Saturday, October 17, 2009

It's a SITS kinda day!

The girls over at SITS have invited me to be the featured blogger for today! SO EXCITED! If you dont know about SITS then push the button below and join in the fun!


Well ladies ........what can I say other than WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!! It is great to have you stop by. Please feel free to have a wander round and what ever you do you have leave me a comment!

I am a girl who grew up in the Westcountry of England, who lived in Brooklyn, New York for 5 years and is now living in Durban, South Africa.
I am married with two 3 year old sons, one cat and 15 dogs!(don't ask!)
I spend my life working in the AIDS and Orphan capital of the world, The Valley of a Thousand Hills, KZN, South Africa. We have lived here for 5 years and counting.
I love it, I hate it....it is home!

I love anything to do with the beach, anything organic and most of all I love my Savior.
I hate face cloths, shaving my legs and rudeness.

I hope that you find this blog interesting, some what enlightening and most of all I pray that it stirs your heart into action. Whoever you are and what ever you do you were put on this earth for a reason and a purpose. I pray that you find it, work it out and live your life.
Have a blessed day

Because sometimes we just don't have all the answers.....and that's OK!

It's a love thing.....

You can do something.

192 comments:

Jennifer said...

Ok, call me vain, but I saw your beautiful family and just had to follow! WOW!! I'm jealous!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your day in the spotlight! Be blessed!

barb said...

I am taking part in my first SITS ever. I am off to read your posts but wanted to say that I love the rich brown background you are using. Nice to meet you!

Chocolate Lover said...

Enjoy your SITS day! Off to look around!

Favourite Vintage Finds said...

Greetings from Australia! Happy SITS Day! Best wishes, C :).

Jess said...

Truly touched by a bunch of your posts. Can't wait to see what new adventures are in store for you and your lovely family. :)

Happy SITS Day!

Kimberly said...

Your blog is beautiful! I love your wedding photo too. Your family looks happy and healthy. What a blessed life you have!

Sonja @ Craft-Werk said...

Have a happy SITS-day - looking forward to finding out more about you in the 3 featured postings.

. said...

Whoa, that's a lot of dogs. LOL! :O

Congrats on being today's Featured blogger. Have an amazing week. :D

from SITS :D

Bridgette said...

Happy SITS Day!

elvira pajarola said...

CONGRATULATIONS for your SITS-day!

How much movements in your live; incredible!!
How much experiences you have made!!
I am reading your posts today and looking forward to it!
have a sunny day!
elvira

Lindsay said...

Hey girl!!! Happy SITS day! :)

Loving your blog!! Following it now so that I can keep coming back for more :)

Have a great week!

xo Linds
lindsanity.blogspot.com

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

Congrats on your SITS day, first time visitor here. Look forward to reading more on your blog.

Melissa B. said...

Greetings, salutations, and Congrats on your SITS Day in the Sun!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your SITS Day! Beautiful blog you have here!

~T~ said...

Visiting from SITS. Have a nice day.
www.tuesdaysattonyas.blogspot.com

Jennifer C. Valerie said...

Good morning!

Congratulations on being the SITS featured blogger today.

Elizabeth D. said...

Wow, 15 dogs? And I thought life with ONE dog was difficult! Happy SITS day!

mommytoalot said...

Hello from Canada.
Congrats on your Sits day.
Off to read your blog.
Good day
L

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your sits day! Off to read your posts....

La Belle Mere said...

Happy SITS Day!!!!

I have to ask, where in the West Country did you grow up?

I'm a Bristol girl!

LBM xxx

Mary K Brennan said...

Inspiring post. Enjoy your SITS Day!

Beth P. said...

Happy SITS Day! I just read the first post you listed and can't even believe the events leading up to your post. I will be back to read more. Touching, really.

Have a great day!

Marie said...

great blog I can see why its your SITS Day...Congrats...have a great day. love your blog... :)

Marie said...

happy sits day...Congrats I can see why your blog was choosen. great job and keep it up. I hope that you stop by my blog. :)

TuTu's Bliss said...

Thank you for sharing your life and opening your heart.

P.S: shaving is overrated

Queenie Jeannie said...

Happy SITS Day!

Jennifer Bowen said...

Happy SITS Day! Thank you for the thought-provoking posts.

Allison said...

Congratulations on becoming a featured blogger! I just found that site today and love the idea. Comments always make me feel much better.. so I am glad there is a place where we can spread the comment love!

It's nice to meet you! So jealous that you have lived all over! England.. New York.. and South Africa! Wow!

Suzann said...

Congratulations on your day in the limelight. I have a feeling that it is well deserved. I peeked a bit and your boys (and you as well) are simply gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I am thankful that you are today's FB @ SITS. I really love a poignant story and every one of your posts are just that.
Many blessings to you and yours and I wish you peace.

Mindi B.A. Bookworm said...

You have a beautiful family and your personality really shines through your writing.

Unknown said...

Congrats on being a SITS featured blog. I am liking what I am reading!

Liz Mays said...

Happy SITS day! I loved everything about your intro!

Robin said...

Congratulations on your day in the SITS sun!
I hope your day today is beautiful.

{leah} said...

Welcome to your day!!! Have a great one!

Mommy of Many said...

Happy SITS Day. I am anxious to jump into reading your blog. I am gonna become a follower because I can see from the first post that there is so much more here that I wanna read!

Jen said...

What a great way to start off the week by being SITS Featured Blogger! I hope you enjoy your special day!!

Jen

Stacy Uncorked said...

Congrats on your SITS Day!

I'm off to read your posts! :)

JudyH329 said...

I so admire you for donating your time and life to helping the children in South Africa. God Bless you! I enjoyed reading your posts. Happy SITS day!

Tasha - Bellazizas Favorite Things said...

Happy SITS day! What you do is inspiring! Thanks for sharing with us!

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

Amazing posts and pics!

Robbie S. Redmon, LPC said...

Happy SITS Day!

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

I haven't even read your three featured posts yet and already I'm wondering, "Could I live in Africa?"

Enjoy your day!

Alice in Wonderland said...

Enjoy your SITS day! This is a fantastic post! I just love it! I have a friend who is out in Kenya doing something along those lines. She adopted two little brothers who's Mother sadly died of AIDS. She always makes a point of regular meetings with the boys family though, just so they don't forget their roots and traditions.

Corrie Howe said...

Happy SITs day. May God bless you and keep you while you do his work.

Ally Wasmund said...

happy SITS day!! you sound like a wonderful fantastic woman. :)

Lynn Kellan said...

Happy SITS day!

Sandy said...

Congratulations on your SITS Day! Wow, is this a departure from the usual FB. You blog is fascinating and your life is a blessing to all those who you help.

Jessica said...

Happy SITS day! I have many missionary friends around the world... it's always so amazing to read their stories. May God bless your work in Africa.

Unknown said...

Happy SITS day. Congrats on your feature. Your family is beautiful. I am now following you and I am off to read your other posts. Hope you have a great week.
Sheri
http://sherisstory.blogspot.com

Carrie Ella said...

Congratulations on your special day in the SITS sun. Off to poke around a bit.

Have a great day!

Stephanie Faris said...

You lead an interesting life, sounds like! It's great to meet you. Happy SITS day!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Happy SITS Day! :)

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

Congrats on your SITS day!! :)

FRANNIE said...

Congrats on you SITS Day!!!

Your life sounds hectic, rewarding but also exciting!

Frannie

Chantel said...

Happy SITS Day! The work you do is incredible. Keep it up!

Kristin said...

What a wonderful blog. Thank you for doing what you do. I am now a follower.

Molly said...

what a great blog you have! Stopping by from SITS, have a great day!!

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day to you!!! Your blog already looks amazing, I'm off to read more!! Hope you have a wonderful week.

Shannon said...

SITS congratulations, well deserved! This is an amazing site, what an inspiration!

Sarah said...

Congratulations on your SITS day! You're blog is wonderful, I can't wait to read more!

Unknown said...

Wow! What an adventure your life is! just stopped in from SITS to say hi and congrats on being the featured blog!

Brandie said...

What a fantastic way to start the week...and inspirational woman with a fantastic blog. Congratulations and enjoy your day!

Anonymous said...

I'm new to the SITS world, but I absolutely love your blog! Have a great week in the spotlight!

confused homemaker said...

Congrats on your SITS day!! I hope you enjoy it!! I also hate to shave my legs:D

Melissa Miller said...

Comgrats on your SITS Day!
Your blog is just amazing.

Many Blessings, ~Melissa :)

Stesha said...

You have such a beautiful blog and family!

Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha

Danae Hudson said...

Congrats, Vashti!!!

And I HATE shaving my legs as well. ;) I knew I liked you for a reason :-D

xxx

AmericanTribal said...

Congratulations on your SITS day!

It sounds like you lead a very exciting life and you seem like a very giving person :).

www.americantribal.blogspot.com

MsTypo said...

Hi! Congrats on your SITS day! :)

I can't wait to look around. :)

Sarah Brown said...

Wow--what an amazing story you have---I am off to read more about you and your BEAUTIFUL family=)
~Sarah

http://sarahbrownsfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

Betty Manousos said...

Congrats on your sits day!!!.Enjoy your day.
You have a nice blog.
Nice to meet you.

The Whites said...

Happy SITS day! I enjoyed visiting your blog!

Blessings!!

Sherri said...

Happy, Happy SITS Day! I can't wait to sit back and read much more:)

Angie's Spot said...

Congratulations on your spotlight day! I'm excited to read some of your posts. :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day! Looking forward to reading your posts. Have a good day!
PK @ Room Remix

Keri said...

Hello, your photos are stunning, kids, beautiful, writings moving, indeed. Happy for your feature on SITS...Keri

www.samwich365.com
www.spitnglue.com

Unknown said...

Congrats to being the FB today! Wishing you lots and lots of comment love - am off to read your posts now.

Jenn Erickson said...

Congrats on your SITS day! You sound like an amazing woman, and I look forward to reading your posts, following, and getting to know you better through your writing.

Jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com

Andi said...

Happy SITS day, I look forward to exploring your blog, I love to meet people from all parts of the world!

Cluttered Brain said...

WOW! You have experienced ALOT over there! My heart goes out to those child soldiers, the child prostitutes,...How can we make this world a better place? Love is a good start and it sounds like you are doing a great job! Hope you have a fulfilling day, cause God loves US! God LOVES everyone, we are his children!:)

Sandy S said...

Hi! Stopping from SITS where I am a new memeber. I love your photos! Really beautiful. If I ahve one regret in life, it is that I don't live closer to the ocean. Hope you have a great SITS day.

Just A Normal Mom said...

Enjoy your SITS Day!
I've read your three and now looking forward to exploring the rest of your site!
***Ally

Beth's Blog said...

happy sits day!!!

Allison said...

Great posts...great site...so moving! Hope you have a great SITS day and I look forward to reading more of your site!

Turtles In Northern Florida said...

Happy SITS day!

MariLee Parrish said...

Wow...may God richly bless you as you continue to serve Him! I love finding other moms sharing their faith in God through blogging!

www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com

Happy Sits Day!

Charlene said...

Congratulations on a great blog and being a SITS FB. "All good." Peace!

Cara said...

Having lived in RSA for six years, your stories and photos bring back so many memories of the country I love! I used to collect dresses and children's clothing on my visits home to NY to bring back with me for all my local friends. We were outside Joburg and I had visited Durban often. I loved your blog and what you are doing. I am back in NY now - but will keep reading your words to keep in touch with S. Africa. God Bless you and your family for all you are doing. I am glad I found you throgugh SITS!
Jenn

tiarastantrums said...

Happy SITS Day1

Michelle said...

So do you shave then? I try not to. But I have a maternity massage today (oh my aching back) and wondering if I should shave or just warn her. LOL

Audra said...

Great blog! Happy SITS Day!

LazyCrazyMama said...

Happy SITS day!! :)

Beth said...

Happy SITS day and good to see a sister in Christ! Have fun on your day and keep up your amazing work..God is blessing you and your family!

Lorie Shewbridge said...

Have a wonderful day being the center of attention! I think what you are doing is totally awesome. Your boys are adorable, and must be quite a handful. God bless you in your work, and may he sustain you and your family.

cat said...

Happy SITS day from a fellow South African. (Pretoria)

MrsMonicaLB said...

Love your blog!you have a great soul and heart.
Thank you

Aimee said...

What an incredible blog and pictures! I am moved by the outstanding work that you do in S. Africa. Congrats on your SITS Days!

Twincerely,Olga said...

Wow! beautiful pictures and blog! Stopping by from SITS! congrats. on your day!!! I am going to have to follow you!

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS Day!!! Your blog is amazing and the fact that you live in SA is truly awesome to me!!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Congratulations on your SITS DAY!! Your blog is amazing, and very inspiring with the work you are doing. All the best! Janell

Anonymous said...

Visiting from SITS... Enjoy your special feature!

Jennifer said...

hello...enjoy your day. 15 dogs? dying to know...

pink and green mama MaryLea said...

Happy SITS day! I'm enjoying your blog : )

Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said...

Happy SITS day! I love your blog and became a follower.

Blogs said...

Congrats and Good Day to you!!! Enjoying the blog how nice;D

SITS is the BEST!!

Thena said...

Happy SITS DAy!!!!!!

The Only Girl said...

Enjoy your SITS day!

Shawn said...

Wow! What an interesting life you have! So great to read about your adventures....congrats on your SITS day----you are oh, so deserving!

The Double Dipped Life said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Off to read!

Mammatalk said...

What a lovely corner of the blogosphere! Can't wait to take a peek around!

kayerj said...

a very interesting introduction. What a nice thing you are doing.

Carla said...

Stirred to action! What a lovely phrase:) Happy SITSday!!

Tara said...

Congrats on being a SITS pick! Great job! I am now following your blog.

Anonymous said...

I pray that many people will be moved into action by your posts! God bless you & your beautiful family!

Helen McGinn said...

Happy SITS Day, looking forward to reading more of what sounds like an amazing life. x

Tana said...

Happy sits day! Gosh, your pictures are beautiful!!!

Jesslyn said...

Happy SITS day! Very moving blog! I hope you find much success with all your projects and lots of people who can help do at least a little something!

www.imageinterpreters.com
Fight The Frump!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Congratulations! Your blog is beautiful and extrememly interesting.

Cougar Tales said...

Hello and Happy SITS Day. Just went through a few of your posts. Amazing stuff. You give good meaning to having an attitude of gratitude. I love the photos of the puppy and of the child climbing on the dog.

- Cougs
www.cougar-tales.blogspot.com

Shannon said...

I hate shaving my legs too! That is why I am loving that it is cold here and I can wear pants every day! :)

strokeofliving said...

First of all you are the second Vashti that I met this year.

As the namesake of King Xeres' wife, it's my favorite female name this year. And yes it changes as I discover new names.

Congratulations on your SITS featured blogger day! Good job and BEAUTIFUL blog. Your picture stories are amazing and as a former New Yorker [ I was born and raised in Queens] I want to send an extra cyber hug for having experienced my home for five years. NYC is pretty fabulous hun?

Anyway, in closing, let me introduce you to a wonderful internet program called Whrrl.com where you can create photo stories on the fly and email them to everyone you know. I just returned home from the first [and hopefully annual] SITScation and I'm kinda on steroids with information so forgive this very long winded congratulations because today it is all about YOU.

Whew!!

lindsey said...

Wow that was a lot of comments in one day! Love you xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Mum, for those who dont know)

A Nerd and A Free Spirit said...

Fun blog! Happy SITS Day! My sister went on a mission trip to Africa with a ministry at her college last summer. I'm REALLY bad with geography - but I know she went to Kenya. I have no idea where that is in Africa. She had a life changing time there and really enjoyed it.

~Kathryn

Lindsay Rudolph said...

Happy SITS day! I look forward to reading your posts. Take care!

rjs mama said...

Congratulations! Enjoy your day :)

RJ's day to day activities
Journal of RJ's mom

Jennifer Haas said...

Congrats on youre SITS day. You seen like such an amazing family. I cannot wait to read all about your adventures!!

I am a new follower now too!

Brandi said...

Happy SITS Day! Loving your blog!

Adria said...

My first visit to your blog and I must say that it's beautiful! Will def. be following :)

Project Survive said...

Great blog!!

Jessica said...

Beautiful blog! Visiting from SITS - have a wonderful special day!

Kileen said...

Happy SITS day! Very powerful and thought provoking posts. What and interesting life you lead.

Scottish lass said...

Love the pics - you have a very interesting life.

Valerie said...

Congrats on being FB!! Great blog you have some great pictures. I hope you have a great SITS day!

K A B L O O E Y said...

Congrats on your SITS day, the opening of the Childrens' House, your beautiful boys and nieces, etc. It is very exciting to catch a glimpse of your world through this blog. (It is not every day that I see a picture of a witch doctor, so thanks for reminding me of the size of the planet.) I also lived in Brooklyn for years, love the beach and hate rudeness. Then, does anyone cherish it?

Gretchen said...

Congratulations today! Wonderful blog! Have a great day! ~Gretchen

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Wow, okay, I won't ask but 15 dogs! I get overwhelmed with my 2 dogs plus 3 cats, but then they are all inside with me and I'd be willing to bet those 15 of yours get lots of wide open space to roam.

Hope that you have a wonderful SITS Feature Day!!

Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating said...

Hi! I'm visiting from SITS, and I'm new there, so your blog is my first visit! And wow...very intriguing. I look foward to reading more of your posts and learning more about your life in South Africa, and your work there.

I can totally relate to you saying "I love it. I hate it." I lived and worked in Turkey for a while, and it was heartbreaking to see some of the things I saw there, but at the same time, I loved life there.

Many blessings to you!

The Expatresse said...

Another expat! Hellooooooooo down there (I'm in Moscow).

Happy SITS Day, too.

:-)

Amaris in Wonderland said...

I found your blog through SITS - what an encouragement you are!!

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." - II Thessalonians 2:16&17

Anonymous said...

Happy sits day to you! lovely site you have!

www.anniebakes.blogspot.com

Life Laugh Latte said...

Here from SITS. I really wanted something new to read in bloggy land. Your blog is just the thing. I'm following you. When you make it thru the hundred's of posts...We'd love to have you come for a visit. Have a great day. Holly at lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com

glor said...

Happy SITS day and abundant blessings upon you and your family and your work. Your blog is amazing.

Momnerd said...

Hi! Beautiful blog!

Megan said...

Your blog has such a beautiful message, thank you for sharing.

Lisa Anne said...

Congrats on being the FB today. I'm going to go and look around!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your SITS Day! I am a new follower and going to look around some more.

p.s. I LOVE DOGS and wish I had 15 of them!!

shortmama said...

Shaving legs? Whats that?

Happy SITS day!

Unknown said...

Thank you for being a blessing in the lives of those around you. My prayer request is that those of us that visit your blog don't simply visit but become encouraged by your example. Happy SITS Day! Enjoy...Life is waiting!

D. said...

Happy SITS day to you. You have a beautiful blog look, I must say. Green is my favorite color and it just drew me in. You also have a gret writing style and interesting life and great family. Congrats again!

Rachie said...

Wow! You have been everywhere it sounds like!!! I am so jealous of what you do. Helping others! Someday soon (I hope!) I will be nurse and I will help others too. Happy SITS day!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Happy SITS day to you. Can't wait to poke around!

Unknown said...

Congrat's on your sits day!! I am off to read your 3 posts!!

Nicole said...

Congrats on your FB day SITSTA! Wow your blog is beautiful and you and your family are quite the travelers! I live in Brooklyn too, thats funny you lived here for 5 years before your time in Africa! I think it takes so much courage to live life helping others like you do!! I just looked through and saw the pic of your nieces primrose and magnolia, they are too cute!!
You've got yourself a follower!

Unknown said...

Happy SITS day! you are an inspiration! I have read a few of your posts and I am have great admiration for you.

Debbie said...

I hope you are having a wonderful SITS day! Enjoy:)

Kari said...

Happy SITS day. This looks like one blog I'm going to ENJOY! So glad to meet you!

Nicolasa said...

Wow, amazing. I love reading what your seeing because while I know these things exist in the world it is so easy to "forget" and keep on living in my own world. Thank you for opening my eyes again. I will need to follow you now so you can continue to remind me what our world is really like.

Happy SITS Day!

Low Expectations

Morgan said...

Happy SITS Day!! I hope you enjoy it!

Conquer the Monkey said...

congrats on your day in the spotlight!!!

what a lovely blog, and I agree with you, everybody does have a purpose in life.

going to be following you now.

stop on by and say hi when the commotion slows down :)

cheers
cameron
conquer the monkey

Melissa said...

Happy sits day! Hope it brings lots of comment love!

Unknown said...

I am so excited t read your blog. My computer is acting kind of crazy lately so I can not read today, but I will read soon! Can not wait! God bless!

Tina Butler said...

Congrats on sits day!!! you hav such a beautiful family.

Sandra Wilkes said...

Glad you are our SITS Girl of the Day! I can't wait to read all your posts. Come by and visit me when you can. Happy Monday!
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS Day!!

Joanna B said...

Happy SITS day! I have enjoyed looking at your blog, and learning about what you do. I am looking forward to following your journey!

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

Happy sits day!!

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

This is an inspirational blog and I'm glad I stopped by!

How awesome that you are ministering to those in need in Africa.

God Bless!
Sonya Lee

Bethany said...

Wow, I can't wait to have a look around. Happy SITS day!

Laurel said...

Oh you go girl. THanks for sharing your life and work and encouraging us to 'live on ..."!

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Stopping by from SITS. Can't wait to peak into your life!

Frogs in my formula said...

LOL. I hate face clothes too! Happy SITS day.

Cathy said...

Happy SITS day. I look forward to reading around your blog.

At Town Square said...

Happy sits day! Have a good Monday

said...

Congrats on your SITS feature day! I'm off to read your posts now.

Connie K said...

Happy SITS day !! What a big heart you have !! Going to take a look around your blog !!
Hugs

Sarah McMurray said...

Oh thank you for a beautiful post and sharing your heart and life. I'm so excited to have found this!!!

Kari said...

Took time to read through your blog today and truly enjoy your heart. You got yourself a new friend :o)

Holly Suso said...

You are an amazing person and thank God for women who have such a good heart as you. Those children are so blessed to have you. Be blessed

Brittany at Mommy Words said...

Happy SITS Day! What a great blog and great stores / inspiration. I am now a follower!

April said...

Hello from SITS. I love the entries of yours that I read and I am following! You have a beautiful heart formed by a beautiful Saviour! I look forward to reading more and being challenged and encouraged.

God bless!
April

AdriansCrazyLife said...

I just had to laugh when I saw that you were from Durban. We had some dear friends from there and ever since, we find people from Durban almost everywhere we go - on a cruise, the guy who sold us our car, someone from work, from church, all over.

We've decided that Durban is sending out agents to spy on us for some mysterious South African reason. Hope you're enjoying your SITS day!

Lora said...

Happy SITS day! I can't wait to read more of your blog!

JennyMac said...

Congrats on your SITS day..and what a beautiful family you have. :)

Cheers.

Anonymous said...

I just found SITS and in turn found you. You have a beautiful family and such an amazing blog! You are doing great things!

My best,
Brandi

Kristin said...

Happy SITS Day! Wow, what an amazing life and so encouraging how you are being used to spread love and light to others!

Jenny said...

I don't remember if I commented yesterday, but grats on your SITS day :D

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your SITS day :) I'm late but I just got my internet back so it's time to play catch up!

Nicole said...

Great blog and congrats!

Sarah said...

So I'm a little late...but I hope you had a fun fb day, SITSA! Lovely blog, beautiful purpose! You will be in my prayers.

Mox

Frugal New England Kitchen said...

Happy SITS day! Enjoy reading your articles & great pictures across the sea!