Looking back

As a new year begins I can't help but to look back at the year passed. Two thousand and thirteen ... Twenty eight years since I was born ... Ten years since high school ... Six years since I received my nursing license ... Looking back there have been a lot of memories. But the thing that stands out the most for this year? This whole entire year has been devoted to serving with Mercy Ships.

My last official full-time job workday was 1 January. I'm in awe that God chose me to give this huge mission and that He knows and loves me so much that He fulfilled an unrealized dream in me. To help those less fortunate than myself through my profession. To love the unloved, to bring joy to the depressed by letting Jesus shine through me. I am blessed to be able to love on the people of Congo, even if it is just by holding their hand or sharing a smile. Jesus tells us to love the least of these.
 

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

- Matthew 25:40

I am so excited about what this new year holds. I will be continuing my volunteer work with Mercy Ships for the next five months and then I am trusting in God's unrevealed plan for my life. I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for helping me to be a volunteer with Mercy Ships. And thank you for loving me and being earthly examples of Jesus' love. I hope your new year is filled with God's abundant love and I challenge you to share that love with others. Reevaluate what is love to you? You never know when you could make a difference with just a smile!!

I also wanted to share a video of some of the people I love explaining what love is to them.

 

Reason

There is a reason ...
There is a reason ... I left my job in January.
There is a reason ... I volunteer my nursing skills to help others.
There is a reason ... I haven't received a paycheck in a long time.
There is a reason ... I won't see my family for nearly ten months.
There is a reason ... I live in a small cabin with five other girls.
There is a reason ... I am here and I want to share it with you.

They are the reason ...

 

I just wanted to share my heart and brighen your day with the smiling faces that light up world. I will be volunteering here on the Africa Mercy for the next five months and I pay to be here. All I want for Christmas is to be able to stay here to meet more smiling faces. If you are interested in finding out more visit my donor page at  http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/KariGriffis/ Merry Christmas!

Joyeux Noel

A few years ago a friend told me that he could see me walking down a road surrounded by little brown children. I laughed it off, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would come true. For the past two and a half years has been an unknown dream realized. Growing up I really didn't think I would leave the state of Georgia none the less go all the way to Africa ... Three times! God has blessed me beyond imagination, giving me a life that far surpassed my dreams. Being the holiday season I've been thinking about what I am thankful for this year.

My job. I get to work in the coolest hospital in the world. Like seriously, no other hospital like it.

Making life-long friends with people from all around the world. I haves group of girls that are more than friends, they are the best sisters I could ask for on the ship.

Perfume and nail polish. I know, I know material things, but I've recently acquired both through friends and it just gives you a big confidence boost.

Wi-Fi ... In Africa!

Pecan pie ... Crazy right!? But when you have been here long enough, a little slice of home is amazing.

Just the beginning of a long list of things that I will compile over the next couple weeks, months and years. I challenge you today to think about what are you thankful for? What unrealized dreams have come to pass? 

Joyeux Noel!