Karin

Karin was born and raised in South Africa. She spent many years as a biology teacher. Several years ago she went on a prayer journey to North Africa and knew God was calling her to commit her time to taking the Gospel to the world. Three years ago this confident, goal oriented, funny woman of faith arrived in France. I helped her in those early weeks to look for housing, get settled etc. She struggled with enormous culture shock in those early weeks--dealing with French, American and Middle Eastern cultures all at once (our team is a real melting pot). But Karin had great faith and an eagerness to learn new things and experience everything.

In three years Karin became our resident expert on France. Her keen sense of observation caused me to learn much about my own culture. Her dependance on prayer challenged me. She proved to be humble, teachable and full of perseverance.

Monday morning at our home was typical. The phone rang as I was brushing my teeth--no time to talk to my boss now--meeting this morning? no problem. Mark's boss called as well--we're late to drop off the kids--meet with him first thing? no problem. We got to the office and were taken immediately aside and received the shocking news. Karin was in an accident. She died at the scene. She's gone. But her desk is still there--her car, her apartment, she hadn't yet told me about her first trip to America, this is not possible. Karin had traveled to some of the most dangerous places on this planet. She had only gone to Colorado for a training. It was a Sunday morning. She was going to church. I miss her.

The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.