This is where it all began.
It’s where God placed the love of culture and travel into my heart.
It’s where He radically altered how I would view the rest of my life.
It’s where He first broke my heart for the poor and oppressed.
It’s where He told me that my life was going to look different.
It’s South Africa and it holds a special place in my heart. And now I’m here…again.
A Joburg preschool during my first trip to SA
In 2008, I made my very first trip abroad to South Africa. A group from my university spent a month traveling around the country to learn about the culture and stay with different Christian organizations. Why South Africa amongst other trips? I wanted to see SAFARI ANIMALS. (And that is exactly what I told my professor when asked why I chose this specific trip. Very professional…I know!)
Honestly, I don’t think I would have pursued this opportunity on my own. Fortunately, my university made it a requirement for graduation to take a cross-cultural trip and the journey began…
Table Mountain in Cape Town in 2008
I had only been in Johannesburg for a week when I wrote in my journal, “I am coming back here.” I didn’t know what they meant at the time, except that I really loved this place. Today I recognize that as a word from the Lord.
For many reasons, my first time in South Africa was a huge turning point for me.
First, it was a miracle I was even there. You are looking at someone who once has 0% interest in travel and other cultures. (You can ask my college roommate Rachel, she endured that horrible period of time. Thanks for bearing with me friend!) Thankfully God gave me a heart TRANSPLANT and placed a love for both of those things in me by the end of my month there.
It was the first time I recognized God asking me to give up my “American dream.” I had envisioned the great job and big house (complete with Lexus) in my future. I realized those things wouldn’t bring happiness or fulfillment. That God had more for me than mere possessions.
It was the first time I experienced complete poverty and compassion for the poor. I had to deal with the “why do I have all of this and they have nothing,” questions that normally come with traveling to poorer areas. God began to teach me why I was given my many blessings.
It was the first time I fell in love with culture. I loved learning the language and seeing cultural quirks. I loved learning to communicate through those barriers and finding the good in a culture and embracing it. It even inspired me to take a Cultural Communications class when I got back that made me even more excited.
I could go on and on.
Ultimately, God set the course of my life on fire.
After coming back from South Africa, God not only grew my compassion for the poor, but also grew more compassion for the spiritual state of people.
I can honestly say that the poverty in these countries doesn’t shock me anymore. It’s weird to me. Four years ago I remember I used to cry when I would see the shacks and living conditions of people in the townships.
Now I have compassion for the spiritual conditions.
Do you know how prevalent Islam is in Africa? I used to hear the call to prayer in Cape Town and think nothing of it. Now it bothers me! It means there are still more souls to reach here.
Do you know that even amongst Christians in southern Africa there is still a high practice of witchcraft and superstition? In the church! It means there is still more discipleship that needs to take place.
Do you know how racially divided this country is? How much anger and resentment there is between blacks and whites? It means that there is still unity that needs to be brought to this country in the name of Jesus.
I’m a little passionate about this place. Still. I wondered if I would be.
I’m excited to see what the Lord has to say to me this month. What words will I write down in my journal this go around? What direction the Lord will be taking my life in without me even recognizing it, like He did four years prior in my journal entry in Jo-burg?
