Hello!! I am so sorry I haven't posted in almost 2 weeks! Lots of things have been going on, but I decided to wake up early this morning to post my last update before going home... I can't believe that time has come!! Last week was our last week of ministry.. it's been hard to think that I don't know if I will ever be able to enter these villages again. They have been home to me for the past 2 months and it was an emotional time saying goodbye to my family. Giving my thanks and farewells to the widows last Thursday was a cry-fest, but of course it was mixed with singing and dancing. I love those women sooooo much!!!
The Tuesday before saying goodbye the girls and I decided to put our foot washing idea from the beginning of the summer into action. Rachel read from John 13 which is the story of when Jesus washed His disciples feet in oder to show them that He came to serve not to be served. It was a powerful experience that I haven't been able to put into words as the five of us knelt down and served our sisters. Tears filled my eyes as I prayed over each woman as I pictured Jesus in that moment. Scripture has never felt that alive to me!
On Monday we had to say goodbye to the kids in Mgwayi.... I am going to miss playing with them! They have taught me a lot and I love them dearly, but we were advised not to cry in front of them because they wouldn't understand, so we tried our best to leave them with smiling faces (which isn't too hard because I can't help but smile around them). As we were walking back home with our usual trail of kids with us we reached the spot where we had to part. I was walking with my favorite girls Christina and Angela who are best friends along with their older brothers Yamikani and Gift who are also best friends. The girls and I didn't want to let go and stop hugging, but Gift tenderly and protectivley pulled his sister away, looked at me and said, "It's time for you to go now". He was right.. even though it was hard to hear, but my time with them was over. Gift then told me that they will praying for me to come back to Malawi and someday for them to visit me in my country. I was amazed by the strength of this 13 year old boy and the love he has for his fatherless sister. I told both boys what great brothers they were to my precious friends! Gift asked if I could pray for them and I said "Of course I will!", so he nudged the 3 others and they all clasped their hands and closed their eyes (I didn't realize they wanted to right that second!) It was a powerful moment and an awesome reflection of God's work as I walked away knowing that He is still with them after I leave.
As if all these goodbyes weren't enough, we then had to see the National interns off as they go back to school. I am going to miss hanging out with my Malawian friends!! It's not the same around here without them... they are not only a blast to hang out with but none of our ministry would've taken place without their hard work and translation assistance!!
On Wednesday morning we left for Safari in Zambia and got back last night (Friday). It was sooooooooo amazing!!! The country is beautiful and the animals are magnificant!! (and of course there is nothing like an offroading adventure in the African wilderness! HAHA) We saw lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and tons of monkeys and elephants (even in our camp!!) We were exhausted after 4 rides in a day and a half, but we got to see the sun rise and set as we had coffee and biscuits (God's colors are sooo beautiful!!) It was a blast and I can't wait to share pictures and video.
So now it's just us... 20 Americans hanging out in Africa... not quite sure what to make of our experiences... and unable to believe that we will be home in less than a week! I think I only feel ready to go home because I know I have to, but if I was to stay another few months I would be completely fine with it! But, I am excited to see you all and hear all about the last 2 months of your lives! Among the group we have thousands of pictures which will be so great to share, and I hope they can come close to what Malawi is!
Well that's my last post for my time here, but stay tuned for post-trip thoughts and pictures! Thank you for reading! We leave today for Lake Malawi to have a relaxing vacation and some defriefing before we take off early Tuesday morning for the States. I love you all! Thank you sooooo much for your support and prayers and for getting me here!!!!! See you next week :)
Love, K
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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3 comments:
KK!
"Lions, and zebras, and elephants, OH MY!" You have lived and experienced the ultimate National Geographic adventure! Wow! I am having a cryfest right now reading about your last days with your new found family and so awestruck at what an amazing woman you are! I love you so much and want you to hold on tight to your sister just a little longer at your reunion at the airport knowing that I wish I could also be there with open arms. I am praying for a time before Thanksgiving when we get to see each other. Something will open up.
Nana's eye surgery is Tues. am. The surgeon was 99% positive that Nana will have improved vision! We are so thankful! I will spend the night and then take her to her return appt. on Wed. am.-the day you arrive. I should be home in the early afernoon. A funny story is when Uncle Geoff and I were wheeling Nana down the parking garage ramp in downtown SF...She let out a "wheeee this is fun" as we zoomed her down 3 ramps! We are making things fun!
Thanks to your help at the end of the year, I only went into my classroom for a few hours this week. It is all set to go! Stacy was at school with the babies who are so big now...laughing and cooing! Two of them look just like Trevor when he was a baby! I haven't seen Michelle and her baby belly yet but she assured me that it is rounder - requiring maternity pants! Daddy just came home from his first drive this Sat. So, I will stop and have him read your latest...Love you so much my daugher! Mama
Sister!!!
Wow I agree with mama on the cryfest..geesh, they are so precious and I am sure that was one of the hardest things to say goodbye :) It's very hard to believe your 2 months time is near and I will be seeing you on Wednesday!!! Be prepared for a bunch of hugs and kisses..haha! Mom gave me your itenerary that you should be arriving by 1:30pmish at LAX and I will be there waiting :). I don't even remember what your little face looks like..jk. I will pray for you to be safe and secure in your last few days there and to have an easy travel back to the US (that sounds so weird!) Give me a call whenever you can that day and I will see you at the airport!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Love,
J
dear Karin,
You have been in my prayers all along. Sorry i haven't written, but life has been busy. I been trying to work as much as possible in order to take our week off in Boston. My job at times does drain me. oh well enough of this.
You sound so excited with every entry I read. God is doing such a big ummph in your life. And all around you is such a new life. I've only been to Europe, but one can feel the difference between the States and Europe. I can hardly wait till you are home to share all of your experiences.
So Erik is home and it's been so nice to see him here. I really do miss him. We went to a Red Socks game when we were in Boston and it was so fun. Boy the fans really let you know how they feel about how the team plays. They don't hold back. The weather was nice with quite a few thunder storms in the pm. Nothing like what Ca has. Denise is doing well and loves her new job. She feels that she is being challenged. I'll keep posted from your Mom. Many prayers and lov,
Susan
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