Congratulations Faith! December Mom of the Month

Please tell us about yourself.  How many children do you have?  How old are they? 

I'm originally from Kenya, East Africa and became a United States citizen in June, 2014. I have lived in Memphis, TN for 5 years and moved to Ohio in 2009. I am also a single mother of 2 children named Ethan and Ivana who are 3 years old and 1 year old respectively. I am also a full-time student in the Physician Assistant program at Tri-C/Cleveland state. My children and school keep me very busy but I enjoy motherhood and education. I am the first of five children. One of my brothers is in Helsinki, Finland while the rest of my family members are in Kenya.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

The person with the biggest influence in my life is my mother. The values she instilled in my life are prayer and faith in God, love for family, hardwork, perseverance and determination. These values have shaped me to be who I am today. My mother is also a prayer warrior and my confidant. I can count on her love and prayer to carry me through the hardest of times.

Who do you look up to as a mom?

First and foremost my mother is my role model as a woman and as a mother. But I also learn so much from my close friends and family members. I get inspired by women who go above and beyond to provide love, security, education, and adventure to their children. Even though my mother is not in the United States, I'm lucky to be surrounded by amazing group of moms who inspire, uplift and encourage me on a daily basis. These women are my neighbors and friends.

What's your favorite mom story or memory? Possibly something funny that your children did or said.

I have 2 very young children so it's fun to see what they pick from me on a routine basis. These moments are so previous and always bring a smile to my face. When my son Ethan was 15 months old, I found him painting the toenails of both his feet exactly like he had observed me doing. I had painted my toenails on a Sunday morning prior to going to church, and he did the exact thing on Wednesday of the following week. There were no spills on the carpet, and he was pressing on the top portion of the nail polish bottle exactly the same way as I had done. I was so surprised and amazed at his silent observation skills. 

What is the hardest part about being a mom?

For me, being a single mother of two in a very rigorous health profession, with no family members in the United States to offer support has truly been a challenge. However, I know God's plans are the best and I'm grateful to all my wonderful friends who've gone above and beyond to make me and my children feel at home in the United States. My friends have been tremendously helpful and supportive and I thank God for bringing these amazing people in my life. It is true that it takes a village to raise a child.

What advice would you share with another mom that has been key to your success?

God's ways are not our ways. Trust in Him and let Him direct your steps. Have goals and work hard towards them but let God have His way. Jeremiah 29:11 Says "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Commit this verse to memory and recite it over and over when you feel discouraged.

What do you do for fun?

Travelling, watching movies, reading and doing outdoor fun activities with my children. This year we attended The Fest for the first time and we really loved it. We also went on  The Polar Express offered by the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad for the first time this December and we enjoyed that as well.

If you were given a weekend away from your children to relax and enjoy some "me time" what would you do?

My ideal relaxation would be to go to a quiet place surrounded by trees, waterfall, and nature and just stare at the beauty of it all or to sit by a quiet beach and listen to the waves of the oceans with no electronic devices and no distractions. A peaceful quiet time to think of all the goodness of the Lord and to thank Him for all the wonderful things he has done in my life and that of my family.

 

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

I enjoy listening to 95.5 The Fish. It is the only radio station me and my family listen to so I'm so grateful for this gift they've given me. I want to thank the Mom Squad, 95.5 The Fish, Carlisle Inn and everyone who made this possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much and keep up the good work.


FAITH WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WORLD WITH US. BE BLESSED.