In the midst of all God is faithful...

Drinking coffee with a friend is the biggest treat and pleasure. It is not as much about the coffee but two hearts sharing life. The last few months have been a time of many events happening at the speed of lightning intermingle with disappointments and unexpected hardship.

MEETING WITH DEAR FRIENDS FROM CENTRAL ASIA
I will start with events as it happened. Recently we were involved in a conference here in our city. Friends from all over Central Asia and the world came to attend. It was a very busy time as Etienne was on the leadership and I was serving with hospitality for this special time.

What a treat it was to see our friends from Uzb. again. I can not remember ever where I have cried and laugh so much in the same week. Seeing our friends being encouraged by the Lord, how they have grown in their ministries and the stories of what God is doing in the village we used to live in. On the last day of the conference a dear friend from our village came and washed my feet. She prayed over me thanking me for all we gave, offered and suffered to see their lives touched by the love of Jesus. This event as strangely as it might sound brought such healing to my heart.

THE TRUTH OF HOSPITALITY...
I have always felt comfortable and confident serving in the gift of hospitality. Never have I served at such a big event though and I felt so insecure at times. One night I was tossing and turning in bed thinking and pondering over events where I felt like the "bouncy over eager golden retriever puppy" insecurely serving our guests. In desperation I prayed out: "Lord fill my insecurity with your security!" How incredible when God brings words of life and truth into difficult situations. I was comforted and encouraged to serve with confidence in Him.

TURKISH SCHOOL
The girls have finished Turkish school and we had such a good experience over the two years they attended. We will be home schooling for the next season and are all very excited. I must admit I'm a bit overwhelmed with this but know eventually it will come together.

MELIKA BEING ILL
Melika got very ill during the time of the conference we hosted in our city. She developed scarlet fever and a few weeks later a relapse. She took penicillin for both these cases and then developed an allergic reaction to the medicine. On top of this her lymph nods were swollen and the doctors here were very concerned and wanted to do a biopsy. It was a very stressful time for our family. We saw God heal her from covered in a rash with fever one night to completely well the next morning. All glory and honor goes to Him.

OUR VISA DENIED
Now the heartbreaking news. We received an answer on our visa application! I wish I can say it was good news: It was denied! After we waited two years. At first we had to leave the country in 15 days but they gave us three weeks. At the end of July we will be flying out to South Africa and are trusting God that we could be back in six months.

You can imagine how shocked we were. It took me a few days just to work through the initial news. I feel battle weary and tiered but I'm confident that God will lead us through as always. I know in a few months we will look back and see how He has worked it all out to our good.

It is in the valley of suffering that we learn to walk with Him. I'm making a choice not to allow myself to let my thoughts go down side paths of bitterness and resentment. He has always been faithful. Thank you for your friendship and prayers. Hoping that some time we can meet over a real hot cup of coffee sharing hearts.

Many hugs and love
Karin

SPRING IS IN THE AIR....

Over the last few years I have gone from milk in my coffee to coffee creamer to cream. I know I went from bad to worst :) And now I'm back to just plain black. The changes with Spring in the air has influenced my coffee drinking habit too :) But I must say nothing beats a sky high cream cuppachino.

A MOUNTAIN OF FEAR..FACING FAITH LIKE A MUSTARD SEED:

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a chat over a cup of coffee and sharing news are the frightening, clarifying event that happened a few weeks ago. A man came and started shooting up in the air, and then at our pastor standing just outside the little down town Church in the Red Light District me support and attend. Etienne and some friends were having a six hour non stop prayer and worship event just inside the building when this happened. We praise God that no body got hurt but it has definitely influenced our lives in a big way. (Read more on this at a link in the side bar).

I have been struggling with fear in my heart after this happened. I'm afraid someone will come again and try to do something. There has been more incidents like this at other places too. The local police has a guard on duty at the Church during services now, it does bring some sense of comfort. But I know true comfort can only come through knowing and trusting Him fully...laying my life down for Him.

This is just another great opportunity for God to do a deep work in my life in this area...so that I can lay down all that I regard as mine...what I fear to loose....It is His and all I have I need to hold with an open hand for Him to decide...Not easy but I know it is right.

GOD AT WORK:

Etienne has been doing much better with his burnout and it is only God that could have brought such change so quickly. He has been traveling more with his new role and responsibilities. It has been such a joy to see God at work and him flowing in who he is.

God has been working in supernatural ways like I have never seen Him before. Every Sunday at church there are people being touched by the Holy Spirit and changed for the ordinary. We hold on in faith on the promises God has given for this Nation. On a average of two hundred Bibles get taken from the windowsill at our church every week.

I get so excited about the beautiful friendships with local woman God has been blessing me with. My language is limited and I have had such a desire more than ever to study and learn Turkish. Where my language lack a fresh home made bread wrapped up in a new dish towel as a gift, a hug with much love or a kind squeeze of the hand...has been speaking more than a thousand words could. Like always I desire to have deeper relationships with my neighbors. Recently I felt the Lord spoke such a beautiful word to my heart on being myself and I'm here so He will be known. It is not about me it is about Him.

A NEW SEASON COMING UP:

For two years now the kids have been in Turkish school. They have been so happy there and have been doing really well academically. We have prayed much and sought God on what the next step for their schooling should be. We have decided to Home School again for the next season. It has been an exciting time in ordering the books and setting up their curriculum. Also I feel a bit nervous at the same time with a Seventh grader, Fourth grader and then the toddler thinking he is Twelve grade ;) We see it as n wonderful time and tool to influence their hearts. Also knowing that I am so dependent on Him to lead me, strengthen me and give me hope and wisdom for every day.

VISAS:

No definite news on the visas yet! At least we know the answer was decided and mailed to our city but we have not received any answer yet. Recently the visa costs have been made significantly less. This in itself is a praise report. Our visas will cost a quarter of what it would have been. God knows why we had to to wait two years for it to come through.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD:

It has been a busy, hectic season but also a season where I sense a deep comfort and rest. I have been trying and enjoying reading more. Not that I have more time to read, but in the evening reading when it is possible. A book by Ann Voskamp, "One Thousand Gifts" has been such a blessing to my heart. Reminding me that gratefulness cultivates joy. Also the book by Lysa TerKeurst "Craving God" has been leading my heart and thoughts to the road of following Him fully and not to find my comfort and joy in anything more than in Him.

In the midst of the storm I sense peace and rest. The words in Psalm 23 "He leads me besides quiet waters" comes to mind. Just this whole Psalm has been such a comfort to me again. Thank you for you friendship, care and prayer.

God is good...all the time!
Many hugs
Karin

My Coffee Mug is Spilling over...

I'm sitting with my feet up on my study table and my black writing book open on my lap. No, actually there is no coffee even close. My last cup was early this morning. Do I feel like coffee? Yes, but I'm not taking the chance tiptoeing past Andrew's bedroom waking him up. Then this coffee update is over and done for today.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT
A friend and I was talking this morning on how stressful and discouraging life often can be. Knowing God, I can turn my face like a sunflower to the Son soaking in His love, care, hope and encouragement. Most of my local friends and neighbors probably to some extend suffer and struggle with the same things that I do, but they do not know Jesus as their Savior. What do they do? We talked about how lost, sad, depressed, discouraged people must feel without a God that is closer than a brother. The moments when I feel I can't He can.

Etienne has had some symptoms of burnout again. I wrote this article (see the full article on my bloglist to the right of this update) about Burnout for a woman's magazine as a help for families like us on the field. Unplanned, unexpected and I believe directed by God it landed up in various inboxes. I believe God generated much prayer over the last few weeks for us in this. Amazingly and all honor to God Etienne has made a turn miraculously almost overnight. God has met him. I look at this situation and stand in awe of a God that meets us at our point of need.

FAITH RAISED UP
I have been challenged in our little church in the Red Light district. People come for prayer for healing almost every Sunday. God has faithfully been healing. Sunday during the service I took the kids forward to take part in praying for the sick, they have faith like little children and God has been using them. How I long for faith like a little child. Even in everyday life and prayer, not just to ask of the Lord but to come in faith, asking expecting like a child that what I'm praying for will happen.

TO LOVE IS A COMMAND NOT A CHOICE
A friend told a story recently of a man going to Heaven and landing up at the Pearly Gates. Jesus was waiting there and as people came He would ask them a question and either they will go in or pass by. He was asking this question: "Have you learned to love?" Wow the most powerful question in the world!

I was so struck by this question and to be honest haunted by this story. Asking myself: "Do I truly love?" I can only love if I have experienced His love, His heart and see the world through His eyes.

I have a new desire to draw near to Him. Spend more time in the Word and His presence.

MY DEAR FAMILY
-Etienne is getting ready to go on a trip with a few days of meetings. He has been very busy but excited on what God is doing here. I honor and praise God for His heart of healing and care to Etienne.

-The girls just had a two week break from school. They did amazingly in school, but now that school has started again I notice symptoms of stress creeping back. My heart goes out to them in their situation. They are brave but it is not easy for them.

-Little Mister Muffin is a typical three year old! In, on and with everything! But nothing feels like those little arms around my neck and butterfly kisses on my cheek.

HE IS WITH ME
It has not been an easy few months. I look back and know that He did not take all the difficulties and suffering away but He carried me through. I find hope, strength and faith deep in my heart. I know it is not from me but in love deposited by Him. I'm so grateful for His goodness and grace.

As always. May you know His deep unending love for you.
Many hugs
Karin


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8. COFFEE WITH KARIN

I fell in love with flavored coffee. This time of year I long for coffee flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, fudge and cream, it is the top Christmas coffee aroma's. It is a week to Christmas and I'm not much geared up or ready. I planned some recipes that I would like to make for Christmas Dinner, especially the big chunk of beef, a gift from the neighbor is for sure on the menu. There is actually not a present under the tree yet but some things tugged away in bags, hope I can find all the things and wrap them up before the big day.

MISSING HOME WITH A TOUCH OF CULTURE SHOCK!
I feel HOME SICK! Missing the familiar this year in South Africa. We have been here three years now without going to visit, and no news on our visa yet. Missing my mother, knowing that she is alone without my dad. Just missing Christmas in a culture that feels closer than where I am now. I must also say that I think I have some culture shock, where the reality of my host culture is kicking in. I feel more frustrated with situations here and find myself more tearing up in situations than what I would do. I just could not stop the tears the other day at school at a memorial service for a Historical figure when the Anthem was played. I know it sounds hilarious and I thought so too. Through all my years living abroad like we do, I have learned that some or other time in a new culture culture shock does come. I just need to walk through it patiently and trust God to help me bond with this wonderful people even deeper.

STIRRED BY HIS HEART FOR THE SICK AND LOST
It was a busy month with lots of guests coming and going. We had a weekend in our city praying for revival. My heart again was touched for the sick and crippled. I stood crying with my heart breaking for people coming to these meetings in wheelchairs, families bringing their blind and crippled children hoping that God would touch their bodies. If my heart was literally paining how much more God's heart ache for the lost. I found myself coming out of these meetings with new hope and an expectation that God is at work in our city and is going to do much more than what we can imagine. I have new faith that God can heal the sick. I have faith that as my heart in compassion are stirred and reach out to the sick God can use me to show them His heart and heal their bodies.

HANGING ON IN FAITH IN SCHOOL
The children are doing well in school, reaching very good school marks. It amazes me that they can be this comfortable in a new language. We are praying and trusting God to lead us about next year. I must honestly admit I had my share of trying to figure out their school projects, being frustrated that I can not help and support them when they in tears wants to know what they need to do with a mystery sentence. But this should not be the reason we do not go on in local school. We pray and trust that God will show us what is on His heart for their school next year.

MY DEAR LITTLE BOY HURTING
My brown eye little rascal fell off a double bunk bed two days ago. My heart almost did not survive. He has a row of stitches under his bottom lip, bruises in his face and swelling. Rushing to the emergency rooms in evening traffic with a broken car window and then we forgot the hazards of the car on and a flat battery just made me wonder what was going on. But again I was so encouraged by the local people in front of the hospital getting together with the doctor and helping us jump start the battery and trying to fix the window. It was as if I felt Jesus encouraging my heart with these words: "See all is fine, I am here caring for you."

Yes as always all is fine with Him being here. He is with us! What a beautiful message to hold on is this Christmas Season. He came, died, rose and is with us always. May your Christmas be blessed. Maybe life is not what you really want for Christmas right now but know in the midst of all He is with you. What more can I want for Christmas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love and hugs as always
Karin

http://sittingonacactussmiling.blogspot.com/2010/12/love-is-command-not-choice.html

7. COFFEE WITH KARIN

This morning feels like the right time to write my heart, like drinking coffee with a friend, it feels like good timing! The last few days I have been so deeply touched, stirred in my heart by God's knowledge of my heart. He does not just care for our primary needs but he cares for our hopes, those wishes and unspoken desires...big or small.

We went on a family outing recently, I sat and watched the ladies around me and admired their cute clothes, the newest fashion statements. Being a typical woman I was thinking how my clothing cupboard needs a bit of a kick for the upcoming winter. Was thinking the perfect addition would be one of these new sleeveless, knitted fashion statement waste coats. Asking God to help me to be grateful for what I have, but thinking that something new would be great!

I picked up a parcel yesterday, hand carried all the way from South Africa, yes you have guess right! There it was all the way just for me, one of those cute knitted jumpers....God knew! A big thank you to my dear Mother in Law for her kindness and love. My faith again has been boosted through this and I trust God will also provide in those big hopes, like our visas!

WHAT HAS HAPPENED LATELY

School has started with a big bang and for a while it felt like I was running 180 kilometers an hour. It has slowed down some and I even have time to do some things on the side like writing, visiting neighbors and learning some Turkish. It also has me feeling like a baboon with my hand stuck in a pumpkin...my hand filled with seeds and now to big to get out again. Yes, a very African picture but so true. So many things I want to get involved with and do and just a certain amount of time to do it in. Having to plan well and make sure that I stay balanced being a good mother and wife.

I sat recently reading the very admiring but also convicting piece about the Woman of Proverbs. Thinking through each verse and asking God to help me to take this piece at heart and apply it to my life. I can't consider a piece of ground and buy it, but I can be a good steward, find good prices on food and clothes :)

WHAT ARE MY HOPES AND DESIRES

I have a new desire to learn Turkish, so I can share my heart, life and God's heart with my friends and neighbors. I would love to host more events for woman at our home. Where we get together share our hopes, dreams and hearts. Where we can support and pray for one another. Last night I had one of first events here for a group of ladies staying here in my neighborhood. How encouraged I was knowing that what ever the language or culture we woman need to talk, share our hearts and pray together. I think it is just the way God has put us together, deeply build into our "make-up".

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A few years ago I read an article on then things on how to survive being involved in Christian work and I think these are great just for everyday life too. I can not even remember the specific points but I came up with ten for fun and thought :)

1. Be quick to laugh, quick to pray and quick to forgive!

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Eat a healthy balanced diet, fasting is always a good idea :)

4. Have regular coffee with a friend, someone that you enjoy being with. Where you can be yourself laugh, cry and share your heart. (Yes, I added this one for sure :))

5. Do not neglect your regular times with the Lord.

6. Make sure that what you are involved in, that what takes allot of your time are really your heart and helping you to develop your giftings.

7. Sleep at least eight hours a night!

8. Have a craft, hobby something you can do as "down time", something to enjoy other than work or ministry.

9. Be accountable to someone, where you can share your struggles and receive solid feedback and prayer. Someone that will ask you those hard questions and keep you to it.

10. Spend your time in balance. A very wise lady here where we lived gave me the best advice ever. That I should divide my time outside my home with other woman into three groups.

-my foreign friends
-the local ladies in our church
-my neighbors

This has been such a great guide for me to stay on track and make sure I do not spend all my free time with a certain group. It is much easier for me to spend my time with my foreign friends and team mates. But that is not why I'm here.

MY DEAR FAMILY

Etienne has been away for this week speaking at an event on, Hearing the voice of God, Intercession and Prayer. Just got a note this morning that he was eating breakfast and lost a filling and half of his tooth. Wonder what he had for breakfast :) He has been enjoying himself and seeing God move in a special way.

The girls are happy in the local school and doing amazingly with the academics. Melika came home last week very concerned about the girls in her class being involved in calling up spirits. Her best friend got told that she will die soon. What a great opportunity for us to walk her through this whole issue on what the Bible teaches about this and how satan tries to steal our hearts and focus.

GOD IS AT WORK

We are at a place again where we are seeking God's will for the kids schooling next year. We originally decided that they will go to local school for two years to learn the language, culture and make friends. I had to come to a place of identifying the fear in my heart about the possibility of them staying on in the local school and everything that comes with it. Having to release them and hold them in an open hand before God. Trusting that He will protect them and lead them if they will stay on.

WHAT AM I READING

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

The heading of this book says it all. I'm seeking God to draw my heart closer to Him. Wanting to honor Him in all that I am and do. This book focus on the Intimate Relationship with God in real life. A good read for woman.

As always I thoroughly enjoyed writing my coffee update, knowing that my dear friends are scattered all over the world...but from time to time we do have the sweet blessing of sharing hearts over a cup of good coffee.

Love and hugs
Karin

Cooking blog: http://joyinizmir.blogspot.com

Writing fun: http://sittingonacactussmiling.blogspot.com

6. COFFEE WITH KARIN

Honestly in summer I don't drink much coffee! But an early morning cup of hot, creamy coffee is a big treat. But the best is hauling a mug of coffee down to the beach and enjoying it early evening relaxing in the sand on a towel while the kids play in the water is a sure delight. With thermostats climbing into middle 30dC at nine o'clock in the mornings I really don't feel like hot drinks much thru the day.

WHERE AM I?

Always a good question to ask :) As a family we are having a much needed break at the sea. I can feel the stress slowly leaving my body with long soaks in the sun and cool, calm water of the Aegean. As our stay here continues I observe and notices that in my family, there is less whining, frowning, being inpatient with one another and there is even more laughter. I fully enjoy seeing each one finding her or his place of rest. There is more emotional energy to answer questions and even more times just to sit and talk about nothing. Seeing us all doze into afternoon naps on the couches and beds makes me think: "This was a good idea!"

Off course no one plans to fall into the hole of work..work and stress! Slowly I find this happening and then wanting to scream: "Stop this bus I want to get off!"

I trust God again to help me during this time away to evaluate how I spend my time and where my priorities are and should be. What changes I can make to glorify Him more. I don't know about you, but ever so often I have to come back to the basics of life, love and my relationship with God. It is as if a subtle dust filters in and settles on all and blinds the true joy of life and serving God. I am hoping not to focus on the needs around me and being led by this, but to seek God for His will in every situation.

What goes first when I get to busy and loose my focus on God's priorities for my daily life is the fullness of the beauty of the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. I am in a season again of taking time to meditate and pray over each one of these, trusting and hoping that I can move into a season where they settle deep in my heart again. That they will be my the stepping stones in every situation through my busy day.

LOOSING MY DEAR FATHER

My father suddenly passed away at the end of June after a short period of having cancer and treatment. My heart ached as I could not go to be at his funeral and support my mother during this very sad and hard time. I am grateful for the wonderful father and example he was to me. I will miss him deeply. I think the fullness of his death will strike me when we go and visit in South Africa and he is not there where I remember him to sit, walked, the way he smelled, smiled, talked etc.

My close friends came together here on the morning of his funeral for a memorial service. I cried as I shared sweet memories and dear photo's of him. Still my heart aches and longs to be with my mother during this time.

AWAITING OUR VISA IN FAITH

I was hoping by now that I could say: "Yes! we have our visas!" but no not yet. My heart goes from strong in faith and hope to the side paths of wavering, wondering and asking questions in fear. All I can do is to hold onto God's promises in faith. He has brought us this far and I believe He will lead us forth.

THINKING AHEAD

The girls will be going to our local neighborhood school for another year. Last year I had a dear friend that came daily and supported our family in helping the girls with their Turkish school work. This year it will be only me, the girls, and off course Andrew. I'm a bit hesitant to be to restful and confident about this, but we as a family prayed about another year in local school and we know it is the right thing to do. With my hand in Gods and my heart set on His plan for my life I know I can do all things. But I know it is not going to be an easy path.

WHAT ARE MY HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THIS SEASON?

Much of my time as a mother and housekeeper goes into caring for my children, Etienne and our home. I must admit I do struggle at times to stay positive and focused on this always. I know this is my season for now and God is helping me through. I trust Him for hope, joy and grace in my everyday situation cleaning, ironing etc. The phrase "If mamma aint happy nobody aint happy!" is jokingly said, but there is so much sad truths in this. I want to be remembered not just as a mother that cooked great food and had a clean house but I want to be remembered by my children for my heart of love and patience when they struggle, lots of hugs and a mother showing them in grace the path of God.

Etienne is moving into a very exciting season where many things are coming together for him. His pace of life has increased and it is exciting to see him moving ahead with such strength in God. I praise God for this season, as I see him stepping into his fullness in ministry and leadership. I look back over the last few years of his life of physical suffering, burn out, being prepared thru enduring reaching for the impossible, and then now he is ready for a time such as this! It is in the dessert of suffering and loneliness that God prepares us for the best he has for us!

We joined a new church in our city recently and I committed myself again in doing some of the Sunday school classes. To my joy Melika will be my translater in these classes. What a joy to see her stepping confidently into this role too. Joining this group of believers is also a wonderful opportunity for me to make new friends and influence other woman to love and worship God.

I have been writing as I feel God leads me into different topics in my life and stories from my past. It has been a joyful journey working thru memories of my heart and stories of hope and faith. I see it as a wonderful legacy of what God has done and I want my children, friends, family and others to be able to read this and see where God has brought us thru. Off course I enjoy the thrill of having some articles printed and it does encourage me to want to write more.

A SWEET TREAT FOR THE END:

I asked the kids the question: "Why does Mommy like coffee?"

Andrew answered: "Mommy sugar likes!"
Talitha: "I don't know because I don't like it!"
Melika: "It's the only sweet thing she can get and not pick up weight!"

Etienne also wanted to throw in his answer: "Because she is addicted!"

There you have it!
PS. But the secret is I don't take sugar in my coffee :)

Love and hugs till next time
Karin

5. TURKISH COFFEE WITH KARIN

It's high time for an update again. Not High Tea but time for a good cup of Coffee mingled with conversations and friendship. As I sit here in front of the computer and imagining myself having coffee somewhere and imagining the flow of the conversation I think the first thing I might mention is this foggy brain feeling I'm having. But I think it is an overdose of sugar in the form of "koeksisters"! With Etienne's parents visiting and our friends spoiling us with wonderful candy and chocolate treats from South Africa, lots of cups of coffee being served here with "something" on the side plate off course, and a lack of sleep due to me not wanting to miss a moment of a conversation. All of this added up makes sense why it feels "foggy".

GOD HAS MET ME!

I feel at a different place from where I have been a few months ago. I feel met by God and touched in a new way with His grace. When and where this has happened I can not pin point but in His grace He has brought me to a new place of peace and contentment. Like the peace in a morning after a furious storm the night before. The many questions racing thru my mind has lost their urgency and life feels more settled. In the midst of my struggle this winter God in His goodness settled something in my heart: "Struggling Karin is not defeat but a place where My greatness could meet your weakness" I say no more!

The fears, stress and many anxious thoughts of how the kids will do in Turkish school and how it will influence them has also lifted. I know it is not an easy place for them to be but when I look deep into their eyes I know that they are carried by Him and at peace. They have both really done well last term in school academically, socially and even flourishing in dancing and acting events at school.
I have singing, dancing and talking Turkish girls in my home now! Andrew joins in with his mixture of Turkish, English and Afrikaans to the delight of my neighbors. I just pray for his protection as he is into and on top of everything from falling of ladders, playing with the knobs on the gas stove, insists on cooking with me and stirring the pots. Never less it is nerve wrecking at times!

HE DID NOT SAY THAT IT WOULD BE EASY BUT HE SAID THAT HE WOULD BE WITH US:

I have received the news that my dad has cancer and has been receiving radiation therapy, I'm grateful that the last treatment was this week and that he has been doing well. I have been carrying him in my heart and thoughts. I keep asking God for more grace for him in his situation.

SOME EXCITING NEWS:

Life feels harsh at times with the speed that things are moving and I do find myself being tired and overwhelmed at times. A break away on my own praying, drinking coffee somewhere and writing my heart has been a great way of settling down. A Christian woman's magazine will print an article I wrote on friendship and it has been very encouraging getting this piece of writing ready for print. I'm very tempted to jump in and get going fully emerged in writing. In my heart I know there is a season for everything and I know now is not my season yet. For now I focus on articles as the Lord leads me. But it has been very tempting and I'm looking forward to do more writing over the summer.

KINDNESS IS A GIFT FROM GOD:

This morning at the kids school a very friendly elderly lady approached me. She asked me if I recognized her? (that kind of question that send all your blood to your brain and face) A bit embarrassed I had to say: "No!" She reminded me of the time I fell over the first step of the bus with my too heavy bags and my groceries rolled into the bus, and then I did not have enough money on my bus card to pay for the trip! She kindly got up and payed for my trip. How many times I have remembered her kindness to me and was so glad to meet her and say a special thanks ;)

SUMMER IS HERE AND WHAT NOW?

We are on the brink of mid summer, lots of sweating and this means the end of the academic year for the girls. Only the dogs and cats stays behind in the neighborhood as people head out to their villages and the beach I suppose. It is normally known as a "slow time" but not with three kids at home! :)

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Etienne was asked recently to be the point person for "our company" here in Turkey. We prayed together as a family and it felt right that this is the time for him to step into this role. It is a great privilege but it also means off course more time away from us all traveling in the region and also more time necessary on the computer and meeting with people.

We are patiently waiting for our paperwork for our visas, it has been a year now and I catch myself from time to time with a wondering mind pondering all the "what ifs".
All we can do is to trust God and pray for favor. Choosing to set my mind in faith on what God has here for us.

In July there is a big prayer event coming up in our city that Etienne will set up and organize. We are excited about this and are looking forward to see what God has in store for our city. This is the time to pray and water the ground with prayer and worship, we are trusting for a big harvest coming in!

Our team has grown to 9 adults and 9 children. What a delight to have friends that we can work close with. I have a heart and desire to have more events with the woman on our team where we can pray together and share our hearts. That out of the fullness with Him our lives will spill His presence into the lives of others we meet on the bus, in the bazaar and at school etc.

LETS HAVE COFFEE SOON AGAIN!

I know they say if you want people to really read your updates you should have allot of photo's and not much writing. How about lots of coffee a few photos and writing?
I'm quite impress with my bargaining skills lately and blessed that you have read this far, but Talitha takes the cake. She was bargaining with a seller in the bazaar: "What if you give these boxes to me for 5 lire?" The seller answered: "Peanut for you I will do it!"

Until next time. Hugs and love.
Karin

4. TURKISH COFFEE WITH KARIN

It is freezing outside and to be honest and economically at the same time, I sometimes think it is colder inside than outside! The economical side is us trying to save gas to heat the house....eish! But it is perfect weather for a steaming hot cuppachino in my new Christmas mugs with piramid high thick milk froth!

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING LATELY?

Now this is quite a question? At first I feel a blankness and then slowly but clearly my thoughts line up like ducks in a row. I can't show much, but I've been feeling quite busy most of the time! The biggest event that happened in my life the last few months was that I turned 40! The age is not the problem but all the emotions that I started experiencing the last while. Just for fun.......Somebody asked Etienne the other day if I was his mother?????? No that is not all, the older ladies in our neighborhood stops me when I go walking with Andrew to ask met if I'm his GRANDMOTHER! No, this does not bother me too much, I have other more relevant emotions that has been bothering me more.

I just had to come to a place in my life again where I had to make a commitment. That my season now is still a season where I'm fully mother and fully at home for my children. Now you might find this strange but I have to from time to time bring my wondering mind and desires to the Lord and find peace in His will for me for now.

Much of my time, energy and much joy goes into helping the children with their school, homework, projects and guiding them thru this wondering yourney of adjusting to Turkish school and life. It has been really going well and it is a wonderful place to be with them.

Andrew is turning 2 tomorrow and he is in his fullness! I must say it is quite a "trick" to home school with a determent two year old wanting to be part of all what is happening, and setting the pace for more events during that same time. Our dear friend Kendra has been a star helping our family this year again schooling the kids. She is an absolute gift from God.

I have also been working on some blogs as I have felt the Lord pressing on my heart to write. This has been such a joy and outlet for me.

WHAT IS GOING ON IN MY HEART?

I have felt my emotions going up and down like never before. I'm an emotional being but have never seen myself as unstable emotionally, but have looked in the mirror lately and have asked myself: "What on earth is going on?" I have never struggled with depression or deep seasons of discouragement but I have had times when I've really battled lately and had to make choices to choose joy. Putting worship music on or going for a walk with worship music has been very encouraging.

I trust God to meet me in this season of intense emotions and lead me besides His quiet waters. On my birthday in November I asked the Lord to give me a piece from the Bible for my season ahead. I felt Psalm 23 was this word! It is my Psalm of hope and has been like a pillar of strength in times of weakness.

WHAT AM I READING?

I love reading, and praise God for the pockets during the week where I can be with a book. The book, "Desire" written by John Eldredge has stirred deep in my heart. It has touched very sensitive issues and has helped me sort thru deep desires and hopes. Those things we dream and hope for, but allowing life's circumstaces and time to push it down and then it has only become a misty picture on the horizon. This book has challenged me to dream and hope for what God wants to do thru and in me.

MY DEAR FAMILY

-Etienne is over his burnout and back pain, and no one rejoices more than me! I have seen him getting challenged again, excited again about the plans that God has for him. I have stand amazed and overwhelmed seeing God leading him to His fullness. At last he has more clarity on what God wants to do thru us here. Seeing it all slowly coming together.

-Melika has done very well at Turkish school this term. She has worked hard and are fully enjoying the two week school break we are in. I have been rejoicing looking at her and seeing her choosing good over evil and righteousness over injustice.

-Talitha also has been enjoying Turkish school very much. At times she has been bored being in first grade again but has been so faithful and committed doing her never ending homework. She is like Tiger bouncing with joy!

-Andrew melts my heart with one glance from his deep chocolate brown eyes! He is pushing boundaries and trying to sort out his growing will. It has been challenging at times but like I said he steals our hearts daily.

WHO IS ON MY HEART?

I fully enjoy living here, visiting with my neighbors and mothers I meet at the children's school. I wish I had more time to spend with and visit with them. But nothing creates more time than good planning! One Sunday in a local church we go to I was standing during the worship complaining in my heart about how little of the service I get because it is all in Turkish. I felt the Lord gently speaking a word to my heart: "Karin, you are not here to receive but to give!" How the truth brings light and things into perspective. Now I go there with a praying heart and trusting God for opportunities to pray and minister to people. I do Sunday school service a few times a month and enjoy teaching these little ones about Jesus. Talitha said about my sunday school teaching: "Mommy you do not have to pull those faces, make all that noise and jump around like that!"

THIS IS THE END....and probably time! Thank you again for being a friend and listening to my heart and cares. Even though many of you reading this letter live far away, know that some or other time you are thought about or even talked about (only good things). I had a great time pondering thru my heart and thoughts....that is what COFFEE WITH A FRIEND IS ALL ABOUT!

3. TURKISH COFFEE WITH KARIN

TURKISH COFFEE WITH KARIN

Since I last wrote a coffee update it feels emotionally, physically and spiritually like I have gone thru the Red Sea and the tumble dryer at the same time and live to tell the victorious story. If we would have met at a coffee shop for coffee I probably would have ordered a double real cream extra strong cappuccino and giggled about your remarks on this.

WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST FEW MONTHS?

The whole process of trying to find a visa option took so much of our energy and consumed our lives. As you know we felt led by the Lord to buy a house. Now that was something I never would have done or expected, but then again He specializes in those things we least expect.

*As a family it feels like WE’VE REALLY GONE THRU THE RED SEA with the Egyptians behind us. We actually can stay here in this country that God has given us such a love for, we can stop feeling like intruders and live without the stress trying to figure out how can we put down our roots. God has planted us here firmly. I remember the day when we planted banana trees in our yard and a friend phoned and was surprised to hear what we were doing and wondered if we think we would be here to see it grow?.

* God is faithful and we now co-own A LOVELY PLACE outside the city that is a place of peace and rest for others too.

*The girls became little “TURKISH WRITING AND SPEAKING CHILDREN” that actually goes to a school in the neighborhood, and I feel like a “normal” mother in the community with children in the school and all the extras that goes with it.

I ‘VE SEEN THE TRUE STATE OF MY HEART

I often wonder how Moses’ wife coped with all he had to go thru. I often said during the last few months before we bought the house “Moses must have been a very special kind of person”! The last few days before our deadline we still needed so much money and there was no way we could see it come in without God doing a miracle. It was the worst for me. My heart and mind started playing tricks on me and I was asking many questions. I’m so happy that God does not get insecure when we start asking questions. I was shocked at the true state of my heart. I kept feeling guilty about the anger and doubt in my heart when I wanted to truly believe. The thought of possibly having to leave again, giving up this country and its people I love was too much for me to carry.

The only thing I could do in those last hours was to clean the house and kept choosing to believe, choosing to put all my trust in a God that I was asking many questions to. I chose to believe that He was going to come thru for us. I chose to believe it was Him leading us to the edge of the Red Sea.

I wondered if the Israelites standing at the Red Sea with the Egyptians behind them, started doubting and panicking too. I wonder how many times I read the story about the Red Sea the last few weeks before our breakthrough came; trying to build up enough faith.

Then seven hours before our deadline a friend phoned and said his parents wanted to give all the rest of the money we need to buy the house! I was blown out of the water! Again He did far and beyond what I expected!

The few months after the breakthrough Etienne and me felt like Elijah after the big victory, we went thru a time of discouragement and exhaustion. The wonderful part of this story is that we were met by God. I feel like I am recovering slowly being met by Him.

JUST WHEN I THINK THIS IS DEEP ENOUGH…

We had a conference here in our city a few months ago. Etienne and I were ask to pick the main speaker up from the airport. I stood at international arrivals with a piece of paper with her name on. The moment we met I was deeply stirred in my spirit and it was not something she said. That night I tossed and turned and felt insecure and shaken inside. The next day our speaker started speaking on “our position in the Kingdom of God”. She called it the “Throne Room Perspective”. As the week unfolded, the Lord gently revealed to me what was happening in my heart. This lady has a deep knowledge, a deep inner security and understanding of her position in the Lord and His love for her. It shines out and spills over around her. Again I knew this was something I wanted more off and Him calling me to a deeper walk with Him. It comes by spending time in his presence, intimate worship times with Him…..I feel that I have gone into a new season in my relationship with the Lord; coming out of the dessert into His garden.

SO WHAT NOW?

I sense a thirst and hunger within my heart and spirit, to know Him more, being consumed with a deep love for Him, spending more time in His presence and meditating on the Word. Then the reality of being a mom of three children and living here without any house help and home schooling, Turkish school, a busy toddler etc. flashes in front of me. I find myself swinging back and forth in this season trying to find the balance and energy between all the tugs on my time and heart. Bringing it to Him daily and drawing from the never ending Source, but also submitting to what He has allowed in my life and in peace and gentleness accepting my season. This is easier said than done!

MY DREAMS

I have always longed to write. I’m not fully sure what yet, but I believe this desire in my heart is a calling. The last few weeks it has come to a place where there was something here inside that had to come out. I just knew I had to sit down and write those things that were burning on my heart. It is a very exciting and releasing process and season. I know that I can not write without Him being my source and as I spend time with Him it will come forth; humbling but right.

WHAT MAKES ME SMILE?

*The knowledge that He is in control and even though we do not have a visa yet it is in His hands and will happen in His time.

*Seeing the girls all dress up excited for Turkish school.

*Going to the bazaar, feeling local, enjoying all the sounds and smells.

*Loving my neighbors and seeing them respond to the love of God.

*Talitha read the story when Jesus changed the water into wine. In her book there was a picture of Mary dressed in a red dress and a string of pearls around her neck. Talitha said after seeing this picture: “Could Mary not have put on something different; she could have worn a blue spaghetti strap dress with sparkles on, it is a wedding!”

*Seeing Etienne getting over his burn-out and stepping into what the Lord has for him here.

This is becoming very long; we should get together for coffee more often! Thank you for your friendship and care. I looked thru the list of friends that receive my coffee updates and felt such a gratitude for you being part of my life some way or another.

Lots of hugs and love,

Karin

2. COFFEE TIME!

LET’S HAVE COFFEE!!!

“If Jesus was sitting here with us today what would you ask of Him for the next year?” was what Etienne asked me on my birthday. I sat for a time and thought; that the next season will be a season of joy and peace! A few hours later friends surprised me with a birthday party. Two very dear friends had this verse in their cards for me, and this theme just kept coming out in the birthday blessings through the next few days.

Romans 15:13
”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

I knew that God was speaking to me that joy and peace would be my guides after the pressing season we’ve been through where I felt hope and perseverance were my guides. Maybe life will not be easier, but in the midst of my storm I want to know God’s joy and peace.

WHAT IS GOD SPEAKING TO ME ABOUT?

“Karin what does suffering produce?” This was the gentle question that came up in my heart one day as I was lying across our bed pondering in my heart about life and situations pressing from all sides. Romans 5:3-4 says: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”

Many times I have thought about this verse and I am so grateful to the Lord that suffering produces these beautiful qualities. It helps me to have the right focus in the midst of the times where I feel stress from all sides.

Life has been moving daily with such a speed; with Andrew, school, language study, household, team, etc. It sometimes feels that I barely touch ground and the first place that gets neglected is my time with the Lord. It is incredible how God can just whisper one word and it touches and changes everything. I felt in my busyness the Lord calling to me: “MARTHA!” It says it all; I want to make a new commitment to spend time with our Lord. How sweet He is calling us to Him, not condemning us, but in love inviting us to come again.

WHAT MADE ME SMILE?

- When Andrew sees me looking at him and he smiles.

- On my Birthday when my friends surprised me with a birthday party and I burst out into tears!!

- We have a few rose bushes in our yard. Sad but true, I am hopeless in gardening and they are terribly overgrown. These bushes have survived and carry roses from time to time. The Lord has blessed so many friends with these roses. Sometimes I would see a rose bud and the Lord will clearly say whose rose it is. I wait for the right moment and the word from the Lord and there it is. He is faithfully touching people with His love.

- An American friend and I were standing in a line at a shop with her sweet little baby. Two elderly Turkish ladies smilingly approached us and started talking in Turkish kindly to the baby. They repeatedly with smiles and awe said, “Oh, how ugly you are, so ugly” to the baby. I was smiling from ear to ear. This is what people here do believing that you actually protect the baby from bad things happening to her in the future by not complimenting her.

WHAT EXCITING HAVE I DONE LATELY?

I started driving our car, now driving in Turkey means something else. Etienne calls it creative driving. A dear friend said that one rule counts with driving in Turkey, “You just have to keep moving”. Another friend said, “You just get behind the wheel, pray and there you go!” Well I took their advice and went for it. So, “I get behind the wheel, pray and keep moving!”

MY FAVOURITE RECIPES FOR THIS MONTH:

CHEESE AND DORITO’S CHICKEN SOUP

3 cups of shredded chicken

2 cups of thin carrot strips (grated is good too)

2 cups of corn

2 cups of chopped peeled tomatoes

2T of chopped green onions

1t parsley fresh or half a t spoon dried

1t of garlic

Half a t spoon of cumin seeds

Salt and black pepper

Add ONE TEASPOON OF MEXICAN SPICING LIKE TACO SPICE OR WHAT EVER BRAND YOU USE.

*heat a bit of oil in a pot fry the garlic, cumin seeds and carrot strips until well heated thru

*Add about 6 cups of chicken broth, or as much as you want.

*Add the corn, tomatoes, green onions, chicken strips, parsley, etc. Let it boil for about 20 minutes.

When you serve this soup serve it with Doritos chips crushed and grated cheese and green onion to sprinkle over.

Be aware this soup is totally delicious and everybody wants more!!

WHAT IS PRESSING ON MY HEART?

*Etienne’s health, he was laying down for 5 weeks with severe pain in his back. He is up and moving now but from time to time struggle with discomfort. He has a mouth ulcer that is not healing and is seeing people to find out what it is. I am concerned about this and have to keep reminding myself that He is in control!

*Melika has been growing as a young lady in the Lord. To guide her in love and patience.

*Talitha is a typical six year old jumping in many directions. I pray and trust God that he would guide me and give me wisdom to love and help her in patience to know Him and His ways.

*I have such a desire to learn the language in depth, that I will make good use of the time that I do have to learn Turkish.

*The apartment we are buying to receive a visa. We are waiting for the government to give us the permission to buy the apartment. We have almost seen a quarter of the money we need for the house come in. Praise God. The rest of the money is resting heavy on my heart as we need it as soon as the government gives the green light. We have a visa to stay in the country until beginning February. We are hoping that we will be able to have the money and the yes from the government before February!

*I have such a desire to be a patient, loving mother and wife at all times.

WHAT DO I DESIRE FROM THE LORD?

Honestly, deep from my heart I long for a time of peace and rest. It seems impossible and sounds very selfish because life is real and goes on. But I desire a season with less stress than the last 3 years. It feels like the one thing after the other and it just goes on. It sounds very selfish I know, but for now I can not think of something more pressing.

That in the midst of the storm, I will know Him intimately as my Saviour, Guide and Friend!

The words that burn on my heart is to HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE MIDST OF THE FIRE……

To obediently submit to His will for me and look to my Saviour in the midst of the storm!

Thank you for having coffee with me. My coffee is standing on the little table next to me ice cold and heated twice in the microwave already. Don’t feel like it anymore. But it was a good time sharing my heart.

Please do not forget to pray for me.

Until next time; with love,

Karin

1. LET'S HAVE COFFEE

LET’S HAVE COFFEE!

I have pondered over writing to my friends an update for a while. Then last night with Etienne being up and awake from pain in his back, Andrew not sleeping well and having a fever and the hamsters running the wheel as if they are doing the Olympics and me sleeping on the couch in the school room trying to get some sleep. Then I made up my mind. So here is the first update letter.

What was and is challenging the last while?

All the disappointments with the visas not coming thru. How to handle that and still keeping trusting and believing that God is in control in this, and is going to come thru for us.

We feel led by the Lord to buy a house in faith. To get a visa. I feel like Moses at the Red Sea waiting on God to do the miracle sometimes I feel like someone with a split personality going back and forth from on the clouds in faith to wondering and asking many questions. Thinking of all the money that has to come in. Getting up in the morning and counting the days before we have to be out of the country. It is less than a month from today!!!!!!!.

Etienne has a lot of back pain and is lying down for a few days. To stay positive supporting him and serving and loving my family with patience.

Praise reports and highlights

The local church had a camp and we went with. There was a local family that got baptized. It was so beautiful to see their love for God and excitement to serve him as a family.

To see Melika and Talitha content, happy and loving school. God has provided a lovely Godly lady to help us with school. Looking into Andrew’s eyes and knowing that he is such a gift from God.

I am trying to loose weight and live healthier. I lost about 5 kilogram but now again picked up two over the end of Ramadan with all the sweet things around. Need to get back again. Trying to stay accountable in this as I find I do better then.

What am I trusting God for personally?

Learning to live with stress and tiredness and to be positive and Godly in the midst of it.

What is God focusing on in my life?

To trust Him blindly and to hang on to the Words of promise He has given us over the last while. To seek Him intimately and to know Him personally. To seek Him more and to hear his will and heart for me at every moment of every day. To get to know His personality and being able to laugh with Him and spend relaxing time with Him.

What book is on my bedside?

I say bedside because that is where I get time to read in the evenings.

Well the “On Being Baby wise” book is laying there and I am trying to figure out if Andrew needs to drink more milk now that he is only drinking one breast and eating solids.

A book by Darlene Wilkinson “Secrets of the Vine for Woman”

My latest recipe find:

CHINESE FRIED RICE NOODLES

Take some rice noodles or thin spaghetti soak it in cold water about 30 minutes before cooking.

Heat 4T of oil in a wok or pan add 1 cup of mushrooms sliced and green onions chopped fry a bit then add the beef or chicken strips about 2 cups and fry a bit and add 1T of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce .

Add one cup of stock, a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Drain the rice noodles or thin spaghetti and add to the meat etc. and broth.

Add two cups of shredded cabbage and 1 cup of carrots. Let it cook until liquid has evaporated.

Serve on a platter with green onion sprinkled over. Enjoy!!!!!!!

Something that made me smile…….

This morning when I explained to Talitha that we would not be going to church because of Etienne’s back paining. She then asked if it is then ok to wear her nice clothes at home for Jesus.

Well I realize that this letter will have many changes in the future but I feel it is a good thing to do. Feel free to write back and please pray for the things that stood out for prayer.

Much love and hugs thanks for having coffee with me.

Karin