NEWSLETTER: January 2015

Just a couple weeks in and so much has happened..... The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey Learning now to build a foundation that will last forever People from five nations have gathered in one place for one cause: to minister to the unreached so that God's Kingdom can grow. Our time together in Nakuru, Kenya started by sharing about our journey that led us here. Throughout each story, it became overwhelmingly evident that God worked so much in each of our lives. His faithfulness, timing, provision, and blessings were common factors for all of us. We are learning about this new culture that we will immerse ourselves into next month. Various speakers are coming to help us understand how the Gospel and worldview interact. These three weeks of learning are only the beginning of a new journey of lifelong learning about culture and languages. We are also building friendships and bonds as all of us adjust to this new life that is before us. We will be serving in six different countries on this beautiful continent but for now we are bonded as one group. The above picture is from our first day off. Most of us went on a hike at the Menengai Crater. It was a wonderful day to be outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Be sure to check my blog, trackatherine.blogspot.com for more information and updates. Thank you for your continued support! I, as well as the others here, covet your prayers and encouragement. Serving and learning, Katherine Rowe

Prayer Requests -rejuvenating rest for new strength each day -ability to fully surrender what we need to release to God -contentment in the midst of unfamiliarity -friendships to grow While in Nairobi, we enjoyed time with each other as we relaxed and played games for a few days before orientation. Read my post on continual learning to see how you can help me continue this lifelong journey of learning about culture.

Continual learning and resources

The overlaying theme from orientation so far is that we need to be willing life long learners. We must have an open mind to be ready to be in a state of continual learning.

One speaker that is with us for four days, opened his time by saying that the material he is covering is enough to be a 3 or 4 credit hour course at the post graduate level and we will barely be doing an overview. That was an eye opener to the amount of information there is for missionaries, cross cultural concepts, culture, worldview, and so many other topics that play a part of what we are doing.

Due to our limited time, many of the leaders are suggesting a number of books and authors. Thankfully, the wonderful invention of the kindle makes it possible to build such a library of resources and still be able to meet the weight limit when traveling.

For the next two weeks I should have reliable internet enough to download some of these books. I have created an amazon wish list of kindle books. If you would like to help me in this way, the books can be purchased and I'll receive a notification. Then, I can download the book to my kindle.

If you lose the above link, then know that you can find the list again by searching my email (kk.rowe5412@gmail.com) under wish list on the amazon home page. The list titled "Kindle Books - Africa Ministry……" Please feel free to share this with anyone that you think may be interested in helping. Thank you in advance for assisting me to build a library with a variety of resources so that I can be more effective on the mission field.


PS: Praise report - Melody's last bag was located and delivered by the airlines. Praise God!! We are so thankful for this!

Journey to Africa

We had our first full day of orientation in Nakuru, Kenya today. It was lovely to have a relaxing long weekend in Nairobi after the hustle and bustle leading up to leaving. Although, we were definitely ready to get started.

The drive to Nakuru wasn’t too bad!! Albeit 3 hours long, it was broken up with some wildlife sightings. Between the drive there and the drive back we saw lots of zebra, some baboons, buffalo, monkeys, and gazelle.

[insert picture(s) of zebras]

For today, we had one thing on our agenda. We were all asked to share our story about how we landed ourselves in Africa. There were 18 adults and 13 children that had all arrived in Africa for the next 2-4 years. We had come from 5 different countries and would be spreading out to 6 different countries all over this amazing continent of Africa. We would be engaging in a variety of jobs and goals that would all lead to one thing: furthering the Kingdom of our Savior.

Sharing our stories was a great way to see how God was orchestrated so many things including jobs, finances, supportive friends and family, previous training, and everything else and so much more too! It was so encouraging seeing how much God has done for so many people that were working toward the same goal.

For myself, it was a great time to have a reminder of all that God has done in my life. If He has done so much up until now, then it will be unbelievable to see what happens in the couple of years.

Mission trips started for me in 2003. I went on my first few trips to small villages in remote Alaska to do Vacation Bible School for the children. I was fortunate and extremely blessed to make a total of 6 trips there over the years.

In 2006, I can remember the concept of Africa starting to toil around in my brain. My brother had suggested I look into it and thought it would be something that I would enjoy. I just tucked it away and visited the options every few months.

With Africa, it all started to get serious in January 2011. You can read about the very first day that I knew God wanted me to go to Africa HERE. I knew that day that Africa would be a part of my life. But I had no idea that it would turn into this commitment.

August 2011: First trip to Africa became a reality. It was glorious and amazing. I was part of a team of 20 people. It was with an amazing organization, called Visiting Orphans. I still highly recommend and believe in what they do. We visited ministries in Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Coming back to America after only two weeks was hard after seeing what I saw and experiencing a glimpse at another world. There was something different about Africa. It just felt right to me and I knew I just had to go back. Then, I saw a similar trip that lined up with my school break. Once I figured out that the only thing preventing me to sign up were the finances, I signed up anyway. God provided once and He would do it again.

December 2011: The second trip to both Rwanda and Ethiopia was even more than the first. The women, children, and staff of the ministries are always so blessed that we would come so far to see them and share God’s love. However, when you do it again, they really start to feel important. Africa started to take up an even bigger part of my heart.

I couldn’t stay away. Africa was becoming my home and I knew God was calling me back. However, first world responsibilities kept me busy for a year as I finished some schooling. Then, I figured I needed to get back one last time before I got caught up in the hustle and bustle of first world living with a  grown up job so I signed up for one last trip that would be right after school.

December 2012: Round three and God continued to blow my mind with how much his hands are all over this. By now I had a home church that was completely behind me and countless other indivduals and families that could see my passion for the people of Africa to experience and come to know Christ’s love. A fellow team member asked me to co-lead a trip in March.

Upon returning, I had so much to do it seemed. Two of the major things were: I needed to find a grown up job now that I finished school and take my national certification exam. Also, if I was going to help with the trip in May, then I needed to go to leading training for Visiting Orphans. Much of this depended on getting a letter in the mail for my national exam. Guess what? That letter came the day after I agreed to co-lead the trip and finalized leader training. It seemed like God just wanted me to make that commitment then everything else would happen. Somehow it grew into a month long adventure in Africa and God provided a job opportunity that would let me start working and still go tow Rwanda for a month. YIKES!!!

March 2013: Traveling to Rwanda on a solo journey didn’t bother me. It might have caused some family members a little less sleep but I was confident in my steps. Although, I had no idea it would change the course of my life. Through a very brief conversation with a girl in the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia airport, I found out about Africa Inland Mission. The month flew by and back to work I went.

I loved leading a team and could clearly see that God had equipped me with certain experiences to be able to help others. I started to look at the calendar and see when I could do it again. July 2014 was put on the calendar, as it was the best fit for the ministries I wanted to visit. However, slowly I started to work through the application process with AIM and….

February 10, 2014: I attended the last stage of the process in Atlanta. It was a full week of learning, interviews, information, and everything in between including a snow storm. At the end of the week, I was not given an assignment but asked to keep working on a few things.

July 2014: This month will stand out in my memory for such a long time. On Thursday the 3^rd, I received the long awaited phone call that I had been appointed to full time ministry. Now, I just had to survive the three day weekend and on Monday I could discuss the assignment options. Through prayer and counsel, I accepted the position that I have today. I would be serving at a school in a Muslim village in rural NE Tanzania.

But first, I was leaving in about an hour to go the airport and serve in Rwanda and Ethiopia with eight other people that only had their hearts in Africa and were about to put their feet there for the first time.

When I returned, I hit the road running with paperwork and other logistics to get things rolling as I was aiming to leave in January 2015.

October 2014: The support of all kinds is overwhelming me in unimaginable ways. God provided over $20,000 in about 5 weeks time and in ways I never saw possible. All the details started to fall into place and soon I was handing over my responsibilities, downsizing my Earthly possessions, and setting travel plans.

Now, on this fine day in January at a hotel in Nakuru, Kenya, just being here is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Who could have known that a conversation in an airport could have changed my life so much? Who could have known that God would call so many people to support me both prayerfully and financially to make this journey a reality? It is mind boggling to me and I even lived every part of it.

Update from Nairobi and Leaning on the Rock

Greetings from Nairobi, Kenya!!!

Oh my, how I have waited so long to be able to say that!! It still seems surreal that this is actually happening now. After so many steps of preparation and waiting for God's timing, I am here living the path that is both God's will and my dream.

We only had about 24 hours of travel from leaving the office and Peachtree City to arriving at the guest house in Nairobi. Although, it was a stressful at times because of a delayed flight and a near missed connection, we still made it and only two checked bags were lost along the way. One of them has since been delivered. The other one belongs to my ministry partner, Melody, and is still MIA and we have little hope of finding it.

Front of part of Mayfield Guest House.

Tuesday afternoon we will leave for Africa Based Orientation (ABO) but until then we are staying at a guest house in Nairobi, Kenya. The guest house is primarily used by AIM missionaries so it has been so wonderful to meet other people that have the same calling. I've meet other missionaries from Holland, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and Germany.

Coming a few days ahead of ABO is an intentional step so that we have time to rest and adjust before jumping into so much information. Personally, that is an answer to prayer because I tend to go, go, go beforehand; so I am enjoying a few slow paced days. Nairobi is 9 hours ahead of central time in America. ABO will be in Nakuru, Kenya which is about 3 hours Northwest of Nairobi.

ABO is a three week learning and orientation time. Individuals and families that are full time missionaries with AIM attend at the beginning of their first assignment. We will have three families at ABO, totaling 13 kids. Most of the others are on a time that will also be serving the Digo people group. However, they will be across the border in the Southeast region of Kenya. There will also be two couples and 6 individuals. We will spend each day together learning about different cultures in Africa and different methods to use to help us adjust.

The two families and the other ladies that I traveled with from Atlanta are amazing! The kids are wonderful and silly and definitely help to fill the void that I have from some young ones that I am so used to having around back in Clarksville. I went for two walks yesterday with different people just to look around (and to help stay awake). After diner, many, many laughs were shared among us. It may be the Lord's blessing of humor or it may have been the jet lag. Either way, I consider it a blessing to be able to find so much joy with these ladies. I look forward to the next few weeks of learning and continued preparation for our time in Africa!

Earlier this morning I was spending some time in Psalms 62. A friend had referred me to verses 6-8 and they have been oh so applicable!!

"He only is my rock and my salvation:He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah."

My friend wrote, "I know it's a lot of emotions to take in right now - overwhelming at times. Hold tightly to Jesus. Let Him be your Rock when everything else is moving and shaking."

This could not be more correct right now. The next month will be full of so many changes as have the last few weeks. Overwhelmingly blessed is what I consider myself when I think about the number of different places I have laid my head at night over the last few months. I am going to fast from technology, limited as it may be. I want to be established with my ministry partner and the others that are transitioning to a life serving in Africa. Although, so many of you have held my arms up throughout this process and continue to do so, now I must learn to rely on those geographically closer to me. Above all else, my strength must be found in our Lord and Savior. I know this is only going to happen if my faith is in the right source. I will fast from technology until Melody and I arrive in Morogoro. We fly from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam on February 13th and will travel to Morogoro by vehicle on the 14th.

One other aspect of this new adventure is the instant family that we have become. Each person with AIM has a similar calling and we are in a similar situation as we make our homes in Africa or has some have returned to their African homes for over 2, 5, or 10 years. There is an instant connection between everyone.

For now, I will continue to build relationships with those that are attending ABO. We will continue to learn more about culture and different methods to adjust to this new life that God has give each of us. We have another day of rest tomorrow before leaving for ABO.

Prayer requests:
continued rest and recovery from jet lag
bonding between team members
dependence on our Savior as our source of strength
perseverance through the changes
open minds for continued learning

To that one more person

Dear friends,

The last few days, weeks, and even months have been such a blessing!
OBK blew me away with how much each of you have reached out to support me.

I left Clarksville Saturday evening after the farewell gathering at the Goddard's home. It was a bittersweet drive, one that I had been looking forward to for quite some time but hadn't thought through the emotions of it. The last couple days in Clarksville were filled with lasts and lasts of all kinds that brought back many a flashback as my brain rushed through endless memories associated with various landmarks throughout the city that I have called home for quite some time.

Sunday and Monday the love continued to pour out from so many of you. Texts and emails of all kinds came with words of encouragement. You were asking when you could see me and when I was leaving. You wanted to know how you could get me one more note. I wanted to see you. The list continued to be added to of all the people that I wanted to see just one more time. Even some of you that I was blessed to have a proper "see you later" I wanted just one more moment.

There just didn't seem to be enough time, not in the hustle and bustle that we create for ourselves.

To that one more person that I didn't get to see….
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for wanting to see me. It makes me feel so appreciated, loved, and valued.
If I could send you a virtual hug, then I would send it without a moment's hesitation.
You may not have felt that an email or text was enough, but it made my heart smile and thank you for that.
Time may not have allowed for what felt like a proper goodbye. But one thing I have learned throughout the time of building support is that my family and friends that support this endeavor are far more than I could have imagined. If I took the time for a "proper goodbye" for each and everyone, then it would only delay the task at hand. Thank you for understanding that I needed to go and follow the path that God has laid out for me.

I love you all and I am forever thankful for each and everyone of you. Whether we had our "see you later" yesterday, last week, or months ago, please know that I appreciate you more than I know how to describe. I am so thankful for each individual, family, and group that has chosen to hold me up throughout this new chapter in life. May God bless you greatly as you have blessed me.

Language School Address

In keeping with the previous post, here's the address you can send more letters to! I will arrive in Morogoro, TZ on (or around) February 12th. I will remain there through the first week in June.

While there, I can receive mail at:

Katherine Rowe

Box 6633

Madaraka

Morogoro, Tanzania

Only letters. Please no packages here!!

Thanks again!

Katherine

OBK: Paying it Forward & Success!

Pay it forward is a great movie. A wonderful concept is depicted through the innocence of a young boy who just wants the world to be a better place. The ending of the movie shows just how corrupt the world can be and it is heartbreaking! But the concept of pay it forward lives on still. I have seen reports where people pay it forward by paying for a the meal or drink of the vehicle behind them in a drive through. Personally, I have been blessed to be on the receiving end of this!

In February 2013, I attended leadership training for Visiting Orphans. During a time when people were offering ideas to help newer leaders have a successful team, someone shared a concept that I thought was genius. As the leader of a short term trip, connect with a close friend or family member for each person on the team. Get a note or two of encouragement from them and give it to the team when the time is right. I felt so blessed to be able to put this into action for my last two short term trips that I was leading. One of my favorite moments was when one team member said, "Wow your handwriting looks a lot like my husbands." Then she finished reading and realized it was from her husband. 

This concept stemmed from one experienced leader, moved to me scrambling and probably annoying some of my teammates family, sneaked it's way into a few of my friends, and now has blossomed into a huge blessing for me. I hope that you felt blessed to be part of something that will touch not only me but also those that God has called me to witness to. I don't even remember the name of the lady that told us about the idea, but I love how God led her to not only bless her teams but also share it with so many others so that the concept could be passed on and continue to spread!!

You may or may not know what OBK means. OBK is an abbreviation for Operation Bless Katherine. It has a nice ring to it. I had my suspicions based on some things I saw and that I knew my friends saw me collect letters as well as gave me a few letters on my last trip. I willingly gave up my email contact list to someone so dear to me that requested the list and that I ask no questions. OBK was put into action and was quickly becoming a success! If I was to be asked, all I wanted was 24, so that I could read one each month. On Saturday, I was given a bag that was overstuffed with envelopes and more envelopes of different sizes and colors. This is a classic case of God clearly saying that I had set my expectations too low. The next day, I counted and organized the envelopes (but you probably expected that). OBK was so successful that there were over 140 notes AND I know I will be receiving a few more tomorrow. Overwhelmed with joy and blessing I am so thrilled to have this blessing!!!

Another great story about OBK is related to a devotional a wonderful friend shared with me about a month ago. She was doing a study and God had put it on her heart to share that specific devotional with me. Conceptually, it talked about the need to let ourselves be filled up first so that then we can pour out and be a blessing to others. God needs to fill our spirit so that when we are over flowing it allows us to pour into others' lives. It made sense at the time. Per my usual tendencies, I was quite busy and always on the move. I felt God was telling me to slow down and let those near me nourish me so that I will be filled to the brim. God did slow me down and make me rest. Now, He overwhelmed me with blessing, not just a one time blessing but one that will continue on for two years. I am ecstatic that I have this continual blessing so that I can confidently leave my comfort zone knowing that each and everyone of you are sending a small portion of yourself with me to help on those tough days and bring laughter to the mundane days. 

Thank you! Oh thank you so very much!!

OBK was a huge success and I hope that it becomes a regular event before each time that I head to the mission field that God has called me to.

Thank you again. All of you, thank you so very much.

Katherine

It's Time!!

Seven days from now: I will have bags packed and I'll be going to bed with a whirlwind of emotions. All the goodbyes will have been said except to my mom and my brother. (Although, let's be honest, some more byes will happen via text before that airplane door is pulled shut on the evening of the 15th.)

Currently, that week seems like it's not long enough. As much as I am ready to go, I feel like I will need just one more day or one more trip to the store or one more round of packing tetris or one more hug from a few people. The latter of that has already happened though. I think it is showing me that I need to already put all my trust, comfort, peace, and need for support in God. He will always be there. My friends and family will be there, but now they will be there from a distance. God is going to be right by my side through this whole process! Just like in the song, Whom Shall I Fear, the "God of angel armies is always by my side". He goes before me and stands behind me. He has done that throughout this whole process and He will continue for the rest of time.

There have been so many times that the major task at hand seemed daunting.

The interview.

The application.

The candidate week.

The support raising. (God totally showed off His amazingness here!!)

And now, well, now I must pack. It seems daunting, yet exciting. Overwhelming, yet l'm looking forward to it. It is like one gigantic game of tetris. Plus, now I get to start checking out some awesome new things that so many people have blessed me with the last few weeks. For example: I opened a flashlight that is solar and crank powered. No batteries needed AND it's waterproof! Then as I am playing with it, I find out that it has three settings. WIN!

The time has come. In July, I think I did most of my packing the morning of departure. It was my fifth short term trip and I had a pretty good handle on things. This time is a "little" different. Ha! Ha!

Last week I had planned to start the packing, but God wanted me to rest and that is what I did. Don't get me wrong - God and I didn't have some long conversation one night about when to pack. He didn't call me and tell me to wait a week. Nope! I got sick and was down for the count. (Sorry for not telling you sooner, Mom, but at least I told you eventually.) I hadn't been knocked down like that for years. When I was complaining to a good friend, she told me that, "You've been going nonstop and this is your body's (and God's) way of telling you to rest!" She couldn't have been more right. I had been going pretty hard for a few weeks and God knew it would take something like that to get me to be still for more than an hour, so He had me be still for a week. I think the stillness caused me to be more excited now. I'm not sure how, but I really think it did.

It's time. 

Join in the excitement.

(We can have our less excited "see you later" some other time.)

Now it's time to be thrilled about this new journey!

Some current prayer requests:

All lose ends are remembered and tied up in nice pretty bows

Wisdom to chose priorities in what to pack and what not to pack

Peace of mind for all involved as the goodbyes become real 

Continued thankfulness that God has provided so much

Time management to get the to-do list done AND savor moments

Good health for myself and my ministry partner

Katherine