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.