NEWSLETTER: November 2017

14.Dec.17 Greetings to you and your family!! Would you believe that I started this newsletter 15 days ago when I was in Kenya? It's true. I really did. I'm not really sure what happened to the last two weeks but here we are. I realize that Christmas is in full swing but we still need to catch up on November.  Kenya Trip Since I already mentioned it, we might as well start with Kenya. Don't get concerned by any means. I did not go to Kenya for health reasons. I actually went for work. It was quite exciting as I've never traveled for work before. The event that made it all happen was this workshop.  As you might have seen from the link, it is about using the COACHing model. This stands for: Connect, Outcome, Awareness, Course, and Highlights. It seemed like a simple concept before the workshop. But the three days was well spent. The practice sessions with colleagues from AIM were also great. I was able to see how it works as I coached someone that I had no idea how to help. However, the process proved true as she was able to come to action steps and realizations on her own. It also helped me and I saw how it could be applied personally. If you can't go to a workshop, then I definitely reccomend the book. The other fabulous part about the trip was that I was able to spend the weekend with a friend in Nairobi! Although, technically that was December, so perhaps I shouldn't go too much into that. Just know that it was wonderful and lovely! Thanksgiving What is a newsletter about November without talking about Thanksgiving? Those I work with are quite diverse by passport. However, another group of American friends invited me to join them. We had also spent July fourth together so it only seemed natural that we celebrated another American holiday together. The food was fabulous. The fellowship was lovely and timely. I had instigated a game in July so I was asked to provide a game for Thanksgiving too. I think it turned out pretty good. See the photo below.

After the loneliness of October, I made some very intentional coffee dates with friends, or at least one friend.  The room where we gathered for the COACH workshop.  At Thanksgiving, I was in charge of the game. I made a trivia game for the group to play. Just hanging around in the rafters at the ecolodge with friends.

In Other News.... Do you remember the teaser at the end of the last email? I mentioned some planning for something exciting. I am so happy to report that this came to fruition. With a few other friends, I was able to get away for two nights at an ecolodge that is nearby. It was such a needed mini break. Two of the friends actually moved back to America this week so it was extra special to make those laughable memories with them. November also brought my Ugandaversary. On 17 November I celebrated having moved to Uganda two years ago. There were no special festivities. Well, I did take the day off work and make myself some brownies from a mix I brought from America. It was a great way to celebrate. One day a friend pointed out how far I've come in those two years. Just thinking about running arounds around town or even simply getting around town....going to new places on my own....basically the common things you do when you have a life somewhere. It was great to hear a view from the outside as it is often easy for me to focus on the areas that still need improvement. With love, Katherine Top picture: The view from our classroom in Kijabe, Kenya. One of those peaks in the background is Mount Longonot....I'm pretty sure anyway. Prayer requests:  Much thanks that a lease was agreed on for another year so I can continue living in my same flat.  Pray for moments of joy during this holiday season. The miles between us always seem longer this time of year. Pray for those that have just come to Africa this year and this is their first Christmas away from home. Pray for the ability to enjoy the moments with others Pray for transitions....it seems this is a season of leaving as the list of friends leaving Uganda seems to keep growing Pray for courage to engage across the culture barriers Pray for ministry opportunities.....I've been wondering what other ways I can engage here outside of the office