Hello to all of my wonderful family and friends! I have officially moved continents and finally got ahold of some wifi so that I can update you on everything I am doing in South Africa! I’ve only spent one week in South Africa so far but God has already been at work in beautiful ways.
First off, we are in fact tenting for the first time. It’s extremely hot as you may expect. I’ve woken up before 8:00am every single day due to my tent becoming so hot I can’t stay inside of it anymore. Personally, I don’t mind the heat in the least. Greece was beginning to get cold for this Floridian.
Second, we are partnering with a church. The church actually is larger then I expected for Africa. It is currently their summer break so many families are away but I’ve been told that a lot of them will return in time to see us in the Christmas production. Yes, we are dancing to a Hannah Montana song for the church’s Christmas play.
Along with learning how to dance, I’ve had the chance to help pull weeds in the vegetable garden and work at a local feeding station with orphans. The church maintains nine feeding stations throughout the area in order to care for hundreds of orphans and teach each one about Jesus. When my team arrived at the location we were serving at, the children sang several songs and recited bible verses that they had been learning for us. It was a privilege to meet and love on these children. One little girl fell asleep in my lap due to playing in the heat. I was reminded as I held her how dearly Jesus loves every single child on this planet.
Another exciting opportunity I had was to teach the women on my squad. We are studying through the book of Philippians together. The Lord surprised me as He spoke clearly in my personal study of the points I should teach on. Not only was I teaching but on the contrary, I was taught. God has called me to proclaim His word. He has gifted me to teach. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have this as a part of my calling. I always thought I was dreadful at explaining anything but perhaps that is the best part about it, knowing God wants to use me in my weaknesses.
As you can see, plenty has happened in just our first week in Africa. I love being here. I love the landscape and especially the trees. I really love seeing God’s creativity in a whole new way. I’ll hope to update as often as I get the chance. However, we don’t have wifi within walking distance so I can only get it if we take a taxi to a shopping center about 15 minutes away. I am thinking of each of you quite often! I am thankful for the work God is blessing my squad with and grateful that you have chosen to be a part of the journey God has placed me on. Love you all!
