Cape town, south Africa.
We arrived Friday morning to the environmental center. We stayed for three sleeps the over into our home stays. At first it is a little unnerving to imagine moving into a strangers house for a week, but after just an hour it can be equally unsettling to think of leaving. Such emotional variance accurately describes my experience (those prior to and on the race). This month there is an additional factor to add to the emotional equation: exposure students. This group of young people signed up with AIM for a summer mission trip. They didn’t know until one week before departure that they would be joining a WorldRace Squad! Each team received two students for the month in south Africa. ….so, not only did we move to a new country with new. Mistry, we stayed three nights in one place only to split into pairs for our home stay placements. The pairing was one student with one host. So, I just met this exposure student and am now staying one week in a strangers home alone with her. I don’t mind so much, except for realizing the greater responsibility for the student’sexperiences on the mission field. It could cause fear and worry ; yet, the Lord is good and faithful. He has plans I mind that can unfold to reveal His great glory if I remain faithful in prayer and action. With confidence in the unfailing Lord, my burden seems light.
Like I mentioned, faithfulness reduces the burdensome load…and it did again. Kristin, my exposure student, and myself met Auntie Monica at her home Sunday afternoon, July 8th. We were kindly greeted, shown to our room, then quickly ushered into the main room for coffee and tea. We met the sisters who live here with their mother, then finally the mommy. Shortly after we made the acquaintance of Zacky, the nephew, then a brother and hhis wife, then a niece, then another brother and a neighbor. It was like grand central station in Auntie Monica’s home. I loved it. There was a comfortable feeling and an unpretentious atmosphere.
The visitors felt welcomed and loved. In turn, the hostesses seemed full of joy and happiness; by serving others their hearts and souls were filled. This home arrangement is an opportunity for my to learn about hospitality South African style. My hostess is so conscious of our needs and eager to serve that I worry she is going to run herself crazy. I feel as though I am an honored guest. As such, it is my desire to earn that position by respecting and thanking my host family. That seems normal. That is protocol in the states. What I have learned is that what is most honoring is becoming part of the home and simply (as if it’s easy to do) receive their love! Seriously, I write as if receiving service and pampering and love is easy- it is not at all easy for me!
That is why I am so excited to be in this particular home. God is all knowing…he knew this situation would require some effort on my part. All along God has been preparing me mentally for this exercise. It sounds silly, but receiving love is one of my greatest struggles. I love people and new experiences. I dearly care for my friends and family. I feel love through quality time. My heart can overflow with joy and my cheeks be sore with smiles. Yet, I am guarded. I know it and during debrief Rozy wanted to know about it. At the time I had no idea why she would dig into something seemingly unimportant…now I know. God was using her to prepare my mind for this month of being loved by my hostess, catered for by the cooks, praised by the preacher, and enjoyed the exposure student.
breakfast-
dinner
Im opening to the idea…it’s only been one evening but I feel comfortable. I feel welcomed. I feel loved, caterered and enjoyed!it feels good. Nothing changes permanently in the course a single evening, but i believe this is the start ofsomething new. It might be all the coffee talking: They provide a kettle of hot water to ensure you are perfectly able to have a hot up oftea or coffee at any moment. Since I have difficultly turning down coffee, the caffeine high might be influencing my openness. I suspect the coincidence of receiving criticism for my walls during debrief and my enlightenment this week are nothing of the sort. Really, I believe I am slowly starting to internalize and understand my prayer to love others more as God loves. When I bring down my walls I can open my heart to a more complete love; and though risky, it is afterall the point.
