Video Message!

Hey friends and family! I hope your all doing great!! I just wanted to apologize for being so slack on updating my blog! I have honestly been so busy and have not found the time to just sit down, think, and write. So, hopefully this video message will do. I wanted to connect and catch up with you so please let me know how your doing and how I can be praying for you individually and specifically. Also, I apologize in advance for saying umm about 95% of the time! Love You All!! Xoxo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUM5EGt8Eoc

Can I get an amen???

Just when I thought all hope was lost, Jesus interrupts my life with love, abundant love! I often overlook how much God loves me, and you, and the rest of the world (even the tiny little critters crawling around on my floor as we speak.) This past week was probably the busiest week I’ve had since being in Africa. I have to admit, my spirits were down. I was discouraged, emotionally/physically exhausted, and I was missing my family and friends. I was also feeling as if I were making very little difference in the lives of others, which made my heart hurt.

On Tuesday, I came home to find an empty house with no electricity. As the sun was setting and the night was approaching, I became bored, slightly scared, and weary from work. With no one to turn to, and nothing to do, I decided I would spend some alone time with Jesus. I know how that sounds, like Jesus was my last resort, but I had lately been feeling frustrated with God, and was in need of a night of worship and complete solitude with my savior. In our time spent together, Christ began to work in me, once again. For the most part, I have lived a great life, not a perfect life by any means, but a good one for sure. However, throughout the years, there have been people who have come in and out of my life and left me feeling half whole at times. There were things that I had been holding on to, from past relationships. Bitterness, hurt, guilt, and pain that I had carried within my heart, all the way from the states to Africa. For some reason, these things had been weighing on my mind lately, as well as before I left for Africa. I knew I needed to settle them with God before I left the country but I just never seemed to find "the right place or time!" Or maybe that was just an excuse because I didn't want to deal with them. As I began to cry out to the Lord, he began to break my heart even more than before, but this time, not only did he break me, he began to heal my heart. There in the dark, I saw the light and found the hope I was searching for. It was refreshing, restoring, and God was redeeming me. I felt happy and whole. Complete in Christ. I began to realize that I did not come to Africa to teach, I came to Africa to learn how to love. How to love Christ more, how to love people better, and how to love myself again. I know Satan will still attack me, because I firmly believe that when we are living our lives for Christ the most, he attacks us the worse. I mean, it makes sense. Christ came to give us life and life to the fullest. Satan came to kill, steal, and destroy. But at least now I know, I don't have to carry the weight of those sins any longer. I am so thankful for the freedom I find in Christ every time I surrender my life to him. I have spent a great deal of time with Jesus over the years, but this time was different, this time was perhaps the best time I’ve ever spent with him, definitely in the top ten list!

In further news: Christ brought me two new short term girls this week to work with over the course of the next 2 months, and they are AWESOME! Keely is from North Dakota and Rebecca is from England, and has a lovely British accent, that is slowly starting to rub off on me. My childhood best friends, Caroline and Megan, will be arriving to Kenya shortly, and then I’ll be moving to Machakos the first of July, before returning home in August! My God is so faithful and good. He supplies all my needs and so much more! How sweet it is to be loved by Him J
  

Can we just be real here????

One of the many questions I received from family and friends after the Lord called me to Africa was, “Are you going to blog?” My initial thought was, of course! Blogging?? Me? Piece of cake! After all, I did major in English, I’ve always been an open book, and I thoroughly enjoy writing. However, as I sit here staring at (what was) my blank piece of paper, I am finding that expressing everything I’ve been exposed to and am currently encountering is quite challenging. I mean, half of what I’m experiencing, I can’t even explain myself, much less put into words on paper. However, this blog was never intended to be just mine. I pray that the Lord would use this site as a tool to share just some of the work that he is doing around the world and in me. With that being said, I want to be as real as I can with you guys. Like I stated before, I’m an open book. Instead of sharing a story of someone or something, I want to share with you what is going on, deep down inside the heart of me.  As I was pondering what to post, I thought to myself, what better way to be real with you guys than to share my latest journal entry...

My spirit is sweetly broken. I feel broken because I can’t seem to see nor understand Gods plan for my life. I’m scared. I’m scared of the unknown. I’m scared of what’s to come. Being a Christ follower I desire to be in Gods will but what if he’s will is neither one I want or willing to accept, for that matter. I am clinging to God’s promise that he has good plans for me, a hope, and a future but right now, honestly, I feel hopeless. Satan’s attacks are strong and I am emotionally and physically exhausted from everything I am experiencing and encountering in Africa. I love Africa, however, I sometimes feel as though I am making no difference in the lives of others, which is something my heart so longs to do. I have questioned if God really meant to send me here and each time I come to the conclusion that, yes, I was destined to be here because of the peace I had before I left! My mind has to believe this is where God wants me even though my heart sometimes does not “feel” it. I know he called me here at a young age and I am thankful for that calling but right now I am doubting God. I am questioning God. I am often frustrated with God. I am discouraged. I want, I need, just a tiny glimpse of hope at this point in my journey. Before I came to Africa, I prayed that God would break me and my heart, and that is what he is doing. A tough prayer to pray but one that was needed in order to challenge and strengthen my walk with him. So, just as he is answering that prayer now, I know that the hope shall surely come.

                                                                                                          May 31^st, 2013

Believing Vs. Depending

There is a difference between believing in someone and depending on someone. Webster states belief as something someone accepts to be true, to have firm faith in. The dictionary defines dependence as something someone relies on, to place their trust in. Since accepting Christ as my savior, I have believed in him. However, it wasn’t until I came to Africa that I realized for the first time in my life, I didn’t depend on Christ, until now at least.

Christ calls us to not only believe in him but to depend on him, in every aspect of our lives. I am just now learning the importance of this concept at 23 years old. Over the years I have depended on my family for encouragement, love, and support. I have looked to my friends for fun and fulfillment and I have turned to guys for acceptance. I have put my worth in worldly standards (which are so overrated, by the way) and listened to the lies of Satan for far too long. When I came to Kenya everything I just mentioned was slowly stripped away from me, which fortunately, for my sake, has forced me to turn to Christ and depend on him whole heartedly.

When I’ve felt weak after a long day of work, the Lord has been my strength. When I’ve felt scared while walking down slum streets, Christ has been my safe haven. When I’ve felt frustrated from the many culture differences, Christ has kept me sane. There is something so beautiful about depending on Christ and placing our trust in him. Not only do I find everything I need in Christ but I find freedom in him. I am free from people, Satan, and the world itself. My parents can’t come to Africa to cheer me up when I’m down, my friends can’t understand what I’m experiencing every day, and a guy is never going to fully make me happy but God is! Emmanuel is all I need and all I’ll ever need. I am so in love with the one who made me and I thank him for this beautiful life he has given me. I count it joy to depend on Christ!

Hakuna Matata: Means no worries (Pics!)

Faith!!!

 

Mama Agnus :) My African Mama!

 

Love them!

 

New Friends!

 

My African Family!! From Left to Right: Mercy, Mary, Mama Agnus, Reina (Mary's daughter) & Faith :)

 

 

Ken-ya feel the love? (Pics!)

Washer & Dryer!!

 

Nairobi Chapel, my amazing church!

 

Some of my sweet students :)

 



Henry & Hope!

 

Getting water for the day

 

 

 





REJOICE and be glad, for great is your reward! Matt. 5:12

From an early age I knew that I wanted my life to count for more. More than the “All American Dream,” more than the normal day to day, 9-5 job, more than the ordinary life lived. Not to say I didn’t desire those things as well, but I knew deep down in my heart that God was calling me to do something different, for now at least. Coming from a very close family, having a great group of friends, and being involved within my church and community did not make my decision to leave home easy. Nonetheless, Gods calling on my life to go to the ends of the earth, serve the least of these, and share Christ love was clear. How could I say no?

 

I graduated from Boiling Springs High School in 2008 as president of my senior class and attended college at Anderson University where I received a degree in English Literature in 2012. The first thing on my agenda after graduating college was to serve Christ overseas, even though at the time, I had no idea where I would be going. While I was focused, determined, and had my own plan, I also knew it would all be in vain if it was not what God wanted for me. I started researching different organizations while still in school. After many months of searching, I stumbled across the organization, Africa Inland Mission, also known as AIM, which is based out of Atlanta, Georgia. I read their mission statement, heard testimonies, and tried to find out all I could about this organization while still being open to other areas and organizations. Since I really liked everything I read and heard about AIM, I decided I would apply, pray and see what happened. I applied, interviewed, and was accepted into the program within a few short weeks. This was my affirmation that God was calling me to Kenya. I was so thankful yet so scared as I began to make plans for my departure. Life was moving at a rapid pace, to say the least, and I thought to myself, “Am I really ready for this? Is this really God’s will for me?” My friends, family, and even strangers who knew about my assignment had been asking me many questions about my upcoming trip. However, the number one question I received was, “Katyn, why go?” I started thinking about the question more and more the closer my departure date was approaching and I realized that my answer was simple. Christ has called me to go!

 

Christ calls us to serve. He demands that we help the sick, poor, and brokenhearted, and more than anything that is what my heart desires to do. God made me for one purpose and for one purpose only, and that is to boldly proclaim the gospel, any other purpose for living, I consider insignificant. I also wanted this season of my life to be a time of growth, not only individually as a person, but spiritually as a follower of Christ. I want to know who Jesus is. I want my heart to break for him. I want to be brought out of my comfort zone. I want a change. I want a challenge. I want to explore different cultures and expand my horizons. I want to experience a new way of life, meet new people, and see new sights. God says that he blesses us when we are obedient to his calling, whether that is traveling around the world or traveling to our neighboring town. As Christ followers, we are to use our lives to bring him glory and to build his kingdom! I knew without a doubt, that if I did not go now, I would regret it 50 years down the road, and I did not/do not want to look back on my life and wonder, “what if?” Yes, I was scared, but I was more scared of staying home, out of comfort and contentment, and missing out on part of Gods great plan for my life. So, I simply answered the call and went.

 

I have now been in Africa for more than a month. However, the actual planning began eight months ago, the praying started ten years ago, and the preparation has been a part of my entire existence thus far. Sitting in my new room, at my desk, writing about my day to day experiences seems so surreal. Living in Africa has been about the only thing consuming my mind over the course of the past few months and the fact that I am finally here is a dream come true for me! I have wanted, wished, and longed to be here for quite some time, and I am in awe of God who has been so faithful to get me here. The fact that God would use a sinner such as me to share his love simply amazes me. I am so undeserving yet so blessed to be here!

 

During the month I’ve spent here in Africa, God has already been at work around me and in me! I originally came to Kenya to teach English, but right now my mind is on information overload from everything I am learning just by being here. I am currently working in a slum called Kibera, which is located right outside the city of Nairobi. It is the 2^nd largest slum in the world and the largest in Africa. I will be here for 4 months. Living in Nairobi, loving on kids, and learning more about God’s amazing grace each day is truly the good life! Even though there are some barriers such as culture differences and walking thirty minutes to work down dusty, dirty, slum streets, there is nowhere else in the world I would want to be. My heart is full here!

 

Just like being at home, some days are better than others. You have your highs and your lows and your ups and downs no matter where you are in life. It’s just part of living. One of the things God is teaching me is that being a Christian isn’t always easy. As a follower of Christ, He demands that we sacrifice the things we love in order to follow him, know him, and make his name known. I am definitely being challenged every day, I am obviously out of my comfort zone, and I am always missing my family, but God has been so gracious towards me. There have already been countless examples of how God is using me and the people around me to impact the lives of others. I am making wonderful memories that will last throughout my lifetime and I’m building relationships that I will forever be grateful for. Although I don’t know right now what God has for me after this assignment is over, I do know that whether it be back to Kenya, another part of the world, or even back home in Boiling Springs, SC, my heart’s desire is to be where the Lord wants me because I’m learning there truly is no better or safer place to be!

God promises that if we take up our cross and follow him our rewards will be great. He is rewarding me already, but the life I am striving to live is not for earthly riches, but rather heavenly rewards. I look forward to the day when I stand in the presence of my savior and say with a smile, “I ran my race,” (Heb. 12:1-2) and he replies, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:23) “Let us REJOICE with great rewards!” (Luke 6)

It all belongs to You!!!

I know I just updated my blog last night, and normally I try to give a few days in between posts, but after the day I had, I couldn’t help myself but to write, yet once again. As most of you know, I am falling in love with Africa more and more each day, for a number of different reasons. One of the reasons being, the church I attend here in Nairobi is incredible. The church is called, Nairobi Chapel, and each week I look forward to going. The church is fairly large and is held outside under one of those big circus looking tents. Kind of cool. Anyways, there are all different types of people who go there. You have your Kenyans (obviously), your Europeans, and of course your Americans. The worship is amazing AND they sing songs I actually know! This morning we sang a song that struck me straight in the heart. Tears filled my eyes as I was looking around and witnessing such a beautiful picture of God’s people praising him while singing such powerful lyrics. The words ring true to me and the lyrics are my hearts cry.  I wanted to share it with you guys! I hope it’s a reminder that our lives only belong to Christ. God is enough and Emmanuel is all we need!

“It all belongs to you”

My heart
My mind
My soul
Belongs to you
My love
My life
It all belongs to you

Changed, for the better

When people use to ask me the common question, “Who are you most like, your Dad or your Mom?” while growing up, I would almost always say, “The perfect mix of both!” No, not meaning I’m perfect, I just thought I was lucky enough to learn how to act and learn who to be from the best! Despite whatever ups and downs or disagreements we have shared over the years, I couldn’t have handpicked better parents for myself! My Mom is the most honest (sometimes a little bit too honest, if you know what I mean! ;)) and loyal person I know! She is the most hospitable and gracious host to anyone who walks through the doors of our home! She is encouraging; she is kind, and she is loving. She is strong and selfless. She has the sweetest spirit and smile. She is the best friend I’ve ever had or will ever have! My dad, on the other hand, is adventures and brave. He is hard working and thrives at whatever he does in life! He is driven and self motivated. He is the provider, often peace maker, and sustainer of our family! He is the most generous giver and asks for nothing in return! I have watched and witnessed true love at first hand! No, they are not perfect people, who is?, but together they make the perfect team! God has been the glue that has held my family together throughout all the years. I will be forever grateful for every trip that we took, every church, school, and sporting event they attended, and every memory we’ve made! They are truly the two greatest people I know!

I always knew that I possessed my Mom’s outgoing personality. However, I am just like my Dad in the sense that we share the same characteristic traits. My Mom and I enjoy meeting and getting to know new people and we try to make each person we come in contact with feel special in some way. My Dad hates to be late, as do I. My Dad is a planner, as well as I. My Dad is a germ phobia, just like me. My Dad is much more cautious when it comes to safety, that's me! My Dad likes to stay busy, is always on the go, and loves to travel, yep; you guessed it, just like me! However, since spreading my wings, and leaving home, I have noticed that some of those qualities I use to posses, have flown out the window, and no longer exist.

No worries, I am still the same sometimes awkward, always corky, Katyn, but I have learned how to live a different type of lifestyle, and in the process, I’ve changed, naturally, without any warning or notice. I no longer take certain things for granted and on the flip side I care much more about other things. I now have a thankful heart for simple things, such as; food, power, electricity, internet, and hot water. Before I came to Kenya, I would have been scared to death to go anywhere alone. It’s now, safe to say, that I’m BRAVE!! (Hooray) God is teaching me to set my fears aside cause the safest place to be is in his will! I’m pretty sure I could face any fear of mine because I have conquered some of the scariest situations in my life! Traveling across the world alone and walking miles to and from work each day down dirty and dusty slum streets aren’t exactly my idea of fun. Any chance of being a germ freak is gone. I am trying (the key word here is trying) new foods from different families and homes. There is no sense of time here, which took awhile for my type A self to adjust to. My outfit for the day isn’t the first thing I think about when I wake up in the mornings. My makeup is minimum and I’m not even going to mention the hair. The list goes on and on. What use to be important, I now consider insignificant. I have come to know and love the people I am serving as family. I’m learning the importance of being independent more and more every day. Christ is challenging my life and changing my heart from the inside out and did I mention that I love each and every minute of it?

I knew that I would come back from Kenya with a different outlook on life, but I didn’t realize just how big of an impact Africa would have on me and the person I am! I am not the same. As Rascal Flatts say, “I’m changed, for the better!” Africa has changed me! God is changing me!

Pictures are worth a thousand words...and then some....

Hey friends! Just wanted to post some pictures on here for you guys to check out. Enjoy :)

Faith, my friend and housemate!

 

My girls :) Lilliann and Viviann!

 

 

Meet my main man, Henry!!

 

Milcha, has a heart of gold!

 

Kibera!! Where I work and where my students live!

 

 

 

"Katyn in Kenya"

This past week was my first full week of teaching in Africa. It was busy, exciting, exhausting, etc. A day in the life of “Katyn in Kenya” starts roughly around 6am. I get up, get ready (depending on if we have power or not) spend some time with Jesus, eat a banana, and begin my thirty minute walk to work down the long, muddy, red dirt roads. When I get to the gate at work, I am greeted by some of the sweetest smiles and biggest hugs ever! It’s almost like I’m a celebrity or something? I try not to let it go to my head toooo much, but it is kind of cool, just saying! On Monday’s, Wednesday’s, & Friday’s the students start school by having an assembly. The kids sing praise songs and spend some time in prayer (one of my favorite parts of the day.) Afterwards, I teach the students some English (ABC’s) and then math (numbers 1-100) along with another Kenyan teacher, who’s also my age. The students then take tea. They go to the toilet, have recess, and eat lunch. After lunch the students nap, or pretend to nap, and then prepare to go home! I work with 4 & 5 year olds and can testify, on their behalf, to being the most well mannered, well behaved, and respectful kids I have ever worked with or met, for that matter. Every day I follow the same school schedule, which my type A personality appreciates, but each night is different.

On Monday’s I meet with other single Christians in Nairobi to play volleyball, worship, and have bible study. Tuesday’s I clean and do laundry. Wednesday’s I TRY to respond to all my missed messages/emails, and also begin on  that week’s blog. Thursday’s I run errands and eat dinner out, which is something I use to do every night back at home, but is a treat here. Fridays I do something fun. Saturdays I teach bible school, and on Sundays I go to church till about two ,and then rest and relax. Each night I also spend some time with my housemates, talk to my parents, and Skype depending on which ever friend is free. I have honestly LOVED every minute of being here! The Lord is already at work all around me and in me!

Throughout the three weeks I’ve spent here in Africa, God has already been teaching me so much! He has such a sense of humor because I thought I came to Kenya to be the teacher but right now, my mind is on information overload from everything I am learning just by being here! Living in Nairobi, loving on kids, and learning more about God’s amazing grace everyday is truly the good life! However, some days are better than others, just as if I were still at home. You have your highs and your lows, your ups and your downs, your cloudy days and your sunny days, no matter where you or what you’re doing in life. It’s just part of living. One of the things God is teaching me is that being a Christian isn’t always easy. As Christ followers, Christ demands that sacrifice the things we love in order to follow him, know him, and make his name known. I am definitely being challenged every day, I am obviously out of my comfort zone, and I am always missing my family, but God has been so gracious to me during my short time here. I am experiencing things that I couldn’t begin to put a price on! I’m making memories that will last my lifetime and I’m building relationships that I will forever be grateful for. God promises that if we take up our cross and follow him our rewards will be great. He is rewarding me already, but the life I am striving to live is not for earthly riches, but rather heavenly rewards. I look forward to the day when I stand in the presence of my savior and say with a smile, I ran my race, (Heb. 12:1-2) and he replies, “well done, my good, and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:23) Let us rejoice with great rewards!” (Luke 6:22-23)

My Africa Adventure has begun!!

            My Africa Adventure has begun!! I have officially now been in Africa for a full week! However, the actual planning began eight months ago, the praying started ten years ago, and the preparation has been a part of my entire existence, thus far. Sitting in my new room, at my desk, blogging about my day to day experiences seems so surreal to me! Living a life in Africa has been just about the only thing concerning my mind over the course of the past few months, and the fact that I am actually here is a dream come true for me! I have wanted, wished, and longed to be here for quite some time and I am simply in awe of God who has gotten me here! The fact that God would use a sinner such as me to share his love to the least of these amazes me! I am so undeserving but yet so blessed and thankful to be here!

            My first 48 hours in Kenya were nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. If you know me, you know I’m an emotional person anyways, so add 72 hours of travel, saying goodbye to ALL of your closest friends and family, and you are sure to get a break down or two in the midst. Let me be honest here, those two days were t.o.u.g.h tough. Gaining a new family, new house, new country, and learning to live a new type of lifestyle all together was A LOT of change to take in, all at once. It was overwhelming. I had one break down (that luckily only lasted for about 5 minutes) of me feeling inadequate, unqualified, and doubtful (from the Devil himself) to do what I KNOW Christ has so clearly called me to do, but with a little help from Jesus and Kari Jobe I was over it in no time! It took some time for me to get over being jet lagged, to settle in, adjust, get use to all the different smells, the stares from strangers, and the scariness of walking down the slum streets of Kibera, but I now, thankfully, feel right at home, and where I should be! I am resting in his perfect peace.

            God has placed me in a loving home, with loving Kenyans, to love on me and vise versa. He has provided an incredible staff for me to work with, and he has given me students to teach, encourage, inspire, share my story with, and love on! Some people find it shocking or odd that I would want to move to a foreign country to do what I am doing. I get it, it’s not the “norm”, or the “All American dream,” but I am seeing some of the most beautiful parts of the world that God created for mankind, meeting incredible new people along the way, and experiencing the most beautiful love story of all. God’s love. Is there anything better?

Rested, Restored, and Ready to go...

It is half past three in Kenya and I am wide awake, partly due to the sound of dogs barking, people talking , traffic driving by (and any and every other noise you could possibly imagine) outside my window, but mainly because my mind still cannot grasp the fact that I am finally here in Africa! So, I decided blogging would be the best cure for my sleep deprived body and allow all of my friends and family back in the states to gain a tiny little glimpse of insight into my life here in Kenya, thus far.

First of all, I just wanted to give a huge shout out to all my loved ones back at home, I can NOT say thank you enough for everything you have done for me, and are continuing to do, in my life! Thank you to all of those who sent me messages filled with words of encouragement, who helped in many different areas and ways with my going away party, who have prayed peace over me during these past few days and weeks, and who took the time to just simply stop and ask me about my upcoming trip! My last few days at home were hectic, exhausting, and emotional, to say the least, but my family and friends made those last precious days perfect in every way. So, thank you. I cherish each and every friendship I have on earth and am blessed by your love!

I have now been in Kenya for a total of three full days; however, I had quite the journey getting here! I know I have said it time and time before, but God really does make all things work together for our good! As my family and I were driving to Charlotte to make my way to the airport on Monday morning, I looked to my Mom and said, “I just wish I had about five minutes to myself, to breathe, and to take this all in.” Little did I know, God was about to give me a whole day to rest and relax from the extremely exhausting past couple of weeks and before my busy time in Kenya got started! Long story short, I missed my flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam due to the air traffic control situation that is currently undergoing. So, I stayed in a hotel and spent that night in ATL. My time spent there was definitely much needed! Instead of feeling overwhelmed and flustered before boarding my next flight to Africa, I felt relaxed, restored, and ready to go after getting a full good night’s sleep and spending some alone time with my savior. God was already watching over me! He was already teaching me lessons and giving me blessings before I ever even left the country! He reminded me that he is in control of this trip and not me! He has my best interest in mind! He will take care of me! He has good plans for me! He goes before me, he stands beside me, and he will be with me wherever I go! What promises to cling to before my time in Africa!

Almost Air Bound for Africa

 

After many months of planning, preparing (physically and spiritually) and praying the time has finally come for me to pack my bags, say my goodbyes, and set off into the beautifully created African sunset. My departure date is quickly approaching and I will be moving to Kenya within 6 short days. Over the course of this week, I can only imagine my limited time to be filled with late night packing, last minute drives down Hwy 9, several Starbucks runs, time well spent in the word, and many tearful goodbyes to my family and friends. I cannot believe it has already been almost 7 months since I initially started the application process with Africa Inland Mission! It literally seems like yesterday. However, I know that God has been preparing me for this particular time in my life throughout my entire existence, thus far. Going to Africa has been a dream and goal of mine for many years and the fact that it so close seems surreal. On one hand, I am thrilled that my dream is about to come true! On the other hand, I am so saddened and scared to be leaving everything I have ever known and say goodbye to all my loved ones at home! Nonetheless, I still must go and complete the task that I know God has called me to do! As I start my adventure, I find comfort in knowing that Christ will take care of me, because I am in his will, and there is no safer place to be or anywhere else I would want to be! I praise the Lord for keeping his promise that he has good plans for my life, especially as I start this new journey. I have no idea what my future looks like, but I know that no matter where I go in life, God will never leave me nor forsake me! Thank you Jesus. While I am clinging to his word, I ask that you please be in prayer for my family in the coming days! I think they need the prayers more than me, no offense Mom and Dad. I mean, I would be sad if I had to say goodbye to me too ;) I’m kidding! Well, only, sort of! Anyways, thank you again for all of your love, support, and what you have meant to me in my life! I look forward to writing to you all again soon, from Africa!

Beautiful Blessings

I just flew in from Nicaragua late last night/early this morning and I still can NOT get over how much God rocked my world this past week! It was an incredible, eye opening, much needed trip, to say the least.There are countless examples of how God used our team throughout the week to impact the lives of others and how others impacted our lives, individually, and as a team! I love how the Lord uses any and every situation to work together for his and our good and I love how he brings the body of Christ together to better his kingdom and to build his kingdom! He is good! This was my fourth time traveling to Nicaragua and it was by far the most different. One of the reasons being, that my first trip was over 8 years ago and the Lord has worked in and through my life so much since then. This year, I would often wake up early in the mornings, make a cup of coffee, put my headphones in, and go sit outside on the porch to do my quiet time before our busy day of working and witnessing got started. One morning in particular, I was thinking about how God has completely changed the desires of my heart since that time. I was comparing "to back then Vs. now" from when I first went as a high school student to today. 6,7,8 years ago I was more concerned about my friends, boyfriend, having fun, and myself  while I was on the trip instead of focusing on the work God had prepared for me. Although I was selfish, I believe that God still used me during those times (because Nicaragua had a huge impact on my decision to do mission work!) however, Christ was not the center of my life and he was not the main focus in my life like he is today. I was also thinking about how my personal walk with the Lord has changed drastically since then but, thankfully, how he has not. He is the same God that was with me then, is with me now, and is going to be with me in Africa, and wherever else he may take me in my life! Even though I have changed, matured, and become older, he's love is still constant and his faith fullness to love me is still consistent, when other circumstances in my life have not always been. I have learned that relationships change, people come in and out of our lives for whatever reasons, but God does not. In that moment, I felt so much appreciation for God because he did not and does not have to love us as much as he does, but he chooses to do so, despite our sinful and selfish actions. I sometimes can not even comprehend that kind of love! Another reason why this trip was so different in comparison to past trips is because of where we were and where we spent our time. In years past, the teams would spend the majority of there time in one barrios building relationships with the same people and playing with the same kids each and everyday. This year, we made the most of our time by going to different locations and seeking new opportunities to build other relationships and help more people with basic and essential physical needs. I loved this because we went somewhere new and did something different almost everyday. On Sunday, our first full day in Nicaragua, which also just so happened to be Easter, we went to a Hispanic church in Managua. This was one of the highlights of the trip for me, personally. I was so overwhelmed with the number of Christian believers in Nicaragua who actually attended church. It made me realize that, yes, Nicaraguans may pray, sing, speak, and do things differently than we do in America, but we still all serve the same risen savior. It was such a blessing and so encouraging to watch and witness other people from other parts of the world bring honor and glory to the same God. We also were fortunate enough to participate in the Lords supper which was such a treat to be apart of, especially on Easter!

The next day we spent the morning at Chosen Children's orphanage. I could have easily stayed there the rest of the week! We listened to different testimonies from different children about how they each ended up living at the orphanage. My heart broke into a thousand tiny pieces as the translator was telling us what happened to some of the precious kids. One child had been left under a bridge, one girl had been raped by her stepfather at age 12 (and recently had a baby because of it), another child had been abused, and so on. The whole time I was just thinking to myself, that could have so easily been me, but by the grace of God he placed me in a loving home with loving people, so the least I can do in return is serve him with my life. Once again, I felt so much gratitude towards God and what he has done for me. It was a blessing to be able to meet and love on those sweet kids, even if it was for only a short period of time. When we loaded the bus to leave, I knew, without a shadow of doubt that Gods calling on my life to serve others could not have been anymore clear. It was as if, The Holy Spirit was shouting, "Katyn, you were made to do this!" I can not imagine doing anything greater with my life!

Later that day, our team was told that we were going to be spending the afternoon at a nursing home. Initially, I felt nervous to serve in this particular area. I had never worked with older people and I did not know if God would be able to use me or how he was going to use me for that matter. The nursing home ended up being one my favorite parts of the whole trip. It made me realize that God calls us to serve all of his people, no matter what age or race, we are to help and serve the needy. I met one lady who was 103 years old. I asked her nurse if the sweet lady had any family members who lived in the area. She said the women had not had a single visitor within 4 years. I could not believe that! I was so saddened by this news. She said that most teams tend to work with children more and that the older people are so often overlooked and considered outcast. That hit me hard. I thought to myself, I am going to be old one day, and if and when I am put in a nursing home, I would hope and pray that someone would take the time to come visit me. I can not imagine the isolation and the loneliness these sweet people must feel. Going to the nursing home definitely gave me a new perspective and outlook on who to serve and how to serve. I have a new found sense of service for the elderly and widowed because we simply, just went.

Over the course of the week the Lord worked in many ways! I got to see and visit a Nicaraguan school, which was very interesting to me, considering I have recently been working within a school system here in the states. I got to see so many high school students step up, be leaders, and boldly proclaim the gospel, which I was very encouraged by. I got to spend some quality time serving the Lord alongside my family. I had a sweet friend, my age, on the trip that I got to build and better a relationship with. On the last night, my mission team gathered around me to pray for my upcoming trip to Africa. God even used me to help lead some people to him. It was an incredible, encouraging, time, and I am already missing Nicaragua so much! I was and still am so grateful and thankful that I was able to be apart of all that the Lord did through this team, as he's tools, on this trip! I watched and witnessed blessing after blessing and was amazed by the Lords wonderful work, but by the time it was for me to go home, God was still not through working. Yesterday morning I woke up at about 2:30 am to catch an early morning flight to Houston. I came on the trip and purchased my plane ticket last minute so I had to travel separately, which I didn't mind because I have done so many times before. I arrived at the airport, checked my bags in, went through security, and had just enough time to read my bible while waiting to board. I boarded my flight and went to sit in my seat and sitting next to me was a girl who looked to be about my age.We had the usual, Hey! How are you? conversation and that was about it at first. After we got situated in our seats, I started playing 20 questions and asked her where she was from, where she going, etc. because I'm kind of nosy and I hate awkward silence. Come to find out she was a Christian and had been in Nicaragua doing mission work as well. She also had spent a year living and working in Mexico after graduating high school. She was such a sweet girl and had such a sweet spirit. We ended up talking for the majority of the 3 hour flight and got to know each other fairly well. She shared some stories from Mexico, and how the Lord was working in her life now, and we both quickly realized how much we had in common. After a while, I feel a sleep for a couple of minutes. When I woke up, I found a card laying on top of my bible that she had written while I was asleep. I immediately thanked and hugged her because I could not believe that she would think to write a card to someone she just met, practically a stranger. When we landed, we said our goodbyes, parted ways, and I went straight to Starbucks. After ordering my mocha, I sat down, put my headphones in, and got the card out to read it. I was amazed by the words this girl wrote. Tears filled my eyes in the middle of the busiest Starbucks in the Houston airport because I knew God had put Riley on that flight to be an encouragement to me, which is just what I needed. The Lord really does work in mysterious ways because I went to Nicaragua to tell people about Jesus, be a light for Christ, and hopefully be a blessing to someone in someway, but the whole entire trip was God blessing me. I feel blessed to have been given this calling to go to Africa and serve others during this season of my life because I don't think there is anything better.

Sweet Surprises

The Lord never ceases to amaze me. Ever. His ways are so much better than mine and I am being reminded of that each and every day. The last couple of days my family (Dad, Mom, and little brother) have been preparing to go to Nicaragua, with the youth group from my home church, a mission trip that I first went on 8 years ago as a high school student! Luckily, I was fortunate enough to go back to Nicaragua several times after that. Nicaragua is where it all started, my love for mission work, that is. At the last minute (story of my life!) I was able to book an unexpected flight and am now going on the trip as well! Christ really does make all things work together for our good! I think it is so cool that the Lord would take me back to where my desire to do mission work first started, just a couple of weeks before I move to Africa! Not only is he sending me to Nicaragua to serve him but I get to do so alongside of my family! This will be my little brother, Ethan's, first overseas mission trip and I can not wait to see how the Lord is going to use him and work in his life during this special time, especially since there will be many things that I will miss out on seeing this year! I am so proud of the young Godly man he is becoming and I know that this trip will be such an amazing experience in his life, as was mine! I am so grateful that I get to spend my last couple of days "Home" on the mission field with my family! I can not think of anywhere else in the world I would rather want to be! I am also so very thankful that the Lords surprises are so much better than any of my plans.What a sweet, sweet surprise this was :) Adios Amigos :) P.S This post is only short due to the fact that I just found out I was going to Nicaragua early this morning, and am leaving in less than 24 hours, and I must go pack! Otherwise, I would be typing away! However, you can expect a long blog post when I get back! Please pray for our team as we are gone! I hope you all have a great Easter holiday! Thank you Jesus for defeating the grave. My Redeemer Lives!! .

Tis the Season

First and foremost: THANK YOU for taking the time to read my first blog post, ever! Words can not express how excited I am that you are "here" and joining me on my journey (maybe not physically, but mentally, and perhaps later on, even emotionally) :) to AFRICA!! Also, I would like to mention that while I may (or may not) ;) have majored in English while attending college, that by no means, makes me a perfect or profound writer. So, I ask that you please bare with me through all the misspelled words, grammatical errors, and wordiness....because those of you who know me best, know that I love to talk! However, I will try to keep my post short and sweet , or at least under 1,200 words. Maybe ;)

Anyways, on to Africa, today is somewhat significant in my life; primarily because it is the one month mark from me packing my bags, boarding a plane, and jetting off into the sunset, literally, and from what I have heard, the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Today, I also returned home from Orientation and what a blessing that was. While at orientation, I was able to meet new people (A.Mazing new people, I might add) and learn more about Christ and how he is using this particular season of my life to teach, shape, and mold me into the person he has called me and is calling me to become!

The older I am becoming, the more and more, I am starting to realize just how precious our short time on earth really is! I am starting to become more and more aware of how God teaches each individual different lessons at different times. In Ecclesiastes, God says that there is a time for everything. A time to live, a time to die. A time to laugh, a time to cry. A time to wait, a time to go, and so on. As a 23 year old, recent college graduate, my time lately has been nothing short of transition, change, and waiting! During this period of waiting, God is teaching me so much, like how to serve others, which as so-called Christ followers, God does not ask of us, but rather demand of us to do. He is teaching me, for the first time ever, to completely place every being and ounce of my life in his hands, because going to Africa all by myself is kind of a scary situation. Most of all, he is teaching me that his promises are true, he is a faithful father, and he is a God of grace. I have never been in awe of so much care and kindness demonstarted towards me. Through the transition and trials, I have never been so overwhelmed with such peace given to me, because Christ is stretching my faith to unmeasurable heights, due to placing my trust in him. I have never had so much love shown towards me, well I always have, but I am just now realizing and receiving it! My heart is full! I am bursting with joy for what is to come! So, no matter what season of life you are entering or ending, count it as joy, because God promises that the testing of our faith produces patience, and patience produces strength, which ultimately leads to a season of sweetness in the aftermath. After all, he has made everything beautiful in his time!