Bold

Today started out just like any other day. I went to community event with my roommate to get a nice breakfast and was planning on spending the rest of the day preparing for exams. Shortly after I arrived back to my dorm room, I started hearing unwelcome sounds out my window and receiving text messages from Virginia Tech and my friends on campus. A day that I had planned out went horribly astray from what it should have been. One minute, it was just another day on campus, and the next minute it turned into a day that many Hokies will never forget. December 8th, 2011.

This concept of everything suddenly changing shouldn't be anything new to us. Sadly, it happens quite frequently. National tragedies, natural disasters, loved ones passing away, unexplainable deaths, and changes in plans. They are all unforeseeable events that have a tendency to change everything in our lives. The thing is that we can't usually see these things coming and they come at us like a punch in the face. 

Through the course of events yesterday, I felt a community pull together. There were no gaps, but instead we were a united community. It is powerful when you are receiving so many texts messages that your phone doesn't even have a chance to send another one. It is powerful when people who you seldom speak to sincerely ask if you are okay and tell you they care. It is powerful when you finally hear from those that you have been trying to check up on to make sure that they are okay. 

I realized how much I value the relationships I have with people in my life. I feel like it is impossible to return the amount of love i was given from everyone yesterday, but I want to try. I want to show people that I care about them too. I want to be there for them in their moment of weakness, sadness, strength, and joy. I want to be proactive is showing people that I care about them.

We shouldn't let things in our life cause us to live in fear. Instead, they should encourage us to be bold. We should be bold with our loved ones and tell them how much they mean to us. We should be bold with those who are strangers because you never know how bad of a day they might be having. Our world needs more people who aren't afraid to stand up for what they know is right, even if it comes at a price. I want to try to be one of those people and I invite you to join me.

I couldn't help but think of Beautiful Things by Gungor. Below are some of the lyrics:

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

The County With Only One Traffic Light

 

I went to the town of Floyd this past weekend for their Friday night Jamboree with my roommate and my good friend and had a wonderful experience! When we first arrived at the General Store, we walked up to the sales counter and each paid our $5.00 charge to enjoy the music. The woman who took our money was very kind and gave us each a sticker to know that we had paid. The three of us walked around the store looking at the inventory on the shelves and on the tables. There were a lot of practical items for cooking and other household uses. There were also huge barrels full of classic candy such as the delicious Goetze’s caramel candies.

After observing almost everything the general store was selling, we walked over to the seats for watching the band. At first, we did not see enough open seats for us so we stood along the side near a room full of work gear such as gloves and Carhartt products. We were invited to join in on the dancing but nervously declined. We stood there for a few songs and soaked in this environment that was different than any of us were used to. We were in awe of the upbeat enthusiasm of the event. I don’t think that any of us could stop from smiling the whole night. Once we decided that we loved the event and we definitely weren’t going to turn around and run out of the store, we decided to take a seat.

The back half of the store was packed tight with simple folding chairs but each of the chairs had a handmade cushion on it. Having the cushions on each of the chairs made it seem even more welcoming. It gave them impression that they were glad that each of us was there and they wanted us to feel welcome. The cushions made it seem as if someone was saying that they wish that it was their home that we were invited to but knew that there was no way that that would be feasible. We sank into our folding chairs and absorbed even more of the event as we sat in silence, talked, and laughed.

One thing that really caught my eye at this point of the night was one of the ladies on the dance floor. She was probably in her mid-twenties and was dancing with her whole heart. Her face was glowing and she looked like she was completely in her element, as if she had started dancing at the Jamboree every weekend as a young girl, just like some of the other young girls on the dance floor. It looked so natural for her and she was incredible confident about her situation, and honestly, I think I was a little bit jealous of her for having grown up in the amazing small town environment that I’ve always wanted. 

After watching this lady and everyone else on the dance floor having so much fun, we decided to give it a try. We walked into the crowd of people on the dance floor and joined in. None of us had really danced like that before, but after a little while, we got the hang of it and realized how fun it was! I honestly could not stop smiling; it was such a blast and it was way different from the dancing I had learned to use at homecomings, proms, and college dances. It was carefree and easy enough that anyone could do it but had plenty of room for expertise.

As we were dancing, an older gentleman named Leo danced his way over to us and asked if we would like to dance with him. Leo is a Floyd local who was missing a few teeth and was wearing a hat that was decorated with bird feathers. We accepted his offer and he took my hand above my head and spun me around in circles until I began to get dizzy. He did this for each of us, and then very kindly thanked us for dancing with him as he shook each of our hands.

While the three of us were dancing, many of the people around us would leave or come onto the dance floor in between songs. It came time when we had to go, and we headed off of the dance floor, grabbed our coats, and left the Floyd General Store. I was reluctant to leave because I felt as if I had found a new community to belong to, but I was able to leave having thoroughly enjoyed my evening there and wanting to return again soon.

       
    I really enjoyed being in Floyd for the evening and partially wish that it wasn’t so far away so that I could spend much more of my time there. I’m sure that I will be going back again in the future and getting to know the town a little bit better.  

*pictures are not my own and came from floydcountrystore.com

Life

Here is a beautiful picture that I found today. I have been staring at it for the past 5 minutes. I think it is so powerful because it has the ability to showcase an entire lifespan in four simple images. 

It is painful 

beautiful

timeless

relatable

symbolic

cyclic

spiritual

I think that it represents the passing of times, the changing of seasons, and the growth of someone (or multiple peoples) throughout a lifetime. If you notice the trees in the image, as one is maturing and then dying, the other one is acquiring new growth and finally reaching its maturity. In the final frame, dead tree is springing up a new sprout and continuing the circle of life.

The final thing that I noticed in this image is the importance of the birds. 

After the girl enters his life, there is only one bird remaining in the sky. The couple is separated from the bird because they are limited to only being on the ground.

In the final frame after both of them pass away, there are no birds in the sky because all three of them have been united in heaven and there is nothing that is separating them from each other. The three of them are finally able to be together.

I have only pointed out a few of my observations from this image. I challenge you to absorb it and see what other meaning you can pull from it. I would love to hear what you come up with. 

As I watch the leaves fall off the tree, 

Mackenzie

If I Were A Safari Animal...

One of the most exciting things about going on a safari is matching everyone you are with to a safari animal. Each animal embodies a distinct personality and there is a perfect match for everyone. It was decided among my van mates that I would be a Thompson's Gazelle, and I would prance around singing a "la la la la la" song that had a happy little tune. Here are some pictures; I hope you can identify. 

-Kenz

Promises Fullfilled

So, I promised ya'll that I would write more about the quote that I listed at the bottom of my last blog.

     "Community: it is the opposite of thinking that wherever I am, I would be better off somewhere else."

Well, I actually wrote a blog post about it! However, it's not on this blog but on the blog for the SERVE program at Tech.  "How in the world am I going to find this random blog?", you may ask. 

Here it is: http://serveatvt.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/community-is-here-and-now/ 

But please, don't just read mine and then close the page. There are many other really good posts on this site that were written by my friends in the program. 

Check it out! It will be worth it, I promise. 

-Kenz

This crazy thing we call time

A few days ago I was reading my cousin's blog and there was something that she wrote that really spoke true to me. The concept of time is something that continues to baffle me. I wish I could control it but I know I never can. I could go on and on talking about it but her words sum it up perfectly so here they are: 

Time seems to be rushing by me. Like I’m floating down a river, taking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside and unexpectedly the scenery begins to change and the river’s current picks up. The new scenery is beautiful too, but I didn’t realize I was coming to this new section so quickly. I’m suddenly wishing that I could swim back up stream to catch a glimpse of the all the beauty I’d been taking for granted (did I really think it would go on forever?), but the currents too strong; I can‘t fight it. -CJ

Random thoughts on my current life:

• I went out for Sushi downtown last night with a couple friends and now I'm very inspired to try as many local restaurants as possible. I think we all are actually. The problem with this inspiration is that it completely conflicts with my budget so I'm going to have to work out a compromise with myself somehow.

• It's been raining nonstop here for the past couple days and there isn't any bright sun in the forecast. Most people don't like this weather but I am rather enjoying it. The only problem I had with it today was that I wanted to curl up with a fuzzy blanket, a hot beverage, and some knitting needles or a book. Unfortunately class tends to get in the way of that fantasy. 

• I am very excited for this weekend and trying to be diligent with getting things done in preparation for being out of town but other wonderful things, such as writing this blog, are perpetually getting in the way. Why is it that after 1am I cannot possibly get any school work accomplished but as soon as I begin doing things on facebook, blogging, or anything else unacademic I am extremely productive. This is a phenomenon that I don't really care to investigate or change. 

• I am not a fan of doing laundry in a campus dorm. Mainly because of the whole having to pay for each load problem. This is especially problematic when you only have $.36 left on your Hokie Passport after paying for three wash loads and have to scrounge around for quarters before it's time to move everything into the dryer. 

• Having conversations with people is quite possibly my favorite thing ever. Especially when it involves making ridiculous lists, asking random passerbys to give their opinions on them, and when it's all over not having any idea that over two hours have passed. 

• When I start to get overwhelmed by everything that I am involved in right now, I just remember how blessed I am to have all of the opportunities I've been given. This is the life I've been given and it would be repulsive for me to take it all for granted, which I do everyday. I am incredibly blessed. 

Here's a quote that I recently found and really like. I will most likely write more about it in the future but for now it's just food for thought: 

"Community is the opposite of thinking that wherever I am, I would be better off somewhere else." 

-Peter Block in Community

Mungu Anakupenda

Midst

Is it strange that every single time I read or hear someone say the word "midst" that I think of my wonderful Kenyan friends? I heard pastors and other locals say that word many times and I just can't stop their unique pronunciation from continuously ringing in my head. 


I am sure you are probably thinking, "What in the world is so memorable about how they say this little word?" Well, I will do my best to explain. The typical american says the word "midst" as a one syllable word where the "d" and "s" blend together. In Kenya the word is broken into two syllables and the "d" and "s" are completely independent from each other. It sounds something like, "Mid-ist". It's just not quite right when it comes out a pastors mouth as one syllable. 

Outside of the church where I first heard the word "Mid-ist" in Bondenni. 

That's not the only thing I've been missing about Kenya. In fact I could make a whole long list that would most likely bore you to death so I won't do that to you, not today at least. I know I can't leave you hanging like that so I will attempt to quench your curiosity by sharing two more examples with you. 


It's really the little things that make me realize that I'm in a different continent, both geographically and culturally. For example, many times when leaving a group of people or person I have to restrain myself from calling out "Kwaheri". Sometimes it slips out and then I have to explain to a room of confused people that it means goodbye. Something else that keeps trying to slip through my lips is "Bwana Asifiwe". Just today I was in a meeting and after someone finished sharing something I had to press my lips together to prevent myself from exclaiming, "Bwana Asifiwe!" Saying "Praise God" just does not have the same meaning to me anymore. It has become cliche in this culture but in Nairobi, Bwana Asifiwe exclaims that no matter what the situation, God deserves to be praised! It is said often as a reminder that things are God's doing and that he gets all of the glory from it. In the mid-ist of a Kenyan telling a life-relating story, they will interject "Bwana Asifiwe" at least once every minute, sometimes multiple times in a row if they think the meaning hasn't sunk with you yet. 


I never would have thought that these would be the things that I would miss. Don't get me wrong, I miss my lovely friends there as well. Maybe these words resonate with me so much because they are a constant reminder of all of my Kenyan brothers and sisters. 


Thanks for listening. 
Mungu Akubariki


P.S. My family got a letter from my sponsored child today and I am anxiously awaiting when it gets forwarded to me so that I can read it... SO EXCITED! 

A Story of Mathare

Jambo,

Jambo Bwana.

Habari Gani?

Nzuri Sana.

Wageni,

Mwakaribishwa.

Kenya Yetu,

Hakuna Matata! 

This is the song that I listened to many precious school children sing for almost an hour while welcoming our team into their neighborhood in Nairobi. Listening to this song brought me so much joy but for a deeper meaning that just the smiles on their faces and the beautiful sound of a chorus of voices. It is their background and what they are overcoming that is so powerful. It is always moving to hear someone's testimony but to be caught up in the middle of it and witnessing their transformation first hand is something completely unimaginable. 

It is the story of each of these children that make them different that any other people I have been around. 

These children were born into a completely hopeless life. They have been born into a place where there has been no hope for education, a job, economic stability, guaranteed nutrition, and health care. But the list doesn't stop there. Besides the more obvious things that I have listed, these children have also been born into a family of despair. His or her father cannot find a job to support his family, and therefore is not fulfilling his need to provide for his family. More often that not, this father takes out his helplessness on his family by physical or sexual abuse. The child's mother feels like she is standing in the midst of chaos alone and helpless. A large majority of the households (if you can call a one-room shack the size of my bathroom housing multiple people with just one bed a household) are led my single mothers. It is very common in Mathare for a father to abandon his family when things get too tough or his public image might be compromised. Women don't have rights in Kenya like they do here in America. They might be the breadwinners of the family, but they can lose everything the have worked so hard for in an instant. 

There was no hope in Mathare Valley. None. If you moved there, you would never leave there. If you were born there, you would die there. That all changed in the early 2000's when an ordinary business working couple decided to do the little bit they could to provide a small drop of hope in an area of hopelessness. The Kamau's started Missions of Hope International (MOHI) and miraculously, their efforts of providing light did not get swallowed by the endless surrounding darkness. God has continued to bless MOHI and literally has "Transformed a valley of darkness into the mountain of God" Instead of the valley being filled with darkness, it is now consumed with light. Bwana Asifiwe! 

The children and families of the Mathare Valley now have a great hope because of MOHI. There is hope for their child to become one of the thousands who are now getting a good education because of child sponsorships. Through that education, the child is taught about the ultimate hope, hope that comes from Jesus. That newfound hope fills them until they are overflowing and spreading this hope like a virus to their family members and friends in the community. 

Honestly, I never understood how much of a difference child sponsorship makes and please don't tune me out on this part.  It literally makes all the difference in the world for that child. Choosing to sponsor a child will change a life. If you pass up an opportunity to sponsor a child, that is one more child who cannot escape the unrelenting clutches of poverty. 

I have seen first hand children who do not have sponsors. 

I have seen first hand the expression on those children's faces when someone chooses to sponsor them. 

I have seen first hand the priceless embrace of the first meeting of a child and their sponsor.  

I have heard first hand children and mothers talk about their sponsors and how much they love and appreciate them. 

I have seen and heard these things and been moved to action. I decided to sponsor a child my very first day working in Mathare. Even though I would consider myself a poor college student, I have been so blessed and the least I can do is sacrifice a little bit financially to begin a relationship with a child who's life I know I will be a part of forever. The impact of my simple decision to sponsor my little Brian Kioko is absolutely immeasurable. 

Me and my new sponsored child, Brian. He is so beautiful.

Please do not sit still after reading this. If what I have written has impacted you in the slightest bit, DO SOMETHING! You can sponsor a child and completely change a life, a family, and an entire neighborhood. I would love to talk to you more about this so please talk to me more about it. 

God is blessing the Mathare Valley and He is using us to do it. Without sponsors, none of this is possible. 

Kenya in the morning.... already?

Well here I am the night before my long awaited trip to Nairobi, Kenya. I honestly cannot believe that it has come up so fast and I feel like no amount of preparation can prepare me for what is ahead. Despite the feeling that I am being thrown into something unprepared, I know that I am as ready as I will ever be and I will give it my all. 


Immediately after writing this, I will go to bed for an entirely too short 5 hours of sleep. It will all be a buzz from here and it will be wonderful! Please pray for my trip that my team can do God's will while we are there and that the people we meet will be receptive to God's love. Different members from my 80+ person team will be taking turns blogging on my church's short term mission blog, http://mountainshorttermmissions.blogspot.com/, and I encourage you to check it out regularly while I am gone. 


Until I reenter the states on July 2nd,  


Mackenzie 

Home :)

Never Alone by Lady Antebellum

I'm not really sure what the intent of this song is but it reminds me of a blessing that David would write for the Psalms. As you read through the lyrics/listen to the song, imagine God speaking these words to you. It's just a really beautiful song and I thought I would share it. 


Click here to listen to Never Alone on youtube.


May the angels protect you, trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when it's time to go home
May you always have plenty, the glass never empty
And know in your belly, you're never alone

May your tears come from laughing, you find friends worth having
As every year passes, they mean more than gold
May you win and stay humble, smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble, you're never alone

Never alone, never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown
Wherever you fly this isn't goodbye
My love will follow you, stay with you, baby, you're never alone

Well, I have to be honest as much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise that cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you and your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you, you're never alone

Never alone, never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown
Wherever you fly this isn't goodbye
My love will follow you, stay with you, baby, you're never alone

May the angels protect you, trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when it's time to go home
So when hard times have found you and your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you, you're never alone

Never alone, never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown
Wherever you fly, this isn't goodbye
My love will follow you, stay with you, baby, you're never alone
My love will follow you, stay with you, baby, you're never alone 

A little photographical update on College Life

My roommate and I have been trying to keep things alive in our room this year. It is turning out to be quite the challenge. You wouldn't think it would be so hard to water/feed something but turns out it is. In the beginning of the year we carefully (or not so carefully) nurtured a mint plant named Franklin but to our dismay, he bit the dust and we reverently spread his remains around a tree.

Then we attempted raising Triops. They are a sea monkey-ish aquatic creature that start from eggs, hatch, grow, and then lay their own eggs. They were a lot of fun and it was extremely exciting to watch them hatch and grow. They are now all deceased but they actually lived longer than their proposed life span. 

Here is their lovely home

If you look very closely you can see a mini Triop. It's the little white speck thingy. 

And here are grown up Triops. Their names are Jimmy and Josie <3

Now we are growing grass. It has grown very swiftly and lusciously. Hopefully he will continue to grow  as well as he has so far. Oh, and his name is Gilbert. 

 

 Here he is with his long scraggly hair. Stephanie and I decided that he needed a trim. 

This is after we gave him a lovely flat top.

And then we gave Gilbert a bow! 

How cute is he!!!

Kenya Fund Raising

Support letters were sent out for my Kenya trip in the beginning of March and since then I have been getting updates on the funds that have come in. I have been so amazed and blessed be people's generosity. I cannot believe how much support letters can do when you put your faith in them! I still need about $1,000 by May 7th but I know that I will have that money in time. I am not even worried about getting it because I have seen God's faithfulness through the last couple thousand dollars. 

I have to be honest with you all, I am tremendously looking forward to this summer because of all the things that are in store for me. And these are just the things that I already know about; I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises along the way as well. For now, I am just trying to keep my focus on school and my amazing life here. The pace of my classes is going to be picking up soon but all I have to say to that is "bring it on!" 

Insight from a Soldier

This is an excerpt from a conversation between my brother, who is currently in Afghanistan, and my mother. These words are simply too wise to not share and there is a lot we can all take from them. Please remember that these men are fighting so that you can have your freedom and read it with an open heart:

"You know i have to tell you i'm safe, that's my job to keep you from worrying, but just know that when i get to do my job, my real job, I love it. This is what i signed up for and would rather be doing nothing other than leading some of americas finest men of this generation.

"Without these men, america would surely crumble and i simply ask that you remind everyone at home who sleeps warm in the beds at night, with family down the hall, or those who enjoy a relatively safe drive or walk to work without having to worry about getting blown up, or having to put on 50 pounds of gear everyday, the sacrifices these young men make. They work constantly, guarding their brothers and americans at home, knowing that if the worst happens, its worth it, even almost expected because that is often what it takes to build nations and protect its freedoms.

"That isn't meant to worry you at all, because in all honesty, things are not bad right now. But i wanted you to know how i feel about the service of so many of america's boys that were not too long ago in high school or delivering someones newspaper. I just wish all of america appreciated them in the same way."

So, next time you go somewhere without having to seriously worry about your safety, remember what our soldiers are going through to make that possible. I'm no soldier but I think all they want from us is to remember what they're going through and be grateful for their sacrifice.

It's simple but incredibly important.

-Kenz

A Journey to the Slums

Hello Everybody!

I would like to officially announce to you all that I will be traveling to the Mathare Valley in Kenya, Africa this summer. Mountain Christian Church is sending 80+ people from the congregation to bring the hope of Jesus to a poverty stricken place. We are divided into several smaller teams, and I am on the sewing and knitting team. We will be teaching women of the valley how to make certain marketable sewn and knitted projects that they can sell to help provide for their families. I am very excited to teach them such a valuable skill but I am even more excited for the relationships that are going to be built while there. I already know that God will be working in ways that I can not even imagine.

A picture of the Mathare Slums which hundreds of thousands of people call home.

I know that this trip is going to significantly expand my comfort zone, but I am glad for that. There will not be change in the world if we all stay within our comfort zones. I am preparing myself for the challenge and growth that will occur during this trip. Please join me in praying for the people of the Mathare Valley, and for our team that will be going there in June.

I am praying to you

because I know you will answer, O God.

Bend down and listen as I pray.

-Psalm 17:6

Currently, I am working on my support letters that I will be sending to many of my family and friends. In these letters I will be giving information about my trip (much of which will be able to be found here), and asking for two things:

1. I am asking for you to commit to praying for my trip to Kenya. Prayers that our team and the people who we will be interacting with will be able to attentively listen to the perfect calling of God. This is my most important request because without God, this trip will not be possible.
2. I am asking for monetary donations toward my trip. I hate having to ask for money but it is an essential part of the process of going on a short-term mission trip and very important. If you would like to give you can give online at http://mountainchristian.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=104852, or wait patiently until you receive a support letter.

I would greatly appreciate it if you are able to do one, or both of these things, but above all, I am requesting your prayers. Thank you in advance for joining me in an endeavor to follow God into areas that desperately need his unfailing love.

Romans 8:35-39:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In Christ,

Mackenzie