IT'S A GIRL!!! and she's hoome.

Greetings.  I am so excited.  Mwende (beloved one) Johannah Alberta Hall is home.  I met her on Sept. 11th and Springs of Hope Children's home.  After a two hour meeting I just prayed that God would open my heart to  this new life who will be a part of my life and family forever. At our first meeting she was delightful, talkative and very social.  She did become angry with me because I didn't let her hold on to a doll while she was on the see-saw.  She cried and won't come near me for a while.  But I was okay SHE"S TWO!!!

The next week I was hosting the Willow Chicago team and wasn't sure I would be able to visit her again that week.  Praise God the team went on their safari and I went to visit Mwende.  It was a blessings to interact with her and her housemates.  After the fourth visit the director asked if I was ready to have her come home.  WOW I took the weekend to shop for clothes (thanks Agnes), toys and a coming home dress.  It was more overwhelming because for so long all of this has been paperwork, plans and what ifs.  October 1st it became very real when I drove off the compound with my new daughter.

Mwende is Swahili speaking only and I English.  I am happy to report she speaks openly and I just nod.  I ask my friends later what was said.  The little Swahili I know is being used.  She is getting adjusted to her new surrounding without complaint. She loves chapati ( a fried flat bread) and yogurt. So far thin pancakes are working well as chapatis.  She will be three on Oct. 9th but I will wait to celebrate and have a dedication service in November when Carla from the states is here. Thanks everyone who has welcomed her so warmly on the net and here in Kenya.

She sleeps well and cries only when she is angry with me, for not doing as she commands.  By the grace of God I know this is just the beginning and God will show us the way to become a solid family. Several friends have asked "Does this mean you do not want to be married?"  NO WAY, the blessed brother will have to seek God on how to love a single mom and her child.  Thanks for your prayers.  Keep it up.

Also the first three months I am listed as her foster mother.  After that time frame, the agency and children's home will submit a final report then I can seek full adoption.  Until that time I can not post pictures of her on the Internet.

SCHOOL
I promise to think about school next week.  I am waiting for my thesis proposal to be approved and I will do the research.  Finished all of the classes and paperwork.  JUST THE THESIS and then the finish line.

HUGE STEPS at School and in the adoption process

My ILU Journey

      Learning in a cross-cultural environment has been both challenging and rewarding. Having served throughout East Africa for ten years, my desire was to learn more about the African leaders’ mindset and cultural background. I wanted to learn this in an academic setting outside of the United States. I am glad that God provided that opportunity at NIST now ILU, to learn in an intercultural setting amongst current and potential leaders. But it was more than I bargained for or planned to encounter. In order for me to grow in my faith and in the purposes God has for me, He put me in situations of learning that stretched, affirmed and caused me to die to self. This educational journey has been just that.

      The meeting and hearing from others of different cultures about their leadership values has been an excellent experience for me, though it has been extremely challenging to encounter leadership weaknesses. John Maxwell talks about self-leadership being the most important leadership skill.  That has been affirmed throughout my learning adventure in life and at NIST/ILU.  There are also three other values that have shaped my leadership that have been affirmed throughout my studies.

I LOVE BEING AN AMERICAN: We are shaped by the values of our heritage and upbringing. During my studies I cherished learning about the many cultural backgrounds that made up the student body. I pray it has enhanced my worldview and understanding as an American. Each nationality has good and bad traits and practices. We have to own them, repent and change. My goal in studying in a cross-cultural environment wasn’t to deny or forsake my heritage, but bring it to the learning table and add to the discussions.

I LOVE BEING A WOMAN: Okay this was the hardest struggle in studying at NIST/ILU. Thank God for a praying mother. In a male-dominated society, the respect that should be given to fellow female students at times was lacking. Women leaders desiring to learn and grow in their craft are not trying to displace men, but grow to be more available to God and His kingdom. We offer a unique God given perspective that God intended the body of Christ to benefit from. Without it the Church cannot complete God’s work on earth. Bravo to the women who are learning and growing. MEN MAKE WAY! The Bible states that God made man, male and female, in His image. That means both equally carry the DNA of God. Only when we are united in Christ can we show the full picture and character of God. God is not one-sided.

I LOVE BEING A CHRISTIAN: Where else can you receive grace, healing and forgiveness that can cancel out the effects of injustice, abuse, sin and neglect. Christ died so that we can fully live the life He has intended for us. Through our cultures, genders and backgrounds God will show us who He is and who we can be in Him. We have in our possession the Word of God which can set people free spiritually, physically and emotionally. The desire to help others to know Christ is the saving grace that unites us to learn how to be better leaders and servants of Christ. The experience of learning in a cross-cultural environment has enhance the ability to adjust to those who are different. The gospel is for all people and cultures as they are.

The journey at ILU has enhanced who I am as a person and as a servant of Christ in the world.  It has affirmed the guiding values that has and will continue to influence my leadership. I will continue to learn in many different cultures as a world citizen and global leader.

ADOPTION!!!!!

It is real! this past Tuesday Sept. 11th I visited little Evelyn in Machokos, Kenya at Springs of Hope Children's home.  She is two years old, healthy, talkative (Swahili), leader of the group and stubborn.  Does that describe someone you know??  I am really excited that God has given me peace and I am pursuing the adoption of Evelyn (name change later).  I have a ministry team coming next week but after that time I will start my visits.  Those two weeks will help me to bond with her, understand her and the staff to feel that we are connecting and comfortable with releasing her to me. I can not take any pictures yet.  She is beautiful and remains me of my niece Amani back home. 

Lord have mercy!!  Tomorrow I taken my final exam and turn in a term paper which I haven't written yet.  I will be up very early.  Next week will be very busy with the team and the final week of Sept will start my life as a mom.  First at a distance but soon in my home.  WOW! This is really real.

It's on , It's off and it's on again

Adoption

WOW the difference a few hours or days can make.  On August 17th, the adoption agency approved my adoption paperwork.  this means that I can stay to search for a child.  On August 22th, I met with the social workers thinking I was going to receive a list of available girls age 18 months to 3 years.  In a few moments I was told there are no available girls that age and I will have to wait for three months.  I just sat there kind of numb.  Glad that those who needed adoption was received into families, but shocked that now everything is on hold.  I prayed that God would direct the timing and process.  On August 24th, I received another phone call that there is a little girl about two hours away and was I willing to travel there.  YES!! So now its back on again.  This week they will submit my paperwork to the home and the week after I can visit. 

Now this is where I will freak out.  The thought of selecting a child is a little intimidating.  I hate the feeling that i will say no to a child or yes.  Based on what.  I know there are medical and emotional issues that might rule out the possibility of me parenting a child.  Pray that I will hear from God about who to consider and move towards adopting.  


School

I FINISHED MY LAST CLASS!!!  Project Management was good but my mind was so DONE! Beside that I was going through the adoption stuff mentioned above.  During the last class I brought snacks to celebrate with another student Jackson and our class, we both started together. I am so excited that this part of the master's program is over.  Now I am freaking out about the thesis.  I have the director of our department and the deputy vice chancellor of the school as my supervisors. This is the part that I along with thousands of other HATE this process.  Believe me, I have learned a lot, lets just leave it at that. Please pray that I stay focused and complete the thesis at the same time I will be adjusting to being a parent.

Birthday
Also had a great birthday celebration with fellow student who shared the same day.

Okay that think that's most of the news so far.  Be blessed.

Two weeks will tell....

In the next two weeks my world will change forever.  The adoption board is to meet and review my paperwork for my adoption process.  The first week of August I will start my last class for my masters and have a thesis meeting for my final paper.  Life will be very different in both areas.

Just finished the VIRAL conference for church planters. Over 175 church planters gathered for instruction and encouragement. Nine excellent main session and 11 workshops.  It was an amazing feeling to help plan a conference again.  I was thrilled to see the ideas come to life on stage and in the workshop rooms.  THANKS to all who spoke and pitched in to serve.  GREAT JOB.  We do it again in August.  Can we start this time in Feb 2013. It would help to settle this American mind for planning.

At the end of this month two small groups from my church will do a mission trip to a remote area in Kenya near Voi, to serve at a kids camp for three days.  40 adults, 300 kids and teens.  Looking forward to it.  Pray for us.

It's my birthday in 2 days finishing 48 years.  If you know me I celebrate for one month.  Each week doing something that I enjoy.  This year is weird.  Can't really put my mind around what I want to do, that doesn't include eating. NO money to travel.  I will find something to do.  It will involve theater, movies and friends.

I miss my family, my church, and sailing on Lake Michigan.

Speaking at a Women conference in Kibera. A wonderful visit from my boss Mark and his daughter Madeline with my friends Janice and Estelle.

Hello Everyone
PRAISE GOD  I have new furniture.  I will take a photo later. Planning a Church Planting conference for my church in Nairobi. Taking the next step with the adoption. Half way finished with the second to last class of my program.  Quick note for an extremely busy time. 

JUNE 2012

The months are going very fast.  This past month of May has been very full with activity.  I was thrilled to help teach the KAIROS mission course at NIST in Kenya. Over 20 students learned about the Biblical, historical and strategic plans for global mission tot he least reached people groups for Christ.

I am still working with CCCEA small group leaders.  I conduct training for 20 small group leaders as they develop their small group ministry.

School is still very taxing but coming to an end.  This August I will finish the classwork but start my thesis.
This week I have three major papers due on Friday.  PRAY!!!

Waiting patiently on the approval for the adoption.  I have asked them to submit my file in July.  I can finish my classes before taking on a child.  I am very excited.

Pastor Gloria from Nairobi Chapel has asked me to help lead an upcoming conference for church planters next month. SIX weeks away-- I and the team of volunteers and staff will help organize the conference layout and flow, recruit and train volunteers, and give overall leadership to everything including of the program on stage.  PRAY!!! This is our first Church Planters conference.

Thanking God for my new stove.  Now praying for furniture. Struggling at times with waiting, depression, excitement and looking forward to what is next its all in the same mind bouncing around.  Keep praying I need it. I am adjusting to Kenya's weather.. It is getting cooler these days and the nights I have to wear socks.

HOME VISIT DONE!!!!

This past Thursday I completed the home visit required for my adoption process.  Now is the wait until July that my paperwork will be turned in to be approved for adoption.  During this time I will complete the last few classes for my Master's degree.  Pray with me as I look into which little girl will be mine.  Which medical issues will not be a problem or hindrance to traveling?

In the core of my spirit is feels a little unreal.  I am getting advise from moms who have adopted.  I know that God has prepared me for the next level of learning- to be a mom.  What I will do on that learning curve !?!?!?!

Keep praying

Visa-IN HAND

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!

My Pupil pass (student Visa) is FINALLY in hand and in my passport. It came through without any EXTRA support but the prayers of the saints. THANK YOU!  The visa expires in two years.  Enough time for me to finish everything I need to do.  I will continue taking classes to support the visa.

This THURSDAY the 17th is my home visit for the adoption.  They will look over everything to makes sure I have a home good enough to house a child.  I do:). After the home visit my paperwork will be submitted in July.  Lord's will if there are no delays I will be prayerfully selecting a child late July or August. The first month is visits in the home and afterwards she will be able to come home with me.  I am praying for the first part of September.   

School- down to my last three classes and thesis.  The process to finish the thesis will be demanding.  I have submitted my proposal but haven't heard from the school.

Mission teaching week- Praise God just finish teaching and leading small groups for the Karios Mission Course here in Nairobi.  We had 18 students and 8 teachers and leaders.  I love teaching this class.  Chris and Nadine from Australia lead the courses. 


Small group teaching- I have been assisting Christ Covenant Church with starting their small group program.  We have done two training sessions and I am praying to meet with the leaders monthly to establish their program.

Children's Ministry training with Friends Church (Quakers) in Satellite Nairobi.  Over 20 members joined us in learning about serving children in the church and community.  The photos above.

Had a great trip to Mombasa a vacation spot with Carla from Chicago.  2 days of pool, sleep and food :).

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY!!!!

round 2

This week I visited an adoption lawyer to review if I should proceed. I have lived here for four years, but two of the years were as a tourists. I wanted to know if that that would work. I was here continuously and would meet the three years requirement. Anyway she stated since I can show that I was here with rent stubs it should not be a problem. Now next week I go back to the adoption agency and see if they will proceed, call the US embassy and finish my paperwork.

School- I really am nervous about this thesis class. It is very frustrating and its the class I most dislike. Not the class, but the thought of writing a thesis. No joy at all.

Let the process begin....

Today I have an appointment with the Little Angels Adoption agency to start the adoption process. This meeting will let me know what I will need to do, start asking me about myself and understanding why I want to adopt a child. I was reading an article that stated you will feel exposed with all of the questions that you will be asked. I do pray that I don't say something dumb. I am excited about accepting a child into my life. Lord teach me to love on such a different and deeper level.

Today I start class number five for three weeks. My research design class. I want to write about training international workers in cultural adjustments after you have lived cross culturally for 3 to 5 years.

Road to Adoption and finising school.

Greetings wonderful people,

I pray that all is well with you as you start this New Year. I know 11 months from now we will say again how fast the year has gone.

This year will be a whirlwind of new life changing events for me. (1) I should finish my master degree at NIST in Kenya, (2) I am in the process of adopting a child in Kenya, (3) I am settled with the reality that I will stay in Kenya for another 3 to 5 years and (4) throw in a few trips around East Africa. The order does not mark the importance just the order of when they will happen.

I want to blog about the journey of adoption and finishing school. Two things that seemed so far away just a few months ago.

School:

I have five classes to finish and a thesis to write. By the end of September I should be finished with both. The main concern is that all if this is happening as I am completing my paperwork, interviews and counseling for adopting a child that will change my life and heart forever. I have really enjoyed learning in Kenya at NIST (Nairobi International School of Theology). Studying in a classroom of leaders from all different sectors of life has been very interesting, frustrating and exciting. Being the only American in class has been a cultural exchange that has produced lots of debates. I have gained many new friends and a few I will not miss if I do not see them in the future. But I am excited that I will have earned a master's degree in Organizational Leadership.

If anyone is reading this let me get your input. I have two options for a thesis. (1) Researching why Christian women convert to Islam and (2) Investigating the retraining of missionaries who have served cross culturally for 3 to 5 years. What is in place to make sure they are proceeding in ministry correctly, tools that can help retain them on the field, and what is in place to help them evaluate their heart and cultural attitudes. Which one?? Any input???

Adoption:

"When I get married I want to adopt a child." I have said that for the last twenty years or more. My family have hosted children and families throughout my life. I knew I wanted to help a child who didn't have a family. I just didn't think it would have taken this long. Sorry to say I was waiting for marriage, for a stable home, to finish traveling so much, and for life to seem normal. Well, those things didn't go as planned but the desire to adopt is still very real. Since I am staying in Kenya for a few more years, I think I have 2 of the four. Anyway I am embarking on the journey to adopting a little girl. Because I am single Kenya will allow me to adopt a girl.

I have turned in about a third of the paperwork and collecting the rest over this month. I am excited and in shock. This is real. I could have another life in my hands in less than 11 months. WOW. I do feel my heart growing to accept the possibility of being a mother. I am also nervous about going through the process and being rejected. OUCH.

There are so many questions, too many unknowns and what ifs. This is a serious step of faith. Bigger than moving to Kenya. I do know that God is opening this door and have given many affirmations so far. But you know us humans we still need to keep checking to see if we are going in the right direction and not ahead of God. His will and timing must match. Keep praying for me.

Well, this is my first note on this journey. More to come.