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.