love means to love that which is unlovable, or it is no virtue at all...

Today was a day of errand running and lessons learned. I stopped by the local Super Target to get a couple things (and ended up buying new clothes because they were having a MEGA sale… I got a shirt for 87 cents. 87 CENTS! Anyways…). There were several screaming obnoxious children in various parts of the store, but one kid was really outstanding. I wasn’t entirely sure where in the store he was, but I did know that I could hear him no matter where I was (in SUPER Target… just make note). Because the pitch of his voice, most of his words were totally inaudible, but I could make out a frequent repetition of “I want it!!!! I want it!!!!!!!” followed by loud wailing. Seriously, this kid was good. Apparently his temper tantrum wasn’t getting him what he wanted, though, because he continued screaming, wailing, and crying for a good ten minutes. I could see the other customers exchanging glances and making faces. When I got up to the register to pay, this kid ended up being the next cashier over. Whatever he wanted, he wanted bad; as him mom (who looked uber annoyed/embarrassed) tried to push her cart to the door, he flung himself in front of the cart. When that didn’t work, he tried pushing the cart backwards, screaming, “NO! Don’t leave!!!!! I want it!!!!” As I walked out to my car, I could still hear him, but this time it sounded like he had stopped fighting and dissolved into open sobbing. Poor little guy… he must have felt like the world could no longer continue as he knew it.

Later tonight, the Lord brought that image back to me. He very gently (such a gentleman) pointed out to me that I often was that little boy. Everybody in the store (especially his mom, I’m sure) was aware that he probably didn’t need whatever he wanted. Maybe it was candy or junk food or a toy that would end up lost under his bed in three days time. Maybe it was something that would straight up do him harm. Who knows. But the fact was that his mom knew it wasn’t the best for him. Maybe something better would come along… a more fantastic toy at home or a more satisfying snack. Or maybe he wouldn’t get a replacement to sooth the heartache he had felt leaving whatever he desired behind. But however it worked out – his mom refused because she deemed it was for his BEST. Hmmmm… How often do I throw an inward temper tantrum over what I want, dissolving to heartache and tears because I’ve so convinced myself that this object of my affection is necessary for happiness? I frequently cause myself much more pain by refusing to let go. But how childish! To scream and wail over something I want, when I serve a God Who desires to give me the best, Who dreams bigger than I ever could, and Who knows what I truly need. Sometimes, though, that knowledge doesn’t make it any less painful… sometimes what I want just seems so good. Perhaps, though, that is the lesson I must learn: trusting through the pain, choosing sacrifice and growth over immediate gratification, and opting to trust in a Redeemer Who only has good things for me. The reward? HIS best – probably not at all what I expect or think I need, but in the end the greatest gift and biggest dream. And really, isn’t that what I ultimately want? I think yes!

Oh, for grace for the journey…

sometimes, it seems as though no one gets it...

...which is probably true. Although there are a select few, I'd say most do not...

Earlier this week, I asked a friend of mine how her vacation to the Carribean was, to which she replied, "better than your trip to Haiti! It was so relaxing and nice." Of course, I understand her reasoning... and I'm sure that her trip was "better" in the sense that she likely had heated running water and classy food and cush accommodations. But, somehow, it's come to be that I'd take a tent city in Port au Prince or an African slum over a Carribean cruise ANY day...

What is it about the third world that makes me feel so much more at home than in the States? I don't really know - my only answer is simply that I was made for it. But in an attempt to convey my love for the third world, I'll try to make it more clear.

I love the smell of the third world. Weird, I know. I remember not being so fond of this smell the first couple of times I was in Kenya. BO, burning trash, dirty animals, and cooking spices is not, I admit, a pleasant combination. And I discovered this smell is not limited to Africa, but also exists in the DR and Haiti (and the rest of the third world, I imagine)... and I love it. It's a constant, ever present reminder that my heart can rest, my soul can rejoice 'cuz I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

I love sketchy. I do. And all of the variables in the third world mean that it's just a tad sketchy almost all of the time, and I love that. I haven't always. But the third world just has so many adventures that you would never even imagine in the States. Often - to me, at least - it feels as though I get to do so much more living... but I suppose my definition of life is different than many others...

Somehow, it's come to be that I'm so much more at home in the third world...

Update... I'm not going to Haiti....

Hey friends!

I so appreciate all your prayers and support, but I'm not going to Haiti this time around. I couldn't get work off, so I'm hoping to go on a future trip. I'm super sad, but trusting that HE has got this whole thing figured out, even when it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. He is a good and faithful God!

I'll definitely keep you all updated - thanks for the prayers and support!

I'm going to Haiti!!

Hey friends!!

I'm going to Haiti in March, and I'm looking for people to join me in prayer! I don't know dates yet, just that it will be in mid or late march. But here's what I know: I'll be going for ten ish days with nine other nurses and nursing students to help with the medical relief effort in Haiti. We'll be working with an organization called NOAH (I think it's the national organization for advancement of Haitians) that has been working on the ground in Haiti since before the earthquake. I'm stoked - this is why I'm in nursing school!! Expenses will be covered, I just need to get myself to Miami and get my immunizations (which, thankfully, I don't really need many) - so expenses are pretty much taken care of! Praise the Lord!

So - back to where you come in! Could you please be praying with me over this trip?? Here are my main prayer points thus far:
- I need to get my shifts covered at work! I'm working at New Life Church - initially they said that I would have to get my shifts covered to go. We may not have a whole lot of notice before the trip, and New Life's Easter production is the last weekend in march, so it may be hard for me to get shifts covered, especially if it's last minute and over the Easter production weekend. So pray for provision there and for grace from my boss!!! I'm trusting that it will work out - as I know I'm supposed to go!
- The majority of those on the team are not believers, and the organization we're working with is not faith based - so the dynamics of the trip will be a little different than a 'mission trip.' Our leader is a believer (yay!), and I'm excited for opportunities with those on the team as well as Haitians!
- Obviously - pray for Haiti! My heart is broken for this nation, and I'm praying that the Lord will give me His heart for these people. I'm praying that He will be their LIFE and BREATH!

And of course there are many more things, so pray as you are lead! And THANK YOU! I so appreciate your prayers!
Blessings,
Arienne :)

Hello, August...

Hey friends!

This week has been wonderful... I'm enjoying spending my last days here with the kids! This week, I've been impressed to pray three specific things for Kenya, and I'd thought I'd pass it along... pray as you are lead! In no particular order:

Rain! It hasn't rained since last week, and MANY crops, especially in central and rift valley province, have been totally scorched by the sun. Already areas of the country are seeing the effects of the shortage, and the government has started talking about importing maize and other foods into the country. Large portions of Nairobi don't have water, since the water sources that usually supply Nairobi are at less than half normal capacity. This week, we have had sporadic water - today there isn't any. Pray for rains, and pray for provision, as much of the maize and wheat is already gone...

The second concerns the spiritual battle here in Kenya, specifically with the Islamic world. The Islamic population is largely concentrated along the eastern coastal region and the north (if you get out a map, you will see why - Somalia, Sudan, and other Muslim nations border Kenya to the north). Currently, Kenya is in the process of creating a new constitution. The Muslims have started requesting that the new constitution include provision of a Muslim court system, in addition to the current system. Currently, the prime minister and the president share power (equally, theoretically) - the Muslims have also said that the constitution should say that if the prime minister or president is a Christian, then the other leader should be a Muslim. Kenya, along with other subsaharan countries, is seeing an increased Muslim presence coming from the north - the portion of Africa which is considered "Christian" is getting pushed further and further south. I'm praying that the opposite would be true - that the truth of the Gospel will begin to push upward and invade the traditionally Muslim countries! This is significant to me - if the Christian population does not begin to fight - pray and go - the influence of Islam will continue further south!

The third is for the judicial system and government. The cabinet and parliament are currently deciding how to handle those who orchestrated and carried out the post-election violence in early 2008. (If you aren't familiar with this story - basically, there was a controversy surrounding the two main presidential candidates in the last election. The results were controversial, and violence began between the tribes of Kenya, as most people supported the candidate who was from their same tribe. Many were killed and several hundred thousand displaced. A power-sharing government was created, giving equal power to the two candidates, one as the prime minister and one as the president.) Most Kenyans don't want the Kenyan courts to try those who are guilty of creating or carrying out the post-election violence because they don't trust the Kenyan courts to get justice... bribery is currently a pretty effective way to get out of most things. And like many other things in Kenya, it all depends on who you know. After investigation from outside sources, several names related to the post-election violence have been given the International Criminal Court, which is normally used only when a country is unable or unwilling to try those guilty of crimes against humanity. So - my prayer is for justice in the Kenyan court system, the end of corruption in the government and judicial system, and for those in power to value truth and justice.

Thanks for joining me in these prayers :)

Other exciting/noteworthy things that have made me smile this week:

- riding home from Nairobi, I saw a sign that said "Norfolk cares. Free water for donkeys!" which I found pretty ironic, given that many humans are currently lacking water. But apparently it was put there because Limuru is notorious for abusing their donkeys... so I guess they wanted to show the donkeys a little love.

- yesterday I picked avocados with Esther. There's an avocado tree behind the house, and we filled a bag with biiiiig avocados... it was glorious. They won't be ripe until after I leave, but the fact that I can pick 15 huge, delicious avocados from a tree in my back yard makes me smile!

- this afternoon I enjoyed a worship time with the kids – they got out a Bible, and the older ones read/translated for the younger ones. We sang and prayed together, and I love seeing how natural it is for them to seek the Lord – I LOVE learning/growing with them!

- for those of you who know of Jack and Paris – they are siblings I met three years ago in Misri. I have seen them each time I’ve returned, and they both have a super special place in my heart. Today, Jack and Paris came to Miracle House to say hi, and they brought their siblings – the oldest, Duncan, whom I have met before, and the youngest (little!!) one, Bryan, whom I haven’t. They took me to their home to meet their mom (their dad was working, so I wasn’t able to meet him), and when we walked in, Paris said, “Mom, we brought Jack’s mzungu!” It was a very special time for me, to be welcomed into this family so fully! It was also good for me to see where they live – Jack and Paris are well cared for, and they have both parents – a rarity in Misri. I’m thankful for that, and thankful for this incredible family that has such a special place in my heart!

Today I had to say goodbye to several of the older primary school children, as I won’t see them next week before I leave, and I’m realizing how hard it’s going to be to leave! This trip has been incredible, and I’m thankful for the family and community the Lord has given me here.

And I’m thankful for you - thanks for your prayers and friendship! I love you all bunches!

Rain, the Madness That is Nairobi, and Other Exciting Things!

HEY friends!

This is just a super quick update... but I have a couple exciting things to share!

First - for those of you who prayed for rain, it DUMPED last night! So, yay GOD! He definitely heard your prayers :) It poured for several hours, for the first time in over three weeks! A coincidence? I don't think so!!! Your prayers ARE powerful and effective!

Secondly - yesterday I was able to go with a friend, a Kenyan national who is a nurse at a Nairobi clinic, to Nairobi and hang around a clinic! It was a wonderful experience... I spent time with the nursing staff, the clinical officer (basically the equivalent of a physician's assistant), the laboratory staff, the pharmacy, and the VCT center (Voluntary Counseling and Testing - for HIV). It was way cool - I got to see the various roles of the health care professionals, experience an African health care setting, and work with patients a little (my favorite!). It was wonderful to be back in the health care setting... I didn't realize how much I missed it! (And now I'm getting pumped for school!) Not to mention the adventure of actually getting to the clinic and home... Nairobi is SO busy - I would have been completely lost if I hadn't been with Edna! There were people everywhere - total craziness, but I enjoyed getting to experience Nairobi!!

This next week I'll be enjoying my time with the MH kids... there's a slight chance that I'll be able to go to Webuye to hang out with the MH fam there - I'm hoping it works out!

Thank you for your prayers! Continue to pray for rain... and as you are lead!

Love you, friends! Thanks for being so faithful to support and encourage me!

...teach me how to hum it, 'cuz I don't know the words yet...

Hey friends!!

The climate here finally remember that it's July... meaning that it's been cold this week! It hasn't rained in the last three weeks, though, and much of Kenya is very dry. There's already talk a food shortages, as much of the maize and wheat in the country has dried up, and many farmers are reporting very small harvests. Kenya has already started importing extra maize in preparation... pray for rain and provision!!!

Life here has been good... I'm sorta dreading August 5th, when I'll be getting on an airplane to head home! I had a touch of a cold earlier in the week, but I'm feeling much better - praise the Lord! I'm thankful that the Lord has kept me so healthy this whole time!

Here is a portion of a journal entry/prayer I had written earlier this week:

I'm thankful that You humble me when I think I've got it all figured out. I'm thankful that You challenge me when I start to get comfortable. I'm thankful that You work marvelous things in spite of my mistakes. I'm thankful that Your faithfulness always prevails, even in sticky/less than fantastic situations. I'm thankful that the world is in Your hands - that nothing happens outside of Your knowledge. I'm thankful that when I have my control-freak-this-is-not-how-I-wanted-it moments, You remind me of Your sovereignty, faithfulness, and unfailing love. And as much as I'd love to hear Your ten year plan for my life, I wouldn't trade this adventure of walking with you for anything. You're teaching me the beauty in adventure and the refinement that comes with risk. Walking hand-in-hand with You over unknown, unseen trails is entirely different than walking through places of comfort and routine, where it is easy to forget I need to hold Your hand to know the way. There, I find it tempting - easy, even - to wonder off, seek my own way, and make my own plans. My path of choice would be direct, straight to the intended destination. Yet Your way often wiggles and zigzags, sometimes seeming to turn completely away from what (in my mind, at least) is the the goal. But this is where Your plan is higher and greater: beauty is often discovered around those corners that seem to be detours. The zigzags and wiggles build faith, the obstacles character. And if nothing else, I'm given the joy of walking with You, of learning to hold Your hand and listen to Your voice, of simply being in Your presence. And when, or if, we get to what I thought was the destination, I know that I will be more prepared because of those detours. Really though, this revelation also exposes one of my flaws: my goal-oriented self tends to miss the beauty in the journey, the lessons in the things that seem, to me, to not be part of the plan. Yet growth happens in the journey. Intimacy is cultivated. I am made to be more fully me - more fully the woman You have made and called me to be. I think You know me well enough to know that if You revealed all that You had for me, I'd probably panic and start planning now. I'd start making lists and phone calls. I'd totally miss the journey - in reality, Your perfect preparation - but I'd be 'ready' and 'organized.' I think You chuckle as You watch me frantically try in my own strength to be good enough or smart enough or worthy enough for the callings You've placed on my life. You smile, take my hand, and lead me to a peaceful place of rest. "Haven't you remembered? I've already called you righteous - approved by God. I knew exactly who you were when i first called you, and I know exactly who you are going to be. I have plans and adventures, yes, but my greatest desire is to give you Myself and for you to be fully Mine." So teach me to find the beauty in the journey. Teach me to seek those lessons You desire to teach me, teach me to listen to Your voice and be sensitive to Your leading. Teach me how to live the 'life of faith' - one day at a time, and truly lived.


Love you all... thanks for your prayers :)



Jane, Dennis, me... being silly :)















ok... THIS one's silly :)












Gideon, George, Njogu, and Dennis... walking to Imani for some recess!














Me and Jack! YAY! I saw him again this trip, which makes me super happy! He's getting SO big!











Jack! With his adorable toothless smile!