Some Safari Snapshots

Trees have always fascinated me. This one stood out to me. I love how the branches have reached out and the leaves have formed into an umbrella over the area to provide shelter and shade.

One of the first animals we say was this baby elephant. It was so amazing to see a creature that is known for its massive size and strength while it is still so “small”.

Yes, this is another tree. Although, if you look closely, you can see a giraffe playing hide and seek albeit not very successfully.

We also caught a glimpse of some water buffalo. Per their name, some of them were hanging out in a small water hole.

Hippopotamuses are also known for their massive size and strength. They can actually be quite dangerous animals. We were not able to see them out of the water but they definitely kept their eyes on us.

Melody (right), Cassie (middle), our great friend from language school, and myself in front of the hippo pond. We enjoyed a day of being “tourist” with binoculars and cameras. It was wonderful to have a bit of a break from school.

At times we were blessed to see different animals coexisting. I loved those moments! It was wonderful to see two creatures with differences living together as if it was always meant to be. It made me think of how we, as missionaries, are going to be trying to live with other people that have an abundance of not only differences but also similarities.

Baobab trees are all over the language school campus. Their massive size is overwhelming. We took a break from the safari and climbed one of the enormous trees in the park. Although, this picture doesn’t depict the height, it does give a glimpse of the size when you see Melody where the trunk splits into different directions.

I decided to join Melody in the fun and climb up the tree also.

The baboons were so fun to watch as they scattered across the land when we drove by. But before they were too far away, one mom stopped and allowed the young one to get a glimpse of the tourist.

After the safari, we stopped at a snake house that was nearby. Admittedly snakes are not my favorite animals. However, with some glass between us, I could handle it….mostly. This cobra was not to happy about our visit.

Of course, there is always the one snake that is “small and safe”. Melody and Cassie as my witnesses, it really seemed to like me and would come toward me even when other people held it. It was not something I was happy about but I held him for a moment anyway.

NEWSLETTER: April 2015

April 2015: God continues to teach me in all areas.

Continuous Learning

Language/Culture and God's design for my life

Learning a new language as been a process that is full frustration, humility, moments of success, laughter, and massive amounts of patience. It is a undertaking that requires daily commitment (except maybe a little less on the weekends). You can read here what an average day looks like at school. Officially, we are at the half way point both according to the calendar and the curriculum that the school uses. A couple weeks ago we learned the numbers which lead to a blissful couple days of class as we did math most of the time to practice the numbers. Other days are a challenge and require a high amount of intentionality to stay focused and not frustrated.

God is also teaching me about what He wants for me personally. One of the major concepts is that my identity needs to be in Him. I have become aware of how I define myself and how that needs to change. I do not need to define myself based on the test we had last week. I do need to define myself based on what God has called me to do. I do not need to define myself based on the ways I am not contributing. I need to define myself based on what God has promised me. Mark 4 talks about the storm when Jesus and the disciples were on the lake. Jesus' last words to the disciples were that they would go to the other side. Yet, when the storm came, the panicked and woke Jesus up. They might have been more calm if they remembered He said they would get to the other side. I need to remember that Christ has called me to minister to the Digo people. The storm of language school will pass and then there will only be small showers of continual learning. However, I know the ending. Jesus has called me to be a missionary so He will equip me with what I need in each moment.

Cassie and I full of excitement upon our arrival to Zanzibar. It was a wonderful place full of history.

One of the beautiful creatures that was staring at us while we gazed back at it.

Adventure and excitement have not been absent during the first half of school. We had some days off for Easter and I went to the beautiful island of Zanzibar and visited Stone Town with a friend from school. It was a very successful adventure within the country complete with a bus and ferry ride. We enjoyed the time away with a city history tour, shopping, and reading by the Indian Ocean. Another adventure was just yesterday. The school arranged for a trip to Mikumi National Park and we went on a safari. Although, we did not see lions, we did see many giraffes, zebras, elephants, hippos, and other animals. Just being in the middle of the scenery and beautiful country that God created with mountains in the background was such a blessing.

Please visit my blog for current prayer requests.

I would love if you would share how I can be praying for you and your family. You can respond directly to this email and let me know what God is doing in your life.

May you be abundantly blessed so you may bless others!

Katherine Rowe

Current Prayer Request

So many of you are such faithful prayerful supporters for me and I can not thank you enough. It gives me great comfort knowing that you are so regularly praying on my behalf. Below are some current specifics so that you may pray for certain things. Endless thank you's for all you do! It has been incredible to get a short email or message from some you and line it up with what was happening at the time. God really does have epic time because often your notes of encouragement and prayer come when I need it most. Thank again!


Prayer requests:-To find joy in learning especially while finishing school. It feels like (and is) significant work but I still want to enjoy it. -more energy. I feel tired more often than not. -for my mom.... My brother leaves for basic training for the army in a couple weeks. He was in the Navy for six years but is joining the National Guard now. I am worried about her and how she will be with both of us not easily reachable. -have ultimate comfort from our Savior. Although, I've never been homesick I have been very people-sick the last few days. I don't miss things or food or places but I would love to be with some people and comforted by a hug. -that our house is ready for us when we move to the village so we can immediately start to settle and make it feel like home- The Holy Spirit would start to prepare the hearts of the Digo people and they would be open and welcoming of our fast approaching arrival


On the flip side:-we are half way done with official formal school......we will always be learning. Only six weeks left and we move to the village May 23- God continues to grow and build The relationship between Melody and me. I am so thankful for so many ways she blesses me and hope that I can do the same for her. -thankful for a long weekend to get away for a few days over Easter weekend. Thankful for smooth travel and no issues. Especially thankful that technology connected me to CLC this past Sunday!!! Definitely brought tears to my eyes. -very grateful for the rest of the AIM team in Morogoro as they have helped us so much. They have been so welcoming and hospitable to us.