Holy Moly!! I'm leaving for Africa in 9 hours according to my countdown!! My drive down to Sheila's went well even though I was on a few hours of sleep.. but I made it here safely and we got to have good catch-up time and lounge time last night. We ate pizza and watched movies and went to bed fairly early. I felt like I had to force myself to relax because I have tons of "to-do lists" floating around in my brain, but I'm glad I took a break :) I slept super well because I was so exhausted and woke up to waffles and strawberries (yummmy). If you can't tell I'm probably going to miss food the most which is probably why I've gained like 10 pounds since I've been home! HAHA. After breakfast we ran some errands to get some fun things for the plane like a sleep mask, ear plugs, coloring book and crayons, word puzzles, and Sudoku. I also have reading material, music, cards, and my journal to keep me occupied not to mention the best traveling buddies for great conversation!! My last, yet most important, errand was to stock up on snacks for when I'm in-country and missing good tasting goodies. I got starburst, cheez-its, granola bars, and cookies in little individual packages, as well as some crysal light to-go packets to flavor up my water a bit. So now I'm all set to go! I'm still at Sheila's and about to leave in a little bit to drive to my sister's so we can have lunch, take a shower, and relax before we drive to the airport. I feel pretty calm, but it's probably just because it hasn't hit me yet. I don't think it will until probably a couple weeks of being in Malawi and I will still have 6 weeks left to go! I can't wait!!
Here are just a few reminders before I leave:
1) Once I arrive I will get one phone call which I will use to talk to my parents and let them know I am safe and sound. I then left my mom a phone list of people to call so she can relay the message which includes: my sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, my three best girl friends (Megan, Raven, and Ashley), one representative from my church at home and in San Diego, one Courtside representative, and Sheila so she can tell our other roomies.
2) After my initial contact with home I will not be able to communicate for 2 weeks just so that we can effectively begin our cultural immersion process and stay focused on our purpose in Malawi. After that I will be able to have limited computer access so please check my blog regularly since it will be my main source of contact!!
3) I am turning off my phone and leaving it in the US so I won't be able to receive calls, but please feel free to leave as many voicemails as you want to so I can hear your precious voices when I get home! I will call you all when I get back and can't wait to share my stories and pictures with you!
4) I just realized that I never posted my official job for the summer. Please refer to my previous post called "Our creative juices are flowing..." for a description. Our original ideas for the widow's home, art class, and teenage girl outreach have now been established and I'm so excited to see them develop further with our service and God's guidance!
Here are a few prayer requests for the next 8 weeks:
1) That we will have a stress-free travel by getting all our stuff through customs smoothly.
2) That we will all stay healthy.
3) That we will transition smoothly into the Malawian culture.
4) That we will be received with favor by the natives as well as the rest of our team.
5) That we will remain flexible and patient.
6) That we don't let ourselves get in the way of God's plan, but that we will follow Him wherever He leads us even if it is scary and uncomfortable.
7) That our hearts and minds will be transformed by what we experience.
8) That we will be able to bring people to Jesus through our love for them and establishing meaningful relationships.
9) That we can slow down and learn how to listen.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and donations! I couldn't have done any of this by myself since when I applied for the internship I had no ideas whatsoever on how I was going to raise the money. But, God is so faithful and has provided abundantly by using you all in His plan for me!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I love you tons!! I will update you again in 2 weeks :) See you all in August!!
In Him,
Karin
Welcome!!
As many of you know this past summer I spent 8 weeks in Malawi, Africa serving as an intern with an organization called Children of the Nations. As you read further you will see ways that my heart has forever been changed because of this experience. It is a journey of losing myself and finding Christ in the eyes of the poor and orphaned. I have come to realize that this was not just a 2 month vacation, but that I am now responsible for what I have seen. I am now in the process of taking what I know and applying it to my world here. Please join me in this as I become more aware of the hurts in Africa and search for other ways to serve at home. I pray that this website will not only be informative, but also encouraging. Thank you for visiting!
God Bless!!
Love,
Karin :)
As many of you know this past summer I spent 8 weeks in Malawi, Africa serving as an intern with an organization called Children of the Nations. As you read further you will see ways that my heart has forever been changed because of this experience. It is a journey of losing myself and finding Christ in the eyes of the poor and orphaned. I have come to realize that this was not just a 2 month vacation, but that I am now responsible for what I have seen. I am now in the process of taking what I know and applying it to my world here. Please join me in this as I become more aware of the hurts in Africa and search for other ways to serve at home. I pray that this website will not only be informative, but also encouraging. Thank you for visiting!
God Bless!!
Love,
Karin :)
Encouraging Words of God
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
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6 comments:
Hi Sister!!!! Wow well you are now in Africa...woo hoo!! I am so very proud of you and know you are going to do great things there. God is so amazing and I still can't get over how everything completely fell into place for you. Everyone I tell is so happy for you and in awe. Mom called me at work right after you called her on Tuesday morning (our time) and she said you are 9 hours ahead which I still tend to forget. You were having dinner at the time which I was curious as to what you guys ate that night. I assume rice and such...haha. I have been praying for all of you girls each day and hope you are enjoying yourselves and learning so much! (sorry for the cry fest when I left you at the airport. You know me I get so emotional, but it was happy tears and missing you tears ;)) I had a dream last night about all of you in your adorable skirts and tennis shoes singing worship songs with some of the kids there...random I know but it seemed so real and the main thing was you were all so happy! I know you guys are safe and sound it's just so weird to not have my sister here for the summer....I will miss you in Tahoe and can't wait to see you on your return. You are so lucky to not be in all this heat here though....this summer is going to be a hot one! I "myspaced" Josh and we are going to visit him when I go to Tahoe which will be fun and hopefully Megan will come too. I saw Auntie Calla, Chris, Russ and Joey!! OMG she is the cutest little thing ever and can't wait for you to see her. We will have to make a trip up there this school year....she is so PRECIOUS! Mom and Dad had a blast in Vegas and of course Dad had to tell me about all of the pools he visited and I guess some drunk guy accidently walked off with Dad's sunglasses and Dad said, "Hey wait those are mine." and the guy said "Oh ya haha sorry man"...can you just see this interaction take place..too funny! I hung out with Ty, Breonna and the boys last night, they all wish you the best! Sunday is Breonna's 22nd b-day so we are all going to downtown HB to watch the Spain and Germany soccer game. Sorry I am rambling but I want to talk to you as if you are here....haha. Dad has totally called me a lot lately as he misses you a lot. He always starts off with "Well your sister is in Africa." And I go, "Yes dad she is and having a great time and we will see her soon"...so precious! Well I will keep you updated with other happenings. Don't be suprised to get a lot of messages from me.haha. Oh P.S. I cancelled your dentist appt and re-scheduled it for Thanksgiving time. I love you!!!!!!! Be safe and I will be checking this site regularly. Again, Karin I am so blessed to have you as a sister and you are going to make such a difference there. xoxoxoxoxoxo - J
Hi Daughter! I am feeling so important writing on your blog-so techy! Of course J had to lead me through the process-haha! It was so good to hear your voice on Wed. You sounded so happy. What a fabulous welcome you received from the girls and village. Sort of like Kindergarten: lots of singing & dancing! Papa was moved to a skilled nursing home and Nana, Uncle Geoff and I went to see him. He looked so little in his bed and doesn't understand why he can't go home. I go back on Monday to take Nana to the eye doctor. When we go visit him again we will bring him the TV for his room. Nana is rested and relieved she isn't caring for him. But, it's hard for me to not have them together.
Karin I am humbled by your commitment and trust to the Lord in all things. Your faith is such an example to me. It is a gift to be your mom. I will continue to pray for you and the other interns you are living with. Until we talk again, I love you very much! Mom
Hi Sister...yes it's me again. I had to tell you that I just finished watching "P.S. I Love You" and can we say cry fest...geesh! But it was soooo good! Missing you and praying for you....love you!
Hey KK!
The latest...Brett Favre might come out of retirement! HAHA
Heard this from dad last night and confirmed while watching ESPN at the gym! Love, Mom
My Dear Karin,
You are in Africa! Oh, My Goodness! Even though Uncle Ray and I know what it means to travel so many hours away from home, it amazes me still that we have been to Africa, and now YOU, TOO! I know I've said this to you before, but I can't even consisely put into words how that experience has changed my life (for the better, of course) but it has in a huge way. I know you will feel the same and maybe do, already! Something about the people and their beauty, inside and out, and all of the learning we do when we travel so far to a place so different from ours. I know you are a gift to the people you are meeting and you feel they are a gift to you - that is just perfect!
So, stay safe and be sure to take your Cipro at the very first, even tiniest hint of a tummy ache! Very important. (just a touch of "Auntie Advice")
I love you and am so glad you are having such a great adventure!
Auntie Bobbi (and Uncle Ray, too
Hi KK!
It's Saturday July 5 and we are packed for Tahoe! Yesterday we spent the 4th at Uncle Mike's and brought Auntie Calla with us. We had a great time and saw new baby Luke (Emily and James) goobie-gobie.He's a chunk! We celebrated their daughter Mary's 4th BD too! Everyone says hello and wishes you well. Jon helped no wait Jon did it all haha for my iPod shuffle music. So, now I will be stylling on the beach with my tunes! I love you and will miss you this year. I wm continuing to pray for your health, safety,peace, wisdom, flexibillity, and whatever else comes to my heart at the time. Hugs and kisses to you daughter! Mom
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