Life Update & Quiet Time Shenanigans

Hello! LOL isnt this a nice surprise? I'm actually quite shocked myself. I was just here doodling and listening to Christian EDM and all of a sudden I'm like "I should write a blog post". I'm still actually trying to figure out what it's going to be about. #HolySpiritcomethrough. I'm kidding but I'm also not.

But before the Holy Spirit shows me what exactly this post is going to be about lets catch up aye? I literally have a month left before second year of university starts and I'm sitting here like *squints* *lowers oversized sun-glasses* wasn't I in 10th grade 1.3 seconds ago? Whats going onnnnnnn. You guys I've literally slacked the entire summer. It's so amazing. Amazingly amazing. For the first month I was like sleep.eat.read.repeat. I honestly can't remember what I did for like..May and June. But let's super casually forget about that. Casually.

Anyway, second year is fast approaching and I'm STILL here like *squinting* *ugly crying* *beating self up for not doing anything during the summer*. I'm kidding I kinda did get stuff done. But more on that later.

ANYWAY. I think I've figured out what this post is going to about wooo! So you guys, honestly one of my favorite things ever is gerrin lost in my quiet time. I still struggle with doing it consistently and stuff. *confession* I get super distracted by my phone/ general internet stuff. It's so bad. But I'm working on it promise. So on the days that I'm able to have a "good" quiet time, it gets so....lit. For lack of a better word. I'm joking, dope is another word that could describe the types of quiet time I've been having recently. I usually use a daily devotional and my Dakes Reference Bible (a super dope Bible with extra explanations etc) and so far its working for me. So I'll read the Scripture for the day, read above and below it a bit. Usually by this time I've been hit by an amazing Scripture that is just blowing my mind away. YALL.

I really wish I was joking but for real, like I'll just be hollering "YAAAAAAAAASSS" but in my head. *insert church claps for extra measure* A couple tears of joy may spring to my eyes because I'm just like "?????" why are You so good to me God?

ANYWAY, enough with my shenanigans. One of those days, I was reading the book James and I stumbled upon James 1:22 which says.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves"

And this is basically what I journaled about it:

So practically it is possible and probably hella easy to hear the Word and not do what it is saying. It’s like receiving wisdom and encouraging the message but practically you are not applying it to you life. Meanwhile you really need the wisdom, but it’s just there, hanging in the air. You’ve got to obey the Word of God. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth. That thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein (Joshua 1:8-9) Don’t just hear it and encourage it. Do it. Otherwise you’re just deceiving yourself. Don’t try and reason blahblahblah. What does the Word of God say?  Then do it. God says don’t steal, kill, lie, so don’t do it. Don’t make excuses for it. Jesus said “feed my sheep” (John 21:17) . Just do it. Ask for the wisdom and strength to do it. Be doers of the Word. We argue too much about what the Bible says. If we accept it as 100% the Word of God then we might as well get to obeying. Holy Spirit, help us to obey the Word of God, to be doers and not hearers only.

I know I've become like that without even knowing. It’s amazing. You hear a powerful word or sermon that requires you to do something. Bearing fruit. It’s powerful, you encourage the message but when you close from church you’ve forgotten the message about bearing fruit. It’s difficult. God didn’t say it was going to be easy. But it is required of us. Go out into all the nations and preach the Gospel. We are sitting comfortably in our air conditioned homes.  We have become hearers only. And we somehow justify it too. I’m telling you it is really God’s mercy that we are even still breathing it’s amazing. I know that I am guilty. This verse has convicted me. Lord have mercy on me. Help me oh Lord


So yea, super convicting. Kinda uncomfortable to read but I think very necessary. Sometimes you have to use the Word of God as a mirror and kinda see where you're at, how you're doing, how you're looking at the moment.

Anywaaaaaaaaaay.  Yes. So apart from that, I'm just sorta kinda recovering from a really amazingly annoying cough/cold sorta thing. Coughing it up here really quickly.
But yes. I hope you've been doing weeeeell and fingers crossed you'll hear from me soon.
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5 Things Freshman Year In Uni Taught Me!

Hello! WOW. You guys. Lets casually not mention how I disappeared for 848424837897891 light years and pretend my blog hasnt began to collect dust. *clears throat* *scratches scalp*
OKAY. Hi! So. Weirdly enough first year / freshman year is over. I dont really get it either I know. It's like yesterday I was all like #gapyeargoals #whatislife #livingitup #whatiseducation. And now i'm like. Well actually I'm still like #whatiseducation. ANYWAY. I'm done. It was a very interesting year to say the least, but let me just stop babbling and get down to this blog post! Great.
SO. First thing I learnt during this eye-roll inducing year was
1) God's mercy and grace abounds. YOU GUYS. YOU GUYS. YO. I've never felt grace and mercy like I did this year. Like, the amount of times I had to ask *ahem* beg God to have mercy on my foolish self was just too amazing. But man. Whatta God you know? He would just turn up and save the day, as is His nature. Like grace. Undeserved favour. Yea that was basically the theme for this year.
2) Prayer is so important! YOU GUYS. PRAYER. WORKS. You can't understand how many times I've been walking to class late because 1) I woke up late 2) there are no shuttles and maybe 3) I really couldn't care less at that point in time, and I'd be praying and saying "when I get to that class which I'm already late for the lecturer will NOT be there. I will get to class before the lecturer does." Mind you my faculty is like 93892898493992 miles away from my hall so. So I'd walk into class and LO AND FREAKING BEHOLD THE LECTURER IS NOT THERE. I'm just like *crying emoji* Jesus why are you so good to me??? No comprendo. I just can't right now. This happened like a gajillion times.  But apart from those emergency prayers, prayer is so important. 
I'm reading this book "How to Pray" by Bishop Dag Heward Mills, and he says  that prayer releases the power of God on your behalf. Like. I don't really know how to explain but I'm so thankful for the ability to open my mouth and talk to God and then He actually hears me and ANSWERS MY PRAYER? LIKE. Sheesh whatta God am I right? I love that I can pray and things can happen for my good.
3) The Christian walk is not easy.  This year was honestly the year that I was like "Hoooold up, this Christianity thing is SO DIFFICULT." Like woah. But then its like you can't even do it on your own so just stop and let God work it out for you. The Bible says that God's grace is sufficient for us because His power is made perfect in our weakness. Struggles were so struggly. But the key to being able to get up when you fall is by not isolating yourself from the body of Christ. Being surrounded by God-fearing friends who can pray for you and declare good things over you is such a blessing. Having mature Christians give you advice and impart wisdom onto your silly self is pretty much a gift from God. I'm really grateful for that. I think it's the thing that kept me almost... sane.
4. Friends that pray together, stay together. Friends that can pray with you as you're walking to above mentioned class that you are late for are definitely keepers. Friends that allow you to stay in their rooms till 1am doing annoying assignments are also keepers. YALL. Friends are awesome, but friends that get you and want to know, love and serve Jesus literally fall from heaven. It's pretty dope. Also friends that make you laugh so hard that you snort are the best.
5. Time is precious. Don't waste it.  I learnt this lesson the hard way. And by the hard way I mean, all nighters, all dayers, falling asleep on tables, asking God to cancel my classes (WHICH HE DID #PRAISEHIM) handing in work and ultimately praying over them and asking God for another chance (see lesson number 1). You guys. I could have honestly saved myself the trouble, stress, sleep deprivation, almost ugly crying in public if i had just not procratinated my life away. YEA. So. Lesson learnt. I think. 
ANYWAY. So those are just 5 things I learnt over freshman year. Theres about 939200293 more, but when I do think of them I'll let you guys know. This is just a sweet and short blog post to kinda blow away the dust that has settled over here. heh.
By the grace of God I'll be on here a bit more regularly. *nervous laugh*
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  - James 1:22

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5 Ways to Fall Deeper in Love with God!

Merry Christmas! Guess who's back for 9.493 seconds! I miss blogging so much it hurts. I can't even count how many times I've said "I miss blogging" just this semester. But yesss I'm back from uni. And by the grace of God I'm done with my first semester! Halleluuuu. 7 more semesters to go. Jesus take the wheel. And the entire vehicle. I don't remember whether I mentioned what I'm studying at uni but oh well. I'm a Communication Design major and I might end up focusing on graphic design in 2nd year. We get to choose between animation, graphic design and marketing/pr/advertising. ANYWAY. Enough about me. Let's get to the real reason of this blog post.

One late evening/early morning as I was studying for exams with church friends, we were talking and I asked the question, "How do I practically love God?" It's a question that I've thought about a lot and I didn't really understand how to love God. So anyways we got to discussing and it was so interesting! So here are 5 super duper simple ways to fall deeper in love with God.

1. Go on a date with Him.

You guys, how fun would it be to go on a date with your Lord and Saviour? Can you imagine grabbing your favorite drink ( a lemonade, or iced Arnold Palmer, or a Malt for me) and a pastry or salad or ANYTHING YOU WANT with God? Then you'd just open up your Bible or journal and put your headphones in and let Hillsong Worship or Young & Free do their thing? You guys. Then you could let God know about everything that's going on in your life, that lecturer who is really tough, your ministry that is or isn't working, that sin that you're struggling with, that family member who needs Jesus so bad. Man. I need that right now. And He'll DEFINITELY let you know how to  deal with everything because He loves you and loves spending time with His princess.

2. Write letters to Him.

You could be on a bus or waiting for a lecture to start and you may or may not have internet connection. You could write a letter to your Heavenly Father and thank Him for opening your eyes and causing your heart to continue beating even as you were asleep. And while you're at it thank Him for the breakfast you got to have (some of us don't have breakfast before those 6am or 8am lectures) Just tell Him stuff. Ask Him questions.

3. Bless Him with your substance.

You could give a special offering to Him just because. He loves that. Wouldn't you love it if someone gave you money and said "Please get yourself an extra large pepperoni pizza because I love you and I know you've been craving pizza." Or is that just me? Oh awkward. But yes. Do it.

4. Have a sleepover with Him.

Stooooooop. Imagine this. Cozy blankets, fluffy socks, hot chocolate or whatever drink you want, PIZZA (always a necessity), your Bible, journal, watercolor paints and Gracious Tempest by Hillsong playing in the background. You guys dont understand how much I need some one on one time with my Saviour. Having a sleepover with Jehovah sounds perfect right now.

5. Go on a walk with Him.

You guys. One time I was walking to do my laundry and I was just talking to God. I was like "God I wish I could hold Your hand,  that would be sooo nice". And then I was also like " God, may Your favor and grace locate me today." When I got the laundry I got a shweet discount on my stuff. I was all *praise hands* *crying emoji* *fist-pumping*. Is it weird talking to God out loud? Cuz it sounds like you're talking to yourself and people might give you all the side-eyes. LH whuever.

So those are some ways to fall deeper with God today! I'm so excited to make all of these a habit. And I hope you do to.

You are loved with an everlasting love. God is love. And He wants to have a relationship with you. No one comes to the Father unless through His Son, Jesus Christ. He's calling you today. Will you answer?


Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Colossians 1:13


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The University Grind : Part I

Hi guys! Wow it's been way too long since I blogged. I feel like I'm always saying that. SMH but I've actually missed writing and being creative so much! I'm not completely abandoning Voyageuse Africaine, I promise. Life is just different and crazy and obviously I'm in a new season of it which is awkward and a bit uncomfortable. SMH who am I kidding it's very uncomfortable. I'm still adjusting, believe it or not. I didn't really think about how long it would take me to mentally and emotionally adjust to university life. I actually didn't think about it at all. I was too busy trying to figure out how I would decorate my space, and how many room mates I would have. On the actual reals.

I realized that I haven't shared much about my university shenanigans. I'm majoring in Communication Design, and God-willing I shall specialise in Graphic Design which is super fun and interesting and yes. Its so crazy to see that even 7 months ago I didn't know which uni I would be in, much less what I would end up doing. But Jehovah has remained faithful even when I am not and  that just blows my little mind.

Spiritually I am just dskjfalkdsfjklafhlks. You guys. Campus Ministry is takes up like 50% if not more of my time. I'm basically either at church, a lecture or my room. Like I have no energy to be in any other place than those three. But it's a blessing because I know church work will be a covering and a shield. My pastor back home, ahem if I can call Kenya my home, said those exact words and it's seriously coming to pass. You literally have no time or energy to be walking around aimlessly or doing things that aren't going to help you in any way. And it's not like I'm missing out on anything either. I have a ton of fun socializing with brothers and sisters in Christ and it can be fun and games, but when its time for real work and prayer, we mean business. I'm excited to see what God has planned and I can't wait to share a testimony of how God has been faithful and how He has worked amazingly in my life.

However, I can't say everything is all fine and dandy. Everything about Campus Ministry and lectures and assignments is hard work. I never really understood what it meant to kill your flesh until I got here. There's days where I go to class without eating. Another example would be sacrificing my "me-time" to serve God. Its hard and uncomfortable, but God doesn't move in comfortable situations. He's obviously breaking me for spiritual maturity.

I have so much to share about the past three months of university life and everything I'm learning and how God is teaching me things. Hopefully, by God's grace I can get back into a bit of blogging.

I hope you dear reader have been doing well! I need you to know that Jesus Christ, the Son of God loves you so much! That is what John 3:16 clearly says. He died on the Cross so that you and I could have eternal life and get to be with Him in Heaven one day. Declare Him as your Lord and Savior and turn away from earthly desires today. James 4:8 says "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded".

You, dear, are loved with an everlasting love. Embrace Jesus' love for you today. He's waiting.


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8 International Praise Songs That Will Get You Moving To The Beat

Hey hey hey! God is good! So you guys may or may not know but I absolutely love to listen to / dance to praise and worship songs in different languages! I myself speak a few so anytime I find a worship or praise song in a language I know I listen to it like 949992929292 times. I love the idea that we all speak different languages but we can still worship + praise the same God, saying almost the same things! How mind-blowing is that? Or is it just me? So here is a compilation of some of my all time favorite praise songs! I absolutely cannot sit still listening to this songs! Always got to do a quick whip + nae-nae when these songs play! Okay I'm going to stop talking and get right into it!

La Buena Vida - Ken Reynolds + Lucia Parker (English + Spanish)
Click here to listen.
I heard this song for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the second the beat + music started I had to get up and do a quick cha-cha. Super quickly.

Hi Hanya Mahala - Mercy Ndlovu ( Tsonga from South Africa)
Click here to listen
Hands down one of my favorite South African praise songs. I really just have to do a hip sashay when this song plays! If you'd like to know what it translates into in English, click here. The lyrics are basically "We win for free in Christ".

Ishokwadi - Mkhululi Bhebhe (Shona from Zimbabwe + English)
Click here to listen.
I heard this song for the fist time before my floral design class on the radio, and I was so sad because  I couldn't remember the lyrics. Then on Sunday, the praise and worship team sang it and I WAS LIKE LORD YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I NEED! I had goosebumps you guys. It was amazing.

Calvary - Zaza (Sesotho from Southern Africa + English)
Click here to listen.
Heard this jamalam at church and I just had to bring out all my dance moves! All of them.

Yahweh - Mali Music
Click here to listen.
This one is a little slower, but I love it so much! It has such simple, yet God-glorifying lyrics.

Victory - Hillsong College
Click here to listen
I always have to fist pump and jump up and down when I hear this song! It's impossible not to. I heard this one at Kids Church Camp and I was likeeeeeee #done #thankYouJesus. Just listen to it.

Il est capable - ICC Mass Choir ( French version of Deitrick Haddon's "He's Able")
Click here to listen.
I actually heard this song first in French and then in English and decided that I liked the French version better.

Tambira Jehovah - Mkhululi Bhebhe (Shona from Zimbabwe + English)
Click here to listen.
UGH. I'm listening to this song as I type and I'm really trying not to hit that nae-nae right now. The lyrics translate into "Come and dance to the Lord". Don't mind if I dooo *hits whip*


I  also recently stumbled upon Hillsong Young and Free's album and I've been JAMMING and praising God like no other! To be honest, the only way you could get me to do exercise would be if Y&F's album was playing. No joke. So those are my all-time favorites! What are some of your favorite international worship or praise songs? I'd love to check them out!

On a more serious note, I want you to know, yes you reading this right now, that the Creator of the heavens and the earth, God, Yahweh, loves you with an everlasting love. In fact, He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins so that you could have a relationship with Him.

 He's calling your name today, He wants to restore, heal, complete and bless you. It's a choice that you can make today. It doesn't matter what you've done in the past, He can and will forgive you! So come as you are! Talk to Him today. I promise it's not as hard as you think it is.  If you want to talk or need some prayer, you can send me a quick message through the Contact Tab at the top of the blog. You are loved. More than you can ever imagine.

The world and it's desires pass way, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.  1 John 2:17

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On Obedience to God + An Update!

Hello! *taps microphone* Is this thing even on? Heh, hiii! Yes I know I haven't blogged in what seems to be about a century or so, and I really don't have an excuse except for the fact that 1) I wasn't sure what I wanted to talk about and 2) I just haven't been feeling it. You know? So anyways here I am. I think Voyageuse Africaine is taking a different turn. I don't want to write just about myself but rather what God is doing to and around me. I've battled with this for quite a while, between what I wanted for my blog and what God wanted for my blog.

But if I am a [part of a] chosen generation, a holy nation, people belonging to God, then I must declare forth the praises of Him who has called me out of the darkness into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:9) Basically what's going to be happening around here is fist pumping for Jesus, clapping all around and just *hands raised* emoji because of Jesus. 

So I guess maybe I'll start from where we sort of left off. I traveled to Ghana sometime in April and it was AWESOME! I love being home. On my way back, I transited through Lagos and Kigali. Well Lagos was just a pick up not actual transit. That was 3 take offs and 3 landings just to get home to my momma. I don't quite remember on which part of the journey that there was horrible turbulence as we were taking off but I was  939108261% done with the pilot! I started freaking out, breaking out into cold sweat and praying it up in the cabin because I just wasn't having any of it.

 Then a still small voice said "Don't you trust Me? Relax!" Or something like that. I was likeee Lord You got it! You are my shield and my fortress. So from that point on I was just chilling. But it was SO profound for me because REALLY upon all the prayer I had prayed concerning my trip I was still freaking out, as if Yahweh doesn't hear the prayers of His children or doesn't answer them. As if I could save myself by freaking out 984873792917176378382 above the ground. So that was the first time I think I had heard that still small voice. It came out of nowhere and completely calmed me. 

I got to Kigali in one piece praise God, and jumped back onto another plane to take me home. I was seated next to a gentleman who could easily be  the age of my father. I read the in flight magazine, closed my eyes and relaxed for take off and then read a bit of Chronicles I think. Then I had a strong conviction to tell this man that Jesus loved him. Once again I started freaking out because I didn't know what I was going to say, or how I was going to say it! Yall I put it off till the cabin crew served us dinner and drinks. I knew I couldn't allow myself to get off this plane without telling this man that Jesus loved him.  I finished drinking my apple juice, and at this point I'm pretty much the most nervous person ever. Then I decided to tell him and this is how the conversation went:

"Excuse me sir, are you getting down in Nairobi or are you continuing to Entebbe?"

"I'm getting down in Nairobi, and you?"

"Oh me too! *pause* I just wanted to let you know that Jesus loves you!"

He chuckles 

"And how do you know that?"

"I just do!"

I can't remember what he said right after that but it was all good in the hood because he was a Christian! He even asked me whether my parents and I were saved. 

I was like LORD YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!!!! LIKE WOW WOW WOW LORD SO IN AWE OF YOU RIGHT NOW! *insert mental fist pumps* *tears rolling down cheeks* *clapping more than necessary*

We had an awesome conversation like really awesome and when we got to Nairobi he made sure I had a seat in the bus that took us to the arrivals hall and the correct form to fill out and everything! Such a blessing. I didn't get to say bye to him as I exited the airport. Lesson learnt? Sometimes it's really hard to obey God because we're frightened but I read in this book that said OBEDIENCE IS WORSHIP. AND awesome things occur when we obey God! Much wow. Such in awe! 

There's approximately nothing I can boast of myself because I was so nervous but God gave me the strength to tell this really nice man about Jesus. And even better he was already saved.  I can only boast of God and His goodness and faithfulness. 

I hope you've been great! Sorry not sorry for the hiatus. Prayers would be really appreciated as university is approaching and I'm just kind of sitting here like *side eye* *cringe*

Has God ever asked you to do something that felt really uncomfortable? I'd love to hear all about it! I have a lot to share with you guys :)

It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm then, and do not allow yourself to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

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On Grace

Hi there! So the fact that I haven't been able to blog in almost two weeks is a huge bummer! Yall my laptop has decided that enough is truly enough and basically gave up on me. Like?? Excuse me Mr. Laptop do you not think I have blogging and other important things to get up to? Much rude. such wow. I want to cry about this. ANYWAY. I wanted to share something important ( in my opinion). So today I was sitting on the bus (recently learnt how to take public transport) and I was thinking, "How would these people know that I'm a follower of Christ, that I'm saved? Like am I REALLY living out my faith boldly? Because I can tweet about it and blog about it and read my Bible and meditate, but IT NEEDS TO CHANGE ME. NORKOR. The Word of God needs to pierce through my being (and it can and does shout out to Hebrews 4:21) and change me from the inside out you know what I mean? Because I'm 14892839% sure that people just going about their day wouldn't know this this life-changing fact about me, by just looking at me. Like "Oh yazz that afro is werqin, she MUST be saved!" Like no. So today I did something I really regret doing. I was walking back home and I basically crossed to the opposite side of the road when I saw this lady and her two daughters begging - basically harassing passersby for money. The moment I crossed the road YALL I felt horrible. Like literally in the middle of crossing the road I was like O_O what am I doing?!/1/111 #HolySpiritConviction up in here. The 1st thought that came to my mind was "would Jesus do that?" and the answer was a straight up "Nahhhh!" I need GRACE. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. From the moment I open my eyes in the morning (because God sustained me through the night Psalms 3:5) to the moment I close my eyes and whisper a prayer to heaven. I need it. I want my heart to be overflowing with grace upon grace. And Jesus IS grace! whaaat? #GLORRAAAAY. LIKE LITERALLY CAN WE JUST? So yes, getting harrassed by beggar children on the streets can get annoying. But Grace yall. Grace, Grace. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5
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Tee & Coco's Prayer Challenge!

Hello! I hope your weekend so far has been great! How'd you spend your Valentine's day? Did your significant other do anything special for you? I want to know about it!My Valentines day was pretty busy! But it was good. Really good. Better than most of my past Valentines day actually. God is good. All the time!

So my best friend, Tee, and I decided that we'd do a prayer challenge. Actually it was my idea that I forced her to join in but that's not important! Kidding. Over this week I've realized how POWERFUL prayer is! I was listening to this podcast by Hillsong Church Sydney and  I dont even know how to explain. It was great. Super blessed by that podcast. ANYWAY. So we'll be doing a prayer challenge. Basically intentionally praying for the people around us and committing them to God y'know what I'm saying? 
If you'd like to join us, please feel free! So here's what we'll be praying for over the next couple of days! Don't even ask why it's a random number of days smh.

 I hope your Sunday has been blessed! Just a super casual reminder that you are deeply loved. 
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
You May Have Missed: Thankful Thursdays The Truth Is.. The Gap Year Grind: Introducing Michel'Lee

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The Truth About My Gap Year : Part II

In which God constantly reminds me that He is faithful even when I am not, and that He has plans for me to prosper! (2 Timothy 2:3 and Jeremiah 29:11) If you missed part I here it is!

So if you follow me on Instagram (@xoNorkor), I think I've posted twice about my gap year and how God has been so good. Man. 
So basically here's the low-down. This gap year I've volunteered at New Life and fallen in love with baby John (who praise God is getting adopted in like a week, I'M CRYING AND HAPPY AT THE SAME TIME). God has been stripping me of some sub-par things within me like impatience. 
Remember when I posted about a new passion? Well I've been praying and internally crying about it and man, God makes a way when there seem to be no way! Like wow. My mind is seriously being blown by God's goodness and how He provides like crazy for me! So I basically wanted to start a small business making little things from Ghanaian fabric and 1. I can't sew. Like I have no training or anything. I think I've used a sewing machine once in my 17 years of life. and 2. We don't have a sewing machine.
 SO. IT ALL SEEMED PRETTY IMPOSSIBLE. Good quality sewing machines are pretty expensive where I live, so I was seriously trying to figure out a way to get a sewing machine. Like looking on the Walmart online store and trying to find people who were going to the US to get it for me ALL THAT KINDA STUFF.
SMH. Long story short, a colleague of my mom's from like 94820923 years ago, who actually remembers me from when I was like 7, is going to hook me up with some sewing training and will help me find a good sewing machine for a reasonable price. I'M JUST LIKE YO. This lady popped outta NO WHERE, and voila, all the pieces are being put together by God. For His Glory alone! Much praising. Such worship.
ALSO. I'm starting a floral design course TOMORROW. I'M SO EXCITED. I love flowers, like seriously look at this post, and a lot of my instagrams. I'm so excited to learn a new skill and ALSO hopefully turn it into a business! My God is so great like w0w. I'm going to be occupied. NO MORE SLEEPING IN. *FIST PUMPSSSSS*
So that's whats going onnn with my gap year! I hope you're doing well yo.
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing. Hebrews 13: 1-2
You May Have Missed: 5 Praise Songs That Will Make You Break Out Into Dance The Leibster Blog Award Thrift Shopping Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

5 Praise Songs That Will Make You Break Out Into Dance

also known as songs I lip sync and pretend to perform to 984982% of the time. I wish this was an over exaggeration. Most of the time when I'm in bleh mood, I've realized that praise songs are a 100% guarantee that my mood will be lifted. Secular music aint got nothing on gospel-inspired music. *snaps fingers* *flips hair*. I honestly wish I could make a video of how I JAM TO ALL THESE SONGS. Things get prettttty serious ( like So You Think You Can Dance serious) around here.

Britt Nicole - Gold

This song is my go to for just a little or a lot of upliftment. Yes Britt Nicole. Just yes.

Britt Nicole ft Lecrae - Ready or Not

One of my favorite jamalams! And my inner rapper makes a quick appearance when Lecrae starts doing his thing. It's great.

Kirk Franklin - Today 

This is honestly such a great song! I used to listen to this every single morning on the way to school and the message is fantastic.

KB - Lighter Fluid

Another gospel-rap song that is LITERALLY MY JAM. You guys. Its ridiculous how much I love gospel-rap like Bible + great lyrics + awesome beats? Yes pleeeease!

Kgotso - Modimo Urifile 

This is one is totally different from the rest because it's a South African praise song. Jamming to this is necessary any time it plays on my iPod. "Modimo Urifile" translates into "God Has Given Us". You can click here to find the lyrics/translation.


All of these songs have amazing messages, are all inspired by the Bible and are sung/rapped by God-fearing people. It's a win-win situation basically. Click the titles to give these songs a listen and let me know which one(s) you like!

What other praise songs make you break out into dance? I'd love to give them a listen

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Thrift Shopping!

Hi! So something you might not know about me is that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THRIFT SHOPPING. Honestly. Like ugh getting cute clothes for super cheap prices is the best feeling. It's almost become a problem because anything above like 500 shillings (5 dollars) literally makes me laugh. Like excuse me no. So ANYWAYS. Yes. Life is good. Thrift shopping is the best.

 So anyways the outfit. Its actually embarrassing how cheap I got these pieces at. The white spaghetti strap top was basically free, and the kimono, which I got two of, was 200 shillings (2 dollars). The jeans I've had forever and the shoes I borrowed / took from my mom.The GORGEOUS bag and silver rings I got at Maasai Market, my favorite place to shop. Obviously I was very pleased with my purchases. Can I just say that my sister and I's combined bargaining game is the strongest thus far? Just ugh yes.

Am I fashion blogger yet? No? Okay.

Also, on a fashion/clothes related note, I read this post on modesty and it struck a chord with me. All of a sudden I get it. I get why modesty is so so important especially as Christians. Our bodies are to be treated as temples. And I'm all for modest fashion to be honest. I'm more aware of the things I wear if that makes sense. ANYWAY that's a whole other post :)

Shout out to mother dearest for complying to my 'pls take my pictures' request. And I think she did quite a fabulous job!

Also, I'm really feeling like Habakkuk 3:17-18 is my verse for my gap year. Mhm

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines. though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18

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5 Scripture Verses For When You Can't See Through the Fog

I feel like I've talked too much on how frustrating my gap year has been so  instead of whining and internally ugly crying about it, here are 5 verses for when YOU (but basically I) can't see through the (metaphorical) fog. I'm pretty sure I need to make these verses into watercolor prints to remind myself on the daily. That's seriously how much I need it yo.

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still. 

I feel like God is seriously teaching me on how to be still because I'm definitely not used to it. In high school I BARELY had time for myself, (#stressfordayzz) much less to be still so hey, I guess this my time to be still.


Proverbs 3: 5

Trust in the Lord will all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Yes. YES. AND YES. I've been learning *ahem* forced to learn to trust in God with everything [uni stuff, basically what I'm supposed to be doing with myself] and even though it looks like the fog isn't quite clearing up, I'm okay. I'm trusting that the God who knew me before I was formed in mother dearest's womb has everything under control.

Jeremiah 33: 3

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

 [I seriously love how the title of this chapter is "Promise of Restoration" YES. YES YES] *fist pumps for dayzzz*


John 15: 4-5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

I really like the version which replaces "remains" with "abide", DEFINITELY learning that as well. APART FROM HIM I CAN SERIOUSLY DO NOTHING. NOT EVEN LIKE 0.1 THINGS. none. also why I am shouting?

Philippians 4:19 

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

THIS. THIS. THIS. YALL. I'm tearing up. He will meet ALL my needs. Yes. Okay then. *more fist pumping* God is good.

I'm on such a blogging roll it's almost too ridiculous. But yeaaa what are some of your favorite verses that remind you that God is in control? I hope your day has been great yo. Like mega super fantastically blessed. That is all. #laterskaterzz

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This Is Want We Need ... Mercy.

[the title of this post comes from this lovely song}

 I've been feeling really discouraged about all the things that are currently happening in this world. It's kind of a wake up call / reminder that human beings are seriously broken and are in need of God's mercy. It reminds me of Cello from Portland by Beautiful Eulogy. I've been debating whether to address that on the blog or just skip over it and write a light-hearted post, but then I remembered that it's my blog and I can actually do what I want *flips hair*

So yea, we are in need of  God's grace every single millisecond of every day and with the way things are going right now I just don't know. I think a lot of intercessory prayer and just crying out to God to save us from ourselves is needed ASAP. That then reminds me of Satisfied in You by the Sing Team and Psalm 42:11 which says "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."  It's really easy to push out the terrible things that are going on in this world and continue to live our lovely, VSCOcam filtered lives, but I don't think that's what God needs us to do. But that's a whole different post.

I can't really explain the feelings that are currently running through so I'm going to stop there.

In other news, remember this post? Well that new found passion / shop has been put on hold because I don't have a sewing machine and hand-stitching and I aren't quite the best of friends. Like I literally hate hand-stitching. It makes me not enjoy the work that I'm doing. So, once I get a sewing machine [ I REALLY WANT THIS ONE], which are apparently hella expensive in Africa, I'll be able to set up shop.


Have you been feeling burdened and/or downcast with all the horrible things that are happening around the world? It physically hurts my heart to hear of such things. How are you coping? Are there any Bible verses that are helping you get through this?

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. - Psalms 42:1

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Thanksgiving: An African Remix

Living in Africa, Thanksgiving celebrations usually go over our heads. It's an American holiday so obviously we don't celebrate it. I guess we don't need an excuse to have a bajillion people over and have food in abundance. That basically Sunday lunch. Just kidding. Kinda.

But this year, mother dearest and I were invited to a Nigerian-American Thanksgiving celebration, which was honestly the literal bomb diggity! The last time we "celebrated" Thanksgiving was like in 2008...for reasons I'm unsure of. ANYWAYS.

Back to the thanksgiving festivities. We all sat down and talked for a few minutes on what we were thankful for, and ughhhhhhh it was so so so great because every.single.person had A LOT  to be thankful for, and it was even more amazing because we were all thankful to God for every.single.thing.

After that, we had a ton of food. There was the obvious turkey thing going on, but we also had a ton of Nigerian/Ghanaian food which was so yum ugh can't. So good. And there was baked ziti which honestly just stole the show.

After the food, was the main event of the night which was dancing. There's nothing like being shy of dancing when it comes to West Africans. Thoughts like "ugh everyones gonna be watching me I'd rather not dance" literally do not run through our minds once Skelewu, Caro and Personally are playing. So sorry. *click the titles to give these songs a listen! They are such jams I cant even*

The living room was cleared out real quick, tables were moved quite speedily and DJ Uncle U played all our jams! We literally only sat down to catch our breaths.

So that was my Thanksgiving! I don't have any pictures because I didn't have my camera with me :(

To end this post, I am thankful for the fact that I am ALIVE, for the hope I have in Jesus Christ, for my amazing family [because not everyone has that, I'm thinking of all the babies I work with at the children's home and it's heartbreaking yo], for the fact that I graduated from HIGH SCHOOL. YALL. High school was a struggle and 5/6th but man graduating was God's doing.

What are YOU thankful for today? Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? And if you do, HOW WAS YOURS? I really want to hear about it. Like fah real.

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Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances. for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

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A Heart for Missions // Meet Adora {A Guest Post}

Hi guys! Today I have Adora from Halcyon Bound, do a super quick, super slick guest post! YALL. I've known this girl for a year and a bit BUT WE ARE SUCH SOUL SISTERS ITS RIDICULOUS! She's so gorgeous it's annoying and HER HEART is so big and ugh she's basically the best! I thank the Lord for this shweeet friendship/sisterhood/jokership that we have! 

oh look here we are chilling at my graduation mquay

Hello! I'm Adora, and I have a little blog called Halcyon Bound where I share my writing, my love for Jesus, and my commentary on the shenanigans of life! I've been good friends with Norkor for what seems like an eternity and a half, so we're basically sisters. The moment the opportunity came up for me to guest post on her blog, I jumped on it with the enthusiasm of a sugar hyped child on a clown at a birthday party. I was very excited, to say the least. Something Norkor and I share in common is our love for children and any opportunity to share the love of Jesus. 

Two summers ago I had the amazing opportunity to team up with the Global Missions Project and go to Curitiba, Brazil on a music mission trip. We played at Churches, schools, and community centers all over the city. We were partnered with the Life In Music Space program that takes children off the streets and gives them an opportunity to learn an instrument. This program was so great because I got to meet so many adorable little children who really just had the toughest lives, and just being able to make them smile made the whole 19 hours of flight so worth it. 

Some of these children had lost their parents, or lived in abusive households, or were part of gangs, but the Life In Music Place program gave them a place to go after school where they could learn something instrumental (no pun intended) to their personal growth. I've played brass for nine years now, and I know how therapeutic it can be and how much I enjoy it, so teaching these kids and watching them grow was such a humbling experience. It's not easy being a teacher, no matter how good you are at what you do. Patience in such circumstances is definitely a virtue. And luckily towards children, I have abundance!

They were so cute as they took huge gulps of air before trying to play my french horn, and still only getting air through. My favorite part was watching their mouths drop open in an "ohhh" when I played for them. Being able to show a child something they've never experienced before is such a gratifying experience, I've decided that I might just have 10 kids! But realistically I might only pull off 4. 

When we weren't performing with the local orchestra, performing at schools and community centers, or giving private lessons, we got to tour Curitiba. My hands down favorite place was the botanical garden. It was a large steel framed, glass building and housed an assortment of plant life. It was so serene in there, I felt like I was in the Garden of Eden (minus Satan, thank the good Lord).

My experience in Brazil was unforgettable, and I can’t wait until my next mission trip. Seeing how God works in the lives of people all over the world really just inspires me to live my life for Him every day! But you don’t have to travel far to make a difference in someone else’s life. Just look around you. Adora.

You can follow Adora's adventures through her last year of high school on her blog, instagram, tumblr and pinterest!

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Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, and build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6

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The Gap Year Grind | 5 Lessons Learnt So Far

Hello!
I just realized that in a couple of days I'll be hitting the two month mark of my gap year! It has gone by so fast, it's a little crazy. But at the same time I'm SO excited to see what God will do in my life during this time.

However, in just two months I've learnt a few things about myself and about God.

First things first, "unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain". [Psalms 127: 1]

If it's not God's plan, you can't force it to be. And even if you do, it won't turn out A+. You just have to go with the flow of things. At the beginning of my gap year I applied for two different internships. One never got back to me and the other one asked me to reapply in January. I was a bit bummed out because I was so ready to be productive the ways I THOUGHT I wanted to be.

But God is too great because Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future". That's an amazing promise. And as always, He came through.

I began volunteering at the New Life Home Trust, a babies' home and I enjoy my time there so much! I've learnt so many skills [bottle and spoon feeding, entertaining toddlers, speaking in baby language aw yea] and I've been TRULY blessed by that place. It gets so tired taking care of children uhuh but it's so worth it. Especially seeing them smile.

How awesome is God? For real!

And now, I'm an assistant for my children's service at church {durr, where else} and I love EVERY. SINGLE. CHILD. I got the chance to start the J-Church choir, and it's so mind-blowing how God has used all those years of music lessons and choir classes for this! IT'S HONESTLY so great I can't even explain how grateful and in awe of God I am! I'm just praying that He would lead in every single thing.

Also, some things that I've learnt about myself that are significant to me, but are insignificant because my God is greater than all of them put together would be the fact that:

• I am extremely impatient, like bruh I can count so many moments just these past two weeks were I've gotten so impatient, which then leads to anger smh [and that's not a fruit of the Spirit so I need to be rid of that]
• I am inconsistent with so many things. Exhibit A: this blog in itself.
• I like to do things on my own regarding some things, but I have no strength of my own. My strength comes from the Lord.

And last but not the least:

I am in desperate need of His grace and guidance every.single.hour.

I'm curious to see how God transforms me this year! 

How about you? Have you being noticing little things that God is transforming in you? I want to hear about it!

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Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. - Ephesians 4:29

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Jack of All Trades Link Up

Class of 2014!

Ya girl graduated from high school! It's been a week since graduation and nothing has really hit me yet. Most of my friends are going to college while I'm taking a gap year. Some have already left the country, and have I said good bye? That would be a no. It's weird. It doesn't feel like I'm not gonna see them for a while. I feel like August is gonna roll around and I'll be getting on bus 21 and going to school, but then its like JOKES you are no longer welcome on campus. #sorrynotsorry

But I have to say senior year was my hands down favorite year here in Kenya.

A journal entry from May 1st:

Nowadays, I laugh so much. I think it's a blessing to be able to laugh. To have so much joy that you can't contain it. That you HAVE to laugh. I'm not dwelling too much on the future. I'm focusing on the present and enjoying the amazing senior year God has given me. I'm excited for what the future holds, but I do not overlook the present to catch a glimpse of the future. I find it a waste of time. 

I cannot even begin to exaggerate when I say that I laughed EVERY SINGLE DAY of my senior year. I have hilarious friends that assassinate me with their jokes. It was amazing. I'm definitely going to miss the daily routine (but not getting out of bed at 6am) , walking to classes after the bell has rung because we can't be bothered, lunch times and British Literature shenanigans. I'm also going to miss my hockey team (#baddestgoalieinthegame) and some amazing teachers.

But at the same time, I'm sooo ready for what God has in store and what the future holds.

                                                        Linking Up Here! :)

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