Oikogeneia is the Greek word for family, it means, "household unit of related people, possibly extending to a clan or tribe." (Definition from the Tyndale Life Application Study Bible.)   The bible tells us that families are something we have to cherish. They play a crucial part  in our spiritual and emotional growth and maturity. God has blessed with an amazing family, who I have had the joy of loving for the past 3 months. Christ  has changed me an immense amount through these seven-teen people . I'd like to tell you a little about this amazing family (tribe) of mine.

I wasn't going to write about each of the 17 of my family members, because I thought it would be a bit too much for you to read, but I ended up doing so. We'll go through the picture that I've placed at the bottom. (We're gonna go left to right with this.) On the far left is Ryan, Ryan has become like a little brother to me. He's an awesome man of God, and has become very over protective of us girls. (Any guy looking to date one us should be warned, he‘s tough!) Tyler, well, he's one of the coolest people ever (he's from Oregon!). He's passionate about everything he gets involved with, and has a growing love and passion for Christ that is evident daily. Next is Blair, he's the grandpa of the group, and not just because he's the eldest of the students. Blair has knowledge and wisdom that is unmistakably a gift from God.  On the other side of the picture is Davie, if you wanna laugh or hear a good story, call this guy. His joy abounds constantly, and that smile rarely leaves his face. He has the faith of a child and shows the love that Jesus commands us to, to everyone he comes in contact with.  The man with the glasses is Matt, our male leader and head of the house hold. I have learned more from his quirky ways of teaching than I have from most pastors. He has the Jesus glow like no other. He's also the absolute funniest person I have ever met. Ever.

Alyssa (left in the blue tank top) is one of my ministry partners and role models. She has constantly kept an awesome, Christ like attitude throughout the semester and all of the problems associated with our ministry. She challenges me daily in my walk with Christ. Sarah K (also from Oregon) is one of the most tenderhearted people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She has a way of making everyone feel loved, and reflects Christ in all she does. Isabel (one of our leaders) is next, this Texas born and raised beauty brings spice to our life. She's always smiling and laughing, her laugh is contagious. She loves unconditionally always, no matter what (Jesus shine!!). Next to Isabel is Mary. Mary is one of my favorite people, ever. She, like Isabel has an amazing, contagious laugh. Her joy fills the house and her insight fills my mind. Mary has a way of making everyone look at things a little differently. Sarah T-- oh my, this girl is crazy! Crazy about Jesus! She brings joy to my life all day long. When I was scared in the eye of the storm of spiritual attacks she let me sleep in her bed and comforted me. ( Made me feel like a child running to her mommy to check for monsters under the bed.) Layne Carson, she is my confidant. This girl has been my bunk mate and one of my best friends this entire trip. She's the one I can tell a problem to and she'll laugh, tell me she loves me, and speak truth in to my life. God has truly blessed me with this Christ centered friendship that will last a lifetime.

My discipler, Melissa, starts off the next row. She came in to this group when we got to Swazi this semester and has fit in perfectly. She always has a hug and encouragement for all of us. She is a joy in my life and also has that Jesus glow. (oh-- and I should add that she is hilarious and is always up to no good, in a good way.) Gail, well, Gail is one of those friends.... She's constantly (even when she doesn't know it) encouraging and challenging me. She's one of those who, when she speaks, everyone in the room listens. Her insight and love for Christ and His people have changed lives, especially mine. Jillian is next, this little thing has more energy and spunk that most children. Which is probably why she is as amazing with kids as she is.  She never seizes to amaze me with her wisdom and insight. I'm next, and let me tell you, this group of people around me.... THEY ROCK!!! (I'm doing really well, and can't wait to tell ya'll in person how God has changed me through them.) Sweet Caroline (final of our four leaders), she's got this passion for people that can only come from God. Her love for all of us astounds me, and her laugh screams Jesus shine! Alene is my other ministry partner and close friend. She's amazing with the girls that we teach at Cherish, always eager to teach and dig deep. She's an excellent roll model for young girls. (And it doesn't hurt that she loves baking and we love eating. ) Loretta is last but certainly not least. This girl is the Gogo (grandma) of the group (not because of age, but because of maturity) . She keeps us all in check, especially when we goof off  ( bouncing coins off the tile and accidentally hitting Sarah T in the face).  She clearly loves Christ with all her heart and shows that to everyone, always.

This is the most amazing, random, beautiful, crazy, just straight weird group of people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our family is a little dysfunctional but I wouldn't have it any other way. Coming in to this, if you would have told me my life would be  wrecked beyond belief, changed drastically, and thrown back together beautifully-- I never would have believed you. During worship and communion on Sunday night I realized how much I truly love this family of mine, and how hard its going to be to leave them in just a few short weeks. Davie's friend once told him that there are people who come into your life and leave. And there are people who come in to your life and leave an impression. Melissa likes to call this process "foot prints on your heart". These insane people left foot prints on my heart that will never be washed away.