This weekend was one that I will never forget. After a week spent at debrief reunited with the other half of my squad, the three teams that live and work at Global Leadership Academy (GLA) got to partake in their yearly weekend retreat.
I meet many new people this weekend including the teachers and staff of GLA, as well as another team of missionaries that are beginning their own mission trip with Global.
The retreat took place at the most beautiful place I have ever been. Do not take that sentence lightly, I am not exaggerating. We spent the weekend at a campsite located on a mountain over looking a breathtaking beach. The name of this place is Eersee River, which is the Afrikaans word for “First River.” Pictures couldn’t even truly capture all of the beauty of this place, but I did give it my best shot.
The weekend was full of wonderful sessions, great worship, good conversations and braais!
We heard from two different speakers four separate times. Each time, at least one statement truly hit home in my heart. I learned many new songs at worship and got to let loose and sing my heart out each day.
These experiences left me completely filled up. It was exactly what I needed even though I didn’t know that I needed it. It was amazing to have such great people pour out wisdom and soak it all up.
On top of that, I finally attended my first South Africa braai! A braai is basically a barbecue, but don’t say that in South Africa, because the locals will passionately argue otherwise. We enjoyed different kinds of chicken and sausage grilled on open charcoal fires.
After the braai, we had the rest of the nights to ourselves. During this time, I got to hang out with the South Africa Missionary team (their “World Race” is called “Journey”, so that’s what I’ll refer to them as). We shared stories about how we got to these adventures and what we have ahead of us. We discussed the differences between America and South Africa. Then, they laughed at me as they tried to teach me how to say the colors in Afrikaans.
Sadly, the weekend quickly came to an end. We returned back home to Jeffery’s Bay and now await to find out our new positions in the school that will be our ministry for our last two months here in South Africa!
