{ HA HA HA - I wrote this more than a week ago but remembered to post it just now. Enjoy, if it makes any sense }
The Big Trip has been over for about a month now. The experiences had were very beneficial. Beneficial in the sense that now I've seen a little bit of the back, bush areas, two other countries, the church in those areas, more elephants than I could have imagined, and people who have shown me what it is to be hospitable. It's beautiful to look back on those memories and know that if I was ever in those regions again there are numerous people who would be willing to take me in. As a team I felt that we grew together and became a little stronger. It would be odd to be here with anyone else at this point. That is encouraging.
The happenings of this past week have inspired me to write once again. Another inspiring occurrence was the purchase of a little USB modem so that I can actually access the internet on my computer. The cellular phone I have is a Samsung and, unfortunately, they aren't compatible to connect to the internet with Mac. I didn't know this when I purchased the phone, obviously. But, the disconnection and lack of communication is past and I'm going to be in touch more. I don't say "try to be in touch more" because these past couple months have been bad in this area. There is great resolve within me to let you know what's happening.
Masinga Rune. I've mentioned him before but I want you to get to know him. He's special to Mike and I. For good reason... He has been added to the Kingdom. I was privileged enough to baptize him into Christ on Sunday the 26 of October in the year 2008. He's a loud and flamboyant person. This makes him great fun to talk to and be around. Since he lives down the street it's easy for us to go get him for youth or have him over on weekends to watch a movie or study or something.
Since things are getting better with the relations in my life I feel very relieved. The situation I was asking for prayers in has ironed itself out with the help of God. Although the road is never smooth all the time, right now it's getting better. Uphill but better. Thank you for your concern and prayers.
On Saturday we went paintballing with some friends from church. There's a course here in the suburb of Walmer just ten minutes from Mike and I's house. Total cost for 2,000 balls and playing all day: $14. That's cheaper than a normal weekend endeavor in the states. Especially since petrol prices are expected to fall R1.30 in December. Or something close to that. Little blessings that add up.
PAINTBALL! Ah yes. There are four different "levels" or courses. An urban level with wooden building partitions and a bush area in the back, Speedball - an open course with concrete tubes (?) like those used for sewer systems and blocks, a small bush level, and big bush are the options. Joey, Mike and I were on a team versus Shawn Fortuin (Fairview church), Verni (PE North - Gelvan Park), Masinga, and Kuda (good friend who now lives with Joey since Johnathan from the old team has left). People would come join us and play in our games so every game was even. It was great fun. I'll say this, some of the guys we played against were scary with their full body suits, armor, long barrels, machine guns, and upgraded stuff. One of them, Kendy, was on our team and he looked like he was straight out of Vietnam. Before and after every game he would light up a smoke and his gun was linked to his chest so he didn't have to hold it at all times. The only difference between him and a soldier was that he was wearing black and not camou. Then there was Rambo, who played for the natives. He was more sporty with his padded shirt and orange, killer gun. One time he flanked me and unloaded on my left side. A good three or four welts from that. He apologized, nice guy. Hardcore, but nice. We played 16 games and our team won 12 of them. 75% isn't bad, unless it's realistic, then you're still dead. The final game was a 10 ball free-for-all. I must have had my hopper (where the balls sit on top of the gun) open or something because I was out right away. I think they fell out. The rule changed that once you were hit you had to run out and people could still peg you. I put my hand up anyway and walked to the door since I was right next to it. Looking down at my gun I didn't see Mike come in behind me. From the corner this guy Martin, with a long barrel, shoots one and it hits me directly. I'll stop the story here. It was an unlucky shot but I'm alive. We've all been hit by them, but this hit just happen to be excruciatingly painful. All's fair in love and war. This was war.
Today I was sore and my neck has been off lately. I may see a chiropractor within the next week if it doesn't get better. It's so bad that when I wake up in the morning I can't bend my neck down and it's still there at the end of the day. We'll see... Pray for me, please.
KCK-ILY
Thursday, December 11, 2008
AIMazing Race
AIMazing Race
Last Saturday we embarked on an "AIMazing Race" around the greater PE area. This was organized by none other than Judy and Ken Kendallball. They are amazing people and go out of their way for us. Here's how it went.
Teams of two with one AIMer and one native. I chose Matthew Paul as my partner. Very funny guy. In the end, turned out to be just the man for the job. Light hearted but passionate. Intense but not overbearing. Competitive but not one who cries when things don't work out perfectly. He goes to Fairview and I've been meaning to do something with him for the longest time. This was a great bonding experience.
8 AM we all met at "the nest" (Ken and Judy's house) for a light breakfast of muffins, scones, coffee, juice, water, milk, etc. The entry signatures were turned in, ground rules covered, t-shirts passed out, and lots of greeting and playful 'trash' talk.
9 AM we all go out to the back yard so Ken can video us and take pictures before we begin. All teams present and ready? Yes, thus it begins. Ken passes out the first clue in an envelope to each AIMer and we all wait with it sealed in our hands for the signal to go. As soon as the gate was fully open we were allowed to run to our cars.
. . . clink . . . clink . . . clink. . .
GO!
Matt and I take off for our car and head towards the nearest Mugg and Bean Coffee shop which was at the mall. No luck. Our clue was at the OTHER Mugg and Bean across town. Tough start but we made up time on the back roads. Matt really knows his slip-ways and short cuts.
Got the second clue and went to the nearest ABSA Bank Branch, which is in the same complex as the Mugg and Bean, to deposit the entry fee into their account. Clever.
With the bank slip in hand we rush across town again to the beach front where Judy is waiting with our third clue. This was a challenge. We had to go to the pier and get a stranger to do a three-legged race with one of us to the end and get our fourth clue. The rope we needed to tie our legs together was in a tight knot. This hindered us momentarily but Matt found a guy and took off. I look up to see running back toward me with the fourth clue in hand.
The Jacobs' house. That was our next stop. Good thing I go to Fairview and work at Sanctor with Reginald. We got over there fairly fast and saw it was another challenge. We took turns (as stated in the rules) doing every other 'task'. This was my turn and I thank God for decent fine-motor skills. It was making a bead necklace exactly like the one in the center of the table. Ten blacks, ten red, ten yellow, etc. It went by fast and the next clue was given to us by Sharleen (Reginald's wonderful wife) and it told us to go to Sanctor. Score, again...
This was a task that both of us could do. When we pulled up we saw that people were writing or covering exam booklets. Matt and I opted to write out 2 Timothy 3:7 which was actually 2 Timothy 4:7. After getting there half way down the place list we pulled out in third. Beautifully done Matt, beautiful.
Clue number 6 told us to go to the curio dealers down on the beachfront. Most of these guys are from Zim and the girls take them soup, sandwiches, juice, water, and stuff on Thursdays. It was nice to know where all the clue were up to this point. Our objective here was to help a dealer sell something for at least R10 and Masinga would give us our clue. Matt burned this one and Ken hopped in the car with us for the next leg of the race. Clue number 7 told us to leave PE and go to Jeffery's Bay. A good 45 minute drive from town.
Ken dozed off for a bit but did some digital chronicling beforehand. We talked and Matt eventually called his mate in J-Bay for his help finding a B&B we were supposed to get a clue at. He met us when we got into town and led us straight there. Rohan (? spelling) turned out to be quite helpful. Sharon gave us clue number 8 and we read it on the way to drop off Rohan's car so he could ride with us. "Find Mamma Judy on the beach". That's where we headed.
After a long time just wandering around enjoying the beauty that is J-Bay I found Judy on a chair in the sand and called Matt. It was his turn to do this task and as I approached Judy I saw that Lindsay and Jess had been yielded for fifteen minutes and we had a chance to grab another place up. 2ND!
Matt found the gold shell that was buried in the sand and we got clue number 9 which told us to go visit the "Tree People". No joke, all the remaining groups walked around confused by the beach in J-Bay for about an hour before figuring it out. Matt finally figured it out on the way back from checking out a bad lead to some shooting range called "tree people" but really wasn't and took us a good 5-7 km the other way out of J-Bay. It's in PE! We drop Rohan by the side of the road (his choice) and we take off for the highway. Missed the turn but took the back way and pulled up first to a wooded area near the Walmer township. Someone had the idea to paint some trees with clothes on them and we should have thought of it earlier. Finally arriving we discover the girls hot on our tails and step up to perform.
My turn to show I am worthy. Three cans, unlimited shots, old school slingshot. Took a little while but I got them and we got clue number 10. It said go to Emerald Square Spar and add up a shopping list for the manager. Matt called some people and couldn't figure out which Spar was Emerald Square. It wasn't in the system yet. It was a new one. We sat and wasted ten valuable minutes at some random Spar in Walmer before figuring it out. By the time we walked in the door the last two remaining teams were already shopping. Matt and I ran to the manager and grabbed a list. Splitting off we added it up on my phone faster than the girls. Shocking, I know. We ran out right in front of the girls with the final clue.
RETURN TO 64 KING EDWARD STREET FOR YOUR REWARD! Back to the nest!
Sarah-Jane and Brittney pulled out in front of us and Wendy and Carolyne were behind us. I took a wrong turn, unfortunately and both of them lost us. But we took a back way and managed to (somehow) pull up to the gate right on their tails. We all just left the doors open, jumped out of the cars, and sprinted for the backyard. It was the last run!
Finishing time: 17:00 PM
What a day! So much fun though. The standings when the dust finally settled:
1st - Sarah-Jane and Brittney
2nd - Matt and Tyler
3rd - Wendy and Carolyne
That was our AIMazing Race. Finished off with fellowship around a table filled with food, singing in the garage with kerosene lamps, and a satisfying R150 reward for me.
A day not easily forgotten. Next year is going to be even more intense. I heard a rumor it was going to be 2 DAYS long! How blessed am I that my coordinators will do things like this for us? Beyond what I deserve, that's for sure.
Last Saturday we embarked on an "AIMazing Race" around the greater PE area. This was organized by none other than Judy and Ken Kendallball. They are amazing people and go out of their way for us. Here's how it went.
Teams of two with one AIMer and one native. I chose Matthew Paul as my partner. Very funny guy. In the end, turned out to be just the man for the job. Light hearted but passionate. Intense but not overbearing. Competitive but not one who cries when things don't work out perfectly. He goes to Fairview and I've been meaning to do something with him for the longest time. This was a great bonding experience.
8 AM we all met at "the nest" (Ken and Judy's house) for a light breakfast of muffins, scones, coffee, juice, water, milk, etc. The entry signatures were turned in, ground rules covered, t-shirts passed out, and lots of greeting and playful 'trash' talk.
9 AM we all go out to the back yard so Ken can video us and take pictures before we begin. All teams present and ready? Yes, thus it begins. Ken passes out the first clue in an envelope to each AIMer and we all wait with it sealed in our hands for the signal to go. As soon as the gate was fully open we were allowed to run to our cars.
. . . clink . . . clink . . . clink. . .
GO!
Matt and I take off for our car and head towards the nearest Mugg and Bean Coffee shop which was at the mall. No luck. Our clue was at the OTHER Mugg and Bean across town. Tough start but we made up time on the back roads. Matt really knows his slip-ways and short cuts.
Got the second clue and went to the nearest ABSA Bank Branch, which is in the same complex as the Mugg and Bean, to deposit the entry fee into their account. Clever.
With the bank slip in hand we rush across town again to the beach front where Judy is waiting with our third clue. This was a challenge. We had to go to the pier and get a stranger to do a three-legged race with one of us to the end and get our fourth clue. The rope we needed to tie our legs together was in a tight knot. This hindered us momentarily but Matt found a guy and took off. I look up to see running back toward me with the fourth clue in hand.
The Jacobs' house. That was our next stop. Good thing I go to Fairview and work at Sanctor with Reginald. We got over there fairly fast and saw it was another challenge. We took turns (as stated in the rules) doing every other 'task'. This was my turn and I thank God for decent fine-motor skills. It was making a bead necklace exactly like the one in the center of the table. Ten blacks, ten red, ten yellow, etc. It went by fast and the next clue was given to us by Sharleen (Reginald's wonderful wife) and it told us to go to Sanctor. Score, again...
This was a task that both of us could do. When we pulled up we saw that people were writing or covering exam booklets. Matt and I opted to write out 2 Timothy 3:7 which was actually 2 Timothy 4:7. After getting there half way down the place list we pulled out in third. Beautifully done Matt, beautiful.
Clue number 6 told us to go to the curio dealers down on the beachfront. Most of these guys are from Zim and the girls take them soup, sandwiches, juice, water, and stuff on Thursdays. It was nice to know where all the clue were up to this point. Our objective here was to help a dealer sell something for at least R10 and Masinga would give us our clue. Matt burned this one and Ken hopped in the car with us for the next leg of the race. Clue number 7 told us to leave PE and go to Jeffery's Bay. A good 45 minute drive from town.
Ken dozed off for a bit but did some digital chronicling beforehand. We talked and Matt eventually called his mate in J-Bay for his help finding a B&B we were supposed to get a clue at. He met us when we got into town and led us straight there. Rohan (? spelling) turned out to be quite helpful. Sharon gave us clue number 8 and we read it on the way to drop off Rohan's car so he could ride with us. "Find Mamma Judy on the beach". That's where we headed.
After a long time just wandering around enjoying the beauty that is J-Bay I found Judy on a chair in the sand and called Matt. It was his turn to do this task and as I approached Judy I saw that Lindsay and Jess had been yielded for fifteen minutes and we had a chance to grab another place up. 2ND!
Matt found the gold shell that was buried in the sand and we got clue number 9 which told us to go visit the "Tree People". No joke, all the remaining groups walked around confused by the beach in J-Bay for about an hour before figuring it out. Matt finally figured it out on the way back from checking out a bad lead to some shooting range called "tree people" but really wasn't and took us a good 5-7 km the other way out of J-Bay. It's in PE! We drop Rohan by the side of the road (his choice) and we take off for the highway. Missed the turn but took the back way and pulled up first to a wooded area near the Walmer township. Someone had the idea to paint some trees with clothes on them and we should have thought of it earlier. Finally arriving we discover the girls hot on our tails and step up to perform.
My turn to show I am worthy. Three cans, unlimited shots, old school slingshot. Took a little while but I got them and we got clue number 10. It said go to Emerald Square Spar and add up a shopping list for the manager. Matt called some people and couldn't figure out which Spar was Emerald Square. It wasn't in the system yet. It was a new one. We sat and wasted ten valuable minutes at some random Spar in Walmer before figuring it out. By the time we walked in the door the last two remaining teams were already shopping. Matt and I ran to the manager and grabbed a list. Splitting off we added it up on my phone faster than the girls. Shocking, I know. We ran out right in front of the girls with the final clue.
RETURN TO 64 KING EDWARD STREET FOR YOUR REWARD! Back to the nest!
Sarah-Jane and Brittney pulled out in front of us and Wendy and Carolyne were behind us. I took a wrong turn, unfortunately and both of them lost us. But we took a back way and managed to (somehow) pull up to the gate right on their tails. We all just left the doors open, jumped out of the cars, and sprinted for the backyard. It was the last run!
Finishing time: 17:00 PM
What a day! So much fun though. The standings when the dust finally settled:
1st - Sarah-Jane and Brittney
2nd - Matt and Tyler
3rd - Wendy and Carolyne
That was our AIMazing Race. Finished off with fellowship around a table filled with food, singing in the garage with kerosene lamps, and a satisfying R150 reward for me.
A day not easily forgotten. Next year is going to be even more intense. I heard a rumor it was going to be 2 DAYS long! How blessed am I that my coordinators will do things like this for us? Beyond what I deserve, that's for sure.
Friday, December 5, 2008
"Kruger" to PE - The finale!
We arrived at the gate to Kruger National Park just before dusk. Enough time to see a few animals on the way to our campsite just inside the park. We played a game throughout the course of our days here: who can predict the first animal we will see every morning? Needless to say I won the entrance by saying a bird or a deer. Excuse me for being boring but it was a good guess. Naaa... the prize went to Diana. She made a guess that was more "legitimate". AKA - she guessed something more extravagant. Something that we wanted to see more than just something that was inevitable to be seen.
Over the course of our four days and three nights we saw over a thousand Impalas, roughly 150 Elephants, 40 Giraffes, 100 Hippos, 10 Warthogs, countless Cape Buffalo, birds of every shape and colour, 160 Zebra, and all sorts of small creatures. I can't even describe to you how beautiful it was to be in the presence of so many animals. Ever since I was very young I loved animals and this was a wonderful experience for me. Somewhere amongst my possessions back in WI there is a large tub of plastic animal figures that I would play with on the floor for hours. There's something about the animal instinct, natural hunter-hunted scenarios, sounds, shapes, colours, and reproduction that just makes one wonder how big our God is that He could come up with all these things for us to live amongst. Mind you, most of them have been put into rather large "cages" (parks, reserves, etc.) but they still live and function as they would without us. Every thing on this planet is a testimony to the vastness of our Lord. Go beyond this minuscule celestial ball and you find things that are beyond comprehension. It's all screaming intelligent design, Creator, One who loves His creation enough to leave it there for them to fall in love with Him. Breathtaking...
If we had wanted to drive through the entire park in one day it might have been possible. Highly unlikely though if you actually want to see things. So we stopped at Punda Maria, Olifants, and Skukuza rest camps to sleep and relax before continuing. Mike and I slept in our tent while the girls enjoyed the other tent and it's confinement. There is a confession to be made on my part. One night, Mike and I slept in the car. Don't even say anything, feeling bad enough about it as it is. Not really though, we thought it ingenious. In the morning there was nothing to take down. All we had to do was but the seats back into the upright position so the girls could get into the back seat. May no one take this as grounds to say I'm not an outdoorsey person. Bring on the wild.
Have you ever seen a sunset with giraffes in the foreground? Perhaps elephants? A riverbed with crocodiles laying on the bank? I can proudly say that I can now. This part of the trip blew me away and I shall never forget all of the things I've seen.
On October 8, 2008 we left Skukuza and departed from the glories of Kruger National Park. It was odd being outside the gate and seeing people walking on the road instead of elephants or springboks. We kept expecting to see a wild animal off to the right or left but nothing. Eventually we were back to the normal thinking of people on the road. Music, laughing, fussing, "singing", and fellowship. What more could one ask for on a long trip than Ken, Judy, Barbara, Sandra, Tara, Sasha, Diana and Mike? For me it was just fine to be with them.
And now on to the landscape capitol of my world. I say my world because I'm not a world traveler... yet.
SWAZILAND! OH MY GOD, YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT!
The mountains and the sunsets. The people and the smells. The cows on the road? Oh yes, just like when I was young and we would have to stop on the way to church to put a cow back into it's designated pen. This reminds me of my dad shaving on the way to church in our big van. The sound of that Remington. Probably why I use one. Don't worry, not while I'm driving.
To my merry pleasure we were visiting Dick Van Dyke and family. Take the figure of that famous actor and reverse it. That's what this Dick looked like. Short, stocky, and bearded. Personality wise you could relate them however. He was a very jovial person. Something everyone should strive for more of... JOY! His house was one for the books. The scene off the back veranda was one of white geese over a small bridge to an island with the mountains in the background. Lush green grass and flowers at your feet in the lawn. Absolutely stunning. The girls stayed here, of course. Mike and I got to stay up at the African Christian College with one of the instructors. The first night in we went to the Van Dyke's house and had a study. It was very cool to hear him speak on biblical matters with his experience. Ken and Dick go way back and that's how we came to visit them.
Our time at the college was wonderful. They have a large Macadamia nut orchard. The view with the orchard in the foreground and the mountains in the back was something to wake up to and go to sleep to. Never a day that's not filled with splendor here. Everywhere there's splendor, one must know how to look for it.
We stayed with the Platt family (Kurt, Wendy, Christy, and Karen). Mr. Platt is an instructor at the college and we had some very interesting conversations about the Holy Spirit. Very intelligent fellow. While we were visiting I finished the book The Shack and it was brought up how our relationship with God looks. He really prompted some question asking and thought. I truly appreciate that about my time with him. I left wanting more. Not every place you visit does that to you. For me, the ACC did.
In Manzini where we were located we visited a primary school to speak to them about the curriculum. Kena and Judy have had contact with them for some time and wanted to catch up on a couple things. The principal at Tubungu Primary School, who is also the personal tutor to the Queen mother, has connections in the department of education and it's possible that someday Lessons To Live By will be in every primary school in the country of Swaziland. Pray for this...
For all you Monroe people out there we went to a homemade chocolate place called Chocolate Temptations. It was right next door to the Swazi Glass Factory and an old man's shop where he makes rocking horses. I have only seen glass being made once before going to the factory and I was, once again, fascinated by the process. The works that are on display in Cafe Claudeen by Gabriel Breadon's son come to mind. So many beautiful pieces that seem impossible to accomplish. If given the opportunity I would just sit and watch them all day. It's very hot in the shop, though. The workers wear overalls too. A mad props to those guys. So, a couple of chocolates, a chat with the rocking horse maker, and a few glass pieces later we're on the road again. This time to Durban.
We bid a very fond farewell to the Platts and headed towards Durban. We already had contacts here because of the SABS Lectureship. Mike and I stayed at a house straight out of the OC. For all you who don't entertain yourselves with dramatic, mindless rubble it's a television show. The Orange County is what it stands for. Lots of rich people with dumb problems. But their houses are beautiful. This house was beautiful. A large pool in the front and an entire other house in the back for the people's mother and grandmother to stay in. It was nice to be able to go for a swim the next day and relax in a comfortable bed. On Sunday morning at the Queen Mary Avenue Church of Christ the preacher talked about guilt and why we do things. One point he made that stuck with me was:
Rationalize = Rational Lies
Think about it. What do you do when you want something to be okay and know it's not?
In the afternoon we went to the beach, a braai for the journalist of the year of some publication, Angie's house, and small group that night. It was a video series called The Truth Project.
That was it for Durban. Just one night. At this point we're headed to Kokstad and the final night of our trip. This was great fun because our purpose for going was fellowship. The people who live there aren't part of an established church so they're starved for consistent Christian fellowship. They were delighted to have us and we were happy to stay. That night before supper Sasha, Mike, Diana and I play croquet. It had been a long time for me but oh, what fun. Mike had never played before and yet he won the second game. That night I had the opportunity to sleep on a down-feather bed and I took it. So soft and big I almost felt swallowed by this colossal pillow type thing. Waking up in the morning to breakfast and packing up again. This was sad but inevitable. The man of the house works for Clover (a dairy company) and, we initially met him at the factory before his house, it felt a little like home. {There's a lot wrong with that sentence}. He bid us go and we went. It's a nice feeling knowing that just being around has brightened someone's day, week, maybe even month! God is so good like that.
And now we come to journey's end...
Tuesday 14 October 2008
8:00 AM departure.
On the way back to PE we hit up East London(EL) to get some "American supplies". Kind of sounds like we're playing Oregon Trail or something. A suburb has a special Spar that imports stuff so whenever anyone goes near EL supplies must be gotten. I myself didn't buy much, but it was a hay day for others.
Now we hit the final leg of the journey. I drove with Sasha, Tara, and Diana in the passenger seats. We screamed really loud, talked about nice things that we like about each other, and played "freeze out". It was pretty chilly but not freezing outside. "Freeze out" is where you crank the air conditioner and roll down all the windows while driving fast. It was intense and lots of stress, screaming, and shivering ensued. Eventually someone gave in and we rolled up the windows. Fun none the less. After much picture taking and talking we hit PE around 20:00 PM. Brittney, Lize, Auntie Kathy, and Auntie Ethel all met us at the nest. Arrival at Ken and Judy's was sad but good all at once. This trip was such an experience that we never wanted it to end, and yet it was time to move on.
So, we got our stuff separated and headed our own ways. Brittney and Liz gave us a ride to our place since our car was being taken care of by Lindsay. She even took it in to get serviced while we were gone. Sweet of her. Especially since it was doing something funky, she said. The next morning we wouldn't have a car right away but the positive: we have a vehicle that is fully ready to be used. Mike and I hit our cottage and proverbially dropped to our knees. Our own beds. Our own showers. Wonderful... so very wonderful.
This is the conclusion of our trip. It's long and if I ever cross paths with you, my reader, someday then you must ask to see pictures. Love you all. Sorry it has taken so long to finish.
Cheers!
Over the course of our four days and three nights we saw over a thousand Impalas, roughly 150 Elephants, 40 Giraffes, 100 Hippos, 10 Warthogs, countless Cape Buffalo, birds of every shape and colour, 160 Zebra, and all sorts of small creatures. I can't even describe to you how beautiful it was to be in the presence of so many animals. Ever since I was very young I loved animals and this was a wonderful experience for me. Somewhere amongst my possessions back in WI there is a large tub of plastic animal figures that I would play with on the floor for hours. There's something about the animal instinct, natural hunter-hunted scenarios, sounds, shapes, colours, and reproduction that just makes one wonder how big our God is that He could come up with all these things for us to live amongst. Mind you, most of them have been put into rather large "cages" (parks, reserves, etc.) but they still live and function as they would without us. Every thing on this planet is a testimony to the vastness of our Lord. Go beyond this minuscule celestial ball and you find things that are beyond comprehension. It's all screaming intelligent design, Creator, One who loves His creation enough to leave it there for them to fall in love with Him. Breathtaking...
If we had wanted to drive through the entire park in one day it might have been possible. Highly unlikely though if you actually want to see things. So we stopped at Punda Maria, Olifants, and Skukuza rest camps to sleep and relax before continuing. Mike and I slept in our tent while the girls enjoyed the other tent and it's confinement. There is a confession to be made on my part. One night, Mike and I slept in the car. Don't even say anything, feeling bad enough about it as it is. Not really though, we thought it ingenious. In the morning there was nothing to take down. All we had to do was but the seats back into the upright position so the girls could get into the back seat. May no one take this as grounds to say I'm not an outdoorsey person. Bring on the wild.
Have you ever seen a sunset with giraffes in the foreground? Perhaps elephants? A riverbed with crocodiles laying on the bank? I can proudly say that I can now. This part of the trip blew me away and I shall never forget all of the things I've seen.
On October 8, 2008 we left Skukuza and departed from the glories of Kruger National Park. It was odd being outside the gate and seeing people walking on the road instead of elephants or springboks. We kept expecting to see a wild animal off to the right or left but nothing. Eventually we were back to the normal thinking of people on the road. Music, laughing, fussing, "singing", and fellowship. What more could one ask for on a long trip than Ken, Judy, Barbara, Sandra, Tara, Sasha, Diana and Mike? For me it was just fine to be with them.
And now on to the landscape capitol of my world. I say my world because I'm not a world traveler... yet.
SWAZILAND! OH MY GOD, YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT!
The mountains and the sunsets. The people and the smells. The cows on the road? Oh yes, just like when I was young and we would have to stop on the way to church to put a cow back into it's designated pen. This reminds me of my dad shaving on the way to church in our big van. The sound of that Remington. Probably why I use one. Don't worry, not while I'm driving.
To my merry pleasure we were visiting Dick Van Dyke and family. Take the figure of that famous actor and reverse it. That's what this Dick looked like. Short, stocky, and bearded. Personality wise you could relate them however. He was a very jovial person. Something everyone should strive for more of... JOY! His house was one for the books. The scene off the back veranda was one of white geese over a small bridge to an island with the mountains in the background. Lush green grass and flowers at your feet in the lawn. Absolutely stunning. The girls stayed here, of course. Mike and I got to stay up at the African Christian College with one of the instructors. The first night in we went to the Van Dyke's house and had a study. It was very cool to hear him speak on biblical matters with his experience. Ken and Dick go way back and that's how we came to visit them.
Our time at the college was wonderful. They have a large Macadamia nut orchard. The view with the orchard in the foreground and the mountains in the back was something to wake up to and go to sleep to. Never a day that's not filled with splendor here. Everywhere there's splendor, one must know how to look for it.
We stayed with the Platt family (Kurt, Wendy, Christy, and Karen). Mr. Platt is an instructor at the college and we had some very interesting conversations about the Holy Spirit. Very intelligent fellow. While we were visiting I finished the book The Shack and it was brought up how our relationship with God looks. He really prompted some question asking and thought. I truly appreciate that about my time with him. I left wanting more. Not every place you visit does that to you. For me, the ACC did.
In Manzini where we were located we visited a primary school to speak to them about the curriculum. Kena and Judy have had contact with them for some time and wanted to catch up on a couple things. The principal at Tubungu Primary School, who is also the personal tutor to the Queen mother, has connections in the department of education and it's possible that someday Lessons To Live By will be in every primary school in the country of Swaziland. Pray for this...
For all you Monroe people out there we went to a homemade chocolate place called Chocolate Temptations. It was right next door to the Swazi Glass Factory and an old man's shop where he makes rocking horses. I have only seen glass being made once before going to the factory and I was, once again, fascinated by the process. The works that are on display in Cafe Claudeen by Gabriel Breadon's son come to mind. So many beautiful pieces that seem impossible to accomplish. If given the opportunity I would just sit and watch them all day. It's very hot in the shop, though. The workers wear overalls too. A mad props to those guys. So, a couple of chocolates, a chat with the rocking horse maker, and a few glass pieces later we're on the road again. This time to Durban.
We bid a very fond farewell to the Platts and headed towards Durban. We already had contacts here because of the SABS Lectureship. Mike and I stayed at a house straight out of the OC. For all you who don't entertain yourselves with dramatic, mindless rubble it's a television show. The Orange County is what it stands for. Lots of rich people with dumb problems. But their houses are beautiful. This house was beautiful. A large pool in the front and an entire other house in the back for the people's mother and grandmother to stay in. It was nice to be able to go for a swim the next day and relax in a comfortable bed. On Sunday morning at the Queen Mary Avenue Church of Christ the preacher talked about guilt and why we do things. One point he made that stuck with me was:
Rationalize = Rational Lies
Think about it. What do you do when you want something to be okay and know it's not?
In the afternoon we went to the beach, a braai for the journalist of the year of some publication, Angie's house, and small group that night. It was a video series called The Truth Project.
That was it for Durban. Just one night. At this point we're headed to Kokstad and the final night of our trip. This was great fun because our purpose for going was fellowship. The people who live there aren't part of an established church so they're starved for consistent Christian fellowship. They were delighted to have us and we were happy to stay. That night before supper Sasha, Mike, Diana and I play croquet. It had been a long time for me but oh, what fun. Mike had never played before and yet he won the second game. That night I had the opportunity to sleep on a down-feather bed and I took it. So soft and big I almost felt swallowed by this colossal pillow type thing. Waking up in the morning to breakfast and packing up again. This was sad but inevitable. The man of the house works for Clover (a dairy company) and, we initially met him at the factory before his house, it felt a little like home. {There's a lot wrong with that sentence}. He bid us go and we went. It's a nice feeling knowing that just being around has brightened someone's day, week, maybe even month! God is so good like that.
And now we come to journey's end...
Tuesday 14 October 2008
8:00 AM departure.
On the way back to PE we hit up East London(EL) to get some "American supplies". Kind of sounds like we're playing Oregon Trail or something. A suburb has a special Spar that imports stuff so whenever anyone goes near EL supplies must be gotten. I myself didn't buy much, but it was a hay day for others.
Now we hit the final leg of the journey. I drove with Sasha, Tara, and Diana in the passenger seats. We screamed really loud, talked about nice things that we like about each other, and played "freeze out". It was pretty chilly but not freezing outside. "Freeze out" is where you crank the air conditioner and roll down all the windows while driving fast. It was intense and lots of stress, screaming, and shivering ensued. Eventually someone gave in and we rolled up the windows. Fun none the less. After much picture taking and talking we hit PE around 20:00 PM. Brittney, Lize, Auntie Kathy, and Auntie Ethel all met us at the nest. Arrival at Ken and Judy's was sad but good all at once. This trip was such an experience that we never wanted it to end, and yet it was time to move on.
So, we got our stuff separated and headed our own ways. Brittney and Liz gave us a ride to our place since our car was being taken care of by Lindsay. She even took it in to get serviced while we were gone. Sweet of her. Especially since it was doing something funky, she said. The next morning we wouldn't have a car right away but the positive: we have a vehicle that is fully ready to be used. Mike and I hit our cottage and proverbially dropped to our knees. Our own beds. Our own showers. Wonderful... so very wonderful.
This is the conclusion of our trip. It's long and if I ever cross paths with you, my reader, someday then you must ask to see pictures. Love you all. Sorry it has taken so long to finish.
Cheers!
Monday, November 24, 2008
CONT. of the Trip. "SABC to Kruger"
The lectureship in Benoni - Johannesburg ended with a banquet. We didn't go to this event and for good reason. That night at the Monte Casino a musical was being performed on stage. The opportunity to see the Broadway rendition of Beauty and the Beast arose and we took it. For only R400 we had third row seats. It was beautiful! Colourful, fun, dramatic, lively, and overall a very enjoyable evening. The Casino was set up like a small village and the theater was accessed by going outside and walking past a big, open square. As we were waiting for the show to begin, I remember sitting on a bench and it started to sprinkle. If I hadn't been prepared to sit through a performance I would have danced in the rain. God made it for our enjoyment just as He made the sunshine. For all you oldies: "I love a rainy night".
The next morning we were packed and ready to go. As soon as Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra showed up at the dorms with the van and trailer we got ourselves organized, said our goodbyes, and hit the road. Another lengthy leg of the trip. The windy, mountain sections of road up to Venda (a tribal region in the Limpopo province) were magnificent. The scenery in this country is breathtaking. We planned to go up this way because the church there was celebrating it's 50th Anniversary and Lessons To Live By was going to be distributed to the body as well. When we arrived that Saturday afternoon there as a large tent at the top of a hill down a red-dirt road. They had an interpreter but the regional language was what was predominantly spoken. After 'service' we had a meal cooked in large pots over open fires and watched as some of the older ladies did a traditional drum and dance. The dresses they wore while performing this dance were vibrant and almost identical to one another's. I believe there are some pictures on one of the girls' facebook pages. Check it out.
Mike and I had the pleasure of staying with a family that fed us, bed us, and let us be. Seems like most houses have a family devotional every night. We got to participate in two that night; one at "HQ house" and one at our hosts house. Just a thought and some songs. It's quite fun to sing in a foreign language that you can't speak, read, or understand. God has something for those who try though.
Sunday morning was an affair. The amount of people congregated in one place was just astounding. You see, here in Africa, one of the biggest issues is transport. So, the people who attended (for the most part) were from the area. Quite a few traveled for the festivities too, but that's how it is. Transport is a daily issue and we deal with it as a team and a body here in PE as well. The singing, the sermon, and the fellowship was so encouraging. I was drawing pictures for the children during the lesson (don't tell!) and they loved it. Their faces would brighten if I drew a stick figure of them sitting on a chair outside of a tent. If you want to communicate with those who don't speak good English, just draw pictures. Some kids were rolling tires around to play with and a lot of them didn't care to wear shoes. But why would they? The dirt is so red it destroys the bottom of pants, socks and shoes. I could live there. No doubt, it's a place I would find very warm and comfortable.
Pressing on from Venda to Kruger National Park. This is the largest game park in Southern Africa. It was astounding how many of God's creatures we were able to see. Being in nature has a way of refreshing one's soul. I felt that God touched me while were drove through the park day by day. The opportunity to bond with my teammates was fun too! I shall put together a separate post for Kruger. Get back to me tomorrow :)
The next morning we were packed and ready to go. As soon as Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra showed up at the dorms with the van and trailer we got ourselves organized, said our goodbyes, and hit the road. Another lengthy leg of the trip. The windy, mountain sections of road up to Venda (a tribal region in the Limpopo province) were magnificent. The scenery in this country is breathtaking. We planned to go up this way because the church there was celebrating it's 50th Anniversary and Lessons To Live By was going to be distributed to the body as well. When we arrived that Saturday afternoon there as a large tent at the top of a hill down a red-dirt road. They had an interpreter but the regional language was what was predominantly spoken. After 'service' we had a meal cooked in large pots over open fires and watched as some of the older ladies did a traditional drum and dance. The dresses they wore while performing this dance were vibrant and almost identical to one another's. I believe there are some pictures on one of the girls' facebook pages. Check it out.
Mike and I had the pleasure of staying with a family that fed us, bed us, and let us be. Seems like most houses have a family devotional every night. We got to participate in two that night; one at "HQ house" and one at our hosts house. Just a thought and some songs. It's quite fun to sing in a foreign language that you can't speak, read, or understand. God has something for those who try though.
Sunday morning was an affair. The amount of people congregated in one place was just astounding. You see, here in Africa, one of the biggest issues is transport. So, the people who attended (for the most part) were from the area. Quite a few traveled for the festivities too, but that's how it is. Transport is a daily issue and we deal with it as a team and a body here in PE as well. The singing, the sermon, and the fellowship was so encouraging. I was drawing pictures for the children during the lesson (don't tell!) and they loved it. Their faces would brighten if I drew a stick figure of them sitting on a chair outside of a tent. If you want to communicate with those who don't speak good English, just draw pictures. Some kids were rolling tires around to play with and a lot of them didn't care to wear shoes. But why would they? The dirt is so red it destroys the bottom of pants, socks and shoes. I could live there. No doubt, it's a place I would find very warm and comfortable.
Pressing on from Venda to Kruger National Park. This is the largest game park in Southern Africa. It was astounding how many of God's creatures we were able to see. Being in nature has a way of refreshing one's soul. I felt that God touched me while were drove through the park day by day. The opportunity to bond with my teammates was fun too! I shall put together a separate post for Kruger. Get back to me tomorrow :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
My Apology
I'm writing as if I have a fan base, but in fact it's more true to say that I have friends. Thank you for caring enough to read this.
I must say I'm sorry for not writing at all in the last month. I got an external, USB modem that will allow me to reliably connect to the internet on a regular basis and it will be used. Now that I'm "online" I need to catch up with all of my digital communications. Tonight I finished my emails and most of my Facebook. What a relief!
But alas, I owe it to all of you to tell you of my life. It's not my life, but the Lord's. I say this in a completely sober-minded way. It's nice to be allowed to live on this tiny planet that sits in the colossal universe of God's. Every single human that has ever lived has spent the entirety of their short lives on this celestial ball. Beautifully humbling. I'm here because you have allowed yourself to be moved by God and support me. Thank you for that. I'm not just speaking of funding. Thoughts, prayers, notes, rolled eyes, laughs, and tears are all support in my book. Do it your way!
Unfortunately, I won't be finishing the story of our Big Upcountry Trip tonight as I had planned to. It feel like my body doesn't realize how incredibly young it is. It feels strained and my spine is hurting. For about a week now I have had sharp pains in my spinal chord, between my shoulder blades, that has hindered my from looking down or looking up at too great an angle. It hurts and I need to get it taken care of. Uncle Reginald ("Sir Reginald") mentioned going to a chiropractor and I am going to ask him at school tomorrow the number so I can schedule an appointment straight away. That is, if I make it to school.
If I don't make it to school then I'm in a real quandary. Some teachers and Veto, the principal, at Zanoxolo out in Motherwell have asked me to print some exam packets for them since they don't have the equipment, time, or real resources to do it. I'm fine with that and Ken said I could use the RISO (big, bad curriculum printer). Tomorrow I have planned to go after school and print, collate, and staple 4,000 pages. It shouldn't be too bad. There's enough loving people who will volunteer to help. I don't ask it of them though. The last two weeks out there I haven't done anything because of bad communication. I originally was supposed to teach the teachers how to use the donated computers they received. After one session it came to light that some of them knew something of technology and others had never touched a computer, let alone created a Power Point presentation. Haven't gotten there yet. But now that a purpose has arisen I'm glad to step up. So, we'll see if I'm out of commission, what happens.
Love you all, whoever you may be.
KCK
(I sometimes feel "," happy. Let me know what you think all of you grammatical and literary geniuses)
I must say I'm sorry for not writing at all in the last month. I got an external, USB modem that will allow me to reliably connect to the internet on a regular basis and it will be used. Now that I'm "online" I need to catch up with all of my digital communications. Tonight I finished my emails and most of my Facebook. What a relief!
But alas, I owe it to all of you to tell you of my life. It's not my life, but the Lord's. I say this in a completely sober-minded way. It's nice to be allowed to live on this tiny planet that sits in the colossal universe of God's. Every single human that has ever lived has spent the entirety of their short lives on this celestial ball. Beautifully humbling. I'm here because you have allowed yourself to be moved by God and support me. Thank you for that. I'm not just speaking of funding. Thoughts, prayers, notes, rolled eyes, laughs, and tears are all support in my book. Do it your way!
Unfortunately, I won't be finishing the story of our Big Upcountry Trip tonight as I had planned to. It feel like my body doesn't realize how incredibly young it is. It feels strained and my spine is hurting. For about a week now I have had sharp pains in my spinal chord, between my shoulder blades, that has hindered my from looking down or looking up at too great an angle. It hurts and I need to get it taken care of. Uncle Reginald ("Sir Reginald") mentioned going to a chiropractor and I am going to ask him at school tomorrow the number so I can schedule an appointment straight away. That is, if I make it to school.
If I don't make it to school then I'm in a real quandary. Some teachers and Veto, the principal, at Zanoxolo out in Motherwell have asked me to print some exam packets for them since they don't have the equipment, time, or real resources to do it. I'm fine with that and Ken said I could use the RISO (big, bad curriculum printer). Tomorrow I have planned to go after school and print, collate, and staple 4,000 pages. It shouldn't be too bad. There's enough loving people who will volunteer to help. I don't ask it of them though. The last two weeks out there I haven't done anything because of bad communication. I originally was supposed to teach the teachers how to use the donated computers they received. After one session it came to light that some of them knew something of technology and others had never touched a computer, let alone created a Power Point presentation. Haven't gotten there yet. But now that a purpose has arisen I'm glad to step up. So, we'll see if I'm out of commission, what happens.
Love you all, whoever you may be.
KCK
(I sometimes feel "," happy. Let me know what you think all of you grammatical and literary geniuses)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Days 4-7
September 28 - October 2, 2008
This entry brings us through the South African Bible College (SABC - but commonly referred to as SABS (South African Bible School)) Lectureship: “Spread the Flame”.
We left Maseru and headed toward the border. The body wasn’t meeting that morning because so many people were leaving. They had planned an evening worship so we just packed up and left. The plan being to meet some of the members from Maseru there and caravan to Johannesburg where the school is. Turns out they left late and the line to get through immigration at the border was long and we passed through a shorter line (“ignorantly”) and pressed on. 5 hours later we’re driving in the hustle and bustle of busy Joburg. We didn’t arrive at the Benoni Church of Christ until after the opening ceremony had started but not much was missed besides the formal initiation words and the singing on the anthem. Oh yes, that song we all know and love so well . . . 728b.
A sermon, some singing, bread and wine, and formal introductions all accomplished in a fairly short time span. Team 1 had driven up (or some of them) with Shawn Fortuin from Fairview CoC and we followed them to the school. Mike and I got a dorm room to ourselves and went to sleep. The next morning we turned in a voucher we had purchased for breakfast. Mind you, there’s isn’t a fancy cafeteria there, it’s just a big pot of oatmeal, hot water for coffee or tea, and some other dishes for your dining pleasure. I will now give you a basic overview of each day at the lectureship:
8:30 - breakfast
9:00 - opening lesson and dismissal of youth to alternate building for separate lessons
9:15-11:30ish - class, quiet time, small group, and singing (for the youth classes that we worked with)
11:30 - lunch break
12:00 - return to classroom for afternoon session
12:00-14:00ish - final session
14:00is-19:00 - time to be spent as one wills
19:00 - Meeting of all people involved with the lectures at the Benoni CoC building for worship, sermon, and evening closure
Now I may not be remembering the times correctly but that’s just about how it went. The first day I didn’t go to youth and sat in on some of the men’s classes that were really well done. The rest of the time I was in the youth room and headed a small group. Daniel was the book that was gone over through the week. Luke Wright from Oklahoma, USA did the class and I enjoyed his approach so much. He covered the first 6 chapters and presented in a way that wasn’t drab or boring but it was easy to relate to. I’d sit in on those classes again if I could.
The week was encouraging and lots of swell things happened. Someone found Dr. Pepper at the Spar down the road (regrettably I didn’t have one) and we contacted and met some great brothers and sisters from the northern part of Suid Afrika. One day at lunch a man named Freddy Mayala came up to me and just asked for my email out of the blue. I had never really talked to him but recognized his cute children that I had played with the day before. So, now I’m in correspondence with him and at least one other student at the South African Bible College.
This young girl was struggling up the steps and I helped her with her bag only to find out that I would be staying at her house in Swaziland just a week later. God has a funny way of connecting His people young, old and otherwise. Glorious.
Jerry Hogg. Someone to note. This man has been on the board, a teacher, and administrator at SABC for a number of years and is now going back to Texas, USA to work with Sunset as the ambassador (some position name here) to all of the African extension schools. There are currently 17 and he will be overseeing and working with them all. I look forward to hearing about the work God will be doing through Him.
KCK
This entry brings us through the South African Bible College (SABC - but commonly referred to as SABS (South African Bible School)) Lectureship: “Spread the Flame”.
We left Maseru and headed toward the border. The body wasn’t meeting that morning because so many people were leaving. They had planned an evening worship so we just packed up and left. The plan being to meet some of the members from Maseru there and caravan to Johannesburg where the school is. Turns out they left late and the line to get through immigration at the border was long and we passed through a shorter line (“ignorantly”) and pressed on. 5 hours later we’re driving in the hustle and bustle of busy Joburg. We didn’t arrive at the Benoni Church of Christ until after the opening ceremony had started but not much was missed besides the formal initiation words and the singing on the anthem. Oh yes, that song we all know and love so well . . . 728b.
A sermon, some singing, bread and wine, and formal introductions all accomplished in a fairly short time span. Team 1 had driven up (or some of them) with Shawn Fortuin from Fairview CoC and we followed them to the school. Mike and I got a dorm room to ourselves and went to sleep. The next morning we turned in a voucher we had purchased for breakfast. Mind you, there’s isn’t a fancy cafeteria there, it’s just a big pot of oatmeal, hot water for coffee or tea, and some other dishes for your dining pleasure. I will now give you a basic overview of each day at the lectureship:
8:30 - breakfast
9:00 - opening lesson and dismissal of youth to alternate building for separate lessons
9:15-11:30ish - class, quiet time, small group, and singing (for the youth classes that we worked with)
11:30 - lunch break
12:00 - return to classroom for afternoon session
12:00-14:00ish - final session
14:00is-19:00 - time to be spent as one wills
19:00 - Meeting of all people involved with the lectures at the Benoni CoC building for worship, sermon, and evening closure
Now I may not be remembering the times correctly but that’s just about how it went. The first day I didn’t go to youth and sat in on some of the men’s classes that were really well done. The rest of the time I was in the youth room and headed a small group. Daniel was the book that was gone over through the week. Luke Wright from Oklahoma, USA did the class and I enjoyed his approach so much. He covered the first 6 chapters and presented in a way that wasn’t drab or boring but it was easy to relate to. I’d sit in on those classes again if I could.
The week was encouraging and lots of swell things happened. Someone found Dr. Pepper at the Spar down the road (regrettably I didn’t have one) and we contacted and met some great brothers and sisters from the northern part of Suid Afrika. One day at lunch a man named Freddy Mayala came up to me and just asked for my email out of the blue. I had never really talked to him but recognized his cute children that I had played with the day before. So, now I’m in correspondence with him and at least one other student at the South African Bible College.
This young girl was struggling up the steps and I helped her with her bag only to find out that I would be staying at her house in Swaziland just a week later. God has a funny way of connecting His people young, old and otherwise. Glorious.
Jerry Hogg. Someone to note. This man has been on the board, a teacher, and administrator at SABC for a number of years and is now going back to Texas, USA to work with Sunset as the ambassador (some position name here) to all of the African extension schools. There are currently 17 and he will be overseeing and working with them all. I look forward to hearing about the work God will be doing through Him.
KCK
Monday, October 6, 2008
Day 3 of the Big Trip
Day 3 - September 27, 2008
I wake up with a shiver and pain in my back that doesn’t allow me to get back to sleep. I had a car pillow and and a shirt on within my sleeping bag. It was chillier than I thought it would be, and my faith in my nice mummy bag was slightly crushed. So I get out of it and grab my bag to take a hot shower. Upon arrival at the “Ablutions” house I knew it was going to be interesting. I turn on the shower hopeful yearning that there will be hot water. The four streams of trickle coming from the head disappoint me and I’m reminded of Paul.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
At this point I just got wet and got out. Now I realize how early it is and how no one else is awake. I sit outside the roudavel that Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra are staying in due to a faulty bed in their original room. Looking across that lake with the sun just peaking over the hills I find myself saying, “Thank You. Thank you God for giving me today to live and allowing me to be in Lesotho right now.” The Kite Runner pops into my mind and I decide to retrieve it from my tent, along with my Bible. After a few chapters in each book I decide to head back to the roundavel and get a cup of coffee. The wait continues, but only for a few minutes this time (I find it rude to knock on an elders door in the morning). A cup of coffee, boerwors and eggs, cereal, and juice grace my appetite. It was a late breakfast but we weren’t expecting a rough day ahead.
Everyone got up and tried to shower but Maseru was going through a water crisis and nothing came out of the tap. No hot, no cold. No nothing (enjoy that double negative father). So, after nobody came to get us we decided to go to town on our own. If you’ve ever been in Chicago during peak traffic times then you’ve experienced a minor dose of Lesotho drivers. I’ve heard stories about the Sri Lanka drivers and seen the people in Mexico city run around. I had the opportunity to drive and watch people step out in front of cars, miss a bumper by centimeters, look at the sidewalk and see a line of people 40 deep to get to the ATM, and try to follow Judy through it. Animals wander freely here and there but mostly it’s just packed and the turn arounds are a lot of fun. If there’s a space a car will fill it, and it doesn’t matter what direction that car is going compared to what direction you’re going. No one really yelled or got angry that I saw. They’ll just honk their horn to be noticed and press in to get on their way.
Once we got to the tourist center by the center of town (I think) we parked and took a look around. Before we even got out of the cars ladies came over to us and wanted us to by Basotho hats. This is probably a cultural insult but they look like the rice patty hats of China. Similar, but a little more ornamental and colorful. Of course, Mike, Ken, and I bought one. Across the street to the tourist information center we went. We looked around for a bit, some of us bought things from the ladies sitting outside making trinkets to sell, and eventually we found ourselves in the gift shop across the street. A few purchases were made and we decided to head back to the roundavel HQ right before Tabs (one of the members of the church body in Maseru - there are four congregations I believe) showed up with the family in his kombi (a VW van or one of similar size) and we conversed for a little while. Diana went with them to get water from the Shop-rite and the rest of us went to the camp.
It was now lunch time. Grilled cheese, 4x2 soup, milk, water, and juice. It was delicious and quite satisfying. But really, it was bound to happen that as soon as comfort set in it would be taken away. Tabs and Diana walk down the path to the door and come in. Tabs announces that his neighbors daughter is graduating from University and he wants us all to be there. . . NOW. Well, who are we to deny someone there wishes when their daughter has accomplished something? No one. We gave the rest of the sandwiches to the kids in the kombi and headed out. Down a dirt road that needed at least 8 inch clearance from the bottom of your car to the ground we trekked (we didn’t have that clearance) and arrived at Tabs house where we met Elizabeth (a very sweet old woman who would eventually give us African names), Tabs’ wife Jacquie (an ex-AIMer and very neat person who makes traditional African outfits) and the rest of their children and friends. We sat around and made formal introductions. After everyone was fairly comfortable with each other we went to the neighbors’ party.
And what a party. Never in my life have I experienced a graduation like that one. At the first house we entered to a traditional song and yell going on. It was something else. Women yodel/ee-ee-ee-eeing, men singing, and food for all after. After the meal there was a toast for the graduate and we said our farewells.
The second party was significantly larger. It seemed the entire neighborhood (plus family and the town drunk) showed up for the festivities. Two large tents had been erected in the front yard. One for guests, and the other for food and the honorary table. People were talking and waiting. The graduate wasn’t even there when we arrived. After 15 minutes the tribal yells began and in she rolled. Things settled down after much embracing and loud chatter and organized speeches started. They were quite nice ... I think. They were all in Sotho, minus Ken’s. This was what was interesting. The man, whom none of us knew, asked Ken if he would say a few words and Ken politely obliged. It was a very nice speech thanking them for sharing their traditional ways with us and encouraging the graduate with adoration for her accomplishment and constant trust in the Lord. The camera lady who recorded this all I had payed no mind to until we found out his little speech had made Lesotho national television. What a star!
We returned to Tebs and Jacquie’s house for a few moments only to head over to another families home for a braai. The exhaustion was evident in all of us as we lay around falling asleep and trying to look enthusiastic. I felt bad because we couldn’t bring much energy to the table. It was very nice all they did for us in Lesotho.
That night we went back to the tent and I did not get chilly. Four shirts, two pants, socks, and gloves are what I donned as I crawled into my Mammoth mummy bag. It was warm and oh so comfortable. It’s a shame that there was barely enough water for a decent shower in the morning.
It was an educational day and I’m so glad that God gave us the opportunity to meet some of his people in Lesotho. We met them again at SABS. But that is for another night.
KCK - ILY
I wake up with a shiver and pain in my back that doesn’t allow me to get back to sleep. I had a car pillow and and a shirt on within my sleeping bag. It was chillier than I thought it would be, and my faith in my nice mummy bag was slightly crushed. So I get out of it and grab my bag to take a hot shower. Upon arrival at the “Ablutions” house I knew it was going to be interesting. I turn on the shower hopeful yearning that there will be hot water. The four streams of trickle coming from the head disappoint me and I’m reminded of Paul.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
At this point I just got wet and got out. Now I realize how early it is and how no one else is awake. I sit outside the roudavel that Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra are staying in due to a faulty bed in their original room. Looking across that lake with the sun just peaking over the hills I find myself saying, “Thank You. Thank you God for giving me today to live and allowing me to be in Lesotho right now.” The Kite Runner pops into my mind and I decide to retrieve it from my tent, along with my Bible. After a few chapters in each book I decide to head back to the roundavel and get a cup of coffee. The wait continues, but only for a few minutes this time (I find it rude to knock on an elders door in the morning). A cup of coffee, boerwors and eggs, cereal, and juice grace my appetite. It was a late breakfast but we weren’t expecting a rough day ahead.
Everyone got up and tried to shower but Maseru was going through a water crisis and nothing came out of the tap. No hot, no cold. No nothing (enjoy that double negative father). So, after nobody came to get us we decided to go to town on our own. If you’ve ever been in Chicago during peak traffic times then you’ve experienced a minor dose of Lesotho drivers. I’ve heard stories about the Sri Lanka drivers and seen the people in Mexico city run around. I had the opportunity to drive and watch people step out in front of cars, miss a bumper by centimeters, look at the sidewalk and see a line of people 40 deep to get to the ATM, and try to follow Judy through it. Animals wander freely here and there but mostly it’s just packed and the turn arounds are a lot of fun. If there’s a space a car will fill it, and it doesn’t matter what direction that car is going compared to what direction you’re going. No one really yelled or got angry that I saw. They’ll just honk their horn to be noticed and press in to get on their way.
Once we got to the tourist center by the center of town (I think) we parked and took a look around. Before we even got out of the cars ladies came over to us and wanted us to by Basotho hats. This is probably a cultural insult but they look like the rice patty hats of China. Similar, but a little more ornamental and colorful. Of course, Mike, Ken, and I bought one. Across the street to the tourist information center we went. We looked around for a bit, some of us bought things from the ladies sitting outside making trinkets to sell, and eventually we found ourselves in the gift shop across the street. A few purchases were made and we decided to head back to the roundavel HQ right before Tabs (one of the members of the church body in Maseru - there are four congregations I believe) showed up with the family in his kombi (a VW van or one of similar size) and we conversed for a little while. Diana went with them to get water from the Shop-rite and the rest of us went to the camp.
It was now lunch time. Grilled cheese, 4x2 soup, milk, water, and juice. It was delicious and quite satisfying. But really, it was bound to happen that as soon as comfort set in it would be taken away. Tabs and Diana walk down the path to the door and come in. Tabs announces that his neighbors daughter is graduating from University and he wants us all to be there. . . NOW. Well, who are we to deny someone there wishes when their daughter has accomplished something? No one. We gave the rest of the sandwiches to the kids in the kombi and headed out. Down a dirt road that needed at least 8 inch clearance from the bottom of your car to the ground we trekked (we didn’t have that clearance) and arrived at Tabs house where we met Elizabeth (a very sweet old woman who would eventually give us African names), Tabs’ wife Jacquie (an ex-AIMer and very neat person who makes traditional African outfits) and the rest of their children and friends. We sat around and made formal introductions. After everyone was fairly comfortable with each other we went to the neighbors’ party.
And what a party. Never in my life have I experienced a graduation like that one. At the first house we entered to a traditional song and yell going on. It was something else. Women yodel/ee-ee-ee-eeing, men singing, and food for all after. After the meal there was a toast for the graduate and we said our farewells.
The second party was significantly larger. It seemed the entire neighborhood (plus family and the town drunk) showed up for the festivities. Two large tents had been erected in the front yard. One for guests, and the other for food and the honorary table. People were talking and waiting. The graduate wasn’t even there when we arrived. After 15 minutes the tribal yells began and in she rolled. Things settled down after much embracing and loud chatter and organized speeches started. They were quite nice ... I think. They were all in Sotho, minus Ken’s. This was what was interesting. The man, whom none of us knew, asked Ken if he would say a few words and Ken politely obliged. It was a very nice speech thanking them for sharing their traditional ways with us and encouraging the graduate with adoration for her accomplishment and constant trust in the Lord. The camera lady who recorded this all I had payed no mind to until we found out his little speech had made Lesotho national television. What a star!
We returned to Tebs and Jacquie’s house for a few moments only to head over to another families home for a braai. The exhaustion was evident in all of us as we lay around falling asleep and trying to look enthusiastic. I felt bad because we couldn’t bring much energy to the table. It was very nice all they did for us in Lesotho.
That night we went back to the tent and I did not get chilly. Four shirts, two pants, socks, and gloves are what I donned as I crawled into my Mammoth mummy bag. It was warm and oh so comfortable. It’s a shame that there was barely enough water for a decent shower in the morning.
It was an educational day and I’m so glad that God gave us the opportunity to meet some of his people in Lesotho. We met them again at SABS. But that is for another night.
KCK - ILY
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Day 2
Day 2 - September 26, 2008
Another beautiful, God given day. Wake up at 5:30 a.m. for two of the girls to shower. Since the accommodations were made on the spot last night and options were limited our team stayed in the same room. Mike, Diana, and I got our own twin to sleep on while Sasha and Tara shared a queen. Truly an interesting bonding experience. It’s nice to be able to just bunk down and go though.
Once we woke up and packed up we made our way to number 21 for breakfast. It was quick and we hopped out the door to pack up the boot and hit to road. Smooth traveling is something that people here don’t always believe in. Mind you, the bush people either ride horses, drive bakkies, or walk everywhere. So our little Opel Astra (which is the nicest car on the team - the girls’) was just a little bumpy. The pavement ended and we hit the dirt. Thank God for traveling mercies. This was our drive to Lesotho. Before we hit the border we went 8 kilometers too far and had to turn around. But just two hours after leaving Aliwal North (where we spent the night) we hit the Lesotho border. Just over the border we hit blacktop again and the speed quickly picked up. Up and over a hill we encounter a radar trap. Two uniformed men sitting on a wall, one guy waving us down in the middle of the road, and another man standing beside a radar on a tripod. Miss Judy politely apologized and I didn’t even have to say anything, they just waved us on. A few hours later we hit Maseru.
Back country. When you put the canyons of Nevada, the desert of Arizona, and the black people of Africa who cope with where they are you get Lesotho. Now it’s typical for the shepherds and lots of people to wear a Basutu blanket. The people are Basutu, they live in Lesotho, and they speak Sotho. So as well drove along dodging cows and sheep we saw the people. Children smiling and waving at the white people in the white cars, people at the bus stops as we drive buy, and the markets swarming with those who are looking to make a purchase. The people are wonderful though. Friendly faces, outrageous drivers. Think of peak traffic, and then think of peak traffic that’s barely regulated. Aggg man.
Right now we’re at a campsite in Maseru by the Northwestern border. After visiting the church we plan to head up to Joburg for the SABS lectureship. Our time here is only a few days but I will soak it up. Contact has been made with one of the church members and sometime tonight we expect a call. The youth are going to come and we will be spending tomorrow with them as well. Since the call hasn’t come yet, we may just nix the night and settle in.
The sun is setting across the mountains and the landscape is indescribable. I must leave you at this and join my comrades with a cup of tea and God’s splendor.
KCK
Another beautiful, God given day. Wake up at 5:30 a.m. for two of the girls to shower. Since the accommodations were made on the spot last night and options were limited our team stayed in the same room. Mike, Diana, and I got our own twin to sleep on while Sasha and Tara shared a queen. Truly an interesting bonding experience. It’s nice to be able to just bunk down and go though.
Once we woke up and packed up we made our way to number 21 for breakfast. It was quick and we hopped out the door to pack up the boot and hit to road. Smooth traveling is something that people here don’t always believe in. Mind you, the bush people either ride horses, drive bakkies, or walk everywhere. So our little Opel Astra (which is the nicest car on the team - the girls’) was just a little bumpy. The pavement ended and we hit the dirt. Thank God for traveling mercies. This was our drive to Lesotho. Before we hit the border we went 8 kilometers too far and had to turn around. But just two hours after leaving Aliwal North (where we spent the night) we hit the Lesotho border. Just over the border we hit blacktop again and the speed quickly picked up. Up and over a hill we encounter a radar trap. Two uniformed men sitting on a wall, one guy waving us down in the middle of the road, and another man standing beside a radar on a tripod. Miss Judy politely apologized and I didn’t even have to say anything, they just waved us on. A few hours later we hit Maseru.
Back country. When you put the canyons of Nevada, the desert of Arizona, and the black people of Africa who cope with where they are you get Lesotho. Now it’s typical for the shepherds and lots of people to wear a Basutu blanket. The people are Basutu, they live in Lesotho, and they speak Sotho. So as well drove along dodging cows and sheep we saw the people. Children smiling and waving at the white people in the white cars, people at the bus stops as we drive buy, and the markets swarming with those who are looking to make a purchase. The people are wonderful though. Friendly faces, outrageous drivers. Think of peak traffic, and then think of peak traffic that’s barely regulated. Aggg man.
Right now we’re at a campsite in Maseru by the Northwestern border. After visiting the church we plan to head up to Joburg for the SABS lectureship. Our time here is only a few days but I will soak it up. Contact has been made with one of the church members and sometime tonight we expect a call. The youth are going to come and we will be spending tomorrow with them as well. Since the call hasn’t come yet, we may just nix the night and settle in.
The sun is setting across the mountains and the landscape is indescribable. I must leave you at this and join my comrades with a cup of tea and God’s splendor.
KCK
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day 1 of the Big Trip
September 25, 2008
A few days ago we found out that Johnathan was leaving due to his support being cut. So, last night (Wednesday) we spent time at Ken and Judy’s after church to say farewell. The night was non-emotional because of the extreme level of fatigue filling everyone’s bodies. Johnathan and mine’s, at least. So we said goodnight and planned to take of this morning for Lesotho. . . the beginning of our “big upcountry trip”.
The original plan was to depart from Ken and Judy’s at 6 a.m. This early morning start was thwarted when we found out that the girls’ car was in need of a tire replacement. This couldn’t be done on Tuesday when the scheduled appointment was for one reason or another, and Wednesday wasn’t possible either due it being a public holiday (National Heritage Day). So we were shooting for around 10 a.m. for our actual leaving time.
I haven’t slept well in the last three days. Risk is a game that we boys have been playing regularly since our arrival several months ago. It’s a fun, strategically challenging game of diplomacy and wit. Exactly what we needed to add an edge and take one away. It added an edge to our game playing times (more tension built up in an extreme way) and took it away because we all were very good sports about losing, destroying another player, or back-stabbing. Things seem to play out fairly in the end. Be very careful what you say, be even more careful about how you say it. So we would stay up until 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m. No big deal. A couple weeks back Mike got an electrical transformer from the girls apartment and now his Xbox is set up. Well, we can’t play JUST Risk now can we. Halo also became a semi-regular event. Two large pizzas from St. Elmo’s for R94.90 and we were good to go. Now that Johnathan is leaving next week, and we’re already on our trip, it’s not going to be the same. Ever. His flight will have to go through Johannesburg and we will get to see him off (hopefully). We’ll be there next week for the SABS (South African Bible School) lectureships. Another teammate transfers fields.
I say all that to say I slept in a little bit and finished packing. Mike and I arrived at Ken and Judy’s a little after 9:30 a.m. and found their car not in the driveway. Apparently this morning, there was a short and their car just shut off. Judy sat by the side of the road and eventually flagged down a police officer to assist her. So, as Ken told me all this, I got a cup of coffee and helped finish packing the trailer. The first team was all there and wished us well. After hooking up the trailer (and Miss Judy finally getting back) we set out on our journey northward. The time: just after 11 a.m.
Mind you the trip to Lesotho is at least 10 hours, plus a border crossing, plus toilet stops, and food. We weren’t going to make it in time to set up our tents and camp before nightfall. That’s what brought us to this chalet we’re staying in. Around 19:30 p.m. we pulled in and unpacked. Once settled we dropped by the Kendallballs room and ate sandwiches for dinner. A light and filling feast.
I cannot finish posting this without attempting to tell about the drive up here. It was absolutely breath-taking. Long,twisting, mountainous roads that dipped down into valleys. Countless cows and goats wandering around in fields, by houses, on the road. Seeing the occasional green tree or patch of grass in a sea of brown and gold. But my favorite part of our drive today was the sunset. Staring at the sky I lost sight of the rest of the landscape (not completely, I was driving). The thought arose that no matter how you ‘say’ it words just don’t do justice to what the Supreme Being of the Universe has given us to show His splendor. 20 minutes before complete dusk the thin wisps of clouds were a deep purple with a soft, pastel peach on the horizon fading into light blue. Just after sundown the sky burst into a brilliant orange, pink, and yellow. The red on the clouds so vibrant it’s easy to see how a painting can be wonderful, but not that glorious.
We’re here together as a team for the next three weeks. Two aunties from Texas (Barbara and Sandra who write the Lessons to Live By curriculum that we print and distribute), Ken, Judy and us five. Diana, Sasha, Tara, Mike and I. The females outnumber the males by 100%. No worries, God loves us everyone. Gender makes no difference. And that, my friends, is what will take us through this trip without problems. We may get sick of seeing each other every waking moment. Or we may choose to have a good attitude and take joy in the bonds we have and are strengthening. I cherish everyone on this trip in a special way. Each one has a special room in my heart. That room is where I store my memories of them, the things they’ve taught, and are teaching, me, and every little thing about them that makes me smile, gives me concern, and allows me to see Jesus in their hearts. His exemplary life . . . I see parts of it in each one.
I feel tired. Reading tends to either wake me up or put me down. Reading is where I will leave you. On this trip I plan on finishing the books I have started and never completed. Namely: Catch 22, The Kite Runner, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Epic (to be fully read), and The Shack. Count in the Bible and what a plethora of words to take in.
Good night, and farewell.
KCK
A few days ago we found out that Johnathan was leaving due to his support being cut. So, last night (Wednesday) we spent time at Ken and Judy’s after church to say farewell. The night was non-emotional because of the extreme level of fatigue filling everyone’s bodies. Johnathan and mine’s, at least. So we said goodnight and planned to take of this morning for Lesotho. . . the beginning of our “big upcountry trip”.
The original plan was to depart from Ken and Judy’s at 6 a.m. This early morning start was thwarted when we found out that the girls’ car was in need of a tire replacement. This couldn’t be done on Tuesday when the scheduled appointment was for one reason or another, and Wednesday wasn’t possible either due it being a public holiday (National Heritage Day). So we were shooting for around 10 a.m. for our actual leaving time.
I haven’t slept well in the last three days. Risk is a game that we boys have been playing regularly since our arrival several months ago. It’s a fun, strategically challenging game of diplomacy and wit. Exactly what we needed to add an edge and take one away. It added an edge to our game playing times (more tension built up in an extreme way) and took it away because we all were very good sports about losing, destroying another player, or back-stabbing. Things seem to play out fairly in the end. Be very careful what you say, be even more careful about how you say it. So we would stay up until 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m. No big deal. A couple weeks back Mike got an electrical transformer from the girls apartment and now his Xbox is set up. Well, we can’t play JUST Risk now can we. Halo also became a semi-regular event. Two large pizzas from St. Elmo’s for R94.90 and we were good to go. Now that Johnathan is leaving next week, and we’re already on our trip, it’s not going to be the same. Ever. His flight will have to go through Johannesburg and we will get to see him off (hopefully). We’ll be there next week for the SABS (South African Bible School) lectureships. Another teammate transfers fields.
I say all that to say I slept in a little bit and finished packing. Mike and I arrived at Ken and Judy’s a little after 9:30 a.m. and found their car not in the driveway. Apparently this morning, there was a short and their car just shut off. Judy sat by the side of the road and eventually flagged down a police officer to assist her. So, as Ken told me all this, I got a cup of coffee and helped finish packing the trailer. The first team was all there and wished us well. After hooking up the trailer (and Miss Judy finally getting back) we set out on our journey northward. The time: just after 11 a.m.
Mind you the trip to Lesotho is at least 10 hours, plus a border crossing, plus toilet stops, and food. We weren’t going to make it in time to set up our tents and camp before nightfall. That’s what brought us to this chalet we’re staying in. Around 19:30 p.m. we pulled in and unpacked. Once settled we dropped by the Kendallballs room and ate sandwiches for dinner. A light and filling feast.
I cannot finish posting this without attempting to tell about the drive up here. It was absolutely breath-taking. Long,twisting, mountainous roads that dipped down into valleys. Countless cows and goats wandering around in fields, by houses, on the road. Seeing the occasional green tree or patch of grass in a sea of brown and gold. But my favorite part of our drive today was the sunset. Staring at the sky I lost sight of the rest of the landscape (not completely, I was driving). The thought arose that no matter how you ‘say’ it words just don’t do justice to what the Supreme Being of the Universe has given us to show His splendor. 20 minutes before complete dusk the thin wisps of clouds were a deep purple with a soft, pastel peach on the horizon fading into light blue. Just after sundown the sky burst into a brilliant orange, pink, and yellow. The red on the clouds so vibrant it’s easy to see how a painting can be wonderful, but not that glorious.
We’re here together as a team for the next three weeks. Two aunties from Texas (Barbara and Sandra who write the Lessons to Live By curriculum that we print and distribute), Ken, Judy and us five. Diana, Sasha, Tara, Mike and I. The females outnumber the males by 100%. No worries, God loves us everyone. Gender makes no difference. And that, my friends, is what will take us through this trip without problems. We may get sick of seeing each other every waking moment. Or we may choose to have a good attitude and take joy in the bonds we have and are strengthening. I cherish everyone on this trip in a special way. Each one has a special room in my heart. That room is where I store my memories of them, the things they’ve taught, and are teaching, me, and every little thing about them that makes me smile, gives me concern, and allows me to see Jesus in their hearts. His exemplary life . . . I see parts of it in each one.
I feel tired. Reading tends to either wake me up or put me down. Reading is where I will leave you. On this trip I plan on finishing the books I have started and never completed. Namely: Catch 22, The Kite Runner, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Epic (to be fully read), and The Shack. Count in the Bible and what a plethora of words to take in.
Good night, and farewell.
KCK
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Apologies.
This is the first of many posts to come. But the main reason I'm writing is to say I'm sorry for not writing more often. So much has happened and I've wanted to tell you all about it. Yet, there seems to be issues with all of the internet. I have to use Sasha's phone as my modem and there's really no excuse but I wanted to say something.
I'M SORRY!
People are beautiful. Which makes you beautiful. I appreciate you and want to hear from you.
Email : icannotfeelmytoes@gmail.com
Keep Christ King.
Die Here het jou lief.
God loves you.
We'll be in touch. On Thursday morning we will be leaving for a three week upcountry trip. My efforts will be poured into driving, reading, personal journaling, and a once every two day blogging habit (at least!). Cheers . . . for now.
I'M SORRY!
People are beautiful. Which makes you beautiful. I appreciate you and want to hear from you.
Email : icannotfeelmytoes@gmail.com
Keep Christ King.
Die Here het jou lief.
God loves you.
We'll be in touch. On Thursday morning we will be leaving for a three week upcountry trip. My efforts will be poured into driving, reading, personal journaling, and a once every two day blogging habit (at least!). Cheers . . . for now.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Burglars, Silence, and the Maid
Well, the title of this post sums up the past week or so with three words. But since there's so much more to it, I must tell you all about it. From my point of view, of course.
Let's start with the maid. She was referred to us by another maid. Her sister-in-law. Two Thursdays ago she came and we showed her around and agreed to pay her R120 a week. That's about $15 and more than we should. But we thought we would anyway. She cleaned, did her thing, and then we took her to the but stop. The next week she came, and this is where the shadiness begins. I had been awake very late the night before and Thursday mornings are my morning off. So I slept in. The maid (Florence) was already cleaning when I got out of bed. Mike had let her in and went off to the gym. I talked to her for a little while and told her that we had to go to do some office work and she finished up. Mike hadn't returned yet and she says, "I need R200". I asked her why and she went on to explain that her children had school fees. So I told her that that would be alright for this week. She continued to tell me that next week I could keep R30 and so on for the next couple week until it was back down to R120 and that would suffice from then on out. So we leave for the office and drop her at the bus stop. I turn to Mike halfway down Circular Drive and say," I paid her R200 today." What? He said that he had left R120 on the table before he left and when he returned he noticed it was gone. So our maid got away with R320 ($45) for one day. So today we weren't at the cottage because we spent the night at the girls' house (see latter part of this post for explanation) and missed her. Lilian (our landlady) calls us and tells us that her husband Michael had let the maid in and that she was now wanting R120. Should she pay her? Mike and I weren't planning on paying her this week and having a talk with her. Michael said she had only done a half-day's work and she didn't do everything that was supposed to be done. So they didn't pay her. If she's going to stay on with us there are going to have to be some very clear standards that will be laid out next week. If those standards aren't what she desires then she's free to go. Perhaps Matthew 6 comes to mind now and again, but I'm over it...
Pressing on to the burglars. On Tuesday morning around 3 AM two men broke into the granny flat off of the girls' house where Tara slept. They put a rock through the window and climbed through, pushed Tara into the bathroom, took her computer, ipod, phone and R6000 ($750) along with the feeling of safety that she had before. In and out within 5 minutes. She was screaming and came into the house where the other girls had already blockaded themselves into a room and had pressed the alarm, called the police, ADT, and Ken and Judy. Sasha called me around 3:30 AM and told me what had happened. Semi-surreal. The first time the phone rang I thought I was dreaming so I ignored it. The second time I picked up and all units were on sight. I was at the cottage the whole time (Mike and I's estate). So before we went to school that morning we swung by Ken and Judy's to comfort and console the girls. The trauma is no joke. It's affected them in some intense, internal ways. It hurts me to see the hurting. Mike and I moved in Tuesday night to stay with the girls until they were feeling a little more comfortable. That may be long after we move back into our place, but they need the support. It's encouraging to me to see them all turning to prayer and the scripture for answers. My faith seems dwarfed in comparison at times. Journaling, praying, reading, and letting out all of the emotions that are within. It's difficult for several reasons, the main one being what I'm about to talk about.
For a long time I've been wanting to take a vow of silence. So, before the incident, I decided that since Ken and Judy were going to take this week for their getaway that we got them for Father's Day, it was the perfect time. Mike and I go to Sanctor High School every Tuesday and Wednesday to work with the math teachers and whatever else we can do. Yesterday we sat in with the Chess Club after school and then watched part of a rugby match. Backyard baby and so much fun. Mr. Kennedy (the teacher I work with and find so humorous and fun) invited Mike, Sasha, and I to have a bite to eat with the visiting coaches. So we went back inside between games and had some fish from a fishery. Good stuff that, especially when it's fresh daily! Pressing on. . . After school at 4 PM I began and plan to end at 2 PM on Saturday. I have written out a vow and signed it with God and Mike as my witnesses. After this exercise in mental discipline, listening, learning, reading, praying, journaling, and contemplation is complete I will write again with some of my thoughts. So as of this moment in time I'm done with speaking, facebook, IM, SMS (text). I am emailing and blogging though. My personal notebook is my way of telling people what I'm thinking and needing. Other than that I'm enjoying, struggling, and wondering all this time. When all one can do is contribute to a conversation in their head it's quite obvious how every person's input affects the direction of thoughts and speech. But I would really like to hone my hearing skills. Not just hearing others, but being able to hear myself a little bit better before I even speak. Something that I already feel happening. Three days isn't a very long time really, and perhaps someday I'll do it again for a longer period of time. We shall see.
Just a couple thoughts within me, since they can't be without me.
Let's start with the maid. She was referred to us by another maid. Her sister-in-law. Two Thursdays ago she came and we showed her around and agreed to pay her R120 a week. That's about $15 and more than we should. But we thought we would anyway. She cleaned, did her thing, and then we took her to the but stop. The next week she came, and this is where the shadiness begins. I had been awake very late the night before and Thursday mornings are my morning off. So I slept in. The maid (Florence) was already cleaning when I got out of bed. Mike had let her in and went off to the gym. I talked to her for a little while and told her that we had to go to do some office work and she finished up. Mike hadn't returned yet and she says, "I need R200". I asked her why and she went on to explain that her children had school fees. So I told her that that would be alright for this week. She continued to tell me that next week I could keep R30 and so on for the next couple week until it was back down to R120 and that would suffice from then on out. So we leave for the office and drop her at the bus stop. I turn to Mike halfway down Circular Drive and say," I paid her R200 today." What? He said that he had left R120 on the table before he left and when he returned he noticed it was gone. So our maid got away with R320 ($45) for one day. So today we weren't at the cottage because we spent the night at the girls' house (see latter part of this post for explanation) and missed her. Lilian (our landlady) calls us and tells us that her husband Michael had let the maid in and that she was now wanting R120. Should she pay her? Mike and I weren't planning on paying her this week and having a talk with her. Michael said she had only done a half-day's work and she didn't do everything that was supposed to be done. So they didn't pay her. If she's going to stay on with us there are going to have to be some very clear standards that will be laid out next week. If those standards aren't what she desires then she's free to go. Perhaps Matthew 6 comes to mind now and again, but I'm over it...
Pressing on to the burglars. On Tuesday morning around 3 AM two men broke into the granny flat off of the girls' house where Tara slept. They put a rock through the window and climbed through, pushed Tara into the bathroom, took her computer, ipod, phone and R6000 ($750) along with the feeling of safety that she had before. In and out within 5 minutes. She was screaming and came into the house where the other girls had already blockaded themselves into a room and had pressed the alarm, called the police, ADT, and Ken and Judy. Sasha called me around 3:30 AM and told me what had happened. Semi-surreal. The first time the phone rang I thought I was dreaming so I ignored it. The second time I picked up and all units were on sight. I was at the cottage the whole time (Mike and I's estate). So before we went to school that morning we swung by Ken and Judy's to comfort and console the girls. The trauma is no joke. It's affected them in some intense, internal ways. It hurts me to see the hurting. Mike and I moved in Tuesday night to stay with the girls until they were feeling a little more comfortable. That may be long after we move back into our place, but they need the support. It's encouraging to me to see them all turning to prayer and the scripture for answers. My faith seems dwarfed in comparison at times. Journaling, praying, reading, and letting out all of the emotions that are within. It's difficult for several reasons, the main one being what I'm about to talk about.
For a long time I've been wanting to take a vow of silence. So, before the incident, I decided that since Ken and Judy were going to take this week for their getaway that we got them for Father's Day, it was the perfect time. Mike and I go to Sanctor High School every Tuesday and Wednesday to work with the math teachers and whatever else we can do. Yesterday we sat in with the Chess Club after school and then watched part of a rugby match. Backyard baby and so much fun. Mr. Kennedy (the teacher I work with and find so humorous and fun) invited Mike, Sasha, and I to have a bite to eat with the visiting coaches. So we went back inside between games and had some fish from a fishery. Good stuff that, especially when it's fresh daily! Pressing on. . . After school at 4 PM I began and plan to end at 2 PM on Saturday. I have written out a vow and signed it with God and Mike as my witnesses. After this exercise in mental discipline, listening, learning, reading, praying, journaling, and contemplation is complete I will write again with some of my thoughts. So as of this moment in time I'm done with speaking, facebook, IM, SMS (text). I am emailing and blogging though. My personal notebook is my way of telling people what I'm thinking and needing. Other than that I'm enjoying, struggling, and wondering all this time. When all one can do is contribute to a conversation in their head it's quite obvious how every person's input affects the direction of thoughts and speech. But I would really like to hone my hearing skills. Not just hearing others, but being able to hear myself a little bit better before I even speak. Something that I already feel happening. Three days isn't a very long time really, and perhaps someday I'll do it again for a longer period of time. We shall see.
Just a couple thoughts within me, since they can't be without me.
Friday, July 25, 2008
A bried synopsis of the day...
This morning we all met at Ken and Judy's, combined cars and drove over to Missionvale to the Celebration of Madiba's 90th Birthday. It was an experience and I enjoyed it wholly. It was obvious the ANC was hosting. Potential future president Jacob Zuma made an appearance at the end and spoke briefly. I have to say, from a personal perspective, the highlight of the event was when Christine, a thirteen year old girl from Hellenvale, sang a couple songs and blew everyone away. The sound that came from that little body didn't seem real. It was beautiful. Afterwards Joey and I took a picture with her. We plan on visiting the school she attends next week to deliver the picture and see if we can help with some vocal opportunities for her...
Other than that, Mike and I ran over a duck on the way home... twice...
Other than that, Mike and I ran over a duck on the way home... twice...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Rock and Fortress, Strength and Stay
July 22, 2008
Today has been an interesting and trying one. Due to some mishaps with printing the curriculum, there has been high tension around the office. But thank the Lord for forgiveness and the ability to move on.
Mike and I started at Sanctor High School today working in the math department. When we arrived we met Reginald (the principal and brother from Fairview) and talked for a minute. Then Mike went with a very nice teacher and I departed with one Mr. Kennedy to assist in the teaching of 10, 11, and 12 grade math. It was quite invigorating working with students so close to my age and being able to help them. Lots of humor and fun learning occurred. I thank God for this opportunity.
To snap back to the sorrowful, but inevitable, side of today. It's Logan Smith's last night in Africa. Tomorrow he leaves at 1:30p.m. for the states permanently. He has some work lined up and is going to pursue a position at Lubbock Christian University and being an assistant with AIM. He will do well. The short, and oh so sweet, amount of time I got to spend with this striving disciple has been such a blessing. He's not a man of many words (so they say) but when he says something it's funny, sensible, and meaningful. Some good memories laying in bed beside him just talking. . . about things. . . He will be missed but his time here is done and he's turning over a new leaf in the story book of his life. God bless you, Logan! You're loved and respected more than you know...
A good friend, student, disciple, and sister in Christ lost someone today. It's hard to explain but the words seem easy. Her sister (by blood) passed away in a car accident: leaving her 10 year old daughter. My heart hurts for her and it's so much more difficult when you can't do anything about it except be there. I say this because she's always so happy and an encouragement to everyone she talks to. Her smile brightens people's day. I ask you to pray for her and her family. She needs it and is going to have to deal with a lot in the times to come. Lord, please bless her and give her peace in her heart. I cannot know what she's going through but it must be devastating.
Something I think about...
"I wish none of this had happened." (Frodo)
"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are others forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides good and evil." (Gandalf)
What forces are these? God comes to mind. Keep Him as our focus, all things for Him, and He will do amazing things...
Today has been an interesting and trying one. Due to some mishaps with printing the curriculum, there has been high tension around the office. But thank the Lord for forgiveness and the ability to move on.
Mike and I started at Sanctor High School today working in the math department. When we arrived we met Reginald (the principal and brother from Fairview) and talked for a minute. Then Mike went with a very nice teacher and I departed with one Mr. Kennedy to assist in the teaching of 10, 11, and 12 grade math. It was quite invigorating working with students so close to my age and being able to help them. Lots of humor and fun learning occurred. I thank God for this opportunity.
To snap back to the sorrowful, but inevitable, side of today. It's Logan Smith's last night in Africa. Tomorrow he leaves at 1:30p.m. for the states permanently. He has some work lined up and is going to pursue a position at Lubbock Christian University and being an assistant with AIM. He will do well. The short, and oh so sweet, amount of time I got to spend with this striving disciple has been such a blessing. He's not a man of many words (so they say) but when he says something it's funny, sensible, and meaningful. Some good memories laying in bed beside him just talking. . . about things. . . He will be missed but his time here is done and he's turning over a new leaf in the story book of his life. God bless you, Logan! You're loved and respected more than you know...
A good friend, student, disciple, and sister in Christ lost someone today. It's hard to explain but the words seem easy. Her sister (by blood) passed away in a car accident: leaving her 10 year old daughter. My heart hurts for her and it's so much more difficult when you can't do anything about it except be there. I say this because she's always so happy and an encouragement to everyone she talks to. Her smile brightens people's day. I ask you to pray for her and her family. She needs it and is going to have to deal with a lot in the times to come. Lord, please bless her and give her peace in her heart. I cannot know what she's going through but it must be devastating.
Something I think about...
"I wish none of this had happened." (Frodo)
"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are others forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides good and evil." (Gandalf)
What forces are these? God comes to mind. Keep Him as our focus, all things for Him, and He will do amazing things...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
There's no SHOCK in culture-shock...
Today has been an interesting one. From what I hear, there's all kinds of culture shock. The amusing thing about it to me is how some people think it won't happen to them. Like me. Now, I'm not experiencing extreme depression or anything like that. But I've been wrestling with some very important questions concerning who I am who God is. It's far to complicated to put into words; even with verbal inflexion I find it hard to express myself on this topic. God is it though . . . I find nothing else. What do these questions that linger at the forefront of my mind mean if God isn't a part of the answer in some way? In my opinion . . . nothing!
Allow me to tell you all about what's been happening recently. Well, yesterday Neysia, Sasha, Mike and I went to Sancor High School in Galvendale to see if we could volunteer. Reginald Jacobson is the principal and he's also a very dear member of the body that assembles at Fairview. Previously stated, this is where Mike, Neysia, Sasha, Carolyne, and I now attend regularly. When we walked through the gate the lights were off. A black out. They happen fairly often here. No big deal, we just sat in Reginald's office and talked about our potential and what we had in mind for assisting the school. One thing mentioned was in class tutoring. Much like a "TA system" (teacher's assistant). Now we're committed to two days a week. Mike and I are going Tuesday and Wednesdays (sports practice is on Tuesday and competition on Wednesday). Here's the doozy. Neysia and Sasha are TAing English. Mike and I are TAing mathematics. This entails the high school range of algebra through physics. Mind you, we've only been out of school for a year, but my mind is reeling for remembrance already. Right now algebra and trigonometry is being taught. Hyperbolas and compound angles. Lots of funny curves and formulas. Truthfully, I'm very excited and intimidated. I haven't only thought about math recently in the sense that I wish I did it more. And now God has decided to let me help teach 'peers' what I just learned. So, with the three textbooks Mrs. Bruce gave us we're going to review and get back to math. Pray for us.
The last two nights we've been hosting Matthew Martin in our cottage. He's Stuart and Cecilia Jones' grandson from York, NE. They're from Lubbock, TX and work with the Senior AIM program in the school. Very cool people. They lived in South Africa from 1966-1982. Their stories and time difference has allowed them to see drastic changes in the country. Back to Matt, since he got here we decided we would have a Risk night. I had never played before two evenings ago. 8:30 p.m. and we set up the board. I placed my armies in Europe for the first game. The ONLY game of that night. I held Europe strongly throughout the game and waited for everyone else to pick away at each other. Let it be known, the first time I ever played Risk I won! It was so very fun and epic. Last night we played again. The fatigue was so extreme that I eventually just spread myself out for the taking and lost. It was entertaining to play with four other guys though. Matthew, Mike, Johnathan, Logan and I. Tonight Mike is over at their place playing and Matthew left to return to Cape Town with his grandparents and mother before departing on Monday for the states. For all of you who like to play board games, remind me next time we cross paths and we shall play Risk. Or Star Wars Epic Duels. Another ridiculously fun game!
But this morning started off weird, and that's where the title to this post comes from. I woke up to an extreme Risk hangover and drove Matthew over to Ken and Judy's place so he could rally with the family and hit the road. At half past eight I returned to the cottage and was about to go back to bed, because of the stress and questions on my mind (I've been tired and a little messed up the last couple days), and someone knocks on the door. It was the maid. Here's how we got a maid. Patricia (the maid who did the Summerstrand house that we stayed at upon arrival in the country) has a sister-in-law in the cleaning business as well and she's not very far from where we live. So Mike and I decided we would 'hire' her. It's cultural. I say this as a disclaimer so people don't think we're living too high off the hog and splurging. It creates jobs... (see later paragraph (~*)). So I showed her in and around the cottage and got out the cleaning supplies for her after settling on a fair wage and schedule. She will now be coming every Thursday morning around 8 for R120 a week. This covers her cab fare and services. So, the half-expected meeting went well and we established everything. She jumped right in and started doing what she does. I went into my room and fell back asleep with this added thought checked in my mind, after reading a little. Awakened by a phone call I realize it's past noon and we have office work today at 1. Off Mike and I go, getting ready for the day and making calls. Mike took a shower, I just rolled out and went-a difference in approach to the day. We took off and got Johnathan from across PE and headed back to Ken and Judy's. I started printing and was making good progress when Joey, Lindsay, and some other cool peeps showed up to pick up "the kids" (Joey and Carolyne are watching the children of a head teacher at their small school for the week while she's away at a funeral) from Carolyne. Carolyne shows up and they swap and we press on with the printing. A little while later I realize that I've printed 600 pages with pg. 80 on one side and pg. 82 on the other. I skipped pg. 81. Well this just about set me off. That's a mistake that costs and today was not a good day to make a blunder like that one. But I did and things began to engulf me. After we finished everything Mike and Johnathan went to play Risk and I went to go paint at the school. Turns out the putty that was on the cupboard we were planning on priming was still soft. Therefore we couldn't sand and prime, wasted petrol.
This is where I tell you something about me that hasn't happened in a long time . . .
I cried. And I needed to. We all need some release at some point. I'm an inward person when it comes to certain emotions, but this had to come out. God used it to soften me just that much more, as well. If we didn't feel, what would be the point? But feel for others, not just yourself and you're living as He would have. Someone said recently that we spend a large portion of our lives trying to fight what we feel. Trying not to be sad, not to be mad, not to be too happy in a somber situation. We shouldn't have to though. Let it all go. Be what you are, when you are, where you are . . . in the appropriate way. Approach things sensibly. We feel because we love...
On the way home I was talking about how I'm not sure exactly who I am. Values, characteristics, God . . . and it hit me. All of the relational issues that have come up recently can be traced back to me. And yet, it's not always my fault. I find it easy to get on myself about things that should change. I expect immediate results and we live in time. Things take time. Patience - God's working on me. As I awkwardly sat there thinking about God, my friends, my faults, and this purpose driven life I'm living, a famous quote came to mind. It may not be famous to all, but for me it means a lot. Victor said it the first time he preached in chapel in Lubbock. Before we even thought about being on a team together.
"I'm sick of giving God my mediocrity."
- Victor A. Howard II
That hit deep. I needed it to though. And God used Victor to help me realize some things. My eyes are dry and sore now, but after reading some of the notes given to me by the AIM Assistants and Kris and Pat, I feel better. A new favorite for me is Psalm 13. Please read it... for your sake.
"Love is all we need. . . " - "God is love . . . "
All I need is God. All YOU need is God. Cherish the given...
Keep Christ King
I sign off with this on every note I write. It's an important reminder to me as to why I'm where I'm at and what I'm doing about it right now. Lord, King, Savior, Teacher, Brother, Friend...
Allow me to tell you all about what's been happening recently. Well, yesterday Neysia, Sasha, Mike and I went to Sancor High School in Galvendale to see if we could volunteer. Reginald Jacobson is the principal and he's also a very dear member of the body that assembles at Fairview. Previously stated, this is where Mike, Neysia, Sasha, Carolyne, and I now attend regularly. When we walked through the gate the lights were off. A black out. They happen fairly often here. No big deal, we just sat in Reginald's office and talked about our potential and what we had in mind for assisting the school. One thing mentioned was in class tutoring. Much like a "TA system" (teacher's assistant). Now we're committed to two days a week. Mike and I are going Tuesday and Wednesdays (sports practice is on Tuesday and competition on Wednesday). Here's the doozy. Neysia and Sasha are TAing English. Mike and I are TAing mathematics. This entails the high school range of algebra through physics. Mind you, we've only been out of school for a year, but my mind is reeling for remembrance already. Right now algebra and trigonometry is being taught. Hyperbolas and compound angles. Lots of funny curves and formulas. Truthfully, I'm very excited and intimidated. I haven't only thought about math recently in the sense that I wish I did it more. And now God has decided to let me help teach 'peers' what I just learned. So, with the three textbooks Mrs. Bruce gave us we're going to review and get back to math. Pray for us.
The last two nights we've been hosting Matthew Martin in our cottage. He's Stuart and Cecilia Jones' grandson from York, NE. They're from Lubbock, TX and work with the Senior AIM program in the school. Very cool people. They lived in South Africa from 1966-1982. Their stories and time difference has allowed them to see drastic changes in the country. Back to Matt, since he got here we decided we would have a Risk night. I had never played before two evenings ago. 8:30 p.m. and we set up the board. I placed my armies in Europe for the first game. The ONLY game of that night. I held Europe strongly throughout the game and waited for everyone else to pick away at each other. Let it be known, the first time I ever played Risk I won! It was so very fun and epic. Last night we played again. The fatigue was so extreme that I eventually just spread myself out for the taking and lost. It was entertaining to play with four other guys though. Matthew, Mike, Johnathan, Logan and I. Tonight Mike is over at their place playing and Matthew left to return to Cape Town with his grandparents and mother before departing on Monday for the states. For all of you who like to play board games, remind me next time we cross paths and we shall play Risk. Or Star Wars Epic Duels. Another ridiculously fun game!
But this morning started off weird, and that's where the title to this post comes from. I woke up to an extreme Risk hangover and drove Matthew over to Ken and Judy's place so he could rally with the family and hit the road. At half past eight I returned to the cottage and was about to go back to bed, because of the stress and questions on my mind (I've been tired and a little messed up the last couple days), and someone knocks on the door. It was the maid. Here's how we got a maid. Patricia (the maid who did the Summerstrand house that we stayed at upon arrival in the country) has a sister-in-law in the cleaning business as well and she's not very far from where we live. So Mike and I decided we would 'hire' her. It's cultural. I say this as a disclaimer so people don't think we're living too high off the hog and splurging. It creates jobs... (see later paragraph (~*)). So I showed her in and around the cottage and got out the cleaning supplies for her after settling on a fair wage and schedule. She will now be coming every Thursday morning around 8 for R120 a week. This covers her cab fare and services. So, the half-expected meeting went well and we established everything. She jumped right in and started doing what she does. I went into my room and fell back asleep with this added thought checked in my mind, after reading a little. Awakened by a phone call I realize it's past noon and we have office work today at 1. Off Mike and I go, getting ready for the day and making calls. Mike took a shower, I just rolled out and went-a difference in approach to the day. We took off and got Johnathan from across PE and headed back to Ken and Judy's. I started printing and was making good progress when Joey, Lindsay, and some other cool peeps showed up to pick up "the kids" (Joey and Carolyne are watching the children of a head teacher at their small school for the week while she's away at a funeral) from Carolyne. Carolyne shows up and they swap and we press on with the printing. A little while later I realize that I've printed 600 pages with pg. 80 on one side and pg. 82 on the other. I skipped pg. 81. Well this just about set me off. That's a mistake that costs and today was not a good day to make a blunder like that one. But I did and things began to engulf me. After we finished everything Mike and Johnathan went to play Risk and I went to go paint at the school. Turns out the putty that was on the cupboard we were planning on priming was still soft. Therefore we couldn't sand and prime, wasted petrol.
This is where I tell you something about me that hasn't happened in a long time . . .
I cried. And I needed to. We all need some release at some point. I'm an inward person when it comes to certain emotions, but this had to come out. God used it to soften me just that much more, as well. If we didn't feel, what would be the point? But feel for others, not just yourself and you're living as He would have. Someone said recently that we spend a large portion of our lives trying to fight what we feel. Trying not to be sad, not to be mad, not to be too happy in a somber situation. We shouldn't have to though. Let it all go. Be what you are, when you are, where you are . . . in the appropriate way. Approach things sensibly. We feel because we love...
On the way home I was talking about how I'm not sure exactly who I am. Values, characteristics, God . . . and it hit me. All of the relational issues that have come up recently can be traced back to me. And yet, it's not always my fault. I find it easy to get on myself about things that should change. I expect immediate results and we live in time. Things take time. Patience - God's working on me. As I awkwardly sat there thinking about God, my friends, my faults, and this purpose driven life I'm living, a famous quote came to mind. It may not be famous to all, but for me it means a lot. Victor said it the first time he preached in chapel in Lubbock. Before we even thought about being on a team together.
"I'm sick of giving God my mediocrity."
- Victor A. Howard II
That hit deep. I needed it to though. And God used Victor to help me realize some things. My eyes are dry and sore now, but after reading some of the notes given to me by the AIM Assistants and Kris and Pat, I feel better. A new favorite for me is Psalm 13. Please read it... for your sake.
"Love is all we need. . . " - "God is love . . . "
All I need is God. All YOU need is God. Cherish the given...
Keep Christ King
I sign off with this on every note I write. It's an important reminder to me as to why I'm where I'm at and what I'm doing about it right now. Lord, King, Savior, Teacher, Brother, Friend...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Continuing the story...
I've come to realize the commitment I've made by setting up this blog. You, as the reader, expect things to read. And I, as the writer, should be continually coming up with fresh posts. There's just so much to say. Here's another tidbit.
Last week I spent the latter part painting at the school Joey and Carolyne work with (Island Forest). Despite what some may say, even water-based paints are ridiculously aggravating to get out of one's hair. I personally did not experience this, but Carolyne did. I hold no position on who's fault it was either. It was nice to do some physical work. Painting isn't the most vigorous of activities but it really felt like I was accomplishing something. It's been Joey and Carolyne's pet project to paint and "renovate", on a minor scale, the school. I see the work they've done there and how much of themselves they've invested into the children, teachers, and buildings that it saddens me to know they'll be leaving. Then I come to the reality that I'm not here for that long. And this makes me want to dig in. If there's only so much time, then the effort put into that time must be intense. To utilize one of my father's fad words before I left, BALANCE. Where do we find it? How do we apply it?
I'm learning.
Our team. Now before I say anything I'd like to say that anything I say will strictly be issues from my perspective and are subject to change and develop. I'm not going to reveal anything about people's personal feelings or views that would be potential gossip. That being said I would like to tell you about each and everyone of my teammates.
Starting with the girls:
Neysia: The oldest member of our team. She brings a sense of reality and strength to situations. I admire her strong study habits and sense of fun.
Diana: A true servant. She's always doing something behind the scenes and constantly shuffling towards those unclean dishes that need to be done. I admire her humble outlook on life and modest gestures.
Tara: Filled with thoughts, she brings a new perspective to certain situations. I admire her views and knowledge filled comments.
Sasha: She's got flare and is willing to step out boldly in any situation. I admire her ability to stay true to herself and look for the good in things.
Now I come to Mike. I must tell you about Mike. He's a man I've come to admire so much more than I thought I would. When deciding on who 'I' would like on my team, God considered Mike, and I didn't. Not because we didn't get along or because we didn't click, we just had different interests and never really hung out much. But being his roommate and comrade, I've come to learn that our personal interests aren't so different. We both enjoy the nerdy side of life, and are both eager to be led. I see in Mike a warrior attitude. He would like to pursue Christian video-game making. I think there's so much potential there. His ideas are bold and original. In many circumstances I find myself talking with Mike about how we would react as soldiers, or knights, or Spartans. It's fun, and it also brings a spiritual focus to the table. When we get off on these tangents, I think of how we should be warriors with a purpose. Mike is funny, jovial, and willing to talk. Oh how we've laughed since being here. Never saw it coming, can't imagine it going. That's how it is between Mike and I.
Now I must move on to tell you one of my fears. God has shown me a lot about myself lately and I've seen something on our team that could be potentially dangerous. Since Mike and I live a ways from the girls, and the other teammates, it's not always going to be easy to just "pop in" and say hey. I don't want us to become a team of girls, and a team of guys. We will all go our own directions, whether that be alongside another or not, but Mike and I both know that it's not healthy to just do our own thing. I haven't always had the most optimistic outlook on this situation. In fact, I've embraced the idea a couple times and thought how "Nice it would be!". Oh how that's not right. I would like to petition to anyone reading this to pray for unity. It's a simple prayer. It's so very necessary though. The affects of a division would difficult to correct. Thank you for listening, praying, and considering.
On a lighter note. Mike got a gym membership and I get to go a week for free as his guest. It's nice. The facility is clean, and open. I quite enjoyed myself. I feel as though I'm on the upward swing, physically. Felt so good to run, lift, and take a hot shower. I encourage anyone willing to go to the gym. It's healthy, fun, and relieving.
And now I must bid you well. Enjoy the given...
KCK-ILY
Cheers
Last week I spent the latter part painting at the school Joey and Carolyne work with (Island Forest). Despite what some may say, even water-based paints are ridiculously aggravating to get out of one's hair. I personally did not experience this, but Carolyne did. I hold no position on who's fault it was either. It was nice to do some physical work. Painting isn't the most vigorous of activities but it really felt like I was accomplishing something. It's been Joey and Carolyne's pet project to paint and "renovate", on a minor scale, the school. I see the work they've done there and how much of themselves they've invested into the children, teachers, and buildings that it saddens me to know they'll be leaving. Then I come to the reality that I'm not here for that long. And this makes me want to dig in. If there's only so much time, then the effort put into that time must be intense. To utilize one of my father's fad words before I left, BALANCE. Where do we find it? How do we apply it?
I'm learning.
Our team. Now before I say anything I'd like to say that anything I say will strictly be issues from my perspective and are subject to change and develop. I'm not going to reveal anything about people's personal feelings or views that would be potential gossip. That being said I would like to tell you about each and everyone of my teammates.
Starting with the girls:
Neysia: The oldest member of our team. She brings a sense of reality and strength to situations. I admire her strong study habits and sense of fun.
Diana: A true servant. She's always doing something behind the scenes and constantly shuffling towards those unclean dishes that need to be done. I admire her humble outlook on life and modest gestures.
Tara: Filled with thoughts, she brings a new perspective to certain situations. I admire her views and knowledge filled comments.
Sasha: She's got flare and is willing to step out boldly in any situation. I admire her ability to stay true to herself and look for the good in things.
Now I come to Mike. I must tell you about Mike. He's a man I've come to admire so much more than I thought I would. When deciding on who 'I' would like on my team, God considered Mike, and I didn't. Not because we didn't get along or because we didn't click, we just had different interests and never really hung out much. But being his roommate and comrade, I've come to learn that our personal interests aren't so different. We both enjoy the nerdy side of life, and are both eager to be led. I see in Mike a warrior attitude. He would like to pursue Christian video-game making. I think there's so much potential there. His ideas are bold and original. In many circumstances I find myself talking with Mike about how we would react as soldiers, or knights, or Spartans. It's fun, and it also brings a spiritual focus to the table. When we get off on these tangents, I think of how we should be warriors with a purpose. Mike is funny, jovial, and willing to talk. Oh how we've laughed since being here. Never saw it coming, can't imagine it going. That's how it is between Mike and I.
Now I must move on to tell you one of my fears. God has shown me a lot about myself lately and I've seen something on our team that could be potentially dangerous. Since Mike and I live a ways from the girls, and the other teammates, it's not always going to be easy to just "pop in" and say hey. I don't want us to become a team of girls, and a team of guys. We will all go our own directions, whether that be alongside another or not, but Mike and I both know that it's not healthy to just do our own thing. I haven't always had the most optimistic outlook on this situation. In fact, I've embraced the idea a couple times and thought how "Nice it would be!". Oh how that's not right. I would like to petition to anyone reading this to pray for unity. It's a simple prayer. It's so very necessary though. The affects of a division would difficult to correct. Thank you for listening, praying, and considering.
On a lighter note. Mike got a gym membership and I get to go a week for free as his guest. It's nice. The facility is clean, and open. I quite enjoyed myself. I feel as though I'm on the upward swing, physically. Felt so good to run, lift, and take a hot shower. I encourage anyone willing to go to the gym. It's healthy, fun, and relieving.
And now I must bid you well. Enjoy the given...
KCK-ILY
Cheers
Monday, July 7, 2008
Ridiculous Ketchup!
Well, here goes nothing. This will probably be the most outrageously long blog post in my history thus far. I haven't written in over two weeks and for that I apologize. It's been hectic but you should know what's happening in my life. There's so much to tell and so much I'd like to write and yet words will never be enough to do justice to the experiences I have had since I've arrived here in PE, South Africa.
Allow me to begin with where I left off. Joey, Johnathan and Logan had moved out of the house in Summerstrand. Well, now everyone is moved out of the house in Summerstrand. no one resides at 44 Southport anymore. Lindsay and Carolyne live together in Humewood close to where Joey, Johnathan and Logan reside. Brittney, Liz live with the girls on my team. Neysia, Diana, Tara, and Sasha share that house with Liz and Brittney in Mount Croix. So that leaves Mike and I. We live in Lorraine, a good 15 minutes from anyone. It has it's pros and cons. It's nice to be able to go home and have space. But it presents the petrol issue with seeing everyone regularly. I have to say God really provided this cottage. It's fully furnished and has extra room if someone needs a bed to sleep in. There's plenty of space to have people over and have a good time. I love it.
The car that sits in the driveway is pretty nice too. It's small and economical which is exactly what we need. It's a 1997, white Opel Corsa. It's got a radio, four doors, tyres, a boot, and doesn't burn oil. What a perk! If anyone ever comes to visit they may get the privilege of a ride. But only if they ask nicely.
Here's where I cover all of the things that haven't been discussed yet. Like daily life, team issues, Ken and Judy, Fairview Church, aunties and uncles, friends, foes, and spirituality. It's glorious having these things in my life. I cherish everyday I have. Sometimes it's hard to keep focused, but whose fault is that? Mine. I have to take responsibility for my actions. Reality checks, they happen often. If they didn't, where would we be? Well, I am going to renig on my introductory statement and cut this into two, possibly three, blog posts. But for now I must return the movies we rented for guys night to Mr. Video. And Kuda is over with me and he looks bored watching Kingdom of Heaven while I blog. So, see you soon... or rather, you'll be reading me soon.
Allow me to begin with where I left off. Joey, Johnathan and Logan had moved out of the house in Summerstrand. Well, now everyone is moved out of the house in Summerstrand. no one resides at 44 Southport anymore. Lindsay and Carolyne live together in Humewood close to where Joey, Johnathan and Logan reside. Brittney, Liz live with the girls on my team. Neysia, Diana, Tara, and Sasha share that house with Liz and Brittney in Mount Croix. So that leaves Mike and I. We live in Lorraine, a good 15 minutes from anyone. It has it's pros and cons. It's nice to be able to go home and have space. But it presents the petrol issue with seeing everyone regularly. I have to say God really provided this cottage. It's fully furnished and has extra room if someone needs a bed to sleep in. There's plenty of space to have people over and have a good time. I love it.
The car that sits in the driveway is pretty nice too. It's small and economical which is exactly what we need. It's a 1997, white Opel Corsa. It's got a radio, four doors, tyres, a boot, and doesn't burn oil. What a perk! If anyone ever comes to visit they may get the privilege of a ride. But only if they ask nicely.
Here's where I cover all of the things that haven't been discussed yet. Like daily life, team issues, Ken and Judy, Fairview Church, aunties and uncles, friends, foes, and spirituality. It's glorious having these things in my life. I cherish everyday I have. Sometimes it's hard to keep focused, but whose fault is that? Mine. I have to take responsibility for my actions. Reality checks, they happen often. If they didn't, where would we be? Well, I am going to renig on my introductory statement and cut this into two, possibly three, blog posts. But for now I must return the movies we rented for guys night to Mr. Video. And Kuda is over with me and he looks bored watching Kingdom of Heaven while I blog. So, see you soon... or rather, you'll be reading me soon.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Beautiful Jeffrey's Bay - let's step back (6/22)
On Friday morning we packed up our stuff for the weekend and prepared to drive to Jeffrey's Bay. After delay and a little KFC for lunch we headed out. I sat with Lindsay, Carolyne, and Joey. This started exactly what this weekend was about. A getaway for us so that we can get to know one another a little better and have undisturbed fellowship. We drove up to this beach-front holiday house to be semi-shocked by the size and wonder of it. Absolutely beautiful. The girls bedded down in a room with 5 bunk beds and the guys stayed in a 4 bunk room. Unfortunately for the girls we had the room with the view. 150 yards out and you're in the water. Friday night we just bummed around, talked, played pool, walked the beach, and as soon as Ken and Judy got there we ate spectacularly. That's the story of life with Judy. She's always willing to make a meal and make it good. To break into time together as a whole, each team did a reversal-of-roles skit. Hilarious. It so entertaining to see people imitating you and your comrades. Different perceptions on each one. After dinner we all got together and sang for a while before having a talk on expectations and thoughts on what to do with our time here in South Africa. Every time we sing together and Holy Lord comes up I am reminded very strongly of friends elsewhere in the world. Why? Because at the end of the song we always sing it one more time in Spanish. Singing is one thing that really encourages me and brings me back into focus with God. Liz, 'team 1', is constantly singing and bouncing around in a bubbly upbeat way and she just makes me smile. Saturday morning we all got but around 8 and meandered around the area until breakfast. The rest of the day was spent finding seashells, playing lots of pool, reading my book, reading THE book, and hanging out. I know my father doesn't like the term "hanging out" because it implies un-predetermined activities. But that's what I enjoy. It was really good to be able to talk to some of the other teammates one-on-one and get to know a little bit about them. At dinner we conversed about the world (didn't that sound profound) and played games afterward. I played a lot of pool. The house had a mini-ball table and couches that were big and cushy. I'm under the impression that the people who own the house are of large stature. First, there was lots of room and big furniture. Second, the shower heads were a good 4-6 inches above my head. Glorious! I didn't have to bend down to get my hair wet. You see, whenever I go somewhere I wonder how high the shower head is going to be. My 'favorite thing' about here is how sometimes they don't have showers. They just have a little hose in the bathtub to get your hair wet. VERY nice. The devotional was split on Saturday night. Ken took us guys upstairs and the girls stayed down with Judy. The thoughts Ken directed us towards were exactly what I needed to be focused on. I really appreciate Ken for how he approaches things. I thank God for putting me here with such wonderful people. It was good to see things from a different perspective.
We concluded the weekend on Sunday with a service together just singing and hearing some strong, wise words. Then we had a nice meal together and drove back to PE.
The one memory that really sticks with me is walking out to the beach after dark and looking out over the ocean, just hearing the waves hit the rocks and seeing the moon's reflection on the water. It was beautiful. See no footprints and then creating some. God put a smile upon my face.
We concluded the weekend on Sunday with a service together just singing and hearing some strong, wise words. Then we had a nice meal together and drove back to PE.
The one memory that really sticks with me is walking out to the beach after dark and looking out over the ocean, just hearing the waves hit the rocks and seeing the moon's reflection on the water. It was beautiful. See no footprints and then creating some. God put a smile upon my face.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Moving and Changes
Today has been good so far. A little mixed on the 'emotional' side. Logan, Joey and Johnathan moved out of the house in Summerstrand today and into their new place in Humewood. It's not to far away from the house but it's in a different neighborhood. Mike and I's place (which we'll be moving into on July 1) is in Lorraine, 20 minutes from all of our teammates. It's odd to see the guys saddened by their move. But this house is where the entire team has lived since they got here. Now that everyone is moving out into their own places it's drastically changing dynamics. Luckily, with God at the front, the bond between comrades is strong enough to not hinder relationships. Prayers for inward peace are deeply appreciated. We leave tomorrow for our weekend retreat. I'm excited to just relax and talk with everyone about anything. Nothing specific. Just quality time with quality people. Time to soak up relaxation. Once we get back it's VBS, more moving, and attempting to find cars. Then, once the "routines" kick in, we'll be able to settle properly and really sink into "normal" life here in PE. The glorious fault in that last statement, there is no normality. Who can really define normality? Prove it. It's nice to know that you can't always depend on expectations. Things change and you have to accept that. God has blessed me with an accepting spirit in that regard. He's really allowed me to let certain things go and press on toward the upward goal. Love and seek Him . . . He'll never forsake you or desert you!
Two Days Later
Shalom my friends.
On Tuesday the 17th of June in the year 2008, we had to say goodbye to a dear friend. Victor A. Howard II got on a plane to head back to the states. It's been weird without him and things are different but we must accept change. I'm a very firm believer in two constants in this life: God and Change. The last visual memory I have of Vic is seeing him through the glass on the other side of security. He was gathering his belongings at the end of the x-ray conveyor belt, then he walked the other way. I respect him a lot for stepping up to unavoidable responsibility with a positive attitude and willing heart. As he walked off the emotions were overwhelming for some. Understandably so. I appreciate how much God does for those who look to Him. It seems when I acknowledge Him things go more smoothly. I don't deserve to be here right now with all of the mistakes I've made, but it's not about me. It's about doing the right thing as often as possible. Being a positive influence on the world. No sin surpasses another. That's one of the glorious things about how God designed things. Wrong is wrong, but how you deal with it shows the character within. I love and miss Victor, but he has to do what he has to do. Godspeed brother!
On Tuesday the 17th of June in the year 2008, we had to say goodbye to a dear friend. Victor A. Howard II got on a plane to head back to the states. It's been weird without him and things are different but we must accept change. I'm a very firm believer in two constants in this life: God and Change. The last visual memory I have of Vic is seeing him through the glass on the other side of security. He was gathering his belongings at the end of the x-ray conveyor belt, then he walked the other way. I respect him a lot for stepping up to unavoidable responsibility with a positive attitude and willing heart. As he walked off the emotions were overwhelming for some. Understandably so. I appreciate how much God does for those who look to Him. It seems when I acknowledge Him things go more smoothly. I don't deserve to be here right now with all of the mistakes I've made, but it's not about me. It's about doing the right thing as often as possible. Being a positive influence on the world. No sin surpasses another. That's one of the glorious things about how God designed things. Wrong is wrong, but how you deal with it shows the character within. I love and miss Victor, but he has to do what he has to do. Godspeed brother!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day of the Dad
Happy Father's Day!
This is to let you know how appreciative I am of my father. He's an amazing person and I love him a lot. This morning Ken, our coordinator, preached and he spoke about the different possible family situations and how one must ALWAYS be mindful of the heavenly Father we ALL have. It's a wonderful thing to know that no matter what happens to our blood, the blood of Christ binds us to our Father. I hope today has been good for all who have fathers and even more so for those who don't. We have a common family and it's nice to know that our brothers and sisters all over the world are looking up to Him for all things. Thank you dad. I love you...
Just remember to Keep Christ King!
This is to let you know how appreciative I am of my father. He's an amazing person and I love him a lot. This morning Ken, our coordinator, preached and he spoke about the different possible family situations and how one must ALWAYS be mindful of the heavenly Father we ALL have. It's a wonderful thing to know that no matter what happens to our blood, the blood of Christ binds us to our Father. I hope today has been good for all who have fathers and even more so for those who don't. We have a common family and it's nice to know that our brothers and sisters all over the world are looking up to Him for all things. Thank you dad. I love you...
Just remember to Keep Christ King!
Friday, June 13, 2008
June 5, 2008 - Travel Summary
This is an overview of the trip to South Africa. It began by mom and dad driving me to O’Hare around 12:30 p.m. on Monday and leaving me there at a little past 3. It wasn’t the most conversational ride down but there was an odd, yet satisfying, peace to everyone. That was definitely good. I’m not one, and wasn’t wanting to go there, for teary goodbyes. Thank you God.
I checked into Lufthansa and went through security, turning back was the last real-life glimpse of Ryan and Claudia Wilson for a while. I meandered my way down to the gate and found Diana standing there. Great to see her, utter elation. Then whilst we were waiting for Tara and Neysia to arrive, Tara came up behind us and surprised us. From there we waited roughly 7 hours for our flight to Franfurt and left around 10 p.m. I slept for most of the trip but traveling with the girls was comforting.
We arrived in Germany at approximately 1:30 p.m. in their respective time zone. We spent about an hour or two looking for Victor and gave up at the gate for departure. While I was asleep Vic showed up on his own, a mere 5 hours later. So we all were united (minus Mike) in Germany. 11 hours later we hopped on a plane and headed for the blessed Republic of South Africa. At 10:30 a.m. we got off the plane in Johannesburg. What a sweet feeling. Knowing we’re in Africa and only hours away from where we’re going to be living. Turns out we missed our original flight due to the delays and customs, security, but mostly the boarding pass acquisition turned out to be a smooth rock. In the way but not to obtrusive. The South African Airways flight 417 was delayed and we didn’t wind up leaving until about 6 p.m. Logan, Carolyne, Joey, Lindsey, Johnathan, Liz, Verni and company were all waiting for us at the PE airport. To see them smiling and waving really made arriving in Africa feel like home. The expectant cheers and encouragements made it seem as if we were coming home after a long holiday. Welcome to Africa...
I checked into Lufthansa and went through security, turning back was the last real-life glimpse of Ryan and Claudia Wilson for a while. I meandered my way down to the gate and found Diana standing there. Great to see her, utter elation. Then whilst we were waiting for Tara and Neysia to arrive, Tara came up behind us and surprised us. From there we waited roughly 7 hours for our flight to Franfurt and left around 10 p.m. I slept for most of the trip but traveling with the girls was comforting.
We arrived in Germany at approximately 1:30 p.m. in their respective time zone. We spent about an hour or two looking for Victor and gave up at the gate for departure. While I was asleep Vic showed up on his own, a mere 5 hours later. So we all were united (minus Mike) in Germany. 11 hours later we hopped on a plane and headed for the blessed Republic of South Africa. At 10:30 a.m. we got off the plane in Johannesburg. What a sweet feeling. Knowing we’re in Africa and only hours away from where we’re going to be living. Turns out we missed our original flight due to the delays and customs, security, but mostly the boarding pass acquisition turned out to be a smooth rock. In the way but not to obtrusive. The South African Airways flight 417 was delayed and we didn’t wind up leaving until about 6 p.m. Logan, Carolyne, Joey, Lindsey, Johnathan, Liz, Verni and company were all waiting for us at the PE airport. To see them smiling and waving really made arriving in Africa feel like home. The expectant cheers and encouragements made it seem as if we were coming home after a long holiday. Welcome to Africa...
June 2, 2008
So here I sit at O’Hare in one of the miniscule internet working cuticles awaiting the arrival of Sasha from Trinidad. It was a tearless goodbye when I got through security and looked back at my parents. I’m glad that they’re happy with how God has moved me. It’s not easy for them, I’m sure. But it’s difficult for me, at this point in life, to relate with them. I’m the last of five to leave the house and three of us children are making major transitions right now. Another factor contributing to the difficulty of the situation, I’m moving over 10,000 miles away by place. Intense, but just what I need and God wants. The first teammate I encountered was Diana right at gate B17. It was a little after three and now it’s a little before five. As Diana and I were standing there I look back to see the one and only Tara walking our way smiling. She tells us that Neysia is around the bend and we greet her as well. It was so good to sit down and look at all of the girls knowing that we’re heading into an extremely intense situation together leaving all certainty and “comforts of home” behind. So here we wait... I wait. Alone, downloading two episodes of the OC Season 4. Sick I know, makes me want to puke in my mouth but it is what it is... everyone must have a mindless escape.
To step back to yesterday (Sunday June 1) my sermon went pretty well. I felt like I had a grip on speaking what’s on my mind and not what was prepared to sound intelligent and good. Lauren, Sharon, and Joey all came and that was great. I’m glad they thought enough of me to come in and take part. Love is a strange thing, but that’s what I feel towards my brothers and sisters all over. Potluck blew my mind. Amazing food soaked in warm fellowship made the day. After I went home with Andrew and Kareesa to rest, I took off for Matt’s graduation party. What a guy. He truly has passion for what he loves, music. I respect him for how hard he works and the relationship we have. His thank you was mind-blowing. One of the few people I’ll keep in contact with from high school that’s for sure. Thank you God for Matt, pierce his heart.
For now I must take my leave to await the charging of my computer so as to continue in the downloading of THE OC. Help me Lord!
To step back to yesterday (Sunday June 1) my sermon went pretty well. I felt like I had a grip on speaking what’s on my mind and not what was prepared to sound intelligent and good. Lauren, Sharon, and Joey all came and that was great. I’m glad they thought enough of me to come in and take part. Love is a strange thing, but that’s what I feel towards my brothers and sisters all over. Potluck blew my mind. Amazing food soaked in warm fellowship made the day. After I went home with Andrew and Kareesa to rest, I took off for Matt’s graduation party. What a guy. He truly has passion for what he loves, music. I respect him for how hard he works and the relationship we have. His thank you was mind-blowing. One of the few people I’ll keep in contact with from high school that’s for sure. Thank you God for Matt, pierce his heart.
For now I must take my leave to await the charging of my computer so as to continue in the downloading of THE OC. Help me Lord!
May 28, 2008
What’s going on? Funny how whenever I want to sit down and write my thoughts I’m never in the right place. The time is always right and that’s why I’m here. Today I went to the doctor and had an EMG test done. The results: carpal tunnel in my right wrist. Sometimes the question “why?” arises. But that’s not what God cares about. I’m not about to sit down and try to put myself in God’s mind. But it’s always crucial to see things from His perspective at the same time. At least, physically I’m not too terribly worried. But it’s there and for the next couple months a splint will have to be dealt with. This will hinder the golf possibilities upon arrival in SA in 6 days.
The thought of leaving isn’t one that necessarily scares me. In fact, I’m more than ready to get out of here and jump into a new culture. It will help me to appreciate my family and ‘home’ life more. Anxiety is welling up in my almost to the point of overflow. My family understands that it’s time to let loose and see new developments in each and every one of us. There’s no reason to stay stuck in the past whilst the future awaits. God and change. Can one be more sure of any two other things in this life? Perhaps not. Or for me... definitely not. I’m ready, here I am, send me!
The OC. Good gravy! I can’t believe how much time and effort was put into making that TV show so addictive. Truly it’s something that creates an odd sense of angst. I feel like I should be a part of their lives and have a say in what happens but because I don’t I know that it’s just pulling me in to watch more and see what the final result is. Extreme drama. I like it but it’s not something to dwell on. I can’t stand television and the only reason this came up is because of Maggie and her DVD set.
“You have to watch at least one episode and then you’ll be hooked.”
True that statement. Darin and I (an amazing 6 day stint) stayed up and had an 8 hour marathon of the OC Season Three. Outrageous? To say the least. . . Thank you God for keeping me hooked on you. Just help me to stay with you first and foremost all of the time.
Well, I’ll get back to my thoughts later. For now I need to write a sermon for my final Sunday in Monroe. I think it shall be on the fragrance of action. I know God wants me to smell good . . . but how do we think we should smell?
The thought of leaving isn’t one that necessarily scares me. In fact, I’m more than ready to get out of here and jump into a new culture. It will help me to appreciate my family and ‘home’ life more. Anxiety is welling up in my almost to the point of overflow. My family understands that it’s time to let loose and see new developments in each and every one of us. There’s no reason to stay stuck in the past whilst the future awaits. God and change. Can one be more sure of any two other things in this life? Perhaps not. Or for me... definitely not. I’m ready, here I am, send me!
The OC. Good gravy! I can’t believe how much time and effort was put into making that TV show so addictive. Truly it’s something that creates an odd sense of angst. I feel like I should be a part of their lives and have a say in what happens but because I don’t I know that it’s just pulling me in to watch more and see what the final result is. Extreme drama. I like it but it’s not something to dwell on. I can’t stand television and the only reason this came up is because of Maggie and her DVD set.
“You have to watch at least one episode and then you’ll be hooked.”
True that statement. Darin and I (an amazing 6 day stint) stayed up and had an 8 hour marathon of the OC Season Three. Outrageous? To say the least. . . Thank you God for keeping me hooked on you. Just help me to stay with you first and foremost all of the time.
Well, I’ll get back to my thoughts later. For now I need to write a sermon for my final Sunday in Monroe. I think it shall be on the fragrance of action. I know God wants me to smell good . . . but how do we think we should smell?
May 20, 2008
12 days before departing the states for South Africa. How many things are on the mind? Countless...
Do I feel like I’m going to die? No, I have minimal feelings of nervousness or fear, just anxiety and anticipation. It’s been hard being home for so long but visiting grandma and papa in Visalia, CA for a week really helped to break things up. A month and a half is a long time to wait between the hype of Lubbock and the field where application is so necessary. At the same time it has heightened my awareness of how much of a mission field “home” is. Everywhere is something, and nowhere is not a mission field. I’ve stopped praying for opportunity and am more emphatic about having eyes to see and boldness to take action when opportunities arise. The only way someone would not have an opportunity is if they didn’t come in contact with another human being at all. But I know that God is really testing me with how firmly I trust Him. Now I realize that God doesn’t directly test but He’s put situations in place that challenge how I think (especially mental discipline) and what I’m going to do about it. Wisdom... something that I pray for everyday and only through God and experience can attain! Without wisdom I’m just an existing piece of stale matter.
Father,
I have so much to ask for but now I want to thank You. If it weren’t for You I wouldn’t have the opportunity to serve You in South Africa. My family. For my family: they’re on my heart so much. I sometimes forget about them but when I do think about them I’m so proud. My only wonderful sister. I’m always boasting about Andrew and Jonathan, Benjamin and his family. Thank you for bringing me up in a Christian home. Help me and guide me with words to say and situations to mold me so that I can be an encouragement and an edification to each of my siblings and parents. I don’t deserve anything, but You’ve given me everything. Thank you Lord. Give me patience, wisdom, and all humility. I love You and praise you with my life. All glory and honor be to You forever! Shalom...amen.
Do I feel like I’m going to die? No, I have minimal feelings of nervousness or fear, just anxiety and anticipation. It’s been hard being home for so long but visiting grandma and papa in Visalia, CA for a week really helped to break things up. A month and a half is a long time to wait between the hype of Lubbock and the field where application is so necessary. At the same time it has heightened my awareness of how much of a mission field “home” is. Everywhere is something, and nowhere is not a mission field. I’ve stopped praying for opportunity and am more emphatic about having eyes to see and boldness to take action when opportunities arise. The only way someone would not have an opportunity is if they didn’t come in contact with another human being at all. But I know that God is really testing me with how firmly I trust Him. Now I realize that God doesn’t directly test but He’s put situations in place that challenge how I think (especially mental discipline) and what I’m going to do about it. Wisdom... something that I pray for everyday and only through God and experience can attain! Without wisdom I’m just an existing piece of stale matter.
Father,
I have so much to ask for but now I want to thank You. If it weren’t for You I wouldn’t have the opportunity to serve You in South Africa. My family. For my family: they’re on my heart so much. I sometimes forget about them but when I do think about them I’m so proud. My only wonderful sister. I’m always boasting about Andrew and Jonathan, Benjamin and his family. Thank you for bringing me up in a Christian home. Help me and guide me with words to say and situations to mold me so that I can be an encouragement and an edification to each of my siblings and parents. I don’t deserve anything, but You’ve given me everything. Thank you Lord. Give me patience, wisdom, and all humility. I love You and praise you with my life. All glory and honor be to You forever! Shalom...amen.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The beginning of my thoughts...
'The attempt to "KCK"'. The acronym KCK I acquired while at school in Lubbock. No one told it to me or gave me the idea, I was just sitting around trying to think of a unique way to sign off letters, emails, and say goodbye and be encouraging at the same time. This is what came out. It means Keep Christ King. Perhaps that gives you a bit of insight as to what I'm trying to do everyday.
This blog has been created for the sole purpose of communication. Typical right? Yeah, it is. It's a great tool for me to put all of my thoughts in one place and have everyone else go there to see what's happening. Otherwise, I have to send everyone the same thing and sometimes at different times. That becomes very monotonous. So, I hope you are enlightened to some of the things that go through my mind (I assure you, you don't want to spend too much time in my head) and in my life. Enjoy and do respond... I'd love to hear what you think. The next post will be the beginning of my thoughts before I left for Port Elizabeth, South Africa and since I've been here . . . "thus it begins".
This blog has been created for the sole purpose of communication. Typical right? Yeah, it is. It's a great tool for me to put all of my thoughts in one place and have everyone else go there to see what's happening. Otherwise, I have to send everyone the same thing and sometimes at different times. That becomes very monotonous. So, I hope you are enlightened to some of the things that go through my mind (I assure you, you don't want to spend too much time in my head) and in my life. Enjoy and do respond... I'd love to hear what you think. The next post will be the beginning of my thoughts before I left for Port Elizabeth, South Africa and since I've been here . . . "thus it begins".
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