Safe, sound and sleeping well

Hey everyone,

As you have may surmised I did finally make it out of Washington DC Monday night. We took off on time (with all my baggage I might add), and made our way to Ghana hit it early then back in the air on our way to Jo’burg. I don’t know why it is that I can’t seem to remember the whole flying process and customs but its starting to cramp my style that I can’t. I walk around the airport squinting at signs hoping that it will make me understand them.. The long and short of it is that I always panic when there is nothing to panic about, although I almost got stuck in South Africa over a receipt…

I’m here now and I have my zim phone is set up just fine I have contacted a few of you with the whatsapp app.. a life saver, now I just have to remember the hour difference. Working on the internet there are lots of steps to get it setup but its all in the working. I have been working on the room I’m renting from the brother, it is 1000 times better then when I got here. Cleaned , painted and added a few things and I’m sleeping in my own tiny pad. They even added a real toilet! There are a few kinks to work out, I’m wrestling with the mosquito net and the new door handle likes to lock me indoors…good thing I can fir in the window. ;)

Already been walking around the area to gain my bearings store is a nice distance and the kingdom hall is as well. I can get to most service groups within a half hour to 45 minutes.

Alright you all know I am here safe and sound. I should be able to gain access internet easier this trip so at least once a week you should have an update, if there is anything worth talking about. Service is almost always fruitful and in two days I have gotten over 5 return visits. The country is heading towards another crash so people are waiting to hear good news.

Here are the photos of the room all done, minus the stove a sister just lent me and a refrigerator is on its way possible as well. A great shout out to Tony and Tracy for the boxes of items the rug makes this place much more homey and the baskets for the daily commute to the bathroom are life savers. Haha And my washing center which is outside..And my guard dog named Tina.. her brothers and I don’t get along but shes sweet.

Alright friends I’ve been busy and wanted you to know all is well. Sorry for the delay.

Ta

Katie

Detour

Hey everyone,
I've hit a bit of a detour, I'm stuck the Washington DC area until Sunday, at least because of the massive storm coming in on my heels. Expecting at least three feet of snow..(or a meter of snow for my African friends reading this ;) for a place that's not equipped for it, makes for many accidents and days indoors.
I spent one night at the airport, made my own make shift tent and set up camp in case I could hop a flight out. That never happened so I rebooked, after hours and hours of switching from person to person conversations and phone tag, for Sunday night when the storm should be long passed and snow removed.. Hopefully. I am staying with lovely couple here in the dc\Virginia area so no need to worry I'm taken care of for the next few days.  Friends of friends of family. :) they attended the Chinese congregation in this area, they were in the Portuguese field in Boston before this .  I don't think I can thank everyone who has been helping me handle the crazy airlines. You know who you are, and it was so much help to know someone was working with me not against me ....*cough* cough*...UNITED AIRWAYS!

Anyways I'll keep you all posted on when it looks like I'll make it out of here. Looks like by monday night I should be there..

Here We Are

We are nearing the end of my American holiday. :) I can't believe it's already time to go, the count down to less then two weeks.
I can't thank you all enough for the support you've all given me whether it was a donation of some kind, prayers or helping me with my errands. I don't think I could have managed this trip so soon without help. It's been a whirlwind couple of months, and the next four will be reward for all of the hard work.
This journey will start the 21st from Grand Rapids airport ,a stopover in Washington DC , Accra Ghana, then Johannesburg South Africa and finally settle in Harare Zimbabwe. The total will be 20 and half hours of flight ...and I lose 7 hours on my way over.
These last two weeks will be packed full of me saying my goodbyes,{some quite tearful} hopefully I managed to meet with you all in one form or another and enjoying the last few first world favorites ...ie: TV shows, hamburgers,driving and use of power whenever I want.. :) in that order if you must know.
I can't wait to share some more stories with you as they happen, feel free to email me as well I think you can forward the email that is sent to you as a response.

"Keep watch over the road. Brace yourselves and muster all your strength." Nahum 2:1

Much sisterly love,
Katie 

Second Round

Well its that time again, time to fly south.

We all have fears and one common fear is leaving this earth without leaving a dent in it, being  forgotten.  I'm making sure I leave a few dents all over this planet, they may not remember my name but they will remember the love & laughter I leave in my wake.
I have my ticket for Zimbabwe, sharing more of my time with the lovely people again, rather they asked for it or not.. :) I take off for the second round on January 21st, 2016 and have planned to stay until May 23rd, 2016! 

I have found a  room to rent from a brothers family that attended the kingdom Hall I walk to, its conveniently located between the hall and a grocery store, has a gate and guard dog named Tina.. You're welcome mother. 💖🐕
I'm still looking for items to take as donations is you have any extras or unwanted items let me know, I can arrange to pick it up.  Here is a small list: earrings, twinkle lights, nail polish, kid toys (light weight), cooking utensils, post it notes (I know odd) , any office supplies, and soft shelled lunch boxes.

I'm super excited to add another chapter in this adventure book I call life. Granted it won't be the same as the exciting life in the little blue house with GMama, but close I'm sure.
The count down begins and we have 88 days until lift off. This trip will include many new trips and encounters, my security blanket {the missionary couple } will not be there & no travel companion makes for a more intense and fly by the seat of your pants trip. I have recently obtained a international drivers license 🚕 and am working on my three month visa pass, I will have to leave the country for a few days then ask...maybe beg to be let in for that last month.

I will keep you updated on events to pass.

Your ever wandering gypsy,
Katie