tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68511246805637079622024-03-05T23:38:49.345-06:00Hope & Education For Every NationShelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-79014483305389342172017-02-27T20:57:00.003-06:002017-02-27T20:57:54.438-06:00Love Crosses Oceans<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7amQBzbOvWHpm3jNHC9b0YIJOEqBDA3PfEmdCHkQrieqi2MChNU4QSkT9VrrpLcjzvFCowgXJIpVBfKOGgleHRsZmVsYqRGBkrAvxdfUB0ikMhM-VkSoiymLdtfwSCzhaHhdyt3OVhzOr/s1600/11201823_10205841835019560_6688884013017728792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7amQBzbOvWHpm3jNHC9b0YIJOEqBDA3PfEmdCHkQrieqi2MChNU4QSkT9VrrpLcjzvFCowgXJIpVBfKOGgleHRsZmVsYqRGBkrAvxdfUB0ikMhM-VkSoiymLdtfwSCzhaHhdyt3OVhzOr/s320/11201823_10205841835019560_6688884013017728792_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so excited about an amazing opportunity! In September, I will be moving to <span style="font-size: large;">Gulu, Uganda</span> to serve for 6 months with <a href="http://fourcorners.org/" target="_blank">Four Corners Ministries. </a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxZFpi3CA8jdnWvCbC5VLAkFOZNT8w8nXzptuYYUdIU9BPcaYSa6fkQZwD7G4c5NcHlmbL6UzbHK-3MKIRCPwqTf-r_-ABGXwnkiQTOYaA6ib8BW_IrbpUoKbRuNhBBYDl1g9szpAqzyz/s1600/africa-map-780px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you know, I have a passion for education, working with people who have disabilities, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These passions combined while I was on a mission trip in Nakuru, Kenya in 2014.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIPPR6eHihvUFbe9VRmAR05BBp4Ez7h-7HRjaVhcPwvLLqxXfdDzdLzEflZbxRenbsBFLO-B9zskqghR4r7K7CWNXsRUg6NSURHSAPCHCNeLES3HzDaw6_9a7OS3FLu47jtnk-9D0KNW_/s1600/11215705_10205841432009485_4092182743658371377_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIPPR6eHihvUFbe9VRmAR05BBp4Ez7h-7HRjaVhcPwvLLqxXfdDzdLzEflZbxRenbsBFLO-B9zskqghR4r7K7CWNXsRUg6NSURHSAPCHCNeLES3HzDaw6_9a7OS3FLu47jtnk-9D0KNW_/s320/11215705_10205841432009485_4092182743658371377_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I met a 13-year-old boy with an intellectual disability. He was in a class with 3-year-olds because he was unable to pass basic tests that would send him to a higher grade. It broke my heart to see how many people in other countries have very little, or no knowledge about people with disabilities. They are often seen as a curse, hidden away from society. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My goal is to remove this stigma and help places around the world understand how truly wonderful people with disabilities are. In 2015, I was able to return to the same orphanage and assist a special educator as she performed IQ tests on 10 children who we thought might have disabilities. From these experiences, The Lord gave me a desire to work with nonprofits on enhancing special education at a global level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.anppcanug.org/wp-content/uploads/Resource_Center/Research_Reports/research_report_11.pdf" target="_blank">As of 2014, there were about 2.5 million children living with a disability in Uganda</a>, with the northern region having the highest prevalence. This same study states that only about 9% of these students are enrolled in a primary school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord has answered my prayers and has given me an amazing opportunity to accomplish this dream of providing <u>Hope & Education For Every Nation</u>. With Four Corners, I will be raising awareness around the community and showing others how to recognize a person's <b><u>abilities</u> </b>rather than their <i>disabilities. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be training the teachers at Abaana's Hope in the area of special education. Most importantly, I will be telling the Acholi people group about <a href="http://shelbywren.blogspot.com/p/why-are-you-doing-this.html" target="_blank">the good news of Jesus Christ</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please help me with my life's passion of <u>Hope & Education for Every Nation.</u> I have an exciting fundraising opportunity coming up, so please stay in touch to help send me to Uganda!</span><br />
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-2302020317616415642015-08-24T10:57:00.000-05:002017-02-28T13:57:02.895-06:00The Greatest Gifts<div>
<b>Letters Round 2</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHG2yPtOW75Uyc26gnVTAbsXsiDv7yhH0P_49TnmQSXWeTZgt-GcFaFWYAgjZNidFuLel_nmBFwwQvCv_ysklCfkzJgrsAv68Pn6E0ITGA5StTpPP3y7DX3oT3bhQGeGT7IXn7RN7NTzw/s1600/FILE7150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHG2yPtOW75Uyc26gnVTAbsXsiDv7yhH0P_49TnmQSXWeTZgt-GcFaFWYAgjZNidFuLel_nmBFwwQvCv_ysklCfkzJgrsAv68Pn6E0ITGA5StTpPP3y7DX3oT3bhQGeGT7IXn7RN7NTzw/s200/FILE7150.JPG" width="150" /></a><b>One month later...</b></div>
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<b>August 24, 2015</b></div>
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"<i>God bless you for coming back to Fiwagoh and making it your second home." - Lucy</i><br />
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It's been 31 days since I last saw my Kenyan family ... four weeks since I last held my sweet babies in my arms ... one month since I said goodbye to the place that has stolen my heart once again. </div>
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I'm not gonna lie. It's been hard to be back. I just miss them all so much and would do anything to spend two days traveling back even if I could only spend an hour with them. </div>
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"<i>Love is something when you give it away it comes back to you. I will miss you for a long time than before with enjoyed together with you and others" -Shadrack </i></div>
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I was reading through letters today that were written by my African friends. I would read a letter, tear up, and then pray for whoever wrote the letter. </div>
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<i>"I feel to cry but no need because I know that we shall meet again" -Eveline </i></div>
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I would pray that they would no longer feel like an orphan. That they would know that they have been adopted in the family of God and He is now their Father. I pray for them to remain healthy and in fellowship with each other. If they do not have a sponsor, I pray that they we get one and that they will know how loved they are. </div>
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"I <i>love you to the moon and back. You are my friend foreva and eva." -Martha</i></div>
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"<i>You are my beloved best friend. I love you so so so much. Nakupenda naroho yangu yote" -Nabola</i></div>
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I also pray that I will be able to go back again. Unfortunately, I have to take classes next summer for my major, so I will not be able to return until after I graduate. My hope is that everyone reading this will consider traveling to this wonderful place and loving on my kiddos for me. Visit <a href="http://equip1.org/">equip1.org</a>.</div>
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"<i>My precious stone it has spent you so much to come and visit, love and help such an orphan girl like me. You have left a missing rib in me as you've left us. The precious things you have surrender to come and visit are always cherished in me." -Jacky</i></div>
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If traveling across the world is not an option for you, then I would love for you to consider sponsorship. Sponsoring a child at the orphanage means you will pay $75/month (or $40 for a half sponsor). This amount covers the cost of shelter, food, supplies, clothing, education, and healthcare for the children. </div>
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By sponsoring the child, you become their family. My friend, Molly, just recently started sponsoring a boy named Dennis. Molly got back from Africa the week before I went, so she gave me a letter to give to Dennis that explained that she is now his sponsor. </div>
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I have a video below that shows him reading this letter. For the entire time I was there, he only referred to Molly as his mom. Visit<a href="http://thefiwagohfamily.org/" target="_blank"> thefiwagohfamily.org</a><br />
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I don't want anyone to feel like they are forced into going on a mission trip or sponsoring a child. I understand that it is a huge financial sacrifice. These people have had a huge impact on my life and I just want to do what ever I can to raise awareness and help them in any way possible.</div>
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<i>"As you will be flying back to your country, I wish you all the best and may God be your pilot." -Victorine </i></div>
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<i>"You (and Molly) have decorated and built my life in one way or another. I enjoyed shopping with you all and very excited for my new dress. I can't wait to wear it! I will always see you when I put on the dress." -Frezier </i></div>
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<i>"You are such a nice friend. I have been watching how you love Alan and John with all your heart." -Sharon</i> </div>
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"<i><b>All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do" -Galatians 2:10</b></i><br />
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-64990052665910164962015-07-23T19:59:00.001-05:002015-07-23T19:59:15.506-05:00Where It All Started<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsY9_ubUyvW1C3KOORqTvTO0jyBcztDLRed5gaw-mvOJ6SLNdzFo1kBQiYSWcNcFduj84ZwmK8SaZL15x2Q9FGDcEWyHMw6HVIu4ggO1yIEFuKQVwEXDd-BGHhfbfj5cnQ3XESq0jr7PP/s640/blogger-image--784806935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsY9_ubUyvW1C3KOORqTvTO0jyBcztDLRed5gaw-mvOJ6SLNdzFo1kBQiYSWcNcFduj84ZwmK8SaZL15x2Q9FGDcEWyHMw6HVIu4ggO1yIEFuKQVwEXDd-BGHhfbfj5cnQ3XESq0jr7PP/s640/blogger-image--784806935.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>The Slums</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, July 23, 2015</b></span></div><div><b>Day 12</b></div><div>Kenya is filled with government-owned housing called slums. When you think of someone going on a mission trip to Africa, this is what you probably imagine. </div><div><br></div><div>One-room houses built out of mud and sticks with tin roofs. Hundreds of people living in close quarters. Most don't have jobs and are starving on a daily basis. A lot of the kids at Fiwagoh come from slums, so we packed up two pairs of brothers (Alex, Vintage, John, and Zechariah - who are all cousins) and Pastor Benson took them and the team to the slum they are from. </div><div><br></div><div>We brought bags that contained maize, beans, cooking oil, and soap. We passed the bags out to some families and walked with them to their homes. </div><div><br></div><div>Some senior boys came with us, as well. An older woman named Ruth Wangico needed help carrying. Her bag was heavy, so Johari and I helped her carry it to her home. Ruth immediately grabbed my hand and you could just see The Joy of The Lord on her face. </div><div><br></div><div>Johari translated for me since she didn't speak any English and she said, "I've never held a mzungu's hand before." And I thought about how no one has ever held my hand so tightly. </div><div><br></div><div>Ruth told us that her husband is very sick. We went inside to meet him and their grandson. The room was just a little bigger than my bathroom at home. They don't have beds and just sleep on the dirt floor. </div><div><br></div><div>Her husband talked a lot. Johari translated some of it and other things he kept to himself. Ruth took us outside and in a very hushed tone explained to us that her husband is an alcoholic. I got to pray over Ruth's family and home and then we took a picture together. </div><div><br></div><div>Johari and I walked back to the team's central location where Rachelle was handing out some bracelets with bible verses on them. A man came up to me and started speaking in Swahili. </div><div><br></div><div>Zechariah and John were nearby and stood in between me and the man. John (11) held on to my hand while Zechariah (13) told the man in Swahili to leave us alone and go away. The man was drunk and the situation would have been fine of the young boys had not been there, but the fact that they protected and cared for me meant the world. </div><div><br></div><div>The boys wanted to show us their home, so they walked the whole team over there. We met their mom and aunts earlier, but they did not hug the boys or show them any love. It was as if they were distant acquaintances rather than family. We were the only ones in the home and prayed for those who lived in it.</div><div><br></div><div>Pastor Benson then drove us around to see where Fiwagoh all started... Their first home! They had 12 kids living in this three-room house. They later moved to a five-room house and had 112 kids living there before they moved to the compound where they live now.</div><div><br></div><div>We got back to Fiwagoh, played with some kids, took some pictures and had a blast. I helped the cooks make ugali and then I ran to the med clinic because I found out that one of my boys was sick.</div><div><br></div><div>Currently, I am at the local hospital with my sweet boy, Boniface, Johari, and one of the nurses on our team. Boniface has an immune deficiency disorder which causes him to get sick very easily. </div><div><br></div><div>PLEASE pray for my sweet friend. He was the first boy I met here and has had a huge impact in my life. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and healing for my boy.</div><div><br></div><div>Asante Sana (thank you very much)!</div><div><br></div><div><b>Update</b></div><div>Boniface got an IV and some rest and was able to return to the orphanage with us. A smile will not leave his face on the ride back!</div><div><br></div><div>"<i>Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health." -Psalm 41:1-3</i></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-71160429835602120592015-07-22T21:26:00.001-05:002015-07-22T21:26:33.008-05:00Something of Her Own<div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz5Ykiijh5r3yPj0VeEX5bciHsxqbX01VcfcmnJr0Ab6_H16FPGQz-5ib_yaZiuHAJYnu4wXDnXH25kqmIkcPyD-AmOap97i0Qfcow7UqchQw4nWbPIanufWHxvdIr93pz_XzFsP9rrqU/s640/blogger-image--948439732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz5Ykiijh5r3yPj0VeEX5bciHsxqbX01VcfcmnJr0Ab6_H16FPGQz-5ib_yaZiuHAJYnu4wXDnXH25kqmIkcPyD-AmOap97i0Qfcow7UqchQw4nWbPIanufWHxvdIr93pz_XzFsP9rrqU/s640/blogger-image--948439732.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></b></div><div><b>Tuesday, July 21, 2015</b></div><div><b>Day 10</b></div><div>This morning, I helped one of out nurses in the med clinic. I lathered some kids up with hydrocortisone because of rashes they had, I did some ringworm treatments, and I cleaned and bandaged some wounds. I also helped Rachelle organize the clinic so that everything is easier to find.</div><div><br></div><div>I went over to the new kitchen and helped two of our team members cook food for a teacher's banquet. We wanted to honor the teachers for all of their hard work, so we served them a mzungu favorite... Mexican food. </div><div><br></div><div>We had tortillas, salsa, corn dip, guacamole, refried beans, and fruit. They loved them so much that we were making more for them on the spot. </div><div><br></div><div>We surprised them with the backpacks that contained lesson plan booklets, clipboards, etc. they took a ton of pictures with their backpacks and couldn't stop smiling. I was thanked a hundred times for everything.</div><div><br></div><div>We played with the medium kids, went to evening worship and had another senior night where we played signs. They made fun of our Swahili and we made fun of the American accents they tried to do. We had a blast. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidAzIxFdrboiEdjbtQ1Mpj-nreJsABAtvkthgNR-iZeqMf-GVTRi6Dis0AKsNk6p_3UAiM5qktT9DR5xMIzne_uCiJknhIlqq5uliQ0dXyu5vh3X-55PazrOKw-faLlya41bMTKKXyn4d/s640/blogger-image--858708414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidAzIxFdrboiEdjbtQ1Mpj-nreJsABAtvkthgNR-iZeqMf-GVTRi6Dis0AKsNk6p_3UAiM5qktT9DR5xMIzne_uCiJknhIlqq5uliQ0dXyu5vh3X-55PazrOKw-faLlya41bMTKKXyn4d/s640/blogger-image--858708414.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Wednesday, July 22, 2015</b></div><div><b>Day 11</b></div><div>We went to the market in the morning. Some seniors joined us to help us barter. Going to the market stresses me out so much because the vendors push everything on you to buy and I just feel so bad to say no. </div><div><br></div><div>Thankfully, my senior friend, Frezier, stuck by my side and helped me out. I was much better than last year and ended up haggling one item a third of the price down all by myself!</div><div><br></div><div>We went to a superstore-like place to buy some snacks/Kenyan coffee/necessities. I told my friend that I would buy her something, thinking it would be a candy bar or something. </div><div><br></div><div>She led me to the clothes section and I just kept thinking, "please don't be expensive... Please don't find anything you like." She saw a dress and cardigan on a mannequin and said, "this is good." </div><div><br></div><div>I told her to go try it on. She modeled it for me after she tried it on and she looked so beautiful and happy wearing it. I just had to buy it for her (with Pastor's permission of course). </div><div><br></div><div>The outfit cost about 2,700 shillings ($27). I all of a sudden could not believe that I had been so selfish and stingy with my money and even hoped that she would change her mind and just want a snack instead. </div><div><br></div><div>This was something she could call her own. Something she didn't have to share. And I was all of a sudden overjoyed to purchase a new dress for her to wear. She thanked me and was overwhelmed by my gratitude. </div><div><br></div><div>I know I blessed her by buying her something new, but she blessed me by showing me how much greater love for others is than money.</div><div><br></div><div>We got back to the compound around 2. I helped Allison grade some tests and I went down to the field with some kids. We took pictures and videos until my camera's battery died and we laughed until our stomachs hurt. </div><div><br></div><div>I tucked all the girls into bed after evening worship and they all loved it. I would wrap their blanket around them, tickle them, and then give them a kiss on the cheek. </div><div><br></div><div>Some would jump out of bed and ask for me to tuck them in all over again. One group of girls asked if they could tuck me in! </div><div><br></div><div>My mom tucked me in every night when I was growing up and I didn't think anything of it. Tonight allowed me to see that taking the time to make sure someone is safe in their bed shows how much they love them. And I sure do love these kids. If only I could tuck them in and give them kisses every night.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweet Hannah has written me a note every day we have been here, and I have always written her back. When I went to move a blanket around on her bed, I noticed that she had all of the letters I had written her hiding under her sheet. </div><div><br></div><div>I turned to another bed and a group of girls were re-reading and passing around letters I had written them. I decorate and draw pictures on these letters and pretty much write the same thing in every one. </div><div><br></div><div>I do it every night before I go to sleep and sometimes I feel like I can't even move my pen because I am so tired of writing the same thing again. But man... these girls cherish these letters the same way (or maybe more) than I do. </div><div><br></div><div>"<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." -James 1:27</i></span></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-48919792147227170092015-07-20T16:41:00.001-05:002015-07-20T16:41:27.920-05:00Hope and a Future<div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97PkqcV_Rxm2xW1XPPvjkSxyofKydGtMDNiKd89lvMTM4-9gVFs8f_2xLn69AdfRHFSzSHaD4W-rk6tmdoI9InzEE3n9L_9r9BkeXpZTHMYOx8R8jm7Pdi16xSnGZO2LtiK3ZB5OiB9q5/s640/blogger-image--1373773318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97PkqcV_Rxm2xW1XPPvjkSxyofKydGtMDNiKd89lvMTM4-9gVFs8f_2xLn69AdfRHFSzSHaD4W-rk6tmdoI9InzEE3n9L_9r9BkeXpZTHMYOx8R8jm7Pdi16xSnGZO2LtiK3ZB5OiB9q5/s640/blogger-image--1373773318.jpg"></a></div></div></b></div><div><b>Sunday, July 19, 2015</b></div><div><b>Day 8</b></div><div>We got to sleep in an extra hour today and then we headed off on another nature walk. We went about a mile down to the lake. Now this lake is a run-off lake, so while it is still beautiful, it is green and gunky. </div><div><br></div><div>This may have been intimidating to the mzungus, but the Kenyans didn't care. As we got close, all of the little boys started running, throwing their shirts off and jumped in the lake. It was so cute. </div><div><br></div><div>A lot of the younger girls wanted to join in on the fun so they just hoped in in their long skirts and t-shirts. Everyone had so much fun. </div><div><br></div><div>Sweet Alan got covered in mud so he walked out of the water, took his pants off to reveal that he was not wearing any underwear and then he just went back to playing. It was so funny and adorable and some of the kids helped him clean up and get his pants back on. It was so sweet.</div><div><br></div><div>Kishanto woke up without a fever and is completely fine! Thank you for the prayers!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Later on, I was having tickle fights with Kiptoo, Kimutai, and Hashim. Little John Muaga Jr. came up and started tickling me as well. </div><div><br></div><div>I noticed his skin was really scaly and dry so I told him to wait there so I could grab some lotion and lather him up. His cousin, John Muaga Sr., came up and asked for lotion as well. </div><div><br></div><div>These boys along with John Sr.'s brother, Ian, and their other cousin, Peter, have a heartbreaking story. All but John Jr. were in the same poor living situation where they were very neglected and malnourished. </div><div><br></div><div>They went six years without a shower and ate their "meals" out of trashcans. </div><div><br></div><div>Because they practically never bathed until coming here, their skin became very scaly and dry. They came to the orphanage a couple years ago and all of their health has improved so much. </div><div><br></div><div>Their skin is better than before, but still pretty bad. The scaley-ness will most likely never go away. But rubbing lotion on them made them feel so loved.</div><div><br></div><div>This family is so dear to my heart and it pains me to think that their parents could abandon their precious faces and not even care about them at all. </div><div><br></div><div>I held on to Ian for so long before we said goodnight because I love him so much and don't understand how his parents didn't feel the same way. </div><div><br></div><div>Nahashon has been here for around 10 years, so he knows everyone's background stories. He shared a lot with me that I hadn't known prior to this trip. </div><div><br></div><div>These poor orphans. I want to adopt them all and show them how loved they are. But praise The Lord that they are immersed in the church and reminded everyday that they are SO loved by their Heavenly Father.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFXJl2x8MtmLFPjWCvvq6q9h-mVKs2zwf9NPjHsW9ROKZUk63p11CZUOB8TPWg2awjKtwS8P2BChhYIYbt5YfecI7aKTXk18pSWCGphiw_Sf5WRCzUeyat1UdnbYfOoV8tERzWx86LPTL/s640/blogger-image-93244712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFXJl2x8MtmLFPjWCvvq6q9h-mVKs2zwf9NPjHsW9ROKZUk63p11CZUOB8TPWg2awjKtwS8P2BChhYIYbt5YfecI7aKTXk18pSWCGphiw_Sf5WRCzUeyat1UdnbYfOoV8tERzWx86LPTL/s640/blogger-image-93244712.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><b>Monday, July 20, 2015</b></div><div><b>Day 9</b></div><div>While the kids were at school, I spent some time helping pack the new backpacks we are giving to the teachers. </div><div><br></div><div>Later in the day, two of our team members took all 15 of them to town and surprised them by letting them pick out a brand new pair of shoes. They could not believe it. </div><div><br></div><div>I helped one of the cooks chop the firewood from Acacia trees that they use to heat up the huge pots of food (I could probably sit in one of these pots. They are huge). He helped me with my Swahili and said that all Kenyans have chopped fire wood before so I guess I'm part African now.</div><div><br></div><div>We set up different stations for all of the junior kids (youngest) to play at. We had jump ropes, skip-it's, ring toss, and a huge rainbow parachute. They loved it. </div><div><br></div><div>I traveled around with a group of boys and the camp counselor side of me came out. I remember almost saying, "If you are in Rapple's cabin, you should have your eyes on me." (Rapple was my camp name). But they had so much fun and were just so cute.</div><div><br></div><div>I went down to the field and played on the swings with Ian, Peter, Shadrack, Jenga, and James. </div><div><br></div><div>They asked me to take a ton of pictures of them singing and just talking and then they would all watch the videos over and over again. </div><div><br></div><div>I went back up by the boys dorm and talked to one of the senior boys, Okuku, for a long time. He came to America for a visit a couple years ago, so we talked about differences between the two countries and how different the cultures are. </div><div><br></div><div>We had a senior night for all of the older kids and played q game called 4 on a couch. Everyone had so much fun! </div><div><br></div><div>The older kids are basically like parents to all of the younger ones, so it's nice for them to be able to take a break and just have fun. The game also helped me finally get all of the seniors' names down. </div><div><br></div><div>Last night, the team went out to dinner and Pastor Benson shared his testimony for us. I had heard it before, but it was so great to hear bits and pieces that he had left out before. </div><div><br></div><div>He talked about the "original" 42 orphans and most of the seniors were there. This was about 10 years ago, so it is so crazy to me that they have been at the orphanage for so long. </div><div><br></div><div>One girl is 24 and still living here. It is hard for them because they have to have a plan before they get out. In America, most people have their parents as safety nets to help them get started or go to college. They don't have any safety nets here. </div><div><br></div><div>Pastor Benson and Florence will always be their mom and dad, but the seniors have to find a way to make a living for themselves after they finish school, and that is very scary to a lot of them. But a lot of them are close to my age so we all have so much fun together. </div><div><br></div><div>It was just a really good and peaceful day.</div><div><br></div><div><i>For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the LORD," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</i></div><div><i>-Jeremiah 29:11</i></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-19806435296574502522015-07-18T16:37:00.001-05:002015-07-18T16:37:56.058-05:00Letters from the Kids!<div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3WO-mItn6r3ujXuRDnPlT5XknRqCC_luZhjl-da_UXYFOC5GHdabAvOcBeUhxfedX8tkbFmWwySBx4LIRTh4if4byIouWY8StOAEGfESya9A5YOLsV2Yx-iNvrsY9JnsXBqVhV1j9rKn/s640/blogger-image--2071856450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3WO-mItn6r3ujXuRDnPlT5XknRqCC_luZhjl-da_UXYFOC5GHdabAvOcBeUhxfedX8tkbFmWwySBx4LIRTh4if4byIouWY8StOAEGfESya9A5YOLsV2Yx-iNvrsY9JnsXBqVhV1j9rKn/s640/blogger-image--2071856450.jpg"></a></div><br></b></div><div><b>Friday, July 17, 2015</b></div><div><b>Day 6</b></div><div>A lot happened today. It was the hardest one so far. But it was still good. So good. </div><div><br></div><div>Three kids had to be taken to the hospital today and our med clinic was packed. I sat in on Alan's special education assessment and then went over to the clinic to help. We flushed out part of a pencil out of a kids ear. </div><div><br></div><div>We did ringworm head treatments again. We gave out a hundred bandages. We loved on some kids.</div><div><br></div><div>Instead of going through every little detail of the day, I just want to share some cute words from the orphans. They LOVE writing and receiving letters so I always write back. Here are some excerpts from the letters I received today:</div><div><br></div><div>"I love you so much I can't explain how much I love you but God knows... Always remember you have a friend in Kenya called Louise. I will forever cherish you in my heart." - Louise</div><div><br></div><div>"When you go back home, greet for me Molly and your family members." - Sarah</div><div><br></div><div>"I thank you for the love that you gave to me through the time you came. I thank you for the smile that you give to me because no one could give me a smile. When I see you giving me a smile I smile back to you. So a smile it is so precious to us mostly me and you Shelby. and God." - Boniface </div><div><br></div><div>"I love you to the moon and back. Jesus died on the cross because of our sins." -Christine</div><div><br></div><div>"I really pray to God that He may make me a carpenter and I may visit the states of America." - Emmanuel </div><div><br></div><div>"I love you so much. thank you for the fun." - Miriam </div><div><br></div><div>"I will never forget you in my life. I don't have much to tell you. God bless you." -Hannah</div><div><br></div><div>"Hellow? How are you? I hope that you are fine and okey Jesus love you?" -Diana (they don't quite understand the difference between exclamation points and question marks)</div><div><br></div><div><b>Saturday, July 18, 2015</b></div><div><b>Day 7</b></div><div>The orphanage is Seventh Day Adventist, so their sabbath is from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. During that time we have a (very long) church service and we do not lift a finger. We are to truly rest and not do any work. </div><div><br></div><div>All food is prepared beforehand and all cleaning is done right after sundown on Saturday. I sat next to Alan and some of the senior girls (aged from 17-24) and my dear friend, Nahashon, gave the message. </div><div><br></div><div>During a time for testimonies, 5-year-old Grace went in front of 250+ people and said something along the lines of, "My mother killed my twin sister, but now my big sister and I get to live here. Praise God." </div><div><br></div><div>I was already aware of this story and so many others, but my heart is just continually broken for these orphans. Unimaginable things have happened to them, yet they remain joyful still because they understand and have faith in what Jesus did for us and they place their hope in The Gospel.</div><div><br></div><div>We went on a short nature hike up and around a cliff and back to the orphanage. Kenyans are absolutely fearless and some of these kids would walk right on the edge of a 50 ft drop off while most of the the mzungus (white people) were standing as far from the edge as possible. No one got hurt (Praise The Lord!). </div><div><br></div><div>Sweet little Kishanto, however, did have to go to the hospital because his fever of 104 degrees hadn't been going down. Pastor Benson and one of our nurses took him to get a shot and Kishanto will go back tomorrow if the fever rises again. </div><div><br></div><div>So please join us in prayer that this is just a virus and nothing more serious. And pray that none of the other kids will get sick either. </div><div><br></div><div>The kids share everything... Clothes, shoes, cups, beds, etc. So when one kids gets sick, many more follow. </div><div><br></div><div>The kids got to watch not one, but TWO movies tonight! One was on Abraham and the other was on Esther. These were similar to "The Bible" series that came out a few years ago so it was very interesting to everyone. </div><div><br></div><div>They set up a sheet in their dining hall and used a projector to play them. Alan fell asleep in my arms during the movie. Emmanuel went to take him to bed but a couple minutes later Alan was back in my arms fast asleep. </div><div><br></div><div>I asked Emmanuel what happened and he said that when Alan realized I was no longer there, he jumped out of bed and ran back to see me. His twin brother, John, came up to us and fell asleep leaning against me. </div><div><br></div><div>While I was working at Pine Cove the first half of the summer, our team secretary suggested that we all started voicing when we felt content or satisfied exactly where we are. This was one of those moments.</div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." -John 4:18</i></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-33621053981614722702015-07-16T18:10:00.001-05:002015-07-16T18:10:48.012-05:00Two Eventful and Rewarding Days<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2a3fMEER5Yhv8T2zEKRFi6Fbg3bZf80oM1qCPRSGQGnZFMG0lBRo_vhb-iInqr9KMrN-HtfT6QomN_O1-iZOQh4AOugXuWYwe5Lczah3iD06YMx0xqzFGfnKPYGGAnE_W91AshRlMsPB/s640/blogger-image-100065859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2a3fMEER5Yhv8T2zEKRFi6Fbg3bZf80oM1qCPRSGQGnZFMG0lBRo_vhb-iInqr9KMrN-HtfT6QomN_O1-iZOQh4AOugXuWYwe5Lczah3iD06YMx0xqzFGfnKPYGGAnE_W91AshRlMsPB/s640/blogger-image-100065859.jpg"></a></div>Wednesday, July 15, 2015</div><div>Day 4</div><div>Today was long and eventful. I helped Allison with the special education assessments. It is so great that she is here to run these IQ tests to be able to better understand what areas these children need more help with. </div><div><br></div><div>I sat in on three of the assessments and then had to leave half way through because this little boy was looking at me the whole time instead of paying attention. </div><div><br></div><div>We are doing two more assessments tomorrow for John and Allen. </div><div><br></div><div>I hung out with the littlest kids for a while today. Mark, Brian, and Lucy are a handful but we had so much fun going down the slide (again and again and again...). They would just cackle and laugh when I pushed them on the swings.</div><div><br></div><div>Allen was upset earlier in the day for an unknown reason so I ran up and sat by him. He crawled in my lap and when he realized it was me, he stopped crying and got the biggest grin on his face. He was so happy! </div><div><br></div><div>Some of the other kids started playing and tickling him and Allen was laughing so hard. I was so content in that moment. </div><div><br></div><div>A 12-year-old boy named Moses came and sat with us and was SO good with Allen! He translated for me and just made Allen laugh and smile so much. It made me happy to see that even though most kids don't understand why John and Allen act and talk different, a lot of the kids still love these boys unconditionally. </div><div><br></div><div>What a beautiful picture of The Gospel! Despite all of our flaws and imperfections, God still loves us and cares for us. So much love that he CHOSE to send His son to die a death that we all deserve. I will never get over that.</div><div><br></div><div>One of our team leaders shared his testimony at evening worship. He had a major stroke a couple weeks after he got back from being here last year. </div><div><br></div><div>Doctors and nurses didn't think he would make it very long. So, his wife called Pastor Benson and told him what was going on. Pastor had the whole orphanage pray for him around 4 am our time. </div><div><br></div><div>At that exact time, Bret woke up and could speak clearly. Now he is completely healthy and was able to come back to Africa, which no one thought would ever be possible. Prayer is so powerful! I see the Lord's faithfulness again and again while I am here and it is so wonderful.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Thursday, July 16, 2015</div><div>Day 5</div><div>I sat in on some more special ed assessments today. These kids just need someone that knows how to teach them in a way that they can learn. </div><div><br></div><div>Thankfully, we are making up a plan for how to help them succeed in school this year and we're praying for more special education training with the teachers.</div><div><br></div><div> IDD's just aren't identified here so most people think my sweet boys are weird or crazy. They don't understand that there is actually a reason why they talk and act different from the other kids.</div><div><br></div><div>After lunch, I helped one of the nurses do head treatments for the 40+ kids with ringworm. We washed our hands and put on new gloves between kids, and basically shampooed their bald heads with ointment. </div><div><br></div><div>The kids thought it was so funny because all of their heads looked white. After I treated them, just about everyone asked for a band-aid for a year old scar they had just because they treat band-aids like stickers and everyone wants one. </div><div><br></div><div>At first, I was hesitant to give them away so fast, but the kids are just so darn cute that I couldn't say no to giving them a bandage. </div><div><br></div><div>Our team had paid for, bought, and prepared supper for the orphanage that night. They only eat twice a day because of limited funds and because it is extremely hard to feed 230 people. </div><div><br></div><div>They eat almost the same thing every day, so we treated them to something they don't usually have: vegetable stew (they had never had broccoli or cauliflower before), penne pasta (also never had), a big chunk of watermelon, and my personal favorite, chapati. </div><div><br></div><div>It was such a blessing to be able to serve them all in this way. The kids loved it and they will also get mangoes (another delicacy to them) for breakfast. </div><div><br></div><div>I got to speak at evening worship tonight. I talked about The Kingdom of God and got to preach the good news of Christ to 230 orphans! </div><div><br></div><div>The kids there go to church every week and worship twice a day, but it was good to be able to share the gospel and remind them of this hope we have. No matter what hard past they have been through, they are loved... maybe not by their birth parents, but definitely by the creator of the universe. So much that He sent His son to die the death that we all deserve. How beautiful!! </div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>"I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." -1 Corinthians 9:23</i></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-88427512538877283272015-07-14T18:27:00.001-05:002015-07-14T18:27:19.588-05:00It is well!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxDVzANuyfS9PkpbkoVs0X5zSRxSg3ucCKyWxlEOO7TdKk8jH1Qcf3uPgcfhrHXNhccWvD31ZILbmA2S6t5Hi92pwERnM3sxNBjE8rxN5AuMlbbt4YeafMqTAqXTMQTzDwmTjVYpGJ4bL/s640/blogger-image--339117646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxDVzANuyfS9PkpbkoVs0X5zSRxSg3ucCKyWxlEOO7TdKk8jH1Qcf3uPgcfhrHXNhccWvD31ZILbmA2S6t5Hi92pwERnM3sxNBjE8rxN5AuMlbbt4YeafMqTAqXTMQTzDwmTjVYpGJ4bL/s640/blogger-image--339117646.jpg"></a></div>Tuesday, July 14, 2015</span></div><div>Day 3</div><div>Last year I recorded the children singing "It is well" and set it as my alarm. So, everyday this past year I have woken up to the kids singing. </div><div><br></div><div>This morning, I woke up to them singing that same song, except it wasn't just a recording on my phone. I'm really here</div><div>and they are really singing! </div><div><br></div><div>We started doing medical checks today. My job was to entertain the kids in the "waiting room" and calm them down if they were nervous at all. There are two new twin boys, John and Allen, who have some type of intellectual disability. </div><div><br></div><div>They were abandoned on the streets by their parents, found by the police, and taken to the orphanage. I love them so much. They were both afraid during medical checks because they had never seen a doctor before and did not know what was going on. </div><div><br></div><div>One at a time, they came outside to the waiting room and I just held them until they calmed down and could go back to class. </div><div><br></div><div>Later, Allen ran up to me and made a gesture to pick him up, so I did. He didn't know any English and I wanted him to learn my name so I would take his finger and point to him and say, "Allen" and then I would point to me and say, "Shelby." I did it over and over again until he could say it on his own. </div><div><br></div><div>His face lit up when he understood my name and he just kept saying "Allen... Shelby!" over and over again. </div><div><br></div><div>It just broke my heart because so many people in third world countries don't know how to identify IDDs or take care of those who have a disability. In a lot of places in Africa, and all over the world, people born with disabilities are often shunned, killed, or sent to a prison-like environment because of something they can't control. </div><div><br></div><div>I am SO thankful for this amazing place and for other places that see how much of a blessing people with disabilities are and do what they can to gain more knowledge so that they can better help people with disabilities. </div><div><br></div><div>This orphanage is definitely making strides toward improving the needs for children with disabilities. A special education teacher from Ohio is on our team and I will get to sit in on the assessments she does with the potential students for special education tomorrow.</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-91312503297202533552015-07-13T19:08:00.001-05:002015-07-13T19:08:23.641-05:00A Warm Welcome<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUhRaIaE2FxwS1ajKr5MP6YayeuxeICZ7ve65ebYaQ87A-Uqy8g4tJuXY9CaNSwhLufRb3XnrWFB4MQC3bmfATFcIGQMAGfdIUR1CcZhBsL2SE0_TzbAvT2aO5AR8T_x-4hP3rgwJECHw/s640/blogger-image--2056185294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUhRaIaE2FxwS1ajKr5MP6YayeuxeICZ7ve65ebYaQ87A-Uqy8g4tJuXY9CaNSwhLufRb3XnrWFB4MQC3bmfATFcIGQMAGfdIUR1CcZhBsL2SE0_TzbAvT2aO5AR8T_x-4hP3rgwJECHw/s640/blogger-image--2056185294.jpg"></a></div>July 12, 2015</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Day 1</span></div><div>We made it to the orphanage! It felt so surreal to drive up and see 230 of my African friends waving and welcoming me back. </div><div><br></div><div>Just like last year, Boniface was the first to come up and hold my hand. Every other kid followed afterward. </div><div><br></div><div>Just about everyone asked if I remembered their name and I would say, "Of course I do, (insert name written on tshirt.)" But overall, I remembered a lot more names than I thought I would. We spent a long time just hugging old friends and meeting new ones.</div><div><br></div><div>One little 3-year-old boy named Brian crawled into my lap and gave me a bunch of kisses. He is sooooooo precious. </div><div><br></div><div>We had lunch and then started organizing the donations our team brought to the orphanage. I went in some of my teammates' room to chat and then realized how jet lagged and exhausted I was. I wanted to take a nap more than anything, but I remembered how much more I wanted to spend time with my kids. </div><div><br></div><div>So I went outside and asked if anyone wanted to go to the field by the playground with me. Solomon, Victoria, Faith, Maxwell, and Dennis joined me. The kids sang me some songs in Swahili and we all just rested. </div><div><br></div><div>July 13, 2015</div><div>Day 2</div><div>The kids had school today from 9-1 so our team worked on getting the NEW medical clinic ready for check ups. We did a lot of cleaning and organizing while the men and some senior boys at the orphanage did some last minute carpentry work. </div><div><br></div><div>After lunch, one of my team members and I sat out in the sun while we were working on a project and we got bombarded by children! It was wonderful. </div><div><br></div><div>We spent the rest of the day just playing with the kids out on the field. Hashim found out how to take selfies on my camera and just went crazy with it (pictures to come when I get back). </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">also spent a lot of time with Ian, who if you remember from last year, is an 8-year-old boy who loves to wink and flirt. </span></div><div>Boniface saved me a seat at evening worship and a new little boy came and sat in my lap. I just recently learned that this little boy most likely has an IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities). So, obviously, I fell in love with him fast when he fell asleep in my arms. </div><div><br></div><div>After worship, I said "Lala selama" (sleep well) to everyone and headed back to the med clinic to make sure it was ready. We have three nurses on our team that will be doing medical exams on all 230 of the orphans this upcoming week. </div><div><br></div><div>My job is to get the kids from their classrooms, entertain them until it's their turn and calm them down if they are nervous. </div><div><br></div><div>I am completely overjoyed to be here and I already know it's going to be so hard to leave.</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-74326236236035234632015-07-11T13:52:00.001-05:002015-07-11T14:12:07.567-05:00Returning Home<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp36cBmdR9QMAA06k_zzhfPbBcSYjliTHRGkVJrZ7gEQ246V5M53UfaMEac1QRXdU6Xgy6qmKGJ1f05W-XAq0oiSS-5lwWranKF519S9Vx5BA7iZBsj3i4Fqd0-FxTqU2tMM9UiNyqaDB/s640/blogger-image--627713484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp36cBmdR9QMAA06k_zzhfPbBcSYjliTHRGkVJrZ7gEQ246V5M53UfaMEac1QRXdU6Xgy6qmKGJ1f05W-XAq0oiSS-5lwWranKF519S9Vx5BA7iZBsj3i4Fqd0-FxTqU2tMM9UiNyqaDB/s640/blogger-image--627713484.jpg"></a></div>July 11, 2015</span></div><div><br></div><div>Jambo!</div><div>I am safe and sound! Just landed after 30 hours of traveling. It has been long, exhausting, and uncomfortable (if you have ever had to sit upright for 9 hours and try to sleep, then you know how I'm feeling). </div><div><br></div><div>With each new plane I board and every time my legs become stiff, I have to remind myself that I will not be sitting on this plane forever. I will get to sleep comfortably and stretch my legs again. </div><div><br></div><div>As much as I despise long plane rides, I know that I'd take this long journey again in a heartbeat if it meant I got to see my kiddos again. And that's what I'm doing! </div><div><br></div><div>I'm going back to the place I fell so in love with a year ago! I get to wrap my arms around orphans who have been through unimaginable circumstances. </div><div><br></div><div>I get to hold children who were never held by their own parents. </div><div><br></div><div>I get to see the love of Jesus constantly on display. I get to help set up a new medical clinic and remind 230 orphans that Jesus is our ultimate healer. </div><div><br></div><div>I get to go home!</div><div><br></div><div>I have so many butterflies in my tummy, and I just can't believe this is happening! </div><div><br></div><div>In a couple hours I will be reunited with some of my best friends in the entire world! And I would not be on my way right now if it weren't for all of you who sacrificed your time praying for me and listening to me talk for hours about my experience here last year. </div><div><br></div><div>If you hadn't sacrificed financially, I would not have been able to purchase my plane ticket. I cannot express how grateful I am for each and every one of you.</div><div> </div><div>Please continue to keep my team and I in your prayers as we head to the orphanage in the morning and spend the next 2 weeks there.</div><div><br></div><div>Asante Sana (thank you very much)</div><div><br></div><div><i>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." -Ephesians 3:20-21</i></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-48423712542311248212015-05-06T00:41:00.001-05:002015-05-06T01:10:11.372-05:00I still can't believe it<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Rejoice in The Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!"-Philippians 4:4</span></div>
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<b>Thursday-- April 30th</b><br />
<br />
I woke up in need of an additional $1,400 to buy my plane ticket to Africa. I already felt so blessed to have had so many donors and to have raised the money I had so far. However, $1,400 is not something I could just pull out of my pocket. I needed help. So, I turned to The Lord. I spent Thursday fasting. Every time I felt hungry, I prayed that the money would come through and that He would give me faith to trust that He would provide.<br />
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<b>Friday-- May 1</b><br />
<br />
Donations were pouring in. I had people texting me every hour saying they made a donation. People I did not even know were reading my blog and felt led to give. I ended up going to the beach for the weekend with one of my best friends. We were sitting in a little coffee shop studying for finals when I got a message from our team leader saying that our fundraising pages were up to date. <b>Everything was in.</b> All of the money was there. The amount left over after everyone's generous donations was the exact amount my parents and I planned to pay for the trip. My ticket is purchased and I am <i>officially</i> going back to Africa. So, THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me thus far! You kindness and willingness to give has helped me be one step closer to making a difference in the lives of these children I am going to see!<br />
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<b>Saturday/Sunday -- May 2/3</b><br />
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I still have a couple hundred to raise, and got kind of nervous about raising the rest. <i>Surely God can't do something like this again. </i>HA. I'm still getting donations. He has called me to go and He will make sure I get there.<br />
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<b>Today-- May 4</b><br />
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I am in awe of The Lord and His faithfulness. Throughout everything this semester, I knew that God has specifically called me and so many others on this trip. I always had complete confidence that The Lord would provide, but I didn't truly understand how much He would until I saw the amount that was raised in one day. And I didn't even do much. I posted a status on Facebook and God did the rest.<br />
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Earlier today I got a Facebook message from one of my African friends and I just had to share it with y'all:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You are loved. Outrageously loved.</i></div>
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<i>You are seen, and understood. </i></div>
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<i>You are not abandoned, and He is not far off. </i></div>
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<i>You are liberated from the lies and insecurities that hold tight to you. </i></div>
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<i>Jesus would rather go to hell and back, would rather die than live without you! </i></div>
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<i>He is not mad or angry at you! He is no longer counting your "sin" against you. </i></div>
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<i>No condemnation or separation. You are perfect! Radically beautiful! </i></div>
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<i>His eyes are fixed on you. </i></div>
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<i>Be loved today. Live free. Laugh a lot. </i></div>
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<i>Jesus is the most fun person I've ever met!</i></div>
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Take this truth and do not ever forget it. God loves you and cares about the smallest details of your life. Whether you are anxious about fundraising or nervous about a test, He is <i>eager </i>to help you through your troubles and He loves you amidst it all.<br />
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-247953277265248922014-09-20T22:14:00.000-05:002015-03-04T22:14:43.078-06:00EstherIt blows my mind that I left Kenya almost two months ago. I miss it more than I could ever explain. It's been hard.<br />
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Harder than I ever imagined. </div>
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I want to be back and never leave. There is just something special about that orphanage and no place in the world can compare. It absolutely tears my heart apart each and every morning when I wake up and come to terms that 220+ children won't be downstairs to say, "Gooood morning, Shabbi! Let's go play!"</div>
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Before I left for Kenya, I knew coming back would be hard. I had seen Molly come back twice already and you could hear the longing in her voice when she would tell stories and know that she just wanted to be back. In order to prepare for that, I began to pray that God would comfort me and give me peace during the transition back to the real world. The Lord definitely heard my prayers. </div>
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No, it wasn't perfect or easy or anything like that, but through continual prayer, I felt peace. Some days are easier than others, but I know that God doesn't want me in Kenya. Not right now, at least. </div>
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He wants me in Auburn. </div>
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My mission trip did not end in Kenya. No, it is still going on all around me. The world is my mission field. Every step I take and every person I speak to is all in part of God's divine and sovereign plan. He sent me to Kenya to impact not only the orphan's lives, but my own life as well. He took me away from this place which I fell so in love with because He wants me in Auburn. He knows this is where I will glorify Him best at this moment and at this point in time.</div>
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The Lord knows me better than I know myself and I have full confidence that on the day of Judgement, My King will come before and tell me that He placed me exactly where I needed to be.<br />
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Yes, I still long for Kenya. Yes, I want to go back. BUT GOD has me where I am and I can trust and rest on Him because I know that He wants me in Auburn now and because of the great love He has for me, I trust Him with everything I have.</div>
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The Lord is teaching me a lot right now, and I am so happy and excited about that, but yesterday, my heart was broken for another reason. </div>
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<b>I found out that one of the girls from the orphanage is very very sick.</b> </div>
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Esther has an immune deficiency disorder that makes it hard for her to fight off any infection. When she does get ill, it is very hard for her to recover. Please join me in praying for healing over Esther and for all of the other orphans during this time. </div>
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I'm scared. </div>
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I just want Esther to be okay. However, I know that The Lord has His hand over this situation and no matter what happens, I will glorify Him even more.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Hebrews 4:16</span></div>
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-32407484067033596932014-06-25T23:47:00.001-05:002015-01-10T23:31:53.661-06:00Goodbye<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
Last Day</div>
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Fiwagoh </div>
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June 26, 2014</div>
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I knew that leaving would be hard, but I never expected this. Two weeks went by way too fast and I can't believe today is the day that I make my journey home. </div>
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I have built everlasting friendships here and I pray that God will give me the opportunity to come back here. This orphanage is not like any other and it now holds a very special place in my heart. </div>
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On Sunday we went to the market to buy souvenirs. We had to barter the prices and I was absolutely terrible at it, so Pastor Benson did all of the bartering for me. It was quite an experience. </div>
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Monday night, we went out to dinner as a team to this restaurant with another unbelievable view. I took pictures, but they still don't do the scenery justice. </div>
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After dinner, Pastor Benson shared his testimony and told us how Fiwagoh all started. When he and Florence got married, Pastor said he wanted to take in ONE orphan. 10 years later, they have made a home for 220 orphans. It was amazing to hear the story and see how God provided for them in every circumstance. Even when they thought everything was over, God was faithful and made a way for them to survive. </div>
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On Monday I worked some more with the dentists. 11-year-old Maxwell was one of our patients. He had to get a tooth removed and was very scared. Tears streamed down his face and he squeezed my hand tightly only to come to the realization that the anesthesia made it not hurt at all! He was such a trooper and has also found a very special place in my heart.</div>
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That night, another orphanage, Haven of Hope, came to Fiwagoh to get their teeth cleaned and have supper with us. Most of the HOH kids are under 6 years old. I saw one boy standing alone so I picked him up and he gave me the biggest hug. He did not speak English so I had someone translate for us. This little boy, Chris, thought I was his sponsor, which I am not. I went along with it though because I don't speak Swahili and I couldn't break his heart. He was attached to me all night and gave me a hundred kisses before he left. </div>
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We looked up at the sky and there were more stars than I have ever seen before. It was so beautiful and amazing and I don't think I'll ever see something like it again.</div>
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Tuesday and Wednesday was just spent loving on children. We went out to the field and I had girls play with my hair while another kid sat in my lap and we all watched the older kids play futball. We had a team member who was not a Christian, so we had all been praying for her these past two weeks. Emily and I decided to stop what we were doing and just pray for her salvation. A lot of times when we pray, we don't really believe that God will do what we're asking. In Africa, they pray with complete confidence and faith that He will do what they are asking of Him. We prayed to have that faith as well.</div>
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We said Amen and anther team member slammed open our door and said, "Guess who just became a Christian?" Chills. Amazement. We asked for that faith, and God showed it to us. He answered our prayers and we now have a new sister in Christ! I cried, or course. I did a lot of crying yesterday because we are leaving today.</div>
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When we go, all 220 orphans will line up and we will hug every single one of them. </div>
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They say home is where the heart is. I guess I have two homes now.</div>
Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-19089830703501928982014-06-23T00:29:00.001-05:002014-06-23T00:29:44.789-05:00A Week to Remember<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;">Fiwagoh</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;">End of Week One</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;">June 21, 2014</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Fiwagoh is Seventh Day Adventist, so their Sabbath starts at sundown on Friday night and ends at sundown on Saturday night. During Sabbath, it is a complete day of rest. We don't do dishes, wash clothes, clean up, or lift a finger. We are suppose to just focus on loving one another and worshiping God. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Church services at Fiwagoh last from about 9am-2pm on Saturdays. Yes, it is very long, but very wonderful. I sat by Bonniface, Jafari, Ian, Joseph, and several others as we all praised our Savior and heard sermons.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">After the service, we went on a nature walk! Fiwagoh has the most beautiful view I have ever seen and we got to have a closer look at the lake and mountains that the orphanage overlooks. It was about a mile to the lake which, of course, the kids wanted a hundred pictures of. Then we walked a little further to another side of the lake to THE most beautiful scene i have ever seen. It's one of those moments that a picture just can't capture all of the beauty surrounding you. I just had to take it in and hope that I would never forget it.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Pastor Benson gathered everyone for a group photo. Jessica, Dr. Rick and I did not get the memo that it was just for the orphans, so the new group photo of the Fiwagoh kids will include three Mzungus. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I stepped in mud in the process, but it made the kids laugh so I just shook it off and decided to worry about it later.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I was walking with Faith (HIV positive) and Victoria. We were towards the end of the group and as we looked ahead, we saw people literally climbing up a mountain, surrounded by sheep and a shepherded. It was something you see in movies about old times, but don't ever imagine seeing in real life. When we got to the top, we saw even a more beautiful view. Pictures will come when I get home because words cannot do it justice. When we got back, Faith and Victoria got down and washed my feet off for me. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I've gotten really close to so many people of every different age here in such a short amount of time. It amazes me that two weeks ago, I didn't know anyone here. It breaks my heart that a week from now, I won't get to spend every day with these new friends that I have grown to love.</p>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-997803296329272322014-06-20T14:52:00.001-05:002014-06-20T14:52:48.534-05:00Simple Words Warm My Heart<div>Fiwagoh Day 6</div><div>June 20, 2014</div><div><br></div><div>Kids at Fiwagoh LOVE giving visitors letters. However, English is their second language so it's not always perfect. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been called Shelbie, Shelbe, Shelbi, Shellby, and my personal favorite Shabbi, which is exactly how they all pronounce my name. They have made me so happy so I thought I would share a couple excerpts with y'all.</div><div><br></div><div>"I love you so much that the tongue cannot express"</div><div><br></div><div>"I thank God for the butyfull and goodtime he has given into us... I am very happy and proud but I don't have words to estplane (explain) how happy I am."</div><div><br></div><div>"Do you love Jesus? I hope you do love Him."</div><div><br></div><div>"I am very thankful for the nice, hot, and wonderful big hugs you give me every night before going to bed and the cool, awesome, and beautiful smiles that you show."</div><div><br></div><div>"I don't have many words to say but i love you and I love giving you a smile." </div><div><br></div><div>"I love your warm smiles and merry laughs. You are good. You're my friend. Please read the bible every day. Please reply back"</div><div><br></div><div>"I love you so much with an exzidin (exciting) love but God loves you more than I do."</div><div><br></div><div>"If we don't meet back here (at Fiwagoh), we shall meet there in heaven and we shall rejoice with The Lord."</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-11116800883786918282014-06-19T16:21:00.001-05:002014-06-19T16:21:14.520-05:00Difficult Times Bring Tremendous Rewards<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Fiwagoh Day 3</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>June 17, 2014</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">In the dentistry waiting room, I got to learn a lot of names and help the kids feel better about going to the dentist for the first time in their life. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">It was hard day. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I held a lot of hands as these frightened kids got their teeth checked. Many cried and at one point I did too. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">They were not in pain, just afraid. Most of them don't know how to trust someone, so when a strange white person comes up with sharp tools, it terrifies them. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">It started to hit me when I was holding Bonniface's shaky hands in the dentist chair. It really hit me when I had my hand on sweet Joseph's (intellectually disabled and HIV) chest to calm him down when he would not open his mouth one bit because he just did not understand what was happening. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I quickly learned that it's best not to cry in front of the kids and to put on a smile to make them feel safer and okay.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Fiwagoh Day 4</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>June 18, 2014</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I got promoted from waiting room-entertainer to dental assistant. I wrote down everything the dentist told me to put on the patient's chart, held up a light, and gathered any supplies the dentist needed. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">One little 8-year-old boy named Ian was one of Dr. Rick's patients. Most kids his age are very scared, but Ian sat right down, told the dentist where his tooth hurt, and Dr. Rick preceded to extract his painful tooth. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Ian squeezed my hand very tightly the whole time. When an anesthetic was put in his mouth, he didn't scream, but he just looked at me and winked. I winked back, and then he started raising his eyebrows at me. This little boy was flirting with me instead of acknowledging that someone was pulling a tooth out of his mouth. Oh my, so so precious.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">After evening worship, we got to hear a testimony from three siblings at Fiwagoh. Duncan Sr. (20), (another) Joseph (18), and Frazier (16). It was heart wrenching, but it shows us how wonderful Fiwagoh is and how much greater our God is.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Fiwagoh day 5</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>June 19, 2014</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">This was a day filled with more teeth cleaning and loving on kids. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I've started to get closer to a lot of the kids, which is just going to make it even harder to leave. I've also gotten closer to the older kids. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">There are people all the way up to 22 years old at Fiwagoh, so it's nice to have people my age to hang out and goof around with. The older kids are called "seniors." </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">We had a senior night tonight where it was just the seniors and team members. We were going to play games, but instead, they wanted to hear all of our stories. Several people shared and then, naturally, Ryan asked me to share! </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">They thought I was hilarious. Some of you may not believe that, but they were crying because they were laughing so hard. Okay, so maybe it wasn't because I was saying anything funny. I am just very bubbly and an energetic person and they aren't use to that here so it cracked them up that I was jumping around, talking with my hands, and just being myself. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">But I finally got to be serious and share my testimony. It was awesome to hear everyone else's as well and also some of the seniors'. It is so humbling and amazing to hear how God works in all of our lives in very different ways.</p>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-54863384555957035842014-06-16T14:51:00.001-05:002014-06-16T14:51:53.243-05:00Jambo<div>June 15, 2014</div><div>Fiwagoh Day One</div><div><br></div><div>As we came up to the orphanage around 2, we saw more than a hundred orphans running up to our bus singing their "welcome song." </div><div><br></div><div>I cried. </div><div><br></div><div>If you know me, that's no surprise. I cry all of the time, but this moment was something I had been waiting on for months. I reached my hand out of the window and a sweet boy named Boniface grabbed my hand. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We parked the bus and 212 orphans surrounded us, waiting for the </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Muzungus </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">White people) to come out and play. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When I got off the bus, my new friend grabbed my hand and did not let go until hours later. Boniface is 11, but looks like he is 7. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Two girls named Faith (15) and Evelyn (14) came up to me, too. Later we all went out to this huge field to play! I played and took pictures with Jackie (13) and Gladys (11). Then about 5 girls started "playing" with my hair. We all went back for worship and I promise there is no greater sound than hearing 212 orphans singing to our Savior. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">June 16, 2014</span></div><div>Fiwagoh Day Two</div><div><br></div><div>Every year, all of the orphanages in Gilgil, Kenya put on The Day of The African Child where a group of kids from every orphanage march 1.5 miles and then present a song or dance. I was so happy that we got to be here for this day and support 20ish children from Fiwagoh.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> It was overwhelming to see hundreds of orphans from one small town in Kenya united together. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we got back to Fiwagoh, we played with the kids for a couple of hours while the doctors and dentists from our team got ready to to have checkups for all of the kids. This 5-year-old boy named Solomon came up to me and latched to my side for the rest of the day. He is so small and cuddly and just sat in my lap the entire day. He never stopped holding my hand.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>Some of the older girls and boys (Faith, Evelyn, Virgina, Jackie, Alvin, and Wilson) opened up to me and told me how they got to Fiwagoh. Some of their parents abandoned them, some parents couldn't afford to feed them, and some parents died. </div><div><br></div><div>The stories broke my heart, but it is wonderful to see how, despite everything they've been through, they are still the happiest kids I've ever seen.</div><div><br></div><div> A majority of the kids have very poor dental hygiene because this was the very first time any of them had ever seen a dentist. It made me realize how much we take things for granted. Most kids were terrified because they had no idea what to expect. </div><div><br></div><div>Molly, Emily, and I taught the kids in the "waiting room" how to properly brush their teeth before they went to see one of our three dentists.</div><div> </div><div>The medical team will be doing checkups for the next two weeks, but they started with all of the children with HIV. There are between 10-15 kids with HIV at Fiwagoh. Today, I found out that Boniface was one of them. BUT the doctors and dentists said that they are some of the healthiest HIV children they have seen throughout their trips to Africa. </div><div><br></div><div>Please join me in praying for my team members and new friends for the next two weeks.</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-62206457190218910652014-06-14T22:08:00.001-05:002014-06-14T22:08:17.514-05:00Kenya Day 1<div>June 15, 2014</div><div><br></div><div>Traveling is exhausting -- three continents in 30 hours! </div><div><br></div><div>A week ago I had never even been out of the country (unless you count going to Puerto Rico which is a US territory so it's technically not another country). </div><div><br></div><div>I remember a year ago I was pleading with God to let me go to Africa. I so badly wanted to share Christ's love with people across the world and fulfill the great commission. And here I am. Our Father was listening to my prayers and had it planned for me to go on this trip before I was even born. He knew I would cry out to Him for an opportunity like this and so He brought this trip before me. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm currently in Nairobi, Kenya waiting for the rest of my team to wake up (jetlag is real) so that we can eat breakfast and make our way over to the Fiwagoh Mission Orphanage and School. </div><div><br></div><div>I know that The Lord has amazing things planned for us all and I can't wait to see how He uses us to change the lives of the orphans and how He uses the orphans to change our lives as well.</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-20418324031154046922014-02-05T11:17:00.001-06:002014-02-05T11:18:21.248-06:00Declares the Lord<div>
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Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you
and will rescue you,” <b>declares</b> <b>the</b> <b>Lord. -</b> Jeremiah 1:8<o:p></o:p></div>
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They will fight against you but will not overcome
you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” <b>declares</b> <b>the</b> <b>Lord</b>.
-Jeremiah 1:15<o:p></o:p></div>
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For I know the
plans I have for you,” <b>declares the Lord</b>, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Declares the Lord. </i>What a powerful statement! I've read those three words countless time, but I have just recently seen how mighty that phrase is. </div>
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It would be comforting if one of my friends told me not to be afraid, but I would honestly still be a little scared. Now think about hearing that same phrase from the <u>Creator of the Universe</u>. God is saying, "<i>My child, I have created every part of you. I know what makes you sad and what makes you happy. I have this all under control and I will protect you. <span style="color: #351c75;">Do not be afraid </span>because I am with you and I will be holding your hand through it all. </i></div>
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Wow.</div>
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When God says something, He means it. I find it so comforting to see "<b>declares the Lord" </b>because it gives a whole new meaning to what is being said. It really does make a difference that the Lord Almighty is saying these things to us. So next time you see "<b>declares the Lord," </b>make sure to take note of what God is trying to tell you.</div>
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In Christ,</div>
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Shelby</div>
Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-83176287982223161482013-07-21T15:15:00.004-05:002013-07-21T15:20:35.859-05:00Two years<i>My heart will sing no other name... Jesus, Jesus</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Two years (730 days) ago today, I gave up everything. I gave up selfishness, pride, anger, greed, envy, and doubt. Then I was given love, humility, grace, mercy, generosity, and faith. My life was changed forever. In a way that is bigger and greater than <i>my words could ever say</i>. In a way that to this day, still amazes me.<br />
<br />
I was empty. Searching everywhere for something to fill the void left inside my heart. And little did I know that one trip to camp would change that forever. <i>for all eternity. </i>Wow.<br />
<br />
After a year of going to church and being poured into, I truly understood the Gospel on 7/21/11. I learned that God loves me more than anyone else ever has or ever will. He loves me (and everyone else) so much that He came onto this earth to live a perfect life and then die an unimaginable, brutal death which we deserved and He did not. He was then sent to Hell to bear the wrath of our sins. OUR sins that we committed. That's every lie, murder, rape, etc. that ever has been committed and ever will be committed. He did that for <u>you</u> and for me. and then He miraculously rose from the grave. He defeated death, proving that He is the true Savior, coming to tell us that if we believe in Him and accept His sacrifice, we will be able to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.<br />
<br />
What amazing love. The <b>ultimate</b> love. Perfect love. Wondrous Love. I thank Him everyday for this amazing gift He has given us all and I pray that He will never stop using me for His glory. I have given my life over to Christ so that He can use me to bring more people to His kingdom. That has been, and always will be, the best decision I'll ever make.<br />
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<i>In this life I will stand</i></div>
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<i>Through my joy and my pain</i></div>
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<i>Knowing there's a greater day</i></div>
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<i>There's a hope that never fails...</i></div>
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<i>No weeping, no hurt or pain</i></div>
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<i>No suffering You hold me now</i></div>
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<i>You hold me now</i></div>
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<i>No darkness, no sick or lame</i></div>
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<i>No hiding You hold me now</i></div>
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<i>You hold me now</i></div>
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<i>For all eternity</i></div>
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<i>All my heart will give</i></div>
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<i>All the glory to Your name</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; text-align: left;">You Hold Me Now By Hillsong Chapel</span></div>
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</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-24387679166268950042013-05-29T10:45:00.001-05:002013-05-29T15:23:40.563-05:00Eager to Serve<i>He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." </i>-Mark 16:15
<br><br>
Lately, I have been so eager to go out of this country and share the Gospel. I have good friends going to Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa this summer and my sweet friend <a href="http://meredithshockey.myadventures.org">Meredith</a> will be taking a gap year to do mission work in three different countries! I am so excited for my friends and I cannot wait to see the many different ways God uses them, but I keep thinking "why not me?"
<br><br>
I keep asking myself: Why doesn't God choose <i>me</i> to go out of the way to tell others about Him? Am <i>I</i> not faithful enough? Do <i>I</i> need to try harder? Why am <i>I</i> not called to missions? Then I realized...<br>
I am.
<br><br>
Last week at Barnes and Noble, Katie, Meredith, and I thought it would be awesome to go up to strangers and tell them about the huge impact Jesus has made in our lives. So we did it. No harm done. We shared the Gospel in the middle of Barnes and Noble in Hoover because that is what He has called us all to do. Then, we sat in the car and prayed individually for each person that we talked to. <i>"Go into all the world"</i> We don't have to be halfway across the world to be on the mission field. Our everyday lives are our mission field. Every moment we're in, every place we go, and every person we meet should be seen as an opportunity to share the Gospel.
<br><br>
I think it's amazing that my friends have been called to international missions and I do believe that God will call me to that someday too. I know He has called me to full-time ministry and whether I'll be in India, Africa, or Alabama, I know that Christ will be right beside me as I share His love with others. <i>"preach the good news to all creation."</i> For now, I'll take every opportunity I have to show others what Christ has done for me. After all, people in America need Christ just as much as people in Africa do.Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-87370166375127133502012-05-27T19:09:00.005-05:002012-05-27T19:13:04.154-05:00"I don't know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future." -Tim Tebow<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>My Plan</b>:</span><span style="color: #211922;"> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Graduate from Spain Park High School -> Go to college at Auburn University -> Major in Nursing -> Go on frequent mission trips to fill a need in third world countries for nurses and missionaries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">God's Plan For Me:</span></b><span style="color: #674ea7;"> I have no idea.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 13px;">I know exactly what I want to do when I grow up: share the Gospel. And I know that's what God wants me to do also. But how am I going to do that? Will I be a nurse in </span><span style="line-height: 12px;">Birmingham</span><span style="line-height: 13px;">, Alabama ministering to my patients? Will I be in Africa? India? Antarctica? </span><span style="line-height: 12px;">Where</span><span style="line-height: 13px;"> ever God calls me to go, I'll be there. He will provide a way for me to do His work wherever I go. I'm confident in that. I'm just so anxious/nervous about what His plan for me is. What if it's more than I can handle? What if I get lonely? What if I'm in a dangerous place? What if it is the complete opposite of what I want to do? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;">I'm nervous what He has planned for me, but I'm excited. Excited about sharing the good word of Jesus Christ with everyone I meet. Excited about the new place I may be at. Excited about the people I will meet. I'm excited to see how God will use my story to impact other people's lives. I'm nervous that my plan won't be the same as God's, but I'm excited because I know His plan is what's best for me. It'll be what's best for His kingdom! it'll be perfect in every possible way even if I can't always see it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7; line-height: 13px;">God has already started to use me in oh so many ways and He'll continue to use me until the day I die! So I'm scared about the road I'll take to get there, but i am </span><span style="color: #674ea7; line-height: 12px;">unbelievably</span><span style="color: #674ea7; line-height: 13px;"> pumped about the many ways God will use me for His glory! So it's okay if God leads me a different direction. It's totally okay because I know He'll be with me wherever I go! There is no reason for me to be afraid of what the future holds because God made it clear: <i>"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "</i></span><span style="color: #674ea7; line-height: 12px;"><i>plans</i></span><span style="color: #674ea7; line-height: 13px;"><i> to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</i>" (Jeremiah 31:11) And Jesus told his disciples: "</span><i style="line-height: 13px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; </span><span style="color: #073763;"><b style="background-color: white;">nothing</b> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">will harm you.</span></i><span style="color: #674ea7; line-height: 13px;">" (Luke 10:19) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;">When I am fully pursuing Christ in my life, His will shall be done in me.</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-56690163861589364342012-02-06T20:25:00.001-06:002012-02-06T20:25:26.575-06:00<div class="headline_quote" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 19px;">"When God puts something on your heart, that means it’s on His heart, too. People spend so much time worrying about whether or not God wants them to do something when He specifically placed it on their heart to do it."</div><div class="headline_quote" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div class="headline_quote" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 19px;">-<span style="font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: right; text-transform: uppercase;">JON PASQUALE</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851124680563707962.post-7802758554275870112011-09-13T00:33:00.000-05:002011-09-13T00:33:58.524-05:00Forgiveness<i>"If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." </i>-1 John 1:9<br />
I know you've heard people say this a bazillion times, but this bible verse turned my life around. When i first read this I didn't think much of it because I wasn't really soaking in what it was saying. I was reading the words but my mind was on some unrelated topic. But the next time I read it, it hit me. <b>God forgives us.</b> All of us. Any sin we commit, no matter how big or small it is. if we just repent and are truly sorry for what we have done, we're forgiven.<br />
I think it's amazing that Christ gave up his life so that everyone who lived before and after his death could have all of their sins forgiven. Is that not incredible to you? A man who never sinned in his life did that for people he had never even met (but knew were there). I love him so much for that and many other reasons too.<br />
So there you go. My first blog post. I could have waited until tomorrow to set this up but i got very intrigued by blogger after reading another one of Kelsey's posts (If you don't read her blogs, then you need to. Now.). I've worked on homework since I got home at 4:15 until about an hour ago. I need to catch up on sleep soon. Junior year is tough, but God is helping me get though it.Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512743404308710411noreply@blogger.com0