In Loving Memory of Kristi Carter

1980-2025

In loving memory of our beloved daughter, Kristi

by Lorella Rouster, with input from the family

Kristianne Kikula Somo Rouster was born at Nkara village in Zaire, Africa (now The Democratic Republic of the Congo or DRC) on August 28, 1980. She had a rough start in life. Kristi was loved and valued by her African family, but her birth mother, Aline Kikuma, was suffering from kwashkior and malaria. She passed shortly after Kristi’s birth. Her uncles tried to care for Kristi, but they lacked resources, and she became malnourished.

She came to the mission clinic with severe bronchitis at age two. The nurse asked us if we would consider taking her in for the night. The baby needed a little extra TLC in order to survive. When we learned of Kristi’s plight, we held a family vote and unanimously decided to try to adopt her. Her African family readily agreed. She was adopted by tribal agreement and later by Zairean law.

Kristi was bald and unable to stand when she came to us, but with good food and loving care, she soon began to flourish. She could almost chugalug a banana. She also loved pancakes. So, in order to try to get her to try other foods, we dabbed a little on a bit of pancake. Soon Kristi began to gain strength and grow soft curls. At first when any of us tried to pull her to her feet, she would cry and refuse. However, after awhile she learned to stand with help, then to crawl. Eventually Kristi began to walk at about three years of age.

Kristi brought great joy to our family. Carrie, Sharon and John Henry enjoyed having a little ‘baby’ sister. They loved dressing her up, playing with her, and teaching her new things. When Kristi began to talk, it was a mixture of English and Kikongo words–all in the same sentence! We came back to the States in 1984 so the older children could finish high school here. Kristi came on a visitor’s visa. A sympathetic judge here confirmed her Zairean adoption. She was later naturalized as an American citizen when she was six years old. As a child, Kristi collected Care Bears, and loved to sit with them all around her.

Kristi returned to Zaire with us in 1990, joined by our son John Henry who spent nine months helping us build Mission Garizim before going in the Army. Kristi quickly regained her Kikongo and made many friends.

Because of the early malnutrition, Kristi had some challenges in understanding and discernment, but she had a memory better than any elephant. Through a combination of special education, home schooling, and help from many short-term missionary and Congolese teachers, she was able to graduate from high school. She was interested in many things–geography, other cultures, religions, politics, and PEOPLE, always wanting an update on everyone she had ever met.

Kristi loved the video, ‘The Sound of Music’ and watched it until it was practically memorized. She enjoyed drawing and dreamed about traveling. Kristi loved watermelon, catfish and okra, of which she never tired. She was a hard worker with a wonderful work ethic. At times she worked two jobs, and never missed work unless she was very sick, which enabled her to get promotions, wage increases, and awards.

Kristi gave birth to three beautiful children–Whitney, Jenna, and Trey who are a blessing to us and to all who know them. On February 14, 2014, she married Darrin Carter, who has been a loving husband to her to the end. They enjoyed visiting fairs and amusement parks together.

Most important, Kristi trusted Jesus as her Savior and loved Him with all her heart. Despite many challenges in her life, she always held on to her faith and often asked us to pray for her.

In February, Kristi collapsed at work and had to be placed on life support. After many, many tests, it was discovered she had a rare autoimmune disease of unknown origin. It caused her body to aggressively attack and ultimately to destroy her lungs. Then since the lungs were unable to receive blood, it backed up into her heart, destroying the right ventricle. She fought incredibly hard to the very end. On August 3 at 11 p.m., Kristi’s heart gave out and she was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior.

Kristi was loved by all who met her and deeply loved by her family both in America and in Congo and other countries around the world. Our hearts are broken, and we miss her so much, but as believers in Jesus, we know we will see her again. She is now healed, body, mind and spirit, and completely whole as God designed her to be.

Celebration of Kristi’s Life

A celebration of Kristi’s life is planned at The Church at West End, 900 W 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401 on Saturday, August 30 at 11 a.m. RSVP please for planning purposes to Lorella at 219-299-1919 (texts OK) or email to Lrouster@ecmafrica.org.

Memorial Contributions

Memorial contributions may be made to any Christian organization that supports adoption, or to Every Child Ministries (designate Congo) PO Box 810, Hebron, IN 46341 (or online at www.ecmafrica.org).