Hospice, Cynergy, and birthday fun

This week has been a nice balance of work and play. The week started out slowly, doing basically nothing on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday was also pretty relaxed, though we did head to the Hospice in the morning. The place hasn't changed much since the last time I was there. It's still filled with precious people with heartbreaking stories. I loved having the opportunity to encourage, chat with, listen to, and pray with the people there. I went with Laura, Steve, and Jim. When we got there, we were greeted by Josephine, who lead us around. It amazes me how much something as simple as a listening ear or a smile means to these people. Unfortunately, my visiting was cut a bit short. As we were praying over a woman named Faith who has elephantiasis, I got horribly sick. I don't know if it was some sort of spiritual attack (I felt perfectly fine until I started praying) or food poisoning or what, but it wasn't fun. I dragged myself along as we visited with a few more people, including a man with gangrene in his leg and a woman who arrived earlier that day. She was understandably upset and frightened. But praise the Lord! As Steve and Josephine were talking with her, she accepted Christ into her heart. Praise the Lord!

I spent the rest of the week in the school with Nikki and Reagan. Wednesday we were supposed to give two assessments, but one school didn't have paper and the other didn't have ink. The schools that I'm working in are very unorganized; not having supplies the first day or week for that matter is quite common, as is not having teachers come to class and having students switching around both classes and schools. It's chaotic to say the least. Since we couldn't give the assessments, we graded some from another school instead. The results were discouraging. It was quite the (uncommon) feat for a student to score 10 out of 30 on the spelling portion, and the comprehension portion was even worse. The students are far behind, but have so much potential to learn. I can't wait to see how much they'll improve by the end of the year. I feel so privileged that I get to help them along the way.
Later, Nikki and Reagan showed me other schools in the area so I could get a better understanding of the government schools in Riger Park. When we picked up their daughter from her private school, Reagan gave me a private tour. It was a super nice school; tons better than Holland High. The campus was huge with beautiful landscaping and buildings. It looked more like a nice college campus than a K-12 girls' school. The school offered tons of extracurriculars, from art to music to sports to ballet to anything you could think of. The school was adequately staffed not only with teachers but also sports coaches, physical therapists, speech therapists, counselors, etc. Tuition: 4,800USD/yr. Then we drove around a charter high school, which reminded me a lot of Holland High. It was nice, but not extravagent. Tuition: 600 USD/yr. Then you have the government schools: unorganized, unpredicatble, violent (though the violence has decreased greatly since Cynergy started working in the schools), poor (both financially and in quality of education; a second grader at a private school is more literate than a fourth grader in a government school). The government school offers no extracurriculars, nor can they afford music, art, or athletics in their curriculum. It's simply the very basics.

Thursday I helped give an assessment to a class of fourth graders. They were adorable! They still had their innocence, and were so excited to have us in their classroom. They were so sweet! I can't wait to work with them more.
Friday I gave an assessment to a class of 8th graders. Night and day difference from the fourth graders. They were much more disrespectful and cared less about their education and more about their friends, which seemed pretty typical high schooler to me. Nikki informed me otherwise. Apparently disrespect is a HUGE problem in the schools and in the kids as they enter into "the real world". It's more than just a teenage stage. Though not as well behaved as the younger students, the assessment went well and the students were obedient to my instructions. Unfortunately, the assessment results weren't any better than those of the younger students.

During a conversation after the assessment, Nikki said something that was extremely reassuring. Coming into this, I couldn't wait to work with the fourth graders. I love young kids! The high schoolers were a different story. Being not much older then high school myself, I was concerned how they would respond to me, worried that they wouldn't respect me and walk all over me. But Nikki unknowingly reassured me. She talked about how, though the students loved her and Reagan, they wouldn't go to the couple first for life advice. Rather, they'd go to their peers, to LaKita (Nikki's 19 yr old sister) or me. Whoa. I was reminded that I wasn't here to be a boss or supervisor of these students, but their friend. I'd gain their respect just as I had gained respect from my friends, not through authority but through relationship. And the students that I've met in the Legend program are definately friendly! Tehe.

Friday night was a ton of fun! Jeff and Sarah treated me as well as Nikki and Reagan to dinner for my birthday. Afterward, we went to Nikki and Reagan's house for cake, ice cream, and poker (Jeff taught me how to play). It was a blast! Secretly, it was nice to have them making a fuss over me. Tehe. I was touched when LaKita, who I'd only met the day before, got me a birthday gift. It was a good day. Tehe. Most of all, I loved getting to hang out with Nikki, Reagan, Jeff, and Sarah on a fun rather than work basis. It was awesome getting to know them more and goof off with them. And I loved coming home to find a dozen people on skype waiting to wish me a happy birthday. Tehe. It was great catching up with so many people, even if our 8 way chat was a bit confusing. Tehe. Oh, I miss you guys!
Yesterday was really relaxed; today has been as well. Yesterday I experienced my first South African braai. It's basically a barbaque: grilling meat, various salads, sitting, chatting, eating outside, playing games. It was fun, though a bit awkward at times as I didn't really know anywho. Overall though, it was good. This morning we went to a church called His People. It was great! It was really diverse and similiar to church at home, though more charamatic.

Praise the Lord:
-For the woman at the Hospice accepting Christ
-For an incredible birthday
-For healing me from whatever I had earlier this week
-For keeping me safe
-For beautiful sunsets
-For relationships that He's building
-For tasty coffee (tehe)
-For peace
-For encouragement
-For Nikki and Reagan and the amazing way God has blessed Cynergy
-For Laura, Jeff, and Sarah
-For Josephine and her huge heart

Please pray:
-For the people at the Hospice. Please pray for healing, both physcially and emotionally. Pray that their families don't abandon them. Pray that the patients aren't lonely. Pray that they are overwhelmed with love and joy.
-For Josephine. This woman amazes me! She does so much in the Hospice! But her work is very trying. Constantly being around sickness and death is tiring. Pray that God strengthens her and encourages her. Pray that she is surrounded by loved ones who will lift her up daily.
-For the poor. It's extremely difficult to see men, women, and children begging on the streets for money (which is more common than not) and not give to all of them (the task is far too great, plus we don't want to enable them nor do we want to become a target known to have extra money (which we already are to a degree since we're white; sad but true)
-For safety on the roads (both for the Vox team and the people of South Africa in general). Yesterday as we were driving to a movie, we saw a horrible accident. Apparently, one car ran a robot (traffic light), t-boning another car causing it to spin out of control and hit two pedestrians (neither of which survived). This is just one of (though the worst of) the many accidents that I've seen in the short time that I've been here.
-For health and safety. Being sick last week wasn't the greatest, and now Laura is sick (though with some sinus thing; thankfully it isn't what I had). Please pray that she heals quickly and that the rest of us get/stay healthy. Pray that God continues to keep us safe as we work, travel, and play as well.
-That God fills me with courage and confidence so I'm able to take the initiative that I need to.
-That God continues to help me form and build relationships here. Pray that I'm able to get plugged into a godly community, and soon.
-That God continues to lead and guide me for the sake of His name
-For spiritual strength and wisdom
-For Reagan's sister who just had surgery to remove a brain tumor. She's still in ICU. Pray for a full recovery.
-For a dear friend of mine back in the States. She's going through a nasty divorce, which will be finalized on the 1st. Please pray for her and her family. Pray that God overwhelms them with love, peace,strength, and joy. Pray that they can feel God's arms wrapped tightly around them. Pray that God reveals His plan in all of this.


A few of the dogs on the seminary campus. Flopsy/Alloy (depends who you ask) and Happy. We just got another dog named Peanut (a "sausage" dog) who is adorable! Pretty sure he's my favorite. Every time I walk outside, he runs up to me and rolls over on his back for a belly rub. Tehe. So cute!

Thank God for stars and small children

Friday morning, I headed down to Lesotho (country number 5 in the past 8 days) with Steve and Jim, pastors from a church in Michigan, Jeff and Sarah, Mphoo, Mike, and some others. Steve and Jim are partnering with Soweto Vineyard and wanted to see the church in Lesotho that Soweto is supporting. The day was very relaxed. After the drive, we hung out for a few hours until dinner. I enjoyed getting to know a few of the guys from Soweto (and I'm pretty sure Mahlake would like to get to know me better. Tehe. On the drive down, we (the entire car) got on the conversation of what we're looking for in the other sex and apparently I fit his description. Tehe. Throughout the trip, he was extremely friendly; hopefully that's just his culture and character), though honestly much of the time I felt out of place. It seemed like everyone had grouped off, and I was left on my own. The pastor introduced me to a little girl who was helping prepard dinner, and we chatted a bit, but even that felt somewhat awkward and forced. After dinner, we had a church service in the pastor's house. Again, I felt somewhat out of place and uncertain of what was expected of me. Doubts began to invade my mind. I felt that I wasn't needed here (both in Lesotho and in Africa), that once again I was simply tagging along. It was really discouraging. At the end of the service, we prayed for some of the church members. I stayed put until they began praying over the children. Ah, this is something that I could do. Though small, God reminded me that He was still using me. I could tell by the smiles on the children's faces that this small act mattered. After the service, we headed out to our various host homes. As we walked outside, everything was pitch black. We were out in the country, so it wasn't really developed (there was barely a street, so one didn't expect street lights). Just as the darkness began to overwhelm me, I looked up to see thousands and thousands of stars. It was so beautiful! It was as if God tapped me on the shoulder and said, my child, I haven't left you. I'm still here. Look at the beauty that I've surrounded you with. And Lesotho was beautiful. Grassy mountains were in every direction. Despite its unfamiliarness, it was peaceful. Just as I was leaving, the little girl who I had talked with early ran up to me to say goodbye. She hugged me and told me that she'd miss me. Yes, even this small act mattered. Even when I felt so completely inadequate, God used me. Praise the Lord!
The next morning, as we waited for our ride, many of the guys from Soweto tried horseback riding for the first time. It was rather entertaining. Tehe.
Please pray that God continues to work in this beautiful place. Pray that they people here become ignited for him. Pray that these precious children grow in His love. And please continue to pray for me. Pray that this spirit of fear is removed. Pray that I become confident in God who works within me, who is able to do more than I could ever day to ask or even dream of, infidently beyond my highest prayers, thoughts, or hopes. Pray that I bring glory to God in all that I do. And please pray that I learn to be more outgoing here. Pray that I take initiative rather than waiting for others to come to me.

Ngiyabingingela!

Greetings from South Africa!
Praise the Lord for a perfectly smooth and easy flight. I arrived here safely Saturday evening. I flew in with Mike Takas and 3 business professors from CU, Scott (I'm blanking on his last name right now)and Rob and Claudia Simpson. All for of these individuals are super sweet. They spoiled me rotten while they were here. Tehe. I spent my first few days here with this team.
Sunday we went to the Soweto Vineyard church in Kliptown. The service was incredible! While we were there, the pastor, Mpo (sp?)introduced us. It was encouraging to see the excitement on the faces of the congregation when Mpo announced that I would be here for 6 months. I also loved seeing the massive amount of children at the church. Tehe. After the service, we gathered together in small groups to pray. Mpo called me over to join his group. His prayers and leadership were comforting. After the church, we went out for lunch and then to Mpo's wife's (Pokie's)coffee shop where Scott and Rob were giving a lecture on business principles. Pokie's coffee is amazing! Tehe. I don't usually like plain coffee, but this stuff was so good. And she was super sweet. I hadn't had a chance to get cash yet, so she gave me a cup of coffee for free (which I really needed considered I hadn't really slept the previous 3 nights). The people that I've met here so far are so friendly! They're very good at making one feel welcome.
Monday I went down to Swaziland with Mike and the CU team. The country is so beautiful! While we were there, we met with Martin, an area pastor who is heading up Vox's sewing initiative. This man's passion for his community is incredible! Not only is the program teaching life skills to the women who are involved, but some of the proceeds go to help fund a feeding program for local orphans. wow! It's incredible what God is doing through Martin and his family. Please pray for them. Recently, they have been attacked by thugs twice. The first time the thugs broke in to steal from the family; the second time they came for Martin's life. Please pray for them. Pray that God keeps them safe. Currently they are not living at home because it is too dangerous. Martin thinks the thugs are attacking him because God has blessed him. Please pray for a change of heart in these men. Please pray that Martin and his family have the strength to faithfully follow God's will.
Yesterday I spent most of the day shopping with Sarah for groceries, a phone, a 3g internet thing, and other things that I needed. She and Jeff have been incredible hosts! I'm so glad that they are here. I'm so thankful for them. They've done an incredible job helping me get settled and setting up my phone and such. It seems like they're constantly taking care of me. They truly are a blessing from God! I'm so glad that they're here. Later last night, we joined Mike and the CU team for a movie at Carnival, a local casino with a bunch of restaurants as well as a super cheap movie theater.
This morning we all went out for breakfast (it seems like I've eaten out more this week than the rest of my life combined) at Pokie's coffee show (Weezy's coffee and book bar). Then me, Mike, and Jeff met up with Reagan and Nikki, a sweet couple who work in the area schools who I will be working with while I am here. They showed us around the high school and around a primary school that I'll be working in. Seeing those kids made me so excited! I can't wait to start working with them, nor can I wait to work with Nikki and Reagan. After touring the schools, we went out to lunch together in order to get to know one another. This couple is amazing! Their passion for young people and their determination is unbelievable. They simply won't take no for an answer. Because of their program, the students at the high school had a significantly higher pass rate on the exam that they take to determine if they pass high school (I know that they had a 90% passing rate, but I don't remember what the average was. I remember that the difference was HUGE though). During lunch, I was able to hear a bit about their testimonies. I can't wait to get to know them better. Nikki reminds me a lot of Monica Ayers, which is really comforting.
Wow! God's provision is outstanding! My God is so big, so strong and so mighty; there's nothing my God cannot do!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good:
-Thanks for safe and smooth travels
-Thanks for safety and health here in SA
-Thanks for the incredible people that He's put here with me
-Thanks for His provision
-Thanks for His unconditional love
-Thanks for the passion that He's given me
-Thanks for the peace that He's given me

Please pray:
-for continued health and safety
-that I'm able to build strong friendships while I'm here
-that I put God first in everything
-as I continue to adjust to living her
-that God fills me with courage and confidence
-that I learn to rely on God fully

Scott, Martin, his wife, Claudia, Rob


Swaziland

Here we go...

Praise the Lord:
- For His incredible provision, protection, plan, and blessing
-For providing all of my finances
-For the amazing people that He's placed on my life
-For His character and faithfulness
-For keeping me healthy

Please pray:
-For a peace that surpasses understanding
-For courage and confidence
-That I learn to trust God more than myself, that I completely surrender myself to Him
-For wisdom and guidance as I seek His will
-For safe, smooth travels
-For continued health and protection

Isaiah 26:3

Yesterday was absolutely incredible! I invited a few friends to join me at church and to pray with me and then to join me for lunch as a bit of a "sizobonana" party. I am so incredibly blessed! Because of what happened yesterday while we were praying, I can confidently say that I am ready to serve in South Africa. God filled me with perfect peace. I don't know how to explain it well, but I just have a peace about this whole trip. Last week I was battling doubts left and right, doubts that I can't really do this or that I'm making a huge mistake in going, doubts that I'm abandoning my friends or that they will abandon me. But somehow during that moment of prayer God destroyed these doubts and filled me with His perfect peace. It was like He whispered in my ear, "You see my child, you are so incredibly loved. Listen to the prayers around you. Feel the hands that surround you. You are so loved. And this, My child, this is just a taste of how much I love you. And because I love you, I will protect you and provide for you on this journey that you are about to begin. I will equip you with all of the skills that are required of you. Through My strength you can do this. Keep trusting me, dear child. I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. Together we can take on Africa. And these loved ones that surround you, leave them to my care as well. Don't worry: I'm big enough to protect them. Dear child, feel the love that surrounds you. It isn't a fleeting love, a love that can be killed off with a six month absence. No, precious child, this love is sincere. This is what you will return to in July."
My God is AMAZING! I am overwhelmed at His provision throughout this journey. And to think that this is only the beginning! I can't wait to see how God is going to use me over the next six months. I can't wait to see what He is going to teach me. My God is limitless, which is oh so exciting!

Please continue to pray with me throughout this journey. Please pray:
-For spiritual strength. Pray that I am able to discern God's truth from them devil's lies. Pray that I continue to seek His strength rather than my own.
-For smooth transition as I say my goodbyes and leave the States.
-For health and safety as I travel and while I'm in South Africa.
-That I have a teachable spirit.
-That God prepares the hearts of the children that I'll be working with
-That God raises up mentors to love on these precious children

Praise God:
-For His incredible provision
-For what He's doing in South Africa
-For giving me this opportunity
-For providing so much support
-For His incredible love
-For His protection
-For this passion that He's given me
-For all of the miracles that have gotten me this far
-For wonderful friends and family
-For teaching me Truth
-For being amazing!


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Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.