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 )