our adventures and wanderings

  As I sit thinking about new year’s intentions for 2021, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for one thing 2020 has brought me: time in this enchanted forest so close to our home. John and I have spent countless hours hiking together in Karura this year and it has been therapeutic and so, so good for my soul. We have hiked and talked and processed this insane year together. Our time in Karura has ultimately brought an already close couple even closer in a really hard and trying year.  As we were hiking a few days ago, I began to think about what my new year’s resolutions should be for 2021. Usually, my new year’s resolutions involve travel and connection and reading and lastly, something to do with changing my body or being healthier. Now, in the last few years, these resolutions have definitely been more positive and less negative than they used to be--ie less about losing weight and more about feeling good. I have been on a real journey of learning to love and care for myself b...

Hey everyone. I know it's been a ridiculously long time. But, we thought, with everything going on with COVID-19, we should give an update on our lives right now. These are scary and very difficult times. We have been social distancing for a little over a week and we are just leaving the house for grocery runs here and there. As of the writing of this post, there are 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in Kenya. According to the Kenyan government, each of these people with a confirmed case have recently travelled. Only one case is serious. Therefore, the government is saying that no cases have been transmitted within Kenya. We are beginning teaching and school online on Wednesday. In light of all of this, Kenya has just announced that they will suspend all international flights, incoming and outgoing, starting this Wednesday--with no end date as of yet. What this effectively means is that we are stuck here for the time being. And before you say, "Looks like you have a co...

I know a woman who walks on tiptoes, and quietly chases adventure- along with me kindness and grace open to any idea or question willing to love, seek peace, work for justice. I know a woman who’s been by my side with each passing year- my defender, wild and free- talking so fast no one can quite keep up; with her interests so unique not one human could ever be- just like her. I know a woman who raised two bold and brave women; she is filled to the brim with grace and peace so much so that it easily overflows swirling and falling without question onto others. I know a woman full of sparkle and sass headband neatly placed stronger and much more gorgeous than she thinks she is heart open and searching for the greatest adventure. I know two women who remind me of one another; fearless mothers the ones I will call when it’s my turn, dark hair falling in waves past strong shoulders...

Here's to the men who aren't threatened by passion, power, and wisdom in women. Here's to the men who live life with humility. Here's to the men who stand up and say what they think is right, even when it might mean they lose a friend. And here's to the men who sometimes keep their opinions to themselves when they know the topic might not be important. Strong men are able to sit with the fact that others disagree with them. Here's to the men who follow their passions. Here's to the men who treat all women with love, respect, and dignity. Here's to the men who listen attentively. Here's to the men who love without stipulations. Here's to the men who are fair-minded. Here's to the men who can admit when they are wrong. Here's to the men who are advocates for women. Here's to the men who care about our world, our animals, our plants and trees. Here's to the men who fight for the underdog. Here's to the m...

I have been trying to compose my thoughts on my Grandpa Rudy’s passing for days now. I literally took a day off to try to get my thoughts and words together, and all I could do was stare at the screen. When people hear of someone’s grandpa passing away, I am not so sure they understand the magnitude of this in my circumstance.  This man was involved in every aspect of my life. He taught me, he helped me grow. I would not know my multiplication facts today or how to drive a stick-shift if it were not for this man, among many other more important things. He supported and loved me through every decision I ever made and was there to witness every last thing.  Once, a friend told me that I was “the weirdest mix of independent feminist and 1950’s housewife” or something along those lines. I smiled and said, “that’s exactly what I was going for.” I bring up this memory because I believe I inherited this juxtaposition of strange, opposite traits from Rudy himself, not that...

In August, I (R) began a new position with Rosslyn Academy. Here is my title: Intellectual Virtues Coordinator and Learning Support Teacher. Often, when I tell people about this, the response is an extremely confused expression. So, today, I decided to provide a little bit of information about my new role to help clear things up. Intellectual virtues are excellent thinking habits. Our superintendent, Dr. Phil Dow, wrote a book titled Virtuous Minds about these excellent thinking habits. At Rosslyn Academy, we have adopted 7 of these virtues to teach, implement, and encourage. They are as follows: Intellectual Curiosity: the tendency to wonder, ask deep questions, and explore Intellectual Humility: the realization of intellectual limitations; knowing you have more to learn Intellectual Carefulness: involves being patient and careful in thinking Intellectual Honesty: presenting what we know in an honest way; giving credit where credit is due; doing our own work Intellectual...