I'm a PUBLISHED writer, now.

This week I had the privilege to write two articles for the DAD newsletter Living Hope sends out for its Dollar a Day Campaign. As you read these, I hope you to continue to get insight into my experiences and thoughts while here.

Article 1:

When you immediately think of the DAD program, thoughts probably drift towards Kids and Teens Clubs in the townships as well as Life Skills being taught throughout different schools in Muizenburg, Ocean View, and Massai. One thing your mind may not think to immediately is the amazing opportunity the Teens Team has this term at Valley Land High School in Fish Hoek.

Valley Land is a private Christian School in Fish Hoek where different students come to find refuge after they have either been expelled or held back due to difficult circumstances in public schools. The first day I walked into Valley Land I did not know what to expect. The students are definitely different from those I interact with in the townships because they are from middle to upper class, and upon appearance they look more like me. But quickly, as we were running the program, I realized the needs of these teenagers are just as real as the teenagers within the townships. Questions they would ask and stories they would share like wanting to own a strip club showed me how they deal with issues and questions in life just like the teens in the townships. They are dealing with substance abuse and broken families. They are dealing with uncertainty and are longing to find wholeness and hope as only Christ can give.

As I left Valley Land, emotion overwhelmed me at the wide impact that Living Hope and the Life Skills Education department have on the children and teens of Cape Town. When I arrived here as a volunteer, I expected to be ministering to those I’d encounter in the townships, but I had no idea I’d get to minister to an entirely different group of South African teenagers. That fact is what makes Living Hope so special. Living Hope gets the Gospel that is presented before each of us. We are to share the love of Christ with all people no matter their background or socio-economic status and through that love, give them a hope and peace that surpasses all understanding. If you were like me before I came here, you may not have even realized the wide array of people your DAD support is touching, helping and healing.

Article 2:

“Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”

--Frederick Buechner

These past two weeks as I serve alongside the LSEs at Ocean View, I continue to witness the compassion Frederick Buechner defines. The LSEs I am privileged to work with are living out this quote with their lives. They fully understand that though they are in similar situations as many of the children and teens they minister to, until there is peace and joy for everyone in Ocean View then there can never really be peace and joy for the LSEs either. I am touched each day as I watch Melissa love on and comfort the little children that run around at her feet. I am moved when I see Alistar make the ten-year old boys smile as they swap stories. My heart overflows with joy as Julie and Jessica lead the children in worship and smiles cover everyone’s face.

Every day as we walk to club amidst the sand, dirt, wind and heat, I look at all the LSEs who daily give themselves to this community, and I am reminded of Christ. Throughout his ministry, Christ walked from place to place, person to person, changing lives and showing compassion and love. Christ, better then anyone else, knew that until there was peace and joy for the entire world, there would never really be peace and joy for him. Your support of the DAD program helps these LSEs be Christ to the children and teens of Ocean View. Not only does your support help in that regard, but it is helping an American volunteer learn a wonderful lesson on what compassion really looks like as I witness it each day from the LSEs.

GREAT DAY!

Have you ever had moments in life that will be remembered for a life time? Today was one of those moments. Every Friday we have Life Skills Educator training where all LSEs from Capricorn, Ocean View and Masai come together. This Friday we all came together but Rolling Hills Community Church came from the states to lead a retreat for us. When we showed up all we knew was that the day would last from 8 until 8. Needless to say, excitement existed within me but also a bit of dread at the length of the day. My dread, however, quickly ceased.

We first went to the Kirstenbosch gardens where we split into four groups, took in the amazing beauty, and just worked on getting to know one another better. The experience lent itself to a moment where I realized how lucky I am to be here serving, getting to know, and loving these wonderful people connected to Living Hope. Part of our time in the gardens included a small group, Bible study time. One of the questions posed to us was, “When has been a time in your life where you felt despair?” Immediately, thoughts rushed to my first month of DC last year. As I was recounting that time for others, I realized what a faithful God we serve. If you would have told me this time last year that I would be back in Cape Town serving and deciding between two top-notch Divinity Schools for next fall, I might have laughed in your face. But in those moments yesterday at Kirstenbosch, I realized yet again that we serve a faithful God. We merely just have to trust, discern and walk in faith.

Another great part of Kirstenabosch was getting to hang out with the LSEs. Melissa, Meagan and I had a wonderful time all day laughing and continuing to build our friendship. I am so blessed to be a part of these girls’ lives. They are teaching me SO MUCH!! I love how we always laugh together. I love how we are all interested in really getting to know one another. Yesterday, it hit that we have the tendency to be more closed off in America than people are in Africa. If you ask questions, normally people answer it whole-heartedly here. They seem to realize the importance of community and relationships more than we do. Blessings overflowed as I hung out with other LSEs who I do not always get to interact with. I love building relationships with others and hearing their stories. Yesterday was a great time of doing that.

After Kirstenbosch we headed to Pinelands Baptist Church for worship, games, and another small group session. The continued time together really allowed for walls to be broken down between the LSEs, and it allowed everyone to realize one another’s struggles, hopes, dreams, and needs. Ever since funding was drastically cut for Living Hope by the Obama Administration, the LSEs are working from 7:30 until 5:30 most days non-stop. They are worn out, exhausted, and trying to grasp for air most days, So yesterday was a wonderful time for them to realize how they are all feeling similar emotions and thoughts. I hope the walls that were broken down yesterday will allow for new rebuilding. (If you would live to find out more about how you can help with the funding crisis at Living Hope, please visit livinghope.co.za and look at the DAD program.)

The day ended with a Braii and fellowship at the Team House. I always love going back to the Team House since that is where I was this summer and where I experienced many God moments upon my first trip. As I watched the sun set over the beach last night, listened to the laughter, and joined in on conversation with others, all I could do was lift up praise to my God. It is in those moments that I am reminded what a wonderful God we serve. I am reminded of God’s mystery yet God’s goodness and love. It is times like last night that though I cannot see God, I know God is ever present.

I ended last night with continued peace overflowing in my soul and I know this is where I am meant to be at this time. I wait expectantly to see how the next 7 ½ weeks unfold.

(One more thing, I hope to make it to an internet café sometime this week so I can upload some of my pictures for you all to see! J )

Productivity?! YES PLEASE!!

Wednesday was a day of productivity!! If you know me, then you know I love productivity. I love having a task before me, thinking of ways to meet the task, then finish the task. I had one of those days!! Now, in America productivity is a way of life almost and it is engrained in us to “be productive.” In South Africa, people are still productive but from what I’ve seen it is on a slower time frame due to culture and views of life. Today, however, that stereotype was blown out of the water.

I had my “Teens Team Leadership” meeting this morning. It consists of six LSEs who have come together to instill leadership principles and the importance of leadership to the teens that come to Teens Club and other Living Hope activities. Well, we completely planned and organized the Leadership Holiday Club for teens in April as well as brainstormed leadership curriculum ideas that will begin in July. I left the meeting exhilarated because I feel as if I was able to bring lots to the table for this meeting. Because of my past experiences with leadership, young life, youth internship, and camp, I had something to offer the LSEs. The LSEs had great beginning thoughts but needed someone to help them put that into action. Luckily, God used me yesterday to do that.

To top the amazing day off, Meagan who is the lead on the Teens Team and someone I am blessed to be working with and have as a friend sent me an SMS (text) last night saying how much my initiative, insights, and love for this new program meant to her.

Today, I am so thankful that God used me as a vessel. I had no idea when I came to Living Hope that I’d be working on the teens team and leadership. Luckily my past experiences have shaped and aid me in being able to help Living Hope in this area. Today I was reminded that we do not know in all the many ways our experiences in life help shape us and mold us for other phases later on in life.

JOY!

“Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing—sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war or even death—can take that love away.”

The words above by Henri Nouwen resonate with my soul. The thought Nouwen so eloquently expressed resonated with me because it is knowing that I am unconditionally loved which causes me to daily seek joy. After just being here in Cape Town for a short time, I am quickly realizing that JOY overflows here.

On Saturday night, I had the privilege of going to my first South African bar-b-que known as a Braai with all the long term volunteers. While we were all gathered around eating delicious food, we started sharing the corniest of jokes. If you know me then you know I LOVE a good corny joke. Be prepared for when I return because my jokes repertoire has now quadrupled after Saturday!! Needless to say, within minutes we were all erupting with laughter that lasted well into the evening. As laughter filled the air, I thought, “This is JOY. This is what life is about. Enjoying one another, laughing uncontrollably all the while knowing that we each are unconditionally loved by God.”

After Saturday night, I really wondered how the weekend could become any more joyful, but it did!! I first felt joy as I was able to talk with my mom for a good bit. As I listened to her speak of home and life, I realized, “I understand the importance of joy because she is JOY!” I am truly blessed with the mother I have. This fact hits home more and more every day because I continually run into girls my age who do not have a mom to show them joy. I am SO blessed that I do. Not only am I blessed that I have a mom who shows me joy, but I have a mom whom I experience joy with.

Once I got off the phone with mom, I went to an ordination service for the new pastor of Capricorn Baptist Church. This was a HUGE day in the life of Capricorn because there is great need and great sadness within this township. Living Hope, therefore, decided to start a church plant 18 months ago in Capricorn. Within the past 18 months, this church has grown at a rapid pace and is teaching on the unconditional love of God to the people of Capricorn every Sunday. In turn Capricorn Baptist brings joy to the community. As I was participating in the ordination, listening to the prayers, rejoicing in the singing, and looking at the faces of everyone present, joy abound in that space. I hope and pray that I am lucky enough when I am ordained, my ordination will be one of great joy filled with a community of people who love me like yesterday’s service was.

Then today at Kids Clubs, some of the girls at Mountain View wanted to play with my hair. As they were playing with my hair I remembered all the countless times I’d ask to play with my babysitters’ hair. I thought back how in childhood playing with another person’s hair really made me happy and filled my soul with joy. I hope and pray that as those girls tiny hands platted my hair, joy was resounding somewhere in their souls. Also, as I played the game “Horse, Knight, Chariot” with a little boy today I hope he found joy. I know I did as we laughed and smiled the entire time. JOY overwhelmed me in those moments.

All of this to say, JOY is important. JOY is alive here. If there should be any place where people would not expect joy, it should be South Africa. I mean, a majority people here live on less than $2 a day, do not have adequate plumbing, suffer from malnutrition and are personally impacted by HIV/AIDS. Yet, JOY overflows here. Why? Because they GET IT!! They get that there is nothing as wonderful as the unconditional love of God. I pray that I may continue to understand and accept this unconditional love which is bestowed upon me. Upon all of us.

A friend once told me, “Molly, I want to be in the ministry of JOY. I want to live each day where I can say at the end of the day, ‘I brought joy to someone today.’” I am the one here ministering, and I hope that I am bringing JOY to those I come in contact with, but I probably fall short. I do know, however, that the people of South Africa, Living Hope, and my community of family and friends are in the ministry of JOY. Because the JOY around me both near and far reminds me that nothing separates me from the love of God.

It's already been over a week?!

I can hardly believe that I have been in Cape Town an ENTIRE week!! This week has literally flown by!! As I reflect on the week I have learned so much, seen so much, thought so much, and felt so much that words cannot adequately express it all. Last night, I had some down time and was thinking that in many ways I am not going to know how this experience shapes and changes me until days, weeks, months and years down the road. But here are some things I do know after week one.

There is a difference in choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. My dad sent me this quote earlier this week and I really liked it. I quickly realized here that when we choose to serve we can still have selfish desires and motives, but when we try our hardest to humble ourselves as a servant then that is when God can really use us. This realization does not make it easy here in South Africa. Some days I do not want to be a servant. I mean, cutting 50 pairs of hands out of construction paper with safety scissors is not exactly “glamorous ministry,” but as I helped the children with the craft, it hit me that cutting out their traced hands on construction paper was how God’s love was being revealed to them. For that fact, I am blessed that God can use me to show them a bit of God’s amazing love.

There is also something said for spending time and listening to people’s stories. This week I’ve come to understand that though my job deals specifically with children and teens, one the greatest ways which I can minister is being a friend to the Life Skills Educators. Some of my greatest JOYS this week came from chatting with other LSEs. I loved hearing about Melissa’s hopes to move to Belgium and go to school or hear Jesse discuss baby names for her little boy that she is expecting in June. The chats I’ve had with Meagan on the bus and with Alistar as we plan for Kids Clubs are conversations I hope and pray will continue to grow and develop throughout these weeks. I realize that it is because of the parents I have and how I’ve grown up seeing value placed on relationships with others why I am so interested in getting to know these LSEs. If I had not grown up in a home where my parents invested in others then I don’t think I’d be at a place in my life here where I want to invest and pour into the LSEs of Ocean View.

There is truth that where two or three are gathered, God is there. On Fridays all the Life Skills Educators meet for training. Before the training begins we have a time of devotion. Now, the devotion is not planned to a “T.” The thirty of us stand up in a little room and begin in silent prayer then as the Spirit leads one can begin in song or prayer. All I have to say about that experience is WOW. As we sang, we did not have fancy projectors or the fancy instruments but merely our hearts and voices. What power comes from glorifying God with all that you are. As we stood singing and praying together I thought, “This is WORSHIP. This is what God desires. God desires people offering their entire selves to God through worship, praise, and adoration.” I hope that as my weeks continue to go on here, I will more and more understand and comprehend the beauty of true worship and awe for our God. I cannot put into words the power that was in that room yesterday. All I can say is the presence of God overflows at Living Hope.

There is something to be sad for simplicity. Life moves at a slower pace here and it is so refreshing. I mean, I have extremely long days and am busy all day long, but throughout the day we take time to stop and enjoy the day before us. Perhaps that means we take a minute to laugh with one another or take a walk on the beach. Whatever the day allows, we take moments to enjoy life and the moment. There are not loud TVs disrupting us or all the other crazy distractions that are in my life back in America. At night, once I return home, I have time to read or write or even sleep if I want because we really don’t have places to go because almost everything here close at 5. The South African culture is really showing me that life was not meant to be lived at such a quick pace as we live it out in America. We must enjoy simplicity. I mean, Christ was a busy man when he was on earth, but he did know how to slow down, take a side trip, invest in others, and enjoy simplicity in life. Perhaps we are to do the same?

Three Insights

1. Prayer is a powerful tool. This morning I gathered with the “Teen Team” to plan out the next few weeks for what we will be teaching in the schools. After we laughed, discussed, and shared, we gathered for a time of corporate prayer. The seven of us gathered around the table and began praying. Now, I pray in the states and have prayed corporately in the states, but this morning, the power of prayer hit me. As I listened to Meegan, Shagmi, and Dez pray I was moved. I was moved because here are people who have “nothing” by American standards yet have everything. As they prayed, their prayers became more and more powerful. Every word they spoke was from the inner depths of their heart and was intended for the great, merciful God they serve. In those moments, I realized they understand what praying in faith means, and I have so much to learn!! Yet, the amazing thing is that though I may not always pray in full faith like my new friends, God still hears my prayers just as God hears theirs.

2. Christ comes in many forms. Today, the Teen Team went to Overcome Heights (a shanty town) to play soccer with the teenage kids that do not go to high school. As we were setting up, a little boy Raul came over to me and we started high-fiving. Well pretty soon, we found a ball and began to play. What a JOY his smile was to my day!! As we continued to play ball, another boy named Tyron came over and wanted to join in on the fun. Now, Tyron is partially blind so throwing the ball was a bit of a challenge. After a few times of throwing the ball from a distance and Tyron dropping it, Raul realized that Tyron could not see well so he decided to step right in front of him to throw the ball. He was literally a step away but would throw the ball so Tyron could catch it. The laughter and smiles that overcame Tyron as he caught the ball touched me. It is a sight I will never forget.

In that moment, watching those little boys play ball, I realized that Christ does the same thing for us. When we drop the ball in life or don’t get the ball(whatever that may be for each of us as individuals), Christ steps right in front of us and says, “Here I am right in front of you. Don’t stop throwing the ball. I am near you. I will catch it and throw it back. Have faith. Just keep trying. I am right in front of you.”

3. Patience is a virtue. I know that patience is a virtue, and frankly, it is a virtue I lack. BUT, I am quickly realizing I’m going to learn a lot about patience here. I knew I’d learn about patience due to “Africa” time. In Africa, everyone (well almost everyone) is late. The idea of time is not of great concern. Instead, they’d rather focus on living and enjoying life and friendships even if that means being a few minutes or even hours late to something. This is a good but challenging lesson for the girl who has every second of every day planned back in the states. But it is a good lesson. Africa time is continuing to teach me to breathe easier. Another reason, however, I am going to be learning patience is because of my partner in Kids Club. Each afternoon I am working with another Life Skills Educator named Alistar who frankly is annoying. He isn’t annoying in a mean way, he just likes to banter and give everyone a hard time. I never know when he is lying or telling the truth. He is extremely laid back and has already told me, “American gal…CHILL. Take life easy.” Needless to say, we both have a LOT to learn from one another these next few months. I know that I must learn how to be patient with him and instead of getting irked by him, see his strengths and worth that he brings to Living Hope.

These are three realizations that hit me throughout my first day, I know that many more will come. I cannot wait to see what God continues to reveal. I cannot wait to see what I continue to learn and discern in my time here.

God is GOOD

After flying from Knoxville to Detroit, Detroit to Amsterdam then Amsterdam to Cape Town, I arrived after 28 hours of travel. At points along my journey tears were shed yet at others smiles would come over me as I thought of where I was going. Throughout the entire journey and my first full day here, I am reminded that GOD IS GOOD!!

God is GOOD because some how along this crazy journey of life, certain people and events played an integral part in my life that lead me to this point. This fact hit as I was flying and looked down at my wrist at my many bracelets. Each bracelet symbolizes a significant point along my journey, and as I was flying, it hit me that each bracelet represents a significant part in my journey back to Cape Town. I have one brightly colored bracelet that signifies the “RBC CLUB” from camp in 2008. This bracelet represents a time when I met and became heart friends with 3 of the most amazing ladies I know. This bracelet represents the bond that the four of us have between us, but this bracelet also represents my first camp experience. It was working camp in 2008 where God first pushed (more like threw) me out of my comfort zone. It was a place where the Millennium Development goals and our place in making an impact for social justice as Christians began on a whole new level. It was a place where God spoke to me in the stillness of worship and said, “Molly…GO….be open to what lies ahead…live a life of impact for the better in selfless love.” The second bracelet is from the World AIDS Day Chapel this year and reminds me that God is true to God’s promises. Next is my UBUNTU bracelet which I made for my family as I travel to Africa. We each have one and as we look at it I am reminded how “I am because we are.” When I look down at this bracelet, I think of my wonderful community these past 21 years who have helped form me. And lastly, I look down at my white bracelet which a dear friend made for me and said, “Molly, every time you look at this, be reminded that God is with you…ALWAYS.” These bracelets remind me of where I’ve been and where I’m going. Each time I look down at my wrist while in Africa, my heart overflows with joy because I remember where I’ve been, who is supporting me, and where I am headed.

God is GOOD because a friend I met this summer was able to pick me up at the airport late Thursday night when I arrived. I never realized how a smiling face and familiar friend could be Christ after a long journey of travel. More than that, the friend was Christ to me late Thursday night when I arrived without towels and he drove from his house (after dropping me off) to bring me towels so I could shower because I felt beyond disgusting after traveling so many hours. It is amazing how new hope, joy, excitement, and peace can come after a shower.

God is GOOD because I get to work with Meegan in Ocean View and help her get a new program for teens off the ground. I met Meegan early in the morning on Friday at a Life Skills Educator meeting and thought, “she seems like one neat person,” but I did not think I would be working with her since the Capricorn township was my original placement. But, Living Hope said there was a great need in the Ocean View township and said they felt I could handle being the only volunteer there with the other South African Life Skills Educators. So, that fact means I get to work hand in hand with Meegan and help mainly with teens all day in the Ocean View Township. From what I know, Ocean View is one of the poorest if not the poorest township in South Africa. I am a bit apprehensive for Monday because I never helped in Ocean View this summer and do not know what to expect when I arrive, but I am reminded that God is faithful and good and I am in this position for a reason. I said that I was willing to serve wherever there is a need and right now, the greatest need is Ocean View. I am quickly realizing that selfless service does not mean you get exactly what you want, but instead you must go wherever you can and help in whatever way meets the need.

God is GOOD because there are more progressive long term volunteers here!!! Living Hope itself is a bit more conservative of an organization which I knew going in. I realize that all view-points are needed and God indeed uses all different views and beliefs to do Kingdom work. But, I apprehension was within me on whether or not all of the volunteers would be a bit more “Southern Baptist” than I am. Last night, I quickly realized that yes, some of the volunteers are more conservative but there are two that are quite progressive like me!! This truly is an answer to prayer!!

God is GOOD. I am realizing that with each minute that passes by. I cannot wait to see how the adventure continues to unfold.

TODAY is the DAY!

I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time, and now it has arrived!! As I type this, I sit in a restaurant in the Detroit Airport. I am literally IN ROUTE to Cape Town. At times the reality that this journey is underway seems surreal. Yet at other times, the reality hits me like a brick. I do not know exactly what is ahead, but I do know that I desire to step boldly through the door that is before me. I desire to have faith that I am going where I need to be. While I desire to fully trust God to use this time to continue to mold me to be more and more like Christ. The journey is here, and I cannot wait to share my journey with you.

Please pray for my next two flights because flying is not something I love nor enjoy. Pray for my heart and that it continues to be open to what is ahead. Pray for my family as we are all realizing how far away Cape Town really is from Jefferson City. Pray that though I may be a bit scared and sad that I do not allow those feelings to keep me from soaking up this experience. Pray for the people whom I come in contact with that I somehow in some way may be the vessel God uses to make their life more whole and full of love and peace.