Travel

Refresh My Soul: Annency, France

Usually I do the monthly refresh series later in the month, but with all that's been going on in the world lately I felt it was needed a little early. And I'm taking it back to one of my favorite cities, Annency, France. My prayers are with Nice today, and I pray we remember to love a little harder every day. 

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Refresh My Soul: Italy

It's the end of June and time for some much needed inspiration. We have made the long trek back from Africa to the U.S. in order to prepare for the arrival of our baby boy. So as we enter into July let's take some time to refresh. The photos below were taken in Verrana and Belagio on Lake Como, Italy. Can we say vacation dream spot? #takemeback

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Refresh My Soul: Switzerland

I have a long list of ideas I've wanted to start. My inbox floods with newsletters from talented creatives offering inspirational words of wisdom to funny anecdotes. I've collected my favorites over the years and "promised" to one day do something similar. Well I'm finally making that happen. For a long time I've wanted to take a moment (whether once a week or once a month) and post the things that refresh my soul, because I think we can all agree that our soul needs a little refreshing now and then. 

One of my favorite authors who does this extremely well is Ann Voskamp. Her "Only the Good Stuff: Multivitamins For Your Weekend" is a great compilation of funny videos, amazing photographs, and short stories she has gathered across the web. While I don't know what my refreshing material will be each time, I do know that I want to start with a few photos from a place that refreshed my soul like no other—Switzerland. High in the mountains, surrounded by snow and orange leaves, free of cars and itineraries, it was only for two days, but it captured my heart forever. 

Shot and edited on iPhone 5S

View from our hotel room. Shot and edited on iPhone 5S

Shot and edited on iPhone 5S

Shot and edited on iPhone 5S

La Bonne Cuisiniere (The Good Cook)

As part of a NGO here in the Horn of Africa we strive to not just deliver aid and leave, but to develop valuable skills that will help people pull themselves out of poverty. One project that has been running for several years is The Project House.

How Musical Chairs and Face Painting Break Barriers

How Musical Chairs and Face Painting Break Barriers

I loved musical chairs as a kid. Usually it involved winning a cake, so what's not to love about that! Although watching children play musical chairs can be and adventure, especially when it's their first time learning the game.

African Beach Trip

When living in Africa there are things you come NOT expect. You celebrate on days where the water runs, electricity is solid, and you don't pass out from the heat. Even though most of those things are regular in our country, I prefer to never expect.