tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97121012024-03-06T22:24:23.958-08:00I love this crazy tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life!Random journeys into my crazy lifeHillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.comBlogger983125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-62616427902429045882014-09-01T12:56:00.000-07:002017-12-06T15:55:23.343-08:00A long-awaited arrival
As we took off from Wilson Airport heading north, I was pretty much glued to the window, enjoying the view as we left the city, flew over commercial and individual farmlands, caught a glimpse of the peaks of Mount Kenya through the billowy clouds, and watched as the landscape got more and more arid. Rivers now run dry split the earth with artery-like fans, while hills that rolled Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-26036801091522601022014-08-24T12:10:00.001-07:002017-12-06T15:55:58.648-08:00Where does the time go?In some ways, it feels like I've been in Kenya for much longer than I have (I'm sure missing my man has something to do with that!), but in other ways, the time has flown by. I fly to Korr on Friday - finally! It has been almost exactly five years since I was last in Korr, and I am SO looking forward to being back.
As I look to the next few days, they will be busy busy as I prepare to head up. Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-26967161216954280812014-08-22T11:13:00.000-07:002017-12-06T15:56:30.749-08:00Nairobi LifeWhen I first came to Kenya, Nairobi was a big scary city. I ventured out every now and then, but I certainly was a little timid, in part because I was brand new to Africa, and because I didn't spend very much time here. Now, however, I'm ok with going to the park, taking public transit, negotiating a taxi, and exploring the city. I'm cautious, of course, but it's nice to be more Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-50824971200608473862014-08-15T07:49:00.002-07:002017-12-06T15:56:49.126-08:00Plenty of basketsOne of the challenges of living in Korr is that it is a full day's drive on a road frequented by bandits to any semblance of grocery store. There are small shops in town where you can usually buy UHT milk (in tetra packs that don't have to be refrigerated), tea, flour and sugar, and where potatoes, cabbage, and onions are hit and miss (but there's ALWAYS Coke... you just have to drink it Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-21591928002417988242014-07-15T07:41:00.000-07:002017-12-06T15:57:25.771-08:00Arriving in Kenya - Foreign to FamilarOne of the books recommended to people coming to work in Africa about cross cultural adjustment is called “From Foreign to Familiar.” This seems to be a really good way to describe how I’ve been experiencing the first few days and weeks back in Kenya.
I remember very distinctly my first arrival in Kenya back in January 2009. As we left the airport, the cool evening air was filled with… it was Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-20675171615658499142014-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:002014-06-10T10:16:42.378-07:00The day of waitingI have a To Do list app on my phone, and it's great! I can make lists, categorize, prioritize... but none of those little icons or crossed off items seem to do justice that is the hilarity of my day. For example, yesterday. The morning started with two things on the agenda: doctor's appointment with a new potential doctor, and read the rest of the day. Oh, if only it were that simple.Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-19731537214810235382014-04-18T09:12:00.000-07:002017-12-06T15:57:54.285-08:00So Rich A CrownThis Good Friday, as I am preparing to head back to Kenya, I am reminded of my desert Easter five years ago. This is a post I wrote from Kenya in 2009.
_____________________________________________
As a friend warned me before I headed to Kenya, "Africa is the place where even the trees are out to hurt you." Now that I've lived in the North for a while, I'm seeing that he's very right!
Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-62821181208442375392014-04-07T20:12:00.000-07:002014-04-07T20:12:01.019-07:00The hunt for the dress!I never have been the girl to have binders full of wedding ideas, so when it came time to start shopping for wedding dresses, I was lost. "What kind of dress are you looking for?" is a question that makes me tongue tied... but let me tell you, this is such a fun process! It's made even MORE fun by shopping with my mom, Kevin's girls, and two of my very best friends.
And let me tell you... Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-87142789968174667112014-02-25T11:06:00.000-08:002014-02-25T15:11:31.008-08:00To do lists and tulipsI have downloaded a to-do app on my phone, and it's glorious. I can make categories (so far I have seven - school, wedding, Africa, internship, fundraising, packing, general)! And prioritize! Add icons! Set dates!
Sometimes it's wonderful, and I can go along my merry way checking things off. Sometimes I just stare at for an hour and then go take a nap. Or, ya know, watch Netflix.&Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-42855970175435677122014-01-31T13:19:00.000-08:002017-12-06T15:59:17.314-08:00For the glory of God and the joy of the nationsI've often heard about people developing a sort of 'purpose statement' for their lives - something that serves to evaluate and shape their decisions and activities. Over the last five years, mine has been developing, and - for now, at least - I've settled on "For the glory of God and the joy of the nations." This is what I want to be about.
For the glory of God...
Sing to the Lord aHillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-65683399171019022082013-01-18T12:18:00.000-08:002017-12-06T15:59:41.534-08:00Let My Feet Be BeautfulThis is the concluding section of my Personal and Corporate Outreach exam. It's a summay of the Good News about Jesus, and how I see my role in sharing it.
_______________________________________________________
Jesus is the King, and He is putting to right all that is wrong in the world. The pain we see, the injustice, the tears, the destruction – one day He will make all things right.Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-70315807868120740612013-01-13T23:17:00.003-08:002013-01-15T00:20:05.728-08:00New Year, New Adventures!2013 seems like it's full of promise, and I can't wait to see what it will bring! New friends as I continue to settle in to my new city and new church, new lessons as I start out a new term, new things to see and do and try in my first prairie (foothills?) winter... I'm looking forward to it!
2012 was crazy. The first half and the last half could not have been more different. Terrible Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-20615193320998661462013-01-12T23:59:00.000-08:002013-04-12T12:57:30.463-07:00The RinkThey were hidden until the very last minute. Just as I rounded the corner I was struck with a scene that took my breath away. A half dozen giant trees, winter bare and snow-covered, were glowing with hundreds of strings of lights, casting out the evening darkness all around the newest skating rink in town. A foot of snow covered the park, the trees, the lagoon, but one section Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-14185246864706010872013-01-08T22:36:00.000-08:002014-06-12T08:27:01.628-07:00Good News/Bad NewsRemember those good news/bad news stories? Here's mine:
It was early January, and my last night in Vancouver before heading back to Calgary after the Christmas holiday...
Good News: Went snowshoeing with Trudy on Sunday
Bad News: Now my foot really really hurts
Good News: Yay medical
Bad News: No internet at my brother's apartment where I've been staying the last few days.
Good News: Lots Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-77668874309351378692012-12-31T18:05:00.002-08:002017-12-06T16:00:27.082-08:00How to PrayHere are a few ideas about how to pray for me.
Please pray for the Rendille people in Korr where we will be working, that God would be continuing to open people's hearts to the good news of Jesus Christ. Pray, too, for Rendille believers to continue to be called to share the story of Jesus with others.
Please pray for Nick and Lynne, Jim and Laura, and other short term volunteers who areHillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-86570232323843913252012-12-31T17:57:00.002-08:002017-12-06T16:00:46.666-08:00Join My Team!
Partnering in any way- in friendship, in prayer, or in finances - is an essential part of my ministry. I am so excited to build a team that together will work towards extending the blessing of God to people it is only just beginning to reach! My financial team is an essential part of this ministry, not just because these people will provide the funds, but because they are an integral part Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-68427516753671366872012-12-31T17:53:00.002-08:002014-01-27T14:42:14.402-08:00The Road To KenyaFrom the time I heard a missionary to the Ivory Coast speak at youth group when I was 15 to now, this will be the story of God's call and faithfulness in my life with regards to Africa. I'm working on the story - stay tuned!Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-37352290463092877532012-12-31T17:52:00.004-08:002014-01-27T14:39:24.219-08:00About MeHere's a sometimes-serious, sometimes-silly snapshot of my crazy self!
I love Jesus, and am seeking to live my life in a way consistent to his call on my life to help bring the good news of Jesus Christ to people who have, through no fault of their own, never had the chance to hear it.
I love the people in my life - my family and my friends are such a gift to me - I am so blessed to have suchHillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-20382381601310971752012-12-31T17:52:00.000-08:002017-12-06T16:01:27.429-08:00Frequently Asked Questions1. What are you up to now?
Right now I'm at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary working on my Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministries. Africa Inland Mission wants their full time missionaries to have some Bible and theology training before they head out, so I've chosen to go the seminary route. I've always wanted to go to Bible school, and to be able to do this with a specific focus on Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-76100124708987578092012-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:002012-09-25T22:26:27.008-07:00Little Drops of HomeHome has been very much a word in flux for me over the last few years, and will continue to be, times about a million moving forward.
It's true. I've been very absent here in my little corner of the internet for quite a long time, and there are a lot of reasons for that. But the grand sweep of 'home' for me has been a somewhat dizzying journey over the last two years.
Home.
The Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-74251279740810909042011-02-03T12:39:00.005-08:002011-02-03T16:31:46.596-08:00All I ever learned about friendship, I learned in KindergartenScene: The lunchroom. I was sitting with two kindergarten girls while they finished off their lunch.Rosie: Um, Cece?Cece: Yeah?Rosie: Do you want to be my friend?Cece: No.Rosie: ...Cece: I'm already Lisa's friend.Miss Hillary: Oh, Cece! The wonderful thing about friends is that you can have more than one! You can have 2, or 5, or 10, or even one hundred!The girls joined hands, faced each other Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-38738978464763384002010-11-17T17:46:00.002-08:002010-11-17T17:53:44.423-08:00I don't think I've ever laughed harderI miss Whose Line Is It Anyway. Specifically the game party quirks. I stumbled across someone who has 30+ clips of just that game last night. I think I watched about 20 clips. But this one. Ooooh this one. I laughed till I cried. I'm still laughing about it, 24 hours later.Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-42637916820207983902010-11-13T20:40:00.004-08:002010-11-13T21:06:48.113-08:00So much for posting every dayAh, but it got me posting again, so why not? After all, unlike Katrina, I'm ok with not winning a sock zombie!* [Don't worry, Katrina, they're cool, I'd just be happier if you got it than if I got it! I'm guessing so would you! ;) ]Part of the not-posting has come from the fact that my life is pretty boring these days. Work, come home, pack. Or, perhaps more accurately, work, come home, crash outHillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-191230058758483642010-11-09T16:55:00.006-08:002010-11-09T17:34:00.803-08:00Her name, her storyI was short on time and low on groceries. Racing out the door, I decided to swing through the drive-through that is conveniently (or perhaps not so conveniently!) directly on my way to work for a breakfast sandwich. As I was waiting for my food at the pickup window, I saw her.Purple dress, way too short. She was pulling it down self consciously as it rode up around her rear. White jacket. Bare Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712101.post-37511298558872162312010-11-08T22:54:00.000-08:002010-11-09T16:54:43.004-08:00Another gem...Having settled in to fixing some errors in his phonics book, Danny* was almost finished when he exclaimed excitedly,"Miss Hillary! I just have one more erection!""Just one more CORRection! Well done!"Hmm... Or maybe two!_________* Name changedHillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396356143176333785noreply@blogger.com1