children's choir of africa (what they taught me)

SO, I meant to post this last week before Thanksgiving…but you know how it goes….

Last week, the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa came to town to perform at a local church. This is a choir based out of Kenya through The 410 Bridge organization. They had been on tour seven nights straight at that point. I was tired and it was after work but I went. And I'm so glad I did. They are AMAZING!!! God used His perfect timing to put in perspective just how much I have to be thankful for. And this was done just by listening to Kenyan boys and girls sing and dance to OUR Risen Savior! The same Savior that we sing to and worship. Although I might have an abundance in materials, money (not really, but you get the point), and temporary things, it is these children that have been given an abundance of joy, peace and most of all, hope. A hope that overcomes all the trials, all the losses, all the unknowns and all the doubts that this world has thrown at them over and over.
I think having been to Kenya myself before made it a little more real and emotional. I could just picture the scenes I witnessed while there. Scenes no one should have to see, much less live in. I have been there. I have been amongst the trash-filled slums overflowing with raw sewage with little kids playing and searching, urinating on the ground, dogs and pigs roaming and disease running rampant. And the smell…I don’t even have the words to describe how awful. Millions and millions of people in one slum, living crammed in a little shanty (tin roof/hut) that they call home. This is all they know.




But not for these kids. They know of the smell and the sewage. They know what it is like to search among the trash to find food just to stay alive. They know what it is like to wonder if they will have a meal to eat or water to drink. They know what it is like to lose a mother/father to disease. They know what it feels like to not have family at all. They know what it means to have nothing. They know and live in these circumstances. They have faced their hardships and are able to look beyond their trials and sufferings. All of this while singing, dancing and shouting to the King. This is just a testimony of God’s redeeming love. They know and face their daily circumstances but their faith remains unchanged. Their smile says it all.






If these Kenyan boys and girls can worship their Creator all while in their current circumstances, then why can’t I, being right where I am…right where God has me, worship my Heavenly Maker just the same. Through the eyes and the hearts of these children.


"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalms 105:1

Hope ya’ll had a Thankful Thanksgiving !

here and there

We've had a busy past week going to Louisville Kentucky, Athens for the UGA/Auburn game and then to a B&B in Dahlonega GA for some relaxing (minus the hiking) downtime.

First, Louisville. Every year, there is a medical missions conference held in Louisville. The program residency here sends a group of residents/spouses to go and recruit and also helps with future decisions concerning mission work. I didn't get any pictures from the conference (that would have been boring) but we did go to a beautiful park while there and practiced taking pics with our new camera!


(just a little photo shoot :) )

After the conference, we went to Athens for the Georgia/Auburn game! I'm glad we went last weekend and not this one...what happened??
Oh well, this game was a blast!






They won!!

We walked around campus the next day and took some random pictures.






the victory bell...we were sure to ring!

Last stop, Dahlonega GA. We went up to the North Georgia mountains to a Bed and Breakfast. It was fabulous with beautiful views and really good breakfast each morning! We also did some hiking and saw some waterfalls.












We also went to the apple orchards and picked out some (only good pic I could get- through the fence).

On a side note, sometimes I wonder why I blog??? Thanks friend for the encouragement this morning!

fun on the farm

Russ and I went a few weekends ago to visit his parents and spend some time on the farm. Its always fun to go this time of year, with the cool weather and changing of the leaves. I'm just now getting to write about this...it already seems like we went months ago. Anyway, here are some pictures of our adventures on the farm...


playing with the kiddos


feeding the rabbit


my favorite part is riding through the pastures in the evening...this time I got out and fed the very hungry cows


trying to look excited while hoping not to get attacked by one of those cows (my husband would laugh at this...because cows are so mean and all)


hungry cow


eating and watching


lake


always gotta have a bonfire and s'mores


perfect way to end the day....

needed grace

More and more I realize the need for grace and the dependence upon grace in our every day lives. During worship on Sunday, this song reminded me again of this. I love the truth to these words...

Grace Unmeasured
Grace unmeasured, vast and free
That knew me from eternity
That called me out before my birth
To bring You glory on this earth
Grace amazing, pure and deep
That saw me in my misery
That took my curse and owned my blame
So I could bear your righteous name
Grace, grace, grace Paid for my sins and brought me to life
Grace, grace, grace Clothes me with power to do what is right
Grace, grace, grace Will lead me to heaven where I'll see Your face
And never cease to thank you for Your grace
Grace abounding, strong and true
That makes me long to be like You
That turns me from my selfish pride
To love the cross on which You died
Grace unending, all my days
You'll give me strength to run this race
And when my years on earth are through
The praise will all belong to You

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

ruffled pillow

I finally made this ruffled pillow a few weeks ago. I got the idea from my friend over at City Grace. She has some great crafty projects that I love to steal!:)

famous in a small town...

or so we can pretend when you're dressed up like this....



We went to the annual resident's halloween party. Can you guess who we are dressed up as...



You guessed it (hopefully)....Elvis and Priscilla! I really didn't get any great pictures but I promise at one point my hair was BIG with bumpit and all. Of course, everyone knew who Russ was...I was questionable at times if I wasn't right next to the "king" as Russ liked to call himself all night.

Some pictures with friends...


Fairy God Mother, Priscilla, and Carlos




Hope ya'll had a happy halloween!