Man, it has been awhile since I’ve posted! Wifi isn’t as easy to get in Africa, and when you find it, not always reliable. But I am grateful for the consistent time away from both social media and the noise of the world!
I am currently in Malealea Valley, Lesotho. It is a small country, frequently called “The Kingdom of the Sky”. It’s every bit as magical as it sounds. As far as the eye can see, there are mountains, valleys and big blue skies. It’s the most beautiful place that I have been on the World Race, and it is simultaneously the most peaceful. I spend every morning waking up at 5:30 am, sitting on the porch, watching the sun rise and reading my Bible in the silence and solitude. Every night, I watch the sunset. And almost any moment in between, you can still find me on our porch admiring the view 😉
We are here working with Africa 4 Jesus, a wonderful organization spread out across multiple countries in Southern Africa. Our ministry is simple and lovely – trekking across these mountains and valleys in order to share the gospel with villages, and also create a survey based on questions we ask the elderly of these villages. The survey’s purpose is to assess the needs of the elderly and assist them in whatever way possible. It’s been humbling to see an organization so set on not just the spiritual needs of these communities, but the psychical needs as well. They truly care about the wholeness of a person and not just putting a bandaid on problems. We tend to do this from 9am-1pm! The other things we do for ministry are in the afternoons (3pm-5pm), and it can look like anything from building walls, to packaging herbs and harvesting from the garden on site. We love the widespread variety of opportunities here!
Everyone we get to work with is absolutely incredible. Our hosts name’s are Pieter & Kayla, both of whom are hardworking, compassionate people that have made us feel like their kids. They genuinely care about our wellbeing and who we are (not just as Racers) which makes us feel so loved! They have two sons, Jon and Jamie, who are a blast to be around and remind me of my little brother. There are multiple men and women around the homestead that we see daily. We work with them, do ministry with them, and laugh with them. Our two translators this month are Tsepo and Beckham, and they are not only fun to be around but deeply committed to the call of spreading the Gospel.
I just wanted to give an update to all of you, and let you know how grateful I am to be here. My heart keeps growing with each place and I know that this experience was possible because of the support of each donor, prayer partner and person who shared my journey so far. I will never be able to fully express the gratitude I have for all of you, for being fully funded, and especially that God knew my heart well enough to give me the opportunity to say yes to this year.
I’ll be posting again in South Africa, which is in TWO short weeks!!! I can’t believe in a little under 40 days, I’ll be back on American soil. It’s surreal! Please keep my team and I in your prayers –> that we finish well, rely on the Lord as our strength and rest, and continue to pursue the relationships around us the way we did at the beginning of our Race.
Love y’all!
