my story
My story is one of brokenness, but also of redemption.
Short version: I’m a New Yorker who’s lived in South Africa for eleven 
years, running a ministry that I love called Thrive Africa. Right now God’s in the process of rebuilding my heart and my life in the wake of my husband’s unfaithfulness and decision for divorce. You can read more about my journey here >
Slightly less short version: I got the missions bug in me when I went on my first mission trip at 14. At 16, I was ruined forever by a two-month trip to Southern Africa. I went home with more than a tan and some wooden carvings. I knew I’d spend my life on this continent, with these beautiful people.
I moved to South Africa when I was 19. I didn’t know much, beyond the fact that God called me here. I’ve learned a lot over the past decade+ of living in Africa, but in many ways I still don’t know much. And I’m okay with that. I’ll be a student of Africa forever.
I was married for 9 years to my South African husband. Together we pioneered and led a ministry called Thrive Africa. At the end of 2008, it came to light that my husband was having an affair, and earlier this year, he decided he wants a divorce. My journey since then has been filled with a complex mix of emotions and struggles, but through it all there’s been an undercurrent of God’s grace and faithfulness. You can read more about this chapter of my life here >
The beautiful work of Thrive Africa still continues. And I’ll be heading back there next year to step into leadership once again. In the meantime, I’m living in Atlanta, pursuing the heart healing I know I need.
I’m grateful to know that my story isn’t finished yet.
I”m still (mostly) unwritten.
If you’d like to talk more with me, feel free to send me a message.
I’d love to hear from you.
::
There’s a lot more random and pointless things about me on my 100 things page. I know it needs to be updated in light of my present life situation. I’ll (hopefully) get around to that soon.
So sorry to hear what you have gone through. My wife and I divorced in 2002 due to my unfaithfulness and addiction. You can watch a video of our story at http://traylorlovvorn.com/?page_id=72.
By God’s grace we remarried in October of 2008 after six years of divorce.
God bless!
Traylor
rejoicing with you on the full-circle restoration of your marriage and life. God is faithful!
Hi Alece,
I just stumbled upon your blog by way of Don Miller’s blog.
Your story is incredibly heart-breaking, but incredibly inspirational. I truly believe that God has his hand on you and your ministry in Africa.
Blessings,
Amy
Just wanted to mention I ADORE this picture! :)
Your story is powerful… and I’m glad you have so many people (including me!) who love u and are rooting for you. And you’re right – your story is FAR from finished!
Ours too is a story of brokenness. Feel free to visit the newly created site to share our story – for His glory. My heart is drawn to you, as I identify with so much of your experience. I would love to connect with you more!
thank you so much, mandy. i hate that you can relate with this kind of brokenness, but i’m encouraged to see the ways you’re allowing the Lord to use your story for His glory.
Hi Alece
I pray that I would never do to my wife, what was done to you and I thank you for being willing to share your pain and restoration through our Lord Jesus Christ! He is able to do more than we can imagine and he is the lover of our souls. I pray that you will be able to find joy in the Lord every moment and that He will continue to lead you in your inspirational work in Africa. When I lived in the Middle East, I made several friends from different parts of Africa and I cannot wait to go and see them in their homeland and celebrate Jesus with them and their loved ones.
Your brother in Christ,
Vineet
Hi Alece,
I have read your blog frequently over the past months. Your story and mine are simular in many ways, and my marriage broke up back in 1996, so I now have the benefit of reflection. God sent a wonderful woman my way and we have a great marriage that walks with God always, we have been married almost ten years now. Healing was a long process, but He will heal us if we are patient. I thank you for the wisdom your site imparts to others who are broken and healing. God Bless
Jim
Hi AleceI pray that I would never do to my wife, what was done to you and I thank you for being willing to share your pain and restoration through our Lord Jesus Christ! He is able to do more than we can imagine and he is the lover of our souls. I pray that you will be able to find joy in the Lord every moment and that He will continue to lead you in your inspirational work in Africa. When I lived in the Middle East, I made several friends from different parts of Africa and I cannot wait to go and see them in their homeland and celebrate Jesus with them and their loved ones.Your brother in Christ,Vineet
+1
thank you for your encouraging words, vineet. be blessed.