Family, friends, and friends who are more like family,
Exactly 1 year ago, I left for Togo- completely naive to how much I would be stretched and how God would use those 10 months to teach me so much. It was hard. It was hot. It was heartbreaking at times. My life was enriched in unexpected and significant ways. Since being back in the States, I have had the opportunity to share with many people some of the things that God is doing in Togo. And while I fit right back in at home, I still felt strongly that my time in Togo was not finished. In the midst of the conversations and prayers that followed, it made a lot of sense to go back to Togo sooner rather than later. I don't think this is too much of a surprise to most people, but I am so happy to tell you that I am headed back to Togo in October for approximately 6 months.
My time there will look slightly different since the students I worked with this past year graduated and started working in June. In the upcoming months, there are a number of projects that I'll tackle which are focused on continuing nurse education and hospital system improvements. The hospital has grown and served over 50,000 patients since it opened in 2015. My hope is that I can help to make things continue to run smoothly as the hospital provides high quality care for the coming years. I will also continue working in the hospital 2-3 days/week as well as investing in relationships with the Togolese.
Ready for the other foot to drop? Well, guess what. I'm not fundraising! How is that you ask? Well, the money you so generously donated to me last year was more than enough for my 10 months there, and is very nearly enough to cover the next six months. The rest will be self-funded, and I am blessed. That being said, some people have expressed a desire to support the ministry and the hospital, so if you are feeling led, here are some links to specific and worthy funds.
-If you donate to my account, I will either use the money for personal ministry or
for a project in which I'm involved https://www.abwe.org/work/missionaries/caroline-klingbeil
-Benevolent fund to support the care of patients who don't have the means to pay for their
hospital bill https://www.abwe.org/work/projects/hope-patient-care-fund
- Support the fund for pediatric care at the Hospital of Hope
https://www.abwe.org/work/projects/hoh-togo-pediatric-care
-Fund the Christian schools in Togo which include a new school opening in Mango in
2020. https://www.abwe.org/work/projects/bible-baptist-schools-togo
Thank you all for your continued support. I have heard from so many people who have told me they've been praying for me. This makes it both easier and harder to leave again, but I am so humbled and grateful. I would ask you to continue to pray. Pray that God will be glorified in Togo, for safe travel and health, for the ministry at the hospital, and for my relationships with the Togolese. Thank you all.
Because they haven't heard,
Caroline
