Hello friends,
I know it has been a while since I have blogged and a big reason is I have been finding it difficult to put my emotions, experiences and thoughts in a blog that is not a million words long. I figured it was time to give it a shot, so here we go!
Since my last blog I have been to Botswana, South Africa, Bulgaria and am currently in Athens, Greece.
CAKE spent about three weeks in Notwane, Botswana, it was so sweet!! This was my first time in the continent of Africa and I know it won’t be my last. The people, their hearts, and the nature surrounding me was so overwhelmingly beautiful!! In Botswana we meshed together as a team, we carried each others burdens and interceded for one another in a beautiful way that led to a deeper connection within CAKE. That also shifted things in our lives and in our families lives as well. We attended an incredible Church that has been one of the most well rounded Churches I have experienced. No Church is perfect but Kingdom City Botswana was unique. The presence of God was so strong, they danced and really PRAISED Jesus beyond a worship set list and had a heart to share Gods love with others! We also had the opportunity to meet a beautiful powerhouse, a woman named Karabo. We met her on the bus and had time to hang out, meet her family – including her sweet pups , hear about Botswana’s history, and about her life. We could not find anywhere else in our budget to stay in Botswana so we decided to go ahead and head to South Africa where we would meet for debrief.
We found an Airbnb that looked like it was a central location in Nelspruit and a nice place to stay. Upon arrival we found out we are actually staying on a 666 hectares farm with an incredible lady named Claire- I could write a few blogs on our eight days with Claire. During these eight days we were introduced into her community and became family. I saw community and a selfless love in the way that they cared and looked out for one another. They were selfless and generous towards us as well. The family down the road from Claire has just opened a lodge and they were still spending every day prepping for their opening and even in the midst of that, took time to show us around and made time to be with us. Claire and the lads loved us so well, we really contimplated staying the rest of the race with them. Leaving the farm was the hardest goodbye on the race so far, but that’s because it was real and I’ll take that any day! I’m reminded of the quote from Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” See you some time soon my hyena clan <3
The rest of our time in South Africa was spent in Jefferys bay and a few days in Cape town. We paired with a missions orginization – Global Challenge Academy while in Jbay and had a more traditional mission trip feel for three weeks. The whole squad stayed in the mission house that was built in memory of a world racer (Rebekah) who fell in love and ended up marrying a man (Austin) from Global. They met while she was serving in Jbay on her race, the two were married after the race and unfortunatly passed away in a car accident the day after they were married. Wendy, the woman who is in charge of the missions house and who worked closely with us is Austin’s mom. During the time we would be in Jbay, Rebekah’s parents would come with the remainder of their ashes (half are in the states) to have a memorial service and properly dedicate the house to Rebekah and Austin. It was a beautiful service and a such a humbleing thing that they allowed us to be a part of. During our time in Jbay I had a chance to serve the squad by working in the kitchen. It also gave Wendy the opportunity to be with Rachel (Rebekah’s mom) and to have time to grieve together as two moms.
We then traveled to Cape town for just a few days, we had a Leadership development weekend and learned about our new teams. I am now the “A” to team SALT! We are three spicy women (Sam, Lindsey and I), and two strapping men (Travis and Matt). We will spend the next few months together growing in friendship, learning the ins and outs of one another and above all displaying God’s glory where ever we are. For now we are in Athens and are still trying to figure out what it means to love each other the way Jesus loved and stepping into each moment that is presented to us.
Be blessed and thank you for the love an supoort through out this journey !
PSA- in case you are not on Facebook, I am officially FULLY FUNDED!! A big shout out to each person who donated, bought t-shirts and jewelry, and prayed!!
