While Kara was still working in South Africa she entrusted me to find an apartment in New York City for us to live in upon her return. I was flattered to see that she had such faith in me, but Kara's faith and her trust in those that she knew were astounding. I know she knew me probably better than I knew myself, and trusting me to find refuge for us would probably be considered one of my fortes. Nonetheless Kara was able to send her support via a typical "You can do EEET" and be completely confident that all would work out. I happened to find an apartment in Brooklyn available for us to sublet. After visiting Brooklyn for the first time to view the apartment I was convinced that both of us would be more than content to live there, and was also comforted by the flexibility provided by the option of a sublet. This way Kara would be able to determine for herself if she felt the same way, or if not we could move on from there.

In very little time it was quite obvious that Kara seemed to agree! We instantly both fell in love with our new borough. Any chance that we had we would try to get out and investigate what new hot spots were opening up, what great little store lies just around the corner, or what scenes we thought weren't "too cool" for us to investigate them further. We became strong promoters to all those considering making the move across the bridge, but also relished in what we considered to be almost our own secret oasis tucked into a corner of the "Big Apple."

Kara's ability to be content no matter where she was also amazed me. She seemed to be able to adjust with ease to any environment. Though her person, her smile, her mind and her heart never changed. Her being could exist anywhere. She had few requirements for living. Her personal belongings meant very little to her and the physical environment that she lived in meant even less. She appreciated all that she had and all that was provided for her. But what brought her most joy was with whom she was able to experience her time with and what service she could provide while being there.

Brooklyn (often pronounced BREW-klin by Kara) seemed to be the perfect fit for her. Kara sent her resume out to a few organizations in the city when she moved in, yet, one job in particular seemed to be the most ideal. The job was advertised by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). It happened to offer just the community-based service that she was hoping to find and, out of the entire city of New York, it was also located right in our neighborhood. I can't say that I envied her salary, the hours that her job demanded that she put in, or the physical or mental drain that she endured from it, but I was jealous of her job for two things: 1. Her commute. 2. Her passion for it.

When Kara first began her job she was involved in informing uninformed communities and assisting them in establishing organizations within their community in order to create louder, more persuasive voices to make their needs and concerns heard - and with hope and lots of hard work - met. In order to do this Kara would walk from door to door through apartment buildings, often in the projects of East New York and Far Rockaway - areas most of us have never even heard of, let alone seen, and which exist only a few minutes from where many of us reside. Kara's relationship with the community that she worked in didn't stop at their front doors. Often she was welcomed inside, offered drinks, food, and sometimes even to join in on full meals. Over time she became more than 'that little white girl who never seems to tie her sneakers but somehow never ends up falling.' Kara put so much of her heart into her work, because she believed it could make a difference.

Kara was able to commit so much of herself to her job, yet at the same time, still continue to search internally for where it was she should be or what it is she's been called here to do. Kara was blessed with motivation and with hope. She seemed to be aware at 23 years old that life is short - so cherish it while you can. "Cherish it. Love it. Embrace it." was a saying that over the years we would often repeat to each other - mainly in jest, but always with great intention. Kara's inner motivation was an inspiration to all that knew her - no matter to what degree. She emanated joy to those she worked for, to those she worked with, to her friends and to her family. Through life with Kara you were led to live every moment, appreciate all that you have, share love, search for love, and celebrate the joy of life in all ways possible.

I miss Kara's celebration of the joy of life. I miss her songs, her go-to sayings, her spontaneous outbursts of dance, her listening ear, her inquisitive questions, her "shout outs", the bounce in her step, the truth in her eyes, the simple happiness in her smile, her carefree nature, her humility, her introspective struggles, the unconditional love in her heart, and the fun she was so good at having. Brooklyn is certainly not the same without Kara.

I can attest that Kara did do amazing things during her time in Brooklyn and she also had amazing times. She was very happy. Life was very happy. Kara was good at living. Living with Kara was good - it was a gift. Kara made my good life better than I ever could have imagined. I think of Kara and I am reminded of Joy. Life without Kara is still indescribable, but I hope in time to learn to live into her joy once again.

In the past few months I came across this entry that Kara had written regarding the summer she spent working at the Dorothy Day House in Syracuse. I think it holds true of many of the experiences of service that Kara was able to perform in her life. I am certain that it holds true for the time she spent in Brooklyn and have no doubt that she had the great fortune to experience this in many other corners of the world as well:

        Each, individually, has taught me and shown me so much. I'd like to think that I have helped them out or touched their lives in some way because I can't thank them enough, and may never get a chance to, for how they have touched me.... In a place that I came to because I was looking to give, I have found a place that has given me so much.

She concluded with this quote:

"There are some people who, come into our lives, leave footprints, and we are never the same."

        -Unknown

I know for me, and for many - and I hope for many more to come - Kara left a trail.