NEWSLETTER: March 2017

Another month full of adventures.

Greetings from Nebraska!!

As I was driving here, I came to the conclusion that I've never been in Nebraska before. But I can't say that anymore. It is wonderful to have friends in many places. It makes it super easy to visit all around for a big road trip.

Today as I looked back through pictures, I realized that at the beginning of the month, I was in California. And as I look forward, I'm less than four weeks from going to the airport to return to Uganda.

How did that happen?

I just know that the next few weeks will start to fly by but I will try to be intentional and enjoy moments each day until then. March has been filled with much adventure. As you can see from the map below, I've been on the road for a number of hours. It has been wonderful to visit friends and make new friends. It really makes me feel like I have homes all over the country. So many people have welcomed me into their home. So many people have blessed me with local adventures including: coffee shops, cafes, shows, outdoor exploring, and seemingly endless amounts of tasty delicious food.

[Above photo: chasing the sunset while driving across Kansas)

Hard to believe that at the beginning of the month I was in California traveling by Greyhound. 

Earlier this month, I finally had the chance to play in a tiny bit of snow...it was even in TN.

Here's a glimpse at how far I've made it on the midwest road trip. Still more than a few hours left to make it back to TN. 

At the first stop, my friends blessed me with the opportunity to see Moses at Sight and Sound. 

I spent 8 days at a retreat in Colorado. One day I spent the afternoon with the leaders' dog. 

Before leaving Colorado, new friends offered to treat me to the view at Pikes Peak. It was breath taking! And we drove to the top.

But the truth also involves the fact that the countdown is oh so close....if not already here. In less than four weeks, I'll be on a plane for the journey back to Kampala.

Please pray for fabulous memories to continue over the next few weeks. Pray that all the travel in between those moments will continue to be safe and without issues. Pray for wise decisions through packing and that I wouldn't be overcome by materialism as I start the packing tetris. Pray for wisdom as I start to transition back into work later next month.

I am very thankful that I've been blessed with so much safety in the three months I've been in America. All the travel by bus, van, and planes has been safe. I'm thankful for each of you that has been so flexible with me as I work out the schedules and often change things.

Well, I'm off to do some of that intentional time with friends. (Yeah for the work day being over!)

-Katherine

One of the breath taking views at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The visibility was over 100 miles (160 km) that morning. 

NEWSLETTER: February 2017

Lots of travels and countless memories from February.

Well it is a day late.......

But that's ok. Right?

I've learned that I'm probably the only one that watches the date like a hawk on my newsletters.

So here it is on March 1st and let me tell you a little bit about February.

Looking through pictures to figure out some points of discussion, I realized that a lot has happened in February. At the beginning of the month, I was still in Colorado for a debrief with other missionaries from around the world. Immediately following that I had 6 formal presentations in 8 days across western and central Tennessee. And the last two weeks have been filled with travel throughout Texas and Colorado.

I've been blessed with reunions at each stop and overfilled with blessings. Friends in Texas introduced me to MOD pizza. And I strongly suggest you try it if/when a locations opens near you. Then my brother and I spent a long weekend exploring different areas of central Texas before I headed over to California. Here in California I have enjoyed great conversations with long time friends, meeting up with two friends I previously only knew in Africa, and of course the obligatory time at the beach.

It truly has been fabulous. Many memories have been made and I'm so thankful for everyone and everything.

If I haven't seen you yet, then please be in touch so we can figure out if my travels will bring me to your neck of the words. If we've already seen each other and need to do it again, then please let me know also.

I hope your days are filled with joy and blessings, laughter and smiles, and opportunities to live a missional life where God has placed you.

With a full heart,
Katherine


TOP PIC: from Anaheim, CA. A good symbol of how it seems to be downhill from here. I'm just over half through with my time in the states and then it is back to life in Uganda. 

Have enjoyed reading and getting some canine time.

MOD Pizza is a fabulous discovery!!

Did some sightseeing in Texas with my brother. =-)

OBK - round 2

Here's a message from the fabulous Gwen:

As you may know, our very own missionary Katherine Rowe is back in the states for a much-needed visit and time of renewal before she returns to Uganda in April.  She has been working with Africa Inland Missions (AIM) for the past 2 years, helping to bring the gospel of Jesus to unreached people groups in several African countries.  Along with visiting with her family and friends during this short time, she is also preparing (physically, mentally, spiritually, and monetarily) to return.  How hard it must be to be so far from loved ones!!

 

You may remember the first "Operation Bless Katherine" that was launched prior to her departure 2 years ago.  We collected letters, cards, notes, pictures, etc. from friends and family all over the country and gave a bag FULL to take with her and open as she saw need.  Some were for special occasions (birthdays, holidays, etc) and some for no reason at all other than to show our love and encouragement when she felt she needed it. 

 

The collection of love that she took with her was such a source of encouragement for her that she has requested we do it again!!

 

Please consider sending a letter, short note of encouragement, card, picture, portrait, or anything else you think may bring a smile to her face when she faces a hard day away from her friends and family in America.  Please keep in mind she will be packing them in her luggage, so unfortunately we must ask that you stick to notes etc and not actual gifts.

 

Please plan to have everything here by April 1 (Anything arriving in March could easily be hidden from her til closer to her packing date(s) as an added surprise!)

 

Send all correspondence to:

 

Gwen Goddard

1515 Robertson Ct

Clarksville, TN 37042

ATTN: Katherine Rowe (or OBK2)

 

I will NOT open anything with her ATTN on it, unless it's clear I'm supposed to. ;)

 

Thanks everyone for supporting Katherine and continuing to "hold the rope" for her as she goes out where God has called her!

 

Gwen