When I think about my childhood, the vision of my parents with faces in their palms asking “What were you thinking, Steph?” consumes most memories. I think they are still asking the same question of me today, only now I’ve joined them in asking it of myself. Writing helps me process just that and I invite you to ask the same question of me as you read through stories of our mistakes and blunders of living life overseas.
The first “daladala” or minibus that I saw in our new town in East Africa had Jeremiah 33:3 written on the back: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” This became the theme of my life and now the theme & title of this blog. It’s all about God revealing more of Himself to me every day and through every new joy and sorrow that comes with this life.
My life is lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with my amazing husband, our incredible and hilarious five kids, and a constant flow of guests who we welcome in and out of our home throughout the day. Our life is lived in constant community. It’s beautiful and messy and horrible and great all at the same time…and it grows me every day.
I spend a lot of my time with some incredible young women at Sifa Collective [sifacollective.com], which is a gospel-centered entrepreneurial training for young women who couldn’t continue with their formal eduction. I co-founded Sifa with some of my favorite women on the planet in 2013. At Sifa, I get to combine my love of design, counseling and helping young women find their hope and identity in Christ! We have now joined hands with teams of Tanzanian women to launch Sifa centers all across Tanzania.
I am a PhD researcher and student in Social Psychology, with a MA in counseling, BS in psychology/theology, and a clinical traumatologist. My combined education and cross-cultural experience brings me a unique (and hopefully primarily biblical) perspective on human behavior and relationships. I have co-founded Wellness Abroad which provides counseling, coaching, and consultation for those living abroad. We also have a branch in Dar es Salaam which serves as a community counseling center. We have a team of counselors, psychologists and social workers who provide individual counseling, life coaching and training for local pastors and leaders who have a desire to provide Biblical counseling and soul care to their communities.