Somewhere Else While I'm Still Here

Whew, let me just say that tonight I am thankful to be out of the fog. Yes, it's supposed to get foggy here in my city overnight, but I'm talking about a mental fog. It seems to have been coming and going more frequently of late (I attribute that to the pregnancy). WHAT!? That is right - I am expecting a baby in September! My husband and I are so excited :) Finally able to share it with "the world" this week, and I have only now felt like I could get a blog together that wouldn't bore ME before I finished writing it. I've been that out of it, and I try to grab onto the spurts of energy and mental power as I get them. I'm having one right now.

The reason I decided to get with it on the blog tonight is because of an odd thing that happens every now and again. It's the sensation that although I'm here, I'm just as much somewhere else. Typically this phenomenon is brought about by a smell or person, object or picture that immediately takes me "back." Back, to some other place or time that I have been. Likely you can relate. For me, those experiences are typically pleasant, although bitter-sweet. And this one definitely was.

It started I suppose when reality began to sink in that this precious bundle of joy (now the size of a plum I might add) will, and to some extant already has, change my life dramatically. For example, I haven't been drinking coffee much and I've been avoiding certain foods and activities. Things I normally don't think twice about. But over the last couple of weeks I really began to think about how I will not be going back to Sudan this year. That's a big change. So much of my heart resides in a corner I call "Africa" and it grows and blooms every year with the thought of returning, seeing those friends and family across the ocean, and serving God alongside them. But this year will be different. VERY different. I can't even imagine all of it, which I suppose is good. None of us might have kids if we really understood the sacrifice and exhaustion that accompanies said joyful bundle ahead of time!

So I've been processing the fact that we will have a new assignment come September: parenthood. Might not have to fly across the sea to fulfill it, but I think it will more challenging, and hopefully even more rewarding, this next phase of calling the Lord has on our lives.

All that being said, there is still a part of me missing Africa. (I suppose the fact that I haven't felt well and don't yet look pregnant aid this wistful feeling). I'm still learning how to put that in its place.

Yesterday, I was browsing Pinterest and randomly come across a photo that is displayed over and over and over on the holding video on the KLM flights from here to Amsterdam / Amsterdam to Africa.

The video plays music as a video rolls of different scenes and poses around this fixture. Gets pretty annoying after about 15 minutes of sitting in your seat, waiting for take off, but always "takes me back" when I see/hear it. It is visually and emotionally tied to our Africa trips. 

Later, as I was working on my Bible Study, I realized I was a using  KLM pen (Not sure how I got it. Hope I didn't steal it). Didn't even realize we had one, but there it was in my hand. Back again.

I'm afraid to even get out the photos from when we were actually IN AFRICA:. Could be sentimental overload.

The icing on the cake came on my walk today. Someone was cooking with the windows open and it smelled almost exactly the way our food smelled while in Sudan. Rice and Beans, maybe some chips. Oi. I can picture myself smelling that smell in Sudan...does that make any sense?

All this to say, I've been in Sudan or on my way there a lot this week. Thankful for the time and lessons learned there, friendships made and ministry done. And thankful at the same time that our new assignment will hold its own blessings and lessons, and hoping that one day, I will get to return to Sudan, and maybe take our Plum Joy with us. In the meantime, I've got photos and memories to "Take me Back" as often as I'd like.

KJo

Show and Tell _ Sudan

It's the Small Things

A couple of weeks ago we got to swap photos with our team...what a fun time of reunion and such great photos capturing the oddities and candid moments!

Here are just a few random hightlights from the trip.

Harmony Joann - not liking her bath

Taxi ride to the hotel in Uganda ... luggage truck didn't show up so we just held it ourselves!

Nap time - wherever you think is comfortable 

Border Crossing - Independent South Sudan

Shower Snizard - We thought this little guy who lived in the shower was a snake, but by the end of the week had proof he was really a lizard (can you see his brown knees?).



Tickle Time!



Music to My Ears - Sudan

Worship: Every Nation, Tribe and Tongue

I've got a few of these sound recordings...should loop them and listen all morning.

Definitely one of the sweetest parts of the trip.

To Off Road, is to be On the Road - Sudan

Every Day is an Adventure
(Best Viewed in original Blog www.karijo-co.blogspot.com)
If you love back roads and country driving, you would enjoy the Sudan road trip.

Our village was 1 hour and 30 minutes from camp, and the land rover made good time of the dirt roads, 

mini lake pot holes,

"bridges,"  

and the occasional off-roading to bypass craters. The main portion of this road has not been maintained in 50 years and is not for those prone to the motion-sickness.


The strange thing is, once back in the states, it's hard not to miss the off-roading adventure that is an every day occurance in southern Sudan.


Justin told our team that in the states, off- roading is not allowed...you have to stay on the road! They thought itwas pretty funny.


Our first day out, the team member sitting in the front seat next to the driver reached for her seat belt and asked local ministry head D. Kaya if it worked.


He told her, "I don't recommend that thing." Bascially, the bumpy roads are more painful with the seatbelt than without...so that's how we rolled.

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Interestingly, after I planned this blog or today I came across this article revealing a plan to build roads in South Sudan. It shows how they plan to connect all 10 states of the country, how badly they are needed and why.  http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-minister-reveals,40642

Love - Language Without Words - Sudan

Soooo, we are back from Sudan!

We've gone and come, and been back in our little American world again for two full weeks. Amazing. I still think on our time in Africa every day, which I love. It's fresh and vulnerable. Still convicts and encourages, while at the same time, reminds me to pray for the people we met and the love of Christ that continues to grow and show itself powerful a midst the people of a very young country and church of Southern Sudan.

Sharing is difficult, as always. So much to say, yet it's hard to say it detailed enough to communicate the emotion and significance while keeping it concise enough for most people to listen. Makes trying to share, difficult, and the interest of those who want to know the nitty gritty very special and treasured.

I think the best way for now, that I can show and tell is with brief pictures, videos, and snippets of stories. As the Lord brings to mind the precious people and encounters of our last trip to Sudan, I'll try to post and share with you.

Today I am thinking about and missing terribly the little people. Three kids living at the compound where we stayed: Wani, Mercy, and Mike.

 

All about the same height and very close in age, these three could be considered the musketeers of camp. Likely they understand more English than they speak (which isn't much), their language is love, and they understand it no matter who speaks it. We played hard, tickled much, and communicated with each other with words: me in English, them in Bari-glish (Bari with a few English words mixed in :). I miss very much coming "home" every day and chasing them around the dirt yard, tickling Wani until I tired of it (I don't think he EVER would), and chasing Mercy around the yard as she taunted, "This one Wani" while pointing at herself. Mercy even taught me a hand clapping game, for which I was only able to learn some of the Bari words. Would love to play it with her right now.

Feels like Nephews and  Niece . . . that live very. Far. Away.

Sudan 2011-It's Coming

- On Mission -

Trip Date: October 11-21, 2011

Blessings to you in the name of Christ! Justin and I are excited to be returning to South Sudan this year for another short term trip. By God’s grace, He calls and provides for His children to obey. Please let us take this moment to share what He has been doing in Sudan, and how God has shown us we can take part.

 Many of you know we went on our first trip to the country last August, and were amazed at God's "New Testament Church" ministry in that area. When we got back to America, all we could think about were the faces and souls of brothers and sisters which the Lord allowed us to meet, and in some cases, lead into a relationship with Him. Pastor Onesimus gave me a picture of himself as a reminder to pray, and I turned the time, 11:11, into a reminder to pray for the church and others we met there: whatever I could do so as not to forget how God is working in Sudan. Over the last several months, this has included volunteering with e3 Sudan and participating in local ministry events.  God has not abandoned the seed of love He planted in our hearts for these people. I think only it has grown.

Almost a year later, we are following God’s lead back to Sudan for another, on-the-ground mission. Matthew 28:10-11 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” and that is what we want to do. Our team’s mission will be to share the Gospel, growing disciples in new or existing churches, and children’s and women’s ministry as we again partner with e3 Partners Ministry. Many of the team will also have the opportunity to teach at the bible school (growing in a year from about 20 to over 100), and Justin looks forward to this again.

Last year our team planted Jordan Baptist Church under a grove of Mango trees. The day before we left Sudan, I noted in my bible that I prayed these verses for the baby church: "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Phil. 1:9-11) That is still our prayer not only for Jordan Baptist, but also many other Mango churches and the growing vision for the salvation of South Sudan. Returning to this area is not only a blessing, but a privilege, as we partner with the native missionaries, praying God uses us and teaches us mightily while we're there.

Just as we are partnering with the Sudanese on mission, we ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in one of two ways. As we obey God's call to this country, it is vital that we not do it alone. We covet your prayers in this mission, and would love to have you on our praying team! You can be praying for the Provision, the Plan, the People, and for Protection. We will send out a prayer calendar with specific things to pray for as the trip gets closer.

The second way you can partner with us is financially.  We have to cover all of the cost for flights and supplies for the trip (ca. $7,500 for both of us together), and a gift of any amount is a blessing! We truly believe that if God calls us to something, He will provide the means. If the Lord leads you to partner in this way, we thank you for allowing Him to use you. Please follow the instructions on the attached card to make sure your gift gets to the right place. (Below in Blue)

Thank you so much for partnering with us in this, and may God bless you. We can’t wait to see how God has planned to use your support on this trip!

“How then will they call on him In whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14 


 In Christ, 
Justin and Kari

South Sudan Fun Facts

- Independence Day was  July 9, 2011

- Has its own flag and currency
- Establishing its own government

- The church can play a big part by 

teaching men and women to be

disciples of Christ and to lead

by His principles

Thank you for prayerfully considering financial support! There are two ways you can send your gift: by check, or donating online. If you send a check, please make it payable to e3 Partners Ministry and send your contribution to 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2600, Plano, TX  75075.  You will need to enter the name “Justin (or Kari) Copling” along with the trip code SD11N in the subject line to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. Your gift will be placed in an account under our name. You can also make payments online at www.e3partners.org.  Under the “Give” menu, you will need to click “Donate today.”  Please follow the instructions given. You will need to enter Kari and Justin Copling and the trip code SD11N after checking “Other” as the “Designation.” All gifts are tax deductible, and e3 Partners then will send you a tax receipt.

Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness!

Have You Found Your Place?

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=427107288171

What a Mighty God We Serve! - Sudan Digest 1

We've been home from Sudan now for a week. I'm still not sure I can believe it is over. God did wonderful things in the villages of Southern Sudan and in and through the lives of our team.

I've been avoiding posting pictures partly in an effort to wait for photos from other team members :), but also becuase I wasn't sure I was ready to publicly discuss the things that those pictures represent. Last night, I felt it was time to begin the public digest. Maybe this will be the first and last, I don't know. But for now, it gives me a place to glorify God for all that He is and all He is doing.

It's just a highlight summary, but it's what I've got today. God is a mighty God, and I praise Him for everything He has done on this grip.

· Waking up to the crow of local roosters.
· Rain drops so big it seemed I could walk between them.
· Tucking myself in every night into my very own “canopy” bed.
· Passing out sandwiches, boiled eggs, and crackers to the villagers at lunch.
· Showering by head lamp early each morning, only after Justin checked for bugs.
· Sharing the gospel in the shade of trees, and at the home of many families.
· Shaking innumerable hands of new friends
· Calming an upset orphan boy simply by rocking him and holding him close.
· Teaching primary school kids how to make elephant trunks for Noah’s Ark.
· Eating pork and chips, rice and beans, fried eggs and bread.
· Bumping up and down out of dirt road potholes
· Worshiping Jesus under the mango trees
· Responding to Christ’s divine appointments
· Watching as the Lord confirmed His Word by laying it on my heart, and then later also on the hearts of others on the team
· Baby goats.
· Termite mounds.
· Teak wood.
· Humble testimonies and genuine questions.
· Being mistaken for a Chinese person

Kajo Keji, Sudan

June, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings from Texas! We hope this note finds you well and enjoying the beginning of yet another summer. Justin and I are doing well and thankful for each new thing the Lord brings to us in our jobs, family, and church community. The purpose of this note is to share with you what God has laid on our hearts as His plan for us this summer.

Justin and I have answered a call to join our church on a mission trip to Kajo Keji in southern Sudan, August 4-14th. Our trip will be lead by e3 Partners Ministry, and together we will take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Kajo Keji.

Our team will partner with national churches and believers to target areas that are unreached with the Gospel, and use discipleship to encourage the church and assist with church planting efforts. Each day we will team up with several national believers, including a translator, and go out to share Christ with those in surrounding villages. One aspect of the trip I (Kari) am really excited about is women’s ministry: sharing Jesus with mom’s and their children.

As a young girl, I remember having a desire to visit Africa for missions as early as middle school, and see this open door as the beginning of fulfillment of what God laid on my heart several years ago. Justin is excited about the cross-cultural experience and about seeing the Holy Spirit work in ways that are different than in West Plano, Texas. It has been our desire as a couple to find ways to serve the Lord together, and we are very humbled and excited for this ministry opportunity for God’s glory.

We would like to ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us on this mission trip. First, would you commit to praying for us? We covet the prayers of other believers as we prepare, plan, travel, and serve. Second, would you ask God if He would have you support us financially?


The remaining cost for us to both make the trip is $7,360.00. Our goal is to reach at least half of the funds by the beginning of July. We believe God is calling us to go, however we know that this can only happen if others sense God's calling to send us. As it says in Romans 10:13-15:

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of who they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' "
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of this request. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will move as we take this step of faith. Your prayer and financial support are a blessing to us, as well as to many who will have an opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel as a result of your support.

Love in Christ,


Kari and Justin


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Thank you for prayerfully considering financeial support. If you would like to give, you can donate by check, or online. If you send a check, please make it payable to e3 Partners Ministry and send your contribution to 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2600, Plano, TX 75075. You will need to enter the name “Kari Copling” along with the trip code SD10N in the subject line to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. Your gift will be placed in an account under our name. You can also make payments online at www.e3partners.org. Under the “Give” menu, you will need to click “Donate today.” Please follow the instructions given. You will need to enter either Kari Copling and the trip code SD10N after checking “Other” as the “Designation.” All gifts are tax deductible, and e3 Partners then will send you a tax receipt.

Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness!