I’m starting to get into a routine here in SA. Most of my time this week was spent working on Cynergy stuff. This week consisted of a lot of paper work. I put all of the assessment results into the computer to make a report and helped create a lesson plan for the week. This week, I only aught one grade 4 class and assisted in another. This week’s lesson consisted of going through the short vowel sounds of the English alphabet, which was surprisingly difficult for many of the learners. After we went through the sounds a few times, the grade fours were given a piece of paper with pictures on it and blanks under the pictures. They had to sound out the words and put the appropriate letters in the blanks.

I also helped with the Legend meeting on Tuesday and then supervised the Legends as they taught the grade 8 and 9 classes. Basically my job was to ensure that the learners were being obedient and respectful toward my learners (which most weren’t) and ensure that the Legends were teaching the lesson properly. The high school lesson was similar to that of the grade 4. It too started with going through the short sounds of the English alphabet. Afterward, they played a game in which a Legend would a word on the board and then write blanks for a synonym that the class had to guess and then spell. The words that were used were the same words that were on their assessment.

This past week, I’ve noticed how much God has been teaching and growing me. It’s amazing! Never did I imagine that I would be teaching a class of 45 grade 4s or demanding the respect of a class of 60 grade 9s. When I was first told that I would be doing these things, I was very intimidated, especially by the high schoolers. I had no idea how I would gain respect from learners who are basically my age. I wasn’t sure how they’d respond to me and didn’t think they’d respect my authority. But through God’s strength I’m doing it.

Another thing that I learned this week is that I’m very susceptible to people’s expectations of me. I love working with Nikki and Reagan because they empower me to do things I never imagined I’d be able to do. They do so simply by telling me to do the task; they believe that I can do it even when I don’t. It puts me in uncomfortable positions a lot, but it’s good because it’s growing and stretching me. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones who have expectations for me here.

I’ve realized that when I’m in a new situation, I’m often uncertain of what is expected of me and therefore become very quiet and cautious. I’m learning that many interpret this first impression as who I am, thus they treat me as such and I respond as such. I’m learning that, though I need to be aware of others expectations of me and what they need from me, I can’t let them shape who I am, constantly morphing to fit their idea of who I am. Rather, I’m learning to be confident in who I am while still remaining flexible enough to stretch and grow.

One thing that I’m extremely thankful for here is my home cell (small group). I hadn’t realized how much I missed my community at home until I started to find one here. After being here a month, I’m finally starting to make friends outside of work (aka Nikki, Reagan, their family and the Vox crew). This past Wednesday night, we had a time of worship and then went around and shared one thing that we are thankful for and one thing that we would like prayer for. It was nice to get a glimpse into each of the group members’ lives and to have something to start conversation with. Most of all, it was refreshing to have genuine, down to earth conversation. I haven’t had a lot of that here.

Another thing that I’m grateful for is Laura. Laura is also a single woman working with Vox in SA. She was here for a year, home for 3 months, and is now back in SA until October. It’s wonderful to have someone here that can relate to me as well as show me the ropes. I’ve found sweet friendship in Laura. Again, it’s great having someone here that I can be genuine with. I’m surprised by how many deep conversations we’ve had already and how open we’ve been with each other. I guess being an ocean away from everything familiar does that.

Fridays are usually a day off as we work many Sundays and sometimes Saturdays as well. However, yesterday instead of taking the day off, Laura and I used our free time to see some of the other things that Vox is involved in. Honestly, the day was a bit overwhelming. I now understand what the Bible means when it says that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. There is so much need here! In the time that I’ve been here, I haven’t really ventured outside of Brakpan (where I’m living) or Reiger Park (where I’m working). Though there’s a lot of work to do in the schools, I see the role that I can play there and the difference that I can make. However, the events of the day yesterday showed me how greatly the need extends beyond my schools in Reiger Park. It’s hard to accept that I have the skills to help with some of these other needs, but I can’t fix it all. It’s frustrating to see a need, especially when it involves children, that I could take care of but can’t because their simply isn’t enough time in the day, especially when it means that that need will go unmet. I’m learning to trust that God is still in control, that He still cares for His children, and that He is capable of taking care of their needs without my help. And I’m learning that it’s ok that I don’t fix it all; that isn’t my job. I’m learning to surrender the hurts of the world to God rather than take them on my shoulders.

Yesterday we started our day by visiting a crèche, which is a mixture between a day care and a preschool (and is where all of the pictures in this post were taken). This crèche has 253 kids from age 1 year to 7 years. They start their day with morning exercises, have breakfast and lunch at the crèche, and have schooling and play time. Like most places here, they are understaffed and underfunded. I was in the 1 year old room for most of our visit. There were about 30 babies in the room with 2 or 3 adults, leaving a ratio of 10 to 15 babies per adult. Sadly, when you entered the room, there was a half a dozen babies crying with no one responding to them. What saddened me more was when I picked up a crying child, she was taken away from me and set on the ground. Their thought process is if they pick up a crying baby, the other babies will learn that if they cry they will get attention. If my understanding is correct, a child at this age doesn’t have the intellect to learn in such a way. Rather, they learn that their needs wouldn’t be met regardless of their behavior, so they simply give up on expressing their needs. I was also discouraged from touching the children. Any child older than one year was not allowed to be picked up. Again, they’re trying to create independence in these children so that the crèche can survive with the few staff members that they have. There’s no way that they can give each child the touch and attention that they need, so they give them all small amounts so at least they receive some sort of interaction. I understand that this is necessary in the given situation, but I wonder what effect that this has on their development.

After visiting the crèche, we drove by an AIDs clinic that Vox had a relationship with. It amazes me how AIDs is such a huge problem here yet I’ve been able to so easily ignore it here. It’s rarely crossed my mind. Sure, I think twice when I see a student bleeding or sick, but it hasn’t been as prevalent as I expected. Out of sight out of mind I guess. It’s really cool to see the difference in the AIDs crisis from two years ago. Though there’s still a long journey ahead, the stigma is slowly (very slowly) decreasing and the use of ARV’s is becoming more frequent.
After the AIDs clinic, we met with a sweet lady named Paulina. Last year, Paulina had huge hernia on her stomach. A few of the women working with Vox helped her get the life saving surgery that she needed and formed a friendship with her. We visited her to see how the incision was healing and to give her some company. She said that she was doing well, but was in pain. She is also lonely. When we started to leave, she almost started crying (which made leaving even harder). After we reassured her that we would visit again, her mood improved.

After we left Paulina, we stopped for lunch at Pookie's coffee shop. The longer that I’m here, the more I realize how much relationship is valued in South African culture. People will gladly set aside pressing work if someone stops by for a visit.

After a stop at the Fruit and Veg for some groceries, Laura and I had a bit of down time before heading to youth. Many of the churches here are much more charismatic than those in the States. It’s quite typical to hear people speaking in tongues and prophesying during each service. This is something that I’m still getting used to and trying to figure out.

While I was at youth, I met a man named Henno. He got connected through the church through their addict outreach program and got out of rehab a few weeks ago. Again, I’m amazed at how God guided me in our interaction. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be hanging out with previous drug addicts. It’s cool to see how God is growing me in so many different ways, and how he’s growing my new friend. Surely nothing is impossible with God!

Another thing that I’ve noticed this week is the peace that God has given me. Working with one of my coworkers, my eyes are being opened to so many things that I could be afraid of, but am not. I know that God has brought me here and that He’s going to protect me. Does that mean everything is going to be easy? No way! But I trust that regardless of what happens, He will take care of me. And though I’m trying to take up a spirit of fear but rather the spirit of power, love, and self-control that God has given me, it’s been helpful seeing my coworker’s fears because it makes better aware of my surroundings.

Still another thing that I’ve noticed this week is the spiritual warfare that is alive and well in SA. God is teaching me tons and growing me in ways that I never imagined. I get the feeling that the devil doesn’t like this one bit and is fighting it with everything he’s got. Along with all that God is teaching me, He’s also revealed some dangerous characteristics that I’ve picked up on in the last few weeks: a fearful spirit, pride, gossip, favoritism, complaining, vanity, prejudgment (this has been a biggy. I realized that I've been judging people, especially the educators here, without even knowing them (I found out this week that one of the educators that we work with is coming out of a sever depression that almost caused her to lose her sanity. Pray for her, please. And for her learners). I’ve already seen the damage that these have done with some of the people that I work with and am determined to stomp them out of my life before they do any more damage. I know that this is going to be a lot of work, but I know that I can do it through Christ who strengthens me.

This week I’ve been reminded of the importance and power of prayer. I’ve been reminded to pray continuously on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. I’m reminded that no prayer is too great nor too small for my God; whether it be something as huge as an end to crime, poverty, and illness in South Africa or as small as praying for ants to go away (last week I posted on my blog to pray that the ants in my bed to go away, but later was embarrassed by such a silly request and removed it. Just so you know, I no longer have ants). Over and over agai\n, I am reminded of God’s power and strength, and how He uses both to take care of His loved ones. Constantly God is overcoming the limits that I’ve put on Him, proving to me that He is a limitless God. And more so, I'm learning the power of praying God's Word.

Praise the Lord:
-For Laura! She is absolutely amazing! I know that it is God's timing that we are both here at the same time. I'm excited to watch our friendship continue to grow. It's so nice to have someone here that not only understands where I'm coming from but is also so incredibly genuine.
-For puppies printed on toilet paper. Bahahaha! Ok, so by the time we got to Pookie's coffee shop yesterday, I was quite tired and a little grouchy. But when I went into the bathroom and saw the toilet paper, I couldn't help but laugh! It's funny how God uses such little things to brighten your day.
-For kiddos. I just love them!
-For using me in ways that I never expected or imagined I could be used.
-For healing my sunburn
-For filling me with His peace that surpasses all understanding
-For home cell and the friendships that He's provided for me there.
-For Nikki and Reagan and the faith that they have in me
-For an amazing amount of encouragement this week
-For a full fridge and a warm bed
-For safety and health
-For crazy adventures
-For His incredible love, mercy, grace, and patience
-For educators who care about their children
-For opportunity
-For getting rid of the ants. Tehe.
-For lazy days and work to do
-For hilarious cards
-For giving my mom the opportunity to come visit me in a few weeks
-That He is more than enough
-That He is bigger than anything that I'll ever have to face
-For all that He is teaching me
-For growing me in His truth
-For using me
-For loved ones at home who are supporting me with daily prayers and encouragement
-For technology
-For waking me up each morning
-For filling me with His peace
-For new experiences
-For paint. Tehe.
-For hot showers in the morning
-For crazy beautiful clouds! I just love them!
-For being able to do more than I could ever day to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond my highest desires, thoughts, or hopes
-For taking care of me
-For using me as His hands and feet
-For the plan that He's created for me
-For the way that He makes me think
-For my Bible
-For confidence, courage, and strength
-For never abandoning or forsaking me
-For a new week ahead of me
-For Angela, a precious baby at the creche with a beautiful smile!

Please pray:
-For the kids at the creche. Pray that they receive the love and interaction that they need. Pray that their spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and mental needs are taken care of.
-For Momma P who runs the creche. Pray that God fills her with peace and providers her with the workers and finances that she needs.
-For Paulina. Pray that God heals her and takes away her pain. Pray that He keeps her from becoming lonely.
-For Cynergy. Pray that God provides the resources (finances and people) that are needed. Pray that the minds and hearts of the children are opened.
-For Nikki, Reagan, and their family. Pray that they're able to find balance between work, play and rest. Pray that God overwhelms them with love, joy, and peace.
-For the educators. Pray that they see the value of their work and their impact on their future. Pray that we learn to have grace and patience with them, remembering that they too are human.
-For orphans
-For peace
-For those with AIDs or HIV. Pray that God brings them peace and comfort. Pray that they accept their status and are accepted by their communities. Pray that they are able to get the care that they need.
-For continued protection and health (and that this cold/sore throat thing that I've had over the past few days would go away).
-For unity in our team. I pray Eph 4:1-6 (As a prisoner for our Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all) our for our team
-For spiritual strength. Pray that I put on the full armor of God so when the day of evil comes, I will be able to stand my ground, and after I have done everything, to stand
-That God teaches me to love unconditionally, to be gracious, patient, gentle, and peaceful
-For humility, confidence, and courage
-That God continues to challenge and grow me
-For our learners and our schools
-For our leadership both locally (school level) and nationally (government)
-That they police become less corrupt
-For the upcoming elections in SA
-For my mom as she prepares to visit in a two weeks
-For friends here and at home who are struggling
-For Henno as he seeks God instead of drugs
-For wisdom and Truth