And So It Begins

clickity click (the image)

Gettin' vloggy wit it.

So I had an idea...

While I'm away I will definitely be doing periodic video updates.
This is so that people can see what's going on in my ministry because I can pretty much guarantee that most days will look different. One thing I love about media is that it's not at all monotonous. And the flexibility given to me in my work overseas will pretty much ensure that I'll be working with many different people in many different places doing many different things.

Awesome? Awesome!

But on top of periodic video updates I thought it might be fun to reserve one day a week to take the camera out on my typical day.

For instance, I could do vlog Thursdays.
Every Thursday (or any day) having a camera with me and documenting whatever I am doing that day.
It could be editing, laundry, grocery shopping, hanging with friends, or setting up meetings.
It could be anything really, but one thing I think it would be... is interesting.

It would give people that have never been to Kenya and opportunity to see what it's like. And it would give people an opportunity to see what missions overseas (at least in my field) is like.



So the question now is when should I start?
I will probably need to work out some kinks and get used to the idea before I leave.

But should I start now? Or wait till after Christmas.

Any requests? I'm not sure my life is THAT interesting right now, but who knows, maybe it is to others.

It will be a Happy New Year

Yes, it's been a while.
No, I don't have a good excuse.

I have excuses but they aren't amazing and they aren't really important anyways.
What IS important is what this post is about.

I'm delaying my departure 3 months.
Here's why.

My primary prayer for a long time has been about timing.
When will I return to Kenya? How long will I be at home?
What do I have time to accomplish while I am here?

It's been a year since I returned to Canada and a lot has happened that I was not prepared for.
Hard things, challenging things, turn me upside down things.
And I know without a doubt that during this time I was meant to be home, surrounded by friends and family who know me, and who supported me through the worst of it.

It's also been a time to focus on my identity. I know who I am but I think there was a brief period of questioning that. And one of the most important things in life is to know who you are and be confident in your identity. To know your strengths and your weaknesses well. In my case, that meant truly focusing on Christ's role in my life and how His presence is/should be in the forefront of everything I do.

That's just the past year. It didn't really answer my, "When am I going back?" question.

My initial goal was October.
I was planning to get back in time to apartment hunt with my former room mate who was also going to be settling in Nairobi in October.
Not long ago we talked and that plan has changed. We won't be living together and so apartment hunting together won't be necessary.

I then thought November would be a good return.
Simply because a fundraiser that I am having in November is hopefully going to raise the money I need for a plane ticket.

Well, those were my plans. And simply because I wanted to put a goal on paper when I started to seek out supporters. But last week My prayer of timing was answered.

I've been offered a job from early November to December 24.
Since being laid off this summer, I have had a few contract jobs that have kept me afloat but nothing full time.
Applications returned nothing and while I still sought out employment, the flexibility of time around my contract work really gave me the ability to accomplish things that would have been very difficult had I been in a 9-5 job. I wouldn't choose losing my job again, but I'm thankful for the time that has been made available.

The job I've been offered will only delay my return to Kenya by 3 months, and though I would love to be back in Nairobi even today, I know that there is a reason I'm not there right now. Maybe even a few reasons.
So January is my new departure. With this job, I will be able to put a lot more money into my ministry there and it will also allow me to spend one more Christmas with family before I head out for at least another 3 years.

This really is an answer to prayer.
Not an answer I could have ever called, but a great and comforting answer, none-the-less.

From Oliver to Hope

This was written by Oliver to express his thankfulness for the offerings that were made to help with his schooling.

"Appreciation for Support Offered

I’ve searched for words, in vain I get them

I’ve prayed for words, in pursuit for words

Consultation I’ve made, my brain the source

Arise from your slumber, I complain to it

At last it recovered, here being affections

The universe is large, the inhabitants are God’s

Never have I met Canadians as you

Tenderness your virtue, principle is charity

Helmet being care, shield your compassion

Wow, how to describe, I lack words

The Oliver you have nourished, will be like olive oil

To anoint other people, and chasing poverty

To raise innocence and life from bitterness in this world

And promote togetherness by preaching equality

For God is my Father, me, His son

The last but an important expression is it

I beseech your decency, to soldier on

Supporting my failed background, nursing me to might

The challenges I understand, affect you too

But your humble offer, I really really appreciate.

The world is full, but few care

‘Christian’ today, is just but a title

Action stronger than words, as it was said

Thank you, thank you and thank you

A bundle is stronger than a stick

A hand that gives is better than a mouth that just prays

Together as one, you have resurrected a hopeless soul

Your contribution is what makes it to be what you see

Why should I forget it?

Is my mind approaching expiry date?

Why too, and for what reason should I?

Never in my life will I forget

The offer you give, gives me joy and hope

Why should God be denied praises?

The keys to closed doors is a seed growing in Hope church

Forever it will sprout healthy

To produce wonderful results

Through every situation to my bed of death

I will remember Hope church."