Two less machines

I didn't do much of anything in the kitchen the last four months.

Sometimes I did try but often I was significantly encouraged to do something else.
Other times, I was busy.
And still other times, I was often traveling and the kitchen was the either a gas station or whatever snack I could reach in my box of snacks.

But when I was near a kitchen there were these fabulous machines that took care of things afterwards.

Those machines are no longer here.

Now I use the dishwasher that God gave us. I have one at the end of each arm. Washing dishes is one of my least favorite household tasks.
[Note: the sinks work fine. I was using the basin because I was trying to be resourceful with water that leaked from somewhere else. ]

One thing I did do the last four months was laundry. It it seemed to happen often. I remember one specific time that I was so thankful that a friend offered her machines to me within an hour of my arrival. Those clothes machines are also no longer here.

This is a bucket system that I found on youtube last year. A friend helped make it for me last year. I can just never quite get the right rhythm to get things clean like those can that have hand-washed clothes since they could walk. But this helps and in a weird way it is fun. Although, I don't have the right place for the spin cycle that is indicated in the video.

So, this is my life with a couple less machines. One small way that likely separates you and me. However, I'm still in a vast city with plenty of amenities including: electricity, internet, running water, restaurants, places to shop, etc.

Then and Now

The above picture was taken 21 April 2013. I had spent the last month in Rwanda and my roommate family came to pick me up at the airport. So many things about that month seemed so incredible. To begin with: How do you pack for a month? And at the end...what will it be like to return home after being in a different culture for a month.

This sweet girl grabbed my arm and said:
"ppssst, I love you"......."I just want to hold on to keep you safe."

It was a sure way to melt my heart as we drove home from the airport.

That was FOUR years ago. She is now 7 and we both had to figure out life while living with an ocean between us for two years.

Just last week, I said goodbye to her and her family again.
She has a younger brother now. He is a few months shy of being three years old.

That sweet boy saw me come and go many times during the four months I was in America. He was often sleeping or busy when I left but he sure celebrated when I came back, often announcing my arrival with all the might of his lungs....."KATHERINE'S HHOOOMMMEEEEE!!!!"

But last week when we said goodbye, he didn't really quite understand what was happening. He gave me a hug and said bye. But his sisters and his mom held on a little longer. After a little bit it seemed like he could tell this one was going to be different. He just kept holding on just like his sister did four years ago when I returned. Although, this time his sweet calm (possibly concerned) voice quietly said "I don't want you to go".

There's no picture to capture the moment and that might be a good thing. I suppose some moments are best to be captured only in our hearts.



Note: His mom intervened and provided the needed comfort for both him and myself so that I could walk away.

Fun fact: I still wear that fleece on international travel days.

A few points of interest:

This will be a quick one.

I am sorry that I haven't been writing anything. But I do have some ideas and pictures to cue stories when I find the time to write. I will also catch up on adding old newsletters to here.

Right now I'm on a countdown until the journey back across the ocean. In fact, sitting here with a friend I realized I'm exactly two weeks out from going to the airport. Two weeks!! So the lists are stacking up, plans are being made, and there's much to be done!

I want to make sure you know a few important things.

LAST CHANCES to see me!!
If we don't make specific other plans, then the last options to see me will be:

1. Clarksville, TN - Saturday, 8 April, 2-6pm*
you can email me for details
*presentation of pictures and stories at 3pm

2. Dyersburg, TN - Saturday, 15 April, 10-12am
you can also email me or my mom for details

Light snacks provided at both events. If you can rsvp, then great. But if you aren't sure then I'd love to be surprised by your presence.

ENCOURAGING ways to help!!
Gwen is organizing OBK - round 2. She sent out an email a while ago and I'm hoping you received it. Read here for more details.

PRACTICAL ways to help!!
I have made a short amazon wishlist for some items that I want to take back. I understand that this is being mentioned really late in the game. However, I'm thankful for things such has free two day shipping and the usual, buying things in a store. If you want the amazon link or want to know a thing or two that would be helpful, then just send me a quick message and I'll let you know what is left on my list.

MEMORABLE ways to help!!
As with last time, I want to take so many pictures back with me! I tried to be intentional about getting pictures with each of you as I traveled around and most of those will be printed. But I would also love you sent a picture of you (and your family) so I can add it to the album. It was so fun to look at it through the last two years. If we won't see each other, then you can also email me a picture and I'll print it on my own. 

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

NEWSLETTER: January 2017

Somehow I've been in America nearly 6 weeks!

Where to begin???

It seems as so much has happened in the seemingly short time that I have been in America. However, when I reflect on my schedule, it seems quite the opposite!!!

I have visited people in Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Georgia, Alabama, and now I am in Colorado with time in Texas and California quickly approaching! I am so THANKFUL for the times I have had with some of you but still HOPING for many more memory making moments with many of you!!

Please do not hesitate to contact me so we can figure out a time to get together!! I would love to answer questions about my time in Africa, tell you stories, AND catch up on what is happening in YOUR life!

MUCH GRATEFULNESS:
-safe travels thus far. over 2,000 miles (3,218 km) on the road and a few flights.
-provision of a vehicle for my time in America!!!
-time to connect with friends
-flexibility you have in your schedules so we can get together
-hospitality all over. (one time within 7 nights, I had slept in 5 different beds)
-getting to see the beauty of the mountains in Colorado.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
-continuation of safe travels. lots of road miles to go and still some domestic flights
-ease of communication and clarification on what to share with different audiences. I really want to find words to describe things so you can get a glimpse of my world.
-time for myself to relax, work on to-do lists, and prepare for presentations and ideally organize photos because each one seems to tell its own story
-to let go of "work tasks". My mind still wanders to the office in Kampala and wonders about things that I would be doing if I was still there.
-grace between us. As we cross our lives again and reconnect. I've found after a two year technology relationship, things can be different live and in person.



The last six weeks have really gone by so fast!!! I shudder to think about the remaining time in America as if I will blink and it might be over. For me it is divided so much as I have delegated out my schedule. Please be understanding that I'm trying to do so much and see so many in just four months. I'm blessed to have so many people in my life and hopeful that we can get together!

Many blessings to you and your family as you navigate through the week!

-Katherine

Often on the road, in the van

(photo taken in parking lot, notice building & cars parked behind me)

Mention and Receive
A friend gave me a short ride after I mentioned I missed riding motorcycles so often

Adventure in Colorado
Hiking around Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs