I have not been the greatest at blogging. Every time I sit down to write, I end up with a flummoxed 3 pages of good stuff that I have learned and seen God in and that I have loved, but it’s not exactly blog worthy. Now that it’s been almost 3 months since I have posted anything or really updated anyone, I am vowing that whatever comes out today is getting posted. So, here is my attempt at a post-worthy, hopefully concise update:
It’s been almost 2 months since we landed in South Africa, and it’s been quite the 50ish days. I’ve tied babies to my back in that sweet African way, fed hungry people, sang Christmas Carols, hiked Table Mountain, made wonderful friends, worshipped at Hillsong church, spent hours attempting to catch waves on a surfboard, attended life groups and support groups and so on. My time here has been full, and busy, and hard, and beautiful, and the thought of leaving here in a little over a month already has me sad!
For the first month, I was with the teams in suburbs of Cape Town. We shared the good news of Jesus with train passengers, prayed for strangers in malls and grocery stores, and held Christmas services in the middle of neighborhoods. God brought many people into our paths, simultaneously answering their cries for help and ours to be vessels for His love, joy and freedom. We went into neighborhoods that other ministries have stopped visiting because they’ve become dangerous, and held kids camps, fed them lunch, and gave them structure, love, and fun for a few hours everyday that they may not be seeing otherwise.
I got lice. I got sunburns. I spent one night with three teams of grossly sick racers, cleaning puke, taking temperatures, and worrying like a mom. I got to watch sun rises and sun sets over the ocean, and wondered at the fact that this is everyday life for the residents of this breathtaking place. I got spoiled by my co-leaders and went shark diving. I felt so filled with gratitude that God gave me host families, who became like my real family.
After the New Year, I headed to the Eastern Cape to spend some time with the teams in Jeffrey’s Bay, where I am currently. I had no idea that this sleepy little surf town would offer me so much; a place of rest, healing, endless slumber parties and laughter with 6 other girls, heart brokenness, growth, good coffee, and revelation. It has been a terrific 3 weeks, and will tell all about the happenings of J Bay in my next blog!
This month, Go Rings has partnered with me to donate part of their proceeds to my fundraising! If you need a replacement, or haven’t heard of Go Rings, check out one of my dearest friend’s non-profit and all the good things they’re up to here. If you decide to purchase anything, throw my name in the partner info section to help support me, too!
