This post is put on for Kara by her Mum.
Kara has asked that 'thank you' letters she wrote be included here. I will start with what I wrote to accompany her letters in the 'mail out'

My letter:-
1.11.14
Hi all,
As you will realize this mail out has been a very extended process. For most of the time Kara has
been in the US she hasn’t had internet access and that is especially so over the last 18mths. I did get
the letter she prepared last October in May / June this year but then had to wait for names,
addresses and instructions of other means for people to access the documents and then wait until I
physically had the time to sit down and attend to these matters. During our trip together in the US,
during her spare time, Kara was working on a video / movie type presentation of her time with USA
YWAM. Then after completing it on the last night she was unable to burn it onto the DVD –
something about needing to update the software. There were difficulties doing this to the point
where it is still not on DVD. Hopefully one day this will be available.
Thanks for the support you have and do give Kara as she continues to do what she believes God
wants her to do at this time.
Kindest regards,
Lorna Martin / Beckett
(Kara’s Mum)

Ps I have had trouble getting the pictures to show that Kara had put in her letter. I was able to reinsert the one she had of her and me and the middle one you see below and I have substituted a couple of others that she had.

Monday, 14^th of October, 2013

Dear friend,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you y'all for supporting me through your prayers finances and correspondence over the past 12 months. It is truly a blessing to know how many people are still supportive of me (even though I have fallen many times), and God, and His work and I truly appreciate it!

Most of you know that I first came to America to obey God in doing YWAM (youth with the mission) at YWAM Denver, and this was an amazing experience - one which I never expected I would be doing and came completely out of the blue. Whilst things didn't go the way I thought it would towards the end, I know (and am starting to see glimpses of) what God's lessons and intentions were and that it will all fall into His amazing purpose for my life, the life of others and changing the World, as we know it, and shaping His Kingdom. 

As some of you know, I am now at Strong Tower (www.urmystrongtower.com), which is based in Hitchcock, Texas, and have been for the past six months, and will be, as a student, for at least another six months. This could potentially lead onto me being here another 6 months to a year. 

There is a bigger story about how I ended up at Strong Tower that I can explain if you would like me too, and I am only waiting for you to ask, but I also know some of you are probably wondering, especially after looking up the website, what I am doing at a "rehabilitation" centre. Let me just say straight up, it is so much more than that. It is one of God's strong towers... A place to seek refuge in the midst of our spiritual war we daily live in.   Sometimes that war is identified from the battle wounds and scars on and in our flesh and emotions, and Strong Tower is a place for those who no longer want to be a victim of the war but for those who want to be a victor, placed safe, to learn to fight as The Lord fights.  Those who are broken and hurting and realised that they need a Saviour.  They may not realise that that saviour is Jesus Christ, but they are presented with a safe haven and it is here that they begin the journey of knowing Jesus as their personal Saviour and who they are in Him – valuable, worthy, victorious, conquerors… and making Him known.

In short it is a 12 month residential discipleship program for men and women who want to break free of their problems, whether it is drugs, alcohol, depression, domestic violence, homelessness, codependency, anger, grief, incarceration, etc. and start living their life how God destined us to live it – with purpose, not for ourselves, but for Him.

Inside of that discipleship program also comes leadership and a multitude of other ships…

So we get our healing from God and not from medication or therapy and in doing so we learn to trust God with every aspect of our lives and give Him total control of everything.

In being here though, I was given a confirmation of my calling, that God had told me in February (at YWAM) again in May.  That God has called me to be a missionary, conquering the doubt, fear, and confusion that I have allowed to creep in.

Whilst being at Strong Tower is not my ideal location, I know it is where God has called me to be for at least 12 months.  It is a character building stage, like Abram had 25 years before he was at an appropriate character lever for fathering the nations (Israelites) through Isaac; like David had over a decade, since his anointing (by Samuel) to be king, before he was king of the Israelites; like the Apostle Paul had around a decade (from Jesus calling Paul) to adjust his life and prepare, to walk the path God had ordained for Him. It’s where God is working on me, in this season, so that I am at the character needed for the next assigned mission.

Over the last 6 months I’ve gone from student, to student intern, back to student again, with my graduation in May and whilst I don’t know what God has for me after May, I know I am still to stay at Strong Tower until further notice from God.

So whilst I don’t know my next steps I am totally thankful for you support and ask, if you can, to continue to pray for me and my family.

I love y’all a lot and think and pray for you often.  May God bless you and may you always remember His presence, devotion and love for you.

Lots of love and GBUG (God Bless U Good),

 

 

 (Above: Most recent photo of Mum and I – taken near Houston, May 7^th, 2014)

She had then written this letter which I received with the names and other instructions.

In the nick of time...

After having said our farewells, mum and I departed on different legs of the route. Having checked in I was informed that the plane was delayed and that I may not make my connection. In hearing this the attendant allowed me to have a seat booked so that if I missed the flight I could make the next flight. 

The plane ended up being delayed 30 minutes, however we made up time with the wind in our favour. 

Arriving at Dallas, my plane started boarding at 4:20pm. We arrived near the terminal at 4:17, but due to plane traffic on the runway between us and our gate, I was not able to get off the plane until 4:35pm. 

Praise God that the boarding gate was right next door. Arriving there I saw no one there, but the flight info said it was on time. Speaking to the attendant I asked if they were still boarding and he said yes, let me on, and encouraged e for making the flight. Praise God and thanks. 

The buck doesn't stop there though. I was a little nervous on my luggage making the connection and having boarded and seated, we were informed that due to technical difficulties we would have to wait for maintenance to come and replace the seal on the baggage door. So this is where I'm at now, almost an hour in, but with peace and assurance that my luggage made the connection too. Thank You Jesus!!!

It is so good to be back up at Eagle Rock.

To be honest, I was scared to be at the YWAM Denver morning worship this morning, but God met me where I was at and healing took place. I had the chance to get reacquainted with people from my YWAM school, some I expected to be there and some that surprised me by being there. But it was such a blessing all in all to be able to step past the fear and into the presence of what God has for me by not walking in fear or intimidation but in His footsteps, taking His hand and trusting Him with each day. 

Locked Within Yourself?

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." 

Paul Boese

Unforgiveness locks one inside a prison walls. Those walls aren't built by the person you're refusing to forgive but by yourself.  You are locking yourself in a prison which the other person may not even realise that you've been hurt or offended by them. 

Watching crime shows you'll realise that it is unforgiveness that builds bitterness, hatred, self-loathing, discontentment, among other things, resulting in an enactment of volitude - whether expressed internally or externally. 

We need to learn to forgive, and sometimes this isn't easy but there's been signs that show unforgiveness kills one internally... And those times that we've thought we've forgiven, but something comes up late to remind us of that hurt equals another chance to forgive and forgive continually...

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV)

(Read Matthew 18:21-25)

Bryce Canyon

Although not as big as the Grand Canyon, I do have to say that I preferred the layout of Bryce Canyon a lot more. It's visitor centre was a lot more informative and gave you a good impression on what Bryce Canyon was all about without having to read a multitude of books. 

The colours and formations here were unique and an experience to pursue. 

(Thursday 15th of May, 2015)

Home Sweet Home

Arriving in Tropics, we stayed at these quaint little log cabins. No cell / mobile reception and pretty much no wifi meant going back to the olden days of entertainment and quality time. I do have to say staying here the two days whilst we were at Bryce Canyon was interesting and being in a Mormon founded and populated area was a new experience. 

Definitely loved the log cabin. 

Utah Baby!

A few views driving from Williams Arizona to Tropics Utah. (Wednesday, 14th of May, 2014)

TRUTH

You can't go so deep in sin that God can't find you. "Kris Vallotton"

STAY ALIVE!!!

How true is this?!
We can be alive but it is when we lose hope that we start to die.  It is our choice to lose hope, but external circumstances don't help.  We need to stay alive however.  Christ has given us life.  Christ has give us freedom.  We need to choose it!  We need to stop putting the chains of bondage on us that wrap us up in the meddlesome ways of this life and hold onto the truth that He has declared for us in His Word!  Don't lose hope.  Don't die inside.  STAY ALIVE!

Navajo Indian Craft Discovery

On our drive to Bryce Canyon, Uyah, we stopped at one of the many Infian market booths set up alongside of the road. 

Here we met Elaine (top left) and two other ladies who make a lot of the crafts at this booth. Elaine is of the Navajo tribe and was indeed very beautiful. She told me of the materials used in her jewelry, how they give back to their spirits at different times and a bit of her family and culture.  She was open and humble and truly a treasure to meet. 

My favorite piece of pottery was the one behind Elaine in the far right top shelf. Truly a stunning piece. If I had a house here and didn't have to worry about transportation I definitely would've got it ;) sadly, one has to remember to pack light and stay light and even that is difficult a lot of the time when you see these pieces of art and the deals to be had in America. 

Top right is a painted skull. Bottom left is the Navajo market - well part of it. Bottom right is the American flag with an Indian rider on it. 

(Wesnesday, 14th of May, 2014)