Hey everyone!
My team made it to our first ministry in South Africa after four LONNGGG days of travel. We took buses, shuttles, planes, and our feet. Our first stop is a small surf town called Jeffery’s Bay. It is so beautiful and everyone has been so welcoming. As soon as we got to our ministry site I felt right at home. I could tell it was a place built on a foundation of prayer and faith. It has quickly become a haven and space that the presence of the lord is felt. We work with an organization called Global Challenge. The staff quickly welcomed us in as their own and has become like family to us.
They have already taught me so much about what true hospitality looks like and how to share Gods love through our actions.
The first week for ministry we were put on manual labor with the guys team. We are working on building a new school building.
Y’all…. this has been some HARD work. I have the blisters and bruises to prove it. I have caught myself saying throughout the day under my breath “Jesus give me the strength”. Haha yes, I might be a little out of shape…but it is challenging me. Sometimes it’s hard for me to see in the moment to see all the kingdom purpose in shoveling dirt and laying bricks. But the Lord has quickly gave me perspective and shown me his heart. I have never been more honored to be a part of literally laying down a foundation with not only my physical hands, but to cover it with prayer and intercede for the hearts that will dwell in that building.
The next week we worked at camp for middle school and high school students. Most of these students came from very far away. My team and most of the others were “group leaders” which basically meant camp counselors. The camps theme was “ Breaking the silence” which challenged the campers to share their stories and share what God has done in their lives. The week was full of group times, beach games, and late nights in the cabins. Even though these kids came from completely different cultures, a lot of them had similar stories to ours. To be able to say “ your not alone” was such an honor.
The greatest honor was watching my team use their gifts and stories to pour into these campers. I saw back and watched like a proud mom.
Those moments have happened a lot recently. Small moments when I slow down and look at the women around me. Where I see God moving in their hearts and see his character through them. When I see them choose life instead things they know will bring only death. When I see them uplift each other and speak life into their sisters. Moments of uncontrollable laughter and endless joy. These moments are what make leading them worth it. It’s seeing the kingdom right in front of me. Through the eyes of six beautiful women. Month 1 is over and countless pages of Gods goodness has been added to my journal. I am expectant and excited for the next month and all the lord is going to do!
