Karen and her host family
Today we went to church at a resettled Karen refugee church in St. Paul. Very long, very crowded, very exuberant. They honored the fathers in the congregation in honor of Father's Day (happy Father's Day papa!).
An interesting thing about a Karen service is that they sing out at the top of their lungs all of their songs. Everyone, even and specially the kids. Coming from a "respectable" rather shy church family, who tries to sing on key and with moderate volume, it was a good surprise to hear singing with such abandon and joy.
After church, we were divided into host families to spend tonight and tomorrow night. The language barrier was frustrating at first, especially when I am used to being able to articulate myself very clearly. Eloquent language was cut down to just the words for "water", "yes", "thank you", etc.
All that attended to our church attended an outdoor picnic with our families and wandered around, striking up conversations with whomever looked interested. We ate authentic Karen food - rice with different choices of topping, raw fruit and vegetables, some kind of papaya spread that was very spicy.
My host family consists of Winner and Marina, and their assorted and numerous relatives- 3 families are living in their house! The Karen are very generous and kind people-guests get top priority in their homes, and the best of everything. Their hospitality is almost overwhelming, and their faith very strong.
Winner tells me after dinner, that I am now his family, and anytime I am in Minnesota I am to stay here.
At 05:02 PM on Monday, June 23th, Doris Walburn wrote ...
Hi Karen, Just want you to know I have been thinking about you. I know you are having a good time as well as doing Gods work. I'm praying for you and so is your Aunt Doris. We just got through looking at the pictures and comments from the whole group. Just know our love and thoughts are with you.
Love, Grammy
At 09:40 PM on Sunday, June 22th, Muriel Pearson wrote ...
Hello Karen and all Xtreme Team members..
This looks like you are well on your way to making a big difference in the lives of some who really need support and care. Karen, I'm sure your experiences at Haven will help you to reach out to the exploited people you encounter.. You should know that we at Wellspring Church are Xtremely proud that you are following your heart and have chosen to go wherever God may lead you. We will keep watching and praying for you all on this mission. Stay strong and keep reminding yourself of the love and support you have at home.. We will wait anxiously for your return.
Big HUGS!
God Bless You All... Muriel Pearson
At 06:00 PM on Sunday, June 22th, Doris Walburn wrote ...
Hi Karen, I am so happy to know you are safe and that you are really involved in this group. I am praying for you everyday and I know God will lead you all the way. Love this site and the pictures and hearing about your host family. Your Grammy will be here tomorrow night if all goes as planned and she will view this site and write you a note also. She is very excited about where you are and what you are doing and I know that you know she also is praying for you. God Bless You Karen.
Aunt Doris
At 11:22 AM on Saturday, June 21th, phillip moschenrose wrote ...
Loved the pics, especially the one where you and the team were on a boat -- at least that what I thought I saw. You were so much at peace. No, I am not worried, which is, at all parties know, is an act of amazing grace. But I have peace too, and my joy is knowing that you are out there doing it! If you help liberate the oppressed and set the prisoner free, well, I am just sure that God will watch over you, all of you. Yes, we all are praying every day, all the time. Love, papa
At 08:06 AM on Thursday, June 19th, Cathy Cordle wrote ...
Um - a CREEPY CRAWLIES story???? Enquiring minds want to know!! (but your mother might not...)
C.
At 08:00 AM on Thursday, June 19th, Cathy Cordle wrote ...
Hey Karen - We're thinking about you and praying that you will continue to be safe and have a wonderful experience. You have so much to offer everyone with whom you come in contact! We missed you on Sunday - not the same without the redhead on the red bass!
Love you,
Cathy, Mike and Chris
At 05:26 PM on Wednesday, June 18th, Jane Moschenrose wrote ...
Karen:
I am so glad you all got to Thailand safely! This website is awesome, though it will be nice when someone who is better at spelling and grammar type in the blogs...
We're so proud of you, Punkin, and you remain in our constant prayers.
Love ya,
Mama
At 05:02 PM on Wednesday, June 18th, Tim & Alice Kolbasa wrote ...
Karen,
If you get a chance - check out the church's website. There is one picture right now in the album and I have plenty more as soon as Alice gets a chance to get the rest on.
We had a good time but not as nearly good as you are probably having.
It looks like you are hanging with a cool bunch of people! We will keep in touch and read your blogs!
We miss you and love you!
Tim & Alice