I loved writing this blog and answering all of your guys questions. I always wonder if my blogs are interesting enough and wonder what you guys are curious about. Hope I answered what you were looking for. Thank you so much for following me on my journey. I couldn’t do it without your support. Now without further ado: the answers you all have been waiting for.
1. Favorite country so far and why!? *Asked by Rachel Nicole*
My host family in Panama was the absolute best. They welcomed us into their home and treated my team and I like family. They poured into us and loved us SO WELL. We all got so attached that when my team and I had to leave to go to the next country on our race, we all cried. We shared joy, laughter, and heartfelt memories that we didn’t want to end.
God taught me so much in Panama
- He taught me how to be vulnerable
- He taught me what hard work really looks like
- He taught me how good of a life I have
- He taught me that I don’t need to worry if I’m not strong enough before I begin because it is in the journey where He makes me strong.
- He taught me that I don’t have to have it all figured out
- He taught me to accept myself for who He created me to be
- He taught me to rely on Him
- He taught me when I’m struggling, He’ll comfort me (dogs, if that doesn’t make sense – go read my blog “Blessing in Disguise”!)
- He taught me that He’s in control
- He taught me to let go
- He taught me that my struggles in my past have a purpose
- He taught me to not be afraid to be myself
- He taught me to appreciate where I am in my journey, even if it is not where I want to be
- He taught me that I don’t need to speak the same language to share the love of Christ
- He taught me it’s not how much scripture I know, it’s how much scripture I live
- He taught me to not be afraid to start another chapter of my life
- He taught me sharing my testimony is powerful
I loved Panama because of the people. Host family, workers on the farm, people at church, and people within the community. Every morning and evening my team and I would travel to and from work in the back of a pickup truck. Every time we would pass people, they would always give us a friendly wave. It didn’t matter if we were going to work, church, or a quick trip to town. Everyone, and I mean everyone, would wave to us. You don’t see that much where I’m from. Never underestimate a smile and a wave.
2. What is one thing that you know now about the World Race, that you wish you would have known before you signed up? *Asked by Dan Kennedy*
One thing that I know now about the World Race, that I wish I would have known before I signed up is that it’s more of an interior journey than an exterior journey. When people first think about the World Race, they envision world changers. Changing the world. Since being on the field, I’ve realized that while I’m “changing the world,” the world is changing me.
3. What’s the strangest food you ate while on the world race? *Asked by Chris McNeal*
The strangest food I’ve eaten on the world race so far would be a rambutan. A rambutan is an unusual fruit that has a bizarre, hairy exterior with a smooth sweet white fruit within. It can be opened by splitting the skin apart and spreading it back. Once the skin is teared apart, pull one side completely off the fruit. Inside is the edible fruit that looks similar to a grape. The fruit has a seed in the center that is not edible. A rambutan taste similar to a lychee fruit, but slightly more tart.
4. Most important item to have on the missions field (other than a Bible haha) *Asked by Rachel Nicole*
The most important item to have on the missions field would be a journal. I’m not much of a writer but I’ve learned that a journal is a definite must. A journal is where you can write your thoughts, highlights of the day, and what God is teaching you. So when you look back years later, you can see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown.
5. Which culture did you learn the most about? And of course share some things you learned! *Asked by Chris McNeal*
Nicaragua is very community centered. It is traditional to grow up surrounded by extended family. Their value is on family. The U.S. is individualistic where we go where our job is. Nicaraguans stay where their family is. The “lack” of timeliness is something that also struck me about their culture. I soon learned that it wasn’t that they didn’t value being on time, but they valued their relationships with others more. Nicaraguans do not live by a schedule or clock. You cannot put a conversation in a time frame.
6. Is there a particular time that struck you deeply and played on your heart strings so much that you will never forget that moment? *Asked by Bev Smith*
A few days before my team and I left Panama, I had a heartfelt moment that I’ll never forget. The host family shared their testimony with us and then prayed over us as we’d be leaving them soon. After they finished praying over us, they told us that Rosy (the host mom’s niece) had something for all of us. She handmade a design on the front of a hat for each of us. Mine had my name, favorite color, and beautiful flowers on it. We loved them and were so overjoyed. Just the fact that we were only with them for less than a month and for Rosy to spend so much time to make gifts for us made my heart so happy.
7. Do you have a boyfriend? *Asked by Collin Foster*
Yes, I do have a boyfriend. We met through work (Chick-fil-A) and been inseparable ever since (except for the 11 months that I’ll be gone for the World Race. Just Kidding). Being away from each other is difficult but we trust in God with our relationship. My boyfriend and I have been dating for 7 months, 2 weeks, and 6 days. He’s the love of my life and my best friend. His eyes and perfect smile are to die for. Plus, I think he’s kinda cute. My boyfriend’s name is Collin Foster.
8. How much did you enjoy Panama!? (Panama flag) *Asked by James Riden*
I enjoyed Panama so much! I love Panama and I would definitely love to return some day. Love the county, love the people, and loved my time there.
9. How much do you love cats? *Asked by Kate Barbaglia*
I love cats. Cats are probably in my top 5 favorite animals. However, I don’t think I love cats as much as you Katie Kate.
10. What’s the most stressful thing you’ve done thus far? *Asked by Laura Leigh Armstrong*
The most stressful thing I’ve done thus far would probably be planning the Beauty for Ashes event in Jaco, Costa Rica. Beauty for Ashes is a women’s ministry and through this ministry, women are able to realize that their stories matter. In some countries, women aren’t valued. They aren’t allowed to cry, express their feelings, or voice their opinions. I’m the Beauty for Ashes coordinator for my squad. The ministry host in Costa Rica told me it would be great if I reached out to some of the women within of the community and host an event. The thing is, I’m still new at this. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing. I had a two-day training, that was it. So I was super stressed. I was in charge of planning everything. Food, supplies, activities, money cost, main communicator, schedule, decorations, the lesson, you catch my drift. And all of that was a little overwhelming and stressful, but it was all worth it! The event was a success!
11. What is your favorite memory from each country so far?! *Asked by Jenna Folsom*
Panama – receiving a handmade hat (see #6)!
Costa Rica – I’ve been to Costa Rica before the World Race. I went to Costa Rica on a missions trip during my junior year in college. We spent the night at a hostel while passing through. And now on my World Race, I stayed at the exact hostel in the exact room that I was in about a year and a half ago! The hostel has a restaurant on the rooftop. The walls are chalkboards where people can sign when they’re passing through. My signature was still there from the first time I signed the wall in March 2017! And then I signed the wall again, but this time, on the World Race!
Nicaragua– my favorite memories have been with the children. For the first two months of my world race, ministry has included manual labor and advertising for businesses. I haven’t had the opportunity to interact with children much. During my time in Nicaragua, I’ve been able to love on children. Children are filled with so much joy and laughter. And just being able to interact with them and see Jesus in their eyes just warms my heart.
12. Who is your favorite Hannah on your squad? *Asked by Hannah Neel*
That’s a tough one. I’m not gonna lie, I try not to have favorites. But if I had to choose, I think my favorite Hannah on my squad would have to be Hannah Neel. Speaking of Hannah Neel, you should go check out her World Race blog at: hannahneel.theworldrace.org
13. Have you ever thought that you made the wrong decision? *Asked by Laura Leigh Armstrong*
To go on the World Race? Absolutely not. It’s been difficult at times and I’m gonna be honest, the world race isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. But I know for a fact that God called me to this. He called me to step out in faith and be His hands and feet. Life can be hard, and sometimes it’s hard to be obedient. But life would be even harder if I wasn’t obedient and going down a different path that God didn’t have for me. I trust God knows what is best for me.
14. Hardest part so far on the world race? *Asked by Gerson Adame*
The hardest part so far on the world race is being away from family & loved ones. It’s hard because I miss them so much and at times I just want to be surrounded by the ones who have been there for me through it all. But during difficult times, I rely on God and try to be intentional with those around me. My squad and team mates are my family right now, so I lean on them who help me get through the tough times.
15. Are you enjoying the different cuisines in each country? *Asked by Gerson Adame*
To be honest, growing up I hated trying new foods. I knew what I liked and I knew what I did and did not want to eat (I know, I was a stubborn little thing. Still am lol). But on the world race, you can’t be picky with what you want to eat. You eat what you are given. Since being on the world race, I have been more open to trying the different foods from each country. I have enjoyed the different cuisines in each country. And let me tell you, the acai bowls in Costa Rica are to die for!
16. Has it crossed your mind to quit? How do you deal with it if so? *Asked Gerson Adame*
No. It’s hard sometimes. Sometimes I think about how my life would be right now if I was back in the States living my life like I used to. But then I think about how my life is now, how my life is now because I was obedient. I don’t plan on ever quitting. I don’t plan on quitting on God’s plans for me because He never quit on me. If it ever crosses my mind to quit, then that means I’m at rock bottom. But I’ve learned that sometimes God lets us hit rock bottom, so we will discover that He is the rock at the bottom. And that is what will help me to push through and not quit.
17. If money was no problem, where would you like to live? *Asked by Zack Noack*
That’s a good question. I don’t know if I can answer your question yet because I haven’t lived everywhere lol. Growing up, I hated change. I’d be content with living in the same city for the rest of my life. But now, I have a desire to explore the world. I would like to say that I’ve been to every continent (bucket list). But back to your question, I would like to live somewhere in the States. I love visiting other countries but that’s not where I would like to settle down. I’d be fine with living in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina. I don’t know. I haven’t been to every state yet. Looks like I’ve got a little more exploring to do. Bottom line: I can’t wait to see where God would like me to end up.
18. What animal would you say is your resemblance & why? *Asked by Dominique Rodriquez*
I asked each of my teammates what animal they thought I resemblance and they said:
- Alyx – honey badger
- Anthony – ground squirrel
- Carsyn – butterfly
- Clayton –
- Mike – cat
It’s hard for me to answer this question because I believe we don’t see ourselves correctly. For example; I don’t think I’m outgoing, smart, or talented. But I’ve been told that I am. People see things in me that I don’t see in myself. Which is why I asked my teammates to help me out. Choosing from the animals my teammates think I resemble, I think I would say that I resemblance a butterfly. You only see a butterfly for a quick moment before they flutter away. I am somewhat like that at times with others. I am careful with who I let close to me, I can come off as guarded at first. You get to see the beautiful interior of the butterfly’s wings when they stay still. And I guess I see myself like that. When I allow people to get to know me, I reveal the colors that are within me. Butterflies are known as a fragile insect. And I believe that God gave me a fragile heart for a reason.
19. Would you want to travel your whole life? *Asked by Dominique Rodriquez*
No, I love traveling but I wouldn’t want to travel my whole life. I would like to settle down some time and create a place to call my own home.
Thank you so much for all your questions and until next time(:
Yours in Christ,
Karrie
