Why the
silence?
For the
last 5 years I’ve written thoughts and experiences about our family, ministry
and life in Kenya. I posted over 700 updates for those who supported our
journey. It became therapeutic and a lovely way to record memories. For the
last two months, I did not write. I avoided my blog and social media. It took me a while to respond to emails. I
didn’t know what to say.
We’ve been stateside for 8 months. We have a
few more to go. When we left Kenya for a
much-needed furlough, weariness followed me.
While home in Colorado, it shimmed up as my partner. Confusion joined in. Then Frustration appeared forming
an overwhelming trio. For the last 8 weeks, every time I tried to write, these
three actively get in the way. On the
laptop, Word’s “new blank document” screen became my nemesis. I joined a great
writing group to spark motivation but became disappointed by my lagging
participation. I simply didn’t know how to communicate without feeling tired.
So. Very. Tired.
With that
said, I apologize to those who support us for not keeping you updated. Please know how sorry I feel, how lost I felt,
and how I’m processing long term life in Kenya - the fight for Henry, the
threats of security, the management of effective cross-cultural ministry - all
while being a wife, a mom, a friend with profoundly limited strength in a
extremely foreign setting. Many of these
things are still the reality we navigate from more familiar surroundings. I’m not feeling bad for my self. I certainly
detest pity parties. I am recognizing I’ve been emotionally injured and the
ever-healing wound sometimes seeps, especially when ignored.
As God
nurture’s His “unforced rhythms of grace” within my heart, I’ve found my voice
again but it may sound a bit different. Probably less-filtered. I’m searching
for my humor though... Might wanna end me a joke to flesh it out...
Thanks for
understanding.
~lisa
Prayer desires:
- Obviously, for me ~lisa.
- The kids continued healthy transitions to life in USA.
- Henry’s medical needs to be addressed effectively - a consensus on the best course of action. Also, that immigration issues solve without uncomplicated delay.
- Mark’s bio-sand water filter training.
- The ministry in Kisumu – may fruit remain and multiply.
Praise explosions:
- Henry is doing so well acclimating to school (even though he did pull the fire alarm yesterday).
- His Special Needs Resource Team is AWESOME! (Which includes my super sis!)
- Taleah doesn’t experience anxiety attacks anymore. She really enjoys school, friends and singing in the traveling choir. She plans to attend One Thing at IHOP.
- Tavin’s maintaining his job, car and gym membership. He’s also songwriting, studying for the ACT and is a huge help around the house.
- The Resource Center’s amazing ministry to moms and children in Kisumu.
