Bests

I woke up Wednesday morning and reality hit. I’ve hit the half-way point of my journey in Cape Town. I woke up that morning with a wish. I wish I could slow down time and make my Cape Town experience last longer. I woke up as well with a peace. I have peace in trusting God, trusting my journey and in faith knowing that if I am to return to Cape Town it will happen in time if I am but patient. I woke up Wednesday excited. I am excited by the past 5 weeks and am excited for these next 5.

Each Wednesday marks a week passed and a new week of my journey in Cape Town. Two of my wonderful friends at Carson Newman wrote me a letter to open each week that passes. This morning in Amy’s letter she said, “Write down your best moments so far and your not so best moments so far.” What better place to write some of those down then on a blog? J (I can’t promise that each of these thoughts will be parallel in form so the nerd in me apologizes in advance.)

Bests So Far:

Meagan taking Melanie and I to her favorite beach spot one Sunday afternoon. Meagan let Melanie and I into parts of her life that day that not many people are ever shown. By her taking us to the beach, she said, “I want you both in my life as amazing friends.” It was a glorious day.

My friendship, laughter and chats with Melanie Dill. Melanie Dill is a blessing to my life. She listens to me, laughs with me, cries with me, hugs me, and is a constant for me here.

The presentation this week at False Bay College on sex, AIDS, STIs, and pornography. After the presentation, we had multiple students call Living Hope saying what an impact the presentation made and how they are re-thinking the promiscuous ways in which they live.

The children at Mountain View and Ocean View who yell, “Molly! Molly! Molly!” as I walk to them each day. On days I do not get to see the kids, my heart aches so I cannot begin to imagine how I am going to manage going back home and not being able to see, play, hug, and love them in person.

The love and prayers which enveloped me during my WAIT interview. I know that both here and far people were praying for me and for my preparation. I cannot keep track of the numerous comments of love, encouragement, and support that were spoken to me by my community here as the nerves hit, tears fell, and anxiety increased as I prepared for Monday night. Each prayer spoken, hug given, and smiled shared reminded me that I am loved both near and far.

Wonderful chats that continue to overflow here with other volunteers, LSEs, and friends met on my first trip to Cape Town that I would never replace. I love meeting people and really getting to know them and that is ringing true here. Conversations had over lunch, laughter, sunsets, Kauai smoothies, dinner at the house, or Mugg and Bean are refreshing and bring great delight to my life.

The preparations for Kids Club each week which brings joy to be because the children really are getting the heart of the curriculum. Each time we share the Bible story and ask questions after, I see the lights come on in the children. These children teach me so much about God and God’s love and what that should look like for our life!

A girl from Ocean View who gave me a letter she wrote this week. She made the card and envelope just to tell me how much she loves me. It was precious. She can’t pronounce Molly so she calls me “Molney.” Her letter is one I will keep forever.

At training this week we went around the room sharing what great things each ministry is doing. Hearing everything that Living Right is accomplishing was a huge encouragement to all of us as we are worn down from the long days. It is clearly evident that God is using Living Hope and the Living Right program to restore the people here.

Watching sunsets over the ocean will never get old here and will always be a “best” for me. Each sunset I watch is a bit different yet continues to amaze me by its beauty. Each sunset I watch I am reminded of what a great God we serve. Each sunset I am reminded to seek peace. Each sunset I am reminded to continue to journey courageously and boldly this journey of life.

These are just a few “bests” for me so far. There are many that I’ve experienced and haven’t shared, and I know there will be many more to come. May we each remember to embrace and rejoice in the “bests” in our life.