JHey, everyone! Okay, okay, I’m done now.
So, this month, we’re in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. It’s on the southern coast of South Africa, about an hour from Port Elizabeth.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a place that makes my heart feel at home quite like Jeffreys Bay. It’s like God has been creating the desires of my heart, the little things that bring me delight, and has been preparing me to arrive at this place at a point in my life where I can really appreciate it. I’ve been on the verge of tears several times in thankfulness for this place, its people, and my time here, and I really don’t know how to thank you all enough for making this possible for me. It was hard to adjust to being back in an area that is so familiar to my Western mind, but I have grown to be so thankful.
I’ll explain a little bit about my ministry this month, but first I want to share with you guys some things I’m really, really grateful and overwhelmingly blessed by:
– Ministry intern friends that take us to the best milkshake spots and share their global travel experiences, their love for Jesus, and their music
– Wildflowers and succulents EVERYWHERE
– Diversity everywhere I look
– Cool accents that keep me so confused
– Singing in a choir (learning that high tenor harmony, baby) with a Scottish carpenter named Uncle Ian and the rest of the construction crew
– Lemon & cinnamon sugar crepes that remind me of my sweet South African friends back home
– Biodegradable straws made from cornstarch or bamboo
– Rooibos tea (two cups every day) and good coffee
– Windy weather in the 60s-70s
– The ability to take warm shower and brush my teeth with sink water
– It’s a place that combines beautiful ocean with mountains and city nearby
– People who speak about the Lord from a heart of genuineness and gratefulness and have awareness of brokenness and the power of the Holy Spirit
– Kiddos that seek relationship, love hugs and piggy-back rides, and laugh a lot
– The ability to do manual labor, hang out with kids, teach, take photos and videos, and cook all as parts of official MINISTRY!
– Markets with $2 flowers and mincemeat pies that make me feel like I’m in a Harry Potter movie
– Free 5Ks every Saturday near a bunch of cows and a lake
– WiFi to catch up with my family
– So, so many more but I’ll stop here!
I’m so excited to be here. Our days are very, very full and very exhausting, but I am really thankful for every moment.
Brief ministry overviews:
Week one: Had Bible studies with the teachers and staff at Global Leadership Academy (our ministry partner) every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; worked on building a log cabin/missionary house every morning (I got to use a sander, y’all); tutored 6th graders in English; played on the playground with a lot of kids and lost a LOT of footraces.
This week: I have the privilege of serving at a camp with a local ministry that exists to serve children with Cerebral Palsy and their mamas. I’m able to have this blessing because of my Psychology background, and I’m so very thankful. We’ll hang out with the kiddos while moms get trained, equipped, and empowered to understand and help their son or daughter and then help the moms apply what they learn. BUT what I’m extra thankful for about this is that they’ve asked me to take photos and videos of the children and their moms to present to them at the beginning of the week!
WOW God is so good!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
Here are a couple of photos and a song I recommend listening to:
