koolkari's Xanga

THE WORLD RACE!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:39:12 GMT

Don't forget....my updates are at:

karistembel.theworldrace.org

Preparations III

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:24:54 GMT

So, you thought my preparations were over?? You were wrong. I'm finding out very quickly that there is always more to be done. More packing, more Wal-mart runs, more unpacking, more list making, more good-byes, and the list goes on...it never seems to end.

Last night I said my good-byes to my cousin Timothy as he headed back to his college campus. He tried my pack on and was convinced I would fall over the moment I put it on, little does he know how tough I am! He will be missed. Maybe I'll get to see him in China when he comes to visit! (hint, hint)

Being one who always liked to be prepared and always pack my whole room up for every trip, making what you might need fit in a pack and have it weigh what it needs to is quite a challenge and continues to be frustrating at times. My mom made me a small down pillow so that it would be as comfortable as possible. My mom and aunt have also been working diligently to get a bag for my pack, pillow, and sleeping bag made. I am so blessed to have so many talented and caring relatives and friends!!

Tonight I went out for my 500th "last supper." We went to a Mexican restaurant that was really d-licious! Anyone who knows me, knows I always 'have' to have something sweet after my meal and a mint as well (something I'm sure I will learn to live without much of the time this year). WE didn't end up going for ice cream as we had originally planned, but we got to walk along a pier out on a lake leading out to the ocean and look at some of the lights lit up all along the shore. We also got to put the top of the convertible down and enjoy the warm breeze. When we got home, my aunt (being the most thoughtful person ever), made me a little dish, just my size, of ice cream, cool whip, and a mint chocolate piece on top. It was the greatest thing ever!! (so of course I took a picture of it)

Tomorrow we head out sometime in the morning for GA. It should be about a 9 hour drive from where we're at if I remember correctly. We'll stay in a hotel that night (get my first 8 hours of sleep in months, maybe years!) and then head to the AIM base Thursday afternoon. Please pray for safety, for my parents as they say good-bye and drive home, for my spiritual preparation, for my teammates, and that God would be at the center of it all!

THANK YOU for all those who read my blogs and comment too! I love to hear from everyone.

Contacting me

E-mail me at: krazykari@comcast.net
Skype me at: kari.stembel
See my updates on here at: karistembel.theworldrace.org

Due to the transition of a new phone (losing numbers) and not having my home computer with me (e-mail addresses saved), please let me know your phone number and e-mail to assist in me keeping in touch with you! I would love to hear from you. Thanks!

Heading South!

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:12:19 GMT

Moonlit sky bright above

Curled up waves upon the shore

Rolling in between my feet

Calmness and a sense of peace

Our First Stop

This was my first night experienced in Florida! I have arrived, but much has happened before this point. On August 29^th, my parents and I headed south with a few stops on the way. Our first stop included visiting my sister Stephanie at Grace College where we went to lunch and visited a few buildings on campus. We then headed down to a river near Winona Lake. Right in the middle of this inlet next to the river on the grass, the four of us sat down, held hands, and each prayed; we prayed for safety, for my departure, for God to work in ways never seen before, for unity, for my brother and sister while at school, for friends, for each of to be impacting lives no matter where we're at, but most of all that we would all be in God's will, that we would LIVE in His will this year each moment. It was a powerful and unifying time for each of us. Stephanie, and I have become particularly close this past year and a half and it was hard to leave her, but we hugged and hugged again for a long time, and blew our usual kisses good-bye. We ended with a great big, "I LOVE YOU and I WILL see you later!"

Indy Visit

In our little blue convertible Audi, we headed towards Indy where we met up with my cousin Lori and a few other friends at the Old Spaghetti Factory. We had some good talk and some good food J ! It was so great to see them again and say a few more ‘see you laters' before leaving. And as I said in my last posting, I have the best friends ever! On the way to Lori and Ryan's house (my cousin and her husband), Lori and I did some wonderful catching up and got to talk about where we're at in life - something we haven't had the chance to talk about in years. I really treasured that time with her. We stayed in their beautiful house for the night before leaving once again early in the morning around 6 (for anyone who knows me, that is a tough one for me!).

(Left front to back: Christine, Chris, Me - Right f to b: Lindsay, Lori, Chris (my mom) and dad is taking the picture)

FL Arrival

And we were off for a LONG day of driving down to FL. Our goal - midnight. I ended only driving about 3 -1/2 hours total with my dad driving the rest. We made it safely down to Melbourne, FL a little earlier than expected (woohoo!) where my cousin got us a su-weet deal on a hotel room right along the ocean front! Here's where the beginning of my post comes into play. WOW!! I am SO thankful God is as creative as He is. At midnight, we had the opportunity to walk along the ocean as the waves faithfully rolled in and the big bright moon was reflecting off the ocean. The soft sand sunk down between my toes and I just walked peacefully - just me and God. In that hour, God spoke so much truth into my life and revealed new perspectives to me, things I had never thought before. What an wonderful Creator we have who cares enough about me to take time and speak right to me!

(sorry picture didn't come out very well -
I wish you could see the ocean!!)

The next day was spent with my cousin Timothy around town, touring his college campus, viewing his house for the year, meeting some of his house mates, and driving back to his parents' house (my aunt and uncle's).

FLYING

My cousin is an aviation major and has his pilot's license so every moment he gets, he takes someone out for a fly. My mom, dad, Timothy, and I went out yesterday (Saturday) afternoon. It was a great time had by all….well, almost all. Sadly my mom loves the view but gets motion sickness so she wasn't able to handle it very well, but it was still a wonderful view from up above (did you know Florida is mostly swamp area?? Well, I guess I knew that, but forgot just how much of it is and can't be built on!). Thanks TIMOTHY for one last flight with you before I leave!

Last minute packing

There have already been last minute trips to the mall and Wal-mart for things needed. I am now two steps closer to be "ready" for this trip; #1 I have hopefully purchased everything needed and #2 I rolled my sleeping bag, sleeping pad and tent up all by myself tonight! I know, it seems like a no-brainer, but I haven't actually had the time to do it myself until now. Now I know I can do it (which is a bit of a relief to me). I may have forgotten to mention that among my preparations back home, I obtained a new drivers license (before the dreaded big 2-5) and got my hair cut for easyier management while gone. There are still things to be done tomorrow, but hopefully Tuesday will be a time of rest and enjoyment with my parents and relatives before driving up to the base on Wednesday where I will begin training.

Excitement

As the time nears and as the trip becomes more of a reality than just talk, I get more excited. Much time, thought, prayer, and MUCH more has been put into the preparation of this trip. I can't wait to see what God is going to do this year!! Before there was much fear, and yes, fear and nervousness of the unknown is a natural feeling, but that feeling no longer overwhelms me and takes over, much more excitement has entered my heart and God has given me such a peace about everything. He has made this happen; He has put the pieces into place; He has surrounded me with tons of supporters and prayer; and He has promised great things! What more could I ask for??

Preparations II

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 02:11:04 GMT

**(just a reminder.....i will not be able to update this site as often as my WR blog @: www.karistembel.theworldrace.org)

A multitude of heavenly hosts

Imagine being surrounded by millions of angels surrounding you so closely that the enemy can't even see you; He can't get in because there are so many standing tall hovering over you. Imagine an overwhelming feeling of peace and comfort because of it. This is what I experienced Sunday morning at my church, the church I grew up in, the church I call my second family. As the elders, deacons, mission committee, and my family gathered around to pray for me with tears in their eyes, I knew God had brought many to pray for me and many angels to protect me. I can not even begin to tell you the overwhelming feeling that came over me as they prayed. I am blown away by how many people have committed to pray for me faithfully this year and gave me a verse to remember throughout the year. I am in complete awe of God's goodness and the amazing people He has placed in my life. Thank YOU for praying and for your support of me. You are a part of this trip is so many ways—you have given me the resources through prayer, money, encouragement, supplies, and your all around support - I'm just the one God is sending to go, you helped send me!

Farewell Open House

Sunday afternoon, I had lunch with some of my extended family to say good-bye and later on an open house for friends to see me again before leaving for a year. Some I hadn't seen in a very long time and it meant so much to me to have them come. Some drove three hours or more just to say good bye and show their support. I have the best family and friends ever!! We had so much food for both lunch and the open house and it was all because of aunts and cousins who worked hard several days to prepare for the event.

Saying good-bye

As I stood at church talking to people after the service (the last sermon I will hear from my home church before I go), it did not hit me that I would not see these people for a year. I will miss my church family very much, but no matter how many miles away I am, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I have hundreds of people thinking of me and praying for me. As I was saying good-bye and hugging friends and family throughout the afternoon and as they came and went, it seemed as though it was just an open house celebration for graduation or something of the sort. And then it hit me at the end of the day, woah, I won't be seeing these people for about a year, but I didn't view it that way as they were departing. One of my best friends reminded me in an e-mail this week, " Remember Kari, it is not good-bye - it is just see you later !" and she's so right. Oh, at that moment, as I read her e-mail, I needed the reminder. It is a surreal feeling to be leaving for a year, that I am this close to actually doing it instead of just talking about, but it is an exciting and exhilarating feeling. The verses people gave me were just the perfect verses to encourage me and God knew they were just what I needed to hear now and throughout the year!

How to Stay Updated and Contact Me

This year, I do not know all the details of when I will be able to call, have access to a computer and internet with internet etc…but I will give you the information I can.

The first website I will always update when I have access to internet will be my World Race blog at: www.karistembel.theworldrace.org

I will also be able to receive e-mails on my blackberry phone when I have service, so feel free to e-mail me at: krazykari@comcast.net

We will also be using Skype when available. When I am on and you are on, I will be able to communicate as an instant message system by typing as well as have access to talking as it were a regular phone line, all for free! My Skype name is kari.stembel if you are interested in trying that out when I am online.

Facebook, MySpace, and Xanga will be checked as often as possible and when time is available, but will not be my primary sites for updating.

No More Updates on Xanga!

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:59:22 GMT

So......a little quick update! I have arrived in Florida and got to walk along the beach watching the waves come in and the moon shining down last night. It was wonderful. I won't give all the details on my stop in Indy yet or the drive down--hopefully later though.

i wanted to let you know that while I am gone, I will not be able to update this often at all. If you want to follow me around the world please visit my website at: www.karistembel.theworldrace.org. if you want to recieve automatic updates each time I post a blog, please go to the website and click on "KEEP UPDATEd" and enter your e-mail address. LEAVE ME COMMENTS!! I would love to hear from you throughout the year. I will also be receiving e-mail at krazykari@comcast.net throughout the year. Be patient, as I will not alwasy be able to respond right away. THANKS for all your prayers--it means alot!!

I will try to update at least one more time on here before I leave the country.

I'm going to miss everyone!!!!

AUGUST departure letter...

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 03:51:25 GMT

Preparations #1

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:13:25 GMT

12 days until I say good bye to Goshen, IN

20 days until I'm on AIM base for our last training in the states

26 days until I leave the country

Tent - check
Sleeping bag - check
Pack - check
Towel - check
Pillow - check
and more...

First of all, I am beginning to see all that goes into packing for a year and it's a tough one! A couple months ago I received my yellow fever, typhoid, Hepatitis, and other shots. I am excited to say that my tent, sleeping equipment, eating plate, bowl, and cup have arrived. Most of my clothes have been bought, almost all my paperwork is done, my reading (well, I tried!), and malaria pills, we're working on that too. I have accumulated a lot of things I will soon attempt to cram into my little pack to carry on my back and live out of for a year.

As I prepare for my departure, I have more updated news for you. Some sad news I have to share is that Amy Fink and Sarah Flynn will not be going with our team in September, but will be leaving with the January team next year. We know God is working it out in His time and in His way and this is what He has planned for our team.

Thirdly, (drum roll please......) we have our tentative itinerary for the year!! As anything else, these plans can change at any time - we go where God guides. The schedule at this point is as follows:

Thailand Sep 15 - Oct 13

Cambodia Oct 14 - Nov 11

Debrief China Nov 12 - Nov 17

China One Nov 18 - Dec 20

Debrief/Break China Dec 21 - Dec 29

China Two Dec 30/Jan (ring in the new year!)

Swaziland Feb/Mar

Debrief Swaziland Mar

Mozambique- Mar/Apr

Mexico - Apr/May

Guatemala - May/Jun

Nicaragua - Jun/Jul

Final Debrief and Commissioning - Nicaragua!

(after I leave, you will only be able to get updates at: www.karistembel.theworldrace.org)

More Clues....our ROUTE!

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:45:18 GMT

Thailand here we come! We will start our journey of ministry on the World Race in Bangkok

Then it's off to Cambodia

From there we head to China where we'll ring in the new year

We'll shift gears and head to Africa to serve the poorest of the poor in countries that have been ravaged by AIDs

Our journey will end serving in countries within South and Central America

Introducing.....MY TEAM!!!

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:44:10 GMT

As the World Race staff has spent hours reviewing personality assessments, observing, and praying over the whole process, we have been given our provisional small group team! Since this is provisional, it can change at training or during the first couple of months of ministry as things change. As I mentioned earlier, flexibility and trusting the Lord through this process is the name of the game. God has given me some real excitement already for those He has placed in my group! I am proud to introduce to you….our awesome team! (who will eventually have a name). Just click on their name to learn more about each of them.

SARAH

CLUES!

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 04:49:24 GMT

ONE MONTH…I actually leave Goshen, IN in less than a month! I know, I can't believe it either. As the time of our departure comes closer and closer, our September team receives small bits of information about this upcoming year together. So far, I have two new clues. Clue#1: Our first destination will be ……….(drum roll please) ASIA!! It is my understanding that we will be meeting up with either or both of the January and June World Racers. I don't know which country in Asia yet. Clue #2: Our provisional list of teams for September 2007 has been posted. This is the small group of about 7 or 8 people we will spend the year with, live with, and invest the most time in. This is all I know so far.

Flexibility is the name of the game. As with any plans, flexibility is a must and change is always a possibility. So, even though we have a list of small group members and our first destination, things can change. God doesn't let our plans get in the way of His. We are all seeking God and open to wherever He directs. As the time gets closer and plans become even more solidified, I will post information about my teammates as well as my specific route of countries planned out.

Proverbs 16:9
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Please continue to pray:

*For unity among the September team as a whole and for our small groups. *That we would remember this team is appointed by God and that He would bind us together to serve Him with all we've got this year

*That we would abandon EVERYTHING for Him this year

*For all final preparations to fall into place

*That the money needed would come in before we leave

Quick Financial Update:

Total Support Raised to Date: $9,080.00

Total Needed By Sept. 1st: $13,000.00

Balance Needed By Sept. 1st: ($3,920.00)

Additional $3000 needed while I am gone

God is good!! Thank you to all those who have given, and those who have given again, and for those anonymous givers as well. I can't tell you how encouraged I am to see God using you to serve Him in this way. God is faithful and always provides. Please pray that the rest would come in, during the next four weeks.