trust

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion 

which cannot be moved but abides forever.

Psalm 125:1

Sometimes I just don't worry about things like other people might...sometimes I freak out about things that no one else ever would. But I strive to be a person who trusts in the Lord with unshakable faith. I have found that the more risks I take for the sake of Christ's call on my life, the more easily trust comes. This probably has more to do with His provision than my practice, but it is welcomed nonetheless.

I pray that in our next transition, I still find the opportunities to take risks that will bring me closer to the heart of my Savior...and closer to being like an unmovable mountain.

Much love,

eat some turkey for me...

and watch some football for the hubbs!

We will be celebrating tomorrow with some American students in Kigali...two turkeys and some pre-recorded football...can't beat that...or actually...you can...with family...

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

put a little Rwanda under the tree...

Check out www.azizilife.com all day Thanksgiving Day until the Sunday after for 20% of everything! I'm not really for "Black Friday shopping"...but I am all for you bringing some Rwanda into your Christmas traditions :)

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

love language

so it came off of an American Eagle Christmas advertisement...but I don't think anything has ever described one of my love languages in such a concise way...

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

happy birthday, hubbs!

I still have moments where it dawns on me that I am married to Jon Newlin...and I still wonder how exactly God worked that one out...and I am amazed and thankful everyday for His working in our lives.

God is good and so is my husband.

Happy birthday, hubbs! I can't wait to see all that your 27th year will bring for us!

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

don't keep your love

Lately, I have been seeing the beauty of being generous with kind words.

You know when you are are on Facebook and you look over and see that it's someone's birthday? And you think to yourself, "Well, I haven't talked to them in years...do I really want to come out of no where with a 'Happy Birthday!'"...or...it's someone that you don't know very well but admire?

I have challenged myself to not let anything (feelings of awkwardness, mainly) stop me from sending some words of love and admiration the way of those who come to mind or pop up in that column on Facebook. 

Flickr

A few kind words can go a long way. Almost every person that I have been intentional with has commented on how much they appreciated my words, and all of them have responded positively. 

Are you up for the challenge? When ever you feel that little nudge that says you should send someone a note, an email or a Facebook message...are you up to following through? Or how about whenever it is someone's birthday, instead of just writing "Happy Birthday!", you include a little message of encouragement or a comment letting them know what you appreciate about them?

Being generious with kind words does the soul good.

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

the cutest little owl in the world

It is my pleasure to introduce to you 

{Kate Anna} 

the cutest little owl in the world!

Oh my goodenss, these jeans are TO DIE FOR!

She is adorably modeling my "Owl Always Love You" set for baby...which I made this summer and sent on it's way to be waiting for Kate's arrival. Sadly, it got lost in the mail for, like, 2 months...but the universe knew that this little set was perfect for Miss Kate, so there was no stopping it!

{if you are interested in ordering one, send me an email or leave a comment! I'll be back in the States mid December. Check out my crochet page for more deets and styles!}

Ryan + Lizz: I am so happy that I got to contribute to Kate's wardrobe and that I know her super awesome parents. Wish that our worlds were closer together...nonetheless, we have Facebook!

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

11/11/11

I have been overly excited about this day...so much so that I saved my Lovely Visitors count to post...

I think say "lovely" hit 11,111 about three weeks ago...

Happy 11-11-11!!!!!

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

do the dew

Dear Uncle Stan:

When I was in Uganda, I had many drinks to choose from...but chose the sacred juice of the mountains...in your honor...feel special.

Also, I had to go all the way to Uganda to get mustard.

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

the time for Christmas music is here!

I look forward to listening to Christmas music, starting October 31st, all year long. In fact, sometimes when my iTunes is on shuffle and a Christmas song comes on, and it is July...I usually let it play through :)

Since being in Rwanda, I have enjoyed daily devotions and hymnal singing with my Azizi Life co-workers. And can I just say that it has taken a lot of effort on my part to not request any Christmas carols?...I have to hold out until December. This does not, however, keep me from looking up Christmas songs and trying to sing them to myself in Ikunyarwanda. I thought I would share one with you...

Away in a Manger

Mw ivuka ryawe, Yesu, bakuryamishije

Mu kiraro kigawa, mu muvure w'inka.

Wasasiwe, Mukiza, ahadakwiriye.

Nubg' ur' Uwaturemye, ni ko wagiriwe!

Nimuze yemwe bana, tumuhimbarize

Ko yaryaminishijw' atya, mu muvure w'inka.

Dushim' Umwami Yesu, tumukundir' ibyo,

Ko yabay' umukene kubg' abanyabyaha.

Umfashe, Mwami Yesu, kuguhora hafi,

Ngo ngukunde, tuban' iminsi yanjye yose,

Kandi n'abandi bana, na b' ubiyereke,

Bagukunde, dushiman' urukundo rwawe.

And half of the letters don't make the sound that you think they would. 

So, here's to Christmas music and the season of love + community that it celebrates!

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

I left my rock in the USA

Yes, I miss my family, friends and food...but I also miss my engagement ring...every single day...

I look every down most days and think about how wonderful of a job the hubbs did...almost 3 years ago, now.

Much love to the hubbs,
Emily Elizabeth

the older women

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, hard working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 

{Titus 2:3-5

I am thankful everyday for the godly, older women that have been in my life. When I was having quiet time this morning, this verse brought my mother and grandmothers to mind. I feel that these women have embodied  Titus 2:3-5...they have provided for the other young women of my family and me examples of how to be a loving wife...self-controlled, pure, hard working...and yes, submissive to their husbands...not that they really have to be all that much...because my father and grandfathers take care of their wives like they are a precious treasure.

I am thankful that I have had so many wonderful examples of loving marriages in my life. It really helps a newlywed out!

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

happy November!

November is a wonderful month, I think. Although we should take time to be thankful everyday of our lives, November is a month where it is hard to forget to take the time to do just that.

Right now I am working on a cultural impact paper for my Master's program...which basically involves my interviewing an entire Azizi Life artisan group, their neighbors and local leaders. I'm almost done with the first phase with the help of Jeannine, Sheila and Venantie (my Rwandan co-workers). It's been a joy to work with them so closely on this project and for us all to find out new, exciting information together.

When I think about the work I am doing with Azizi Life, sometimes it can be easy to feel useless and ineffective...I mean...is selling handicrafts really going to change the world? But after interviewing the women of Abarikumwe Cyeza, I am inclined to think that selling handicrafts is just what the world may need...

When asked if she feels that her craft has made her a valuable member of her community, 25 year old Rose Mary said, "My relationships with my family, friends and neighbors were good there was no problem, but after having this craft as my main income source my relationship with them has grown or improved more, I can resolve some problems for them, I can contribute in their growth and development."

You see, when someone buys a product from Azizi Life, they are providing opportunity for an entire Rwandan community...who knew that job creation, personal growth and development, financial stability and money lending could all be woven together in a pair of earrings?

It absolutely amazes me.

So while we are thinking about all the things to be thankful for this month...might you consider giving someone a reason to be thankful for you?

Christmas shopping is in full swing (and I must admit that I am sad that I am missing the hustle and bustle of it all)...why not purchase some of your gifts from Azizi Life and share the story of hope and opportunity for the women of Rwanda with your loved ones?

And better still, why not host a bazaar or a catalog show with your friends or church family to give others the opportunity to participate in the good work Azizi Life is doing?

And even better still, why not add the Azizi Life artisans and artisan groups to your prayers. Just as we all have experienced, conflicts can arise at any moment when we are working with others...if you can pray that God would protect the hearts of our artisans from the Evil One that is sure to attack such obviously blessed work...that would be amazing.

Be assured that I am thankful for you, as a lovely friend. Your reading and staying caught up with my blog(s) means more than you will ever know!

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

P.S. Again, you don't want to miss our Nile Rafting Adventure...check it out here!