Mission Builder interview: Katharina
23rd July to 8th September 2006

Allison: Why are you here at the Seamill Centre? Katharina: I am a mission builder, that means I support the base by doing all sorts of practical stuff. Allison: Like what? Katharina: Helping in the garden, cleaning, painting furniture and things like that.

Allison: What brought you to this base in particular?
Katharina: Well I wanted to go to an English-speaking country and I've already been to America, I'm going to study in England, and so what's left? Scotland! And the Seamill Centre looked so good on the internet (laughs).

Allison: Would you say that you've learned a lot while you've been here?
Katharina: Well I learned how to use a power sander (laughs). I've learned a lot about trusting God. I decided a few weeks ago to go with the base staff on their outreach, but I had no idea where the money would come from, or if my home church would be able to help support me. But the money came. It was a big step of faith.
And I learned that I can eat flapjack four times a day and still crave it!

Allison: What's your favorite thing about Scotland so far, besides the flapjack (laughs).
Katharina: Tunnock's Tea Cakes? (more laughter). I love the beaches here, and that weird British sense of humor. I also really like shopping in Glasgow and watching the people there.

Allison: What kinds of things have you done here that you probably wouldn't have done at home? Katharina: Well, that spontaneous, four-person Ceilidh(traditional Scottish dance) to Cuban salsa music in the hall at 10:30 at night. Allison: Yeah, I guess we were a little bored that night (laughs). Katharina: and we had a bonfire and played rugby on the beach, and some of us went picnicking by the giant windmills overlooking the coast. Allison: Have things been different than you expected? Katharina: I thought there would be more people here, but it's the summer time and things are slower then. Even though I expected more people I think it's good the way it is because I've gotten to know the people that are around a lot better. And I expected the weather to be worse. It didn’t rain as much as I thought it would.

Allison: What about your time here has been difficult?
Katharina: Every new beginning is hard. Especially going to a country that doesn't speak your mother tongue. You don't know if you will fit into the community or if you will like it. I don’t really like cooking for myself. I miss a good Austrian Schnitzel and good bread; I need my mother to cook for me (laughs).

Allison: Overall, what would you say was the biggest thing that God has taught you while you've been here?
Katharina: That He needs to be the centre of my life, not only here, but also at home. Nothing is more satisfying than living for Him.

Allison: Do you think you would recommend mission building to someone who was considering it?
Katharina: Of course, the Seamill Centre is amazing, the staff are amazing, the beach at Seamill is amazing. And then, there's the feeling of doing something useful that is so good, too. Just to see how I, one person, can improve things and see the results of my work. I always recommend going somewhere else for a time just because getting to know another culture is so good for getting to know yourself and your own culture better. It helps you to be more tolerant of other people, I guess.

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-:- to request a mission builder application form, email personnel@ywamscotland.org