I cannot believe that this week is already come to an end. ( wait actually I can, because time passes so fast.) I had to most wonderful week with my mom. It was a once an a lifetime that she could come along side and we could serve the Lord together.
It had been 6 months since I had said goodbye to her in Georgia, and it literally was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. I from there had to learn what it was like to live without having my mom that did a lot from me. One thing I can say is I know that she prepared me well for the world. She prepared me to be independent, never to rely on a man. She prepared me to be organized clean and to earn everything I own. She had taught me that the most important relationship is the relationship with God. She also has taught me how to love a man and she has loved my dad so well.
I didn’t know what I was going to do without having my support with me. But I knew that only by the hand of the Lord I would be able to prosper, and I’m here 6 months later prospering.
The first night she arrived at Beam Africa, we hugged and continued the conversation just where we had left off. It was like time and distance weren’t a things and that is how it usually is when you reunite with your best friend.
The second day we had a briefing over what the weeks ministry looked like and we went to a near by township named Mamelodi. That day we were working in a after school feeding program with the kids. We got a chance to eat their native food which included pop ( which is a starchy filler, not mashed potatoes.) and chicken and gravy.
After school that day the kids got there. We had the chance to really play and love on all of the kids. It was so cool to see and to know the love that my mom has for kids. We ended that ministry day, and it was awesome to see what my mom thought. We talked together about how sad and impoverished the area was. We talked about how sad it is that in South Africa they have kids so they can get more money from the government. It was hard facts to face. That evening after ministry we got the chance to worship, and partake in communion as mother and daughter. It was a time daily where we bonded the most because we were like minded in faith.
Tuesday we did a different ministry. We were in the same township, but we were working with the adults in that community. Beam Africa ( the organization) helps the people go through classes to learn life skills and will also set them up with a job especially since in South Africa it is very hard to find a job. So that day we were going to form groups and talk about a solution to the problems within the township and how they may come together and figure out a solution. So that day we split into groups and I got split up from my mom. It was a time to see what caused poverty together. Most of the answers were that they need assistance from America because of the mindset that we were only there to give. Which through our organization is very false. Some of the answer were true and it was due to the education system or it was due to the drug problem, or that it was hard to find work. This one really affected my mom because of how they are suffering and it seems that there really is no solution. This helped mom look at America and see the own problems within our people. We concluded that day of ministry. We were able to celebrate with shopping for new necessities at a mall, and indulging in a steak ( mind you I haven’t had one in 6 months, and praise the Lord it was so good). That night was ended with worship and testimonies.
Wednesday, my favorite day with my mother. This day was our free day. So we went as a group on a Safari. It was once an a lifetime adventure. We took a half day one. We were able to see Rhino’s, Impalas, ostrich, warthogs, buffalo, and the most beautiful of all a elephant. We enjoyed it so much. We concluded our safari with a lunch that overlooked the range and lake. We visited the African market, and it was the chance to show my mom how to barter. She was very impressed with my skills and I knew I had impressed her with that. We concluded our night with an native african show, and native african food.
Thursday a rainy day that included attending the graduation of the adults that went through the life skills program. We went and although there weren’t very many people we got to cheer on the people who graduated. We finished early and went back to our place. That night was the most precious night with my mother. I got to share my testimony and really show my mom what the Lord has changed in my life. Though it was our last night together we made the most of it.
Friday quickly approached and goodbye was not as hard as the first time. This week my mom encouraged me to finish out strong. This week my mom gave me perseverance to keep pursuing the Lord. Though it was tough, I know that my mom has equipped me well.
So today we take off to Botswana. We will be working with a church and doing evangelistic type ministry. We will be tenting with possible no electricity. These net few months may be rough but I know with the prayers and support from the Lord as well as you guys I will be fine. So pray for me as I take on this next chapter.
