What an experience...

We have been home 3 days from Kenya. It is safe to speak for the team--when I say that we all left a piece of our hearts in Kenya. We had such a great experience. We are grateful to have been able to serve at the Mattaw Children's Village. Our team will never view the world--the same. We learned so much from the people in Kenya. The houseparents at Mattaw are some of the most Chirst-like people that I have ever met. They find true peace and joy in the Lord. They really trust Him and rejoice when he provides. We live so very differently. Our culture is so driven by wanting more and fighting to get it. However, we are never truly satisfied. May we strive to be like them...finding our true peace in Jesus and living for Him regardless of the cost. It is almost impossible to put into words what we experience. I learned so much about myself. I felt truly loved by the body of believers. We met so many wonderful people whom we shared this time with. What a blessing to know that if we don't see meet again...we will be reunited in Heaven with each of them. Here a few of the pictures...I will continue to add photos and stories. 

 Our sweet welcome from the Mattaw family and the other teams.

 Our Kenyan home

 Alleshia at the Rescue Center. 

She protrayed a beutiful picture of the love of Christ.

 The Team:  Jeff, Kim, Meghan, Alleshia, Me and Lydia

{Photo taken at home, before we left}

 Kim and I on Sunday Morning before church at Mattaw.

 Sweet Lucy and I

 Our Team with the Texas team...who we just simply called Texas.

 Mattaw Children's Village

Rescue

We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Today, our teams spent the morning at a local rescue center. The depth of physical and emotional need at the center was overwhelming. While the children at Mattaw are well taken care of and loved--these children are just surviving. The sweet people who work at the rescue center provide what they can. However, they need so much assistance. All of these kids are orphaned or abused. Some of them are street kids who have been addicted to glue. The locals refer to them as "glue kids" or "glue boys". There is very little hope for these children. Some of them will get to go to Mattaw as there is room. They can only stay at the rescue center for 6 months. The best hope is that the workers can find placement with family or a place like Mattaw. It was just unbelievable. We felt completely helpless. We did takes some clothing and bibles for the children. But it just wasn't enough...All we could do was provide a little bit of love for those children to get them through the day. I watched our team be the arms of Christ as they held these children. It was so hard to leave them. I spent time with a sweet little boy named Tony. As we were leaving Tony could not stop running back for hugs. As I told him a final goodbye, Tony whispered in my ear "I love you". I'm so thankful that I can love Tony...because I know Christ. We love because Jesus first loved us. Tony just wants to be loved...like we all do. The kids follows us out of the gates and waved goodbye. Needless to say, we were emotional as our jeep pulled away.

After we left the center, we returned to spend the day at Mattaw. We had lunch and spent the afternoon making beaded necklaces. Meghan and Alleshia painted fingernails. They loved picking out nail polish. As I watched the Mattaw kids play. I felt so grateful that they are loved and taken care of. After seeing the rescue center children...you can see how blessed Mattaw is. By American standards--the need at Mattaw seems great. Grace, one of the house moms, said "We have everything we need". She is so right...the basic needs are provided and the kids are loved. They are loved and protected by people who serve a Mighty God.

I learned much today...
It is just almost impossible to put it into words. I'm just very thankful.

A rainy day in Kenya

Despite all the rain, we had a great day. The weather is very cool. It is quite refreshing compared to the 100+ weather in Arkansas. I am learning to be flexible; our schedule was totally different than planned due to the weather. Our team was suppose to visit a school and a village today. However, we spent this rainy day at Mattaw. We were blessed with some real Kenyan experiences.

Traveling back into Kitale in the rain, our van got stuck in the mud. So, in Kenyan fashion...we jumped out to push the van. It sounds terrible...but we are enjoying every moment here. We are working with one of Mattaw's summer interns, Jack. I'm pretty sure Jeff was glad he wasn't the only guy pushing the van out. Jack is from London. It's very hard for us not to mimic his British accent!
The children at Mattaw went back to school today. While they were in school, we worked with the house mothers. Just to name a few of our projects: Kim learned to make Chia tea--from scratch. Jeff and I chopped vegetables for lunch. Alleshia and Meghan washed dishes--outside in their outdoor kitchen area. Lydia spent time taking care of babies. She is so sweet caring for them. Jeff also fixed a broken sink. None of that was on the schedule--but we were blessed to spend time with these women. They are strong women of the Lord.
We are serving alongside of a Construction Team from Texas. We also had time to help them as they build a new dining hall. Hopefully, today our teams will be able to go into a village. We hope to take milk and bread to the hungry. Please help us pray the rain away...so we can continue to take the gospel. We are going to a rescue center for children, today. Pray that we all love and minister to the child that the Lord places in front of us. It is impossible to care for each hurting child. But, we are learning to "love the one in front of you".

A Sunday in Kenya

Psalms 138:1-3
I WILL confess and praise You [O God] with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praises to You.
I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving- kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!
In the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me with strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) in my inner self.

We attended church at Mattaw, today. It was a beautiful service. Full of worship and praise--The service began with an hour of music and dancing. I'm pretty sure...the kids love watching Americans attempt to mingle in. Alleshia and I received much instruction from one of the girls. She never spoke a word. However, her face said it all. She was precious. We just followed her dance moves. We could not always understand the songs in Swahili. But, they were praising and magnifying the Lord. It was a great and wonderful time of worship.
After the music, we enjoyed testimony and preaching. Bud, one of the Mattaw missionaries, encouraged the church to consider our loyalties. We challenged us to search our hearts. Are we loyal to men or are we loyal to God? Do we seek to please people or do we follow God's call? The service lasted 3 hours. However, it seemed like 30 minutes. It was beautiful.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon with the children. I spent most of my time with George. He is a sweet (and sassy) little 4 year old. Perhaps, it's the sassy part of him that draws me to him. Upon our introduction, He walked over to me and I sat down beside him. He gave a huge hug and said "You stand up...and take me with you". And I did. After George found some gum in my backpack, we were instant friends. He stayed with me...all afternoon. We picked flowers, visited the "baby cow", and played on the swings. He reminded me so much of my own sassy little 4 year old, Georgia-Kate. The kids love to see photos of our families. So, I showed George the photos on my phone. He loved seeing Georgia-Kate or "Georgia" as he called her.
I sure will leave a piece of my heart in Kenya when I say goodbye to George.

Arriving in Kitale, Kenya

We arrived in Elderote, Kenya this morning by plane and began our 2 hour drive to Mattaw Children's Village. We hadn't seen Kenya by daylight until we got off the plane. It didn't take long before a quietness fell over our van as the reality of the need in Kenya began to set in within us. The physical need of these people is simply overwhelming. The need of hope in our Savior is even greater. I was overwhelmed with emotion. But, so thankful to be there to serve. We arrived at Mattaw to the sweetest welcome. The children were singing and dancing and lead each of us through the gates. They are beautiful. Hopefully, I can add photos soon. Please pray for team: pray that our hearts are open to minister to needs of those the Lord puts in our path.

Destination Kitale, Kenya

Romans 10:13-15 For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. But how are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him [adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him] of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings. How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things. We are off on our journey to take the love of Christ to Kenya. We are so blessed to have many prayer warriors, friends and family interceding for us. Last Night, we were commissioned and prayed over by our sweet church family and a host of other loved ones. Bro. Scott challenged and encouraged us with the verses from Romans 10:13-15. We take the good news of the gospel of Christ--so that they may hear. It's overwhelming to consider that we have beautiful feet. I certainly don't always feel worthy to take such wonderful news--the story of Jesus. However, I know that I will find strength and power in Christ. We weren't given the option to go or not. We were commanded to go. Our team answered the call with a simple--"Yes Lord". We were bid a sweet farewell, this morning, by many of our friends and family. My sweet Benjamin was a little emotional. Georgia-Kate asked me to stay with her. After I explained why we had to go, she said "Go tell those kids about Jesus, Mama". And with that command from a 4-year old, we were off. We left home in plenty of time to make a Starbucks stop. Jeff, the only guy on our team,thought he needed an extra shot of caffeine to handle all of us girls. We arrived in plenty of time to check our bags and make the appropriate weight adjustments. We only had one bag that was over weight. Not too bad--since we checked 10 bags. We were pleasantly surprised when we didn't have to pay for any of our extra bags. We expected to pay for the extra 4 bags. God is faithful to continue to bless us. As I write this update, I am sitting on a plane to Atlanta without my team. I left all of my medicine at home. I realized I had left my small bag on the bathroom counter when I opened my backpack in security. So....after a little anxiety and few tears, we formed a plan. I quickly called Allen. He drove home and checked the counter. Yes, there sat my bag. He was so very calm and just began driving to the airport. However, there was no chance he could make it before our flight left. I quickly called Rama, my second mom. :) Rama always knows just what to do. I knew she could figure out a way to ship my meds to Mattaw. I totally forgot that she was out of the church office. That's went the panic set in and my tears began to flow. I don't even know why I panicked. I know God is in control. Kim quickly called Danielle, at the Servant Life office. She was so quick to help us talk through the options of shipping. (Danielle is just a blessing to our team!) After realizing that they would take several days to arrive. Allen suggested that I take a later flight. I never even considered that! Good thinking, Allen. So...needless to say. I caught a later flight and will meet up with the team in Atlanta. When I approached the ticket agent, she responded with "there is another flight...but getting a seat out of Northwest Arkansas on a Thursday...chances are not good". Again, God is faithful. There was a seat. She was so surprised and didn't even charge me for the ticket change. Allen arrived just in time, I was able to get my bag and get back through security...with 5 minutes to spare. Whew! God must be teaching this Type A personality of mine....that he really is control of this trip. The pilot just announced that we are making our final decent. We are 20 minutes early. How great is that?! We have two hours until out flight to Amsterdam. Thank you prayer warriors. Keep praying! UPDATE: We just arrived in Amsterdam. It's 3:15am in the US. It is currently 10:15 here. Next stop--Nariobi, Kenya.

From the Word...

Then you will call upon me and come and pray, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13


We all know the words from Jeremiah 29:11..."I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  If you are like me, you haven't spent much time sitting in the verses that follow.  I stand on the promise, this morning, that the Lord will hear me and I will find Him as I seek him with all of my heart.  When I don't spend time distracted by all the pretty things of the world and really seek Him--I will know the HIM more.  Isn't it so easy to fall into the enemy's trap as he throws all the stuff of the world at us?!  I know it is for me.  I am often disappointed with myself because I plan not to fall into those traps and then I do.  Walk right into it.  However, I am thankful and for the grace and mercy of the cross. I find my hope in Jesus.  Even when I mess up and must confess before Him--he is loving and quick to forgive me.


We are leaving for Kenya, in the morning.  My prayer is simply that we will call upon His name and seek Him.  This trip is not about me or anyone else on the team.  It is all for God's glory. May we take the gospel and be led by Him. 

For more about our trip, you can also check out Meghan's blog.

Five Days and Counting....

For kingship belongs to the Lord, & He rules over the nations. Psalm 22:28

One of my sweet friends, Jessie, spoke this scripture over our team. What a beautiful reminder.... that Jesus is King! All the Nations really do belong to Him. Like with many mission trips, we have been asked "Why can't you take the gospel around our country?" or "Why Kenya? It's so far." We are going into Kenya with Servant Life because God called us. The answer really is that simple. Last year, we attended a Student Life camp in Orange Beach, AL. While we were at camp, God began to stir Meghan's heart during the Servant Life emphasis. We were sitting next to each other and she looked at me and spoke these words "I have to go to Kenya...Come with me?" I will never forget that moment. I looked and her and simply said "Yes, I will". After much prayer, God began to put our team into place. We are so grateful for his wisdom and mercy. Above in the picture, is a magnet that we passed our family and prayer warriors. We would be honored if you would join us in prayer. We believe that our lives will be forever changed....

 Alleshia at the Servant Life booth, this year at camp.  We were excited and overwhelmed to see your team on the board.

         Kim, Meghan, me and Alleshia.  I love these girls.

I can't wait to serve with them in Kenya.   

 As I write this post, I am so overwhelmed. In 6 short days, I will be leaving for a 10 day mission trip in Kenya.  Our team leaves, next Thursday, July 19th.  We have been planning and preparing for this trip for a year.  It will be just a precious time as I am traveling with some of my very best friends in the world.  People who love Jesus and are passionate about taking the gospel of Christ to the nations The trip is hosted by Servant Life, part of Student Life.  We are traveling to the Mattaw Children's Village in Kitale, Kenya.  The pictures that I have posted are just a few of the faces that live at Mattaw.  There are currently 55 children that are no longer orphaned because they have been placed.  They are "adopted" into families of 12 and live with parents at Mattaw.  We will spend out time loving on these sweet children.  We will also have the opportunity to go into Kitale to visit some schools, a resucue center and potential children who may move into Mattaw.   We just want to be the hands and feet of Christ...taking his love...and the message of the gospel to Kitale, Kenya.  Please pray for our team.  I am excited to share about our trip.  Maybe even from Kitale! 

Rest.

After a long break from "All Things Wonderful"....I am writing again.  I took a year long break. Not that all things aren't still wonderful, so to speak.  Life is just so busy.  I have missed expressing my thoughts, journaling my mememories and reading all the blogs that I follow.   I hope to spend a little more time....out here in blog land.  I can't even attempt to journal or catch up...the last year of my life.  So I won't try.  The last twelve months have been a blessing from the Lord.  I am so thankful that I am able to continue to serve HIM!  My kiddos are growing like crazy-- Benjamin will be a 2nd grader! Georgia-Kate going to preschool.  We are in the midst of a fun and crazy summer!  Hopefully I will be able to get some of that action...out here.  I am blessed.  That I know.

{pre-surgery photo...relaxing with his DS}

Benjamin had surgery today to remove his adenoids and replace the tubes in his ears. I am so thankful for a loving family. My parents came up to see him in recovery. Which was very hard to do....Benjamin did not handle the anesthesia very well. He is so quiet and reserved, usually. However, in recovery he was loud and bossy. His behavior was so unusual that is was kinda funny. Papa {aka my sweet Dad} had a broken heart watching him try wake up. I love my Dad. He has such a giving spirit and tender heart. My Benjamin has many of my Dad's characteristics. I'm also very thankful for my sister, who couldn't be with us today. However, she must have sent me 25 text messages. We made it home, late this afternoon. Benjamin had a hard time staying a wake and eating enough to be released. But, he finally did it!
Not only do we have a wonderful family...we have awesome friends: Sweet friends who sat with us during surgery. Giving friends who brought dinner and gifts for Benjamin. Supportive friends who fasted with him, as he couldn't eat after midnight. We are blessed. I am so thankful that God took care of my little guy, today. He had a very sweet nurse, who knew Jesus. His doctor is great. She was very professional and supportive. I love how the Lord always provides for us. The love of Christ amazes me. So deep. So wide.

“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Sweet Friends.

I love these two. {I know they are mine, which makes me partial.} I love how they adore each other. They argue. Of course. However, they play so well. Georgia-Kate loves to just be where Benjamin is. She mimics him and repeats what he says. He just giggles at her. Benjamin thinks she is so funny. He enjoys helping her and is a good sport when she wants to play "dress up".

The love I have for them helps me understand how much the Lord really loves me. It amazes me that He loves me even more that I can love my children. That thought brings me great comfort and peace. May we all hug our little ones today and feel the love that God has for us!

Happy Friday!

Little Hand

{I adore this photo. After a long walk with Benjamin, he was showing off what he found. He loves God's creation. His hand is so small and sweet. I never want to forget the smallness of this precious little hand.}

A few Easter Photos

A few Things I love about Spring.

I love this time of year.
Spring. It is so refreshing as we begin to see signs of renewal. I do not enjoy the winter months. Not at all. I do not like to be cold. I certainly do not like watching it get dark at 5pm. One of my favorite days of the year is "Spring Forward" as we change our clocks. Needless to say, I love the warm months.
A few of my favorite things of Spring: Tulips Planting flower pots. Fresh Spring Rain. Easter Candy. Easter Sunday. {Only the second picture is mine. I found the others on the Internet. I could find-who to give the credit to.}

As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, may we all spend some time reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus. It is overwhelming to know that he was beaten, spat upon, mocked at, and died for us. He loved us so much that he gave up His life so we could live. I am just so happy that I know Him. May we enjoy all of the traditional Easter activities without loosing site of the cross. We will color eggs, attend an egg hunt, wear pretty clothes, and spend time with family. I just don't want to get so busy with things of the world. I never want to forget God's perfect plan to save us from our sin so that we could spend an Eternity with Him.

What is your favorite part of the Spring Season?

Easter Eggs...PBK Style

I just had to share this video with you...those of you who know me well...know that I love Pottery Barn. Possibly too much. Just possibly. Well, today I ran across this video. Super Cute Easter Eggs...in the style of Pottery Barn Kids. The stylist is adorable and she doesn't doesn't even make a mess. {Seriously, who wouldn't want to be a stylist for PB?!}
Check this out....I may have to try these adorable numbered eggs. I think my kiddos would love them.
{Perhaps...I will give a goodie bag after the egg hunt for each number. Oh the possibilities}





*Update on Georgia-Kate's new bed. The feet to her bed were not packed. So, they were not delivered with the bed. Long Story. After several telephone conversations with the PBK, about the lost feet and the trundle which sits in the floor. They will have to exchange the entire bed, which is now on back order. It will arrive in July! So, to ease my pain..they issued a very generous gift card. Yes, apparently I can be bought.

Childhood Dreams

As Benjamin was trying to get his medicine down, this morning before school, he was complaining not to take it.
Allen said "When you grow up and become a doctor...don't you want kids to take their medicine?"
Benjamin quickly answered "Dad, I'm not going to be a doctor. I am going to be the weather man." We just giggled. Without him seeing us, of course. Benjamin does love the weather. His favorite channel is defiantly the Weather Channel.

You may see this sweet little face bringing you the weather on your local news. In 20 years or so.

A few fab finds...

I have Spring fever and I was shopping for some new outdoor items. I adore West Elm. Such great stuff. West Elm is a Willams-Sonaoma Company. So. It is very cool. Of course. I just had to share. Enjoy!Woven Drink Basket

Mediterranean Blue Glassware
{Don't these make you want to go to the beach?}

Bird Melamine Plates. {Seriously. I love these.}

Bird Bottle Opener. {only $8...Adorable.}

Montauk nest chair.

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Friend.

Today is my friend, Lydia's Birthday. Lydia is one of my very best friends. She is one of those girls that we all want to be like. She loves Jesus with all of her heart and LIVES for HIM. Lydia is such a wonderful friend. She listens. Gives. Loves. Never Judges. She loves my children and they love her. They respect her. She isn't afraid to help parent and love on them. Lydia is a great mom and has a lovely 16 year old daughter to prove it. I am just happy to know her. I am blessed to call her my friend. Happy Birthday, LYDIA. {Me, Kim, Lydia and Mary Ellen. I LOVE these ladies.}

Tonight, the girls are going out to dinner. So we haven't celebrated quite yet. However, I wanted to show you our celebration from last year. Last year, Lydia turned the big 40. She and Bryan also celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. We threw a huge surprise party for her in July and celebrated both milestones. It was defiantly a surprise! We turned our backyard into a party! We hid in the back yard and waited for what seemed like forever. The event didn't start until after Bryan took her to dinner. We served cake, chocolate covered strawberries, and cream cheese mints. It was perfect evening. The kids had a great time swimming and we had a great time visiting.

Here are a few photos:

{my sweet babies with their friend, Bella. Bella is so sweet. Can't believe how they have all changed in a year.}

To the doctor.

Today, Benjamin and I have a date. With the doctor. I will pick him up early from school and we will drive to the see his pediatrician. Benjamin is not a fan of any doctor. He will put on a brave face and try to act like a big boy. I always feel so sad for him. However, today's visit is necessary. Benjamin struggles with allergies. He just doesn't sleep that well. It's a normal night if we are up 3 or 4 times in the night with him. He was a good sleeper as a baby and toddler. He really didn't start this phase of sleeping until about 18 months ago. The poor little guy always looks sleepy. Thankfully, Benjamin is in half day kindergarten and still gets to nap. He is exhausted by 8pm and crawls right into bed. I just kept thinking he would outgrow his sleepless nights. So, I wonder if it has something to do with his allergies? I don't know. We defiantly need to do the complete allergy testing. Which will not be fun. So, today we are looking for some answers. I just pray that the Lord provides {and I know HE will} and we can help this sweet little boy rest.