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.