Author Archives: jocelyn smart

Well, August was quite the month! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever started a school year feeling so full and stretched in every direction all at once. Coming back to Kenya for year six of life, work, and ministry has been both exciting and overwhelming. I jumped straight back into so many responsibilities, and newContinue reading “august 2025.”

What a summer! This sure was one to remember. This summer was such a gift. I had the joy of spending precious time in Canada with family and friends, and it filled my heart in ways I can’t quite put into words. Some of my favorite moments were with my nephews—the laughter, adventures, and littleContinue reading “summer 2025 recap.”

It is hard to believe that this is my 60th post on this blog since I began posting 5 years ago. What an incredible journey God has taken me on. I am so grateful to serve in Nairobi. As you know, this past year, I moved schools to take on a new role that IContinue reading “may 2025.”

The rainy season has begun in Nairobi and with each passing year here, I get more unsure as to when rainy season is! But alas, it has begun and I am reminded of how much I adore falling asleep to the sound of rain on the roof. I also love seeing all of the greenContinue reading “april 2025.”

My birthday month has come and gone and boy, was it filled with love! I am so grateful to have a community of wonderful people who showered me with love, intentionality, and kindness. My students and colleagues made me cards and decorated my classroom. It was so wonderful walking into work on my birthday! Also,Continue reading “march 2025.”

How do you feel the month of February went by? Do you feel it flew by or that it dragged on? When I’ve asked around, I seem to get a mixed bag of responses. I, personally, am excited to enter into March since it holds my birthday and Spring break! To recap February, the phraseContinue reading “february 2025.”

Our first full month of 2025 has come to an end. I hope that you enjoyed Chapter 1 of 12 so far. I was grateful to have the first week off of work to enjoy spending time reflecting on the past year, setting intentions for the new one, spending time with friends, and exploring Kenya.Continue reading “january 2025.”

December’s blog post is coming to you in mid-January! Oh, what a full December it has been. I thank God for His blessings. It has been a wonderful month, and I am so grateful. This month was filled with fundraisers, Christmas concerts, celebrations, caroling, end-of-year projects, report card writing, farewells to students moving, church servicesContinue reading “december 2024.”

I recently began reading the book, The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg and I’ve been really enjoying it! The book is about the idea that the more we abide in Christ and seek to live a grace-filled, flourishing, and redeemed life, the more ourselves we become – “the person God had inContinue reading “november 2024.”

What a beautiful month of blooming! As we approach the end of the calendar year, the weather has been warming – it is almost summer here. Jacaranda trees are in full bloom! I adore seeing the purple around the city. God’s beautiful handiwork. I am also grateful for the warmth and blue skies. At school,Continue reading “october 2024.”