My whole body aches and I stay at a constant dehydrated level. My legs are about to collapse due to a nightly regimen of Insanity, circuit training, and long runs for the past month. Whilst taking a midnight run with the girls (I have been dubbed “head of security”) down the main road next to our home, a large full moon lighting the way, and I can barely keep a steady breath, all I can say is, “Man, this country is gorgeous. Thank you Lord for this experience.” The people are so loving and welcoming. The children are always excited to see you. The foliage is always green. The Lord is good, all the time. God is truly moving here.
I got to make lasting friendships here with the staff and children that love to climb all over me because of my stature. I got to complete painting an entire church, visit the local care points to lead Bible studies and play with the children, clean up a playground, dig trenches, load sand from the river, climb the mountain range on the South African border, and my favorite thing was to hitchhike by using the “floppy hand” method. This is where you lazily flop your hand to oncoming cars to let them know you need a ride somewhere. They are usually open to letting you jump into the back of their trucks and drop you somewhere on their way.
Our nightly team time has been consistently growing my faith and helping me regain my focus while building the team closer with prayer and “loving” feedback time. I love my team and the way we all bond together even though we are very different individuals.
We are now packing our things and preparing for a long travel day by bus to our South Africa ministry, which is in Durban on the beach. We will be facilitating recreational ministry for the physically and mentally handicapped people there. Can’t wait to update you from there!
