Monkey Business on the Monkey Bars
At boarding school I got hurt while playing on the monkey bars when a friend gave me some advice, meaning to help, but it backfired on me.
The Ordinary Others and Your Extraordinary Life
For many years I dreamed of doing extraordinary work for the Lord, but felt relegated to living an ordinary life. Then I found my tribe.
A Surprise Experience of Forgiveness
Sitting in a women’s Bible study, I looked around the circle at the smiling faces. Am I the only one who has trouble with forgiveness? I wondered. As a six-year-old, my heart shattered when I was sent to boarding school for several years. When I returned home for vacation, I couldn’t express to my parents the homesickness, rejection, and abandonment I experienced. I felt hurt and angry. The many instances of abuse I saw from people who were supposed to…
Another Kiss Goodbye
My writing mentors used me as a critique guinea pig as we brainstormed my story. This was my first-ever time to be featured on a video.
When Toilet Paper Runs Out
When civil war breaks out in Nigeria, I’m away at boarding school. After hearing the news my parents may have to flee, I worry they won’t have enough toilet paper.
Leap Year, Nigeria 1972
At our boarding school in Nigeria, girls were allowed to ask guys on a date since it was Leap Year. Deciding who to ask out was fun, but complicated.
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk
When I returned to boarding school after a wonderful Christmas holiday, I again felt homesick and out of place. Eating in the large, noisy dining hall was especially distressing.
Don’t Cry, Little Debbie
O Lord, you know everything about me. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away…and when I rest at home. You place your hand of blessing on my head. (Excerpts from Psalm 139:1-5 NLT) “Welcome back to Kent Academy for second grade,” the Auntie said with a smile. I carefully stepped out of the blue VW van parked on the playground in front of the girls’ dorm in Miango, Nigeria. “Follow me, Debbie, and I’ll show you to your…
Going Home Tomorrow
At the end of my first year at boarding school I was so excited to go home. I’d made a few friends and learned the ropes but hoped I wouldn’t ever return.
Tell Me the Story Again
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering … the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4,5 (NIV) “In place of our usual devotion time tonight, we have a special speaker,” the Dorm Uncle announced to the eager first-through-third graders gathered in the lounge. After dinner, I had expected our usual Bible reading in the dorm in our pajamas. Instead, we had walked from the dining room, across…