Dear South Africa,
You have stolen a piece of my heart. I sit here basking in the sun on my off day overwhelmed with emotions and am trying to hold back tears. It’s hard to say goodbye. I have found a place where the Lord has comforted me, challenged me, and stretched me. I’ve invested in my community and the people here in J-bay and I received so much in return. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone in several occasions and have done some crazy stuff (getting my first tattoo, learning to surf in shark infested waters, and eating bone marrow and snails). I walked into this month with a big YES in my spirit and saw the Lord use it. I’ve had many moments where I’m giddy with excitement. From all the yummy coffee shops and amazing company to the wind rattling my window at night, I’ve found sanctuary here. You have shown off your beauty in all aspects and I cannot get enough! In short, I’m having the time of my life!
Now, I can’t just tell you how much fun I’m having without telling you why because that would be mean and I’m not a mean person. So, here’s a little more detail about what this month has looked like for me.
This month, I partnered with Global Leadership Academy here in Jeffrey’s Bay. I had the privilege of working on a log home in dedication to Austin and Rebekah Wesson. Austin participated in Global Challenge, South Africa’s version of the World Race, and Rebekah did Gap Year with Adventures in Mission. They met in Jeffrey’s Bay where Rebekah’s route brought her. They were both on fire for the Lord and as Wendy (Austin’s mom) said, “Rebekah was Austin’s #2.” They both made God their #1. After getting married a year later and while they were driving the next day, they were in a tragic car accident where they both lost their lives. Devastated, the Wesson family prayed and felt the Lord calling them to build a log house that would be able to hold future World Race teams and other missionaries so God’s name will ring out among the nations, just as Austin and Rebekah were doing. As I chinked, sanded, and stained the log home, I was brought to tears knowing the impact this house will have on others. Their legacy will forever remain and I am beyond grateful to have had a part of it while being here this month and to share their beautiful story.
Now, if that wasn’t enough to convince you that South Africa has left an imprint on my heart, then these will.
When I left the States, I asked the Lord if I would be able to use my nursing skills since I’m a recent grad. Initially, I didn’t get a response. Each month so far, God has blessed me with opportunities to help my teammates and the community I’m in. In the DR, I administered shots and medications to our host family’s daughter and patched up some of my squadmates. In Haiti, I helped assess patients in surrounding villages as well as organized a very messy and expired medical storage unit that was then used to reach the local community when an earthquake hit days after we left. And now here in J-bay, I loved on some adorable kiddos who have cerebral palsy and helped educate moms on how to properly care for their child. It was a week of bliss where again, God blew me away! I also supported a little girl who continued to have panic attacks every 5 minutes and tended to kids who were passing out from malnutrition and dehydration. I chuckle now as I look back several months ago, doubting the Lord would use my education. Thanks for proving me wrong and answering my prayers, Dad!
Now let me talk about camp. My team and I had the opportunity to be camp counselors/facilitators to two groups of 6th graders. What a transformative week, not only for the campers but for my team. We’ve been in a place lately where vulnerability is hard and choosing each other is even harder. Feedback isn’t received well and conflict resolution was just around the corner. Camp changed us. It provided a space where we had to talk to one another, fight for one another, learn from one another, choose each other, and laugh together. Who would have thought that for us to actually work as a team and love one other, we needed to be locked into a compound surrounded by 87 rambunctious and disobedient children. Two things I learned: We are a team and we have each others back! Although I’m exhausted and sore, I’m hopeful the kids took away something just as powerful from the camp as I did.
So South Africa, all I have to say is thank you! Thank you for your overwhelming kindness. Thank you for GLA and the ministries I played a role in. Thank you for introducing me to the Wesson family and blessing them. Thank you for reminding me of home. Thank you for your sanctuary. Thank you for being a place where I learned that God is good. Thank you for your beautiful ocean and breathtaking sunsets. Thank you for being a place of transformation. You will forever have a place in my heart and this month will never be forgotten. I pray that I will see you again soon.
Yours truly,
~A
