Cari Found Life and Love in Service
Donation protected
It is with mixed emotions that I leave behind my career as a software application developer to leap head-first into the unpredictable world of starting a non-profit called OneRefuge. I will be joining my soon-to-be husband, Andy Larsen, in that we will both be in self-funded vocations (Andy works ecumenically in peacemaking and bridge-building between faith communities). Many of you have asked how you can help bless us on this journey. Read on to learn more about our story…
As I learned more about the global refugee crisis, as a World Vision Child Ambassador, and then found myself immersed locally in refugee resettlement efforts, I became friends with many incredibly brave people as they worked to integrate here. It became personal for me then and it wrecked my heart. I found hope in the idea of connecting people like me - and unlike me - to help rebuild community here and also redefine it for the better, for all of us. This hope is steeped in the Love that compels me to help us “see” each other as unique, beautiful and valued human beings. When that happens, the ripple reaches well beyond our walls, our labels and our comfort zone.
Then I found love!! Mingled in all the connecting of amazing people, I met my love, Andy Larsen! Well, we met a couple of years ago but heads turned last March. Bam!! Both of us goners! And, here we go... in February we tie the knot! I am so thankful for my soulmate and partner, who is rowing in the same boat and in the same direction. We both believe that helping people connect and understand each other conquers so many things like fear, prejudice and even hostility and opens up possibilities for reconciliation and recognition of our shared humanity. And, he loves olives, doesn’t care for beets and adores me. Need I say more?
Now, as we embark on our new life together, I have followed the still small (and persistent) voice telling me to leave the cozy tech nest I’ve been in and dive into... life!! The unpredictable, scary (with zero funding as of 12:06am on January 23rd - heck yah!), messy, blessed, heartbreaking, love and hope-filled life in the non-profit world. I have been working with some colleagues on our fledgling 501c3 called OneRefuge and am compelled to give it my all (stay tuned for blogs, info sessions etc as that develops further). So, my last official day as a full time software developer is next Friday, February 2nd...!!!
As part of this transition I am taking a sabbatical so I can focus our OneRefuge team’s efforts on fun things like federal filings, policies and procedures, training programs and tools. Then at the end of March, Andy and I will travel abroad for 12 weeks as we immerse ourselves in listening and becoming students of those who seek peace in the Holy Land, those who support refugees in crisis and in resettlement (in Jordan and in Sweden respectively), and of each other and God. I hope to improve my Arabic and pick up some grant-writing skills as well. I might even do some personal writing!
I’ve never done anything quite like this before but I’ve always dreamt of it. My hope is that you’ll partner with me in this time of transition by helping me cover the costs of the trip (I’m at $4k and change so far and that’s just flights and the first 10 days) and maybe a mortgage payment or two if I may be so bold. If you’ve read this far then maybe you might like to join us on this adventure! Either way, thank you for letting me share my heart and my joy with you. I’ll be honored to share more with you as things unfold.
As OneRefuge attains its non-profit status sometime this year, we’ll be able to register with many employers for matching donations and your donations from that point on will be tax-deductible. Then maybe my income can become more stable as an employee. So, please pray with us as we launch out on this great adventure of life, love and learning.
All my best, Cari
As I learned more about the global refugee crisis, as a World Vision Child Ambassador, and then found myself immersed locally in refugee resettlement efforts, I became friends with many incredibly brave people as they worked to integrate here. It became personal for me then and it wrecked my heart. I found hope in the idea of connecting people like me - and unlike me - to help rebuild community here and also redefine it for the better, for all of us. This hope is steeped in the Love that compels me to help us “see” each other as unique, beautiful and valued human beings. When that happens, the ripple reaches well beyond our walls, our labels and our comfort zone.
Then I found love!! Mingled in all the connecting of amazing people, I met my love, Andy Larsen! Well, we met a couple of years ago but heads turned last March. Bam!! Both of us goners! And, here we go... in February we tie the knot! I am so thankful for my soulmate and partner, who is rowing in the same boat and in the same direction. We both believe that helping people connect and understand each other conquers so many things like fear, prejudice and even hostility and opens up possibilities for reconciliation and recognition of our shared humanity. And, he loves olives, doesn’t care for beets and adores me. Need I say more?
Now, as we embark on our new life together, I have followed the still small (and persistent) voice telling me to leave the cozy tech nest I’ve been in and dive into... life!! The unpredictable, scary (with zero funding as of 12:06am on January 23rd - heck yah!), messy, blessed, heartbreaking, love and hope-filled life in the non-profit world. I have been working with some colleagues on our fledgling 501c3 called OneRefuge and am compelled to give it my all (stay tuned for blogs, info sessions etc as that develops further). So, my last official day as a full time software developer is next Friday, February 2nd...!!!
As part of this transition I am taking a sabbatical so I can focus our OneRefuge team’s efforts on fun things like federal filings, policies and procedures, training programs and tools. Then at the end of March, Andy and I will travel abroad for 12 weeks as we immerse ourselves in listening and becoming students of those who seek peace in the Holy Land, those who support refugees in crisis and in resettlement (in Jordan and in Sweden respectively), and of each other and God. I hope to improve my Arabic and pick up some grant-writing skills as well. I might even do some personal writing!
I’ve never done anything quite like this before but I’ve always dreamt of it. My hope is that you’ll partner with me in this time of transition by helping me cover the costs of the trip (I’m at $4k and change so far and that’s just flights and the first 10 days) and maybe a mortgage payment or two if I may be so bold. If you’ve read this far then maybe you might like to join us on this adventure! Either way, thank you for letting me share my heart and my joy with you. I’ll be honored to share more with you as things unfold.
As OneRefuge attains its non-profit status sometime this year, we’ll be able to register with many employers for matching donations and your donations from that point on will be tax-deductible. Then maybe my income can become more stable as an employee. So, please pray with us as we launch out on this great adventure of life, love and learning.
All my best, Cari
Organizer
Cari Conklin
Organizer
Seattle, WA
