I used to live there). Last year I played the victim by using the phrase "missionary in Africa," and I was incredibly wrong to do that. For that, I am sorry. I am not a victim of anything. I live very comfortably here. I have never wanted to live long term in America due to fear of becoming too comfortable. I know myself. If I lived in the States I believe I would simply rationalize my life and say that my ministry is just to be nice to people and show them God's love in my everyday walk. But there are plenty of nice people out there that are loving, but not Christians. So how is someone to tell me apart from them? Evangelism is not one of my spiritual gifts, but I'm still commanded to evangelize to the unsaved. Am I doing that? No. The thing that I realize by living in Nairobi is that I can get just as comfortable here as I would be in the States. So something has to change in me, not where I live.
How am I furthering the Kingdom of God? I currently teach rich kids who have no clue as to how blessed they are when there is plenty of poverty surrounding us. Am I showing them what God's love really looks like? They just see me as the typical white person who comes to Africa in the name of “missions.” They wonder, “How long is she going to last? How long before she leaves like others who left because life in Africa seems too hard?” I'm tired of being like everyone else. How am I going to make a difference in the lives of others in this next year?
I just finished reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Wow! Can I say "convicted"? I am convicted of my current life and what I'm doing, or what I'm not doing. I'm turning 30 this year and what do I have to show for it? If God were to ask me "What have you done with what I have given you?", what would I say? I have the desire to obey and follow the Lord, but I realize I only do it half-heartedly. What's with that?! God didn't give His only Son, to die on the cross for my sins, half-heartedly. My life is but a vapor on this earth. In the grand scheme of things, my life is here and gone in no time. And what am I doing with it? How am I making a difference? What impact am I leaving behind? How am I leading people to Christ? How am I even showing Christ to others? How am I loving others, including my enemies? How am I serving others? How am I making myself smaller so that He can be greater?
Sure, my title right now is "missionary teacher in Nairobi, Kenya." But, if you were to see my life here, it's not much of a sacrifice. I'm currently staying in a really nice home, using a car, have a salary that provides for my needs here, have running water, have electricity, have house help, have lots of clothes, have a computer, have lots of shoes, have my own office at work, and so on. People in America tend to have a misconception of "Africa." They tend to automatically think that all of Africa is in the bush or desert and people live in huts with no running water or electricity. This is wrong! Sure, there are lots of places in Africa that are like that, and there are some areas that are more difficult than others to live in. But, let me set the record straight for Nairobi, Kenya (since I have not been to other parts of Africa, I can only say for this part). The areas that white people live in are not difficult. We have everything we need and more here. Yes, driving is crazier than it is in the US and there is not the wonderful world of convenience like in America, but the only thing we truly sacrifice by being here is being with our family and friends back in the States (in fact this past summer when I was home, I saw more family than I did when I used to live there). Last year I played the victim by using the phrase "missionary in Africa," and I was incredibly wrong to do that. For that, I am sorry. I am not a victim of anything. I live very comfortably here. I have never wanted to live long term in America due to fear of becoming too comfortable. I know myself. If I lived in the States I believe I would simply rationalize my life and say that my ministry is just to be nice to people and show them God's love in my everyday walk. But there are plenty of nice people out there that are loving, but not Christians. So how is someone to tell me apart from them? Evangelism is not one of my spiritual gifts, but I'm still commanded to evangelize to the unsaved. Am I doing that? No. The thing that I realize by living in Nairobi is that I can get just as comfortable here as I would be in the States. So something has to change in me, not where I live.
How am I furthering the Kingdom of God? I currently teach rich kids who have no clue as to how blessed they are when there is plenty of poverty surrounding us. Am I showing them what God's love really looks like? They just see me as the typical white person who comes to Africa in the name of “missions.” They wonder, “How long is she going to last? How long before she leaves like others who left because life in Africa seems too hard?” I'm tired of being like everyone else. How am I going to make a difference in the lives of others in this next year?
Here are some examples of people I know who have made a difference:
- Rayder Hawkins- missionary in Brazil for as long as I can remember; most exciting, exuberant man I have ever met who is clearly in love with the Lord; was heavily involved in his ministry all the way until he passed away in his 80's.
- Tommy Skipper- missionary with us in Spain when I was a child; also extremely exciting and joyful man who deeply loves the Lord; currently evangelizes to prisoners in Oregon while in his 70's.
- My parents- working on starting their 4th church while in their 60's.
- Vickie Kairo- my friend, a local Kenyan, who is in her mid-20's and working with prisoners in Nairobi; she teaches them, clothes them, and gives them her time.
- The Kittrell's- when retired, left the comforts of the USA to become missionaries in Turkey.
These are just a few people who stand out to me. Sure, there are many, many more. None of these people get paid for what they do. They simply trust God and He has never failed to provide for their needs and bless them. What do they have in common? They are all joyful people, they all love the Lord, they all love others. And the majority of them have continued to serve the Lord even in their elder years. That's the kind of person I want to be; the kind that when you are dead and gone, you have left an imprint on someone's life and God has used you to spur them on to greater things.
As Francis Chan says, “The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives. What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God's work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, 'What did you do with what I gave you?' What we do reverberates through the heavens and into eternity.”
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
My Theme Song For This Year
CAN'T GIVE UP NOW by Mary Mary
There will be mountains that I will have to climb
And there will be battles that I will have to fight
But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide
But how can I expect to win If I never try.
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me
Never said there wouldn't be trials
Never said I would't fall
Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go
But when my back is against the wall
And i feel all hope is gone,
I'll just lift my head up to the sky
And say help me to be strong
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me
No you didn't bring me out here to leave me lonely
Even when I can't see clearly
I know that you are with me
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me
There will be mountains that I will have to climb
And there will be battles that I will have to fight
But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide
But how can I expect to win If I never try.
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me
Never said there wouldn't be trials
Never said I would't fall
Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go
But when my back is against the wall
And i feel all hope is gone,
I'll just lift my head up to the sky
And say help me to be strong
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me
No you didn't bring me out here to leave me lonely
Even when I can't see clearly
I know that you are with me
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me
Saturday, April 3, 2010
SAFE lyrics by Natalie Grant
How did you know
That I'm all alone today
Oh I feel so scared
And I want to go away
I bleed so deep underneath
My soul is screaming
I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love is mending my blisters
And the bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
Drowning the tears
Won't make it go away
It's robbing my soul
So I've taken this mask off my face, Yea
To discover love
And uncover all
It means to live and breathe
I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love has mended my blisters
And the bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
When You uncovered, I discovered
I am not afraid
But when we're hiding we end up fighting
To be sane
I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love is mending my blisters
And my bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
That I'm all alone today
Oh I feel so scared
And I want to go away
I bleed so deep underneath
My soul is screaming
I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love is mending my blisters
And the bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
Drowning the tears
Won't make it go away
It's robbing my soul
So I've taken this mask off my face, Yea
To discover love
And uncover all
It means to live and breathe
I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love has mended my blisters
And the bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
When You uncovered, I discovered
I am not afraid
But when we're hiding we end up fighting
To be sane
I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love is mending my blisters
And my bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Back to School!
Well, it's exactly 2 months since I last wrote. How pathetic am I? Updating my blog more often is one of my new year's resolutions (along with flossing). Hope it sticks!
Today was the first day back to school, but it was only a half day. It was good to see the kids again. It reminded me how much I love them and enjoy teaching them (most of the time). This semester I will be teaching the same classes as last semester, but instead of teaching the Old Testament, I'll be teaching the New Testament. I'm REALLY excited about it. I just LOVE the NT. It's so rich and full of amazing truth. I mean, the OT is really great too, but harder for me to get through than the NT. Another class has also been added to my schedule... 9th grade boys PE. I will have them twice a week and we'll simply do fitness. I offered to teach it only for selfish reasons. I said I would do it only if it required doing fitness because I myself want to get in shape, and I want to use this class to force me to workout. Strange, I know. On top of that, girls' soccer has begun and we start having games next week. So, I guess I just didn't think I had enough on my plate. ;-P
Christmas break was nice. I still had voluntary soccer practices with the girls and it was fun. My parents also came from Spain to spend the break with me. It was nice to have them here and for them to see what my life is like here. But I didn't realize it would also be somewhat difficult. This has nothing to do with my parents and everything to do with me. It's difficult to describe in words all that a person goes through when transitioning from one world to another. I feel as though I have two lives... one in the States and one in Africa. And so then to have my parents here was a little strange because it was as though my two lives were now mixing. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have multiple personalities and I'm not being fake in one place and real in another. I'm still myself in both places, but because they are so different from each other and so far from each other, it just feels like two separate lives. I realize this may make no sense, but it's the best way for me to express myself right now. Anyhow, I really did enjoy having my folks, it was just different having them here than me visiting them at home. It wasn't bad, just different. We got to go on safari, we went to Kibera (largest slum in E. Africa), and we also saw a lot of cool and fun things in Nairobi. There's so much to do and see here. And we had a really nice Christmas together too. They liked what they saw of Kenya. We got to visit some homes of Kenyan friends and they really enjoyed experiencing the people and culture first-hand. And I enjoyed introducing them to all of my friends.
I've been doing a lot of thinking and processing about stuff and I find it very difficult to express my feelings and thoughts. I mean, how do I explain what my life is like here on a daily basis? How do I make people back in the States understand what kind of things I go through? And do people really care to even know those details? Sometimes I feel like, why bother with trying to explain, it will just take too long? Maybe that's selfish of me to think that way. I hope I'm not coming across negative, because I don't want to sound that way. Maybe that's why I also have been slacking on updating my blog, because I don't know what to say or how to say it. Does that make sense? But, I do want to be respectful to all of you since you want to hear from me. It's like I want to tell everyone everything about what's happening, what I'm learning, what my frustrations are, and so on. But how?
I still love teaching these kids. I still love living here. I love my family. I love my friends. I love the Lord and am thankful that He brought me all the way over here. And I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Much Love,
Jen
Today was the first day back to school, but it was only a half day. It was good to see the kids again. It reminded me how much I love them and enjoy teaching them (most of the time). This semester I will be teaching the same classes as last semester, but instead of teaching the Old Testament, I'll be teaching the New Testament. I'm REALLY excited about it. I just LOVE the NT. It's so rich and full of amazing truth. I mean, the OT is really great too, but harder for me to get through than the NT. Another class has also been added to my schedule... 9th grade boys PE. I will have them twice a week and we'll simply do fitness. I offered to teach it only for selfish reasons. I said I would do it only if it required doing fitness because I myself want to get in shape, and I want to use this class to force me to workout. Strange, I know. On top of that, girls' soccer has begun and we start having games next week. So, I guess I just didn't think I had enough on my plate. ;-P
Christmas break was nice. I still had voluntary soccer practices with the girls and it was fun. My parents also came from Spain to spend the break with me. It was nice to have them here and for them to see what my life is like here. But I didn't realize it would also be somewhat difficult. This has nothing to do with my parents and everything to do with me. It's difficult to describe in words all that a person goes through when transitioning from one world to another. I feel as though I have two lives... one in the States and one in Africa. And so then to have my parents here was a little strange because it was as though my two lives were now mixing. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have multiple personalities and I'm not being fake in one place and real in another. I'm still myself in both places, but because they are so different from each other and so far from each other, it just feels like two separate lives. I realize this may make no sense, but it's the best way for me to express myself right now. Anyhow, I really did enjoy having my folks, it was just different having them here than me visiting them at home. It wasn't bad, just different. We got to go on safari, we went to Kibera (largest slum in E. Africa), and we also saw a lot of cool and fun things in Nairobi. There's so much to do and see here. And we had a really nice Christmas together too. They liked what they saw of Kenya. We got to visit some homes of Kenyan friends and they really enjoyed experiencing the people and culture first-hand. And I enjoyed introducing them to all of my friends.
I've been doing a lot of thinking and processing about stuff and I find it very difficult to express my feelings and thoughts. I mean, how do I explain what my life is like here on a daily basis? How do I make people back in the States understand what kind of things I go through? And do people really care to even know those details? Sometimes I feel like, why bother with trying to explain, it will just take too long? Maybe that's selfish of me to think that way. I hope I'm not coming across negative, because I don't want to sound that way. Maybe that's why I also have been slacking on updating my blog, because I don't know what to say or how to say it. Does that make sense? But, I do want to be respectful to all of you since you want to hear from me. It's like I want to tell everyone everything about what's happening, what I'm learning, what my frustrations are, and so on. But how?
I still love teaching these kids. I still love living here. I love my family. I love my friends. I love the Lord and am thankful that He brought me all the way over here. And I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Much Love,
Jen
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Facebook | Your Photos - Church Friends
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=137356&id=550306089&l=00f17c6a5a
These are pictures of me with my friends from church. I love my church!
These are pictures of me with my friends from church. I love my church!
Facebook | Your Photos - Kenya 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=132738&id=550306089&l=710d97291c
These are pictures of our staff retreat to Lake Naivasha awhile ago. Sorry this took so long. On this album is also included pictures of the car my roommate and I purchased when we first got here. There are pictures of our short weekend vacation to Mombasa. And then there are also pictures of me visiting the World Cup Trophy that was on tour here. It was quite the experience.
These are pictures of our staff retreat to Lake Naivasha awhile ago. Sorry this took so long. On this album is also included pictures of the car my roommate and I purchased when we first got here. There are pictures of our short weekend vacation to Mombasa. And then there are also pictures of me visiting the World Cup Trophy that was on tour here. It was quite the experience.
Update
So, school is still going really well. I still love my kids and my job. I still really enjoy living here in Kenya.
But life is about to get much busier since soccer season starts next week. I'M SO EXCITED!!! Next week we're doing just straight conditioning. The girls are already complaining. The following week (week of Thanksgiving & my birthday!) we're having tryouts. And then we start practicing after that. We don't start games until 2nd semester. We're supposed to have a U-19 team and a U-15 team. I'll be trying to coach both, with the help of one of the other teachers (Joel Dixon) who coached the guys. I'd also like to thank John Antonisse (girls soccer coach at UT-Dallas) and my friend, Jenny Wedemeier, for helping me a ton with coaching ideas, drills, practices, conditioning and the sort before I left for Kenya. Their resources and expertise have become a huge help to me. I'd also like to thank my brother and sister-in-law for giving me more conditioning ideas from Crossfit. I'm excited to use everything I've been learning from each of these people. I'm really looking forward to the season beginning because I love soccer and I really love the girls. I just hope I can be a good coach.
But life is about to get much busier since soccer season starts next week. I'M SO EXCITED!!! Next week we're doing just straight conditioning. The girls are already complaining. The following week (week of Thanksgiving & my birthday!) we're having tryouts. And then we start practicing after that. We don't start games until 2nd semester. We're supposed to have a U-19 team and a U-15 team. I'll be trying to coach both, with the help of one of the other teachers (Joel Dixon) who coached the guys. I'd also like to thank John Antonisse (girls soccer coach at UT-Dallas) and my friend, Jenny Wedemeier, for helping me a ton with coaching ideas, drills, practices, conditioning and the sort before I left for Kenya. Their resources and expertise have become a huge help to me. I'd also like to thank my brother and sister-in-law for giving me more conditioning ideas from Crossfit. I'm excited to use everything I've been learning from each of these people. I'm really looking forward to the season beginning because I love soccer and I really love the girls. I just hope I can be a good coach.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sorry it's been so long since my last update...
I'm just not very good about updating people on my life and keeping in touch with people. I don't know what my problem is. I want people to know what's going on with me and I want to hear about their lives and I miss all of my friends and family a lot. So, you'd think I would be better at this. Maybe it's my job and life that keep me busy, but I think part of it is also the fact that I'm lazy in this area of my life. Sorry.
I think too, sometimes, that I'm not sure exactly what to share with everyone or tell people because I feel like I do the same thing every day, all the time. But, I know people still want to hear about it. So, my last update was in Sept. Since then, I've attended 2 Kenyan weddings, have gotten to know my students more and more, have developed more friendships outside of school with people from the Kenyan church I attend, have begun to really enjoy living here, have played soccer with friends from church, have been staying busy with school but also been socializing, am learning more about life here, am getting more and more used to driving here, it finally started raining (which we desperately need), I fell down the stairs in my house but am ok, have been downtown Nairobi more, saw the biggest birds (storks) I've ever seen in my life, laughed a lot, been cooking more, and have been able to talk to my parents on the phone. We still haven't run out of water at our house, which is a HUGE blessing since it usually happens each year. The electricity rations are on the downturn and should be ending soon.
Weddings in Kenya are very different than in the States. Usually they're open to whoever wants to show up and they feed everyone. After the ceremony, the couple leaves for about 2 hours to get their pictures taken in their various favorite locations. During that time, the guests are all eating and waiting for them. Then, the couple returns and all the women welcome them at their car with singing and dancing, depending on what tribe they're from. They escort them in with singing and dancing and then everyone gets involved. This is followed by the couples' families giving them advice and blessings in front of everyone. There's the cutting of the cake and the wedding proceeds throughout the rest of the day with an after-party. They usually start around 11am or early afternoon. So, it's been quite interesting to attend those. I've enjoyed them.
But, my biggest highlight has been getting to know my students better. I just love them more and more each day. They have been opening up to me, which has been quite the honor and privilege. But, the more I learn about them, the more I realize what their needs are. Even though I'm teaching at a private Christian school, that does not necessarily mean that everyone's on the same track or has the same lifestyles or morals. The kids here are more like my public school kids than private school kids, not to say that's a bad thing. But, I was assuming differently when I first arrived here. These kids have just as many needs as my public school kids did. I've realized teenagers are teenagers no matter where you go. They still all have the same issues, problems, and insecurities. It all boils down to the fact that every one of them needs and wants to be loved and accepted. My biggest challenge now is to know how to reach them, how to get through to them, how to educate them in matters of life not just in my subject. All I know to do right now is pray for them continuously and earnestly. I realize how much I really care about them and desire for them to know God the way I know Him. I'm desperate for them to see God's love through me, but I'm not so sure I'm always doing a very good job. That's my biggest prayer request right now. So, I would covet your prayers for wisdom to know how to reach my students.
Thanks again for reading my blogs. I feel honored.
Many Blessings!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Beautiful Sunday in Kenya
It's Sunday afternoon and it's a beautiful day. The sun is shining bright, there's a nice breeze, and I get the blessing of being outside using the internet on a beautiful campus. Our school here is quite the spectacle. There are many pretty plants and flowers here. Right now I'm watching a medium-sized lizard crawl around on a rock. Enjoying God's creation is a blessing to me. I believe that's why He created all of these things, so that we would give Him such glory and honor for creating such wonderful things. Evolution doesn't cut it for me.
I'm so pleased and honored to know that people read my blogs and want to keep hearing stories from me about my life here in Kenya. I really appreciate it and am humbled that y'all would care. Thank you! Also, thanks for so many of your prayers. God is answering. I'm doing really well here. I LOVE my students here so much. I loved my students in the States too, but I'm not sure what's different here. Maybe it's because I get to actually know these students more than the ones at home because at home I had around 170 students, whereas here I only have around 55. It's quite a difference when you're talking about investing in students' lives. I also love teaching the classes I'm teaching. I have so much fun with my students, but I like the subjects too. Plus, the students seem way more interested and participate a lot more than I've encounterred before.
I'm also really excited for girls' soccer season to start. Tryouts won't happen until Nov. Most of the girls who play soccer are playing basketball right now, so I can't do anything with them before tryouts. The guys play soccer during lunch. The other day one of them asked if I would be on their team during lunch. I said sure, but that I was sorry if I caused them to lose. I felt so special! And it was so much fun to play with them.
The students and classes make it all worth while. When I get frustrated at the other things that really bother me, like politics that come into play at any job, then I keep reminding myself of the students and it makes it better. Why does every job have to have politics? It's so annoying, frustrating, and it can get ugly too. But, I guess it could always be worse.
Anyways, today was my 4th time to go to a church that I've decided to be a part of. It's called Karen Community Church. I just LOVE it!!! The worship is AMAZING!!! The teaching is good, sometimes are better than others. Today was my first time to go to the singles' sunday school class. It was great! It's a small group and they're super nice and discuss really great things. They invited me to their camping trip next weekend, and I'm soooooo excited to go. I am the only white girl in the group and I'm just really excited to become friends with some Kenyans and just spend time with other people besides those at school (not that there's anything wrong with school people, but I need some diversity). Plus, I want to see more of Kenya besides just the big city of Nairobi. There's so much more! I really love this church. The people seem really great and seem to have their hearts in the right place. I really desire to get involved somehow.
I know I had promised pics a long time ago and haven't done it yet. I'm really sorry, but I will do my best to get those uploaded soon. I still need to downsize them first before I get download them. Thanks for your patience. And thanks for being interested in my life. Many thanks!
I'm so pleased and honored to know that people read my blogs and want to keep hearing stories from me about my life here in Kenya. I really appreciate it and am humbled that y'all would care. Thank you! Also, thanks for so many of your prayers. God is answering. I'm doing really well here. I LOVE my students here so much. I loved my students in the States too, but I'm not sure what's different here. Maybe it's because I get to actually know these students more than the ones at home because at home I had around 170 students, whereas here I only have around 55. It's quite a difference when you're talking about investing in students' lives. I also love teaching the classes I'm teaching. I have so much fun with my students, but I like the subjects too. Plus, the students seem way more interested and participate a lot more than I've encounterred before.
I'm also really excited for girls' soccer season to start. Tryouts won't happen until Nov. Most of the girls who play soccer are playing basketball right now, so I can't do anything with them before tryouts. The guys play soccer during lunch. The other day one of them asked if I would be on their team during lunch. I said sure, but that I was sorry if I caused them to lose. I felt so special! And it was so much fun to play with them.
The students and classes make it all worth while. When I get frustrated at the other things that really bother me, like politics that come into play at any job, then I keep reminding myself of the students and it makes it better. Why does every job have to have politics? It's so annoying, frustrating, and it can get ugly too. But, I guess it could always be worse.
Anyways, today was my 4th time to go to a church that I've decided to be a part of. It's called Karen Community Church. I just LOVE it!!! The worship is AMAZING!!! The teaching is good, sometimes are better than others. Today was my first time to go to the singles' sunday school class. It was great! It's a small group and they're super nice and discuss really great things. They invited me to their camping trip next weekend, and I'm soooooo excited to go. I am the only white girl in the group and I'm just really excited to become friends with some Kenyans and just spend time with other people besides those at school (not that there's anything wrong with school people, but I need some diversity). Plus, I want to see more of Kenya besides just the big city of Nairobi. There's so much more! I really love this church. The people seem really great and seem to have their hearts in the right place. I really desire to get involved somehow.
I know I had promised pics a long time ago and haven't done it yet. I'm really sorry, but I will do my best to get those uploaded soon. I still need to downsize them first before I get download them. Thanks for your patience. And thanks for being interested in my life. Many thanks!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
My Heroes
I would like to write a blog about my parents because they are my heroes. And no, they did not ask me to write this. In fact, they have no idea I have written this. I guess it just makes sense to write about them since I've been homesick lately.
My parents are some of the most amazing people I've ever known. Of course they're not perfect, but oh, wait... none of us are. What a realization. And if you think you are, then just keep lying to yourself. Anyways, that was a side note.
Getting back on track, my parents have been the biggest influences in my life and I'm truly thankful for that because I believe they have been very good influences. They did the best they could raising me, and I don't think I turned out too bad, by God's grace. ;) They taught me the important things in life and taught me about values and morals. They taught me about faith in God, about the grace that He gives, and His unconditional love. They took care of me, they provided for me, and loved me. They have supported me and have always been there for me. They have always believed in my goals and dreams, even when all I wanted to be was a farmer during my growing up years. What little kid says they want to be a farmer all the way until they're in college? My parents could have said, “Maybe you should pick something a little bit more practical and realistic.” But, no, they let me dream and they supported me in that and tried to find ways to get me there.
And I must say, they're also a pretty good-looking couple, still even at their age. :) I couldn't ask God for better parents. God obviously knew what He was doing when He placed me in their family. My parents have always shown strong faith and trust in God during difficult times and circumstances, and believe me when I say 'difficult'. They have been through some not-so pretty times in their lives and still do. But they have always persevered and sought wisdom from the Lord to make it through those times. And seeing that has always encouraged me. They have also always sought the Lord's will and direction in decisions they've had to make in things I've witnessed in their lives. They have lived their adult lives for the Lord, to serve Him, know Him, and love Him. They continuously share God's love and His message with others. Overall, they've been a good testimony to me. And I hope and pray that God gives me the opportunity someday to try to be that kind of a parent to my own children.
Anyways, there's so much more to say, but how do you put it in words? I love hanging out with my parents because they're just so much fun too! They challenge me, keep me accountable, and make me laugh. The list could keep going, but I think I've made my point. I hope you can have the privilege of meeting them someday. They'll bless your socks off!
I Love You, Mom & Dad! -Jenny
My parents are some of the most amazing people I've ever known. Of course they're not perfect, but oh, wait... none of us are. What a realization. And if you think you are, then just keep lying to yourself. Anyways, that was a side note.
Getting back on track, my parents have been the biggest influences in my life and I'm truly thankful for that because I believe they have been very good influences. They did the best they could raising me, and I don't think I turned out too bad, by God's grace. ;) They taught me the important things in life and taught me about values and morals. They taught me about faith in God, about the grace that He gives, and His unconditional love. They took care of me, they provided for me, and loved me. They have supported me and have always been there for me. They have always believed in my goals and dreams, even when all I wanted to be was a farmer during my growing up years. What little kid says they want to be a farmer all the way until they're in college? My parents could have said, “Maybe you should pick something a little bit more practical and realistic.” But, no, they let me dream and they supported me in that and tried to find ways to get me there.
And I must say, they're also a pretty good-looking couple, still even at their age. :) I couldn't ask God for better parents. God obviously knew what He was doing when He placed me in their family. My parents have always shown strong faith and trust in God during difficult times and circumstances, and believe me when I say 'difficult'. They have been through some not-so pretty times in their lives and still do. But they have always persevered and sought wisdom from the Lord to make it through those times. And seeing that has always encouraged me. They have also always sought the Lord's will and direction in decisions they've had to make in things I've witnessed in their lives. They have lived their adult lives for the Lord, to serve Him, know Him, and love Him. They continuously share God's love and His message with others. Overall, they've been a good testimony to me. And I hope and pray that God gives me the opportunity someday to try to be that kind of a parent to my own children.
Anyways, there's so much more to say, but how do you put it in words? I love hanging out with my parents because they're just so much fun too! They challenge me, keep me accountable, and make me laugh. The list could keep going, but I think I've made my point. I hope you can have the privilege of meeting them someday. They'll bless your socks off!
I Love You, Mom & Dad! -Jenny
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Things Commonly Seen/Experienced in Nairobi, Kenya
at our school, the cafeteria food is 100 times better than at school's in the US
donkeys on the side of the road
goats on the side of the road
people walking everywhere
red dirt everywhere
crazy drivers everywhere
super cheap beautiful roses
mothers carrying their children on their backs like a sack
women carrying huge loads of wood on their backs and walking long distances
cows roaming the main streets looking for grass
'police stops' in the middle of the roads
see lots of shacks
gate guards at every entrance
lots of colorful and noisy birds
pollution
police with machine guns
Obama paraphernalia
holes in the roads
people doing everything by hand
eating a lot of potatoes
people on bicycles
men on the side of the road peeing on a bush
plants being sold on the side of the road
furniture being sold on the side of the road
men standing in the middle of the neighborhood roads selling food, newspapers, mirrors, birds, pirated movies, and anything else
having to maneuver my car around cattle
Here's a common story that happens to me every time I drive at night. Let me first describe to you what driving at night means here. For some strange reason, many people drive with their brights on. There are a few dim street lights overhead. So when it gets dark, it is dark. There are a million holes in the road, but you can't see them with the combination of pitch black and other cars brights shining in your face. In fact, you can't see ANYTHING with that combination. Therefore, here's where the trouble comes in. You see, I live in a country where I am the definite minority in skin color. For some reason, the majority here like to walk out in the middle of the street when it's pitch black outside and they wear dark clothing as well. So, you can just imagine what I'm trying to get at and describe without making it sound wrong. I'm just not sure if they're even aware of why it is so dangerous for them to do this. Do they not really think about it, or does it not even cross their minds that if you have darker skin, and are wearing dark clothes, and it's dark outside, do not cross the middle of the street. I cannot see you and therefore I will more than likely hit you. This is one thing that I have come across that really bothers me.
Things I Took for Granted in the USA
water supply
power supply
family
friends
smooth roads
more than one lane roads
price of gas
home-cooked meals
drinking water
washing machine that works
clothes dryer
clean water that doesn't stain my clothes
pavement vs. dirt everywhere
having pets/dogs
convenience
simplicity
radio
good preaching/expository teaching
good worship
cheerios
good Mexican food
being around people who really know me
being able to drive somewhere in a remote area whenever I need to just get away 2 be by myself
parks
frozen food
Peter Pan peanut butter
ice
highway litter laws
seeing beautiful farms with red barns
clean air
orderly traffic
being able to run longer than 10 minutes without getting out of breath due to 6000 ft. elevation
seasoning salt
garlic salt
flat land
John Deere
people understanding what I say
PRIVACY
swimming
being able to order water for free
rain
Diet Dr. Pepper
sugar products
cheap, yummy, chewy, sour candy
baked goods
orderly driving
stop signs
traffic lights
people not staring at me all the time because of the color of my skin
being the majority
not seeing people starving
being able to wear whatever jewelry I want
having Christian bookstores
having internet everywhere
fast internet
seeing big pickups everywhere
having a pickup
not having to worry if I'm out after dark
street lights at night
street signs
ability to workout outside in the neighborhood
lanes on the roads
laws that are enforced
being able to flush after every toilet use
using sink water to wash my contacts
having an assortment of substitutes to choose from and use
feeling comfortable
feeling safe
having my own classroom
seeing beautiful wheat fields
not having to convert every purchase into dollars just to know how much I'm really spending
taking a bath
actually being able to shave in the shower
big machines that do the work
yards
not having to re-size all of my photos so they can be downloaded
knowing where everything is
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