World-class begins where your comfort zone ends

“World-class begins where your comfort zone ends.” I recently heard this phrase in The 5 AM Club, an audiobook I started listening to on long drives. It struck me immediately when I heard it and I had to rewind the track twice to relisten, for it hit home for situations I was currently navigating inContinue reading “World-class begins where your comfort zone ends”

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it

“Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all more necessary, and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, whereas our more presentable parts do not need this. But God has so constructedContinue reading “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it”

A home and its function

“By wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is established; And by knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and pleasing possession.” – Proverbs 24:3-4 I’ve read four pages of Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors tonight. Just four, and I am sitting here bawling. The way she describes her home asContinue reading “A home and its function”

2024 – A milestone year of growth

What do I say about a year that beat me down and simultaneously gave me life? It’s hard to explain the freedom felt from seeing God’s world contrasted with the confinement of loneliness. Of three good people lost and cancer and unrest and injustice, and yet standing under waterfalls and feeling the trunk of elephantsContinue reading “2024 – A milestone year of growth”

Sickness of the Body

Theology of the bodyWord and tradition agreePraises our unique valueAnd human dignity. Subconscious of manAffirmed by mankind Turns beauty to disgustCreates flaws we can’t unfind. Physical and mentalA sickness slowly destroysRemoves us from the heart of lifeThat God created to be enjoyed.  A body wearing downMore rapidly it seems Wearing down until it breaksIts functions getting lean.Continue reading “Sickness of the Body”

The aftermath of the trip: processing being home

As I reflect on this trip, it’s easy to feel like I didn’t do enough. Like I made bonds with these kids who are desperate for love, then abandoned them again. Left them heartbroken and missing us. Was that really worth it? Did we really do good here? Then, I remember that GROW was notContinue reading “The aftermath of the trip: processing being home”

Markets, temples, and elephants: exploring Thailand’s culture

After a quiet bus ride as our team processed leaving the GROW home, we arrived in Chiang Mai. We had booked three days at the end of the trip for our team to debrief together, as well as explore the land we were visiting. While we enjoyed the time together and excursions, I believe mostContinue reading “Markets, temples, and elephants: exploring Thailand’s culture”

The bricks that bind us: gutting goodbyes

As I reflect on our time at GROW’s campus, I am proud of our team for all they accomplished, and the hard work and sweat they poured into the construction and various projects for the mission. However, I am most proud of the courage they demonstrated through opening their hearts to the children and ourContinue reading “The bricks that bind us: gutting goodbyes”

Teak bedposts and bamboo railings: campus improvements

After a week of labor, our team was able to complete the masonry on approximately 23 wall sections in the new girls’ home— a huge feat, especially in the mid-90 degree heat. Throughout our time at GROW, we had also learned of various projects outside of the main building that they needed help fixing on campus, including: Continue reading “Teak bedposts and bamboo railings: campus improvements”