Meet the Team: Katie

Several of you have asked about my team.  So, I decided to feature them here on my blog so you can get to know them a bit better.  I met my partner, Katie Moore,in the Fall of 08′, just over a year ago and God subsequently directed our paths together.  Katie, who goes by Tater, graciously allowed me to interview her so that you could get to know her more.

So, Tater, that’s an interesting nickname, how did you come by that?

When I was young my best friend’s little brother started calling me “Tate,” trying to say “Kate.”  Everyone picked it up, including my family.  I’m so used to it now I sometimes do a double take when people call me Katie.  =)

Where are you from?
I was born in Missouri, but at 4 months old my parents moved to South America, where I lived until I graduated from high school.

You have an interesting connection to one of the other team members.  How do you guys know each other?
Dan Alkire is also an MK (missionary kid) from South America.  While we didn’t exactly hang out together (he’s an oldie) we’ve known each other for a long time.  In fact, my dad taught Dan in elementary school and I’m now teaching Dan’s son, Josiah.

How did you come to be in tribal missions?
I have always had a positive outlook on missions, but when I was in 11^th grade I really began to think seriously about it.  I was visiting a friend whose parents worked in a tribal location and listening to them talk about the translation work on the book of Philippians.  It hit me one day that I can read that book in 6 different versions in my house and much of the world has never heard it in one.  I want to be a part of doing something about that.

What is your role on the church-planting team?

I am the Spinster Schoolmarm.  That’s right…you heard me.  I teach the teams’ children in a one-room schoolhouse type class.  I have always had a desire to work with MK’s and a passion for discipleship.  I love to see their minds grow and how God stretches their hearts as well.

What color should we paint our house?
Pink.  Barbie pink.  It suits both of our girly personalities.  Uhhh…  Ummm…  I think we need to talk about this...

Are you going to be okay living with a Cowboys fan who sometimes listens to country?
Well, we won’t have any TV in the tribe, so no worries about the Cowboys.  Plus, I don’t care if you watch basketball, as long as I don’t have to pretend to be excited every time someone scores a goal.  (Snicker, snicker) As far as country music goes…well, that seems like a discussion more well-suited to a different time and place…

Okay, you’ve visited the village where we’ll be living now, what was your impression?  What did you like about the people group and the village?
I loved it there and can’t wait for our team to truly make it our home.  The scenery is beautiful and the people were generous, warm, and approachable.  I know we have a huge task ahead of us, but I can’t wait to get going.

If you could travel and visit one place in the world, where would you go, and why?

For purely touristy reasons, I would probably pick somewhere on the Mediterranean, maybe Italy or Greece.  I don’t know why, but pictures of that part of the world have always fascinated me.  A little closer to home, the Grand Canyon is definitely on my list of things to see, along with some other cool western states spots.  When on furlough my family normally sticks to New York and Michigan.

What is a Scripture that has been encouraging you lately?
In Bible class my students and I have been talking about the Word of God and reading Gutenberg’s biography.  He was a man who believed that people needed to be able to read the Bible for themselves and not just take another person’s word for it.  In the Psalms, King David said that “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”  I don’t always live like I believe that, but I long to.  Just as I long for the Nahuatl and other unreached people to have the chance to see it for themselves and love it.

Anything else you want to tell the internet?
Ah, yes…the internet is such a warm, personable place.  I do have one more thing, though.  If you’re reading this, you probably know Rachel.  Thank you to all of you who support and pray for her and in that way, for our team.  She in an example and encouragement to me and an important part of the group God has brought together to do a job.  And because she counts on you, we thank you for being part of that team as well.