Orientation Overload

I can't believe I've only been in Charlotte just under two days. Maybe it was the 3 hours of sleep, the packed days of informative, encouraging, and equipping sessions; or the fact that I'm surrounded by so many like-minded people that you just easily settle in and feel like you've known each other a long time. I've been challenged, discouraged by fear,doubts, and encouraged by testimonies and truth in countless ways. I'm so blessed to be here and have been so blessed by YOU; the many texts, prayers, encouraging conversations, and so much more have come at such amazing times. I am thankful for the chance to grow in my knowledge and in practical tips through this preparation time. Thank you for coming alongside this journey.

I'm over loaded in many ways: in peace, in grace; and yes with information and busy days, but it's worth it!

Prayer: for a sound mind to retain the information, for rest, for clarity and discernment to sift through my thoughts and bring them back to the gospel, and for overall peace and preparation, God's brought me this far and He'll continue to lead me.

P.S  we ate at an Ethiopian restaurant today..SO good!

Leaving round 1

well here I am...at the airport...ready to head to charlotte for orientation. This time next week I'll be in Kenya...I can't believe it. This month as flown by. I have been incredibly overwhelmed with blessings...calls at just the right time, seeing the Dad and one of the Son's of the amazing family I know in Nairobi last Saturday, phone calls/texts at literally the moments of freak outs and doubts. Even getting in contact with a couple of the people I will meet next week who are also arriving in Nairobi next week, one even on the same day! My inner 12 year old who put "go to kenya" on a marker-written bucket list is freaking out that the week is here.
I am futilly attempting to anticipate the change this will bring...I know that it will be used for good and for His glory.

Specific prayer: sleep on these red eye flights, hearing loss humility, and hope and joy :-) thanks!

my SIMprofile

Here is the link to my profile with SIM and leads to more information about the organization I will be working through while in Kenya


Elise Bateman

Hope, preparation, how the light gets in.

“How the light gets in.

As I mentioned at the start of this journey it’s a Leonard Cohen lyric. The truth being we’re all broken, we’re all cracked and what so many people see as a fault or a malfunction really is something to be considered useful. I’m not sure how much longer I have left but it appears that the physical and medical signs are all pointing to my end.” –Kristian Anderson

This quote was written right before Kristian died of cancer. I didn’t know this man or his family, but I stumbled upon his blog right after his death last december. His wife recently updated the blog, How the light gets in, about how she and her two boys are doing. Also check out this video he left for his wife…beautiful.

What struck me today was the truth of his words, especially the part that “…we’re all cracked and what so many people see as a fault or malfunction really is something to be considered useful…” Through two sermons yesterday, this truth about my hearing loss was reinstated in my heart. My loss is not an accident, a hindrance to what God’s called me to. It is just as important and BENEFICIAL to what he has for me. I so easily forget this, and slip into the routine of trying to mask it, live over it, of feeling like I’m less or that I have to prove that I can deal with and overcome the loss. Get over it. I forget that nothing is an accident, that this loss wasn’t a divine mistake that I have to suffer through, rather it was divinely appointed. It entered into my life and affects those around me, purposefully. My loss will make things different and interesting in Kenya, especially when it comes to the language, but it’s not an insurmountable obstacle, it’s going to be an asset. It is already forcing me to rely on Jesus as my strength, my confidence; my ears. He promises that his power is made PERFECT IN my weakness, not in spite of it. I was reminded of Paul’s thorn, and struck by the truth that it too was essential to his ministry, it’s still ministering now, two thousand years later, to a 24 year old in the United states. What a profound purpose that thorn had, it was the avenue by which Paul’s contentment and perseverance were displayed. As I head into the final weeks and days of preparation, I want to throw off what hinders; lack of trust, dwelling on the unknowns I can’t control, and the lies that tell me I can’t. The truth is, we’re all cracked, broken in our own ways, and there’s so much beauty in that. There’s beauty in perseverance, in facing the giant with a sling shot and a prayer of faith, in battling thousands with 300 men, in flying across the world to follow a lifelong dream. The light gets in when we persevere in faith, in hope, in the darkness that “is as light” to the One who calls, equips, and sends.

Kenya: One Month Away

Lord willing, one month from today I will be in Nairobi. It's surreal to even write that sentence. How can I put to words the blender of emotions this reality brings...I am excited/terrified/anxious/assured...all at once. My thoughts range from  "omgosh do I want to go" to the increasingly present "I can't wait to be there"...How can I pin-point the emotions that arise at the anticipation of a 12 year old dream coming together... It's surreal and REAL. My to-do list is shrinking daily...the "planner" in me has even started to fill a bag and corner of my room with "things to pack".
I am still in awe of how the funds were raised (THANK YOU)...gratitude doesn't begin to describe the emotions around the generosity of so many in my life...last sunday I still needed $500...by today....and God opened the heart of a special family at church to complete my financial needs. I teared up as I read their note and the amount on the check. I was humbled by my doubt and by the greatness of sovereign provision. This is happening. This is one month away. This will and is changing me. My plan is to continue this blog while in Nairobi so stay tuned...

Kenya: 6 weeks and counting

I am blender of emotions this gorgeous, sunny, Seattle day. I am SO excited for the annual auction this Saturday for the school I work at, info here, and am blessed to be a part of a community that truly seeks to help others. I'm also vaguely excited for Kenya, vaguely because it still seem surreal--kind of like anticipating summer break in April. If things go according to plans (well, okay, my plans...) 6 weeks from today I will be in north carolina and then on my way to Nairobi! My immunizations appointment is scheduled, my to-do list is shrinking, as is the amount of money I have left to raise. I never expected to be so blessed or to have to step out in so much faith. I have to have all my funds raised before my tickets are purchased and the deadline is for a month before I leave...so, just around 10 days from now..and I still have $1500 left. I know I serve a big, generous, gracious, and providing Father who wills and works for his good pleasure. I am thankful for this opportunity to trust Him to provide in a very tangible way.
Would you join me in prayer? Prayer for patience, provision, and wisdom in this season of preparation and anticipation. Prayer for humility and prudence in me and those I will meet. This is also a shameless plug to ask you to consider financial involvement. Ten days and $1500 dollars is a leap but not out of reach. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and taking time to read. Hope you're able to enjoy a sunny spring day wherever you are!

Please send a message if you'd like to support me financially

A psalm of life- Longfellow

Found this poem by longfellow today and wanted to share it. He reiterates much of my thoughts from the last few weeks.

TELL me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!—
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,—act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.