I am absolutely blown away by God and how he has surrounded me with His unconditional love these past months. I never knew he could work through so many people to support me on my missions trip and help make any of this possible. Without my supporters I would not be embarking on this new journey and chapter of my life, so I want to thank you.
First and foremost, I thank my amazing family who have been nothing but supportive and excited for me, and for being such key instruments in my walk with Jesus. Thanks, Mom, for taking off work for a week and helping me with preparations, even when I got cranky. J I hope I can impart even just some of the love that you have shown me to those I meet in Swazi. Thanks, Dad, for your constant support and lightening my mood with your humor! Thanks Em, John, and baby Justus for taking time to come see me amidst your moving from Nashville! Thanks Justin for never ceasing to make me laugh, and even though I denied your offer to get me a weapon for defense, I appreciate you wanting to protect me. Thanks Garret for just wanting to spend time with me, appreciating me, being excited for me, and loving me. Thanks, Laura, for just being you! You have a servant’s heart and I am encouraged by you. I love you all so much!
Secondly, I want to thank my church at home, St. Mary’s of the Nativity, for the overwhelming movement of support and love for me and my trip. I have been moved to tears by all of your donations, contributions, and ministry supplies for the trip. It is truly amazing how we can be truly united as one body, and I thank God for that. I am so blessed to be a part of this church community!
Thirdly, my trip would not have been possible without the generous donations of these important people:
Theresa Stephens, Hugo Wilms, Bob Hurley, G & G Martin, Justin Tyson, Mitch Woldt, Katie Josephson, St. Mary’s CCW, Ellen James, Deb Lightfoot, Father Mark, Chris Owen, Jayne Boebel, Mr. and Mrs. Huggett, Bev Matthews, the O’Herrins, Kathy Turco, the Hack Family, Emily Sear, Eileen Bender and Religious Ed. students, Terry and Donna Ludkey, Richard Raab, Kathy Haack, Susan Leeper, William Dorsey, Barb Hegna, Ralph and Linda Robinson, Kim Erb, Teresa Tyson, Jim Raab, Sharon Holz, Gini Frey, Kathleen Rickerson, Cheryl Saldana, Kay Vincent, G & G Raab, Linda Engels, Mark Ducklow, Taryn Johnson, Dayn Lukes, Holly Anderson, Kirsten and Megan, Molly Downes, Zack Szyman, Sam Consodine, Joe Freidel, Nancy Chadwick, Sabrina, Kath Eaton, Sarah Mattson, Sarah Meeuson, Jody and Jim Brown, Kim Stricker, Angela Hurley, Lauren Erb, Heather Meinholz, Barb Kloepping, the Reamers, the Kurts, all the others of you who donated items for the ministry supplies, and any and all of you who have made me feel so special and loved (Jenna, thanks for the going away party)!
Last but certainly not least…thank you to all of you who have already been praying for me and who will be praying for me on the trip! I would not be able to do this without you! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy days to spend time in prayer. How great is the power of prayer! 
Oh, and one more…thank you to my team members whom I will be meeting in one day! Thank you, ahead of time, for working with me, sharing in the struggles and joys that are ahead of us, and serving our Lord and Savior together as one body!
With the bottom of my heart I send each of you my love and appreciation for your impact in my life. God has left me breathless and in awe of His mighty presence as he has worked through each of you. May you be blessed this summer as you have been a blessing to me!
I leave for Swaziland with grateful heart, giving thanks for YOU!
MK!!
I will be praying for you ALOT!!
Just saying hi and good luck!!! I hope you spread your love and faith and touch those in need!!! LOVE!!! I’ll LOVE!!:>
Kate, We are so proud of you!
Yes we will be praying for you and your team. We know you are special, and can’t wait to hear how
you will be impacting people. (Dad)
I can only say the same thing as DAD. We are very proud of you and miss you already.
Hope you have time to read those cards I wrote for you Every other day. Love, Mom
Mary Kate,
Hi. I’m Jessie Demary’s mom. I’ve read everyone’s blogs and loved them all. I can tell everyone is really on fire for Christ and pumped for this mission. I am, of course, praying for all of you, and at this very moment offering thanks for the teams safe arrival.
For some reason, MK, your blog stood out. Maybe because you were bald – ha ha, but probably not. I just wanted you to know that I love your spirit and your blogs and your ability to share. You remind me of Jesse.
I’ll be praying for all of you diligently I’m sure God will reveal himself and his love in amazing new ways.
Give Jessie a hug for me.
God Bless,
Diane Demary
Hey Kate.
Ah, I just want you to have another post up here updating us already! I’ve been thinking of you often, amidst the moving in madness, etc… I want you back already, but I do want you to grow throughout your time there in Africa. I have been praying for you the last few days and will continue. So much more to say, sis, and so much more to learn together about our Lord & His word; but now is not that time… Most will have to wait until you return! (& then there will be MORE to say!!) Update us when you can.
In our Amazing Lord & Savior,
Em, John, Justus
Mary Kate! I am missing you, thinking about you and praying for you! I am so excited to hear all about your trip. I know that it will be life changing. Keep trusting and praising God even in the hard times. You are such an amazing woman of God and I know that He is going to use you this summer in mighty ways! I’ll be waiting for another update from you:) Love you so much girl!
Marissa
Hi Mary Kate. I’ve been thinking of you and wondering when it is that you land in Africa. My thoughts and prayers are with you this summer. I can’t imagine the things that you will see and experience during this trip. I’ll be showing the kids where you are on the map and sharing your website with them. I pray for God’s peace in your heart and strength and encouragement for your days ahead. Great job!
Heather Odenbach
hey kate!
just wanted to see how things are going for you…. i’m thinking of you and praying for you constantly! i hope you are truly enjoying your time there and i am sure that the Lord has some great big awesome plans for you while you’re there! my thoughts and prayers are with you! i hope you’re doing well! i love and miss you! 🙂
jenna 🙂
Hi Kate,
We are very proud of you. You brought me to tears with your sincere thank yous to your family. They are as lucky to have you as you are to have them!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that your love and gift of faith will be absorbed by those you touch. We also pray that God will keep you safe while you are away from home. Love always, Aunt Chris and Uncle Mike
Mary Kate,
You amaze me! I am praying for you as you embark on this wonderful mission. Can’t wait to hear all about it!