Kathi Perry | Serving in Ireland

The last year was a tough one for me! It began with an aortic valve replacement on January 3rd. (My heart is completely healthy now!) In May I completed an M.A. in Practical Theology at Barclay College. My landlord gave me notice that he intended to sell the house I’d lived in for eight years, and on September 1st I moved into an apartment. In October I had my right knee replaced, and six weeks later (the day after I was cleared to drive) I got COVID-19 for the first time! My body is tired!

There is an old tradition in Ireland, on New Year’s Eve, you open the back door to let the old year out, and at midnight, open the front door to let the New Year in.  I like the symbolism of this. We have the chance to start again (honestly, we can start again any day, every day). I’m ready to put 2023 behind me and start again. Paul says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17,18).

I have been overwhelmed by the care of the people around me, and so grateful. The “Little Friends” families and people from the Nazarene Church have driven me to appointments, brought meals and groceries, collected prescriptions, and taken me for walks. A friend from the North came and spent a weekend with me, which was very helpful. And every child who came by left a message on my bathroom mirror.

And I am thankful for each of you. Your prayers and support have carried me through 2023. And looking forward to 2024!

Kathi Perry

Download this month’s full prayer letter here…

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