Two Steps Forward...One Step Back

Well, I've put off writing this entry because I wasn't sure how to explain my feelings about what was going on...I feel a bit frustrated with the most recent correspondence I've received from my folks in Kenya.  We've sponsored 7 children in high school (still need 2 more kids sponsored) and yet, I've received an email saying that they need more money.  Then I receive a Facebook message from one of the kids saying he didn't get to do a computer study because he didn't get the money paid to the school.  It makes me feel so frustrated and I start to wonder, "Can we really do this?  Can we really do enough to make a difference?"  I start to feel bad that we've all given our money and because we don't give more the kids may just no longer get to go to school...

Then I step back and breathe.  I start to think about how corrupt the school system is in Kenya (amongst many other areas of corruption), I go to my friend Tom Stickney and he helps me make sense of it all.  First of all, the communication is sketchy between the Kenyans and us.  We are on different continents, in different cultures, trying to email back and forth, it's next to impossible to understand completely what is going on and what they are trying to say (not to mention that some of the things I/we think are really big deals, just aren't over there...).  I'm thankful that my friend Tom is headed over there today and has put the Virginia Home on his "to do" list and even more thankful that he and his family have moved it up to the higher priority on his "to do" list.  Tom also came up with a form to be filled out for each student enrolled in the local schools that we sponsor so we can track these kids better and have some accountability.  As Americans we expect to know where our money is going, what it is being used for and desiring results, right?  We certainly don't think it's too much to ask that the money be used exactly as we expect and that we get some "return" on our investment...I mean, that's the way we are wired.  Unfortunately, Kenya is not wired that way.  We seem to be missing the mark, but then I realized, we (us and the Kenyans) are shooting for different marks!  We've got to come up with one specific mark we can both shoot for...perhaps that mark is training up these children as we would train up our own.  Those of you that know me, know that I can be a little dramatic at times, so when something doesn't work out with what I THINK is perfection the first time, I get a little frustrated.  But I shouldn't be frustrated by this.  The children are being fed daily, they are in school and we are learning more and more each day how to help them, and helping them help themselves.  We have raised an awareness with our friends and family and friends of friends and family of areas in need and together we are taking it one step at a time.  THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS.  It's unrealistic to think there will never be any snags along the way.

I did get two Facebook messages this weekend from two different students who wanted to thank me for continuing to support them in their schooling.  They said they love being in school and they reported their grades to me and they are doing pretty darned good.  THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS.  I also received an email from a friend who supports one of these students and she said she has enjoyed getting to know their student and wanted to send a little something special over to him the next time I go (which is in August).  THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS.


So, I'm no longer frustrated.  I am once again motivated!  One day at a time...

As I mentioned earlier, my friend Tom and his two children head to Kenya later today.  Tom's wife, Kerry, will be joining the family a week from Thursday and she will be bringing with her several US college students who will serve as interns with African Christian Outreach for the month of June.  One of their missions will be the Virginia Home.  Then, in August, the Stickney family will be moving back to Kenya to be closer to the people they've been called to serve.  Tom and Kerry and all of the interns would covet your prayers.  I received an email from Tom this morning, sent to the ACO Board, and in the email he shared the following specific prayer requests:  Today, this morning, I'd ask that you join Kerry and I in prayer for PEACEFUL HEARTS and HIS HAND OF PROMISE on our family. Peaceful hearts for Sydney and Nathan-Raegan as they leave school, friends and teachers behind today with an uncertainty of what tomorrow and next year holds. A peaceful heart for Kerry as she sends the three of us off with so much to accomplish in the next week and so many details to land in place for the coming year and month of June. A peaceful heart for Me as I lead our family into a time of following in Faith and in trusting each of my precious family members to Him. Then pray with us that His Hand Of Promise would fall into place as we rely on Him for all things. We have prayed as a family and a Board that God would direct His ministry in Kenya and now is the time to put our trust in His Promise.


I believe that moving back to Kenya is the right thing for the Stickneys.  I believe that IF it is in fact the right thing, God will provide for them.  Of course, they can always use your donations!  Go to their website, African Christian Outreach, to see what they're doing in Kenya, or if you want to follow Tom and Kerry personally, you can read their blog here.  I know you will be inspired.

As for me....even though I feel as if I've taken two steps forward and one step back in my work with the Virginia Home, I'm not frustrated but motivated!  After all, if I'm keeping count there have been MORE steps forward than backward.  THAT IS A GOOD THING.

Open House Today!

Well, Kim's Open House is in full swing!  Stop by and see her today between 10-2 if you can!  Kim has some wonderful home decor items:

Some items directly from Kenya:

Some sweet keepsakes made by the actual children of the Virginia Home we support:

Or maybe you just want to support the Virginia Home through the purchase of a t-shirt or a bracelet:

Whatever catches your eye, all the proceeds go directly to support the children of the Virginia Home.  

Stay tuned tomorrow for some updates about the happenings in the Virginia Home.  Spoiler alert:  I'll warn you, not all of the updates are positive.  But hey, two steps forward, one step back.  We can overcome!

The Burlap Heart Open House

Last week I told you about my friend Kim and her online store called The Burlap Heart.  Kim is planning an Open House on Tuesday May 15th from 6-9 pm and Wednesday May 16th from 10-2 in her home in Coppell.  She would love for you to stop by and tell her what you think!  She has lots of neat goodies she'll be selling and I'll be on hand to talk to you about how The Burlap Heart is helping a little place in Nakuru, Kenya have just a little bit more hope!  As for WHY?  You'll have to ask Kim that one! ;)

So y'all come out and see us, buy something and help a kiddo!

God Sized Plans...

Sometimes I feel like we barely scratch the surface with the things we do for these kids of the Virginia Home.  Don't get me wrong, feeding them and seeing them in school each day is HUGE, but what is next?  Do we do that indefinitely?  I have been having "God sized plans" in my head.  I want to do more. I want the Virginia Home to become more self-sustaining.  Maybe the kids learn a skill and can make some money to help themselves.  Maybe they grow up and after completing their education, give back by working at the Virginia Home.  Maybe the community gets involved and helps the Virginia Home and the Virginia Home helps the community.

I want to step outside the gates of the compound and meet some of the people in the surrounding slum.  How can I help them?  Or rather, how can I help them help themselves?  I told my husband Walt that I want stop the van about 1/4 of a mile from the Virginia Home and walk the rest of the way there, meeting people along the way.  This does have the potential to be dangerous (calm down, Mom...it will be fine) but it has been on my mind this week.  

I've been researching what others are doing in Africa and I've been thinking and praying about what else could be done over there.  My friend Kim has some big plans, and I can't wait to get those underway!  Her plans will have an impact not only on the Virginia Home kids, but also on the surrounding community.  Maybe that's why I've had the "people beyond the walls" on my mind all week.  My friend Tom wrote a blog post this week about being "irresponsible" for God.  It's a good post, definitely got me thinking.  Passion is not often responsible or logical.  It's a wild crazy pursuit!  I think I've been too logical lately for the most part.  When I lose the "logic",  I can pursue those God sized dreams I've been having...

When I look at Eliza and Mercy (both around age 10), I see their bright faces and spunky spirits, and I want to be on a wild and crazy pursuit for them and their future!  I want to watch them grow into beautiful young women for Christ and for Kenya!  I have God sized plans for these little girls!  Do you have some God sized plans?  I'd love to hear them!