As I sit here, realizing how much time has passed since my
most recent post, I think of all I have missed in sharing with you.
So, how about a crash course on my last 3 months?
Here we go:
New resident-mums and growing relationships
For the past several months, resident-mums and their children have come and gone. Some have been happy farewells. Others, I have cringed as the mum left knowing that she was not quite ready to leave our Homes of Hope family.
Regardless, I have learned the art of saying good-bye. And yet, as I wince at these leavings, wondering what lie ahead for these mums and their little ones, I rest in knowing God has each of these in His hands…they do not take one breath without God’s notice
and devotion.
Baptisms 
3 Cheers for new life! If there is one thing that
Jesus has taught me here at Homes of Hope this year, it is this:
The Savior’s power to save and restore surpasses all comprehension and expectation. God,while You do not erase the past, You do offer hope and rebirth that leads to new life, in a new city, in a new family.
My Namesake
This is baby Katherine…my namesake. The mother of this precious one is 19 and honored me by naming her baby girl after me. Names hold much worth here; I have come to learn that the name is given to describe and to honor, a bridge from past lives to the present rebirth and the future.
Trip to North Islands
November, along with the heaviness of
summer, brought an opportunity to visit the North Islands in Fiji, Taveuni and Qamea (Ga-mA-a). I had one day to prepare and then found myself traveling via large boat, cruising north.
Lesson learned #1: Katherine gets sea-sick.
Lesson learned #2: The meal in visiting a village is THE
highlight.
Lesson learned #3:
Katherine loves village life. Oh, if only I could capture the essence of the
slowness and relational quality of living in a village, removed from
civilization. No electricity, outdoor showers and commodes, living from the
land and sea day-to-day. And thrilling in the conversation and sweetness of our hosts and friends.
Wrapping up the Year
Now events and people begin the slow crawl towards Christmas, and with it we all, that is Homes of Hope staff and residents, are anxious for time off from work.
As for me: I am going home!
On December 17th I will fly back to the States for one month.
How excited I am to see my friends and family, and to catch some time away from ministry and cross-cultural thinking. Oh man, I am ready to get my lazy on!
Till next time...
