The journey
Hello – welcome to our blog! This is a place where we attempt to process and share glimpses of the journey we’re on as we figure out our place in this crazy world. We’ve been married 4 years and have experienced a lot during that time. We both grew up and got married in the beautiful hills of East TN, but then found ourselves following God to Colorado (where we’ve fallen in love with the beautiful Rockies!). After a year and a half here in the Springs, we felt called to West Africa where we stayed for 4 months in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Now that we’re back in the Springs, Ryan is teaching high school math while I (Candace) am working in foster care.
We both love nature and ideally would love to live in a cabin hidden somewhere in the mountains. However, lately we have felt called elsewhere. Over the last few years God has continually been growing within us a heart for the poor whether it’s the homeless of Colorado Springs or the former street children in Sierra Leone. Our eyes have been opened to how tight a grip our American culture has on us and we are slowly trying to break free. We believe that another world is possible and are devoted to living lives that bring God’s love to the marginal in our communities.
We’re on a journey, trying to piece together how our relationships with God, our church community, and the broken of the world all fit together. We’re slowly learning that this is all a lifelong process, and it’s OK if we never reach it on this earth, because it’s all part of the journey Home……
You guys are amazing. We’re praying for you and asking God to do amazing things thru you both.
Take care!
Sam and Amber
Dear Ryan and Candace,
Ya’ll have been on my heart lately and I was hoping to find an update on your site saying how you were doing…physically and emotionally! I am praying for your continued protection and for lives to be touched by your presence there. You are loved by many. Take care!
Love,
Mrs. P.
i pray that the almight god will grant favoure in your mission in sierra leone amen.
We just found this remarks page..
We have been following your path.
We pray you both and others near or far from you.
We are amazed, shocked, and humbled.
We also can say your story touches in many in alot ways.
We both understand that its ok to cry and to question.
Sometimes we must give our questions to GOD for his help, even when we are are uncertain.
HE will hear you and he will answer if we listen.
In prayer’s and love john kim charnel mackenzie M
I know how hard it is to work with all those kids in Africa because I’m a kid. Those kids in the pictures look really happy and they really love you because you gave them your time and love and support. I,m glad you told them about Jesus and teach them math and all those things they didn’t know. You’ll be a good mommy and daddy by looking at the kids in the pictures. I think your pretty Candace.
Love Charnel
Thanks for all the encouragement and interest in our trip. Yall are a great family and we appreciate all the support you have offered. May God bless each one of you and continue to use you in the lives of those around you (as He has us!).