Whether I like it or not, life continues on. My senior year of school has begun. My days are a juggling act, an attempted balance between the many commitments I have. My to-do list continues to grow, with no end in sight. I still cry for Kenya. I'm still searching for my place, my purpose here. I still contemplate dropping out of school- although I fully realize that decision would not be very rational or helpful in the long-term. Yet there are a few things keeping me going...1) Faces. The beautiful faces like this one on the left. I had 3 of my favorite pictures (this one included) enlarged and printed on canvas. My wonderful housemates allowed me to hang them in our living room so I get to see them all the time.
2) Cards. I have embarked on a journey in card-making. I am using pictures I took in Kenya and some of my favorite quotes, and making cards. All proceeds will go to Imara Health Clinic. This new little project has allowed me to feel connected and I am excited to share the cards with people throughout this year.
3) Friends. I am convinced that I have the best friends in the world. Friends that will sit down and watch a 14 minute slideshow of Kenya pictures. Friends that don't think it's weird that I tend to cry every time I get an email from someone in Kenya. Friends who continue to stand by me day by day (despite how many times I have already threatened to drop out of school).
Peter, the director of the clinic, emailed me today. It was very touching and emotional for me. One of the things he wrote was:
What is even more heart touching was your very generous donation towards the clinic work,You demonstrated your faith with works just as the Bible teaches.You kept the funds with you for almost three weeks and eventually you were touched and chose to give to Imara .We believe this is divine connection which we have always desired and prayed about since 2002. Myself and our entire team believe that the profession you are pursuing is a calling to you and no doubt you will be a great Nurse touching peoples lives.
I can take no credit for either the donations nor the calling that has been placed on my life. I don't understand why I have to spend another year here, when my heart exists somewhere else entirely. Yet I have to trust that in the same way God answered their prayers from 9 years ago, that God will be faithful in answering mine too. Peter also mentioned that they successfully delivered twin boys that were breech! I will leave you with that picture.
