I came into South Africa with eyes wide open, beyond excited to get back to the motherland that I love so much. Then I blinked and the month was gone. At least that’s how it felt, hence the reason I am writing this to you from Swaziland, but more about that later. Jeffrey’s Bay was the place I called home and it was where God rejuvenated my spirit and gave me answers to prayers I didn’t even realize I had. It was a time of reflection. A time for realization and witnessing just how amazing life really is.
My team started at Featherfoot riding school cleaning paddocks and getting to know 29 beautiful horses that all had a personality of their own. It was great to be outside and come home exhausted and sun burnt every day. The work was dirty but all I could see was our creator’s amazing hand in every picture my mind was taking. The owner of this equestrian paradise is Hilmarie, an incredible and strong woman who runs this joint all by herself. I was so grateful to get to know her and hear her story. She was made for this job and the love she pours into the kids and women she gives lessons too was a great reminder of why I left my home and what I was sent to do.
Victory Church was the spot we went on Sunday mornings and they are building the true Kingdom all over the city. This body of Christ serves throughout the community from having a school where you can be discipled as you surf to running a bakery that feeds the slums, which is where I got to serve alongside. Everything from the electricity to the flour is donated and Lucas wasted no time having us turn dough into food for hungry mouths. We would bake all day and I was in heaven at the smell of fresh baked goodness. Then we would bag up our product and head onto the red dirt roads where houses turned into four sheets of metal stuck together. I got to pray with people who have nothing but the biggest smiles on their face and the hope of Jesus in their hearts. I would hug as many kids as I could and lay hands for their futures all in a days work.
Then there were Monday nights spent with a recovery group of addicts, which is a life I used to know all too well. Our host parents Anthia and Lyndon literally left their home in Capetown to build this ministry and the power of the relationships they have made brought me to tears. I know the battle they are fighting and I felt beyond grateful to have the opportunity to encourage and support this amazing group of young adults. They have stories that movies should be made about and it gave me the chance to look back and understand how far I have come as I celebrated my 2-year anniversary of devoting my life to Christ.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Looking back I wouldn’t change a single thing about my past. I wouldn’t trade in a single trial because every journey turns into a story at the end of the day. All I can say at this point is that I am eternally grateful for my adventure here on earth and I pray the same redemption for everyone reading this. These words hardly do justice for my time spent Africa and I can not wait to tell you all stories in person! Until then I challenge you to keep living this life wide open.
