I have been waiting for this day to come for six months. Ministry in Africa has finally begun! My team has only been here (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) for four days, but somehow it seems like we've managed to squeeze in so much more than four days worth of adventure.
After 18 hours by plane and 15 by bus, we finally arrived in PE and were kindly met and driven to what will serve as our little team home for the next two weeks. We've been told that this country will probably be the most luxurious and most similar to America. Case in point: They speak English and have normal toilets (in most places). Amen and Amen.
We started our first day off with a little tour of the beautiful town. PE is known as the windy (and friendly) city, and it has certainly proven to be both. Though petty theft and crime are high in the area, we are being smart and do feel safe for the most part. We have also met some of the most hospitable people we've ever known.
For the next two weeks, we will have the opportunity to serve alongside multiple ministries here in PE. On weekends, we are working with the youth at Lighthouse Family Church. During the week, we are volunteering at the Human Dignity Center~ a center for children in crisis. We will also be doing some street evangelism in the townships and helping with a “Matthew Lunch” to feed and minister to the destitute of the area.
Mom, you should probably skip this part. My team has decided to plan one “big adventure” in each country (with personal funds, of course), and this month we will be bungee jumping off the highest commercial bungee in the world, Bloukrans Bridge, which was featured on The Amazing Race. Yikes!
Ok, Mom, Pick back up here. Thanks to everyone who has sent an encouraging email or facebook message during these first few days. I apologize for the lack of speedy response.
Due to a slight incident with a fragile coffee table and a cup of coffee, my macbook is suffering some minor damage. Needless to say, posting this blog was a struggle. A man at the church here is certified for Apple repair, though, and I'm hoping to have it fixed soon! {Update: The mac was unrepairable. I guess God is teaching me something about the non-necessity of comfort items}
Thank you, again, to everyone who played a role in sending me on this mission. The Lord continues to confirm that this is exactly where He wants me.
