Job Qualifications

One of the items listed on my job description is:
"Adaptable, flexible and patient in situations that change frequently and/or move slowly".

I wondered if I was exhibiting that as I waited in the immigration office at the Kinshasa airport this morning as the flight I was supposed to be on departed. There were some complications with my visa that will be set right tomorrow or Tuesday with our long-term missionary visas. But this morning was frustrating, having gone through the stress of the taxi being an hour late, not knowing who would escort me through all the hoops at the airport (an official job here called "protocol"), trying to keep my backpack and carry-on with me and not let them make me check one of them, etc. I won't go into detail. There were some tears, at which point I wondered if I was living up to the qualifications I knew this job would require.

Eventually, I was reminded of God's sovereignty and decided to let go of the frustration and look for what he wanted me to be doing here. Because I'm here in Kinshasa indefinitely but no longer than a week (with Mark, thankfully! He was going to stay a week longer than me for work.) But this week is important as we are making our final decisions about who will be our Seed participants!

BUT I had a really good laugh with Mark over one of the things that happened during the adventure at the airport. I was sitting on some stairs, waiting for the taxi to return to pick me up after having missed my flight. Not in the best mood. A Strange Man (SM) approached me.

SM: Hello, What is your name?
Karen: I don't tell strangers my name.
SM: I work here at the airport.
K: ...silence.
SM: I love you.
K: I'm married.
SM: How many children do you have?
K: Lots.
SM:?
K: A LOT
SM: Like three?
K: Yes, three.
SM: Okay, thank you. (walks away)
K: (watched him walk away)

I hope this brings some laughter to you, too! Thanks for reading!