Dear family, friends, and friends who are more like family,For the last 18 months, I've had opportunities for spiritual, relational, personal, and professional growth that I couldn't ever have imagined for myself. What started out for me as a blind leap of faith has become a place, a people, and a project that has captivated me. God is actively working on people's hearts in Togo, and I have been privileged to witness so much of His goodness and grace. Incredibly and humbly, I do feel like my skill set has been used to effectively contribute to the mission of the Hospital of Hope and my team here in Mango. My short term commitment is quickly coming to a close, but as many people have guessed, I believe there is more for me to do in Togo.
*Deep breath in before the plunge*
I am thrilled, nervous, and excited to announce that I will be transitioning to a mid-term commitment with ABWE for a 3 year term.
*Big exhale* Let me break it down for you.
Who? Me. Through ABWE. With my team in Mango, Togo.
What? My primary role will be to assist in training the next class of Togolese nursing students. They will undergo a 3 year program, and I hope to see them through its' entirety. My responsibilities will be a lot of clinical coordination and training on nursing skills as well as some teaching and administration work. I will continue to work as a nurse in the hospital and continue other nursing projects when possible.
When? The nursing program is scheduled to start in May or June of 2021. The goal is for me to be there. However, for me to be the most effective educator that I can be, I need to improve my French skills. Before returning to Togo, I will be going to language school in Switzerland for 4-5 months. That moves the approximate departure date to January 2021. Potential completion of my term would be in June of 2024.
Where? Uh.... Togo. With a pit stop in Switzerland.
Why? Let me tell you about the people in the photo below. By 'coincidence', the two girls showed up at the hospital on the same day and were diagnosed with the same type of cancer and started chemotherapy on the exact same day. I've been training several nurses in giving chemo, so I have been present for nearly every one of their treatments. In between their chemo cycles, they stay together in our cuisine. Both girls have been so strong and have become precious to me. The little munchkin on the left of the picture changes his shirt when he knows I'm coming and has spent a lot of time in my arms. Last week, we were all having a coloring party together, and one of the girls made me the picture I posted below.
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| F and R with their moms and little brother S |
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| "Good trip Caroline, and may God be with you. Thank you for the joy you give and for the support you give." |
Why am I committing to 3 years in a country where 100 degrees is a normal temperature? They're why. Because of the ministry of the hospital, these girls have gotten treatment unavailable anywhere else in Togo, but more importantly, they've gotten to hear about Jesus and the hope that He gives.
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| Teaching new nursing protocols |
When the new nursing class starts, the new students will become influential and respected members of their community and will have the opportunity to care for and speak into the lives of thousands of Togolese over many years. Most of the students will not be believers. Why am I committing to 3 years in a country with snakes, lizards, and bug infestations? They're why. I don't even know them yet, but the opportunity that those students will have to influence the community is powerful. Please join me even now in praying for the selection of these students and their openness to the Gospel.
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| Dinner with my twin's mom |
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| Sewing school girls |
The girls from the sewing school come from hard backgrounds. I haven't had the opportunity to learn all of their stories, but Bible study with them has been a highlight of this trip. Ask me to show you the video of them dancing the Chicken Dance in our yard. There is nothing happier. Why am I committing 3 years away from family, friends, and what I consider comfortable? They're why.
How? Not alone. When I started the process of coming to Togo 2 years ago, I was blown away by the amount of support I received. I've continued to receive that support during my time here which has made an incredible impact on my ministry. My hope is that my supporters don't just have a financial investment, but that as I share stories, are also able to pray and rejoice and mourn alongside me. Now that I'm taking the plunge, I am asking for you to take part in it with me.
As I transition back to the States, I will start a process of sharing more about my time here and raising support. Please start prayerfully considering if you are able to join my team both prayerfully and financially. The transition from short-term to mid-term does require a substantial increase in support requirements. I will now be an employee of ABWE instead of a volunteer which adds costs for insurance, taxes, and different ministry funds. I will need to reach the amount of just over 3,000 dollars per month for the duration of my time in Togo as well as my months of language school in Switzerland. One time gifts will go towards expenses like travel and language school while monthly gifts will make up a majority of my support for the upcoming 3 years.
If you feel led to give, you can visit the ABWE website here: https://www.abwe.org/work/missionaries/caroline-klingbeil (Note: it still says short-term, but that will be changed shortly). If you are committing to a monthly gift, please make sure you choose that option. It is also possible to set a future start date, so even if you do not start giving until I leave in January, please go ahead and indicate that you plan on giving. This way, I can get financial clearance as soon as possible.
While raising financial support is the practical means of getting me back to Togo, I am also seeking people to join me in praying for the people and ministry in Togo. If you want to know how to pray more specifically, I would love to share more stories about how God is working in Togo. If you would like to set up a time to talk, please let me know.
Thank you in advance for being readers and supporters who take the plunge with me. Thank you for listening to the stories. Thank you for praying. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
See you soon!
Because they haven't heard,
Caroline
