As many of you know, I sailed off for Antarctica a month ago. On March 25, 2015, I got on the Ushuaia MV and set sail for Antarctica. My port city was Ushuaia, Argentina. The pictures begin in Ushuaia. What you’re getting ready to see is my journey along the way. My goal of seeing all seven continents by my 30th birthday has been reached, finished, accomplished, and yes, fulfilled. Thanks for your support along the way. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words,
This Sums It Up
travelIt´s my first night back in Argentina. I think I´ll get some shut eye and digest what just happened a bit more tomorrow. I want to write more. Really, I do, but I can´t seem to find the words. Oh, and this keyboard is a bit strange too. I´m using the hostel´s computer and I have to figure out the correct symbols in the morning. No energy for that mystery tonight.
Sailing Off to My Dream: ANTARCTICA
UncategorizedMy heart is racing right now. I mean, really racing. This is it. This is the day. March 25, 2015. I’ve been dreaming about this day since 2011. I remember coming back from my first trip abroad and saying to myself, “I gotta see more of this world.” England and France were the countries that kicked off this journey. Being loved on by my Luton family in England motivated me to really start seeing more of this great, big world.
So in jest, I set a goal: Visit all seven continents by 30.
And one by one, I saw them. North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and today I set off for Antarctica.
I’m writing this from the bilioteca (library) in Ushuaia, Argentina. I’ll use their WiFi to call my great-grandmother (101) and my parents before boarding. My dad will probably say
See You Later, Saudi!
UncategorizedI’m scrambling to write this before my WiFi runs out. I’m at the airport in Paris getting ready to board my flight for NYC. One year in Saudi Arabia really whizzed by. I am overwhelmed by all that God did in one short year. And for this, I am truly grateful.
I’ll post more soon, but I had to take a moment….
As I was writing, I was asked to check my carry-on bag. 😦 I made it through Riyadh and Bahrain without checking it, but
Starting a Fire in Nairobi
travelMy latest “Diary of a Travel-Diva” article is live! Read the excerpt below to find out how I managed to start a fire in Kenya last fall.
This is right before the fire broke out.
Well, it was time for me to get to work. I watched my tutor show me how to push down and stir the ugali. It took just about all of my strength to stir the heavy mass of grounded corn and water. I was given a cloth to help me turn the hot pot and the wooden spoon helped me press down the dish over the open fire. Just when I thought I had gotten the hang of it, someone screamed, “It’s burning! It’s burning!” Being new to this ugali business,
REFLECTIONS
UncategorizedI was brushing my teeth this morning and looking into the mirror when this was whispered into my ear:
“Spend more time looking into your soul than in the mirror.”
How does this speak to you? Do you find yourself spending more time in front of the mirror than truly examining your soul? Which is more common? Which is more worthwhile?
Confront your soul today. Question your heart. Strengthen your being through reflection. Allow God to examine you, build you up and beautify you even the more.
These are a few of my morning reflections and journal entries that I take pleasure in sharing.
Love Always,
Karissa
My Saudiversary – Friday the 13th
travelIt’s Friday the 13th and it’s been one year since I came to Saudi Arabia and one month since I started this blog. Thanks for helping me reach nearly 1,000 visitors, 2,000 views, 31 countries, and six continents in just one month!
A special thanks to all of you who have supported me and cheered me on from my first teaching assignment three years ago in China. You add fuel to my fire in the most amazing way. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can’t write about all of the things that I’ve learned in this past year, but here are a few that came to mind.
What I’ve learned:
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster are treasured wherever you are. Thank you, Riyadh, for giving me a taste of home.
2. The sand dunes here are just like the Windows desktop screensavers, but even better.
Sandboarding in Riyadh last year.
3. Water is more expensive than gas ‘round these parts. Hearing about it is one thing, seeing my friend fill up for just a few bucks blew me away.
Human Family
UncategorizedAs I was turning on my ePodium and preparing for today’s lecture, I greeted one of my students as she walked in class. I work to make eye contact and speak to each of my students as they walk through the door. Today was no different.
I get inspired by my students’ wardrobe choices and love watching how they express themselves. Today brought a bit of a shock though.
I’ve seen a millennial sporting a RUN DMC t-shirt on the streets of Hangzhou, China.
I’ve seen breakdancing at a restaurant in Laos.
I’ve even heard this phrase while walking down the street in Sydney, Australia.
But, I wasn’t expecting to see it or hear it in my classroom in Saudi Arabia.
Praise & Worship in Saudi Arabia
UncategorizedOne of my greatest pleasures is to worship with my brothers and sisters around the world. Here in this clip, I’m at Grace Outreach Riyadh in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia leading worship this past Friday.
In Saudi Arabia we’re off on Fridays and Saturdays. Christians from over 40 nations are able to come and worship together each Friday morning without fear. This church is open to non-Muslims only and identification is checked at the door. Please pray for the work that is going on in Saudi Arabia!
Feel free to subscribe to see more praise and worship videos from my time in Riyadh. God bless!
Karissa Johnson leading worship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Grace Outreach Riyadh.
Fighting in China
travelThree years ago I moved to a dreamy city in China called Hangzhou. One of my favorite things to do after work was to go to the foot massage shop down the street from my job. For a few bucks you could get a relaxing foot massage to put you at ease, but the best therapy was this lil’ guy who gave me loads of laughs. His parents worked at the shop and he was always around to give me a plenty of entertainment.
This video captures one of our priceless moments. I never fully understood him and he never full understood me, but we absolutely, without a doubt, knew that we had a ball together.
Xiao Peng You means
sevenby30 