I slept great last night with the help of melatonin, prayer and knowing precisely what was making the noises outside of my window! I’m telling you, this really does make all of the difference!
I woke up early and went to devotionals with the workers and B. This is where she delegates jobs for the day and gets everyone set up with what they need to accomplish. There were a BILLION problems to deal with this morning, including a conman who owed the community a ton of money, a priest who had many grievances and wanted to leave even though he couldn’t list his complaints, and Ali, my kind driver, whose niece was killed this morning in a car accident. Obviously, he was devastated, and needed to make the long drive to his family.
I’ve been working a great deal on my Portuguese and I’m doing well. When I was at the preschool with S and A, we learned colors in Portuguese, Mapua (the village language) and English! We sang and danced and did bible study. It was so wonderful! These kids are like the others I’ve worked with over the years, so eager to learn! They seem to feel pride, fear, embarrassment, excitement and aside from the SERIOUS language barriers, it’s just as easy (if not moreso) to extract a giggle fit from them as from any of my kids back home! They fall down and pick each other up, they dust off each others faces and hold hands down the road. On the other end of the spectrum, they kick and push without hesitation. They steal each other’s seats. They have no concept of ownership other than their own and if you have something and they want it, look out. Kids will be kids, I suppose, but I still find it interesting their lack of remorse in such situations.
Something that is strikingly different about these kids is the fact that they do not cry. They get fussy with one another on occasion, but they hardly make a sound other than the singing and the laughter. The sounds could heal a soul! It was a pretty uneventful afternoon, and my first of many rice and bean lunches! This meal is served everyday at 11:30am with the exception of Sundays. It was tasty today and I am praying that it will remain so for the remainder of the mission!
Watched The Closer with B, ate African Sweet Potatoes for dinner and papaya and banana for dessert! Not starving in the bush, that’s for sure! I sat with B for awhile after the meal to talk. It is so good to be with my dear friend in her home, as she has been to mine in Sitka. What a wonderful thing to be able to share with someone! Being around B is an inspiration. She truly is a pioneer and listened to her calling with little hesitation or resistance.
I don’t know what the plan is for me, but for now I am praying that my heart will be open enough to receive it.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Its going to be a long month...
Didn’t sleep last night. The wind was howling and there were strange things going bump in the night. I was frightened to my core. My body literally hurts from shivering so intensely. I listened to my ipod to drown everything out and drifted off until some other noise jolted me awake. If I weren’t so confident that this was a test from above, I’d be out of here quicker than a cricket!
B made pancakes for breakfast and we ate as a team (B, Sylvia and Alejandro, and myself) and prepared for church. I emailed my mom and I sure hope that she doesn’t worry too much. Pray for her peace of mind! B and I talked about some of my concerns and I feel much better. I took a little walk around the compound and I feel less afraid about sleeping now! Hallelujah!
Church was nothing short of PHENOMENAL! When we arrived, there were about twelve of us there. B reminded me that no one has a watch, so they sing people to church! THE VOICES! They are everything I’ve dreamed of and more! The boys drum and the girls dance and everyone sings! I don’t understand much other than Jesus and Amen, but I know that they are all shouting their praises and it fills my heart with joy!
The woman pastor is wonderful and her daughter has a voice that would give anyone chills! Beautiful! There is a girl with cerebral palsy and a little albino boy who has some sort of disability. It looks to me like FAS, but I’m not sure if the signs are the same in Africa as they are at home. I went to Sunday school with A and S and loved it! The kids are TOTAL hams for the camera and they are so excited to learn about Jesus!
B and I watched a movie together and caught up with each other and then took a tour around the town of Balama. A couple of the boys wanted to play with me so I took Bert! out and they loved him! They fed him leaves and took silly photos with him. I wrote words in the sand and they helped me with my Portuguese. We have much to learn from each other!
I took my first bath in the Moz! It was nice! Heated water on a little gas burner and used a cup to pour it over my head. Had the windows open and bathed to the sound of Balama!
There is a long week ahead of us. I am praying for sleep tonight.
B made pancakes for breakfast and we ate as a team (B, Sylvia and Alejandro, and myself) and prepared for church. I emailed my mom and I sure hope that she doesn’t worry too much. Pray for her peace of mind! B and I talked about some of my concerns and I feel much better. I took a little walk around the compound and I feel less afraid about sleeping now! Hallelujah!
Church was nothing short of PHENOMENAL! When we arrived, there were about twelve of us there. B reminded me that no one has a watch, so they sing people to church! THE VOICES! They are everything I’ve dreamed of and more! The boys drum and the girls dance and everyone sings! I don’t understand much other than Jesus and Amen, but I know that they are all shouting their praises and it fills my heart with joy!
The woman pastor is wonderful and her daughter has a voice that would give anyone chills! Beautiful! There is a girl with cerebral palsy and a little albino boy who has some sort of disability. It looks to me like FAS, but I’m not sure if the signs are the same in Africa as they are at home. I went to Sunday school with A and S and loved it! The kids are TOTAL hams for the camera and they are so excited to learn about Jesus!
B and I watched a movie together and caught up with each other and then took a tour around the town of Balama. A couple of the boys wanted to play with me so I took Bert! out and they loved him! They fed him leaves and took silly photos with him. I wrote words in the sand and they helped me with my Portuguese. We have much to learn from each other!
I took my first bath in the Moz! It was nice! Heated water on a little gas burner and used a cup to pour it over my head. Had the windows open and bathed to the sound of Balama!
There is a long week ahead of us. I am praying for sleep tonight.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Balama or Bust!
I got out of bed early this morning to make my final calls before heading into the bush. Sent out a couple of emails, hopped in the shower and finished prepping for my trip. Anxiety has completely overtaken my heart and as much as I pray for relief, I’m sure this is just part of the plan. I’m trusting that I will feel better once I have arrived in Balama tonight.
It was a long ride to the airport, but I was able to get checked in alright and then I sat with J and G until it was time to go through security. My heart hurt a little bit when saying goodbye to them.
I had to board a bus at the terminal that drove me to the plane. It was strange. I got a window seat, though I didn’t utilize it until the end of the three and a half hour flight. I tried sleeping, but was FREEZING! It was so cold! Flying over the ocean was amazing. The Indian Ocean!! WOW! It is an indiscriminate blue. And the white sands beaches of Pemba are absolutely beautiful! This is Africa?
Ali was waiting for me when I arrived. A very nice priest, funny too! We loaded up and began our four and a half hour journey into the bush. Pemba Mozambique is 3rd world. No questions asked. It is hot and broken. It smells. I used a restroom at a gas station and gagged. But the people! OH!! They are all so beautiful! They’re all quite timid of me, but when I watch or listen to them, they have fantastic personalities.
I saw a woman breastfeeding and almost cried. The baby was wrapped in a sling, suckling while the mother balanced a pot of water on her head. This is the kind of thing you see in National Geographic! I watched a little girl pick her nose and eat it. Kids! My initial thought was to say something about digging for gold (I am my mother!), but I hesitated at the thought that she probably hadn’t much to eat anyway. Strangely though, I don’t feel pity. More than anything, I feel a strange level of respect. And of course, humility. They walk barefoot along the dirt road that takes you over 60km into the heart of the African plains. They show no difficulty at balancing at least three quarters of their body weight in water and grass on their heads. Never a day off.
The final two hours of the drive were INSANE! I’ve been four wheeling before and rallied my share of trucks, but never like this! We were almost sideways! And the bridges were crazy! Ali’s wife laughed at me when I thanked the Lord for helping us cross safely! Pray that it doesn’t rain too much while I’m here or else I am stuck!
We finally arrived in Balama after the long and bumpy ride. Met up with my dear friend B and headed off to bed. It’s pitch black by seven o’clock. I do everything by headlamp. I can hear a man chanting in the distance and crickets, seemingly in harmony with his voice.
Ahh, the sounds of the bush.
It was a long ride to the airport, but I was able to get checked in alright and then I sat with J and G until it was time to go through security. My heart hurt a little bit when saying goodbye to them.
I had to board a bus at the terminal that drove me to the plane. It was strange. I got a window seat, though I didn’t utilize it until the end of the three and a half hour flight. I tried sleeping, but was FREEZING! It was so cold! Flying over the ocean was amazing. The Indian Ocean!! WOW! It is an indiscriminate blue. And the white sands beaches of Pemba are absolutely beautiful! This is Africa?
Ali was waiting for me when I arrived. A very nice priest, funny too! We loaded up and began our four and a half hour journey into the bush. Pemba Mozambique is 3rd world. No questions asked. It is hot and broken. It smells. I used a restroom at a gas station and gagged. But the people! OH!! They are all so beautiful! They’re all quite timid of me, but when I watch or listen to them, they have fantastic personalities.
I saw a woman breastfeeding and almost cried. The baby was wrapped in a sling, suckling while the mother balanced a pot of water on her head. This is the kind of thing you see in National Geographic! I watched a little girl pick her nose and eat it. Kids! My initial thought was to say something about digging for gold (I am my mother!), but I hesitated at the thought that she probably hadn’t much to eat anyway. Strangely though, I don’t feel pity. More than anything, I feel a strange level of respect. And of course, humility. They walk barefoot along the dirt road that takes you over 60km into the heart of the African plains. They show no difficulty at balancing at least three quarters of their body weight in water and grass on their heads. Never a day off.
The final two hours of the drive were INSANE! I’ve been four wheeling before and rallied my share of trucks, but never like this! We were almost sideways! And the bridges were crazy! Ali’s wife laughed at me when I thanked the Lord for helping us cross safely! Pray that it doesn’t rain too much while I’m here or else I am stuck!
We finally arrived in Balama after the long and bumpy ride. Met up with my dear friend B and headed off to bed. It’s pitch black by seven o’clock. I do everything by headlamp. I can hear a man chanting in the distance and crickets, seemingly in harmony with his voice.
Ahh, the sounds of the bush.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Oh! What a beautiful morning..!!
Today, we awoke and had a lovely breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit and some sort of bacon thing. I ate it!! I don't think I'll ever eat it again, but I made a pact with myself to try as much as I can!
G and J took me on a short drive around the upper class part of town and the houses are AMAZING! They are like big compounds with huge brick walls and barbed wire fencing. I asked J why it is that there is wire all over the place (every other house has it atop their walls) and she said it is for protection. Break-ins are quite frequent around Jo'burg.
We went to the botanical gardens this afternoon.. Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens to be specific. (www.sanbi.org/frames/sisulufram.htm) The garden is famous for having a pair of Verreaux Eagles nesting high on the cliffs next to a huge waterfall. It was magnificent! The flowers were absolutely amazing and the different types of birds were so fun! There is one bird, a little yellow one called a beaver, that builds the most fantastic nest. The male beaver gathers twigs and roots and weaves a basket out of them. Then, the female goes up and grabs onto the nest and shakes the heck out of it to make sure it is suitable for eggs. If it isn't, she insists that he make another one and won't lay eggs with him until it is perfect! Funny how that type of behavior is somewhat inter species! And all of the birds have the funniest voices! I had fun speaking with them as we sat for lunch. I had a lovely salad and CARROT CAKE for dessert! (That was for you, L!!) I drank the most wonderful lemonade and passion fruit fizz and had a sip of ginger beer (it's like root beer, but made with fresh ginger!!).
We headed back onto the trail and took photos of all of the different plants, trees and flowers. Just before getting to the falls, we found a local!! A big tortoise!! My first African animal!! He was so wonderful!! Just sitting in the grass, munching away. I was able to lay down right next to him and chat for a bit. He hid in his shell for about ten seconds before heading my direction and eating more grass. I was literally inches away from him! I put Bert! the Brontosaurus next to him and got a precious photo of them giving Eskimo kisses! He let me pet his shell and touch his toes! What a kind and gentle old man!
We walked up to the falls and it was so beautiful. It smelled different than the waterfalls back home, but was still fantastic. Up very high, to the left of the second falls, was the eagles nest! It was MASSIVE! Built right into the nook and cranny of the cliff side! We stayed and took some photographs and headed back to the car. (Not before saying thank you to my new tortoise friend, of course!)
This is what I imagined Africa being like. The plants, the animals and birds, the friendly people. Being in the gardens brought absolute joy to my soul. Though I've never doubted Him for a second, this beautiful place confirmed in me that the Lord is abundant in this world. The flowers, so rich in color, all shot straight up to the sky as if asking to be touched and smelled. The birds, speaking back and forth to each other, building safe homes for their young, reminded me that even things with the tiniest of brains have enough knowledge to befriend others and care for their young. And our waiter, a young man named Glory, had the most beautiful smile in the world. So kind and soft spoken, gracious with any type of compliment. With all of the scary things I've heard of and been faced with over the last two days (is that it?!), this place shook me to my core and reminded me to SEEK THE BEAUTY! It is here!! There is no need for our souls to be dampened by the sadness and ugliness that the world has. We simply must acknowledge that it exists and learn from it. We MUST seek the beauty and the good!
Now back home with G, J, and Kaska (who is the best watchdog ever!), I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. It was a lovely afternoon with two of the kindest people I will ever know. I was able to talk to my mama for a brief moment, which is always the BEST! Tomorrow I head out to the bush, where I will spend the next month surrounded by children! I am anxious and nervous, but oh so excited. Brenda has pulled a muscle in her back and will not be able to drive to get me, but she is sending to African men to get me, priests from the village!! Such an adventure is heading my way! Again, thank you to everyone who has helped get me here. I look forward to continuing to update you as often as possible!
Blessings.
G and J took me on a short drive around the upper class part of town and the houses are AMAZING! They are like big compounds with huge brick walls and barbed wire fencing. I asked J why it is that there is wire all over the place (every other house has it atop their walls) and she said it is for protection. Break-ins are quite frequent around Jo'burg.
We went to the botanical gardens this afternoon.. Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens to be specific. (www.sanbi.org/frames/sisulufram.htm) The garden is famous for having a pair of Verreaux Eagles nesting high on the cliffs next to a huge waterfall. It was magnificent! The flowers were absolutely amazing and the different types of birds were so fun! There is one bird, a little yellow one called a beaver, that builds the most fantastic nest. The male beaver gathers twigs and roots and weaves a basket out of them. Then, the female goes up and grabs onto the nest and shakes the heck out of it to make sure it is suitable for eggs. If it isn't, she insists that he make another one and won't lay eggs with him until it is perfect! Funny how that type of behavior is somewhat inter species! And all of the birds have the funniest voices! I had fun speaking with them as we sat for lunch. I had a lovely salad and CARROT CAKE for dessert! (That was for you, L!!) I drank the most wonderful lemonade and passion fruit fizz and had a sip of ginger beer (it's like root beer, but made with fresh ginger!!).
We headed back onto the trail and took photos of all of the different plants, trees and flowers. Just before getting to the falls, we found a local!! A big tortoise!! My first African animal!! He was so wonderful!! Just sitting in the grass, munching away. I was able to lay down right next to him and chat for a bit. He hid in his shell for about ten seconds before heading my direction and eating more grass. I was literally inches away from him! I put Bert! the Brontosaurus next to him and got a precious photo of them giving Eskimo kisses! He let me pet his shell and touch his toes! What a kind and gentle old man!
We walked up to the falls and it was so beautiful. It smelled different than the waterfalls back home, but was still fantastic. Up very high, to the left of the second falls, was the eagles nest! It was MASSIVE! Built right into the nook and cranny of the cliff side! We stayed and took some photographs and headed back to the car. (Not before saying thank you to my new tortoise friend, of course!)
This is what I imagined Africa being like. The plants, the animals and birds, the friendly people. Being in the gardens brought absolute joy to my soul. Though I've never doubted Him for a second, this beautiful place confirmed in me that the Lord is abundant in this world. The flowers, so rich in color, all shot straight up to the sky as if asking to be touched and smelled. The birds, speaking back and forth to each other, building safe homes for their young, reminded me that even things with the tiniest of brains have enough knowledge to befriend others and care for their young. And our waiter, a young man named Glory, had the most beautiful smile in the world. So kind and soft spoken, gracious with any type of compliment. With all of the scary things I've heard of and been faced with over the last two days (is that it?!), this place shook me to my core and reminded me to SEEK THE BEAUTY! It is here!! There is no need for our souls to be dampened by the sadness and ugliness that the world has. We simply must acknowledge that it exists and learn from it. We MUST seek the beauty and the good!
Now back home with G, J, and Kaska (who is the best watchdog ever!), I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. It was a lovely afternoon with two of the kindest people I will ever know. I was able to talk to my mama for a brief moment, which is always the BEST! Tomorrow I head out to the bush, where I will spend the next month surrounded by children! I am anxious and nervous, but oh so excited. Brenda has pulled a muscle in her back and will not be able to drive to get me, but she is sending to African men to get me, priests from the village!! Such an adventure is heading my way! Again, thank you to everyone who has helped get me here. I look forward to continuing to update you as often as possible!
Blessings.
Holy Riots Batman!!
It is so amazing to me how normal riots, shootings (just weeks ago there was a shooting outside of the mall we were at today!), and other violent acts are to this society. If you have something that someone else wants, they will go to extreme measures to apprehend it! Without any hesitation, people are horrible to one another! It's very intimidating and really makes me thankful to live in my little Sitka bubble!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Museum visit..
Holy moly.
Went to the Apartheid Museum today. It would take me forever to explain exactly what the Apartheid was, but I will give you the nutshell version..
Apartheid means separateness in Afrikaans and was a system of legal racial segregation enforced by the National Party government in South Africa between 1948 and early 1994. During this time, the government of SA segregated education, medical care, and other public services and provided black people with services that were inferior to those of the whites. There was serious resistance and many lives were lost. Please do yourself a favor and visit the museums website at http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/ . It was powerful. There is a room with 131 nooses hanging from the ceiling to represent the 131 government officials that were executed. Looking up and seeing all of those ropes hanging down was intense. G and I spend over four hours looking through each of the exhibits with solemn expressions. He is so full of information, as he lived through the Apartheid here in Africa. He says that many of the injustices that were faced during those years are still around today, they just aren't acknowledged. He also said that just last year, a prisoner was tortured and thrown into a lions cage for the entertainment of the government/police.
Spending the day with G, learning from both he and the exhibits in the museum, leads me to understand why Africa is commonly referred to as 'God forsaken.' While I know that He is here, it comes as no surprise why so many people reject Him and feel like He has left them all to starve, be raped, murdered, imprisoned and tortured. It is frightening. It was humbling to see the photos in the museum of starving children and beaten young men and women. And to think that these things are happening during my lifetime! People can be cruel. The heinous acts during (and after, apparently) the Apartheid, are proof of free agency and falling away from faith. I can only pray that one day, these people will ALL know love, peace and eternal life.
I am exhausted! After such minimal sleep and an intense day, it is nice to be back at the house with G, Princess, Kaska, and the FIFTY MILLION BIRDS! They have four African Grey parrots plus the many visitors. I took Bert! the Brontosaurus outside to meet them all. None of the wild birds were impressed with my visit, but the parrots were very curious. I was brave and sat with them for awhile before having a nice lunch with G. It's a wonderful life.
(I don't know that everyone knows about Bert! the Brontosaurus.. He's a four inch tall, brown and pink dinosaur that I purchased in the Las Vegas airport as a little travel companion. So far he has been in Vegas, Atlanta, Johannesburg with my new friends Andre, Sandra, Bruce, Minette, and Richard, and in the backyard with the birds.. Bert! will be photographed in as many places as possible so I can write a little travel book for the kids when I get home. Great travels are headed his way!)
Went to the Apartheid Museum today. It would take me forever to explain exactly what the Apartheid was, but I will give you the nutshell version..
Apartheid means separateness in Afrikaans and was a system of legal racial segregation enforced by the National Party government in South Africa between 1948 and early 1994. During this time, the government of SA segregated education, medical care, and other public services and provided black people with services that were inferior to those of the whites. There was serious resistance and many lives were lost. Please do yourself a favor and visit the museums website at http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/ . It was powerful. There is a room with 131 nooses hanging from the ceiling to represent the 131 government officials that were executed. Looking up and seeing all of those ropes hanging down was intense. G and I spend over four hours looking through each of the exhibits with solemn expressions. He is so full of information, as he lived through the Apartheid here in Africa. He says that many of the injustices that were faced during those years are still around today, they just aren't acknowledged. He also said that just last year, a prisoner was tortured and thrown into a lions cage for the entertainment of the government/police.
Spending the day with G, learning from both he and the exhibits in the museum, leads me to understand why Africa is commonly referred to as 'God forsaken.' While I know that He is here, it comes as no surprise why so many people reject Him and feel like He has left them all to starve, be raped, murdered, imprisoned and tortured. It is frightening. It was humbling to see the photos in the museum of starving children and beaten young men and women. And to think that these things are happening during my lifetime! People can be cruel. The heinous acts during (and after, apparently) the Apartheid, are proof of free agency and falling away from faith. I can only pray that one day, these people will ALL know love, peace and eternal life.
I am exhausted! After such minimal sleep and an intense day, it is nice to be back at the house with G, Princess, Kaska, and the FIFTY MILLION BIRDS! They have four African Grey parrots plus the many visitors. I took Bert! the Brontosaurus outside to meet them all. None of the wild birds were impressed with my visit, but the parrots were very curious. I was brave and sat with them for awhile before having a nice lunch with G. It's a wonderful life.
(I don't know that everyone knows about Bert! the Brontosaurus.. He's a four inch tall, brown and pink dinosaur that I purchased in the Las Vegas airport as a little travel companion. So far he has been in Vegas, Atlanta, Johannesburg with my new friends Andre, Sandra, Bruce, Minette, and Richard, and in the backyard with the birds.. Bert! will be photographed in as many places as possible so I can write a little travel book for the kids when I get home. Great travels are headed his way!)
Brick walls and the kindness of strangers..
So.. We are constantly tested. Our faith, our testimonies, our patience.. Constantly tested. I feel like there was always something that was trying to throw me off track in the planning and execution of this trip.
If I could go back to August 14th.. A minor issue. Not a test of faith or testimony, but definitely one of patience!! I left my important dresses on a plane. I was heading down to the states for a week of wedding chaos and during a mad dash from one plane to another, I left my dresses on board! I noticed this when they announced that the doors were closing!! AAHH!! I jumped from my seat and made the flight attendant aware of the situation. She said that there wasn't anything she could promise, but that she'd try. I made my way back to seat 17f and waited for an answer. I felt so silly praying for something so menial, but dresses are expensive and I am on a limited budget, so I figured it couldn't hurt. Minutes seemed like hours before the flight attendant announced, 'The bridal party dresses are on board!' YIPPEE!! Thank you Lord!! If that was the only thing to go wrong over the next week, I was just fine!
The week in Utah was magical. I was able to reconnect with some friends I hadn't seen in a couple of years, spend time with my 'sisters' and their kiddos, and participate in a wedding that I couldn't be more pleased about! After months and months of praying for divine intervention, my best friend and I were able to put the past behind us and move onward and upward. She is one of my biggest supports and I am so blessed to have her behind me while I am overseas.
Come the night after the wedding.. I am starving and needing to go get food. Brick wall. I cannot find my cards or identification ANYWHERE. I checked purses, suitcases, backpacks, under couches, under beds, EVERYWHERE. All I could think was 'I can't get on the plane.' I was crying and phoning everyone to help me look, but no one found anything. I just kept praying that either I would find my things or that by some miracle, I wouldn't need my credit card to board in Jo'burg. (When you book an inter-Africa flight from overseas, you need to present two forms of photo identification and the credit card you booked the ticket with.) I got no sleep that night. The following morning, I continued my search. Nothing. I was supposed to head out of Cedar City at 11am. It was pushing 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Nothing. I finally just laid in the middle of the floor and asked for guidance. I was prompted to get an address in Jo'burg and have a card expedited there. When I got to the drawer to get a pen and paper, I lifted my friend's wallet and.. drum roll please... FOUND MY STUFF!! Someone had cleaned my friend's house and had assumed that it was hers!! There it all was!! Hallelujah! We quickly got into the car and headed off to Las Vegas!
I met up with one of my dear friends during my final two days in the states. We ate good American food (sushi) and had some good American entertainment (rides on the Stratosphere). I can't think of anyone I'd rather have sending me off on my big adventure. I love you, friend.
The airport.. I arrive super early and took care of some computer work. I ate a cinnamon roll from Ciannabon, c'mon now.. I wasn't sure what I'd be eating in twenty-four hours! I found my gate and laid down for a nap. And then I heard it.. Final boarding call to Atlanta!! What?! I had been at the wrong gate! I picked up my backpack and bag and RAN full speed to the gate, praying out loud that the Lord should help me get to my gate in time, and met the brick wall.. The gate agent was not very nice. She scolded me for being late and handed someone else my seat, right in front of me! I just started to cry. There was nothing else I could do at that moment. I stood in the empty boarding line and cried.
And then my first encounter with the kindness of strangers.. A couple from Atlanta was supposed to be on the plane with me and was equally confused at the gate change. They took me under their wing, got me a bottle of water, and found me a seat on the next flight out. They sat with me until I calmed down and asked me numerous questions about the mission and OU and what I thought I might be doing. It was so refreshing to sit with eager people and talk to them about what the Lord has done in my life and the calling He gave to me to go teach in the Moz!! My heart was instantly uplifted and I knew that the reason for me not getting on the first flight was so I could give my testimony to these kind people!
The plane was incredible!! Absolutely amazing! HUGE! And what's better, I sat in front of SEVEN LDS missionaries! I love missionaries! We had nice long chats before watching movies and falling asleep. I also had the pleasure of meeting Andre, an older gentleman on his way to Jo'burg for his mothers' funeral. He comes into play in about thirteen hours. The long flight, almost sixteen hours, was much easier than I thought it would be. The food was tasty and the entertainment was wonderful! There was a moving map application that enabled you to see what you were flying over.. I looked at it many times to see that we were over the heart of the Atlantic ocean, flying between Brazil and Africa!! WOW!! The chairs reclined much more than normal seats and with the help of some melatonin, I spent a good portion of the trip in dream land!
We arrived in Jo'burg safely and everyone clapped! My new friend Andre offered to walk with me through the airport to help me find the DeKlerks. I was warned many times not to talk to strangers in this foreign land, but I knew in my heart he was a decent man and I trusted him. I was right! We made it through the baggage claim and customs to find that the DeKlerks were nowhere to be found! I have never been so frightened in my life. I sat down and prayed that there was some sort of mix up and that they were on their way. Andre was greeted at the airport by his sister Sandra and her husband Bruce and they waited with me for over an hour. I was able to get online and send an email to my missing hosts, but without my phone (it was stolen.. Sorry I missed that detail.) I was unable to get all of the necessary contact information. Andre insisted that I join he and his family at their friend's house for the evening and we could contact the DeKlerks in the morning. At that point, I was exhausted and scared, but confident that the Lord would look after me and that I was with good people. Good is an understatement.. Great people. The BEST people. We headed over to Minette and Richard's house and had a wonderful meal and even better conversation! Bruce is HILARIOUS! We finally got in contact with Graham and Jeannine and they came to scoop me up. There was a little misunderstanding about times and dates, but they arrived and hugs were given all around! Contact information was exchanged between me and my new friends and I headed home.
This house is so fantastic. It is old, the doors have super old locks and keys and they creak when you open them! The outlets are different, the water knobs are different, the light switches are in funny places! It's so lovely! I was on the computer emailing itineraries to people and transferring money until one thirty in the morning.. And couldn't fall asleep until nearly three! I slept soundly and dreamed of lions and elephants! Until nine this morning!! I was awoken by Kaska, the German Shepard, and a very eager Graham. We must not miss one moment of this adventure!! We are off to the Apartheid Museum and to see some of the monuments around town. I'm looking forward to my first day!
We are CONSTANTLY tested.. But I am so happy to have run into brick walls.. Or else I would have never experienced the kindness of such wonderful strangers. Thank the Lord for blessing me with fantastic people. He is good. And He is always watching over us.
If I could go back to August 14th.. A minor issue. Not a test of faith or testimony, but definitely one of patience!! I left my important dresses on a plane. I was heading down to the states for a week of wedding chaos and during a mad dash from one plane to another, I left my dresses on board! I noticed this when they announced that the doors were closing!! AAHH!! I jumped from my seat and made the flight attendant aware of the situation. She said that there wasn't anything she could promise, but that she'd try. I made my way back to seat 17f and waited for an answer. I felt so silly praying for something so menial, but dresses are expensive and I am on a limited budget, so I figured it couldn't hurt. Minutes seemed like hours before the flight attendant announced, 'The bridal party dresses are on board!' YIPPEE!! Thank you Lord!! If that was the only thing to go wrong over the next week, I was just fine!
The week in Utah was magical. I was able to reconnect with some friends I hadn't seen in a couple of years, spend time with my 'sisters' and their kiddos, and participate in a wedding that I couldn't be more pleased about! After months and months of praying for divine intervention, my best friend and I were able to put the past behind us and move onward and upward. She is one of my biggest supports and I am so blessed to have her behind me while I am overseas.
Come the night after the wedding.. I am starving and needing to go get food. Brick wall. I cannot find my cards or identification ANYWHERE. I checked purses, suitcases, backpacks, under couches, under beds, EVERYWHERE. All I could think was 'I can't get on the plane.' I was crying and phoning everyone to help me look, but no one found anything. I just kept praying that either I would find my things or that by some miracle, I wouldn't need my credit card to board in Jo'burg. (When you book an inter-Africa flight from overseas, you need to present two forms of photo identification and the credit card you booked the ticket with.) I got no sleep that night. The following morning, I continued my search. Nothing. I was supposed to head out of Cedar City at 11am. It was pushing 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Nothing. I finally just laid in the middle of the floor and asked for guidance. I was prompted to get an address in Jo'burg and have a card expedited there. When I got to the drawer to get a pen and paper, I lifted my friend's wallet and.. drum roll please... FOUND MY STUFF!! Someone had cleaned my friend's house and had assumed that it was hers!! There it all was!! Hallelujah! We quickly got into the car and headed off to Las Vegas!
I met up with one of my dear friends during my final two days in the states. We ate good American food (sushi) and had some good American entertainment (rides on the Stratosphere). I can't think of anyone I'd rather have sending me off on my big adventure. I love you, friend.
The airport.. I arrive super early and took care of some computer work. I ate a cinnamon roll from Ciannabon, c'mon now.. I wasn't sure what I'd be eating in twenty-four hours! I found my gate and laid down for a nap. And then I heard it.. Final boarding call to Atlanta!! What?! I had been at the wrong gate! I picked up my backpack and bag and RAN full speed to the gate, praying out loud that the Lord should help me get to my gate in time, and met the brick wall.. The gate agent was not very nice. She scolded me for being late and handed someone else my seat, right in front of me! I just started to cry. There was nothing else I could do at that moment. I stood in the empty boarding line and cried.
And then my first encounter with the kindness of strangers.. A couple from Atlanta was supposed to be on the plane with me and was equally confused at the gate change. They took me under their wing, got me a bottle of water, and found me a seat on the next flight out. They sat with me until I calmed down and asked me numerous questions about the mission and OU and what I thought I might be doing. It was so refreshing to sit with eager people and talk to them about what the Lord has done in my life and the calling He gave to me to go teach in the Moz!! My heart was instantly uplifted and I knew that the reason for me not getting on the first flight was so I could give my testimony to these kind people!
The plane was incredible!! Absolutely amazing! HUGE! And what's better, I sat in front of SEVEN LDS missionaries! I love missionaries! We had nice long chats before watching movies and falling asleep. I also had the pleasure of meeting Andre, an older gentleman on his way to Jo'burg for his mothers' funeral. He comes into play in about thirteen hours. The long flight, almost sixteen hours, was much easier than I thought it would be. The food was tasty and the entertainment was wonderful! There was a moving map application that enabled you to see what you were flying over.. I looked at it many times to see that we were over the heart of the Atlantic ocean, flying between Brazil and Africa!! WOW!! The chairs reclined much more than normal seats and with the help of some melatonin, I spent a good portion of the trip in dream land!
We arrived in Jo'burg safely and everyone clapped! My new friend Andre offered to walk with me through the airport to help me find the DeKlerks. I was warned many times not to talk to strangers in this foreign land, but I knew in my heart he was a decent man and I trusted him. I was right! We made it through the baggage claim and customs to find that the DeKlerks were nowhere to be found! I have never been so frightened in my life. I sat down and prayed that there was some sort of mix up and that they were on their way. Andre was greeted at the airport by his sister Sandra and her husband Bruce and they waited with me for over an hour. I was able to get online and send an email to my missing hosts, but without my phone (it was stolen.. Sorry I missed that detail.) I was unable to get all of the necessary contact information. Andre insisted that I join he and his family at their friend's house for the evening and we could contact the DeKlerks in the morning. At that point, I was exhausted and scared, but confident that the Lord would look after me and that I was with good people. Good is an understatement.. Great people. The BEST people. We headed over to Minette and Richard's house and had a wonderful meal and even better conversation! Bruce is HILARIOUS! We finally got in contact with Graham and Jeannine and they came to scoop me up. There was a little misunderstanding about times and dates, but they arrived and hugs were given all around! Contact information was exchanged between me and my new friends and I headed home.
This house is so fantastic. It is old, the doors have super old locks and keys and they creak when you open them! The outlets are different, the water knobs are different, the light switches are in funny places! It's so lovely! I was on the computer emailing itineraries to people and transferring money until one thirty in the morning.. And couldn't fall asleep until nearly three! I slept soundly and dreamed of lions and elephants! Until nine this morning!! I was awoken by Kaska, the German Shepard, and a very eager Graham. We must not miss one moment of this adventure!! We are off to the Apartheid Museum and to see some of the monuments around town. I'm looking forward to my first day!
We are CONSTANTLY tested.. But I am so happy to have run into brick walls.. Or else I would have never experienced the kindness of such wonderful strangers. Thank the Lord for blessing me with fantastic people. He is good. And He is always watching over us.
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