day 18 sunday 🙌

as i sat in church sunday morning, i let my mind wander. almost every visit, i have attended martin's church in nyachange. i know exactly what to expect, and i like the people and the familiarity. the small congregation sings a capella for over an hour. in swahilii. many of the hymns, i recognize, but after trying to sing the swahilii for awhile, i just listen.... and let my mind wander.... and it landed on a blog post to write. 

i was thinking about what things had brought me to sitting in that place. i began thinking about the people who had made it possible. i am so grateful for their part in giving me such an immense gift that makes this life even possible. 

first is michelle. michelle oversees the in His hands ministry. if she had not introduced herself and approached me at a bridal shower, kenya would never have been on my radar. her perseverance and committment to serving vulnerable people has changed countless lives, including mine. very thankful.

second is greg. certainly divorce hadn't been on my radar either. but God. He took this very very hard thing and used it to change me in so many ways. it was a mighty high price to pay.... and... "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." greg worked so hard for so many years building something from nothing, and it provided our large family countless opportunities. without it, i would not be in a position to do what i do. very thankful. 

third are my farmsitters. from phoebe and marissa and melissa and now steve & marcia. i can come here for a month at a time and literally not worry! that is huge. the farm had, and still does, hold a big piece of my life, and to step away for a period is a blessing. it represents a lot of work and responsibility (along with the obvious awesomeness of a beautiful little farm) and to have a break..... well, it is really nice. very thankful. 

fourth are stephen and bella. my kenyan story really began june 2024, the day i went into stephen's sheet metal construction command center. i wanted to meet the mastermind behind this massive undertaking of building the kisii property. that began a relationship that still i can't really describe. you find kindred friendships sometimes in the most unexpected places. and then bella. when i am here in kisii, she is the one that covers my everything. if there is anyone i trust to keep me safe and from being a sucker 🫣, she is it. without stephen and bella, i wouldn't be here. with them, i know my back is well-covered. very thankful. 

and fifth is Jesus. He is the One who guides and provides. when i spoke for a few minutes at church, something i said i realized later was very much my truth. i believe what is underway here was created just for me. i believe this was His perfect plan with only my name on it. life went through countless turns and hardships to get here, and it was worth it, if indeed, this is what He called me to. Christ is my Cornerstone. without Him, life would have no meaning. very very thankful.