Answering Some Questions (Africa and such...)

Perhaps it was an attempt to convince myself I haven't gone entirely insane... that this "idea" didn't just come out of nowhere... in light of my recent news of acceptance as a Ripe for Harvest missionary I've found myself rereading old posts and evaluating my human interactions in general only to realize how time and time again when my heart cry truly shines through- it's Africa. Conversations in daily life where someone would ask me- if I could be anywhere and my snap response, facebook statuses written in a state of insomnia, posts written before I went to Africa this winter, seeing how my heart longed to be overseas even when I wasn't, and just the way I felt truly alive when I was there. Every attempt I make to talk myself down- convince myself this isn't a rational next step is met with a resounding: GO!

In light of this realization I figure it's time to answer some questions...

WHO: I have been accepted by the interdenominational sending agency Ripe for Harvest. They will provide accountability, as well as an administrative means to facilitate long term support.

WHERE: End goal is Tanzania, however, I am prayerfully considering starting out in Kenya where I have "family" and can operate under a further established ministry while learning the language and fostering the relationships I'd begun developing. 

WHAT: Orphan care will of course be a huge focus here I talk about a crazy dream/vision I have. One of the pastors Mama Rosemary had connected me with in Tanzania was looking to launch something very similar- part of why I'm leaning towards diving right in there even though it will certainly be a greater challenge (essentially building something from ground up)

WHEN: ASAP, but to be determined. I would genuinely leave in a heartbeat but am waiting until I have airfair and start up costs raised, as well as reach the 50% of my monthly support goal pledged. I promise to keep you posted as things progress!

and of course the How: I have some crazy dreams/visions/goals... they're a lot bigger than me- things I haven't even begun to elaborate on in regards to Network 127 and I definitely cannot make it on my own. YOU, each and everyone of you is integral to turning dreams to reality. Prayer moves mountains and that's obviously the greatest need. Prayer for wisdom in timing and direction, prayer for guidance and creativity... Then there's the lovely funding part- looking at going long term terrifies me, and that's a huge part of the reason why. I'll confess to being intimidated- but truly, honestly- absolutely every bit helps. Prayerfully consider partnering with me on this endeavor- here's how:

• Mailing a check: Make sure to include my name (Kristin Joy Svendsen- (Joy will probably work too!) and account #33) to Ripe for Harvest World Outreach PO box 487 Monument CO, 80132
• Electronic Contribution: There is a form available here that you can print and mail that will let you set up a recurring electronic contribution
• Online donations: there's a link for those here as well, my name should show up in the drop down list fairly soon
• Paypal: I still have my paypal account that I use for ministry expenses that you can access from this blog- and will be using that for things like airfair- however note that this is not affiliated with Ripe for Harvest so if you're needing a receipt for tax purposes please opt for one of the other options!

I'm heading Home

I've been silent for a long time... and as always it isn't that I haven't been praying, processing, and learning... if anything its that I've been so overwhelmed by everything the Lord's been teaching me, every challenge life has thrown at me that the prospect of converting all of those internal thoughts into something to be comprehended and shared has been a little daunting. I thought a huge door to be "normal" and have a career had landed in my lap- that door slammed shut. I thought I should pursue a big girl job- no door opened... I considered an aggressive stateside paid ministry position- and realized that the need is not the call. Being faced with practical, impractical, and crazy options one thing kept resounding in my heart. Africa.

I ran into a wall when I returned in may. People have asked why I still feel like I'm in transition... that's because until I started seriously pursuing going back to Africa I lacked purpose and motivation... I never really found my "place" here.... a recent status I posted on facebook conveys my heart quite well:

"It's the sloppy wet kisses baby Moses gave without cease, Sembeo's ear to ear grin when she wrote her name for the first time, reading the beautiful selfless responses those children had in devotions, hearing their lovely voices singing with mine, arms growing tired carrying babies, never having a free hand because someone was always holding it, laying hands on, loving, and praying for the sick in Tanzania, knowing I would lay down my life for the beautiful people i'd met and fallen in love with, waking up every morning knowing i was exactly where I was meant to be-doing what i was wired to do, and the tears mama shed the day I left... The way I haven't truly felt alive since my return to the states until I started talking about going back to Africa and the fact that I didn't just leave a piece of my heart there- I only brought a fragment back. These are the reasons why I miss you Africa. I don't know how long it will take me, but I'm coming home."

Today I got word of official acceptance by Ripe for the Harvest of my missionary status. Pretty soon this will become a living, breathing reality. In the next few weeks I'll begin the process of raising support- both financially and in prayer, writing a budget plan, and developing my goals/vision. It's daunting, overwhelming, and beautiful. Initially I anticipated spending the first year in Kenya where the project I'd be working with is far more established and I'm comfortable, however after prayer and talking with a pastor I worked with in Tanzania I'm seriously considering going straight there. It will be a far greater challenge- in a lot of ways I'll have to build something from scratch, however anyone who has been following my crazy life for the last few years knows that I planned to move to Tanzania to work with the Maasai Tribe and AIDS orphans- years later all of the puzzle pieces are coming together for me to do just that. God's timing is so perfectly unfathomable... and He does fulfill His plan, purpose, and promises over our lives. 

I let go of the plastic pearls- and what he had in store is so much better.