Hiatus Ended

Hey all,

Apologies for the long time without communication.  In my mind over the years I have had multiple things I have wanted to share but have not allowed myself the time to blog them efficiently or effectively enough for the World Wide Web, but we are breaking that period of hiatus immediately.


I have exciting news to share with you all.  No, marriage is not on the cards or a family (yet)... however around October last year, whilst I was travelling up the centre of Australia I felt God talking to me in His gentle whispers that I openly enjoy.  This conversation was one of those ones that hit you out of the blue and remind you to not get settled in a corporate 8-5 (if that's ever possible with shift work) lifestyle.  It was a conversation revolving around a desire and a commitment I gave to God around ten years ago and it was Him reminding me that now is the time.







Without knowing this was an opportunity, God reminded me that He would like me to commit to leading a team with TMIA (www.teenmissions.com.au) this coming year.  At that time I had known the Australia base was on a hiatus from sending teenagers abroad for voluntary mission work over the Christmas holidays for a multitude of reasons and were attempting their first New Zealand base camp and Summer teams (which ended up being a success).  It was one where I battled the oh so familiar thoughts of comfort, finances and job security and had to remind myself that true success only comes with God and our reward is in Heaven rather than on Earth and beyond anything potentially achievable on Earth  .  Keeping this in mind, I said "YES!" and lo and behold soon after a TMIA (involving NZ collectively once again) notice regarding Summer teen mission trips  for 2019 was announced!

It is with great respect and humility that I inform you of the privilege I have in assistant leading a group of teenagers (and potentially older) to Uganda over the 2019 Summer school holidays.
For those who have Facebook, I have created this Facebook group (feel free to add yourself and share it with those you think may be interested)  https://www.facebook.com/groups/273088450260025

For those who don't have Facebook, this trip is basically one which will involve roughly eight weeks (December 9th - January 25th).  It will involve ten days of bootcamp at the base camp on the bushland part of the Sunny Coast and will assist with unification of each team - currently five teams going (2019 TMI team brochure), as well as providing skills necessary when working on each of the teams.  This may include things like brick laying, painting, construction, puppets, drama, public speaking, etc.  The end of this period concludes by having a Commissioning Night.  This night is open to the public and allows family and friends to have connection with their loved ones prior to departure for their overseas phase of service.  It allows the teams to express what the Lord has done in their lives and is also a time for the teams to be sent out with prayer and well wishes.




The second phase of these two months then involves putting into action all that was learnt in the ten
days of Bootcamp in one of the five team locations.  These locations aren't always permanent or guaranteed and each team member and leader has to be aware that they may have to be moved to a different team due to extrinsic factors (not enough team members/leaders or political/cultural/environmental factors) ensuring the safety of the team.  It is during this time that life time friends can be developed as team members work together to complete the project they sign up for.  As a team leader I will be involved most likely in the kitchen, preparing and buying materials needed for the team's sustenance, as well as assisting in anyway that the team needs me - which may also include working on the project (which is also something I have always cherished).

The Uganda team's project is heavily involved with working with refugees, a seeing eye clinic and AIDs orphans and construction of their facilities in North West Uganda.

Once completing this time the team will return to Australia for debrief over four days - allowing the team to share their experiences and adjust to living back in Australian culture before leaving home on the evening of the 25th (January, 2019) or the following day.

As this is a voluntary project for a not-for-profit organisation every single person is paying for their way.  This involves either fundraising or paying for it through other means.  Through the help of others, whilst I was working as a teenager I was blessed to do two teams (Cambodia and India) and as a working adult am hoping to finance this trip through my earnings.  However, I have also had friends ask if they can support me.  If you feel so inclined I have created a fundraising page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/donate/844909835859093/?hc_ref=ARRg9IsRDH4DyMYepNQ-BZIb5Ck2_5XR9hBiJtmCvKdJXZKzLRFRPCldKuq5ZyOlh9s&fref=gs&dti=273088450260025&hc_location=group), as well as having options of paypal, bank transfer or direct deposit to TMI with a reference to my name & #1901.   Feel free to contact me for further details. 


I appreciate y'all reading this far with me and cherish the love and support you have shown by encouragement, prayer and finances.   If you have any questions please don't hesitate to say hi.


God bless,
Kara