Rejected, Illegal, Imprisionment, Deportation

This week has been crazy stressful!

On the Cynergy side of things, I've been taking on a lot more responsibility. Over the past few weeks, I have been teaching classes by myself as well as training Dezzi and Elano. I've also taken on Legends training at RSS and overseeing roll out at RPP. As I get more and more involved in Cynergy, I become more and more involved in the lives of my kids. No longer are they "Cynergy's kids" but my kids; I've been feeling a lot more responsibility for them. This week was also spent planning and presenting the Legends' Communication Workshop, including preparing the tuck shop (snack shop). Laura and I took on the tuck shop on our own.

This week has also been moving week. Though I'm excited to be living with Laura and having more space, including our own kitchen, it's time and energy consuming as well as yet another transition. We've also had several unexpected surprises in our new house, including an electrifying shower complete with exploding shower head, as well as uninvited little visitors. Thankfully, we're all settled in now (mostly anyway), Reagan took care of the mice problem, and one of Laura's friends is going to come fix the shower sometime this week.

The most stressful part of this week has been trying to sort out my visa. I recieved a phone call Wednesday morning asking that I return to home affairs once more (this was my ninth time). I was praying that this would be my last time at home affairs. It was, but not at all how I had hoped. I had hoped that I would meet with the home affairs director, explain that I already had a ticket home and ask that he dismiss the repetuation fee (the last time that I was at home affairs I was told that I had to pay this in order to get my visa and that only the director had power to write off the fee in special circumstances), receive the precious little stamp, and finally be done with it all. Sadly, this isn't at all what happened.

When I entered home affairs, the director was very cross with me. He asked me how I had the audacity to try to have my application approved without including all of the proper documentation, including a police clearance form. I was then presented with a paper that I had to sign stating that I had been informed that I was now an illigal immigrant, and that I had the choice of leaving the country or being imprisoned. He told me that he would graciously allow me seven days to leave; if I was found in the country after seven days I would be arrested. Needless to say, all of this talk of being illigal and imprisioned and deported freaked me out. Praise the LORD Reagan was there! He began speaking to the director in Afrikaans, knowing that the man was more comfortable with this language and that it would remind him that he was dealing with a local (the director admited that he did not like foreigners and thought that they only reason that they came to South Africa was to murder their people, rape their women, and steal their jobs. He said he particularly did not like Americans because they thought that they were too good for the system and do as they please). In hindsight, I'm glad that Reagan did this, but at the time it only freaked me out further. I had no idea what was going on, only that I had been presented with imprisionment and deportation. During their lengthly conversation, I fought the tears that filled my eyes. Eventually, the director noticed this and asked if I was crying. I simply responded, "yes", the first word that I had spoken to him the entire time we were there. Later, I discovered that this worked in my favor.

After much conversation, the director told Reagan and I that I could either leave the country within seven days or write an appeal to have my application looked at again, though there wasn't much chance in that since my application did not contain the proper documentation. Thankfully, Reagan had anticipated something like this and had brought his laptop. We immidiately began writting the appeal, explaining what I've been doing in South Africa, that I planning on leaving in a month, etc. After we finished, Reagan took the appeal to the director's office to wait until he was ready to see us again while I sat trying to compose myself (we wrote the letter in an office connected to the director's office).

Shortly after, Reagan spoke with the director again in Afrikaans (which he latter explained to me). The director asked Reagan if I cried easily, and Reagan responded that I was tender hearted, that I loved being in South Africa, loved my school kids, and that I wasn't like the other foreigners who wanted distruction for the country; I was here to help without seeking self-gain. This along with Reagan's calm, respectful demeanor, began to soften the director. He looked over our appeal, even adding a few things to help our case, then Reagan called me in to sign it. He read through the appeal again, and told me that he still could not approve my visa because I still did not have the proper documentation. He could, however, sign a paper that said that I was an illegal in the country but had permission to be in South Africa until June 30. However, I would only be allowed to be in the area where I work and the area where I stay; if I'm found outside of these two areas, I will be arrested.

Although these conditions are not ideal, I'm thankful that I am able to complete my mission in coming to South Africa. Yes, I'm disappointed that I can't do some of the touristy stuff, but that wasn't my intention in coming here. I can still finish that which I set out to do. I'm thankful that I am still in South Africa working with my kids rather than on a plane or in prison right now. I'm thankful that Reagan was there to explain my heart, my story, and my passion. If he hadn't been there, I would probably be in one of the above places. I'm thankful that the director softened and was willing to let me stay for the last month.

Lastly, all of this visa stuff and moving and transition has really made me aware of how little time I have left in SA. Where has the time gone? I can't believe that I only have a month here! It's going to be so hard to leave! God's provided me with a family here, a purpose, and thousands of kiddos to love and be loved by. Leaving isn't going to be easy.

Praise the LORD!:
~For Reagan and how he's taken care of me
~For my South African family
~For humor
~For warmth
~For sunshine
~For coffee
~For chocolate
~For kiddos
~For opportunity
~For using me
~For my time here
~For love
~For encouragement
~For truth
~For hope
~For a roof over my head
~For a warm bed to sleep in
~For my heater
~For reassurance
~For growth and learning
~For forgiveness
~For all that He's done in my life, all that He's brought me through
~For music
~For laughter
~For Laura and Jerome
~For support
~For life
~For my daily bread

Please pray:
~For rest
~For health- bronchitis is no fun!
~For safety
~For wisdom
~For committed volunteers in Cynergy
~For smooth transition
~For energy
~That God speaks His truth into my life
~That I learn to discern my voice from His
~For discernment and direction in my future
~For quick recovery for my mom's knee
~For friends and family who are struggling
~For understanding
~That Jerome's finances come in

We are family

From a distance, this past week looked like most others: rolling out the program in the schools, helping with the Legends, after classes, admin stuff. Though the week did consist of all of those things, it also included a ton of quality time with the Klaasen family. It's incredible to see how much I really have become a part of their family!
I feel like I spent every second of this weekend with them. After rolling out at Lakeside Friday morning, I went with the Klaasen family and learners from East Rand High to a science expo called Sci-bona. It was fun to hang out with them outside of the usual work setting. It was also fun seeing the little two's reaction to all of the hands on science stuff. Afterward, we returned home to a fairly relaxing evening. After doing some admin stuff on my computer, I showed Nikki some pictures from my life back in the States which lead to many stories, most of which were random and funny. It was fun to give her and the rest of the family a glimpse of what my life was like before I met them. Because I was at their house so late (nearly 11:30pm), I ended up just staying the night.
Saturday was too fun! It wasn't decided that I would stay there until late, long after Kaylin and Jachin were in bed. They were quite surprised to see me in Lykita's bed when they woke up. I didn't mind the early screaming wake up call when I saw how excited they were for me to be there. It was fun to see what life was like for the Klaasen family on a day off. I loved spending time with Kayly and Jakes as we waited for the rest of the family to get up. After breakfast, I had a few incredible conversations with Nikki in the morning, including discussions involving apartheid and marriage.

Sunday was Johnny's, Nikki's father's, birthday. We went with their entire family (Johnny and mom, Jo-charm and the kids, the whole Klaasen crew, Lykita, and Lee) to Kai Thai for lunch. Afterward we ventured around Montecasino, eventually enjoying coffee and cake at a cafe. As we left, I realized that we had spent the whole day together. It was pretty olympic! Tehe.

As usual, I spent most of the rest of the week with Nikki and Reagan as well. Between rolling out the classes, sorting out the office, and all things Cynergy, we had some incredible conversations. This couple is so wise! I've learned so much from them! They absolutely amaze me! Nikki even introduced me to electricity and light this week. Bahahahaha! Oh, she's never going to live that one down! Tehe. She also showed us how to make a hand stand and a cartwheel, as well as how to do star jumps. Haha! Oh yes, life is never dull at the Klaasen house! I wouldn't have it any other way. Tehe.

Praise the LORD!:
~For Nikki, Reagan, Dillion, Kaylin, Jachin, Lykita, Jo-Charm, Andrea, Alex, the whole family!
~For giving me a family here in South Africa
~For His wisdom
~For encouragement
~For Nikki and Reagan's huge hearts!
~For memories
~For laughter and jokes
~For safety and health
~For growing Cynergy
~For opportunity
~For rest
~For His word
~For Laura
~For my kids!
~For the ability to learn
~For the ability to read and right
~For His blessings
~For His incredible plan for my life
~For notes
~For truth
~For His provision
~For His love and grace
~For incredible friends
~For using me to make an impact for his kingdom

Please pray:
~For mother as she recovers from knee surgery.
~For Jeff and Sarah as they fly home tomorrow
~That God provides the human and financial resources that Cynergy needs
~For continued health and safety
~That I would learn to discern God's voice that He may lead and guide me for His name sake
~For smooth transition over the next month or so
~For people to catch Cynergy's vision
~For God to continue to use me
~That our kids would catch what we are teaching
~That the matrics are able to handle the stress of the end of their school career
~For humily
~For an abundance of love that can't help but overflow into the lives of those around me
~For the needs of loved ones back home. Pray that God will provide all that they need, that He will grow them, and that He will protect them.

A week of learning

05/15/09
Last week a young woman named Dezzi joined the Cynergy team. She has been an incredible addition to the team. I am amazed by how quickly she’s jumped into the program and how committed she is to it. Dezzi has also been a reminder of where I was just a few months ago when I first joined the program. She’s also shown me how much I’ve grown. Over the past few months, I’ve seen my confidence soar. When I first was thrown into a classroom of 60 students to teach, I was terrified and timid. Now I can’t wait to teach a class, often taken over classes that Nikki or Reagan would have taught. Dezzi has reminded me how much I’ve learned in the past few months, not just about South African schools and culture, but also about myself. Nikki and Reagan have made a huge impact on my life. Because they believed in me, I learned to believe in myself. They’ve instilled a confidence in me that I can do whatever task is put before me. This new confidence has lead me to take on endeavors that I never would have considered in the past. They have shown me the impact that I can make in someone’s life by simply believing in and encouraging them. They’ve taught me that to really impact people, I must first love them. They’ve shown me the importance of meeting someone where they are rather than carrying on with my own agenda.
These skills have given me the liberty this past week to take more initiative. After school, we run an intervention program for our students who need just a bit more help. This past week, I realized that there were a few kids in the class that still did not have an understanding of the sounds of the alphabet. Because of this, they couldn’t keep up with the current lesson being taught. Rather than let them sit in on the lesson, I pulled them out of the class and started my own class with them, starting back at the sound card. Later in the week the class that I was teaching simply was not grasping the material being taught, causing me to slow my pace and not complete the lesson. Reagan reassured me that both of these things are more than ok. He reminded me that it’s more important to meet the kids where they are so that they understand half of the lesson then rush through to finish without any understanding. He reinforced how important is to meet people where they are. Nikki applauded my removal of the students from the intervention class and has now assigned me my own class of students.
Dezzi has also served as a good reminder this week. She reminded me of the importance of simply listening to people. As I mentioned last week, I love having Dezzi around not only because Cynergy desperately needs the manpower but also because I value her friendship. It’s been fun to see our friendship blossom over the past week. Dezzi lost both of her parents in the past four years, which made mother’s day quite difficult for her. It was encouraging to see how much she opened up to me about what she was going through, how much she trusts me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to encourage her. This week I had the opportunity to remind her of how strong she is, how so many other people haven’t been able to press on as she has. Once again, I was reminded of the importance of perspective. Dezzi isn’t one to dwell on the negative, but during this time it was hard for her to ignore what she’s experienced. Reflected on the positives of her parents’ deaths, of what God has taught her and how much she has grown, showed her how strong she is and empowered her to face what is in front of her. Dezzi has also taught me more about what it’s like to be a young person growing up in South Africa right now. She’s given me a fresh perspective of what life is like here.
Wednesday also contained new lessons. I’m still struggling to obtain my visa here in South Africa and returned to Home Affairs once again on Wednesday to get this precious stamp. After failing to get it last week, we met with a supervisor and set up an appointment with him to process my visa this week. When we arrived for the appointment, he informed us that I needed to pay another fee of > $1,000 so that the government has money for an airplane ticket if I become an illegal in the country and have to be deported. It didn’t matter that I’ve already purchased a return ticket; they needed to see the cash before I could get my visa. I asked Nikki and Reagan what they thought of this. They told me not to pay a cent, that they man was asking for a bribe. Though the deal seemed shady, part of me thought that there could be some truth to it. Stereotypically here, it is expected for the black employers working the lower end of Home Affairs to ask for bribes, but the supervisors, most of whom are white, are thought to be honest, mostly because they have more to lose. Nikki and Reagan’s hunch was confirmed by my uncle, a US diplomat who checked into the situation at home. He gave me the same advice that Nikki and Reagan did; don’t pay the man a cent. He also advised me to bring a local with me as it is less likely that a Home Affairs worker will try to blindside a local. Hopefully I will get this sorted out next week as I return to Home Affairs with Reagan.
It’s definitely been a week of lessons.

Praise the LORD!:
-For Dezzi
-For Reagan and Nikki
-For incredible friends, new and old
-For new experiences
-For growth
-For encouragement
-For empowerment
-For His love and grace
-For teaching me
-For opportunity
-For His plan for my life
-For a new day
-For sunshine
-For a warm bed
-For work
-For using me
-For joy
-For sacrificing His Son for my sake

Please pray:
-That God continues to provide the manpower and finances that Cynergy needs
-That our kids understand the program, growing academically and personally
-That my visa gets sorted
-For wisdom and guidance in my future. That God will open the doors that need to be opened and close those that need to be closed.
-For a smooth transition as I prepare to leave SA and return to the States
-For healing for my mom's knee
-That Nikki, Reagan, Dezzi, and Laura are strengthened and blessed daily. Pray that God provides all that they need and guides them for His name sake.

Celebrating the New

This week has been filled with new experiences.

Last Saturday I got to go to the Kaizer Chiefs v. Orlando Pirates soccer game, the two big local rivals. The game was incredible! Soccer excites me anyway, but these guys had some made skill! It was incredible! I was especially impressed with the Chief's goalie. The environment of the game was an experience in itself! I believe there were around 52,000 fans there. The stadium was packed! People were decked out in their team's gear, complete with banners, crazy hats, and noise makers of all sorts. I think I may have lost some of my hearing. Tehe. It was fun to see the unity formed between complete strangers by something as simply as a sport, as well as the fairly competition that it brought between the Klaasens and the Voxers as we cheered for rivaling teams (as well as the not so friendly competition that it brought between other rival fans. Yo! I think the intensity in the stands was greater than that on the field during parts of the game).

Tuesday another young woman, Dezzi, joined the Cynergy team. She moved to Reigerpark in January after matriculating last December and has unsuccessfully been looking for work. Though Cynergy does not have the resources to pay her, it gives her something to do, an avenue to help someone, and the opportunity to join the Legends on courses. Dezzi is a long awaited answer to prayer. Desperately we need more staff, especially as my time in SA is quickly coming to a close. Dezzi is exactly the kind of help that Cynergy was looking for; she’s young, from the area, and filled with passion. It’s been awesome getting to know her. Already she’s experienced so much of life. The other day she shared with me that both of her parents died within two years of each other. She said the experience was one of the hardest that she’s had to face, but also the most growing. I pray that she continues with Cynergy on a long term basis, not just for Cynergy’s sake but also her own; already Reagan and Nikki have begun to empower her to reach for her God-given destiny.

Dezzi was also a good reminder of where I was just a few months ago. It’s fun to see how much I’ve grown, not just in what I do with Cynergy, but also who I am as a person. God is growing me like a weed! It’s grand!

Wednesday was Nikki’s birthday, so we threw a surprise party for her Tuesday night. It was a blast! She was completely blindsided by it. It was so rewarding to see the joy on her face, so rewarding to be able to give back to her. She has impacted me so much. She has shown me that I am capable, that it is simply my fears that have been holding me back. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to her and to celebrate her life.

Yesterday I experienced my first IPL Cricket game (or any cricket game for that matter). I went with Nikki, Reagan, their three kiddos, Laura, Jo-Charm (Nikki’s sister) and her two children (Andrea and Alex), and Lykita. I enjoyed the time spent with them more than the game itself, though I did start to get into the game once I understood it. It was raining all day, which meant a lot of time huddled under blankets with Kaylin and Andrea while we waited for the game to continue (apparently one can’t play Cricket in the rain). It was an awesome opportunity to get to know these two little girls. Overall, it was a day well spent learning about SA sports as well as getting to know my SA family a bit better.

The rest of the week has been fairly uneventful. As usual, we rolled out in the schools. Lately I’ve been taking more and more classes on my own. I’ve also started to solidify relationships with a few of my learners. It is so rewarding to see how excited they get when we walk into their classroom. It’s even more rewarding to see how much they’ve grown in the last term, not only academically but also in their confidence. On mornings when I’m tired and worn out, they give me the energy and motivation to continue on.

During the past few weeks, God has taught me a lot about perspective, especially through the Vox/Cynergy conflict. It wasn’t until a meeting last week that I pulled myself out of the situation and simply listened to both sides as neutrally as I could. It was interesting to see how much of the conflict wasn’t based on actions but on how these actions were interpreted. I’ve noticed this in many of my personal relationships as well. Throughout my time here, I’ve had several conflicts between one of my coworkers. Reflecting back on these, I realize that it was rarely the action but rather the supposed motive behind the action that started the fire. It’s left me wondering how much of it is based on personal insecurity and misunderstandings rather that maliciousness. It’s also left me wondering how to resolve some of our issues. This has taught me to be careful how I judge people and their actions, to try to seek the truth rather than what I want to believe. I’ve also realized just how easy it is to skew the truth, and how different people’s realities can seem, how differently people will interpret the same situation.

Praise the LORD!

-For Dezzi. Like I said above, she is an answer to prayer. Not only is she a much needed coworker, but also a much needed friend.

-For Nikki. And for the opportunity to celebrate her life this week. She has blessed me in more ways that I can verbalize.

-For my SA family: Reagan, Nikki, Lykita, Jo-Charm, Andrea, Alex, Dillion, Kaylin, Jacin, and Laura. They're the ones that get me through each day.

-For the opportunity to work with and love on my kiddos each day. For how much they've grown academically and personally over the last term. For the opportunity to continue working with them for a few more months. For their beautiful smiles, laughter, and hugs.

-For growing me.

-For teaching me Truth.

-For incredible friends and family back in the States.

-For new opportunities.

-For answered prayer.

-For love.

-For birthdays.

-For life.

-For pictures.

-For letters from home.

-For encouragement.

-For hugs.

-For forgiveness and second chances.

-For using me to change His world.

-For His Word.

-For joy.

-For hearing me.

-For His incredible plan for our lives.

-For hope.

-For His faithfulness.

-For peace.

-For technology that allows me to communicate with loved ones half way around the world.

-For you. For your prayers and support.

-For cheerios.

-For memories.

-For soccer.

-For courage and strength.

-For rest.

- For keeping His promises

Please pray:

-For my mother. Apparently she messed up her knee somehow Dutch Dancing this past week. She's had knee trouble in the past. Pray for a speedy recovery. She's supposed to teach swimming lessons in a month. Pray that the doctors have wisdom. Pray that she takes the time to rest and take care of herself. Pray that God will surround her with people who will help her get all that she needs.

-For other friends at home that are struggling. Pray that they learn to trust God. Pray that He provides all that they need, that His truth is made evident. Pray that they make wise choices, seeking God's will rather than their own. Pray that they are humbled. And please pray that I learn to trust God with my loved one's well being. It's difficult being so far away when the people that I love are hurting. Desperately I want to fix everything, but I can't. All I can do is pray, trusting God to take care of the rest.

-That God continues to provide Cynergy with human and financial resources.

-For wisdom, truth, guidance, and understanding.

-For resolution.

-That I learn self-control and discipline.

-That I follow where God leads me.

-That I learn to listen for God's voice.

-That God leads and guides Laura for His name sake. That His will for her life is made obvious.

-For Jared and Monica Ayers. Pray that God provides all that their family needs. Pray that He blesses their ministry and that it glorifies Him.

-For transparency.

-For a revolution in our schools, in this country, and in our world.

Matric Farewell

It has been a short but busy week. Monday was public holiday (Freedom day), which allowed for some much needed down time. Tuesday we were back in the schools, rolling out in Godehoop Primary. Wednesday we rolled out in Reigerpark Secondary and Primary schools. Afterward, we learned that we (Laura and I) would be going to the Matric Farewell Thursday night. It is rare for a learner to get to grade twelve, and the Matric Farewell celebrates this accomplishment. We spent much of Wednesday afternoon getting Matric dresses ect for the next day for ourselves as well as Nikki and a few of the matric ladies. Thursday we rolled out in Lakeside Primary and Oosrand High. It’s rewarding to see how much the learners are improving.
After our Vox meeting Thursday, we returned to Nikki and Reagan’s for the Matric farewell. It was quite the experience! It was fun seeing our learners dressed up; we barely recognized some of them out of their school uniforms. The event was beautiful. It began with a ceremony similar to a high school graduation in the States. Afterward, we had dinner and dancing, similar to a high school prom. It was fun to see the learners outside of the school setting.

Today I'm off to a Chiefs v. Pirates soccer game. They are two big local rivals. It should be interesting. Tehe.

Praise the Lord!
-For incredible friendships
-For answering prayer
-For His incredible plan
-For the way that He works everything out
-For His mercy
-For His love
-For His faithfulness
-For growth
-For peace
-For resolution
-For education
-For my kiddos
-For opportunity
-For health and safety
-For His provision
-For rest and work

Please pray:
-For Jeff and Sarah as they prepare to return to the States this month
-For peace for Nikki
-For wisdom for Lykita
-For strength for Jo-Charm
-For perseverance
-For the human and financial resources that Cynergy needs
-For team unity
-For understanding
-For continued health and safety
-That I learn to hear God's voice
-For wisdom in my future