Here I am. Its seems like yesterday I dreamed of being a missionary. Of “going into the world and preaching the gospel” seeing peoples lives won for Christ. Dreaming but never in my wildest imagination would I have ever dreamed this.
At 15 years old I felt so passionate about missions (Russia especially) that I called Rev. Mike Larkin and drilled him with questions and explained my passion for the lost and the hurting. 12 years later I found myself sitting in his living room with my husband and 2 small boys confirming details about working in Papua New Guinea.
God’s plan is so big. My husband Paul is 3rd generation missionary. What’s even funnier is that he is 3rd generation missionary to Papua New Guinea. Don’t be ashamed, I too had never heard of this small island country in the south pacific. Paul’s grandparents and parents moved to PNG as a team. Their roles were to become the President of the Foursquare work in PNG and the General Supervisor. I still laugh when I imagine my husband growing up here and now our sons will have the same privlage.
One of the main things that drew Paul and I together was our passion for missions. As a young married couple we often talked and dream of going on the field together. Paul telling me stories of his trips to Kenya, South Africa, Mexico, Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea. Me? I’ve never been outside North America. Not even to Mexico. I’m as green as green anyone.
“Missions” is a general word and I am continually learning what the word “missionary” means. I believe a missionary is primarily called to LOVE God’s people as He would love them. Every day I ask God to help me show His love to His people, and by showing that love show them Himself. I fall short so often. But more than anything I want at the end of my life to hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant”. I don’t want anything to hold me back from serving my Lord. Not my love for Target or Starbucks, not my selfish desires to get new clothes or paint my nails or my passionate love of being comfortable, nothing. I want to serve Him UNRESERVEDLY. Everyday He teaches me how to die to myself and life for Him. Everyday is an adventure.
I love that I get to serve with my best friend and our two amazing mighty men. I’m so grateful for their hugs, kisses, laughs here in PNG. And I love how much my boys love PNG and the people here.
Sometimes I try to peer into my future…will I be a missionary for life? Always. Because I am called to love God’s people, where ever and however He leads me.
Carina, Love your blog. Will keep your family in my prayers. It blesses me to know someone so sold out for the Lord. I will pray for Gods safety and health for all your family and for God to continue to use you mightily.
Really liked your blog Carina… neat and nice… keep it up!
Dear Carina,
I am so blessed to see the pic. of your wonderful adventure with the Lord. I loved reading about the people and the funny stories about the bugs. I don’t know if you remember me, I went with you, Lianna and Kara to Seattle at Christmas time. Im the one who drove. Any way, You and your family have been on my heart and I thought Id check out your web-sight, and see how you all are doing. I will be sending you some pasta and some other yummies here soon.
God bless,
Michelle Passey
Hi Carina,
How are you? I was checking out Diana DePriest’s blog and she had you on there. So I was decided to see what’s happening on your side of the world. You guys look so good and so happy. I truly see the joy of the Lord in your eyes. I just wanted to say hi and let you know I took a peek.
Love ya,
Jayme
Wow…i always new you would do something great with your life Carina…I found your parents and Brother and your Mother sent me your site….I think what you are doing is amazing and it takes a strong person to be able to pull through it. Your family is as beautiful as you are inside and out. Congratulations on your beautiful boys Carina.
Lots of Love
Brandy
wow,the boys are getting so big. I miss all of you. I miss your
beautiful smile and your beautiful voice .Tears came to my eyes as I saw your picture up on stage singing. but the tears of miss you became tears of joy knowing how much the Lord is using you to bless so many more.hugs and more hugs, Virginia
(aka the cafe lady)
HI Virginia!!!
I miss you guys!!! I was thinking about how much I love your (and Shayne’s) laugh!!! Thank you so much for your prayers and hugs!!! My boys are getting huge and still addicted to donuts (here in PNG they are 16cents (US)). We love it hear so much and we know it’s cause we are wear God wants us to be.
Love you tons
Hi Carina! I’ve been thinking about you and wanted you to know how proud I am of you and your family! I bet the boys are getting so big! Hugs and my prayers for you all. Richie.
Hi Carina,
my name is Anna and i used to work in Cambodia for 6 years and moved back to the States about 1 1/2 years ago. I hosted a team for your husband a few years ago too. Anyways, I was googling Papua New Guinea and came across your blogs, and spent some time going through your time in PNG. You are a better communicator than i ever was, i think i sent out maybe 2 newsletters/email updates a year
Anways, just wanted to encourage you today, to continue to always walk in His presence… to put your relationship with Him above all else.
I love that you have your boys with you, they will have an amazing life…
My name is Aubrey, and I go to a foursquare church in Utah. I am learning about missionaries, and I need to ask a missionary a couple of questions for an assignment. Can you answer them for me?
What’s the best thing about being a missionary?
How is life different for your family?
Thank you so much!
I share mission stories with my church. This month I will share Nana’s story. I really enjoyed your blog and will look for more. Thank you and our prayers are with you and the people of PNG.
hey, my name is vanessa and im 19 from london uk, i got through to your block by visiting the foursquare church website…your blog has actually inspired and encouraged me about the missions. I’m believing God to also go on the missions after my studies one day…my church has the same type of grace by sending missionaries out all over the world…keep up the good work because your labour is definately not in vain xxblessings
Hi Carina!
My name is Alex, and I’m from Ontario Canada. Right now however, I’m living in Australia. I came here to do missions work with YWAM and have just recently returned from spending 3 months in Papua New Guinea! My mom stumbled across your blog while I was away and thought I’d enjoy reading about your adventures, as I can relate to many of the experiences you’ve had! My mom mentioned that she read something about you going to the village of Hula? Not sure if that’s true, but i lived in Hula for 3 weeks and did teaching there, work with the clinic etc. I’d love to chat to you abotu some things, and just where God is leading you in PNG!
Talk soon!
Alex
Thanks so much! I often reflect on our lunch with you and Ps Mike and your encouraging words to us. Love you!