Meet the newest member of the Balance & Grace Pilates Family: Christine Mukiri Wangari
Meet Christine Mukiri Wangari, the newest member of our Balance & Grace Pilates Family. She just turned 7 years old this month on October 4th. She and her mom live in the rural village of Kausyani, which is about an hour outside of Nairobi, Kenya, and she attends school in Kausyani through the support of CMF (Christian Mission Fund) International. She may not be rich in material things but look at that sweet smile and those beaming eyes. She is exquisite and we are so excited to become a part of her world and for her to be a part of ours!
Balance & Grace Pilates recently learned about the wonderful opportunity we have to partner with CMF International and Mission of Hope International to commit to sponsoring the monthly educational, medical, nutritional, and spiritual needs of this beautiful young girl in her home village so far away from here. We might be continents apart but because “EVERY Body Matters” we already hold her close to our hearts. We will be keeping you updated in the weeks and months to follow about our growing relationship with Christine and how our commitment to her development is supporting positive change- all the way from Glendora, CA to Kenya, Africa! If you are interested in learning about ways to support the amazing work that CMF and Mission of Hope are doing around the world – perhaps even sponsoring a child of your own!- you can check out their website atwww.cmfi.org. Check this section of the website often as we will be posting more information here as it becomes available about our sweet Christine and her life there in Kausyani.
A Message From our Owner, Christine Ivy: "When I pause to consider my life here in sleepy Glendora, I’m overwhelmed with the realization of how blessed we are. No matter the struggles we may be facing, we are blessed with basics like food, clothing, education, and shelter. We don’t often worry about empty tummies or being safe at night or if we can keep warm or locate clean water. Not everyone is so fortunate. But the good news is we can do something to change that!
There is a reason the studio "adopted" a young girl with the same namesake as its studio owner- and that’s because but by the Grace of God I could be in her worn out, barely held together shoes and she could be in my Toe Sox working with all of you awesome ladies and men day in and out. None of us is here by chance and any one of us could be facing different circumstances. But we have the opportunity to give back and, by expressing gratitude, receive more in return than we could ever possibly give away. With Thanksgiving right around the corner it’s a wonderful time to discover new ways to give back and pay it forward. J We are truly all in this together. I love you guys and I’m grateful for all of you. I can’t wait to bring you more updates about Christine Mukiri. I love her and I know you guys will too! Xoxo" . ~Christine Studio Owner, Balance & Grace Pilates
Watch the video above to see first hand one mom's impactful journey as she witnessed first hand what we already know....not only does Every BODY Matter,....but Every LIFE Matters. Visit Mission of Hope International's website to learn more.
Christine's school is sponsored by Mission of Hope International. In 2009, a small nursery school was opened at the nearby Joska boarding school, operated by CMF's local partner organization, Missions of Hope International. This school was opened in an effort to reach these impoverished children living in the rural areas outside of Nairobi so that they may also hear the message of the Gospel and find hope for a better life.Click here to learn about the Joska/Kausyani school, its staff, and all the amazing work they are doing for these young children.