So Pumped About Kenya

Dear Family and Friends,

When something is so dear to your heart it’s hard to put words to it.  So, welcome to my heart.  Thank you for letting me share.  It’s an honor to be with you right now.  (Even if just by email!)

God has given me the opportunity to spend a month in Kenya.  I want to share this with you: what this looks like, how I and the people I am traveling with need you, and what it means to share in this joy with you!

My roommate Meg spent 3 months traveling with a group of children from Kenya leading worship for various churches, nursing homes, etc in the US.  As much as I have been able, I ask Meg to share her heart (and God’s heart) for these kids.  I love kids, and Kenya has a special place in my heart, so this always makes me happy to celebrate these kids with her. 

THEN, Meg shared with me a chance to go and be with these kids in December on a trip that would take these kids and other choir Alumni on a retreat to continue encouraging them in their knowing of God, His love for them, and their ability to share that with their families, friends, and community.  (I have to pause now even thinking about how much I want them to continue knowing God.  He loves them so much.)

As I was thinking/praying about going, my heart was not able to stand not going to love them as best I know.

While the possibility of traveling to be with the Daraja Choir Alumni (http://www.410bridge.org/daraja/) in December was marinating in my heart, I also was able to get to know another gal, Tia McNelly, over a spontaneous Kenyan meal.  Tia began sharing with me about the practical and spiritual ways the Kilgoris Project (http://thekilgorisproject.com/index.html).  Naturally I got excited, but I didn’t expect to continue thinking about the children of Kilgoris for the following months after.  After a few conversations, Tia shared with me how the church leaders in Kilgoris are interested in ways to disciple their children and would love help.   That trip is taking place January 17-27.

The time spent with the Daraja Choir and before the 5 others come to Kenya to travel to Kilgoris, I am praying for opportunities to learn from folks there in Kenya on how discipleship and growing in Christ has been successful. 

Will you pray with me? For me, and the folks here in the US that are traveling to be with our greater family in Kenya? And, for opportunities to share how God loves us SO MUCH that He couldn’t stay in heaven, but sent us Jesus so that we can experience His love forever?  I would like to email you updates and journey in prayer with you.  Can you email me at callinicole@gmail.com if you are willing to hear what’s happening, or receive prayer request/praises?

My heart is so full, therefore I’ll be blogging on the good ‘ole blog.  There is too much overflowing for just this letter: www.calliedwards@blogspot.com.  Please be aware, this is an old blog that’s seen lots of changes!

Also, I want you to have the opportunity to give financially to what God is doing in Kenya.  This money will help cover my personal cost that will likely land close to $4,500 ($3,500 specifically for flight and travel with Daraja).  I have $1,950 already given.  Such a blessing! However, I am praying for the other people that God has called to spend time in Kenya and their financial needs as well.  Know that as you wander past my support page (https://my410bridge.org/calli_nicole) to not hesitate in being generous where God leads you.  All giving through 410 Bridge is tax deductible.

You are such a gift.  Thank you again for loving me, and letting me share this joy with you.  I’m excited to see and share what God is doing, and look forward to celebrating you as well.

Love and blessings,

Calli

come

i have no doubt in You.

You will always come through. be good. 

hear. dance over me.

over him.

her.

i doubt me.

that i will forget to fear.  or not be lost in Your faithful

always faithful

ness.

Me, please leave me.  

You.

You, please make home.

my world. this world.

needs You.

stilling.

settle.  settle. settle.

before one day was You knew them all to be.

great is Your faithfulness.  great is your faithfulness.  morning by morning new mercies i see.  all that i cling to i lay at your feet.  great is your faithfulness, new mercies i see.

today is new.  yesterday was, you were there.  today is, you are here.  now, You. Are. Here.  help me be here with you, and not making up for yesterday where your grace has covered.

peace.  pause.

enough.  sufficient is your grace.

thank You.  forgiven.  graced.  loved.

still.

Abigail

Meet my little cousin Abigail.  Creative, energetic, hilarious, a "tell-it-like-it-is" girl, love filled to the rim, and a sporty spice (yet equally both).  She like the rest of my gal cousins, is absolutely stunning!

Abigail is 8.  A couple of years ago she had a class assignment that required her to write a letter to someone far, far away.  I was her choice recipient in Colorado.  Since moving closer, it's been amazing the way that she just wants to hang out with me.  I have come to terms that it is okay I don't understand everything.  Pure love, yep, that's just beyond me.

What do you do with that?  Really?  I went to watch her play softball today, which sometimes doesn't feel like a lot, but I hope she knows she's great.

But in all of my efforts of trying to love well, live well, and do well, sometimes I wonder if a know how to be loved well, enjoy life well, and be served well.

I am thankful that Abi's unknowing persistence is teaching me to the art of receiving, because...

...we love because He first loved us...

...any ways. (1John 4:19)

Oh, I forgot to mention that Abigail has also handed me down clothes.  I didn't stutter.

Frizz ball to beautiful.

Sometimes, especially here in NC, I wake up with a little frizz ball on my head.  This morning absolutely.  Instead of considering my mane an obstacle to tackle like normal, I thought of a much better idea.

I want one of these!!

It's worth some pondering.

Other references include, but are not limited to:

Macy Gray, Lauryn Hill, Jada Pickett Smith, Willow Smith (with braid alternatives), and Beyonce.

Friends

Friends are amazing.  Sheer gifts.

I began dating a gentleman less than one month after coming to NC.  Three months later we were engaged, and a little over two months following his ring was returned.  Lots has happened lightning fast, but that statement was already thought most likely.

Coryn and her husband Brandon were on top of things and bought a ticket for the wedding well in advance.  Consequently they still had to come and see me even though the only white I wore this past weekend were in the form of bikini strap remains!

The two are both so funny; just best friends doing life together, and it's hilarious.  Laughing so much has done my heart, soul, and mind a wonder and restored me in ways I could not heal alone.

Thankful.

Awake

This is the most beautiful morning in North Carolina since I have been here. Cool, a hint of crispy fall, and blue, blue sky. Sometimes if I wake up early enough the quiet can be heard.

I love the quiet. A faint sound of train railing across town. The dropping of walnuts as squirrels trek branches. Oh, and morning melodies of the birds. I am such a sucker for nature.

_____

In seminary we are encouraged to practice writing. We become as we write. Our own voice speaks as time and words are spent. <-- See!

As I adventure into theology and psychology I welcome community. Fortunately there are endless blog-able topics, however I cannot think of them all. Likewise, yours are better, and I am up for the challenge.

Yes, this will include reflection over my time since moving to North Carolina. As a part of learning my voice, I risk seeing how much my voice is really liked. Me, maybe unlike you, really cares about being liked. That can backfire.

Since I have been told that I look like a teenager practically everyday for the past 2 months, here is some 17 year old advise: be confident, your Maker loves you. That changes everything.