A week ago today, my team arrived in Pretoria, South Africa for what I thought was only going to be a few days. Four other teams have been working here in Pretoria, South Africa for their first month with a ministry called POP UP. When my team found out our time in Zim was going to be done a little early, we made arrangements to come stay in Pretoria, South Africa in between ministries. I was so excited to see everyone and attend Passion with the 4 other teams.
In the past week, I’ve…
· Worshipped God in the middle of a Cricket field in South Africa.
· Been extremely overwhelmed and frustrated at times.
· Learned that I am not a big groups kind of person. I struggle to be myself in large groups and flourish in small groups of people.
· Had some much needed rest.
· Spent quality time with God.
· Worshipped God in a conference room with my squad mates.
· Slept in a tent, on the floor, and on a chair bed (8 chairs pushed together to make a bed).
· Watched the most beautiful sunsets.
· Relaxed in a beautiful park.
· Ate far too much chocolate and drank coke light (diet coke).
· Ate McDonalds 3 times and used their free wifi.
· Had hot showers.
· Sanded and varnished 2 playground sets with the help of my squad mates.
· Shopped at a mall.
· Had a vision of God picking me up and sitting me on his lap. God reminded me that he wants to be close and touch me during every circumstance.
· Spent quality time with my squad leader Alexandra. Much needed.
It’s been a great week. I love that even though I was technically in between
ministries, God used this time to rejuvenate me and speak to me. I was stretched and rested all at the same time.
Friday night, we found out that my team as well as Team P31 will be working here in Pretoria at POP UP ministries this month. I’m so excited to be a part of this ministry and this city this month. POP UP ministry is multi-faceted center that focuses on skills training for people in the community without jobs. They use a holistic approach incorporating spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. I will be working in POP kids (daycare on site) this month. This week, POP Kids are on holiday so myself and the other girls working in POP kids are doing projects to bless them. We will start working with the kids on Monday.
Our contact Russell is absolutely amazing. He has a huge heart for us racers and pours into us so much. I know this is going to be a great month working with POP UP and Russell. I can’t wait to see what else God has to teach me this month.
Please continue to pray for my team this month. Pray for continued unity as well as unity with team P31. Please pray for our contact POP UP and that we will be a blessing to this place. Pray for me personally that I will continue to lead my team well, grow in the Lord, and rest intentionally.
Love from South Africa,
Kristi
