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Like a millstone around my neck, how to carry on
I don’t necessarily plan a theme for the posts here on the blog. I’m too eclectic to have a strong structure to what I write. This method of mine is…
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My heart wasn’t into it and it showed, more parenting advice
A pet peeve of my mother’s was when I would do what she asked, but not with a heart for it. She chose me often to clean the bathroom because…
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I don’t like surprises: how to thrive in the unannounced
I don't like surprises. However, there are a few surprises that I don't mind like gifts, a lower electric bill than expected, or 50% off coupons for pizza (pepperoni with…
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How to slay the dragon alone in the dark
“It won’t be good enough,” I told myself. In 10th grade, I worked for weeks on a science project. I was sure my miserable project would barely earn me a…
Less is more, how to end well
It's nice when someone anticipates our needs or wants. They remember you like your coffee a certain way or heard you when you said, "I just want to sleep in today." When you have those kinds of people in your life, who notice you and hear you without you having to announce, "Listen to me!" It's amazing.
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Living light at customs when you have 13 suitcases
Almost nine years ago, I found myself standing in the Blantyre, Malawi, airport with my husband and young daughter, waiting for our luggage. It was hot, and sweat poured from…
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Scratch my back, when you need a favor
The saying, “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” is nothing new. As children, we often made pacts with our siblings saying, “If you take my chores, I’ll do…
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Watch out for the crocodiles
The sun has just risen here in Bujumbura. We’re here for a brief 12-day trip. It’s good to be back and take part in the goings-on at the church and…
Flowers in my mother’s vase for Mother’s Day
It’s the day after Mother’s Day, remembering my mother
It’s the day after Mother’s Day and I’m sitting alone in the quiet, early morning hours. Getting up early is not new to me. While I’d love to have a…
I don’t like to mince words, crocodiles and now hippos
I don’t like to mince words. Nor do I like exaggeration. I weigh what a I say hoping that I’ve kept it real and to the point. So, when I…