I’ve spent nearly a month traveling around the West African nation of Senegal under the wing of a Peace Corps volunteer and the groundbreaking organization Tostan. And when I say I’ve been traveling, I mean it!

Whether on foot, by bus, bush taxi or bike, I’ve been moving. Getting out to the most remote parts of Senegal takes time and skill…and a lot of languages. And that’s just getting around! Once you’re settled, the real work begins. Village life demands constant effort

The most remote places of Senegal are home to hundreds of villages.

It’s a life completely different than what I’m used to, but these are a lot of the places where schools, healthcare and other basic needs aren’t being met. These are also places where cultural practices like early marriage and Female Genital Cutting put women’s health at risk.

How can we help in a context we don’t fully understand, and in places so inaccessible?

For starters, we can learn like Tatiana is trying to do during her two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. We can also support the work of organizations like Tostan that work with communities through local facilitators to promote women and children’s rights. Complex issues like those out in remote villages aren’t out of reach—they just require a little more leg work to understand.

10 Kilometers That Way

How many days, public transport vehicles and languages does it take to get around the West African country of Senegal? Read on to find out…

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Bassari Life in Motion – Part I

I’m learning that although village life moves slower, it moves constantly. Watch and learn what it takes to be Bassari—from hut building to rice pounding!

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Photo Gallery: Bassari Life in Motion – Part II

There’s more! Learn more about village life in Senegal from the residents of Ethiolo…

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Someone Else’s Village

What would it take for you to move to a remote African village for two years? Learn why Tatiana is happy to be doing just that…

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Says Who? – Part I

Female Genital Cutting is wrong…right? Read why we need to look deeper into this one before moving forward…

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Says Who? – Part II

Learn how Tostan works with villages to promote human rights rather than against them.

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As I sit and reflect on the time I’ve spent at Sanctuary here in Toronto, my mind conjures up a host of images and experiences. But the underlying theme that unites them all is the community found here!

Now don’t get me wrong, the Sanctuary community doesn’t mean a bunch of people are standing around a campfire singing Kumbaya. The nature of the community means that things can get messy at times. The problems that plague some “friends from the street” mean that nerves are often on edge, tensions can run high and arguments can get heated. You never know what the day may bring, and new challenges always arise.

Toronto, like any other city, contains a variety of people living on the margins. It's up to us, who claim Christ, to shed light in those lives.

But I also see the ways staffers approach their friends from the street. They foster community through a host of intentional means.

They purposefully don’t put many signs up in the place, as you might find in most public places. They want people talking to staff and each other, seeking information from people, not signs.

They serve food “family style” so that people must talk to their neighbor, asking for items and passing the plates of food. They want their friends working in the kitchen and serving the food. There is dignity in the activity. They even sing Happy Birthday once a month to all who have an upcoming birthday. This is dignity.

They go on weekly “outreach walks,” where seasonal supplies are handed out to folks they find on the streets and in the alleys. The items aren’t why they do it however, the people and the ongoing relationships are.

Whether I was at the Christmas concert or otherwise, I got a taste of the new model of the Church community...or better yet, a renewed model.

Even during their weekly staff meeting, they always partake in communion and underscore the collective effort shared by all. And that effort is recognized by those they serve.

“This place is so different from the others,” I overheard a woman tell another. “They don’t treat you like you’re below them. They treat you like a real person.”

“This place isn’t all stuffy,” said another man at another time. “You don’t have to have your ass-puckered up to go inside the place. It’s really different. I mean, no offense to them, but when I first came, I didn’t even know it was a church!”

Another man made a similar statement, even if he didn’t use words. During two different Sunday-night services, he was passed out just inside the doorway of the main sanctuary. Periodically, throughout each service, you could hear him snorting and grunting amid his deep slumber. But nobody seemed to care, and it was a wonderful thing.

“He’s adding to the service, whether he knows it or not,” said one of the staffers. “He’s contributing to the community.”

Wow. This is Sanctuary. And what a blessing it’s been to have the opportunity to spend time with these folks!

While many in the Church prefer to think of the body of Christ as being composed of a bunch of well-manicured fingers and pearly-white smiles, the fact is, it has many different parts. And Sanctuary treasures them all.

A Motley Crew

There were clean faces and dirty, combed hair and disheveled. There were designer clothes and tattered. This…this is the body of Christ.

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That’s God, That’s God, That’s God – Part I

By all accounts, Patrick should be dead. But the fact that he’s sitting here tells a different story.

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That’s God, That’s God, That’s God – Part II

There’s something special about being embraced and loved by a whole bunch of messy people.

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Camping in the Concrete Jungle

There’s no place like home… and this ain’t it.

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Photo Gallery: Community is at the Core

Day in and day out, week in and week out, Sanctuary is providing a variety of programs and activities focused on the heart of their mission…community. But it’s not just any community. Its essence is found in those overlooked by most. Many of its community members, those “friends from the street,” are living in the [...]

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Once a Stranger, Now a Brother

I was humbled and inspired by the prayer of this earnest stranger.

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Kingdom of the Broken

I’m not worthy, as I’m haunted by my own brokenness. But therein lies the blessing.

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To be frank, the Middle East gets a lot of bad press in the U.S. The media portrays the region as unstable—the birthplace of modern-day terrorists. But after spending time with some dedicated change makers in Jordan and across the border in Israel, I see the goodness and grace that more accurately describe the people of the region.

Sunset over Salt, Jordan.

In Jordan, I spent time with Global Hope Network learning about their relational approach to rural development and their work with partners throughout Jordan to care for overlooked populations like refugees and the disabled. Beyond Global Hope, I explored an important school for deaf children called the Holy Land Institute, spent a few days with an inspirational Palestinian nonviolence movement in the West Bank and—of course—had my share of cultural mishaps along the way.

But despite my language and cultural ineptitudes, and despite the reputation of the Middle East, I witnessed the goodness of God daily in people fighting for the rights of the marginalized.

That’s a story more people should hear. Read why hope and justice belong in our discussions about the Middle East.

What Can’t Be Said

I’m in the Kingdom of Jordan, where faith, government and social justice collide—read how people here are rising to the challenge.

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Photo Gallery: More Than Goats

Global Hope Network is reaching far out into the villages of Jordan to partner with local leaders for development. Learn more about the simple but promising tool GHNI is using.

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Shwei Shwei

Read why shwei shwei (slowly slowly) is the way Global Hope approaches relationships and development in Jordan…

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Culture Guide: 40 Bites

The secret to making friends in Jordan: eat what you are offered, even when it hurts!

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Photo Gallery: What a Wheelchair can Do

See the combined efforts of Global Hope and Joni and Friends to overcome the stigma of disability here in Jordan.

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To Cover or Not To Cover?

The hijab is normal attire for women in Jordan. Read about my frustrating experiences as the fashion minority in a foreign land…

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Land vs. Peace – Part I

Stepping over the Jordanian border into Israel brought me face to face with some serious pursuers of peace in the Holy Land…

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Land vs. Peace – Part II

Seeking peace with peace itself? Read more about the Holy Land Institute’s groundbreaking work towards reconciliation in the Holy Land…

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Education in Place of Shame

The Holy Land Institute for the Deaf may look like just a school, but it’s combating harsh perceptions of disability in Jordan…

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What a privilege it’s been to spend time with the Unchained Gang for the past month or so!! Despite the rough exterior, their hearts are on fire for God.

George “Midget” Whirley is a spiritual giant, despite his earthly stature. He reminds me of Peter, full of passion and zeal, and wisdom based on life experience and a true relationship with God.

Jim Harmon, along with his wife Yvonne, are answering God’s call by ministering to those forgotten by so many other people, both secular and Christian. The work God has done in their own lives is a living testament they now pass on to others.

Sean Welton has gone through so many trials by fire, and he’s emerged a better man. He’s now equipped with the spiritual armor necessary to pass it forward to others who, like him, have struggled with life and the law.

And Carl… Carl Beadle is such an inspiration to me. He reminds me where true service lies – in simple willingness, both to listen and to act. His willingness has affected the lives of thousands.

More often than not, we have every excuse to sit around, further insulating and isolating ourselves from the real world around us. We prefer the comforts of home, and the toys of convenience to help time pass.

But listen up folks. This life of ours is short. None of us will be lying on our death beds wishing we had spent more time watching football or finding that great deal at Target or making our lawns better manicured or the interior design of our house more polished.

Now I don’t mean to say these things are inherently wrong…no, not at all. But when our own preoccupation with them becomes detrimental to the relationships we should be seeking, then we have lost. And we’re not fulfilling the duties of our Christian claims.

Unchained reminds me that I don’t need to wait until I feel polished in my delivery. I don’t need to wait until I have the right credentials or degrees that verify my talents.

The reality is that God is the one waiting…on me…to be willing. And then, real life begins.

Blessed to be Behind Bars

Like any other creature, we as humans, aren’t intended to live in close confinement. Something about it is unnatural. Something about it breeds anxiety, restlessness and angst.

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Bound by Chains and by Christ

This chapel was a safe place to gather beyond the normal tensions of life behind bars…a rare taste of collective unity amid the underlying discord associated with incarceration.

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Photo Gallery: Chrome Tailpipes, Black Leather and True Change

Jail and prison ministry is at the heart of the outreach by Unchained Ministries, but the motorcycle club does far more.

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A Willing Servant

Who’d have thought this old country boy in suspenders could have such an impact in people’s lives?

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Pushed Backward but Pressing Forward

Sean Welton wouldn’t see his mom again for 25 years. He was eight years old at the time.

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I’ve spent three weeks trying to keep up with Safe Families for Children as they worked throughout Indianapolis. These guys dedicate every waking (and sometimes interrupted sleep) moment to helping families and children in crisis. What’s the incredible tool they use to bring help and hope to these families?

Regular people like you and me.

Suburban families are turning their homes into safe havens for children in need of temporary placement. Volunteers are surrounding families in crisis to help them get back on their feet. Families from different worlds are opening their hearts to one another and forming relationships.

Safe Families works for great kids like Bethany.

Everything I’ve seen here in Indianapolis has touched me, but I know it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Safe Families operates across the United States to reconnect communities, inviting us to reclaim our role as true neighbors to one another. As you’ll read about here, amazing things happen when we answer that call.

It Just Makes Sense

I’m diving into Safe Families, Indianapolis. They may be ordinary people caring for children and families in crisis, but you’ll see their impact is extraordinary…

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Safe Families on the Road

Ride along with Safe Families volunteer Jan Clark as she explains what makes this awesome organization tick.

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It Takes a Village

Meet a woman whose struggle overwhelms but inspires me. She is facing big obstacles with even bigger support from Safe Families.

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Photo Gallery: It Takes a Village

Now that we’ve heard Tabby’s story in “It Takes a Village,” it’s time to see everyone who’s involved in supporting this incredible woman and her family.

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We Have Room

Read about my experience living with the Smith family and the children they are hosting through Safe Families. This family knows what it means to open their home and hearts to others…

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Encouraging Perspectives

Meet Tracy and Lisa, the Safe Families social workers who I’ve grown to love. Listen to their perspectives on how God is at work in this ministry…

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The Messy Stuff

What happens when a Safe Family must say goodbye to the child they hosted? In the case of the Ray family, the farewell marked the beginning of a much bigger experience.

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I am always humbled when I think about the incredible work being done by my friends around the world – dedicated servants giving their lives for a cause bigger than themselves.   And rarely is that more evident than with my dear friends in Kibera Slum.

Despite great emotional hardship, unrelenting physical problems and a constant lack of material resources, the leaders of Tumaini Church continue to press on.

One of my newest friends in Kenya…

This summer, I once again had the tremendous opportunity to live in Kibera and spend time following these leaders around.  Although most of my time this summer was spent caring for our summer interns, I did have several chances to write about my experiences.

What I discovered is this: the kingdom of God is breaking into the slums of Nairobi, but it isn’t coming with much fanfare or applause.  It is breaking in through the quiet, ongoing work of servants who are unafraid to give everything for the cause of justice in the world…

Back Again

What is a video-game playing, latte drinking, lawn mowing suburbanite doing living in a Kenyan slum?

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A Loss for Words

After hearing George’s story, I was completely speechless…

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A Breathtaking View

What do you do when someone you love has a medical emergency… and the doctors do not care?

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Photo Gallery: Problems or People?

Ever wonder why so many of our good intentions in the slums of Kenya come to nothing?

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Culture Guide: American Chopper

Renting a motorcycle for the day so I can learn how to ride: $10. Learning in rural Kenya while dodging cows on dirt roads? Priceless.

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As I sit and reminisce about my time in Kenya, faces stand out to me most, and the personalities that accompany them. The people I met at the clinic touched my heart. The work they perform inspires my soul. And the laughs we shared will be remembered always.

It was a refreshing reminder for me. Despite any cultural differences that exist, people are people the world over. They laugh, they cry, they hurt, they heal, they offend, they forgive and they forget. As human beings, far more unites us than divides.

This fact is yet another reason I love reading biblical passages…the universal appeal. No matter who we are or where we’re from, it cuts through the layers and speaks to the divine imprint we all share.

A month into my stay, one of my favorite clinic employees, Carol, gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Before I left Kenya, staffer Maureen (bottom-left) escorted me to Carol’s house for a visit with her family.

My time in Kenya reminded me that I have a true family throughout the world. It reminded me that my brothers and sisters are out there doing what so many prefer to pay mere lip service. My Kenyan compadres are bearing fruit, and it’s ripened to perfection.

God only knows if I’ll ever make it back to Nairobi, but I can’t wait to see my siblings again, even if it’s in the Great Beyond, which will likely entail a much better reunion party anyway.

I just hope it includes mandazis and chai.

Faith in the Land of Lions

These are folks who embody the call to be God’s eyes, ears, hands and feet here on earth…

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A Dirty Indictment

She caressed their heads. She spoke tenderly to them. She picked them up and inspected their sores. There wasn’t pity in her eyes. There was loving kindness.

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The Difference of a Day

With little more than a solemn expression, Winnie gave me a healthy dose of reality, and to my surprise, I was long overdue.

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This Little Light of Mine

Criminals own the night here, and no one is immune.

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Food Poisoned by a Free Lunch

It seems like every time I turn around, I’m hearing about how much someone needs.

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Photo Gallery: Realities

While bellies may not always be full, people find help through that interdependence.

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Change From Within

Malaria, typhoid and yellow fever are like common colds to them. Yet they still find the ability to treat every patient like a VIP…

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My time in Nairobi, Kenya transformed me in a way I didn’t expect. I knew that living in a foreign country would affect my heart for the needy and my knowledge of the world, but I didn’t prepare to change as a writer. On an everyday basis I found stories that I couldn’t get out of my head and faces that wouldn’t leave my heart.

As I worked alongside the incredible staff at Beacon of Hope, their passion and everyday faithfulness compelled me to change the way that I wrote and the way that I looked at the world.  By the end of the summer, I found I had become a storyteller, someone who was involved and affected, not just an observer.

The stories I found made me look past the ugliness of dependency and the tragedy of desperation to be able to see the beauty of hope.  That hope came from the ways Beacon of Hope empowered the community to sustain themselves and worked to heal the hurts of those in need.

There is joy and hope in every circumstance.

But it wasn’t easy. Some situations that I encountered were uncomfortable to think about and some images I captured were hard to look at. There are stories I couldn’t tell because I couldn’t process them while they were happening. Now that I’ve returned home, I’m asking myself questions about compassion, service and justice that are too disconcerting to have easy answers.

Still, somewhere along the way I’ve come to the conclusion that searching for hope often shows you more darkness than you’d care to see. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the needs in the world, the crushing darkness of poverty, hunger, and corruption. But no matter what the situation is, no matter how hopeless it seems, I’m more convinced than ever that God’s redemption covers everything.

There is no circumstance beyond his control, no person beyond his reach. In the mess of the world, God still has a plan… and His story is the one I’m really telling.

Better Plans

After coming to Kenya, I found out not being in control was harder than I thought…

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Photo Gallery: Creating a Future

Classes at Beacon of Hope are giving women more than just new skills…

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The Exceptions

What happens to the ones you can’t help?

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Without Words

So much can be communicated without using words.

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One of Them

Despite our differences, I’ve never felt more at home.

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Burdened

There’s one need I can’t keep to myself…

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I spent June and July of 2011 with ZanaAfrica, an organization that works to empower girls in Kibera slum, Nairobi with a surprising tool: sanitary pads. I may not have understood the burden of menstruation to women living in poverty at the beginning of my trip, but I quickly learned that even something as natural as a monthly period is limiting the potential of impoverished girls all over the world. Luckily, ZanaAfrica is working to stop this.

These girls have bright futures ahead of them.

During my time with ZanaA, I traveled with field agents to schools in Kibera where they distributed sanitary pads and held monthly EmpowerNet lessons to teach computer skills and discuss important topics like self esteem, sex education, and basic health and hygiene.  Spending time in Kibera was often overwhelming and frustrating, but I was moved to find that so many intelligent, motivated girls are able to stay in school for the entire month because of the help they’re getting from ZanaA.

ZanaA is communicating the love of God through actions—they show girls that they are treasured, valuable young women and not burdens. These girls have so much to tell the world. Feel free to read their blogs and listen to this song they want to share.

Stay Safe!

After a brief meeting with Zana Africa in Nairobi, “stay safe” is a request that I don’t want to follow…

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Empowerment to EmpowerNet

How nine little laptops are connecting the girls of Kibera slum to the world.

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Photo Gallery: Girl Power in Kibera

See how Zana Africa is helping unleash the potential of girls in Kibera slum with computers and sanitary pads

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Men Who Fight for Women

Men talking about pads? Read why we’re never really “out of place” in the fight for social justice.

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An Education in Education: Part I

My experience as a Kenyan high schooler (aka my most frustrating day of school ever).

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An Education in Education: Part II

Day 2 of Kenyan high school: a refreshing look at what’s here instead of what’s missing.

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Photo Gallery: The Future of Kenya Speaks

Read what ZanaA students have to say about themselves and the future—things are looking bright!

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“Epic,” “legit” and “rad” are words in my everyday vocabulary.

Naturally, I thought my summer kickin’ it in Kenya would be all of these things. I was wrong.

I lived in a townhouse. I played Hide-and-Seek with my Kenyan little sister, baby brother and cat, Tracy. I worked at an office controlling Tanari Trust’s social media.

Most of the time, I was uncomfortably comfortable—eating fast food, watching new releases and using indoor plumbing.

Kenya’s future entrepreneurs.

While I yearned for unknown adventure, I found myself surrounded by the unexpectedly ordinary.

And I discovered that I kind of dig typical things.

I like following an office dress code if it ushers me into community. I like going to camp if it reminds me of my beliefs. I like hanging out with teenage girls if it inspires me to change the world.

God has this thing for the ordinary.

At least that’s what I learned this summer surrounded by a welcoming family, loving coworkers and boy-crazy future entrepreneurs.

Transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

I guess it was a pretty rad summer after all.

Stuck in the Suburbs

When I learned I was spending the summer in Kenya, I never imagined my life would be so intriguingly ordinary!

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Better Than Alright

Change starts with a girl…

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Modest is Hottest

Apparently, the clever ladies’ Christian T-shirt adage is right—at least in Nairobi!

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Kingdom Camping

Sometimes salvation is closer than it seems…

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Photo Gallery: Young Entrepreneurs

All it takes is a girl.

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The Measure of Success

They say, “A business is only as good as its product.”

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