When I first thought about creating a website I considered using the domain kimaasland.com. But it felt too much like I was making myself a commodity. And that’s not what I wanted. Instead I chose a phrase from my favorite verse. Apart from Me is a reference to John 15:5 ‘“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This has been my guiding word. I have found no fruit in a frenetic pace, in anxiety, in striving. One good unction birthed of a season of rest is worth thirty acts born of restlessness. Apart from Me is also an acknowledgement of the deep grief I have felt from losing my 23 year old son. Every day I feel his loss. There has been nothing more agonizing and brutal in my life. Apart from Me is a nod to all the beautiful places I have lived and people that have done life with that are now far away. I have been part of amazing communities in Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Turkey as well as the US and these have very much shaped who I am today. Apart from Me is a part from me that I offer to you. I hope that it is a way that my journey connects with yours and together we can offer each other encouragement, hope and support.