Katie Fox, right out of college and newly married, prayed for a mentor and asked her pastor to help. He matched her with Mark's mom. As they talked and prayed together, the subject of missions and Africa came up frequently. Mark's mom suggested that Katie and her husband Cody contact Mark. Long story short, Katie and Cody came on a 6 week trip and eventually moved to Uganda and GSF. Katie now has a mentoring group of her own at GSF. Two of those girls in her group are Megan and Caralina, her own mentor's granddaughters! Isn't God good?
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| Katie and her "cord group" that she mentors |
When planning the graduation, Caralina's teacher told her she needed to ask someone to speak at graduation and give her a "charge". Caralina asked Katie. Katie's charge was so beautiful that I asked her if I could have it to put on the blog. Here it is below:
I tried to write a
fancy speech. I even Googled “Charges.”
I backed up my points with scriptures and incorporated verses…But it
just didn’t seem right. Not here when I have a unique opportunity to say this
to one person rather than an entire class of students.
Then there is the
thought process that since this is for one person, I could talk about all of
her accomplishments, how AMAZING she is, how she loves God, serves at children’s
church, is working to raise funds for Sharon’s heart, spends her time with the
children who have special needs, and takes beautiful pictures that capture the
heart of the ministry here…but if I went on and on for too long, she would be
very uncomfortable…maybe even a little bit embarrassed with so much
attention. So I have not written a
speech, or charge, or any other document, but instead this is my prayer for
Caralina in this time of graduation and transition.
I pray that you know and remember many things.
I pray that
you…
Know how loved you are
Here
In America
By your family,
By your friends,
Through your blog
Remember where home is
It is with the
people you love and not any specific place
Remember all you have already
accomplished
You are NOT a missionary kid but a
kid who IS a missionary How you have poured your heart into this ministry at
GSF
You have already been making Lina’s
Legacy for a long time
Know that being
different is ok
It’s good actually.
There is no normal
Know that who you are is AWESOME
Know what you believe and why
Always have an
answer for your faith
Remember when you’re not sure, that
it’s ok to call home…a lot…
Remember that no one else really
knows what they are doing either
I pray for your future.
I pray that
you…
Take chances
Not the dangerous
ones
Take some chances when you are unsure
Forgive yourself
Laugh
Never Stop
Learning
Guard your heart/
Choose good friends
Love both cultures for exactly what
they are
Learn more about
yourself
Your gifts
Talents
Likes/dislikes
Strengths/weaknesses
Don’t stress TOO
much about school
Have a mentor
A little older
and wiser to guide and help you
Walk through the
doors God has for you
Continue to grow in your walk with
God
Have clarity of His plans for your
life
Have Peace, joy, and hope present in
your heart
In conclusion:
Thank you for being a blessing to
those around you. For loving others well. For being a peacemaker and a joy to
this school. Thank you for the example
you set to both adults and children in how you live your life. I think I speak for all of us that we are so
proud of what you have accomplished in your time here and look forward with
great excitement to what you will accomplish in the future.
