GottaBe

There is famous VeggieTales song that goes like "Broccoli, celery... gotta be... veggie tales".  My sweet nephew, Jacob, was asking me the other day, "Tante Bear, what is gottabe?  I think daddy buys it, but I can't find it in the pwoduce aisle."  I tried to keep my chuckle inside as he seriously thought it was a vegetable.  I winked over at my brother, who hadn't heard the comments, so Jacob asked his daddy.  We had a good laugh when we really explained what GottaBe is.

I do that a lot in songs, I'm sure.  I sing my own lyrics, just to make things sound right in my own mind.  And at the moment I am trying not to do the same thing with my life.  God is the author of my life.  He is in control, and I need to listen to His voice, rather than create my own path. 

Veggie Tales Theme Song - For more of the funniest videos, click here

Easter treats

Easter - a season of grace.  A time to reflect on Christ's death and resurrection.  A weekend that starts with a day of somber mourning and ends with dances of delight. 

Easter is also another reason to get together with my adorable niece and nephews!!  We had a blast playing dress-up and putting out fires.

Bubbles and Boys

My nephews also got a taste of the bubble explosion!  (see previous day)

A family game of golf.  Mom and Caleb team up!

Jacob played most of the game sitting, but he accomplished 18 holes of golf!

Caleb was creative with his club.

Snuggling in a Filipino sleeping bag after an afternoon nap.

Of Sand and Seas

     Arriving 10 minutes early, my family was privileged enough to find a seat at the front of the church.  It was a united community service - a place packed full of believers - all desiring to thank God for the life of Christ and His gift of grace on the cross.  Moments before the service started a beautiful lady came over and stood in front of me.  I haven't seen this woman in possibly 12 years, but I knew who she was... dear Brenda.  She and her husband had come to Newmarket to share Easter with her family.  Andy, her husband, was playing drums throughout the service, but he raced over when the service drew to a close.  He had seen Brenda greet me and so he was delighted to catch up with me too.  This couple has an amazing place in my heart since they used to be one of my youth pastors/leaders during my Pentecostal high school youth group days.
    
     The service was very touching - a combination of music, drama, and a sand story sermon.  Please view the following video to get a taste of the 20 minute masterpiece we all watched in awe.  There were no words during the church's presentation, just music and lights helping to bring depth to the crucifixion story.



     Leaving work early for the second day in a row, I am grateful for my team-mates who are willing to step in and help me recouperate from whatever season illness is dragging me down.  I don't know if it is a cold, or flu, or just fatigue and achy joints, but it's exhausting.  Wearily I drove home and rang the door bell.  :)  I could see through the window that company had just arrived, so I thought I would play a little joke and ring hello.  Dad opened the door to greet my pouting face and then quickly closed it again.  Too late!!  Two of my adorable nephews saw me from across the room and came to the door.  With hugs and "I love you Tante Bear"(s) I struggled in to the house and could barely take my coat off due to the boys showering me with love. 
     They were soon off to bed though.  Waiting long enough for the boys to be sound asleep I dragged my sore bones into Mom and Dad's master ensuite for a relaxing bath.  Squirting some new "Tropic Seas" bodywash from Dollarama into the tub, I laid back and shut my eyes.  Before I knew it, bubbles were pouring over the edge of the tub.  I chuckled.  I thought that only happened in the movies.  I didn't know you could bury yourself in white foam.  :)  I lowered my head into the bubbles and covered my ears with bubbles that were settling with a snap, crackle, pop.  It was the most calming bath ever because I imagined myself sitting on my porch in hot Soroti, with the tropical rains pouring down into my yard.  Soothing. 
     Sleepy sand is now starting to form in the corner of my eyes, so I shall bring myself to go to bed and pray that I will always remember what Christ has done for me.  He is the King of the Jews.  My King!  My Prince of peace. 

Pillow Talk

"Wakey, wakey Aunt Karen!  Can't you see that it's becoming light outside?  Please, wake up, I want to snuggle and talk with you."
How could I resist saying "no" to my niece?  I rolled over and checked the clock.  7:10 am on a super cloudy, rainy day.  Kylee jumped up into the bed in the spare room and chatted with me about school, Disneyworld, planes, and alligators.  A half hour later we headed upstairs for breakfast before Jaxsen (her brother) and Kylee left for school.
It has been a blessing to visit my brother Dennis and Alysha for the night!!  I HAD to visit since I was in the area.  Yesterday I was in Elmira meeting with my International Teams Canadian family.  I walked into the office with a very pink suitcase full of books and photo albums to share with the IT staff.  I spend the whole day in meetings - with financial expense and receipting, member care, donor services, and shared lunch with anyone who was in the office that day.  After lunch I was able to share about the volunteer work I hope to do in Soroti, Uganda, and the team prayed with me.  Once again, I feel like I am on the right track to being prepared for the long-term mission field. 
But for this moment, I shall make my bed, collect "Bones" (my bear) from Kylee's bed, and head for home.  A grey day for a drive.

Friend Raising - from Clinton

I wanted to share a blog post from another International Teams friend who is going to the Ukraine:

http://ministryhappens.blogspot.com/2011/04/friend-raising.html

He is going through the same stages I am.

Girl Talk

Flipping cards as quickly as possible, I was in a race with Rachelle to win at "Dutch Blitz".  My breathing turned to squealing as it was a tight finish.  I lost by one point, but that didn't dampen my mood.  I was having a day of fellowship with girlfriends I rarely see.  Rochelle was the first to respond to my "Table Talk" email and booked a date for hot drinks, card games, and heart-to-hearts.

Leaving Rachelle's cute apartment, I had some time to kill, waste (I dislike both of those words) so I drove to a hairdressers to get a bi-annual trim.  I signed up for a cut and immediately was led to a salon chair, where an Indian looking woman started playing with my hair.   Using her fingers to judge the layered edges, her co-worker asked if it was still raining like the tropics outside.  I said, "Well, it's still raining, but not like the tropics I'm used to living in."  My hairdresser asked what tropics I've been too, and I bounced back with the Philippines and Uganda.  Her face lit up as she shared that she came from Uganda.  :)  The whole manner of our impromptu appointment changed.  She not only cut my hair but brushed, curled, dried, and styled it while we chatted about her home country.  She was close to tears when I left, excited that I was going to make a difference in Uganda.  Although, my hairdo didn't last long as I went back out into the rain.  As the stylist said, my "hair has a mind of it's own!"

Quietly climbing the staircase, with Brenda behind me, into a new suburban home, I opened the door to the main floor and smiled at Lorna. Creeping further into the living room it was a moment before Dixie noticed that I had arrived to surprise her!!  These three ladies are high school friends of mine, through the Pentecostal youth group I used to attend.  Lorna and Brenda live about an hour from where I am now, but Dixie was coming for the weekend from the rural area where I grew up.  Dixie had no idea that the three of us had planned for me to spend the evening with them!!  So fun.  With hugs and giggles, we dove into dinner duties.  Brenda was putting us all to work preparing yummy thai food.  Chopping pineapple, spicy peppers, onions, ginger and adding shrimp and chicken, the four of us reveled in the company.  Opting out of a night time activity, we relaxed in the living room and chit chatted the night away.  16 years ago Dixie and I used to share a microphone while singing a praise team and I thank God that still today all of these ladies have such strong faiths.  I was encouraged to hang out with them and delight in God's work together. 

This weekend was the perfect start to my season of "table talk".

Table Talk

A couple of days ago I sent out this email... and lately I've had opportunity to sit around the table of those I care about!!

"Sliding the cover off the old board game, with each corner duct taped for strength and repair, I’m preparing to strike gold on the “Klondike”. Winning the first game wasn’t enough for me, so dealing out the cards added a fun round of “Phase 10” to the evening. Recently I cherished spending a night around the table with my parents, and over the next few months I hope to do that with many more people.

As most of you know, I am preparing to head back to Uganda, but this time it is for the long-term, a career move. I am not able to make it back to my much loved East Africa this month (as previously hoped) but will be moving around the beginning of September.

Planning the next five months will be brought to you by the letter “F”:

1. Fellowshipping with God and His people

2. Fundraising (I’m at 20% of my monthly goal)

3. Fun

4. Friends

5. Family

6. Focusing on saying “No” more to work so that I can prepare for the...

7. Foreign Field

I’m hoping to spend quality time with many people, so please, let me know when is a good time to catch up with you... either by Skype, phone, or a real time for table talk.

I am often available, but I also have some intentional times to meet up with people.

1. This weekend, April 8-10 I will be in Hamilton, ON.

2. From May 3-14 I will be in Grand Rapids, MI.

3. June 3-10 I will be in the Massachusetts area.

Training for Uganda has been coming along peacefully. I value the three weeks spent in Illinois with other friends heading out on the mission field. Two weeks ago I went to “Bodybuilders Bootcamp” in Indianapolis and am now much more confident in Biblical fundraising. I have two more book reports to complete for International Teams, along with a weekly meeting of encouragement and accountability with a very dear mentor. I feel much more prepared now to go back to Uganda.

I look forward to hearing what kind of activity you can create for us to do around your table. May the Lord bless your evening.

Adventures with the Writer's Nest

A carving is placed on the coffee table amidst eight ladies who have joined together for the evening.  A group of writers and fans, called the "Writer's Nest", gathers once a month to share on a predetermined topic.  Conversation flows easily after many courageous authors share the piece they brought.  Tonight's theme was "Adventure" and man, I felt like I had lots of stories to tell, but I chose only one.  Missing the train in Kyoto, Japan. 
I had spent the majority of my day trying to write and create a fundraising profile to send to churches, and so of course - God's will and Africa was on my mind as I listened to the other ladies tell their inspirational tales.  One was a fictional story of a roller coaster ride that had a computer glitch.  Another shared a fantasy piece of a dreamer who awoke to find a real, historical sword at his side. 
A woman to my right began to read her piece about the statue that stood on the table.  The statue was of a lady with a swishing skirt, clutching her shoulder bag, with her eyes closed, and a suitcase at her side.  The journal piece focused in on the suitcase... and how we often over stuff our lives with things we need, when all we should really do is empty ourselves and depend upon God.  I agreed to many degrees, but then I kept thinking about the suitcases I will need to pack in the next few months.  What are necessities for moving to Africa?  What are wants?  What do I leave behind and what do I take?  I know I pack light, but not when it's for a lifetime.
And then another lady spoke from her heart and created her story aloud of what a great adventure it is to follow the Lord.  She expounded with such passion, of what it means to travel God's path, that for the first time I don't feel guilty about going on an adventure to Africa.  You see, a few months ago, I was talking to an older lady at church.  She was asking me if I was still interested in Uganda and I mentioned that - yes, I was very much interested.... so much so that I was going in to full-time mission work.  Well, this lady said, "Oh, I guess you haven't lost that spirit of adventure then." 
I was kind of shocked.  Do some people think that I sign up for missions for fun?  Is mentoring former child soldiers the same kind of thrill as scuba diving?  Yes, I love Africa.  And I do have a great time when I am there, serving God, but I never felt like I was going because I loved adventure.  But tonight, as this woman was sharing, I changed my mind.  I sure DO love adventure - when it means traveling with Jesus and doing what God wants, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I look forward to riding in God's Palm each and every day!

Supping with Strangers

With an Easter Lily in hand, I walk up to the front door of my friend Patricia's house at the same time as another dinner guest.  We are soon welcomed into an inviting kitchen, to meet other strangers who were all friends of Patricia, coming together to celebrate friendship and life.  Patricia has been battling cancer for the past year and a half and her beautiful daughter wanted to host a dinner for those women in her Mom's life that mean a lot to her.  I was honored to be invited.
11 other women, two children, and the hosts.  A fully decorated dining room table easily enticed 13 women to gather around for an evening of sharing, debating, laughing, and crying... but more than that... Strangers becoming friends.  As the dinner progressed, I was invited to share my stories of Uganda, so I quickly grabbed my photo album (which happened to be in the trunk, because I shared photos with my cousins earlier in the day) and told them what God is doing in East Africa.  I felt totally supported by a group of strangers from all walks of life.  Single moms, widows, divorcees, and happily married.  United, Community Church, Roman Catholic, and Christian Reformed.  Ghana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Scotland, and more.  God's family is so big!
Ashley did an incredible job preparing a spread for her Mom and friends.  Bread and Salad.  Creamy chicken and spinach pasta.  Pastries.  Fresh berries.  Champaigne.  Tarts and Tea.  Leaving a home full of love at 10:30 pm, I feel enriched by meeting 11 more sisters from around the world.

Hanging out with Trolls

This weekend I snuck away to Hamilton to be with precious family and friends.  Coffee with a college friend.  Running errands with my Grandma and having dinner with Grandpa too.  Hanging out with a cousin doing his science fair project while chatting with my aunt.  Attending church with another aunt and uncle and sharing lunch with their seven children.  I thank God for all of them.

 Spending two nights with my nephews was the best though!  Jacob challenged me in Wii golf and bowling.  Caleb cuddled and smiled and told me about the birds at the park.

My brother, Brian, and I watched "God Grew Tired of Us" and were very intrigued by the story of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan.

"Who's That Crossing my Bridge?" shouted two adorable trolls from under the bridge. 

"It's me. It's me.  The oldest Tante Bear Troll!"

(Tante - Dutch for "Aunt" and Bear (from my nickname Karebear) is what my nephews call me... Tante Bear - I love it.)

"Winter in Wartime"

4:42 pm "Come on guys, get in the car. Rush hour traffic in downtown Toronto might not allow us to get to the movie on time." One, two, three, four of us grab our supper sack from the counter and hop into the Grand Am. Traveling down the 400 we eat our home-made sub sandwiches, munch on fresh grapes, and sip sodas.
Nearing the city, Mom becomes more nervous about all the traffic. In her eyes, all lights become one big mess and the stress exudes from her. Richard tries rubbing her head to make her relax. Dad relates how he loves city driving - the old architecture, the ethnic communities... (and then he pulls onto the tram tracks in the middle of the road to find our lane instead of turning even further to the left to find our spot - Mom freaks, cars honk, and safely Dad finds our way back to the car lane).
Pulling on to Cumberland Street we soon find parking in an underground garage and walk up a few flights of stairs before stepping out into a European feeling shopping district. Cobblestone streets, quaint stores, fancy purses and expensive luggage. I feel like stirring up a cup of hot chocolate at an outdoor cafe, but instead we cross the one-way street and make our way in to the "Cumberland 4" theatre. Picking up our tickets, finding Rick's girlfriend, grabbing some popcorn and a drink (which unexpectedly came with the tickets we bought on-line), we make our way down to Auditorium 1 to watch "Winter in Wartime".
Stepping over spilled popcorn, I find my seat and tuck in for an insightful movie - taking place during the era my grandparents were in Holland.  WW2.  Mostly in Dutch and German, I was very impressed with this film that showed incredible character development for a young boy who has to make some major life decisions.  I can only imagine what it means... not to trust anyone.... to always keep my mouth shut.... to do things way out of my comfort zone... to watch family members suffer or die... and I pray I will never have to live through a war like this one.

Kalacha Kindness

Without recognizing the number on the phone, I answered anyways and was totally blessed!!  Last night, my dear desert sister - Barbara, called to say hello.  I haven't seen Barbara in two years, since I lived with her in Kalacha, northern Kenya for a month. 

Conversation flowed easily, goose bumps traveled up my arms as we shared God stories.  Tears flowed down my face as we prayed together.  And a smile took over my cheeks during the whole phone call.

I thank God for Barbara, and the many other friends who are keeping in touch.  I feel so encouraged during this journey called LIFE.

========================================================================
This conversation came about after I sent out this email:
Sliding the cover off the old board game, with each corner duct taped for strength and repair, I’m preparing to strike gold on the “Klondike”. Winning the first game wasn’t enough for me, so dealing out the cards added a fun round of “Phase 10” to the evening. Recently I cherished spending a night around the table with my parents, and over the next few months I hope to do that with many more people.


As most of you know, I am preparing to head back to Uganda, but this time it is for the long-term, a career move. I am not able to make it back to my much loved East Africa this month (as previously hoped) but will be moving around the beginning of September.

Planning the next five months will be brought to you by the letter “F”:

1. Fellowshipping with God and His people

2. Fundraising (I’m at 15% of my monthly goal)

3. Fun

4. Friends

5. Family

6. Focusing on saying “No” more to work so that I can prepare for the...

7. Foreign Field

I’m hoping to spend quality time with many people, so please, let me know when is a good time to catch up with you... either by Skype, phone, or a real time for table talk.

I am often available, but I also have some intentional times to meet up with people.

1. This weekend, April 8-10 I will be in Hamilton, ON.

2. From May 3-14 I will be in Grand Rapids, MI.

3. June 3-10 I will be in the Massachusetts area.

Training for Uganda has been coming along peacefully. I value the three weeks spent in Illinois with other friends heading out on the mission field. Two weeks ago I went to “Bodybuilders Bootcamp” in Indianapolis and am now much more confident in Biblical fundraising. I have two more book reports to complete for International Teams, along with a weekly meeting of encouragement and accountability with a very dear mentor. I feel much more prepared now to go back to Uganda.

I look forward to hearing what kind of activity you can create for us to do around your table. May the Lord bless your evening.

Karen Lubbers

Waving Flag

I want to share with you all a video made by my team leader in Uganda. Some of the photos are of guys that I used to meet with in the villages. Watching the re-enactments are always heart-wrenching for me, but to see these former child soldiers now trusting in Jesus and believing in the forgivness they receive is amazing. I was there the day the "blood" was poured out over the rocks under the cross. Please watch this video and remember to pray for these Ugandans who are still overcoming such traumatic hardships.