Nairobi, Kenya

If you have a TV, listen to the radio, or browse the headlines of the newspaper you have probably heard about the riots in Kenya following the recent presidential election. As of yesterday they had counted 600 dead and an undisclosed number of folks displaced from their homes due to the violence. I read a newspaper article where they estimate the country has lost nearly a billion dollars in tourist dollars since the event started.

Why do I bring it up? Because I'm scheduled to travel there next month. We strongly considered changing the location of the event, but opted against it. My tickets should be finalized this week.

In case your wondering, the violence is more deeply rooted than a political election. It comes from long standing tensions between tribes. Kenya is one of the countries in Africa that seemed to make so much progress in development over the last couple decades, it seems that the economic progress hasn't brought them any closer as a country. They are not unified, but rather divided among tribal lines. Please pray for peace among the tribes in this nation. Pray that they can find the commonalities between them and not focus on the differences. Pray for unity in Kenya and safety for all of the travelers coming from different parts of the earth for this event in February. Safety is always a concern, but now there is a known threat.

Lifestyles of the rich...

Asheville, NC boasts the largest single family home in the United States. When they say large, they mean LARGE. Kenyon and I, along with a couple from our church, traveled to Asheville to see the Biltmore estate. Originally the estate was something like 120,000+ acres. Today, it is a humble 8,000 acres of some of the most beautiful mountain land. They have the large manor with 255 rooms, the green house (the size of most normal botanic gardens), a winery (including a bistro, gift shop, processing center and a bar area for cooking demonstrations), an equestrienne center, hiking trails and more. This home was built in the late 18oo's I believe. It had electricity and indoor plumbing, a swimming pool, a private gym for workouts, a bowling alley, fancy furniture and collectibles from all over the world. It is quite a place. Expect to spend a full-day on the property just browsing. It took a few hours to get there, but it was well worth the effort.

Check it out for yourself online: http://www.biltmore.com/

Does that entice anyone to come for a visit? anyone? anyone?

Stepping Out..

I don't make New Year's resolutions, instead I have a theme for the year. The theme involves personal goals I have related to my spiritual, relational, and physical health. It's more of a development plan than an empty commitment. If you've been a faithful reader you know that we have had the year of Creating New Memories. We've also had the Live Loud year. And last year was the year of Establishing a New Normal. What will it be this year?

I've decided this is the year of Faith Steps. When I think of faith, I think of the Indiana Jones movie where he has to step out over the canyon even though he can't see the bridge. I anticipate that kind of year. A year where I have to trust God for my life and sustenance.

I have a big job, it is bigger than I am. If I'm not vitally connected to Jesus then the job will consume me, chew me up and spit me out. I'm a newlywed and even though we love each other very much the first year is so important in setting up patterns on how we relate to each other. I call them unwritten contracts. I believe we can build a marriage that lasts, but it takes faith to make the day-to-day work. There are still some unrealized dreams that I have. It takes faith to believe they will become reality.

The bible (Hebrews 11:1) defines faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." It's a matter of perspective. If I look at today and all I have to do there is no chance I will be able to get it done. If I look to Jesus, if I rely on strength outside myself, if I keep stepping forward in spite of the risk - I am confident in a satisfying outcome. In my mind faith is related to capacity. If I have faith, I am able to do more than without it. As I grow my faith, I am able to increasingly accomplish more. If my faith is shallow or non-existent, then my words are empty and my actions meaningless.

Every year presents new adventures and I expect to have many this year. I also expect the year of Faith Steps to be a year of internal growth - capacity building. Who knows what the future will hold?

First Day of School

So, school has started again. It's a new semester. New notebooks, textbooks, and pens have been bought. Registration is complete and the schedule has been checked and rechecked. Your probably thinking to yourself, "How in the world does Sheri have time to be a student again?" I don't! Though my PhD is currently postponed - I will finish it someday, but today is not that day. I'm not in school, but my hubby is. He started (or restarted in Carolina) his Paramedic license. He's enrolled in 17 credit hours this semester. Essentially it is review for him, but necessary to meet the requirements. He will learn a couple of new things - how to administer an I.V. and some stuff about medications/prescriptions.

He will begin ride alongs soon - a requirement for the license. In May, he will be eligible for employment or can continue his education for additional licensing.

My husband, the full-time student. I'm so proud!

Honduras

Kenyon and I just returned from a wonderful visit to Copan and San Pedro Sula in Honduras. The first four days were pure vacation, the last four were work related.

This is one of my favorite photos. Kenyon is immitating the birds squacking.

If you are looking for an exotic get away, that isn't too far from home, we recommend Honduras..the coffee, the views, the hospitality, the food. Good times!