Tears filled my eyes when our plane touched African soil. I was taken back by the Lord’s faithfulness after a long waiting period filled with many prayers, and many tears. I was finally about to fulfill a vision I had been waiting for. My first trip to Africa felt like a dream that completely changed my world. I had been dreaming about the day I returned to Africa since I came home to America. I had no idea what to expect for the month to come, but I was excited!
After our twenty-two hour bus ride to CapeTown from Johannesburg, Team Flourish was finally greeted by our host for the month. We had no idea where we were staying…but based off of the other teams living conditions, I would be lying if I told you that we weren’t expecting semi-luxurious accommodations since South Africa can have first world qualities. We pulled into a local township called Masiphumelele and I had my first “I’m in Africa” moment. As we were driving to our contact, Fungai’s home, we had a classic American tourist moment and blasted the famous, “Waka Waka” song by Shakira. Totally worth it….no shame (totes thought of you Jess Nines
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Once we pulled up to Fungai’s house we were a little surprised by what we saw, yet we still managed to maintain our “blessed” smiles. Once you passed the small gate, the yard consisted of two small shacks where two little families lived…then there was the house we were staying for the month. Fungai lead us to our room and man were we surprised….
How on earth were we supposed to fit six girls, our sleeping pads, and our big packs into this tiny room! Ok, I totally had a moment where my entitlement as a silly American came to surface. I was really looking forward to a bed, and space, preferably a place to hide when I needed my alone time, and a much needed pack explosion so I could organize my things. That clearly wasn’t going to happen this month.
Quickly I had to shut down my flesh and search for the blessings that the Lord was giving us. I was back in Africa! That in itself was enough for me. Being cramped in that tiny room for the month certainly brought our team together. The first two months of the race weren’t easy for us. It’s hard to be completely vulnerable with people you really barely know. Being in that room made us realize that team Flourish was our family for the time being….and each and everyone of us had something to offer, teach, and learn from each other.
Now when I look back I thank God for the little room that forced us to complete vulnerability with one another. If it wasn’t for being crammed in that tiny space we may not have walked out of the month as close as we are.
Just so you can have a visual view of where we were living 
I love these girls! OFFL! (Oh Flourish For Life)
