act love walk

Seeing a lot more sunrises these days

preview of the finished portraits :) (Taken with instagram)

flight001:

The name of this blog has changed from Window Seat to 001 Country Per Year. 

We started this blog with a simple idea in mind: to inspire travel every day. Since our start in October of last year we’ve welcomed you in by the thousands! We’ve been both amazed and humbled by this community’s knowledge and desire to travel the world, not to mention the thousands of photo submissions from your travels!

THE CHALLENGE: For the next chapter we’d like to not just inspire you to travel the world, but to promote cultural connections. Our challenge to YOU is simply to visit one new country every year. If you’re unable to travel to a new country we challenge you to learn more about a country or culture you’re unfamiliar with.

WHAT’S YOUR 2011 COUNTRY?

(Source: flight001)

Afternoon reading

cameronstrang:

Creatives: The seminal Ira Glass quote (you know the one I’m talking about) has been animated. And it holds up.

Lately, I’ve caught myself thinking about the sanctuary at New Hope more. Even today I had a want to go there. I realize it’s most likely because I’m currently homeless (and temporarily unemployed), and if I really wanted my own space I either would have to drive four hours to my parent’s house in Houston or stand in a bathroom stall or fitting room to find alone time (I’m currently writing this while I kill time at a barnes & noble).

While living at the community center/church for the summer I made a habit out of eating cereal in there in the mornings. After I rolled out of bed and showered, I’d pour myself a bowl of generic brand crunch berries left over from visiting mission teams and I would sit in one of the pews and soak up the quiet before the kids would arrive. Sometimes it was just me and other times fellow camp counselors would join, and we’d sit in peace, with an unspoken agreement that this is quiet time. Some nights the sanctuary served as a literal sanctuary from the roaches and other small creatures that liked to make appearances in the bunk rooms. And on those nights I’d drag my blanket and pillow and take rest on a pew (usually a few rows back, as there was a huge window at the front). I’ve been woken up by pastors preparing to pray at 5 am, and by neighborhood children peering in, choosing to pass the time until camp by watching me snooze. It was also a great place to nap after a long day of camp. Our team met, prayed and argued in there. Chapel with the campers was held there each morning, and three different churches passed through it’s doors each week. I guess it’s sort of humorous to me now that it served as such a multi-tool, but really what makes it so great is that it actually became what it’s name implied. During my time working at New Hope, I saw so many people find rest in that room, myself included. Whether it was in quietly enjoying cereal, napping, laughing, worshipping, or early morning prayers. And it makes sense that I long for it now, when I could use a place to rest. It should be a space the community finds solace and familiarity in. It should be well worn, as all church spaces should be.

You’re never too old for music posters #art

       

As most of you know, it has been an adventurous time for me while living in Dallas. What started out as a summer camp counselor position turned into a year interning with a great nonprofit organization. There was everything from community service projects with youth, to photography and design, and even helping start a church plant. Its impact on me has been so significant and I have grown so much through it. My experience would not have had the impact it did if it were not for the people I had the chance to work with and call my friends. While we served in the city of Dallas, my coworkers, John and Allison, also shared with me the passion for Kenya that God placed in their hearts. As I worked alongside them, I heard more stories about Kisumu, Kenya and the children they love. Soon these people who were dear to my friends started to mean much more to me as well. This past fall I was able to become a sponsor myself to Eunike. Eunike is 10 years old and lives with her mother and two younger sisters. Though she is old enough to attend school, Eunike has fallen behind because her mom doesn’t earn enough money to send her to school. She has only just finished first grade. Sadly, these struggles are very common for kids in this slum. Through Ndoto, however, she has hope.

Ndoto is a Kiswahili word that means “dream”, and is the name of the organization that Allison and John founded. Those working with Ndoto believe passionately in the future of Kenya and its communities, and are working to empower the youth of Kenya to change their own communities. Ndoto focuses primarily on providing student sponsorships for children in Obunga, a slum in Kisumu, Kenya. One of the great things about Ndoto is the importance placed on discipling the kids in their program, providing mentorship and spiritual growth opportunities in addition to an education. Many Ndoto students are looking forward to becoming doctors, entrepreneurs, and teachers, and Ndoto encourages them to reinvest in their own communities, passing on the blessings they have received. 

Ever since I can remember it has been a dream of mine to travel to Africa. As I grew older my dream turned into a great care for the people who called Africa home. I knew one day I would go, but it would need to be as a part of something greater than just fulfilling my dream of visiting. When John and Allison invited me to be a part of Ndoto’s trip this August, I knew this was the opportunity I had asked God for. I am excited for how I can serve both Ndoto and the individuals who are continuously being blessed through their efforts. During our time in Obunga, we’ll be providing two spiritual retreats, one for primary-school and the other for secondary-school students. We will also be providing a VBS program for youth in the community who are not yet part of Ndoto. We will also spend time visiting with families in their homes, and we will be providing some basic medical care, as one of our team members is a pediatrician. I will also have the chance to photograph new Ndoto students. Overall, we will be the body of Christ as we serve together and bring His love through the relationships being built in this slum.

I could not be more excited for the future of Ndoto and for the trip this August. As I prepare for it, I ask, above all, for your prayers. Please pray for our team, that we would have safe travels, health, and guidance during our time there. As God instructs us to care for the orphans and widows, pray that He will use us to further bring His kingdom into this slum and to help lift his children up. I also ask for your prayers as the cost of this trip is $2,250, and with school, work and my upcoming move I can’t afford it on my own. As you pray, if you feel led to give towards the trip, I would be so blessed and honored by your partnership in this mission. Below I’ve included different ways that you can donate. All gifts are tax-deductible.

I can’t wait to share with you all the stories from this exciting and meaningful adventure!

How You Can Contribute:

 

Donating online:

1) Go to ndoto.org, and click on “Get Involved”

2) Choose the “One –Time Donation” option via PayPal, where you can then enter your amount

3) This part’s important! After you have made your donation, you will need to let Ndoto know where the funds will go. Please use the note I have written below to send to Allison at info@ndoto.org

Dear Allison,

I am a friend of Michelle Nelson and have recently contributed to Ndoto through PayPal. I would like for this donation to go towards the trip taking place in August.

Thank you,

Your Name

Donating by mail:

1) You may send donations to 2526 Rosebud Ct., Carrollton, TX 75006

2) Make sure to make any checks out to Ndoto

3) Please do not write my name on the check, but instead include a short note with the donation that will ensure that it will go towards the trip. I have written a note below that I would love for you to use.

The included donation is to go towards the Ndoto trip taking place in August. I am donating it in honor of Michelle Nelson.

Lastly, you are welcome to give donations to me in person:

1) Make sure to make any checks out to Ndoto

2) Please do not include my name on the check

3) Instead of mailing, hand donation to me.

4) Receive a loving hug from me!

dallas, tx (Taken with instagram)

Taken with instagram