One Fine Day

So today I fly to LA to meet up with Nicolle. Who by the way is no longer blond. Since we are going to muslim territory she died her hair black. Already sacrificing for the team. Good job Nicolle.
This morning started off just as it should. I have two of the boys off to school today. Kristopher is starting high school today. The bus came to get Kristopher early to take him off to Baldwin. The problem is he goes to Maui High. After about an hour at the school getting everything strait I think it is going to be a good year. I had a good study this morning before they all woke up and was prepared. Calm in the middle of chaos.
So thank you all for the prayers. I slept well and today I have peace. Nicolle seems to be pretty chipper too. I had to get back to being focused. To get my head off of the distractions. This is what we are supposed to be doing so it will be good.
Let the journey begin

On the Eve

I am on the Eve of the big trip trying to get some words in before the boys wake up. I have such mixed emotions it is crazy. They verge on "Seriously are you Nuts!" to "I know that I am called for this". I have gone through such a range just today. My body has started this involuntary panic. It is kind of funny because I will be going over the never ending list in my head and then before I know it my head is spinning and my heart is racing. I am sure it is similar to a panic attack. Yes, I know all the verses. I have been saying them to myself repeatedly. Then I feel like a super sissy because it's only two weeks! Two weeks out of the whole span of my life. I have gone through some bad stuff way worse than this. So I know that it is illogical and then I feel stupid. See total ADD.
So here is what is going on. Nicolle, my Friend from the Lighthouse group and I are getting ready to leave for Africa. We are meeting up with other members from uncle Hal's group from the US, Asia and Europe to help in a small town 8 hrs north of Nairobi in Kenya called Isiolo. With this kind of trip you are never quite sure what you are going to get but our hearts are willing. The plan for the group is to go to help with construction, do an agricultural acre, take surveys with the families to find out their needs and play with the orphans. We may or may not get to do a med clinic and I think we will be giving goats and chickens to families.
Pretty straight forward right? We will see.
Behind the scenes we have everything together that we possibly can, or so we thought. This is where the sissy part comes in. While I am stressing over leaving all the children in my house and their schedules, Nicolle's grandma died the day before yesterday. She is not only leaving her children and husband behind but has this terrible loss to go through too. She has a great attitude about it and has her families support to continue the trip. I am amazed at her resolve to continue. It kind of puts things in perspective. The odd thing is when these things happen that's when the peace sets in. It is totally unexplainable. It's just a calm that washes over. You can see things clearly and get a sense for the purpose of it all. When you know you are called you have to go.
Please pray for us. For Nicolle and the healing of her and her families hearts. For the people of Isiolo. For our team members. For our leaders. For our projects. For safety for our families and ourselves. That kindness and compassion will be felt. For the things that I can not say.

two days to go

So I am sitting here doing this new blogging thing which is all new to me and trying to add something substantial. I am not sure where to start so I will start with an introduction. My name is Kelli. I live on Maui with my 3 boys and a few foster children. I am sort of in a transition time because in two days I leave for Africa. This is a decision that has been heavy on my heart for a few years. I only found the courage to go this year. My heart goes out to all of the people in Africa who have been in transition for many years. I get irritated by people that just sit back and complain or muse over the trouble in the region so I prayed about it and felt I had to go and actually try to put my actions above my complaints and do something. This has not been an easy decision. Leaving my boys for any amount of time is stressful. I am so grateful that I have such an amazing support system. Many people have had concerns about my upcoming trip because I am a single mom. I just have to believe that God would not have put this burden on my heart and provided the way to get there if he was not going to care for my boys. I know that for some that is hard to swallow. I know it is hard for me to. Then I think of all of the families and children in Africa that just do not have the same hope or opportunities that my children have. Kind of ironic. In America, I am probably at the lowest social status, but I feel blessed and I feel like I have a lot to give.
So that is why I am going.
Today after blogging I am going to spend some alone time with the boys. The stress is showing in them a little and they are extra clingy. They are excited for me but it's new territory. I know they feel safe and as I said before we have a great support system who will be taking them all over for fun stuff almost everyday.
So there it is. My first blog.
Please feel free to leave comments and join me on this new and exciting journey.