I find myself, continually saying. Surprise, Kelly Jo! You're headed to Africa...that's right AFRICA!
I'm not sure why it seems like a big deal, but it is...At least this trip isn't just merely a trip to Africa, but an opportunity for me to grow more into the woman I know God has fashioned me to be. His plans for me this fall include: spending two months in Mozambique at the Harvest School through Iris Ministries (irismin.org).
I will be attending "field laboring" classes, working among hundreds of children, working in the bush, soaking in the presence of the Lord and exploring more of who He is and who I am in Him.
I have 6 short weeks to get my airfare, visa, read 8 books for classes, raise support, and prep! I will be keeping this blog up to date on this grand adventure God began years ago when I was still a young girl. This opportunity has been a dream of mine since I was ten. Before I knew what Iris Ministries was and life as I know it today. I was given a vision from a young age to participate in such a program/ministry and now the time has come and my ships getting ready to leave port.
Please pray for me that my heart would be prepared for my upcoming time abroad. That I would be a ready vessel for the Lord. For great health, safety, and abundant provision. And praise God that he has a heart for the nations.
If you would like to support me financially, I greatly appreciate your obedience to God, your giving heart, and your desire to journey along with me. It will be a grand ride for us if we continue to be open to all God has for us. Click the donate button below if you are interested in helping send me to Africa.
I need $2,500 by Sept. 1 and an additional 3,000-4,000 by the end of September!
Grace, peace, and joy be with you today!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
West Coast Adventures Begin
What a whirlwind the last year has been! I have seen a grand portion of the East Coast...the actually coastline; traveled to the middle, and now am working my way from the south of California up to Seattle on my parent's new boat. How extraordinary it is to see so many places in such a short time.
Right now, I'm in Santa Barbara, CA sitting in the public library... yay wifi! We are awaiting for boat parts, so we can fix a major leak in the engine room. Also, we had just made it to Santa Barbara for the worst winter storm yet. We were going to head out this morning to catch a quick weather wind to head up around Pt. Conception, but alas this leak is stopping us! So who knows how long we are stuck here before we head up the coast to Morro Bay and then Monterey, the San Francisco, etc.
It is so refreshing to be back on my dear West Coast. I have missed the relaxed atmosphere. Santa Barbara is proving to be an amazing place to people watch. It has a bohemian flare to it much like Portland only there is a more run in with sophistication, sun, and palm trees. I walked into French Press Cafe and instantly knew the coffee would be great! The West Coast has terrific coffee and awesome baristas! The cafe reminded me of Stumptown in Belmont.
The public library is full of interesting characters. As people pass by and conversations are overheard, I create stories to match the flow and rhythms of their being. Definitely one of the strangest places I have ever been.
Pictures to come!
Right now, I'm in Santa Barbara, CA sitting in the public library... yay wifi! We are awaiting for boat parts, so we can fix a major leak in the engine room. Also, we had just made it to Santa Barbara for the worst winter storm yet. We were going to head out this morning to catch a quick weather wind to head up around Pt. Conception, but alas this leak is stopping us! So who knows how long we are stuck here before we head up the coast to Morro Bay and then Monterey, the San Francisco, etc.
It is so refreshing to be back on my dear West Coast. I have missed the relaxed atmosphere. Santa Barbara is proving to be an amazing place to people watch. It has a bohemian flare to it much like Portland only there is a more run in with sophistication, sun, and palm trees. I walked into French Press Cafe and instantly knew the coffee would be great! The West Coast has terrific coffee and awesome baristas! The cafe reminded me of Stumptown in Belmont.
The public library is full of interesting characters. As people pass by and conversations are overheard, I create stories to match the flow and rhythms of their being. Definitely one of the strangest places I have ever been.
Pictures to come!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dear Ft. Lauderdale
Dear Ft. Lauderdale,
I am on sensory overload. Your resorts are numerous. Your vessels are beyond impressive...they make me think of extravagance and excess. Finding parking isn't so hard but paying for parking is near impossible. Tickets should be the new form of parking because using your broken "Pay Here" machines is useless. Dead ends are at every turn...our GPS high tech phones don't understand your ways. Your fire ants have made rinsing the boat a chore and not just play. Thirty something degrees seems to me inconceivable, it's Florida! Why are you soo cold.
Oh Ft. Lauderdale I will tell you what I like about you.
Your waters are brilliant sapphire and turquoise. I can see clear to the bottom and your seas are not too salt for me! Your beaches are full of sand and I love them. It was in the 70's briefly. I do thank you for that. Your palm trees and whispy sea breeze bring a sense of ease. I thank you for that too. I love your canals lined with private docks and luxurious homes. Stucco is everywhere and people know how to make their nests colorful. And though it is slightly tacky, you have quite the Christmas cheer.
Ft. Lauderdale you are a trip.
I am on sensory overload. Your resorts are numerous. Your vessels are beyond impressive...they make me think of extravagance and excess. Finding parking isn't so hard but paying for parking is near impossible. Tickets should be the new form of parking because using your broken "Pay Here" machines is useless. Dead ends are at every turn...our GPS high tech phones don't understand your ways. Your fire ants have made rinsing the boat a chore and not just play. Thirty something degrees seems to me inconceivable, it's Florida! Why are you soo cold.
Oh Ft. Lauderdale I will tell you what I like about you.
Your waters are brilliant sapphire and turquoise. I can see clear to the bottom and your seas are not too salt for me! Your beaches are full of sand and I love them. It was in the 70's briefly. I do thank you for that. Your palm trees and whispy sea breeze bring a sense of ease. I thank you for that too. I love your canals lined with private docks and luxurious homes. Stucco is everywhere and people know how to make their nests colorful. And though it is slightly tacky, you have quite the Christmas cheer.
Ft. Lauderdale you are a trip.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
America's Oldest City: St. Augustine
Perhaps, I love St. Augustine because I like the works of St. Augustine...
Or perhaps it is because they have excellent Greek Coffee. Or because it is an artsy town. Maybe it is the Spanish architecture of old? Or the nautical community... Whatever it is, I must add St. Augustine to my list of top 7 places around the world.
I wasn't sure whether or not we would make it to St. Augustine, but the weather conditions were so favorable for going offshore that we made awesome headway on our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. So we ducked back inside and docked at St. Augustine Municipal Marina. After fueling up and washing the boat down, I took a much needed stroll around St. Augustine. Old town is just behind the harbour entrance.
Everything is beautiful in this archaic town. It was bitter cold, but the people were warm. I stopped into Gaufres & Goods, this amazing Polish/Greek cafe in Old Town. Why? Because I'm Greek...and really curious about my Greek heritage. So I tried Greek Coffee! It was great! However, not half as impressive as the family who owns the cafe. I talked with them for a good while. They told me I have to try smoked halibut next time I go fishing in Alaska. Apparently it beats smoked salmon!
Here are some photos from St. Augustine!
Old Town:
Ponce de Leon Hotel now Flagler College:
Or perhaps it is because they have excellent Greek Coffee. Or because it is an artsy town. Maybe it is the Spanish architecture of old? Or the nautical community... Whatever it is, I must add St. Augustine to my list of top 7 places around the world.
I wasn't sure whether or not we would make it to St. Augustine, but the weather conditions were so favorable for going offshore that we made awesome headway on our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. So we ducked back inside and docked at St. Augustine Municipal Marina. After fueling up and washing the boat down, I took a much needed stroll around St. Augustine. Old town is just behind the harbour entrance.
Everything is beautiful in this archaic town. It was bitter cold, but the people were warm. I stopped into Gaufres & Goods, this amazing Polish/Greek cafe in Old Town. Why? Because I'm Greek...and really curious about my Greek heritage. So I tried Greek Coffee! It was great! However, not half as impressive as the family who owns the cafe. I talked with them for a good while. They told me I have to try smoked halibut next time I go fishing in Alaska. Apparently it beats smoked salmon!
Here are some photos from St. Augustine!
Old Town:
Ponce de Leon Hotel now Flagler College:
Monday, December 6, 2010
Day-Five: Wacca Wache to Charleston
Another wonderful sunrise and brisk day in the ditch! When I think of a ditch, I generally think of muddy water or a gravel trough alongside an old country road. So naturally I thought that the ICW was going to have somewhat unpleasant scenery. I mean who really wants to travel via a ditch? However, I have found it incredibly wonderful. The landscape changes frequently. For instance, this morning we left the Waccamaw River which had an eery barren and backwoods feeling...then this afternoon we passed several towns and homes along the channel that were distinctly South Carolina...later the water became a warm blue and on either side of the ditch were canals, bays, and sounds tucked away behind long sea grass blowing in the winter breeze. Besides the cold spell we seem caught in, we spotted many palms standing tall along the channel banks. Dolphin sightings are getting more frequent. I think laughing dolphin-like squeaks of joy sound from me with each sighting...Today they were feeding right in front of our bow. It was so exciting that I did my happy dance!
The last ten to fifteen miles to Charleston were a little nerving. Our whole run down seemed to perfectly coincide with the leaving tide making for some really shallow spots along the ditch. At one point our depth sounder read 2.6 ft! Wow! I'm not sure I would ever want to run the ICW at night. Glad we are doing it during the day...and that I have a solid captain. I watched others scream on by...maybe that is why so many end up grounded.
Charleston is a neat historic city. Lots of young people and lots of beautiful boats! I bet it is wonderful in the summer months.
The last ten to fifteen miles to Charleston were a little nerving. Our whole run down seemed to perfectly coincide with the leaving tide making for some really shallow spots along the ditch. At one point our depth sounder read 2.6 ft! Wow! I'm not sure I would ever want to run the ICW at night. Glad we are doing it during the day...and that I have a solid captain. I watched others scream on by...maybe that is why so many end up grounded.
Charleston is a neat historic city. Lots of young people and lots of beautiful boats! I bet it is wonderful in the summer months.
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