Here are 11 Things I’m Taking Home from South Africa
1. J-Bay
I’m not only leaving South Africa with one of the best months of the race, but absolutely one of the best months of my life. The phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ couldn’t be more accurate in describing month 6 of the race. Team Selah partnered with UCSA, Uniting Christian Students Association, a non-racial, inter-denominational Christian youth organization. They have chapters in elementary, middle and high schools throughout South Africa with teachers/administrators reaching to anyone between the ages of 5-18. Not only were we stoked about the organization we were placed with, but the town quickly became our home. There’s a reason why the Billabong worldwide surfing competitions are held in J-bay. It’s absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. Also, I loved the relationships we got to form outside our ministry. Shout out to The Tasty Table (hi Dylann, Jolani, Marli and the rest of the fam). I’ll miss passing by the surf shop and giving Andrew a hi five on the way to the beach for quiet time. I so enjoyed and cherished my spiritual talks with the bartender at The Mexican, Nathi.
2. Being a 5th And 7th Camp Counselor
Here are pictures of my two groups this month: Team Bonjour and Team Bubblies:
I cherished learning how to do The Monkey, worshipping and allowing me to be part of your team-building activities. I used to think kids like you were scary mini adults but really, y’all are just little humans that love to be goofy and laugh. Thanks for allowing me to love you and loving me back so well.
Here are two other blogs about my time being a camp counselor:
Eating Disorders in 5th Grade and From Buddhist Youth Camps to Christian Camps
3. KIDNAPPING EXPERIENCE
We were woken up at 4:50 am by our beautiful Host Mom, Janette. She told us to get into a buckie (I thought bucket) and were basically kidnapped. We had no idea where we were going or where we were going. Long story short… our hosts made us drink coffee/watch the J-Bay sunrise on the deck of Tarina’s house, then made us dress as clowns, dropped us off at the side of the street to panhandle money (raising funds for UCSA), then gave us a scavenger hunt around the city. The scavenger hunt included becoming street performers at the beach, heading to a variety of local restaurants/businesses for treats, walking into a Christian coffee shop and was greeted with musicians there to worship with us, discovering some hidden gems of J-Bay and ending the hunt at our favorite restaurant by the beach, drinking coffee/reflecting on our beautiful day and coloring. We got back home but that wasn’t it… we were then told to get back into the buckie and they drove us to a beach about 20 minutes away. For the next hour, we all learned how to sand surf on the dunes and watch the beautiful sunset of the beach. My oh my was it a kidnapping to remember!
4. Back to High School
Honestly, stepping into a high school atmosphere gave me some “not so good feelings.” Although on paper, it looked like high school went well for me…but in reality, I was bullied a lot and I never felt like I found my place. Stepping back into it, I had to fight out Satan’s thoughts and remember my true identity. It isn’t with a particular sport, club, friend group, etc…. it was being a daughter of God. I didn’t have that identity back in high school but I was determined to remind that to all the high schoolers that came in my path.
For a few days, my team and I got to head to 2 high schools around J-Bay. At one high school, we split into pairs and got our own classrooms. From there, we alternated on teaching mini sermons for each period. I spoke about Evangelism and Worry/Anxiety and Rachel did a sermon about following God’s Will. At the other high school, we were able to join one of their reserved classes for “Jesus” talks and got to hear some guest speakers. It was honestly cool to be able to relate to so many of the students. The struggles they were facing in high school weren’t all too different than what I face back home. It was also so encouraging to see so many of them on fire for the Lord. Many of them expressed interest in becoming missionaries and pastors after high school/college. I thank God that He was able to redeem how I view high school and the desire He put in my heart to share His good news and word to them!
5. I didn’t get eaten by a shark!
LOL but really though. I tried surfing… and even though it was only for about 3 minutes, I conquered a big fear of mine. WATER!
Also, I don’t know what the hardest part is… the actual act of surfing or the sport of getting your wet suit off haha.
6. IMAGINE CONFERENCE
Team Selah volunteered at #Imagine, a conference for over 900 HS students from all around the Eastern Cape. And we were just at ONE of 3 #Imagine conferences happening all over South Africa simultaneously.
REVIVAL. That’s the only word that could describe the last 3 days for me. There’s a revival happening here in South Africa and I got to see it with my own eyes. Back home in America, there’s such a push for religion and prayer and Jesus out of our schools. But here, I’m encouraged to see South Africa’s younger generations pushing for the complete opposite.
7. Jumping off the World’s Largest Bungee Bridge
WHERE IS ALLISON AND WHAT HAS THE WORLD RACE DONE TO HER. Another huge fear of mine is heights.
Lol… So there you go, there’s my answer to the famous question, “if your friends were jumping off a bridge, would you do the same?” I’m incredibly proud of the boldness of Team Crispy Chicken Apple Salad + Bekah for ALL having the courage to say YES to jumping!
8. A family from J-Bay
A big reason why South Africa has been the best part of the race for me was because of 3 specific Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Our host family, Jonette and Matthis, and the camp director, Tarina, went above and beyond loving us well. They not only invited us into their ministry but they invited us into their family. We shared many cups of coffee/tea in their living room, played board games in their dining room, shared many meals in their kitchen and most of all, shared many laughs together in their home. Jonette spends her days bringing a little feeling of heaven in her home and everyone who steps in her path. If I could be half the mother/wife/daughter of Christ she is, my future family will be so unbelievably blessed. Tarina has a special place in all of our hearts. She wasn’t just one of our hosts, she became an honorary member of Team Selah. I love her vulnerability with us and the friendship that developed just in 23 days. We will miss her sassy sarcasm and her practical jokes so dearly but thank goodness for whatsapp!
9. My last moments with Team DOPe/Selah
Want to see what the first half of my race look liked? Check out this letter I wrote to the 5 girls I’ve spent the last 6 months with!
Words cannot describe how much I love these 5 girls but hopefully the pictures and memories from the letter will give you an idea. We got weird and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
10. Debrief in Nelspruit
We had month 6 debrief in Nelspruit, South Africa. On the last day, a part of the squad got the chance to do a safari at the famous National Kruger Park. My safari truck got to see 4 out of Africa’s Big Five (Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant). THANK YOU LORD!
Here are some of my favorite pictures!
Lol yes, that’s us capturing a moment of this lion pooping….
Also, it was one of my last moments with my beautiful squad leaders: Liz, Mason, Mills and Grace. Thank you for not only saying yes to 11 months serving the Lord on your first race… but for the extra 6 months you did serving Him and N-squad, simultaneously. I’m going to miss you so much and can’t see what The Lord has for you when you get back home!!
11. A BRAND NEW TEAM
Meet Donovan, Audrey, Tyler, Katelyn and Zack. We’re Samson’s Mullet. To see our introduction video, click here!
Here’s to month 7 in Swaziland. It’s our last month in Africa before we head off to South America.
