To Bless the Space Between Us

Do you ever encounter moments in your life when you just don't have words to express what you feel — and then you come upon a song or a poem or some other work of art that simply does the talking for you?

Earlier this year, my friend, Randy, gave me a book that, in so many ways, has spoken the words I couldn't find for myself. "To Bless the Space Between Us" is a book of blessings that draws from the Celtic spiritual traditions of compiling insights and blessings for milestones and transitions.

John O'Donohue's book of blessings covers a range of experiences from embracing the morning to living in the uncertainty of a season to the birth or death of a person to the praise of beauty. It's both sacred and poetic. It's both universal and specific. When James and I were packing for our month-long trip to Africa in March, it was the one non-Kindle book I wanted to bring with me. It continues to stay near me. Sometimes, we just need words of blessing by our side.

So, for today, here are some words to speak to your heart.

For Freedom by John O'Donohue

As a bird soars high In the free holding of the wind, Clear of the certainty of ground, Opening the imagination of wings Into the grace of emptiness To fulfill new voyagings, May your life awaken To the call of its freedom.

As the ocean absolves itself Of the expectation of land, Approaching only In the form of waves That fill and pleat and fall With such gradual elegance As to make of the limit A sonorous threshold Whose music echoes back among The give and strain of memory, Thus may your heart know the patience That can draw infinity from limitation.

As the embrace of the earth Welcomes all we call death, Taking deep into itself The right solitude of a seed, Allowing it time To shed the grip of former form And give way to a deeper generosity That will one day send it forth, A tree into springtime, May all that holds you Fall from its hungry ledge Into the fecund surge of your heart.

from: "To Bless the Space Between Us" by John O'Donohue. Pub in 2008 by Doubleday.

p.s. Here's another one of my favorites from Martha Postlethwaite.

Video Blog 3: Meeting Jars of Clay

What was it like touring with the band Jars of Clay​ to spread the word about Blood:Water​? You asked; Jena answers. Watch the third installment of the "One Thousand Wells" video blogs. Then go pre-order your copy of Jena's memoir at onethousandwells.com. https://vimeo.com/135682392

Crossing My T's: Memoir Acknowledgments

No matter how many times you dot your I's and cross your T's, small or big details can be forgotten. Last week I received the first published copy of my memoir, "One Thousand Wells." I am thrilled to actually be able to hold it, feel it, take it in.

A T that didn't get crossed is my list of acknowledgments. They were accidentally left off the first round of publication. I want to use this blog post to make sure those people are thanked—rather, I want to scream 'Thank You' from the mountaintops.

Acknowledgments

My deepest gratitude is for my husband, James, my partner in life and mission. Thank you for encouraging me to push beyond my comfort zone, but always with the assurance of your hand in mine. For living with me through the angst of writing, for teaching me about the value of an outline, and for coauthoring so much of this story. (And for sweet Jude, who in so many ways, is our greatest adventure.)

My parents, Gus Lee and Diane Elliott-Lee, built a love and a family that made space for a young girl's dream to flourish. You have been ever selfless and supportive, and I am so grateful.

Thank you to Jars of Clay for believing in a college girl with a “25-page manifesto.” Your families became family for me when I needed it most. Dan and Katie Haseltine, Charlie and Sonja Lowell, Stephen and Jude Mason, Matt and Kristen Odmark - thank you for embracing me into your world. And to Aaron and Cari Sands for being the glue that kept it all together!

Special thanks to Steve Garber for caring about the long narrative of my life. To Gary Haugen for teaching me about leadership, vision and joy in service. (Thanks to Ruthie McGinn, too. You're a star).  And to Reverend Becca Stevens, for showing me how to love the whole world, one person at a time.

Eight summers in the Rocky Mountains with Cheley Colorado Camps served as the greatest playground of my youth. To my Cheley sisters and brothers whose memories are scattered across a thousand miles of Colorado trails - you dear friends, lift me up where earth and heaven meet.

To each of the million plus individuals in Africa who has taken part in the Blood:Water narrative, this story is yours. A very special thanks to our early partners: Lifewater International, Seeds of Hope International Partnerships, Lwala Community Alliance, MOUCECORE, Divine Waters Uganda and Water for Good. Thank you to Leah Oyugis, Elizabeth Akinyi, Milton Ochieng', Fred Ochieng' and the Baxter family for letting me tell your stories.

To every individual who took a risk on the Blood:Water vision, this story is yours, too. Your contributions, mentorship and advocacy over the last decade have filled our cup to overflowing. (The pages that follow are simply some of the many names who have made this work possible).

Blood:Water is only as effective as its people - and my, do we have incredible people! For the 25+ staff who have given your days and years to building Blood:Water over the last decade, I can't thank you enough. A very special thank you to Aaron Sands, Barak Bruerd, Amy Adams Hann, Matt Ward, Kellie Lutito, Victor Huckabee, Lauren Hitch and Pamela Crane-Hoover for being the core team to launching the 1000 Wells Project into a reality. And, to our founding board members: Collin Brown, Lon Cherry, Rob Curwen, Reagan Demas, Steve Garber, Brad Gibson, Rich Hoops, Dr. Clydette Powell, and Joel Vikre. I am grateful for those who are leading the way today, especially Jake Smith, Katherine Hofstetter and Courtney Baker. Special thanks to Mike Hamilton, Chris Bolton, Stuart McWhorter and Carrie Horton for providing encouragement and backend support along the way.

Thank you to Dan Raines and Kathryn Helmers at Creative Trust, and to Donald Miller for insisting that Kathy and I meet. I am in such good hands! Elisa Stanford was the best editing partner through the writing process, helping me find my voice in the piles of words, and working with me and James through multiple drafts over late nights and early mornings. And thanks to Amy Tan for offering her generous support.

I am grateful to the team at Howard Books and Simon & Schuster, especially Jonathan Merkh, Jennifer Smith, Bonnie MacIsaac and my wonderful editor, Beth Adams. And thanks also to Jessica Wong for her early enthusiasm - our time was too short!

The wonderful readers of my early manuscript provided me invaluable feedback: Courtney Baker, Mary Anna Brown, Katherine Falk, Katie Harris, Cooper Kandler and Jessica Pearson. Asante sana to Fred Ochieng’, Damianus Japolo Nyakinye and Elizabeth Akinyi for being my Kenyan readers with important edits. Thanks to Barak Bruerd for compiling the photos and stories of the water projects. And to Ken Byers for his creative marketing support.

I am thankful for the loving congregations of St. Augustine’s Chapel and City Church of East Nashville, the staff and faculty of Whitworth University and the community of Nashville.

For my lifelong friends: Amy Aaron, Rachel Schlabs, Alyssa Dillard, Sarah Sandifer, Holly Wielkoszewski, Kara Hanger, Katy Byers, Autumn Petersen, Erin Gallion, Elizabeth Paul, Anna Engeln, Katie Harris and Jessica Pearson. And for my family: Eric and Becky Lee, Jim and Allie Nardella, and RJ and Jalene Salus. And always, for Elan Vie Salus.

S.D.G.

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"One Thousand Wells" releases August 25. You can pre-order your copy at onethousandwells.com.

Love Stories in One Thousand Wells: Video Blog 2

Today I am launching part two in the video blog series on my memoir, "One Thousand Wells." This week's juicy question: Are there any love stories in the book. Watch the video blog to find out the answer to that and many other questions. "One Thousand Wells" releases August 25. You can pre-order it at onethousandwells.com.

https://vimeo.com/135214735

Pap Camp

Earlier this month, James and I were in a bind. James needed to be in Kenya during the same time I needed to be in Los Angeles. For the first seven years of our marriage, this was not a problem. But now we're parents, it's not so simple. What were we going to do with Jude? Enter Pap Camp.

That's right - Jude's Grandpap (and Lovey) said they just happened to be taking enrollments to camp at their home in San Diego during the very week that we needed help! Luckily, we got our application in on time and there was one spot open for a 15-month-old boy! Jude and I flew to San Diego to drop him off at his very first camp. We couldn't believe what we found.

Okay, first - here were the camp counselors for the week.

Here's Lovey greeting Jude at the airport.

And here's Pap. (We made sure that Jude came with his camp uniform: a smaller version of Pap's blue polo shirts):

Okay, now onto the Camp itself. We took a tour of the facilities, and I mean, are you kidding me? #BestCampEver

I was sad to say goodbye to my baby, but I felt pretty comfortable heading up to L.A. for a few days while he attended his first camp. The photos that the counselors sent along the way confirmed that he had a pretty grand time.

Jude was given his own customized Pap Camp hat upon arrival to the pool.

Daily walks to Mission Bay (by way of wagon) to swing, play in the sand, and blow kisses to all the strangers.

Afternoon playtime indoors in Jude's Clubhouse.

Lunch dates with matching polos.

Putting on Pap's hat and cheering for himself each time.

I came back to pick Jude up from camp, and he wasn't very interested in leaving. Thanks for an amazing adventure, Pap and Lovey! We can't wait to come back again!

The Art of Packing for Africa

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I like to think of myself as a seasoned traveler. Since the beginning of Blood:Water over 11 years ago, I have traveled to Africa more times than I can count. I have mastered the art of fitting two week’s worth of clothing into a carry-on bag… yes carry-on. I would highly recommend traveling with only carry-on luggage. This will practically erase the possibility lost luggage and will make traveling while in Africa infinitely easier. I do confess now that I travel with an under 2-year-old son, my masterful packing days have gone slightly by the wayside. Just read this blog post for proof. Perhaps this will inspire me to write a post on how to pack a carry-on only while traveling with a baby. We will see.

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I digress. So without further ado, here are my top five tips for packing:

1. Clothes to Pack

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• 5-6 short-sleeved t-shirts (Ladies, remember to keep it classy and modest! Gentlemen, button up shirts with a collar are preferred)
• 2 long-sleeved t-shirts
• 1 t-shirt and 1 pair of shorts/boxers for sleeping
• 1 pair of jeans for days in transit or in a city

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• For Women: 3-4 lightweight knee or ankle-length skirts (most women wear skirts, but be sure that your knees are always covered, as anything higher is considered immodest in rural Africa) plus 2 pairs of lightweight pants or capris (comfortable for the long plane ride )
• For Men: 3-4 light-weight khakis (WITHOUT zip off shorts or cargo pockets) or semi-dress trousers with a belt (most men dress formally even in rural settings)

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• 1 fleece or zip-up outer layer
• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• 2 bandanas
• 10 pairs of underwear
• For Women: 3-4 pairs of socks
• For Men: 7-8 pairs of socks

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• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of semi-dress shoes (flats for ladies, loafers for men)
• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
• Sunglasses and/or hat

2. Gear and Documents to Pack

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• Quick-dry towel (you can find this at any camping store like REI or LL Bean)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Nalgene (or other) water bottle
• Alarm clock (or watch with an alarm)
• Smart phone for music (remember that you likely will not use your cell phone for calls)

• Earplugs
• Camera
• Universal electricity plug adaptor (REI carries an all-in-one adaptor that I prefer)
• Granola bars or Power Bars (or any other small snack that is familiar and comfortable for you)
• Passport and Driver’s License
• Additional copy of passport and driver’s license, kept separately from your originals
• Travel Insurance card (or make sure the person/group you are traveling with has it for you – Blood:Water provides insurance cards to everyone who travels with us)
• Notebook and pens
• Book (or eReader, which is a fabulous way to travel with multiple books)
• ATM card (remember to call your bank before you leave so they know you are traveling internationally and won’t hold withdrawals placed out of the U.S.)
• U.S. cash (make sure that any $50 and $100 bills are dated AT LEAST 2009 – anything printed before 2009 may not be accepted
• Inoculations proof (you will receive a yellow card – just keep it in your passport)

3.  Toiletries to Pack

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• 2-3 packs of travel-size baby wipes
• Toothbrush, toothbrush cover, and travel-size toothpaste
• Floss
• Hairbrush/comb
• 3 packs of travel-size Kleenex
• Mini travel mirror
• 2 razors and travel-size shaving cream
• 2 travel-size packs of hand sanitizer

• Contact solution and eyeglasses (if applicable)
• Sunscreen – at least 30 SPF
• Insect repellant
• Deodorant
• Travel-size hand or body lotion
• Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
• 1 small roll of toilet paper (you can roll your own or get Charmin’s travel-size version)
• 3-4 travel-packets of dry laundry detergent (Tide or Shout both work great)

4. Medicine and First Aid to Pack

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• Malarone – Malaria pills (remember to take one every morning with food)
• Sleep aid (I generally take one on my first two nights in Africa to help me settle into the new sleep schedule)
• 1 small bottle of Pepto-Bismol pills – stomach aid (I generally take one every morning to coat my stomach)
• 2 rolls of travel-size Tums – antacid
• 1 broad-spectrum antibiotic (I use Cipro – you will need a prescription for this)

• Small bag (10-15) of cough drops and/or throat lozenges
• Travel-size tube of Cortizone – anti-itch cream
• 3-4 packets of Emergen-C (or other)
• Various size band-aids – 2-3 of each size
• Neosporin

5. Packing — The Main Event

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I know it may sound crazy, but, I promise – you CAN fit all of the above into one small/medium-size rolling duffle bag or suitcase (make sure to confirm that it matches size regulations for carry-on luggage!), one backpack, and one purse or messenger bag that you can carry with you every day in Africa. Here are some helpful tips on how to do that (hint: it all comes down to plastic bags!):

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• Gallon-size Ziplock Bags: roll up all your clothes and seal them in Ziplock bags, squeezing out all the air to create a vacuum-like pack.
• Carry-on Liquids: Remember that (A) All carry-on liquids need to be less than 3oz and (B) they need to fit into a quart-size bag.

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• Medicine: In order to save space, I put my medicines in little pill bags that you can buy at drugstores like Walgreens. If you do this, remember to make sure each bag is labeled so you don’t mix up your medicines! I like to take the label or sticker off the original packaging and include it right in the bag with the medicine. Once all your little bags of medicine are ready, just put them into one of your ziplock bags!

And there you have it! If you’d like to travel with Blood:Water to Africa, visit bloodwater.org/visiontrips.

"One Thousand Wells" Video Blog

Today's blog post is actually in video form. Friends of Blood:Water sent in questions about my new memoir, "One Thousand Wells," releasing August 25. If you'd like to know anything about my book, please leave a question in the comment field of this blog post. I'd love to answer as many questions as I can. https://vimeo.com/134614440

You can pre-order my memoir at onethousandwells.com.