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.
Monday, June 23, 2008
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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