Author Archives: mameshaw

Performing arts, namely dance and theater, have always been a huge part of my life. For many years now, I have invested much time and energy sharing my love for and knowledge of these arts with the next generation. I’m ever-so-thankful that wherever the Lord has led our family, He always provides an outlet forContinue reading “Gifts of Grace”

The other day, I asked MiKenna (our most particular eater) what was her favorite meal that I make. Without hesitating she said, “Chicken Curry!” This dish is one that was introduced to us by our next door neighbors who had us over for dinner one of the first nights we were here at RVA. MichaelContinue reading “Recipe Write-Up”

My, where has the time gone? 365 days ago we boarded a plane in Atlanta, Georgia and made our way to Kenya. Dates are a big part of our lives. We remember dates of births, anniversaries and many other special events. In addition to those I have several more dates that will go with meContinue reading “Where were you a year ago today?”

10 differences between here and there…… 4th of July….if we were out of school for every holiday of the countries represented at RVA, the kids would never learn! So July 4th was another day of school. MiKenna and Brody did do a couple special things in their classrooms, Michael headed up a student softball game, andContinue reading “10 differences between here and there…..”

Upon our arrival to Kenya back in October, there were MANY things which were new, different or strange to us. Over the past 7 months of living here, these differences have become more like second nature to us. Things like pasteurizing milk, making sour cream from buttermilk, walking as the primary mode of transportation, hangingContinue reading “Second Nature”

Easter was different this year…. Who am I kidding? EVERYTHING has been different since we moved to Africa! I do want to share about our first Easter here in Kenya. It was definitely different, but absolutely a blessing! First of all, we had some very special visitors from America. Michael’s parents came to spend a coupleContinue reading “Our First Easter in Kenya…different, but wonderful”

Tradition is a big thing in our family….especially at Christmas. Since we have been married, Michael and I have carried on certain traditions that our extended families started long ago and we have begun our own as well. Thankfully, though we are far from “home” and everything familiar, we were able to continue some ofContinue reading “First Christmas in Africa”

If you were like me, I figured that when Christmas came around, surely we would just go outside and find some kind of branch and have a “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree. Boy was I glad to see this really great tree and strand of lights at the supermarket in Nairobi! A few store-bought and severalContinue reading “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”

This is our first blog entry from Kenyan soil.  We greatly miss our friends and family back in the U.S. but we understand God brought us here for a reason.  We may be moving a step slower from all of our travel, but we are fully energized to get to Africa Based Orientation and toContinue reading “First thoughts, our feet on Kenyan soil”

My head is spinning. Should we sell this? Should we pack that? The air filter needs to be changed. Can’t remember the last time I vacuumed. The kids’ immunizations are finished…wait, how did the doctor miss that Maverick still needed his last Hib vaccine? We’ve only had 15 visits to different doctors in the last 2 months. OurContinue reading “Be Still”