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,
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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
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
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 & Karisa in Kenya
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It was an honor to meet this man named Karisa. Before I left for Kenya, a Kenyan friend of mine let me know that I had a man’s name and I’d probably meet a man named Karisa while traveling. Well, I met two while in Kenya. I learned that the Chonyi name for Karisa means shepherd or herder. What an honor to carry such a great name.
Chatting with Buddhist Monks in Laos
UncategorizedI’ll always cherish my time with these warm young men in Luang Prabang, Laos. They’d love to see you, so make sure you venture out to Luang Prabang when you’re in the lovely country of Laos.
The Top Five Things I’ve Learned While Traveling the Globe
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Traveling is wonderful fun, yet it can also be a great learning experience. Here are the top five things I’ve learned while traveling the globe!
1) Ask
Although I have over a dozen countries under my belt, I still consider myself a new traveler. I’ve only been at this thing for three years, and in every country I’ve visited, I’ve learned the importance of asking questions.
It doesn’t matter if you feel ashamed for asking a simple question, ask it. It can save you time, energy, and money.
Put your pride to the side and ask for help. You might have to mime it—like I did my first week in China, when I was asking for toilet paper—but just ask!
See more at: gospeltoday.com
