A wonderful Evening

Hello all. I recognize that in my last update, which was like 3 days ago, I appeared quite pathetic. I wrote it in tears, after having fasted & still been sick I was really upset. I wouldn’t say that I am completely over “it”, but I am walking in confidence in the Lord’s healing. As we continue to pray things improve. I’m beginning to wonder if I am sick, or if I am just lactose intolerant?!

Well, the past couple days have been wonderful. Especially today, being Saturday & a much needed day of rest, I went to a play called “Dead Talk”. This was a play my host, Philip Gitau, was in. It was in a morgue, and the spirits of dead people were talking to each other about their lives, how they lived, and what’s after death. Apparently after this play (being completely secular) many people gave their lives to Christ! Hopefully it is a true life change & not just“scared of Hell” repentance. Either way it was nice. Following the play, my friends Adam & Craig accompanied me to a beautiful restaurant called “The Moon Flower”. If you ever come to Nairobi, this is a must. It was one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever been to in my entire life! Needless to say this much anticipated evening turned out to be splendid. I give God the glory & thanks for this day in Kenya. They were laughing at me because for the first 15 minutes of dinner I simply could not stop smiling. This picture was taken of me after dinner.

Thank you for your prayers. I would ask that you would keep them up. Trust me, there is a battle going on here, and I know that God can & will win! Please just keep praying for victory!

As for everything else, Nairobi is getting colder, but it’s nice. The rains are consistent, which is good for a land that has so many droughts. Time has been going a bit slow, perhaps because of me being sick, and the rains. But I think in May I will turn a new leaf! There is a lot to do with Tanari; events to plan, offices to organize, etc. It should be a good month!

PLEASE NOTE: If anyone would like to meet Mo, he will be at my house in Carmel, on the evening of May 4th. Just let any of my sisters know, or my parents. He’ll have lots of pictures for you to see & stories about me to tell.

Thanks blog readers. You’re awesome!

More adventures to come….

Here we go...

Hello everyone. This a quick blog, but in need of great attention!

Ok family, I need you. I just finished fasting for 36 hours, and I had no problems during this fast. (Other than being hungry) I come to these times and wonder if it is out of a lack of faith on my part that I’m not healed. I tried the solution that Benson offered: apple cider vinegar w/ water- 2 x in one day. I tried the fasting resolution, which obviously also didn’t work. This morning I had toast & dry cereal for breakfast. Still nothing. I had been in the office for a couple hours, and low & behold it returned.

My friend I made here, Amanda, gave me this medication that she took & she was better. I think this is my last option until I see a specialist. Please just pray for my situation. It isn’t fun, and the longer I endure it the more homesick & weary I get. Perhaps it’s an attack from the enemy. I have rebuked him….trust me. Either way, the situation at hand is that I am still sick. On Monday it will have been three weeks. Honestly, I think its something I could live with, but something I certainly don’t want to live with.

I am calling all forces to pray for me. Thank you. The body of Christ, through the power of Christ, is a powerful weapon in the kingdom of darkness. Please join with me in prayer. Thank you for all your prayers thus far, & your encouraging emails. I am committed to the work that is set before me here in Kenya. I know that God wants me here until July. Perhaps my diet will need to change. Either way, I’m not leaving. Two months isn’t long enough & there are still other options here.

I have never missed you all more. Not necessarily home, or the states, but to have one good friend to be with me in this time would amazing. But then again, God is becoming my all in all.

Well, sorry for the news. I am enjoying my time here in Kenya. I had a good day yesterday despite my hunger. God is revealing more about what He might desire for me when I return from the states, & I am excited about His movement in my life. It is a good time here in Kenya.

I miss you all & look forward to seeing your beautiful faces in a little over two months.

With love,
Kate

The Coast for Easter

I don’t think there is any better way to celebrate Easter than at the Coast. It was b-e-a-utiful! I went with a church group, of about 30 people. For over a week now I have been a bit sick. I’ve made several trips to the hospital (not deathly ill, but the hospital is the best option) Unfortunately this sickness returned while at the coast; but it certainly didn’t take over my time.

We traveled through the night on Thursday night & arrived in Mombasa early Friday morning. From there we traveled to our destination; a campsite 200 feet from the beach. It was wonderful. “Good things come to those who wait”. When we arrived at the campsite, we played icebreaker games & set up our tents. THEN we got to finally visit the beach; and that’s where I stayed most of the time.

There were 3 other Americans there, to my surprise, but they were all very fun & always wanted to be at the beach was well. This made for a fabulous time. I got to play Frisbee a lot, with Evans & Craig. If you know me, you know one of my greatest joys in life is playing Frisbee on the beach. And so God richly blessed me in this area.

The water was clear, the beaches were white, and the swimming was good. The people were fabulous & God continually captivated my heart by kissing me with the warm sun, the gentle breezes, & beautiful sunrises. I had yet to see the sunrise in the east. When the time came for sunset I forgot that it was on the other side of the world. The sun rises in the East. Thats where I was. But I awoke every morning to see the sunrise.

The last night everyone stayed up late & swam in the pool. It was lit up by the moonlight & ridiculously fun. Then we traveled, a lot, on Monday. All the way back to the big city & work.

The coast was a wonderful “break” from reality in the city. Now that I’m back I’ve been visiting the hospital daily so they can find what is going wrong in my stomach. Lord willing, after tomorrow’s visit we’ll have diagnosed me & I’ll be on my way.

Otherwise, I’m staying busy in Nairobi. Thanks for all your prayers & emails through out Sarah’s one year anniversary. It went well. Please just pray for healing now, and a time of rest. It is needed.

Until my next update! See you!

My dear friends...

I recognize that it was a little less than a week ago I updated my blog, but there is important information that needs to be stressed!

First order of business, on Monday, April 10th, it will be the anniversary of Sarah (my sister) going to Jesus. Me being away from my family gives to the expectancy of this day being a hard one. Thankfully, due to the busy weekend, I will have Monday off. I wish I could go to her grave site and lay flowers, or watch videos of her, or just talk to my family about her; but I am in Kenya. I understand that there is perfect reason for this being the timing. It is most likely so I will face it and perhaps deal with it in the healthiest way possible. I would just ask for your prayers. I anticipate it being somewhat lonely, but I intend to cling to Jesus every minute of the day. Not only does He know her, He lives with her! It seems appropriate I cling to Him. After all, He is my family & can comfort me more than my earthly family can. It is all in me allowing Him to!

Second, Easter. I am not going to Uganda to visit my sponsor child. This is to my sadness, but none the less Tanari is having an event at our camp, Camp Malta. I will most likely be spending it there. It will be a nice time & we’ll be able to celebrate Jesus’ death & resurrection together, in the body of Christ.

Third, Mo is going to the states. I have asked that he meet with my family Thursday night, May 4th. He will most likely be at our house in Carmel. I would love it if any of you could go and meet him. He will have a slide show of a lot of my pictures, and be able to explain in detail what I’ve been doing! It would be a really good chance for you to hear and see what I’ve been up to here in Kenya. I’ll keep you updated as to times, place, etc. But GO!!! Here about Tanari, and meet the man who got it all started.

That’s it. Things here are going well. It is definitely rainy season. I’ve experienced getting soaked to the bone already. It’s nice! Anyway, thanks for reading & keeping up with my life. Have a marvelous Easter, and keep in touch. You’re doing a good job!

Lots of love from Africa,
Kate

for you : Phil 1:3-7

BY THE WAY- The picture is of the Tanari Staff!

Updates

Well, here I am in Mo's house, heckign my internet. I'm afraid I've cost him a pretty penny! But when you catch Lydia & Laura online (being Laura's 20th) you cannot miss the opportunity to talk!

Things are going well here! You know, this country becomes more & more beautiful to me by the minute. God is teaching me so much. The biggest thing I am noticing, is He becoming my all in all. He is becoming my friends, my family, my love, my all! It is a really cool transformation. But this of course isn't perfect & God is continuing to captivate my soul!

It is HOT here. It continually gets more & more hot as the days go by. But with the hot weather, work just gets better & better. I'm learning more swahili, and I enjoy what I do SO much. It is such a blessing. I am doing marketing, mainly, for Tanari, and they trust me. I feel so respected & as if my opinion really matters! Its amazing! They are all amazing men & women of God, & challenge me in my faith (and my swahili) daily.

This past weekend was a God-send! On saturday I went to the nearest "mall", 2 minutes from my house, checked my email, & sat a Dormands (a coffee place). I got an iced latte & read "Captivating". An american guy sat by me, noticed my book, & we began a conversation about christianity. He worked at Kanakuk & is from MO. Crazy huh? It was just a nice & relaxing day.

Sunday I went & visited the house from Out of Africa! For those of you who haven't seen the movie, its a must. It is beautiful & it was so nice to just drive around kenya. Soon we'll be going to feed orphaned baby elephants! Isn't that amazing? I love it.

Anyway, sad news is our week trip on Mt.Kenya has most likely been moved to the end of July - meaning I won't be able to go! But I'm just praying Lydia will come & we'll do a lot of site seeing. I might go to the coast in a few weeks. An american hook up from a guy I work with! That would be amazing!

I suppose thats it. Thanks for all you do! Keep the emails coming.

lots of love from the other side of the world,
Katie

- or what many call me "kate"

CAMPING!!!

I just returned to my home last night at 8:00 pm from a very long, wonderful, weekend of peeing in a hole & showering with a bucket; waking up at 5:30 am to jog, and pretend like I am an adolescent! It really was wonderful. We did a training, which I think I explained, and it was a great way to get me plugged in here. I met some wonderful people, and got to bond a lot with those I already knew. It did consist of all the above events, but it was nothing I hadn't done before, so I didn't mind.

I don't have too much to say other than the trip was excellent. I got to experience serious kenyan worship, and begin to develop amazing friendships. God is providing, and homesickness is easing. I am learning how to function in a majorly different culture from the one I know. I learning how to relate to those from this culture and build relationships. You know, its amazing to see Christ in different cultures. He is the same everywhere. My friend Jackie has been speaking volumes in my life, and I've known here for a week. She has gone through similar situations that I've been in, or am currently dealing with, and she is such an encouragment. You would love her.

Going on this camping trip I experienced some Kenyan "staples"; ugali for example. My dad will be trilled! It was pretty good. There was only one meal that was hard to keep eating, but I was thankful for the food either way!

That is my update. This week will be the first "normal" work week I'll experience; except for the fact I have today off b/c I worked yesterday at camp. I am looking forward to settling into a somewhat consistant schedule.

Today I'll being meeting with Marcy. She is going to meet with me weekly, and she knows how these transitions go, so she'll be able to coach me through. She also knows about Sarah, and as April 10th approaches, I think she'll be a huge encouragment. I'm praying for vulnerability with her, and just that the Holy Spirit will really work in our relationship. God has provided her for me, and I'm ever so thankful. Shes amazing, and I look forward to "spilling the beans".

Well, that is it for me at this moment. I'm going to try & update my yahoo photos; but here is the camping group & my friend Jackie & myself! (I do recognize the fact that I look horrible. I was camping; I didn't look in a mirror for three days!) Ok well...pictures aren't working to upload on here, so I'll give you my yahoo account & go to the album entitled "KENYA", and you'll see more picture there! http://photos.yahoo.com/ktgirl242

love you all! Hear from you soon.

xoxo,
kt

ps- if any of you are thinking of IU right now, yes...I know about the loss and am extremely disapointed! Lets not talk about it. I'm glad I'm in another country. If TEXAS is still in I'm now rooting for them!

Ok...

Karibu! (welcome)

Well, in all of my wisdom & knowledge, I decided to update when I don't have much time. Thankfully people tend to run a little late in africa, but on the other hand those who work w/ Tanari are different. Either way, they are flex & gracious.

I am in Nairobi! Habari yako? Meaning, how are you?

Last week I did go out with Gina; who is kind of a celeb here in Kenya. We went to a kenyan movie premeire, and I met so many people; including one who worked on The Constant Gardener (which I still have not seen)! Thankfully it is still out in theatres!

I have been hanging out with Muhia (mo) & Marcy a lot. Their sons are terrific. Kiama, who is 6, is into basketball. Boy does that remind me of home. I beat him in PIG & HORSE yesterday about 6 times, but he was still close. I only wish my hoosiers were winning as much as I am!

This upcoming weekend i am going camping for the first time. If you go to tanari.org, you'll find the program ROPES. That is what we're doing. They are trainging us, so that we can train others. I'm excited to get out of the city & into the "wilderness"!

My cell phone is a success. I don't have voice mail, but I've talked to my parents a couple times. THere is a funny delay, but I'm blessed all the same to have that easy communication (at least for me- not for them).

My room is coming together, and I have to go to the store & pick up some things to decorate with. And by decorate I mean tape to hang pictures! You like that? I know I know, high class on a missionaries budget.

As you can probably tell I'm settling in. I think the first few days I went into freak out mode, but I'm adjusting. Not to say hard times won't come, but GOd is so faithful in getting my needs met & relationships are blossoming. I've been able to start joking w/ those in the office & my hosts. If you know me, you know I need to be able to laugh & joke (perhaps a little sarcasm)?!

Well, I am going to be late to my meeting. They are forgiving, but I must be respectful. This will still take a couple minutes to load, and then I pay, and then I walk! OOPS!

Thanks for your support & love, and I can't wait to talk to you whenever I can. Thank you for checking my blog & I hope you find it worth your time.

See you!

xoxo,
kt

Kenya

Ok...its getting late here in Kenya & I can't walk in the dark, but I wanted to write a quick update.

I love my hosts. I got to spend a lot of time w/ them last night. I may be going out w/ Gina tonight.

Today was my first day of work. It wasn't hard, but I say sorry a lot & I'm learning the ropes. Its always hard when you're in a new job; but I'm really enjoying learning Swahili. Its a fun language. I don't know much yet, but I expect to since I'll be here for four more months!

Right now, I'm praying for a friend. Times are lonely when you're in a new country & no one is from America. I did meet this gal named Tracy last night. SHe is from Seattle & is probably 25 or 26. She gave me her number & I think I'll call her tomorrow. She could be really good for me.

Sorry this isn't a long one. I have a busy weekend w/ Tanari, but I hope to post again soon; and little longer; but right now I need to walk home before it gets dark. Keep up your prayers. He is so good to me & I've only been here 2 days.

I miss you all & your friendships & companionships. Write often. Thanks for your love & support.

Talk to you soon!

my cell phone: 0726 516 202. I think you may need to dial 0001 before calling; but I'm not sure. If you ever get the urge, I would LOVE to hear from each & every one of you. You're my backbone.

xoxo,
Katie

LONDON

Well hello my blogger friends. I am in London as we speak. Its pretty cool here; in every sense of the word. I'm sorry I have no London picture to post yet. Its because I'm using lindsay's friend's computer & I'm not going to load any of my pictures on here. We went to this "point" yesterday in a wealthy part of town (Jude Law lives there) and it had a great view of the city of London. We walked A TON yesterday. We ate at a great greek restaurant; and chatted in a local coffee shop. It was a beautiful day. It certainly is expensive here though! I can't wait to get to Kenya!

Anyway, God is already doing so much in me, just by leaving the states. I have an enormous peace about being gone, but I really miss my family & friends. God is already working on what I knew would happen; redefining me in my own mind. I think we all identify ourselves in a certain way, and mine in large part was through my family. Well, it can't be anymore. No one knows my family over here, or in Kenya. And the only logical explanation for me going to Kenya is God. Therefore my identity is being found in God; which is great, b/c that is where it should be.

So, as I post this blog know that God is already teaching me a lot & I've only been gone for 2 days. He is keeping me safe, and giving me joy in the midst of unfamiliar territory.

I send me love to you all. Thank you for your support. Keep reading as I hope to post in 3 or so days when I'm in Nairobi.


Talk to you soon.

---love---

6 DAYS AWAY

Today was my commissioning. Oh what a blessing! My close friends & family were there. It was such a good time of community and sharing. Through talking about Kenya, God continued to reveal to me His faithfulness and plan in me going. Nothing has ever been more confirmed than this.

TO THOSE OF YOU WHO CAME: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! It meant the world to me to see each & everyone of you there.

This week will hold planning, packing, and buying. OH my goodness. Thanks for your support, prayers, and love. I love you guys back!

-Katie

ps - the picture is me in my new hat for Kenya!

its getting closer...

PRAISE THE GOOD LORD! I just got back from Seven Springs, PA! We planned, and followed through, with taking 248 high school students, and 40 adults. The outcome: 3 (that we know about) came to know Jesus, and we only had one broken arm! HURRAY. And yes, I went skiing. The boys made me go on a double black diamond, and DIDN'T tell me what we were approaching. No falls on that hill. God is good.

Anyway, I have one week left working at Grace Community Church; and then a week to pack; and then I'm gone. This is the beginning of a long adventure. Thanks for reading and keeping up with me.

Now...I'm off to rest. I am sick, from emceeing all weekend, and I got no sleep or rest.

COMMISSIONING: Feb. 26th, GCC, Rm. 111, 4:00 pm. Be there or be square.

XOXO

My Flight...

Things are moving faster than ever! I got my shots last week and we're booking my flight for March 4th this week. God is SO amazing. I have half the funds, and that is why I get to book the flight this week!

I tried my first Kenyan Chai this afternoon. Good news: I LIKED IT. I was also watching T.D.Jakes yesterday on TV and apparently he comes over to Nairobi a couple times a year. I hope that he comes while I'm there. Now that would be a treat!

FYI: My commissioning is Feb. 26th, at 4:00pm, at Grace Community Church. If you could come out that would be great. Just to hang out with me, and hear what I'm doing. That would be fabulous. Thanks.

Thanks for everything, my dear supporters. I will keep you posted on the upcoming events.

19 DAYS LEFT

Preparation & Confirmation

Confirmation has been happening. God is brining in funds, and has set my housing in place. I am living with a couple that lives a 5-10 minute walk from Mo (my boss). They sound amazing.

Some days I am nervous about the trip, but God gently reminds me of the call He has placed on my life. This is a time at which He has stripped me of responsibility and obviously no relationship to call my own. (ha ha) So in a sense I am care free, and I think that is precisely so that I could go to KENYA!!!

I am thrilled to go and excited that I get to share my travels with all of you faithful blog readers. If you have sent me funds, I can not thank you enough; if you have been praying for me my thanks extends to you as well. God is doing amazing things and I haven't even left.

What I'm working on now: learning some basic Swahili; finding insurance; and getting my necessary vaccinations.

I love you all and will be posting again soon as the departure day rapidly approaches!

29 Days left

Official....planning

Ok, so I got the clear for my ear. I had surgery on my ear drum on December 28th, and I'm healing. The doctor said I would be fine! HURRAY.

Now, I'm reading two books to prepare me for the trip. I'm getting very excited as the day I leave rapidly approaches.

I'm definately going to Kenya.

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

Well...it became official today. I have 7 weeks to prepare for a life changing, mind boggling, spirit altering, adventure. WOW is God so much bigger than me!

So, the approximate leave date is March 4th. The need: $3000, by then; and $2000 spread throughout the next 3 months. I will be returning around the 12th of July.

Today, in the meeting, there was quite a bit of confidence restored. There are great plans for me, while I'm there, and community being built. I'm stoked!

In preparation, I am reading two books, and meeting with pastors weekly. Thank you for your love and interest. I would ask, now, for your prayers of preparation for the best experience of my life.

xoxo

The Beginning

I began this blog as a step to keep people posted on my trip to Kenya. I'm not very smooth with this whole "blog"thing. Well, I'm not to Kenya yet and there is still learning! The trip becomes official this week, and then the "getting ready" process begins!!!

If you want to start praying, here is what is needed: 1. the funds. Oh goodness there is a lot of money to be raised in a short amount of time. 2. Preparation: not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, & emotionally. 3. My family: None of us have been apart from each other this long, and with Sarah's birthday coming up and her year anniversary of going to Jesus, this could be a rough transition.

Thank you all so much for your love, support, and prayers. I'll keep you "posted" on all events of Kenya!!! God is doing a big work, and I'm pumped.

Isaiah 6:8