Introductions + Five Random Facts

1. I have lived in Africa for my whole life. First, in Togo, West Africa, surrounded by dusty dirt roads, and a blazing, hot sun, and now in Rwanda, East Africa, where everything is green (and often cold), and I can see volcanoes whenever I look out of my bedroom window. The two countries are very different, but they are both home, and hold very special places in my heart.

2. I love to read. Aside from the fact that books smell heavenly, they provide such wonderful food for thought, and each and every one is so unique. I love being able to feel like I am in the world of the story through all of the emotions and little sensory details that the author provides. If I could spend all day every day reading, I would. Some personal favorites include The Great Gatsby, Cold Tangerines, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Help, and The Book Thief.

3. I love tea. I don’t feel like this one needs much of an explanation. Tea is my favorite. It comes in all different flavors, and tastes even better if you drink it in a pretty tea cup.

4. Baking is my also favorite. I have a serious sweet tooth, so I love experimenting with new recipes and then making my favorites over and over again.

5. I am a Christian. I believe with my entire being that Jesus Christ came to earth, and gave his own life, as the greatest sacrifice, for me and for my sins. I want my life to glorify the Lord, and I want to point to him in everything that I do.
I hope that you’ll join me on this journey, and follow along as I share pictures, stories, and other random bits and pieces of my life.

On Building a House

For those of you that don’t already know, our family is building a house here in Rwanda. It has been less than a year since we started, and it’s been so exciting to see it all coming together, especially over the past month or so. We are almost up to the roof now, and whenever we go to check the progress more and more has been done, getting us closer than ever to finishing it. To top it all off, the view from pretty much everywhere on our land is just gorgeous. We can clearly see several volcanoes out of the front and back yard, and the plots around ours are filled with beautiful, vibrant, green trees. The closer we get to finishing, the more excited I get!

An elevated perspective of of the front bit and the road outside. Karasimi, the tallest volcano, can be seen in the background. Also, would you just look at all those trees? It's perfect.

This is our guesthouse in the back.

A backyard with a view

I'm super excited about the fireplace in the livingroom!