The Cynergy side of life

This week has been hectic on the Cynergy side of life. I can't go into a ton of detail, but I'll give you an overview of what's going down.
So that fundraiser that I mentioned in the last post? DISASTER! Not only did Cynergy not get any support, but they weren't even allowed to speak! Five minutes before they were going to do their presentation, they were told that there was no longer time for their presentation because the meeting had started over an hour late. Frustration puts it lightly.

Due to misunderstanding and cultural differences, Vox and Cynergy have been experiencing conflict this past week. This has been stressful for me as I feel trapped in the middle. Thankfully, there have been negotiations throughout the week that have lead to better understanding of one another. Please pray for resolve. Pray that God's will is done, not the agenda of an organization. Pray that I am able to serve my kids in all of the schools. Pray for understanding and better communication. Pray for team unity. Pray for guidance and wisdom. Pray for peace and encouragement. Pray that my kids are safe during the Confederation Cup and the World Cup next year. Pray that God provides for all of Cynergy's resources tenfold. Pray that God raises up workers for the harvest. Pray for revolution in South Africa. Pray for guidance in my future. Pray that God makes His will for my life evident. Pray for healing.

Please also pray for Lakeside Primary. In this school, 110 of the 146 grade fours that we work with are failing English. Because of this, they are being viewed as incompete and needing to be sent to special schools. Special schools are designed for kids with severe mental disabilities, not for learners who can't read because they haven't been taught properly. Pray that God shows us how to best help these kids. Pray that we can convince their parents, principle, and educators that their children are not hopeless; they simply need more help. Pray for breakthrough in the lives of these kids. Pray that they continue to gain confidence and knowlege. Pray that they learn to believe in themselves completely. Pray that they are kept safe from harm of any kind.

Praise the Lord!:
-For answered pray
-For the opportunity to serve.
-For all of my kids
-For giving me family here
-For Nikki and Reagan and their incredible selflessness, for the way that they put my needs before their own and for their williness to invest in me
-For health and safety
-For cultural experiences
-For growth
-For forgiveness
-For love
-For taking care of me
-For a full fridge and a warm bed
-For amazing friends in the States who support me fully and pray for me constantly.
-For the opportunity to make an impact
-For the progress that my kids are making
-For the confidence that my kids are gaining

PRAY PRAY PRAY!

Please please please pray hardcore! Cynergy is in great need of funding. Currently we are rolling out in 6 schools (7 next term), but only two of them are sponsored. Tomorrow night we have a large fund raising meeting. Please pray that God will work in the hearts of the potential fund givers and that He provides in abundance, whether it be through them or someone else. Our God is the great Provider; NOTHING is impossible with Him! He will provide all that we need.

Good Music Good Friends

This past Friday, Laura and I went to Cape Town to visit one of my dearest friends, Elise, would is staffing at the YWAM base in Muizenberg. It was amazing!
We flew out Friday morning (Cape Town is a good 14hr drive from Joburg) and were greeted by gorgeous sunshine. We spent most of Friday driving around the coast, taking in the beauty of it all. We stopped at several beache
s, taking in the soft, warmth of the sand, the fresh smell of the ocean, the shimmer of the seashells, the soothing sound of waves, the brilliance of the sun. It was stunning! And oh so relaxing! And the

awesome little cafe that we found in Muizenberg, Knead, and a delicious smoothie from Kuai was simply the icing on the cake of an incredibly relaxing day.

After taking full advantage of the opportunity to sleep in Saturday morning, we headed to the V&A Waterfront for breakfast. Laura and I took this opportunity to act like crazy tourists (which we saw a lot of), taking the most random pictures. Tehe.
After our fill of V&A, we returned to Muizenburg for some quality time with Elise. It was SO GOOD to see her! Ahh! I've missed her so much! Definitely my favorite part of the trip. Tehe. We took a short drive down to Boulders Beach to swim with the penguins. They were cute. Tehe. I loved having a chance to spend the day with one of my best friends! Who would have imagined that the girl who I grow up with and befriended basically at birth would be in SA at the same time as I am doing something completely different? And that I'd have an opportunity to meet with her here? It really it a small world! But not too small. I loved swapping experiences with Elise about our times here in Africa, loved seeing how different our day to day lives our. After playing with the penguins, we took a drive halfway up table mountain, and then enjoyed dinner at the V&A. It was lacquer (good)! Tehe.

Sunday we did the tourist thing. After another lazy morning in our lovely apartment, we headed once again to the V&A Waterfront for breakfast before we jumped on a boat to head to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned). From there, we hopped on a bus and toured the island, eventually exploring the prison on foot. It was interesting, but probably not something that I would do again. After the tour, we enjoyed a relaxing lunch at a cute little cafe called Sundance.
Afterward, we headed down to Cape Point, the most Southern part of Africa. It was so beautiful! We were in a national park, so we were able to see some wildlife as we drove through. Unlike Kruger, we were able to safely get out of our vehicle to admire nature up close and personal. Like I said above, it was BEAUTIFUL! The crashing waves, the silly animals, the lovely beaches, the magnificent mountains, the giant rocks; I probably could have spent days hiking around the area. It was so much fun! Probably my second favorite part of the trip! Tehe. We even had crazy baboons climb on our car again. Tehe.

After Cape Point, Laura and I drove to pick up Elise for a lovely picnic of tasty treats and delicious stargazing on the beach. Unfortunately, the beach was much darker than we expected (pitch black in fact), so we ended up picnicing on the pavement right in front of the beach. It was a blast regardless. I loved having the opportunity to spend some quality time with some awesome friends! Unfortunately, I had to say my goodbyes to Elise that night. Goodbye, dear friend! I'll see you in July (too bad we won't be on the same flight). Enjoy your time in India!

Monday Laura and I had planned a beach day, but unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating. Rather than spend a cold, rainy day at the beach, we drove through some of Cape Town's beautiful vineyards, stopping to taste (and purchase) some delicious sparkling grape juice. It was a fun, relaxing day.

Tuesday we made the trek up table mountain (and by that I mean we took the cable car up. I would have loved to climb it, but we didn't really have time/that didn't quite fit into our week of planned laziness tehe). Once again, it was beautiful (anyone noticing a theme?)! You could see for miles from the top! Not to mention the beauty of the mountain itself. Words simply can't describe it (hopefully the pictures help).



After a quick stop at the chocolate house (yum!), we headed back to the beach. There, we saw about a dozen kite surfers showing off their skill. It was so fun to watch! And a wonderful ending to our long weekend of relaxation!

Oh, but that wasn't the end of it. In fact, our vacation almost got extended, except we would be moved from Cape Town to Durban (another beachy area in SA). As we were about to land in Joburg, our pilot came on the intercom explaining that there was a bad thunderstorm over the landing strip, that something had been struck by lightening, and that there was a possibility of being rerouted to Durban (Laura rejoiced at this news. Tehe). After flying around for another 10-20 minutes, we landed in Joburg, lighting bolts flashing to the left and right of us. It was quite exciting.

(Oh, and did I mention the crazy lifesize giraffee that we saw in someone's house? Yup, those Cape Townians certainly are a different breed)

Yes, a wonderful vacation filled with relaxation, good friends, some jamming tunes (Laura and I were often found screaming "Broken Strings" as loud as we can as we drove through the country side, so much fun! tehe), and God's beautiful creation! Just what the doctor ordered for a bit of renewal, refreshment, and reenergization (I think I just made that word up) before jumping back into the craziness that is our life in Joburg.

And jump we did. Wednesday morning I was right back in the schools to discover we had three schools rolling out at the same time due to the term ending and the kids writting exams. Thus, I was left to teach classes at Reigerpark Primary on my own. Though a bit of me missed the carefreeness of Cape Town, I was glad to be back in the classroom, loving on my kiddos. Though Cape Town was fun, I don't think I could live that life long term. Somehow my life in Joburg is much more fulfilling. Despite how hectic it can be at times, I love it here!
And much of the reason that I love it here is because of Nikki and Reagan and the impact they are making on my life. Wednesday was so much fun! After a crazy morning, we (Nikki, Reagan, Laura, and I) spent the evening/night together at the movies and then sipping coffee at their house. I absolutely love these three! They are just amazing! I love getting to know them better and being able to interact with them outside of our work environment. They absolutely amaze me! They are simply incredible people!

Thursday was also spent in the schools rolling out the program. Friday was consumed with some hardcore cleaning, laundry, and cookie making.

Today we had a legends meeting. In good SA fashion, the speaker phoned us 30 minutes after he was to arrive to let us know that he wouldn't be able to make it. Thus, we had to make a plan and improvise. I must say we did a pretty good job. Tehe. Afterward, I had yet another amazing conversation with Nikki and Reagan. Again, they are amazing people! I so wish that I knew their life stories; they are just incredible!

Praise the Lord!
-For AMAZING friends, both here in SA and back in the States
-For rest and renewal
-For his beautiful creation
-For laughter
-For the chance to indulge occasionally
-For the opportunity to make a difference
-For using me to do his work
-For peace
-For growth
-For healing
-For love
-For health
-For safety
-For music
-For new experiences
-For smiles
-For the ability to read and right
-For the talents and skills that He's given me

Please pray:
-For a miracle with the educators. After a few conversations with Nikki, I've learned that many of the educators not only don't care for their learners, but also want to see them fail. Apparently in coloured culture, you work to ensure the people around you are never better off than you are. Rather than building them up to improve your community, you tear them down to protect your pride. Thus, when an educator sees a student thriving or dreaming big, they are quick to step in and squash this child.
-For funds for Cynergy
-For volunteers for Cynergy. Pray that God provides people who will commit to the program for years to come
-For wisdom and guidance
-For Marta and her family. Last week her sister died. Two of her other sisters have HIV/AIDs. Pray that God will comfort their family and bring healing, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
-For team unity
-For Elise as she prepares to go to India. Pray that God fills her with confidence and wisdom. Pray that her team is unified.
-For SA as it prepares for their election. Pray that someone godly is elected as their next president.
-For friends and family. Pray that God provides all of their needs. He is more than enough!

Family time

This week my mother came to visit me, making the week far from normal.

After a missed connection, my mother arrived late Saturday night, exhausted and without luggage. Because her flight was delayed, she wasn’t able to experience the service at Word and Life Saturday night.

Instead of attending Word Sunday morning, we went to the Soweto Vineyard church for a more traditional service. Afterward, we went to an African craft market in Rosebank. This is very similar to Shipsawana in the States; dozens of booths set up with all kinds of goods from around the continent. There you can find anything from biltong (like beef jerky) and other foods to beaded jewelry and animals to clothing of all sorts (even belly dancing outfits) to paintings to candles to painted ostrich eggs. It was quite the assortment and kept us engaged for most of the day.

On Monday, Nikki and Reagan took us to the University of Johannesburg so that we could compare it to a university in the States (my mother is a chemistry professor at GVSU, so they thought she would be interested in this). The school was HUGE, with about 100,000 students attending. Other than the size, it wasn’t much different from Cornerstone. The campus consisted of a huge building that contained most of the classes as well as a few other buildings containing labs and four dorms. Most of the students live off campus.

Tuesday we worked in one of the schools, Goedehoop Primary (pronounced who-da-whoop, which means good hope in English). This was probably one of my favorite parts of the week mainly because I got to show my mother what I do every day. It was quite the experience! We had not been told that the schedule at the school had been changed, so our first class wasn’t the class that we normally teach (typically, we teach the first few classes for the teachers as a way to train them in the program, and then they teach the rest of their classes.) This class was a class that the teacher usually taught. It was unbelievable how far behind they were! We’ve been using a sound card to teach the small sounds of the alphabet for the past month; when we asked the students to pull it out, they didn’t know what we were talking about. When we went over it with them, they didn’t know many of the sounds. What a vast difference from the classes we’ve been teaching! I discovered why this was during the next class.

Because Reagan and Nikki were rolling out at Reiger Park Secondary, my mother and I were supposed to teach the next class on our own. Usually this wouldn’t be a problem, bu

t right as we finished the sound card, a lady interrupted us and told us that Cynergy must come to a stop for the day so that they could perform a survey that had to be completed that day. Because I wasn’t sure who this woman was (she could have easily been someone from district or the government; turns out she was just one of the vice principals at the school), I let her take our time to do the survey. The woman gave the survey to the teacher while my mother and I stepped outside, prepared to finish our English lesson after the survey was completed. When we left, chaos broke out. The teacher sat and read over the survey for a good ten minutes with no interaction with her students. As most unsupervised kids do, the students began to get out of their seats and run around the room, playing and chatting. Things went downhill from there. Once she was finally ready to begin the survey, she couldn’t get control of her class. She screamed and swore and slammed her stick on the desk, but she couldn’t get the learners to settle; they’ve learned to tune out her tantrums. Because of this, it took the teacher over an hour and a half to try to do the survey, our entire Cynergy time wasted. After only being on the first question after all of this tim

e, she ran to the vice principle for help. The vice principle walked into the room, quieted the class, and completed the entire survey in three minutes. Crazy! Though it made for a hectic morning, I was grateful that my mother could see what we deal with everyday. It isn’t the learners that are our struggle but the educators. It’s also been difficult for me to learn the balance between standing up for the learners’ education and not stepping on the educators toes; one wrong move and they’ve fight with everything they have to get us out of their school. We’re a threat to them; if they were doing their job properly ours wouldn’t be necessary.

Tuesday afternoon we began the journey to Kruger National Park where we would spend the next two days. About an hour away from the park, we stopped at Mercy Air for the night. It was stunning! Our room was absol

utely beautiful, as was the entire campus. Every little thing was considered and taken care of. I would have been content to spend our vacation there. It was so peaceful, relaxing, and quiet; the complete opposite of our crazy busy lives in the city. I laughed when I saw a Tulip Time poster decorated one of the walls; I guess no matter where you go, Holland just follows you. :)

Wednesday morning we got up crazy

early so we would reach the Kruger gate right when it opened at 5:30am. This place too was stunning. Kruger National Park is a wildlife preserve containing hundreds of thousands of animals. A far stretch from the zoo, these animals run around freely on mass amounts of land in their natural habits. The only thing protecting us from them was the metal of our car or the fences surrounding the rest camps. Driving around for most of the day, we saw dozens of elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboon, water buffalo, wildebeests, impala, birds of all sorts, hyena, zebras, ostriches, kudu, not to mention quite a few convincing stumps and stones. Because it is completely natural, one simply drives through the roads, eyes scanning the distance for any sign of life. It was an incredible experience! We even got ambushed by a group of baboons who decided the top of our car looked like a nice resting place.

Thursday was also spent in Kr

uger. We started the day earlier with a morning drive. A morning drive is a tour given by one of the park workers in a proper safari buckkie. It too was incredible. It was on this tour that we saw lions close enough to touch, though no one dared reach out a hand (thankfully!). The tour guide was very friendly and informative. After the tour, we spent the rest of the day once again driving around the park, scouting the area for animals. We left the park after experiencing a stunning scene of four giraffes and three zebras journeying together.

Friday we had planned to visit a crèche and an informal settlement, but these plans fell through. Instead, my mother, Laura, and I spent a relaxing morning sharing life experiences and breakfast. Afterward, we visited Word and Life so my mother could at least see the differences in the grounds of the two churches. Then Nikki and Reagan invited us to go to China City with

them, which is also sort of a giant flea market. There’s really nothing in the States to compare it with. There we dozens of shops filled with anything you could imagine sold at stock price; the more you bought, the cheaper each item cost. We then spent a relaxing evening at the seminary, recovering a bit from the craziness of the last few days.

We didn’t have much planned more Saturday, so we ended up spending most of the day at the Lakeside mall (wow we did a lot of shopping this week!). It amazes me how much time a mother and daughter can kill at a mall. Afterward, we quickly returned to the seminary for my mother’s suitcases then brought her to the airport. Her departure was bittersweet. Already part of me misses having her around, having something familiar here. This past week has felt like a vacation (which it was), so it was strange to have her leave and me stay. Still, I’m excited to get back into the swing of things. Though it was nice to have some down time and Kruger was a blast, these kids need to be loved and cared for.

Back to another week of work…

Praise the Lord!

-For an incredible week with my mother

-For Nikki. She has officially made herself my SA mother. It has been amazing to see our relationship grow from work oriented to something more personal. Honestly, I'm not sure how I'm going to leave her and Reagan and their family in a few months. Guess I'll just have to take them all home with me. Tehe.

-For Laura. I appreciate her more than words can say. It's incredible having someone here who not only understands my perspective as a single woman living so far away from everything familiar but also just having a friend here who I can share life with. Between her and the Klaasen family (Nikki and Reagan), I am incredibly blessed!

-For the beautiful sunshine!

-For creating such stunning creatures

-For fresh air

-For opportunity

-For encouragement

-For the incredible plan He has for me

-For empowering me

-For growing me

-For education

-For incredible friends

-For crazy dogs

-For laughter

Please pray:

-For funding for Cynergy. They DESPERATELY need it

-That Nikki is encouraged and reminded why she does what she does

-For Reagan's sister as she continues to recover from brain surgery

-For Marta. Her sister was found passed out earlier today with no signs of life. It took the ambulance over 4 hours to respond to their calls. It doesn't look good...

-That Nikki and Reagan find time to rest and to be with their family

-For the educators, that they are encouraged rather than threatened by Cynergy, that they learn to embrace the program, and that they see the impact and power that they have on these kids lives

-For the learners. That they work hard, but more importantly, that they discover their potential and worth

-For team unity

-That Laura is encouraged

-For wisdom, patience, grace, and perseverance

-That I'm able to get back into the swing of things