My house
Since leaving France a little over a year ago I’ve moved 5 times! I’ve stayed in different people’s homes while they were on home assignment and while they were home (thanks Jessica, Saskia, Bergeijks and Wengers!!). Well, two months ago I moved into my very own house here in Koutiala. It’s so nice to have a place I can settle into and to finally unpack my boxes!
This is the outside wall of my place. I live on a corner just a block down from the mission.
Here’s my house!!
To the left of my house I have a garden with corn, tomatoes, lettuce, green peppers and lots of eggplant. I also have banana trees, papaya trees (picture), and three different kinds of mango trees. Life is delicious!
These next pictures will show you the transformation that took place inside the house:
<—– My living room and dining room before.
After a fresh coat of paint, tiling, and curtains. —->
<—The old kitchen – it had four cupboards and not enough room for both the stove and the fridge. This is now my wash/storage room.
The new kitchen.—->
Jake is a nurse out the hospital. In March, his dad came to Mali with a team and built this kitchen from scratch. The room use to be an outside storeroom that they converted into this beautiful kitchen. It wasn’t easy since the floor sloped quick a bit and the walls weren’t at a perfect 90 degree angle. It made for some creativity, but the results are wonderful!!
Here are the men who helped out with all the tiling. They did a fantastic job and even left me a little surprise on my porch…
In all honesty, my initial reaction to this “surprise” wasn’t exactly positive. I started thinking of ways to cover it up but then, once I really stopped to think about how much time and effort went into this and the fact that these four men had come up with this idea on their own, I was really quite touched. This just makes it a girl house now =)
Thanks for the post! It was very helpful to visualize where you are. I now have it set up so that all new blogposts send me an email notification. I’m pretty happy about that!
You have done a great job with your house and transforming it into your ‘home’! So do you do the gardening work yourself? God bless you, friend! 
September 18, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Hey Makala! I don’t do the gardening work myself. I have a house guy that helps out with things like that. Hope you’re doing well! Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
September 21, 2011 at 9:15 am
Wow, Kristen…What a great little house!! how nice to have your own place after so many years of transition and living in places you could not call your own. Are you renting or were you able to buy this home? I am finally leaving as well, a week from tomorrow. Take care!!
September 18, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Hey Bethany! I’m actually just renting this place. I’m so excited for you that you’re leaving for Africa soon!! I bet you’re pretty excited as well. Can’t wait to hear stories and see your pics!
September 21, 2011 at 9:14 am
Kristen, this is so awesome to see it completed! It seems like it wasn’t that long ago we were there with you as you picked out a refrigerator and tile! God bless you in all you are doing in Koutiala!! My prayers are always with all of you over there!
September 18, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Thanks Matt!
September 21, 2011 at 12:32 am
Ha. Love the heart. Where is that tiling in your house?
The blue shutters are so cute and I also like your two trees out front.
Looks perfect for you! Enjoy decorating and getting settled.
September 18, 2011 at 10:09 pm
whoop whoo!! Congratulations!! I’m am very happy to finally see beautiful photos of your house!
September 19, 2011 at 6:24 am
I am so happy for you and that you finally have a place of our own as you give yourself to God’s work. It is obvious that you were chosen because he has AMAZING plans for you. You definitely demonstrate the strength and commitment to take on such a challenging but even more rewarding commitment! Your house is beautiful. I absolutely love the heart tiling at the entry…yes, it is a girl’s house…but it also signifies that it is a house of love, compassion, and understanding. Take care! God Bless and stay safe! -Kelly Vande Vreugde
September 25, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Thanks so much for your encouragement Kelly!
October 1, 2011 at 11:40 pm
I just read your site to Jolyn and Katelyn. The kitchen is awesome. what a change from what it was like. The rest of the rooms look good too. Can’t wait to see it in person. In about three and 1/2 months I’ll be there. Hard to believe. I like the comment about what the heart signifies. I think it definitely applies to you.
Love, Mom
October 1, 2011 at 9:17 pm
It is hard to believe it’s just 3 1/2 months! I can’t wait! I was just telling someone today how nice it’ll be to show you around Mali and give you an idea about my life and work here. Give everyone lots of hugs and kisses from me!
October 1, 2011 at 11:42 pm