Adventures with Karli

Saturday, August 3, 2013

In Other News

Uganda – I soon get to say Aloha to you!!! It has sort of hit me that I’m going. I think it will hit even more since I’ve left the island. People ask me if I’m ready – yes and no.

I am finally up to date with all my shots. My last Hep B shot was a doozy compared to the other 2 before it! The nurse kept asking me if I was ok – probably because I had a look for confusion and pain on my face while I was sitting there. Yep – just another day at the travel clinic really.

It was recommended that I get a flu shot before I go due to being in a confined space (2 plane rides) for such a long period of time going to the orphanage. I don’t know that I want another shot. I’m still praying about whether or not to get one…or if it’s even possible to find the shot in August when it’s not flu season.

I need to figure out what bank to go with. I don’t want to be charged an arm and a leg whenever I use my card at an ATM in Uganda, but don’t know if I’ll be able to find one that doesn’t charge exorbitant prices. I asked my mom to do some research, but don’t know if she’s had time. I want to be able to find one in the first week I’m at my mom’s so I can get my money in there.

Another thing is traveler’s insurance. I started looking online one evening and got a little bit overwhelmed. There are several to choose from and I’m not the most proficient in understanding insurance lingo, so will definitely be getting help on this one. Not sure how it all works either.

I’ve been asked by the orphanage to bring over pepperoni. If you would like to help donate pepperoni, please let me know! I think it’s the director’s husband that owns a café and “hotel” and they sell a lot of pepperoni pizza. It costs quite a lot to have it shipped in. I want to be able to take a duffel bag for donations. I need to call British Airways to see if they have some kind of deal with those going on mission’s trips to third world countries.

If you want to donate something, you can go to Amani Baby Cottage here and look at what they are in need of. Volunteers are a huge part in keeping this place going. You can’t find everything you need all the time like you can in the states. Would you consider donating to their cause?

The Lord has provided over $5,000 so far!

Friday, August 2, 2013

A Song of Praise to my God

1 Chronicles 16:8-36

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

O offspring of Israel his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

The covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac,

Which he confirmed as a statute to Jacob, as an everlasting covenant to Israel,

Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance.”

When you were few in number, and of little account, and sojourners in it,

Wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people,

He allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account,

Saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.

Ascribe to the LORD, O clans of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;

Tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult and everything in it!

Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.

Aloha Oahu

Today I said goodbye to my home for the past 3 years. I held an outpouring of tears back as I said goodbye to some incredibly precious friends. As I type this I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the goodness of God in putting these friends in my life just when I needed them the most. I’m also having a hard time not bawling my eyes out on the plane.

Wrapping up life wherever you are at can be very draining. I’ve moved many times in the past 10 years and it hasn’t gotten easier. I thought I would be ok with selling off most of my possessions that I had on Hawaii, but still ended up having to check in 2 bags plus have a roll carry-on (which, by the way, sort of lost some of the roller part to the wheels in the airport…am praying that it gets me to my mom’s place in Chi-town.). My goal was to pack the carry-on suitcase in one of the bigger suitcases, but I was 10 pounds over, so had to quickly unpack and repack at the last second.

I want to say a huge shout out to my church on Oahu – Central Oahu Bible Church. Thank you for your sweet fellowship over these past 3 years and for your generous love offering that you gave to me. I’m incredibly humbled that you would even want to do this…I still can’t believe it. Thank you doesn’t seem sufficient for your giving spirits. I wish I could come visit when I return from Uganda to give you an update – maybe one day. May God richly bless your ministry and your desire to put Him first in our ohana. Thank you Charles and Reina Hiers for following God’s call on your lives to take the pastorate position at this church. I look forward to hearing all that God does with you and your family!

To my friends at Hanalani Schools – thank you for loving me, even though I don’t deserve it. I could go on and on about how God has used each of you in my life to draw me closer to Him! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Continue to desire to serve Him in whatever capacity He has you at right now and in the future.

Thank you to my family for supporting me through all my many transitions over the years. Living an ocean apart from you for so many years has left me with a deeper love for each one of you and a desire to see His handprint on your life. I can’t wait to see almost all of you in the month of August.

Now – it’s on to the next great adventure that God has allowed me to be apart of. Amani Baby Cottage – here I come!!!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Still Going

I saw a blog title the other day that caught my attention: God calls you to go even though you may not know where by Mark Altrogge. I feel as if I am right here...with Abraham. This was an excellent reminder to me that God is trustworthy and not knowing is a great place to be! Here is the short article for you to read....

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. Heb 11:8-9

Faith fuels obedience
God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go, not knowing where he was going. Abraham didn’t know how long it would take to get there or what he’d do when he arrived. He didn’t know what hardships he’d face along the way or what enemies he might encounter. All Abraham had to go on was God’s promise he would receive an inheritance. His faith that God would fulfill his word fueled his obedience.
The whole Christian life is going not knowing
Jesus calls us to follow him, not knowing the details of our future, but having his promise to be with us, care for us, guide and transform us.
When Jesus first saved me, I had to quit my rock band. I thought I’d never have any social life or fun again, but figured that Jesus created friendship and fun, and that he was capable of giving me new friends and a new life. And eventually he gave me more friends and greater joy than I’d ever known in the band.
Where is Jesus calling you to go? He may not be calling you to a foreign land, but calling you to go to someone to seek reconciliation, not knowing if they’ll embrace you or slam the door in your face. Jesus may be calling you to give money to the kingdom, not knowing how you’ll pay for your tuition. He may be calling you to share the gospel with your Muslim neighbor, not knowing how he’ll respond.
Jesus may be calling you into marriage or parenthood. Buckle up. You have no idea the adventure that lies ahead. Or Jesus may be calling you to rejoice while you have tears in your eyes. Early on in my Christian life I heard someone say that if God commands something, just trust him and obey, even if you don’t know why. If God says it, he has good reasons and untold blessings in mind.
The whole Christian life is going, not knowing.
It is obeying God’s word in faith when we can’t see over the horizon. Jesus doesn’t give us the answers to the test in advance. It’s not for us to know the times and seasons. Though he doesn’t give us the details, he gives us the map and compass of his Word and his Spirit. He gives us himself. And if we have Jesus, that’s all we need. We go with the one who’s our portion and fountain of joy.
We go by faith in a mighty, loving and infinitely wise Savior, who never disappoints but does far more than we can think, ask or imagine.
- See more at: http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2013/07/going-not-knowing.html#sthash.jr5axi8H.dpuf

Faith fuels obedience

God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go, not knowing where he was going. Abraham didn’t know how long it would take to get there or what he’d do when he arrived. He didn’t know what hardships he’d face along the way or what enemies he might encounter. All Abraham had to go on was God’s promise he would receive an inheritance. His faith that God would fulfill his word fueled his obedience.

The whole Christian life is going not knowing

Jesus calls us to follow him, not knowing the details of our future, but having his promise to be with us, care for us, guide and transform us.

When Jesus first saved me, I had to quit my rock band. I thought I’d never have any social life or fun again, but figured that Jesus created friendship and fun, and that he was capable of giving me new friends and a new life. And eventually he gave me more friends and greater joy than I’d ever known in the band.

Where is Jesus calling you to go?

He may not be calling you to a foreign land, but calling you to go to someone to seek reconciliation, not knowing if they’ll embrace you or slam the door in your face. Jesus may be calling you to give money to the kingdom, not knowing how you’ll pay for your tuition. He may be calling you to share the gospel with your Muslim neighbor, not knowing how he’ll respond.

Jesus may be calling you into marriage or parenthood. Buckle up. You have no idea the adventure that lies ahead. Or Jesus may be calling you to rejoice while you have tears in your eyes. Early on in my Christian life I heard someone say that if God commands something, just trust him and obey, even if you don’t know why. If God says it, he has good reasons and untold blessings in mind.

The whole Christian life is going, not knowing.

It is obeying God’s word in faith when we can’t see over the horizon. Jesus doesn’t give us the answers to the test in advance. It’s not for us to know the times and seasons. Though he doesn’t give us the details, he gives us the map and compass of his Word and his Spirit. He gives us himself. And if we have Jesus, that’s all we need. We go with the one who’s our portion and fountain of joy.

We go by faith in a mighty, loving and infinitely wise Savior, who never disappoints but does far more than we can think, ask or imagine.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Operation Boe-Go

English Standard Version

This morning at church, the youth group was called up to the front. About a month ago they stood up in front of the church and quoted all of James 1 together. As the youth leader was talking, it sounded as if they were then going to quote James 2 and I was thinking how awesome was that in how fast they memorized that chapter together! He quoted James 1:26-27 and then said that earlier in verse 22 we are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. They wanted to apply Scripture to their lives and do what God said to do. He went on in stating that they weren't able to visit orphans, but knew of someone who was.

These 3 boys and one married couple raised $245 for me through Operation Boe-Go. They collected cans and bottles and apparently sold leis for graduations back in May. I was and still am very humbled by their sacrifice on my part. Each of the boys then made a card and gave it to me....I don't know whose idea it was for all of this, but I can guarantee you that the babies at Amani Baby Cottage will be blessed because of what they did for God's glory. They truly went out and were doers! I would say Operation Boe-Go was a success!!!!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Comfort zone...what's that?

Uncomfortable...that's how I've been feeling lately, also inadequate. The more I think about going to work in an orphanage with children the more my heart rate gets going. If I don't have to work in nursery at church I don't. I somewhat enjoy children, but my interaction with them is very limited. I have worked more with teens and know how to relate to them. I'm nervous about this....yet I know God wants me to do this, so I will follow.

I'm not a teacher, the thought almost gives me hives. I've been there, done that, have no desire to do it again. I still don't know what I'll be doing at the orphanage. I do know that ever since this idea was given to me by God, that I must do it, so I will follow.

Obedience to Christ is following after Him....and doing what He says to do. This is no different. He told me to go to an orphanage, I did the research, He led me to the right one. If He led me specifically to this one orphanage out of the MANY I looked at and applied to, then what else can I do but follow.

Since starting to write this post I have received an e-mail from Amani Baby Cottage. I still don't know specifics of what I'll be doing, but the orphanage has a great relationship with local ministries and possibly and at least once a week I will go volunteer my time and talents at these places. Wow - talk about exciting!!! I'm thrilled that God would find me even minimally qualified to do this for Him and His glory.

I feel like in this time of my life I am really stepping out of my comfort zone. It's happened before, God has completely taken care of me along the way. So, why would this be any different. It's often during these times when we are at our most comfortable that there's a nudge to get out. These are the times that I'm growing more in God than if I were comfortable....kind of like right now. I know I'm growing in my relationship with Jesus, but I don't feel like I'm being pushed to Him. That time is coming and as nerve racking as it is, I can't wait for it.

Come along with me as I journey far away from my comfort zone!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

I'm sorry, how many did you say?!

I had my appointment today with the travel doctor provided through my insurance. Way back in the day when I went to Kenya my mom had to scrounge up shot records for me. Those were then put on a Wisconsin state immunization piece of paper. I took that in with me today to show the doc what I had. He started making notes of what I had and what I didn't have. He then pulled out a "booklet" of different shots and what they were for. When we were done going through that, he had pretty much highlighted the whole thing. At least I didn't need all the shots on there, you know, like the 2 or 3 he didn't highlight!

In total, I need to get at least 8 shots. Today I got 3. The nurse did 2 in my left arm and 1 in my right arm. The right arm was Hep B (which I probably got as a child, but since there was no record he wanted to be safe, rather than have me sorry) which felt like it took a while to get in. The left arm got a TDap and Yellow Fever.

Now, I'm not necessarily one to HATE needles, but I just don't enjoy shots...come on, who really does? As I was getting the Hep B, I thought, ugh, I have to get 2 more of these?! Plus one exactly 52 weeks after the 3rd does....yick! Not really looking forward to that particular feeling again. However, the Yellow Fever vacc got put in the softer flesh on the backside of my left arm. The nurse said it would hurt, but I thought it wasn't too bad....until 3 seconds in. I literally wanted to cry like a little girl it hurt soooo much! It. was. awful. When I was done with that one, the nurse said it was good for 10 years and that I needed to travel as much as I could to take advantage of the pain I just went through. You know what, I think she's right!

After getting my 3 shots, they ushered me down to the lab where I got poked again...thankfully this wasn't as painful. They are going to check to see if I've had chicken pox....because we can't remember if I did or not. If the test comes back negative, well, then I get some more shots....so totaling 9 or 10, depending on if they make me get 2 of that or just 1.

Another one he recommended was a rabies shot. This shot will cost between $500 or $600!!!!!! WHAT?! I told him I'd think about that. I e-mailed the baby cottage asking if this is something the volunteers normally get and will wait on their reply. I hope they say no because that's a lot of money for 1 shot.

The next thing I need to decide on is what malaria medicine to take. There is 1 that is taken weekly and 2 others that are taken daily. I have an ongoing disease, so the cheaper of the taken daily pills is probably not going to be a good mix for me he said. That leaves the weekly or the other daily. Oh, and this other daily will cost somewhere between $60-$90 for 1 pill. Yes, I will be there around 90 days and I will need to take some before I go and after I get back, so that would be a grand total of around $6000. Yikes! So, with all that said, this was an easy pick for me....the weekly one.

I'll be taking a typhoid vaccine orally - yay for one less shot!!! My head is kind of spinning with all of this. I go back in one week to get at least 3 more shots. Thankfully I got into the dr when I did because with the way they have the series of Hep B shots set up, I will take the 3rd shot 2 days before I leave island....and that's covered by insurance! My poor arms......

I know how he feels!