Happy Thanksgiving!
First off, I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of your support. Whether you’ve donated, prayed, or just encouraged me. It goes so much farther than you think, and I wouldn’t be here without you all.
Now, I think it’d be fun if I told you guys what I’m thankful for about South Africa! Buckle up there’s a lot.
- Our ministry hosts: Anita (she does everything… EVERYTHING), Wendy (our South African mom), Lehanie (bestie friend/ hype man/ idk how I am going to leave her), Moulder (“construction manager and spiritual growth advisor” lol).
- Our log house: it has given me a home away from home the last three months.
- MY TEAM (aka my little Rooties): If you wanna know more about them go read my previous blog. They’re the best.
- The back of Lehanie’s truck: she drives us to ministry in the mornings and I get to play worship music as we drive along the coast of the beach with an (instant) coffee in my hand.
- Father’s House Church: just a short walk away and has free cappuccinos. I wish y’all could understand how hype this is.
- Beats and Books girls: They’re so smart, talented and strong willed. They look out for each other. They love fun and laughter. They love me so well. I can’t even explain my heart for them.
- The sunsets and sunrises: if you think Indiana’s are good, you haven’t seen anything yet.
- Doing manual labor for the first month: a humbling experience that retaught me that I am here to do what He wants me to do, not what I want to do.
- Hiking table top mountain: The most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Hardest hike I have ever done. 10/10 recommend.
- New friendships: people that constantly point me to Jesus in good n bad times.
- The market every Saturday morning: kombucha for 15 rand (1 dollar) homemade by the SWEETEST old mad, yes please.
- Worship in the field under the stars: the favorite activity. Everyone go download “You Saved Me” by Ryan Ellis, find an open area, and belt it.
- Vanilla yogurt with corn flakes: this is what I eat for breakfast every morning. Please do not knock it ‘til you try it.
- Celebrating birthdays: There’s something so special about the intentionality of being celebrated by your weirdo teammates, singing Truth Hurts at the top of your lungs at the time you were born, and getting six cards full of all the things they love about you.
- Our cab drivers: There’s about six of them that you could get on any given day. We know ‘em all by name. They get us places safely and ALWAYS leave us in a better mood than when we first get in the car.
- Nina’s:honeybird pizza. Enough said.
- Being around kids everyday: It has been such a sweet reminder to have a child-like faith.
- Sleeping outside: the fact that it gets cold at night is spectacular. Oh and the stars make the sky look like a painting.
- Jack getting a nose ring the size of a hoola hoop: It was the source of a lot of laughs. I also want to mention he got it switched and it looks great now.
- Spikeball: there’s nothing better than playing a few games with the squad before dinner.
- Seeing the Lord move: I have seen the Lord show up and grow me in the midst of weaknesses and trials and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
- Living in community: it is like I have 30 closets I can choose from at any time… also find you some women who will encourage you and lift you up.
- My Birks: I wear them every day, and I just think they deserve a little recognition.
- The gospel: honestly, I shouldn’t have to explain my reasoning BUT the fact that there is really, really good news for EVERYONE is a dang miracle and something to thank Jesus for every day.
I could go on, but y’all should get back to your families and eat your hearts out now.
***Also, for all those wondering: Yes, we are celebrating thanksgiving here (just a day later). Yes, we are going to create our own Turkey Trot in the morning. And yes, we will be having a rugby game in the field prior to dinner.***
Peace and Blessings,
Julia
