Hey everyone!! Sorry, it has been so long since I've written! We haven't been able to get to the internet cafe as often as we would like, and when we're there we only have a limited amount of time. We now have new roomates, though, and the man has been gracious enough to let me borrow his laptop for tonight. I'm going to do my best to let you know what has happened, but it has been a lot, so PLEASE make sure you get the wonderful details from us when we get back. :)
One of the most important things that I left out in the last blog is how things are going with the bore hole at Legogote Primary School. The surveyor came out last week, and spent about an hour using his fun instruments to figure out where water would be. He found two possible places. The team and I have faith that the drillers will find water, but please keep that in your prayers. The surveyor said we should have it checked with the local authorities just to make sure we're following local protocol. Well, we had planned on meeting with the local Magistrate of Jerusalem, but when we went to meet with him we were met with a pretty cool surprise. We actually got to meet with the CHIEF of Masoyi! We wanted to ask for his blessing, and make sure that this well is used primarily for the students at the school. (We don't mind others using it, but we don't want it to be abused and then dry up for the kids.) The chief was very encouraging, and he did give us his blessing. He said that there has been no water found in that area, though. Again, we really aren't worried. God has been so evident in all the happenings since we've gotten here, but I think our faith would please Him - so just keep praying that 1) Water would be found, and 2) If at all possible we could be here for the beginning of the drilling.
As for Bible Clubs they're going phenomenally!! We've had close to 150 orphans at each site, and they are always very energetic during the songs, super attentive during the story, and loving during our "hang-out" time. (I'm starting to think we get just as much love FROM these orphans as we give to them. It's neat how God works.)
I wanted to make sure I filled you in on the "generals" of our trip so far, but what makes this trip amazing are all the little stories we have to tell. Each one of us gets to bond with different kids at each site, and that's what makes this trip incredibly special. I want to tell you about one I had yesterday (on my most perfect birthday!). I had just finished telling the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when five 12 and 13 year olds came up to me and started talking. I had a lot of fun talking with them, and their English was amazing! One girl in particular was very special. She had a very sweet spirit, and was very interested in finding out more about me. I was able to tell her about my family, what I did, and about my friends. I found out about her as well. When it was time for her to leave she asked me when I was coming back. I told her that I hoped very soon. She gave me a hug and kiss, and told me she would miss me. When she walked away she was crying. It absolutely broke me heart. However, I was able to see her again! She came up to me just to say goodbye again, and I found out during this conversation that she goes to the school that we're drilling the well for! We talked a little more, and then she asked if she could have a Bible. I gave her one, and she started crying again. It's amazing how just a small interaction with a person can be so powerful. God is amazing, and He is sure loving on some orphans down here in South Africa!
OK, the couple's back, and I feel bad hogging their computer. Thanks for the prayers! And, I promise I will do my best to update you sooner rather than later. I love you, and am so very thankful for you!! Have an amazing Thursday!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Happy and Heartbroken
I don't even know where to start! So much has happened since the last time I wrote! I'll do my best to catch you up, but we will probably do a better job in person (and with pictures).
Yesterday we went to our first orphan site - Phola! We spent the morning at Metro (South Africa's version of Costco) getting peanut butter, jam, chips, juice, soap, and washcloths. Boy did we load up! When we finished all our purchases, we headed to K2, which is where we met the child care worker and several other volunteers. The volunteer ladies were amazing! They helped us make our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and even sang for us while we were busy spreading away. They sing absolutely beautifully! Harmonizing seems to just come naturally for them, and they have voices of angels. (I told them I wanted to hire them to be my personal "lullabyists.")
When finished packing the car back up, we drove to the orphan site. This site was actually behind the offices of the Masoyi chief. There weren't many children when we first arrived, but within 10-15 minutes we had over 100 children (probably close to 150). The children ranged in ages from babies carried by an older brother or sister to 17 and 18 year olds. We spent the first part of our time just hanging out with the kids. There is a language barrier with most of them, so the beginning of our conversations would start with me pointing to myself and saying "Christy," and then pointing to them to learn their names. I learned very quickly, though, that a camera is a great way to interact with the children. I would take a picture, and then show them the screen. They were hysterical. They would all crowd around to see themselves, and found it pretty amusing - which, come to think of it, they probably don't see themselves in a mirror every day so it probably was very interesting to them.
After hanging out for a bit, we started Bible camp. We sang songs, acted out the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ended with one more song. It was then time for the meal. It was amazing to watch how well behaved the children were. The children lined up in order from youngest to oldest. While the younger kids were getting their meal and gifts, the older ones patiently waited around them. Then it was the older kids turn. There was one boy in particular that grabbed my eye (probably about 17) - he handled the children so well. He made sure they were in order, and would help them carry their food if needed. Afterwards, he came up and introduced himself to all of us. His name was Emmanuel. We hugged, and when getting ready to leave, he grabbed my hand and said, "And may God bring you many blessings." I almost lost it. Here they are with close to nothing, and He wants God to bless me! I wanted to shout, "No, No! God bless YOU!!" But instead I just smiled, and returned the sentiment.
When we got in the car I cried. I felt like I had done absolutely nothing. In the span of their whole life, we gave them one meal, one gift, and two hours of our time. They need so much more! Some of the kids are so sick, and they just need good health. It was good, though. I realized that we were able to share a little of God's love yesterday, and that it was probably a huge blessing to these kids.
I have so much more to say, but don't want this to drag on. We finished our day hanging out with some of the students from ASM. That was so much fun! I have a feeling we'll all be very good friends by the time we leave. They are so welcoming and friendly, and enjoy making fun of us. :) It was a good way to end the day because I think we spent 75% of our time just laughing at each other (mostly about the way we talk). PS - We are learning how to speak Africaans. :D
God bless you, and we'll be in touch soon!
Yesterday we went to our first orphan site - Phola! We spent the morning at Metro (South Africa's version of Costco) getting peanut butter, jam, chips, juice, soap, and washcloths. Boy did we load up! When we finished all our purchases, we headed to K2, which is where we met the child care worker and several other volunteers. The volunteer ladies were amazing! They helped us make our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and even sang for us while we were busy spreading away. They sing absolutely beautifully! Harmonizing seems to just come naturally for them, and they have voices of angels. (I told them I wanted to hire them to be my personal "lullabyists.")
When finished packing the car back up, we drove to the orphan site. This site was actually behind the offices of the Masoyi chief. There weren't many children when we first arrived, but within 10-15 minutes we had over 100 children (probably close to 150). The children ranged in ages from babies carried by an older brother or sister to 17 and 18 year olds. We spent the first part of our time just hanging out with the kids. There is a language barrier with most of them, so the beginning of our conversations would start with me pointing to myself and saying "Christy," and then pointing to them to learn their names. I learned very quickly, though, that a camera is a great way to interact with the children. I would take a picture, and then show them the screen. They were hysterical. They would all crowd around to see themselves, and found it pretty amusing - which, come to think of it, they probably don't see themselves in a mirror every day so it probably was very interesting to them.
After hanging out for a bit, we started Bible camp. We sang songs, acted out the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ended with one more song. It was then time for the meal. It was amazing to watch how well behaved the children were. The children lined up in order from youngest to oldest. While the younger kids were getting their meal and gifts, the older ones patiently waited around them. Then it was the older kids turn. There was one boy in particular that grabbed my eye (probably about 17) - he handled the children so well. He made sure they were in order, and would help them carry their food if needed. Afterwards, he came up and introduced himself to all of us. His name was Emmanuel. We hugged, and when getting ready to leave, he grabbed my hand and said, "And may God bring you many blessings." I almost lost it. Here they are with close to nothing, and He wants God to bless me! I wanted to shout, "No, No! God bless YOU!!" But instead I just smiled, and returned the sentiment.
When we got in the car I cried. I felt like I had done absolutely nothing. In the span of their whole life, we gave them one meal, one gift, and two hours of our time. They need so much more! Some of the kids are so sick, and they just need good health. It was good, though. I realized that we were able to share a little of God's love yesterday, and that it was probably a huge blessing to these kids.
I have so much more to say, but don't want this to drag on. We finished our day hanging out with some of the students from ASM. That was so much fun! I have a feeling we'll all be very good friends by the time we leave. They are so welcoming and friendly, and enjoy making fun of us. :) It was a good way to end the day because I think we spent 75% of our time just laughing at each other (mostly about the way we talk). PS - We are learning how to speak Africaans. :D
God bless you, and we'll be in touch soon!
Friday, July 17, 2009
We're Here!!
We made it! We could not have asked for a smoother trip either. We have met several friends on our way, too. In Charlotte, we had a couple hours to explore the airport before we had to leave, and we just so happened to find a baby grand piano. I was able to sit down and play a few songs. It is amazing what a little music will do for a conversation starter. Several people came up and started talking with us, as well as one even leaving a tip! (My first tip for piano :) )We left DC around 6:00 on Wednesday evening, flew about seven hours and landed in Dakar, Senegal. After a refueling in Dakar we flew another 8/9 hours to Johannesburg. Things really could not have gone any smoother. We sailed through customs, and went straight outside to meet Sidney (a very nice man from ASM who drove us the 5 and half hours to Masoyi).
It is very surreal right now. I'm finding it hard to believe that I am actually in Africa! I can't wait to start meeting all the children, though! Our first camp will be on Monday.
Today we are going to go to the bank and change our American money to rand, then we are going to go visit the drilling company. After that we are going to head to the grocery store. (We're planning on cooking most of our meals at the place we are staying.)
OK, well, we're in an internet cafe right now - so I can't write too much. We are going to try to give you updates regularly, though.
Thank you again for all your love and prayers. We are really seeing the results of it here! And we are praying for you, too!
It is very surreal right now. I'm finding it hard to believe that I am actually in Africa! I can't wait to start meeting all the children, though! Our first camp will be on Monday.
Today we are going to go to the bank and change our American money to rand, then we are going to go visit the drilling company. After that we are going to head to the grocery store. (We're planning on cooking most of our meals at the place we are staying.)
OK, well, we're in an internet cafe right now - so I can't write too much. We are going to try to give you updates regularly, though.
Thank you again for all your love and prayers. We are really seeing the results of it here! And we are praying for you, too!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Packing Day
Today was a really fun day! I woke up this morning and drove to Mocksville to meet with Cindy and Carrie (two of the amazing ladies I will be going to Africa with). When I got to Cindy's house I walked into her living room, and couldn't believe my eyes! Her living room was full of supplies for us to take to the children in Africa. She had everything from soccer cleats, jerseys, socks, and shorts for a whole soccer team to Bibles, stuffed animals, jewelry, T-shirts, and shampoo. It was amazing!
After we got my suitcases inside we started packing. Now, I have to tell you that this was a pretty funny undertaking. First of all, it is important to note that each of us can take two 50 pound bags on the plane. (That means we were filling six 50 pound bags today!) Well, in order to make sure we don't pack our bags over 50 pounds we had to weigh each bag. To start, we split up the heavier items (i.e Bibles) between all the bags, then went back to fill them all up with the lighter items (i.e socks). We would pack and pack until the suitcase couldn't hold anymore, and then came the fun part. . . weighing them! You would think we could just set the suitcase on the scale, but that didn't work because over half the bag would be hanging off the scale. So I had the invigorating job of being the "weigher." We first figured out how much I weighed, then Cindy would hand me a suitcase (most of them being as big as me and pretty close to half my weight). Let's just say I worked up a sweat today. :) We did a pretty good job, though. We were able to fit all the supplies into our bags with each one being a few pounds lighter than 50. I cannot wait to see the kids when we give them all of this! :D
We went to lunch after our morning full of packing, and I just have to say I'm pretty excited to spend my three weeks in Africa with these ladies. They are fun, easy to talk to, and have such a passion for Africa. It will be fun to share this experience with them.
We will meet again on Sunday at Cindy and Carrie's church, and then finally at the airport on Wednesday! We're so close!
I'll try to give you one more update before we leave, and then from there on out I'll be writing to you from Africa!!!! I'm going to try to let Cindy, Carrie, and Kate get on here so they can share some of their stories, too.
Also, Cindy thought it would be a good idea to put our schedule on here so you guys would know where we will be working each day, and what to be praying for. So below is our schedule :) I can't figure out how to post it as a table, but the first line of each section is the day we'll be there. The second line is the area we'll be working in. The third line is the time (6 hours ahead of eastern time). And the fourth line is the name of the child care worker who will be at the camp that day.
Masoyi Home Based Care
Jesus said, I tell you the truth, whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do to me.
Matthew 25:40
20 Monday
PHOLA
14H00 PM
SOPHY
21 Tuesday
MANZINI
14H00 PM
DAPHNEY
23 Thursday
MTHIMBA
14H00 PM
ZODWA
24 Friday
MAHUSHU
14H00 PM
THEMBI
28 Monday
JERUSALEM
14H00 PM
MUMSY
29 Tuesday
MGCOBANENI
14H00 PM
DAPHNEY
3 August/Monday
LEGOGOTE/INKANYETI
07H30 AM
JANE
4 August/ Tuesday
MA50/LULA
14H00 PM
GRACE
6 August /Thursday
LEGOGOTE CRECH
14H00 PM
JANE
After we got my suitcases inside we started packing. Now, I have to tell you that this was a pretty funny undertaking. First of all, it is important to note that each of us can take two 50 pound bags on the plane. (That means we were filling six 50 pound bags today!) Well, in order to make sure we don't pack our bags over 50 pounds we had to weigh each bag. To start, we split up the heavier items (i.e Bibles) between all the bags, then went back to fill them all up with the lighter items (i.e socks). We would pack and pack until the suitcase couldn't hold anymore, and then came the fun part. . . weighing them! You would think we could just set the suitcase on the scale, but that didn't work because over half the bag would be hanging off the scale. So I had the invigorating job of being the "weigher." We first figured out how much I weighed, then Cindy would hand me a suitcase (most of them being as big as me and pretty close to half my weight). Let's just say I worked up a sweat today. :) We did a pretty good job, though. We were able to fit all the supplies into our bags with each one being a few pounds lighter than 50. I cannot wait to see the kids when we give them all of this! :D
We went to lunch after our morning full of packing, and I just have to say I'm pretty excited to spend my three weeks in Africa with these ladies. They are fun, easy to talk to, and have such a passion for Africa. It will be fun to share this experience with them.
We will meet again on Sunday at Cindy and Carrie's church, and then finally at the airport on Wednesday! We're so close!
I'll try to give you one more update before we leave, and then from there on out I'll be writing to you from Africa!!!! I'm going to try to let Cindy, Carrie, and Kate get on here so they can share some of their stories, too.
Also, Cindy thought it would be a good idea to put our schedule on here so you guys would know where we will be working each day, and what to be praying for. So below is our schedule :) I can't figure out how to post it as a table, but the first line of each section is the day we'll be there. The second line is the area we'll be working in. The third line is the time (6 hours ahead of eastern time). And the fourth line is the name of the child care worker who will be at the camp that day.
Masoyi Home Based Care
Jesus said, I tell you the truth, whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do to me.
Matthew 25:40
20 Monday
PHOLA
14H00 PM
SOPHY
21 Tuesday
MANZINI
14H00 PM
DAPHNEY
23 Thursday
MTHIMBA
14H00 PM
ZODWA
24 Friday
MAHUSHU
14H00 PM
THEMBI
28 Monday
JERUSALEM
14H00 PM
MUMSY
29 Tuesday
MGCOBANENI
14H00 PM
DAPHNEY
3 August/Monday
LEGOGOTE/INKANYETI
07H30 AM
JANE
4 August/ Tuesday
MA50/LULA
14H00 PM
GRACE
6 August /Thursday
LEGOGOTE CRECH
14H00 PM
JANE
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Seven Days and Counting!
It's hard to believe that this time next week I'll be on a plane headed for South Africa! In some ways I feel as if I'm so ready to be there (at least my excitement level's ready), but in so many other ways I'm not ready at all. God has been faithful through the entire process leading up to the trip, though, and it has been good to remind myself of that recently.
Lately, I have been wondering why God is sending me - of all people. That nice little friend called "Doubt" has crept its way in, and I've started wondering why someone like me is going to share Christ's love with this unique group of people in Africa. I have a hard enough time believing that God loves me, and I'm traveling half-way around the world to try to show other people that He loves them, too. How's that going to work?
I have slowly come to realize that the reason Mr. Doubt has crept in is because I am trying to do this on my own. No wonder I am experiencing doubt! There is no way possible that I could share a love as powerful as Christ's without Him being the one to do it.
It is so good to "rehearse God's past faithfulness," as my pastor says, when I start to doubt things. "God's past faithfulness is the best predictor of how He will work in the future." Just this morning I was reading one of my journal entries about how this whole Africa trip even came into existence, and it's amazing! He has perfectly orchestrated this whole trip. Seriously - everything about this trip shows how present God is in our day-to-day lives. Doing this has reminded me that if God was faithful in bringing this trip about, He will be faithful to carry it out according to His perfect will.
I am definitely still worried about getting in the way on this trip. So often I try to take control of my life, and do things on my own. It is a daily thing for me to surrender my life to God and what He wants to do with it. When you think about it, I would appreciate you praying for us on this trip. Please pray that we would learn how to daily surrender our lives, and that Christ would be the only one getting the credit while we're there.
Thanks for all your encouragement and support! And I hope you have a great rest of the week :)
Lately, I have been wondering why God is sending me - of all people. That nice little friend called "Doubt" has crept its way in, and I've started wondering why someone like me is going to share Christ's love with this unique group of people in Africa. I have a hard enough time believing that God loves me, and I'm traveling half-way around the world to try to show other people that He loves them, too. How's that going to work?
I have slowly come to realize that the reason Mr. Doubt has crept in is because I am trying to do this on my own. No wonder I am experiencing doubt! There is no way possible that I could share a love as powerful as Christ's without Him being the one to do it.
It is so good to "rehearse God's past faithfulness," as my pastor says, when I start to doubt things. "God's past faithfulness is the best predictor of how He will work in the future." Just this morning I was reading one of my journal entries about how this whole Africa trip even came into existence, and it's amazing! He has perfectly orchestrated this whole trip. Seriously - everything about this trip shows how present God is in our day-to-day lives. Doing this has reminded me that if God was faithful in bringing this trip about, He will be faithful to carry it out according to His perfect will.
I am definitely still worried about getting in the way on this trip. So often I try to take control of my life, and do things on my own. It is a daily thing for me to surrender my life to God and what He wants to do with it. When you think about it, I would appreciate you praying for us on this trip. Please pray that we would learn how to daily surrender our lives, and that Christ would be the only one getting the credit while we're there.
Thanks for all your encouragement and support! And I hope you have a great rest of the week :)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
First Time Blogging Ever :)
Hey Guys!
I've decided to start a blog! I knew I wanted to keep in touch with you while I was in Africa, and thought this would be a good way to do it. I have no idea how often I'll have access to the internet while I'm there, but when I do I'll be sure to write at least a little about what's going on. [Writing a LITTLE does seem to be a bit difficult for me, but I'll try just for you guys :) ] I am extremely excited to see what God does while we're there, and being able to share it with you makes it even better!
Well, I'm in the process of moving to a new house right now - so I am not going to write much today. I just wanted to get it started. I'll be sure to update you as much as possible before, during, and after the trip, though.
I love you guys, and am so thankful for all your love, encouragement, and support. This wouldn't be happening without you!
Enjoy your Wednesday!
I've decided to start a blog! I knew I wanted to keep in touch with you while I was in Africa, and thought this would be a good way to do it. I have no idea how often I'll have access to the internet while I'm there, but when I do I'll be sure to write at least a little about what's going on. [Writing a LITTLE does seem to be a bit difficult for me, but I'll try just for you guys :) ] I am extremely excited to see what God does while we're there, and being able to share it with you makes it even better!
Well, I'm in the process of moving to a new house right now - so I am not going to write much today. I just wanted to get it started. I'll be sure to update you as much as possible before, during, and after the trip, though.
I love you guys, and am so thankful for all your love, encouragement, and support. This wouldn't be happening without you!
Enjoy your Wednesday!
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