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