The Day I Decided to Become a Student of Culture {The Grove: Share}
When we have an intern come and join our team, one of the first things I tell them about cultural adaptation is this: “Come here as a...
My Top Ten Children’s Books
My Top Ten Children’s Books Now that I’m back in the States, I don’t have as much contingency planning to do, but if you’re overseas we all...
Holy Molé! An Interview with Dale Fredrickson
This one is for everyone. This week at Velvet Ashes we’re visiting with authors of books that we think will add value to your life and experience serving cross-culturally. At...
Married in M-work: An Interview with Alexis Kenny
This is the book I wish we had when we started our international service as young marrieds in 2005 . . . and when we became parents . . ....
Mind Act Upon Mind {The Grove: Read}
I bought toilet paper at the supermarket when I lived in NW China. That sounds like a funny thing to say, but it’s a distinction. I did not buy toilet...
What I’m Reading: Frederick Buechner
I wish I’d discovered him sooner in my faith journey, but maybe I wasn’t ready before. Frederick Buechner (pronounced “Beekner”) is one of those authors who says what you think...
The Psalms: A Soundtrack for Life {The Grove: Music}
The opening bars of Paul Simon's Graceland album might be perfection. U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" is the song I am convinced will be playing when I...
An Interview with Eine Blume
Today we’re interviewing some of Velvet Ashes’ favorite musicians! Caleb and Erin Paxton are the husband and wife behind Eine Blume, the band that created our Velvet Ashes Retreat music...
Treasure Trove of Travel Tips {The Grove: Travel}
Can you imagine the number of collective miles (or kilometers) we share between all of us? I’m no mathematician, but we’re talking millions of miles/kilometers, right?...
Tips for Traveling Single
I have to say, traveling by myself (Amy) was one of the places I felt my singleness most profoundly. Schlepping all of my stuff by myself was a pain! Going...
