An ode to everyone I’ve met on this journey—
It’s actually happening. This extraordinary season is coming to a close. I have had the most incredible year living abroad in so many different homes and cultures. The friends I have made, the places I have lived, the ministries I have worked with. The Lord has truly blessed me this year with the opportunities and relationships of a life time. It is because of you that I am the changed woman I now am.
To my dear friends in Guatemala,
You met me at the beginning of this crazy thing. You would be so proud of me if you saw me now. You welcomed me as an eager and nervous young missionary scared to take on the beast ahead of me. You taught me patience and how to genuinely see people where they were at. You cared for me the many times I was sick. You showed me a greater love that was inside of me. You brought me excitement for the months to come and set the tone for what was next.
With love,
Katarina
To my loves on the mountain top of Honduras,
You showed me that discipline and hard work are essential in His kingdom. You taught me that we are more than our circumstances and that we can praise God for what he is going to do before he even does it because he is a faithful God. You showed me dirt and sweat and darn tough jobs. “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” Psalm 30:5
I miss you so much my heart hurts,
Kat-reen
To the boys on the farm in Costa Rica,
You found me in weeks of frustration hitting the ground hard (literally with a plow). You brought me laughter and fellowship on seemingly long days. You showed me a glimpse into your hardships and gave me a greater appreciation for the life I’ve been given. You kept me up at night playing games and showed me fun in the mundane.
I hope to meet again someday:),
Katherine
To the incredible women in Nicaragua,
You and your children brought me so much joy during our time together. You met me after I’d had a few months of Spanish under my belt. You built my confidence in my speech and in myself as a whole. You shared your babies with me and played chirri chirri canoa with me and my friends until all the blood ran out of our hands. You let me wash your feet and pray over your wounds. You left a deep indentation on my heart when I had to depart from you. “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11
I will see you soon,
Katherine
To my pals in Albania,
You began a new chapter in my story. I fell in love with your mountains and your beaches. I fell in love with you. You stretched me in so many ways and showed me so many beautiful parts of your home. You made me laugh way too hard and gave me such deep friendships. You shared your fresh seafood with me and gave me such a sweet holiday season away from my family.
I love you,
Katherine
To my people in Romania,
You showed me efficiency in ministry. You let me sit in my brokenness and really feel the feelings I had been suppressing for quite some time. You welcomed foreigners into your homes with us and loved them so well. You practiced hospitality with ease and gave generously to the communities around you. You congratulated me as I completed the Old Testament. You were tough to crack into, but once I really knew you, I loved you.
Your friend,
Katherine aka “That one”
To my besties in South Africa,
You brought me so much joy and love. You gave dancing and singing a whole new meaning. You welcomed me with such warm arms to rest beside you. You witnessed me receive a fresh wind from the Lord. You taught me to slow down. You brought me with you into the most kind and eager communities to serve. You taught me ways to step into others point of view and relate with them on the same level. You cheered me on as I finished reading the Bible all the way through for the very first time. You showed me a once foreign to me culture that has now been my favorite of them all. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
I miss you dearly and will be back,
Owami
To my babies and ladies in Swaziland,
You welcomed me with dog piles and such big smiles. You gave me a deep appreciation of the privilege I have so often taken for granted. You loved me so well. You gently spoke freedom over me. You let me come into your churches and your schools and sing and teach English to you. You held my hand and led me to see like you see. You talked to me without words and showed me everything you love. “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:1-2
You have my heart,
Owami
To everyone that has held my hand and touched my heart across the globe this year— you have no idea what you mean to me. You will be forever in my heart, my prayers, and my stories. I hope to meet you all again some day on this side of heaven. Thank you for extending Christ’s love to a little ole missionary like me. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
XOXOX,
Katherine
