September
Hello Community,
It has been a beautiful, busy, and enjoyable month. While I took a break from updating this space, I spent much time praying over this ministry and focusing on transitioning to Tumaini Counselling Centre (TCC). It is winter in Kenya, and I keep hoping the weather will turn. However, at the moment, my nano puff jacket is my favorite piece of clothing.
Tumaini Counselling Centre Update
I have been overwhelmed by the beautiful community at TCC. Currently, the center hosts 6 clinicians from all over the world. We are all missionaries who raise support to counsel and serve the mission community in Eastern Africa and beyond. It is not only an incredible honor to be around such experienced, humble, and considerate counselors, but I am also working at my dream job! I keep looking around the center and thinking, "Wow, I'm actually here—I work here!"
Rhythms and Rest
I have felt prompted by the Father to explore rhythms of rest and creativity.
I don't mean being good at it. I mean stepping into the practice of it. That is hard.
I have spent most of my life believing that some facets of creativity are not for me. I'm not particularly good at singing, and if you ask anyone from my school days, I am definitely not fantastic at putting anything picture-wise to paper.
Lately, I've been working to step purposefully into things I'm not good at. "Practice makes perfect," but instead of focusing on perfection, my goal is "Practice brings about resilience." Resilience in not being great at something but still doing it to improve over time. Resilience in creating to create, rather than producing the "just right" product.
What Have I Learned?
It’s hard, and occasionally my perfectionist brain struggles with it.
Sometimes, I create things I’m amazed by, and other times, I produce something I never want to look at again.
I love how it looks when I have art or crocheting sitting on the table. It brings me joy, and I can't help but think, "Wow, look at what I’ve made!"
When I remove the pressure of the end product, the flow state happens much more easily. My focus can then shift to existing, creating, and enjoying the process.
I’ve been enjoying @jennarainey’s Patreon page for watercolor classes and have been surprised by the new skills I’ve picked up. It’s really fun to learn and grow.
Being creative helps my mental and emotional well-being.
What Am I Learning to Create?
Spaces around my house that inspire me.
Watercolor painting. Below is a poster I created to share my testimony at the mission training I attended this month.
Music with my ukulele.
A crochet blanket. Pictured here are the hexagons that will eventually be made into a blanket. I need 188 of them, and I’ve crocheted 35, only to realize I did them wrong. I need to redo the last row to crochet them together. I keep reminding myself, "It's about the process."
Photos that capture pure emotions.
I posted this mainly to remember it for myself, but I also hope it can be a helpful encouragement to you. What inspires you?
Support Update
While I am committed to not posting about this too often, I urgently need financial support to continue this mission in Kenya. If you want to hear more about it, please check out the letter here.
Praises + Prayers
Praise: I am grateful to the Lord for working at TCC and adjusting well to the community. Please pray that I continue to find ways to fit into life here and for wisdom as I build my client base.
Pray: Pray for all the necessary financial support to come into place.
As I continue to explore how to incorporate Christ into sessions, I encounter greater complexity and considerations. Please pray for wisdom and discernment in this area.
Praise: I thank the Lord for successfully adjusting back to ministry, completing the orientation for TCC, and adopting new rhythms that benefit my mental and physical health.
