A number of years ago, Tim and I were asked to help a young Australian teacher learn more about the literacy work we do.  The young woman’s name was Karen and it was clear that she had the right skill-set to work cross-culturally and teach literacy.  We encouraged her to get further training and come back.  She did that, and now she is one of our colleagues.

Today, Karen is making a difference in the lives of many women who have never had the opportunity to learn to read.  She has developed a Bible-based literacy program that incorporates learning how to read with Scripture and song.  She started in the Pijin language and is now branching out to other languages.  She trains local teachers how to use the program and is leaving scores of happy women in her wake who can now read God’s Word for themselves.

But Karen’s ministry here isn’t limited to literacy. She has befriended many young women who have needed a Christian friend to help them over some bumps in life.  She is compassionate and patient and at the same time shows tough love when it is needed.

Then there are Karen’s younger friends.  She loves babies and kids and they love her.  ‘Aunt’ Karen is loved by the MK’s and they enjoy spending time with her.  And then there is her namesake, ‘Baby Karen’, the child of one of Karen’s many friends.

Today we had the privilege of helping to celebrate ‘Small Karen’s’ 2nd birthday. In a pink dress at morning tea time, we sang happy birthday and ate pink iced cake.  Small Karen was delighted with the attention and it was a blessing to help celebrate this little gift from God.

It also felt like we were celebrating ‘Big’ Karen as well. You can see in the photos how very much she loves this little girl and how much ‘Small Karen’ loves her.  It’s a beautiful thing to see and we are grateful for our compassionate and fun loving friend and colleague, Karen.

This dolly was our gift to Small Karen – I was tickled to find a doll with brown skin, though I’m not sure what to think about the blue eyes on the doll! : )