Friday 7-24-09

This week was a great first week back at school! After slowly getting back into the swing of things, on Tuesday, I met with the principal about my responsibilities for the next two weeks. Since the time frame is shorter than planned, he decided I should teach different classes when needed, teach PE to the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten everyday, teach random PE to other classes when needed, and help coach the track runners for their competition in Pongola next Friday.

For most of the week I followed the second grade teacher around, Elma Bradenhorst. Swazi is actually in that class, so she had an extra set of eyes on her. I kind of feel like she is my kid, so whenever she would get called down, I shot her a look. haha! Although, she doesn't go by Swazi at school. Her real name is Bongeka, so I am constantly catching myself when I have to call her name in class. I really enjoyed working closely with Elma. She is a wonderful, loving, gentle, caring, and insightful teacher. It is amazing how she can do bible school and bible lessons with the children every day. That is something we cannot easily do in school at home. Not to mention she has the best set up with only 17 children in her class. Those children really do love the Lord! You should hear them pray- and they are only 8-10 years old! I got to teach a couple of lessons with them this week and Swazi and I ended up teaching her class "Shackles." Swazi also decided to teach them "God is so good." Working with the children this week really made me miss my students back at home. I am so excited to start back school! I also took the second graders out for some PE activities and we played Hospital Tag, Red Light- Green Light, and did some relays. They loved it!

Working with the Pre-K has been going pretty good as well. I have them for a little over half an hour each day and we have been working on locomotor skills, social interactions, and playing games. All of the games I have introduced are brand new to them, so it has been fun watching them enjoy the games. However, it does take them quite a while longer to catch on. I played a game called "Animal Tag" where one team tries to guess what animal the other team is acting out. When they guess correctly, the guessing team chases the acting team to the other end of the field. I love playing this game with my students at home. My animal idea box had quite a different make-up than my list that I usually use. Here, I got to give them animals to act out like giraffes, zebras, elephants, and lions.

On Wednesday, I got to teach a class the principal usually teaches; Religious Studies, grade 7. He told me they were on the topic of relationships, but they had only covered family relationships. He kind of insinuated he wanted me to hit on "those" kinds of relationships, but not in the serious way of boyfriend-girlfriend. I ended talking about all relationships- those with the opposite sex and those with close friends. It was mainly just about them surrounding themselves with the right people; those who are positive influences. I really had such a good time with them! At the end I was trying to pull a discussion out of them. I told them I must have been boring. They kept saying, "No Miss! No Miss!" haha. I think it was probably an awkward conversation. Noxolo was in that class and at one point they were picking at her about a boy in the class, Lindo, who is like the typical popular, smooth-talking machine. Cute as can be though. I keep telling her she better not be boy crazy or I will get her. After we talked, I had brought my guitar, so we sang some songs together. I knew they knew, "Lean on Me" because I had heard them singing it in choir. We ended singing lots of songs together, and man, I just had a blast with them. I love that age.

Later on in the day on Wednesday, I ended up teaching an Afrikaan class. No, sorry to disappoint, but I did not speak in Afrikaan. Thankfully they understand English! It was a life skills class and only had about 7 students. I got to speak on road and driving safety. Let us not question at whether I was qualified to teach on that subject especially under the circumstances that we drive on the complete opposite side of the road! haha. No, it went great as well and they were very insightful. It was different, because all the students were white! It is amazing how that seemed like such a change to me. I guess I will be in shock again when I go back to school at home in a couple of weeks.

All summer long, I have been enjoying the fact that I have no vehicle (with the exception of Jordan's vehicle) to drive around and be lazy (it is the same feeling with having no cell phone). After school, I will go and walk around town or either run if I am exercising. Most of the time, I will run inside the school grounds around the field. Anyways, I was walking after school Wednesday and met Lucky (cool name, huh?) walking on the road. He works at the hotel and I met him and his brother, Sidah, through Jordan. They are super nice guys and coach the boys soccer team that Jordan got jerseys for. They have their first game Saturday. Lucky and I ended up walking to Jordan's house and one of his friends came over from the hotel. We all just hung out, talked, and they grilled out. It was nice just to have a different conversation. Lucky and Jordan ended up having a rapping battle. Talk about interesting. I think Jordan had an unfair advantage because his English came easier, obviously. It was hilarious!

Yesterday, I got to start helping coach the Athletics which consists of the sprinters, long-distance runners, long jumpers, high jumpers, and pole-vaulters. I helped with race starts with the sprinters. Sadly, I think I introduced most of them to the idea of stretching and warming up. We did some famous Larry Honeycutt agilities. The English teacher I followed before the Holiday also helped. She actually was very knowledgeable. I found out her husband had been a South African sprinting champion back in the day. No wonder!!! Anyways, I will get to go with them to Pongola next Friday for their Athletic competition.

Today was another awesome day! I traveled with the school's singing choir to a big competition with surrounding rural Zulu schools. It was held in Mtubatuba. I knew it was going to be a great experience, but I tell you, I have never heard so many beautiful voices......coming from children! They have the moves as well. The competition had all these different categories (including a category where females "model" without tops on- cultural thing). Anyways, the category we were in was called Afro without instrument. All they had were their voices and percussion from their feet. There was also a spiritual singing, gospel, creative poetry, all male choir, and afro with an instrument category. Some of the outfits were so cool. They were the traditional Zulu outfits. If you could hear how low some of those boys sing! Unbelievable! I am not sure what place the choir got because we left before the results. I was so proud of them, though.

Tomorrow, the boys' soccer team plays in the morning at 9. I have been hounding them about when they are going to play for awhile. I am excited I finally get to watch! Forman will also be coming back from Durban and I am pretty sure we will have revival again tomorrow night. I can hardly believe I only have a week and a half left! Insane! I will get some pictures from the competition today on here soon. :)

7-19-09 Continued

I know I have already posted a blog earlier this morning, but more exciting things have happened since then that I felt like I needed to write yet again.

I am not sure if I mentioned that we had Revival last night up at the church, but we went up there last night for a couple of hours and had a nice, relatively short (in Zulu time) service. Forman delivered the message for everyone and I think it was a great challenge to us all. One thing I love about his messages is that he engrains the idea that it isn't all about us. It is all about others.

This morning, we got up to the church around 12:30 and everyone was pretty much already there. The kids and I practiced the dance really quickly, but they really didn't need it because they all pretty much remembered it. They finally got to perform it in church today and I was just so proud. They did so well! Hopefully soon, I can get the video of them doing it on here so everyone can check it out. Let me tell you that today was the longest church service yet. We got home around 4:30 and the sun has pretty much started to set on me. I feel like I just woke up! I was SO hungry when I got back that Forman and I made a burger run. haha. Anyways, today in church the kids did their dance and I got the chance to brag on the children a bit about how proud everyone should be of them. It is kind of a cultural thing for adults to not really involved in children's activities and developmental ideas. Kids/teenagers are not taken as seriously as they should be. Let's just say that there isn't near enough time put in on working with the rural children in churches and communities. So, I was just so excited that I could tell the church how impressive those kids were and just how hard they worked on their dance. Also, I wanted them to realize that those kids could have done a number of things on their holiday break from school, but they decided to come to Bible School and worship God. That is awesome.

Another great thing that happened this morning was that the plumber for Jabulani's house gave his life to Christ this morning in church. He is only 22 and unbelievably talented. Jordan said he does a better job than many work jobs done back at home. Not to mention he is a super nice guy. We were all happy to see him come up today. Another girl visiting the church also came up when Forman gave the invitation.

Pakamile (a girl who has TB and had spent time in Fikile and Jabulani's clinic) was at church today. She looked so sick and coughed a good bit of the service. She had been staying in the clinic where Fikile and Zenhle had been taking care of her. Apparently, there was an issue involving the trifling mother and now Pakamile is back at home when she really needs to be at the clinic. I am not sure if I wrote about it one night, but when the group from Mission was up, we all went over to Jabulani's one night for a Zulu dinner and bonfire. Pakamile was staying at the clinic then and we brought her outside to sit in front of the fire. I am not sure how to describe it, but we were all standing there singing and praying, etc. when I got the strangest urge to just touch her. It was the weirdest thing, but somehow I felt like if I could touch her, I might heal her. I am sure that sounds crazy and believe me, I did not really know what to do. So I kind of bit back the urge for awhile, but the next thing I knew, Jabulani asked everyone to lay hands on Pakamile and pray for her right then. Then I knew I couldn't refrain any longer and God was saying, "Well fine then, if you won't do it yourself, I will make everyone do it." As we laid hands on her, I just touched her leg and wept because I was so overwhelmed by the longing to heal all of her sickness. So today at church, Jabulani called her again to the front of the church where some of the elders, Forman, and I came up to lay hands on her. She just sat there coughing and weeping. I had my hand on her shoulder and I promise I could feel every bone in her shoulder; she was frightfully skinny. I know her time is limited, but again I felt the urge to want to heal her. This time, the entire church joined in and everyone was simultaneously praying for her healing. I cannot say whether she will be physically healed, but I sure want it for her. I also just hope she received some comfort and peace in those moments this morning. I can't begin to imagine what her life must be like and the things she must go through at such a young age. I really hope she comes back to stay at the clinic.

That is one of the things I forget about when I am over here. The horrible and truthful reality of disease and sickness. It is so easy to forget with all the surrounding happiness, but today was an instant reminder of the struggles that do go on here. If you are reading this, will you please just say a quick prayer for Pakamile? Doesn't having to be anything extensive, I just want to believe in that prayer truly does have power. I know it does. Thank you for that! :-)

Well, again, I begin back school tomorrow. I am excited that I got a chance to know the children more of the church community, but I am also excited that I will be able to get to know the kids from school a little more over the next couple of weeks. I am curious to see what the Principal has in store for me. I still am not sure what he will have me doing. The suspense may make for an interesting week. I hope you will have a great week yourself, for those reading. Thank you for just taking time to care. Gosh, it just means so much to me and I cannot express my appreciativeness. Cheers from S.A!!!!

Sunday 7-19-09

It is Sunday morning here in Hluhluwe and we will be leaving for church shortly, but I thought I would go ahead and update things a little. The kids from Bible School and I will finally get to perform the "Shackles" dance today; which makes me uncontrollably excited!

Bridgette came down this past week and spent about 4 days with us. I hated to see her go on Friday because it was just so great having her to talk to about everything to. We worked on updating her resume because she is trying to get a job here at the Hluhluwe Hotel. Hopefully she can move here in the next month or two. They'd be crazy not to take her as intelligent and well put together as she is. I've learned that those very qualities that someone at home would be eagerly looking for in a possible job contestant are things that discourage employers from hiring here because of intimidation and the fact they would have to pay them more for being over-qualified. Ridiculous. Both Bridgette and I talked about where we see ourselves going, but I think between the both of us, we have fears of missing opportunities and the fact that time flies by so fast that we are afraid we will run out of time to accomplish what we desire. As silly as it sounds, we both talked about how it stinks growing up and she (at 26) calls herself old. Ha! That is just how ambitious she is, feeling like she is almost too late for success. I think we are just similar in feeling like time flies like sand in an hour glass and we are so up in arms about not missing one single chance to fulfill the things in life we've always dreamed about. I think we both came to the conclusion, though, that it is never too late for anything.

Strangely, after we had sat outside talking about those worries, Jordan had drove to Durban that day to pick up Forman and he came back with a DVD of a message from Francis Chan on worry and anxiousness. We watched it together and I thought, "Wow, what a depressing way I look at things sometimes." The verse he used was Phillipians 4:4-

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.

I was so glad I heard his words because it just immediately made me realize I should change my perspective on the way I pursue my own life and just go about my dad. I shouldn't worry! I should have excitement about living about respond to situations appropriately (as the chapter goes on to say). About anything. And I know it seems so unrealistic in the eyes of a normal person, but what Pastor Chan goes on to say about the criticism of this idea is that we need to get a grip on reality and that our time here is short and this is not our actual Home. What is there to worry about when all this is temporary anyway? God will listen to our prayers but we should pray using thanks! Maybe this doesn't make sense to you, I just have really been focusing on waking up and saying, "I want be positive today and just have joy that is from God." I think that ultimately will have an effect on people.

One day this past week, we all went up to Ana's house (the lady the mission group decided to build a house for and the lady who has an alternate site for Jabulani's church). Jordan was trying to get the measurements for the house and Bridgette and I just spent time laughing and joking with Ana and her girls. Needless to say, that was definitely a female talk, but had us rolling laughing. I just so enjoy times like those.

Yesterday, I had another one of those opportunities when Forman first got here. Forman, Jabulani and I just sat around for a couple of hours talking about different aspects of the bible and Christian life and how it all relates to each other. Well, mostly it was Jabulani and Forman who discussed things, but I just enjoyed being a sponge and taking it all in. I have found that it is better for me to be like that over here because what a great learning experience it has all been for me. I know I still hold very little knowledge about it all, but I know I have grown in my faith for sure since I have been here. I just enjoy listening and soaking up every bit of understanding about coming closer to Him. I keep on learning, keep on growing.

This week has just been a nice end to my holiday. I begin school back tomorrow at the Primary School. Time sure does fly here.

Well, I will update this more after church, but I am off!

July 7, 2009

Have you ever been to a place that was so surprisingly fascinating to you, that you felt like you yourself made the discovery that this place existed in the world and no one else had a clue it was there? Well that place for me was Mozambique. I had my own ideas about what it might be like, but the reality of it was no where close to my images. SO cool!!!! Ok, so as soon as we passed the border, I noticed right away there were no roads. Well, there were roads... that were made of sand. Thick, get-stuck sand. Only 4x4 vehicles venture into Mozambique (unless you are nuts and think you will make it with anything else). Only sand roads take you to places in Moz. You say, where is the main road? Well, you happen to be on it bumping along, fish-tailing and what not, all the while wondering where the heck you are going- there are no signs. That place was a dirt-biker/off-road junkie's dream. 

We went to stay with Nic and his wife, Claire, and their two sons, Chris and Tim. I had such a relaxing and peaceful time with them all! Not to mention, we had a blast on the beach and just had such enjoyable conversations. They have a great place right on the beach and for some reason, whenever I sit in front of an ocean, it is an immediate reaction for me to greet God. Just imagine an African ocean! They live in a little town called Pontaduoro, and is such an awesome little place. Turns out, it is quite a vacation place for some people. I also found out when I got there, that it is a Portuguese-speaking country. How crazy to see signs that resemble Spanish in Africa! Anyways, the town had some neat little restaurants, shops, and houses. The architecture of houses was amazing because of the Portuguese influence. Unlike SA, it was completely safe for us to walk down the roads at night and not have to worry about a thing. Yesterday, we went to visit an orphanage ran by a lady named Annette, which was about 30 minutes away. There we got some awesome Christmas cards and saw what her orphanage was about. People like that truly amaze me and how loyal they are to God's calling. She gives her life for these children, and I imagine rarely has time for just herself. I just got the feel, in the short time we were there, that she was extremely gentle, but had a great and fun-loving personality. 

I was so lucky to get to spend some time on the beach and experience the beautiful surroundings of mountains, oceans, and a lovely blend of culture all in one place. I realized that I could totally live in a place like that! The easy going, free-flowing attitudes of the people make me smile. 

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until next Sunday before the kids get to do their Shackles dance. Jabulani decided to meet with the church today about a serious situation that has been taking place here recently. The reality of things is, it isn't always roses. It always isn't hands raised-hugging-people coming to Christ-people sharing God's love-situations. There are bad things that take place here as well. It is important for us to see that though. That is life- Africa, America, or wherever; we will always experience adversity in some form or fashion. So, before we left Nic's we had a nice little worship service at his house. Now I feel so rejuvenated and just clean-feeling! Not the kind of clean feeling a shower can give you, though! :-) 

Well, Bridgette is coming to Hluhluwe tomorrow and I am SOOOOO excited to see her! I have missed her a lot since we parted ways in Durban along with the Mission church group. She is one of those people who can put a smile on your face without even saying anything to you, necessarily. I think she must have one of those infectious personalities. I am pretty sure she is one of easiest people to converse with as well. She is just lovely. Well, I am off to bed. Those Mozambiquan waves have lulled me into a lazy/tired feeling mood. Til' next time! 

Wednesday- July 8, 2009

So, I am excited to tell you about this week! We started Bible School at Jabulani's church this past Monday and today was our third day. It is supposed to start every morning at 8 and go to about 12 or 1, but let's face it: We are in South Africa and they have their own idea about time. So if you say, "Let's start at 8," it translates (psychologically) as 9ish. I love that they flow that way though. It is like, hey! We will get there when we get there! So anyways, we are focusing on that ANYTHING is possible as long as we have God on our side. Today was my favorite day so far, though. I took the verse Phillipians 4:13 and focused on "strength." I read the story that Jesus told about the two men who built houses; one built his on rock, they other built his on shifting sand. I love that story because it beautifully symbolizes our relationship with God and how we make it through good and bad times. If we build our foundations on Him, even when things get tough, we can withstand the storms, because we are strong in Him. I also love the way a rock symbolizes strength. When I think about setting my mind to something, or making something possible, I just always think of being strong. So, for our arts and craft, we all went and found a rock outside and they decorated it with paint. You know you, I definitely have never possessed the gift of public speaking and it mostly terrifies me. Especially from a preaching type stand point. But, it was amazing to feel the words flowing from my mouth today when I was speaking to those kids. It was like, I was so sure in my heart about things, that I didn't have to think twice about what to say. It was a refreshing feeling!

One of my favorite aspects about Bible School is that I have been teaching the older children a dance to the song "Shackles" by Mary Mary. The song basically says that God takes the shackles off our feet and hands so we can dance. I talked to Ronny briefly today about it. We sing that song at Mission and it is a very soulful song. At home, it would be quite a sight for us to literally dance to that song. Ronny asked me if he should dance to it next time they sing it? I told him that he should (even though it might taint his reputation a bit). It doesn't make much since that we are singing a song about how we want to dance, but we are not dancing at all. Anyways, the kids dance to the chorus, then during the verses, they are acting out the words. I am so excited about it because they are going to get to do it this Sunday. Man, I wish I could post the video of it on here! haha. It is awesome! If you get a chance, look up the song, "Shackles" on YouTube. You will totally want to dance to it.

I am continuously in awe at how those kids just let me come in and they accept me. What did I do to deserve their attention and affection? I think they are starting to get used to me a little more. Bless their hearts, you should have seen their blank stares and deer-in-the-headlights looks at first. They were SO shy. I told myself, the goofier I act, the better things will get for us. Well, you know, being goofy is like second nature to me. Playing games always helps as well. Today, I discovered they have all these neat little sing-song type games where they all stand in a circle. They did all of them for me today where they are saying/singing a clever phrase and clapping while the person in the middle has to go and pass it on to someone in the circle. They had about 10 different songs. One of them consisted of the person in the middle going up to another and saying/singing, "I love you, S0 & So, but the problem with you is _______." They are so clever! It amazes me all the fun they easily create for themselves.

Another amazing thing is how their voices quickly fill the entire church. Like there isn't a single inch on the wall that doesn't get touched by the music. Jordan suggested the simple song, "God is so good." One would think, what a song that lacks. You would quickly change your mind after hearing them sing it. It completely changed my feelings about the "child" song. How they bring it to life!

Another thing I want to say is how often I am reminded of my own insufficient ability to always do things that are pleasing to God. We fail others, we fail ourselves, yet we are continuously awarded second chances by the one who gave us the ULTIMATE chance of a lifetime in exchange for His son's life. I just want to say how truly thankful I am that I am allowed to be here in this place feeling more love than I deserve to feel. Even when I feel like running away in the opposite direction, He is quick to bring me back. Kind of reminds me of all the goats that roam around here. If you drove down any Hluhluwe road, you would know what I am talking about. Even though they wander and wander, somehow they always find their way back home. I promise it is almost impossible to be far away from God in this place! I think it is because there aren't many places that don't feel like home to me. Goodnight!

July 3, 2009

It has been awhile since I last wrote, but honestly, I just now got a breather to write. We drove the team to the airport on Wednesday, and then, Patty and Terry just left today. Time is really flying here because I can hardly believe everyone has already came and gone. It is going to be weird for awhile with everyone gone. I think things will change pretty quickly and maybe I can get into that South African routine. I am looking forward to spending more alone time with God and getting to know him better. With the group here, we went on a game drive, saw some wild animals, went to Manguzi to visit Joel's church, went to Tugutugu for an awesome church service, went to St. Lucia and saw crocs, hippos, and the beach, and had a couple of bonfires and great Zulu cooking. I think everyone had a great time. It was hard to see them go. Last night the four of us went to Jabulani's for Patty and Terry's last night here. We had so much fun I can hardly believe I was sitting in S.A. around a bonfire with a bunch of Zulu people and not thinking a thing about it. I am starting to do that a lot. Even riding down the road, it will just hit me: Oh yeah, I am in Africa. Fikile and Zenhle cooked for us. It was amazing as always. The traditional zulu dinner consists of steak, boarwors (which is like pork sausage links), putu (which is maize mill or really fine corn, but it looks like mashed potatoes), spinach greens, vegetable dressing to go over the putu, rice, and sweet potatoes. I tell you I am eating good over here and I might come back thicker than expected! :-) Later after dinner, Fikile called Patty into her room and uncovered a surprise. Fikile had had some women make Patty a traditional Zulu outfit and Patty had to dress up in it. That was absolutely hilarious. I told her to wear it on the plane and she suggested it might take her to first class. She did look pretty important, but maybe not to the average person. So after she dressed up, we all came out dancing and singing a song that says, "Teach me, Father" in Zulu. That is one of the only ones I can sing the words to. haha. 

Also last night, Fikile gave me my Zulu name. She calls me, "Thandeka," which means, "Lovely." I am so completely undeserving of that name. I told Fikile that should be her name. Also, we sat and looked at all the pictures on Terry's computer. There were so many awfully goofy pictures of me I told Fikile she would really be wanting to change my name by now! 

Today, Jordan and I are riding to Richard's Bay to pick up some things for Bible School and a cabinet or bed for the clinic. We are still all in awe of Nelesiwe's recovery. What a beautiful girl she is- that goes inside and out and all the way around. Her smile lights up the room like a candle. I already fell a bond between so many of the people here. Wow God works fast. I can only pray I can have event the smallest impact here. The people here and their beauty force me to look at my own self in the mirror and say, "Am I real?" Meaning, do I have real depth inside? I am so eager to learn here because I know learning about the people here will surely teach me things about myself. It already has, but I have far to go. I need to start planning for Bible School, which starts Monday. There will be so many kids! I think I would like to make the theme the verse Matthew 19:26 which says, "...with God all things are possible." I love to think of that in my own life too. For example, here. I could not make this possible. God was the one who made it work out. Well, I am surely going to miss Patty and Terry, but I am excited to let God grad hold of me and move me where He wants me. The "what" is what I am unsure of, but like everything He does, his love is eventually unveiled.

June 25, 2009

As tired as I am, it would be ridiculously crazy for me to go to bed and not write about some of the amazing things God has done here tonight. Today was the big end to the Winter Sports day at school and it was an all day event. I did pretty well in Netbal, just because it is so close to basketball. I failed miserably at soccer (surprised?). I had tons of fun even though the day was long. Tonight's story, however was the ultimate highlight of the trip so far and maybe will remain that way. We (I went with the mission team) went to Bonga's mother, Anacleta, house for a nice traditional Zulu dinner. When we arrived, some of the ladies were outside the house already singing and welcoming us. As we parked, a big group of guys were standing on the side of the road. So some how or another, they ended up walking up to where we were and before you knew it, they were singing songs with us. Well, we were kind of going back and forth because we were trying to think of songs they might know. They would sing a Zulu song, we would sing an English one. They have the most amazing voices and can sing so low! So, this lasted awhile, us all singing. That was only the beginning, though. They began to dance for us as well doing the traditional high leg kick dance. How they do that without pulling muscles and keeping their head from getting hit is beyond me! Jabulani came over to talk to them and come to find out, they were in a group that competes in dancing competitions. We ended up raising some money for them to buy their uniforms for their dance. Anyways, after they danced for us for a couple of hours, I look around, and there is at least 65-70 people there. I thought, "Wow!" Jabulani then started to speak to everyone about God's presence being so great there. Ronny also spoke and it kind of turned into this amazing, unexpected service. Fikile was there to lead us in song. I know I could pick her voice out anywhere. It is so beautiful and carries so smoothly. One boy that was one of the leaders in that group of guys then came forward as Terry was about to pray and found Christ right then. That's when it hit me. Seeing and hearing that boy and feeling the pulsing reality of things. I remember looking around and thinking, "Is this REALLY happening, now?" 9 more boys including Spia, our driver who helps transport people to church and is so sweet and shy, also came forward. Jordan couldn't believe it. God was so real tonight I think I could almost touch him. All that fancy surface nonsense like Ronny preached in his "Losing My Religion" series, such as unneeded structure, organization, and additional frivolous elements, were completely stripped away. What we had there were straight, raw professions of faith and the knowledge that this was what it was like to really come face to face with God. Again tonight touched me in a way that let me know I should be here in this place. These people may not be monetarily rich, but they are so wealthy in terms of true happiness and love. I would love to keep taking those doses myself because I know it is God who is doing the feeding. AMAZING! What a night.

June 22, 2009

Today was one of those nice, laid-back days, despite the fact that it was Monday. The team from Mission are in DC now about to board the plane to come here. I am going with Jordan to pick them up tomorrow in Durban. For the first period today, the 6th grade asked me questions about America, myself, etc. Some of their questions were so funny it made me think they look at us like aliens/cave men/nomad wanderers. I guess we are guilty of the same things! They had their cross country day and all the kids were timed in either 2, 3, or 4 kilometer runs. Some of them are so stinkin' fast! I guess they inspired me because later I went and ran myself for 30 minutes. It felt good to exercise again and just run. I can easily enjoy the scenery and the weather is just about perfect for running. I had another short grocery shopping experience. That place is different. I feel it is more like a market than a grocery store. Patty fixed some amazing spaghetti tonight and it made me miss food at home. For example, Mi Cocina's chips and salsa, What-A-Burger's cherry lemon sundrops and crinkle fries, Carabba's lasagna, Little Tokoyo's Hibachi chicken, and On the Border's grilled enchiladas. Ok, I should stop there! haha. I wouldn't trade anything here for something at home. I love the experience, love the authenticity of everything. I should also say it is nice just to kind of fall of the face of the earth for awhile and just blend in with the people here. Well, obviously I can't physically blend in because I am so white I stick out like a sore thumb, but I mean figuratively speaking. To live it. 

When I arrived back at the hostel tonight I was invited to a birthday party in the kitchen. It was for a girl named Felicia. It was cool time to spend with some of the kids getting to know them and giving them a chance to just ask me questions. I brought my laptop down there so there would be some music. It was so sweet for her to save me a place at her birthday table with a big piece of cake. I really enjoyed tonight just being in a laid back setting with them. They keep asking me if I've met any celebrities!  I swear they think we all live together in one little town. Like I can go knock on Obama's door and ask him for some sugar. Haha! Some of them probably think I am from Outer Space. Sometimes I think I am myself, though. I just pray I can help and make some sort of little difference here. What a great opportunity that has been laid here before me!

June 21, 2009

I need to begin writing what happens every night or I may forget every awesome thing that has happened. I don't want to even let one event slip through and be forgotten! Well, two mornings after I arrived here, I overslept by accident due to the earplugs I decided to wear. Yep, I wok up at 8 and was supposed to be there at 7:15. Those things work good! haha! Thankfully, it wasn't that big of a deal to the teachers, who blamed it on jet lag. What a great impression I made on my second day. I am starting to get to know all the teachers and students a little more. I have been shadowing the English teacher from class to class and she is awesome. She has the best sarcastic, witty, and fun sense of humor and she is extremely intelligent. I really like her a lot, probably because she reminds me so much of my mom. I think they would definitely get along well. I went home with Elaine and petted and fed her pet rhino. Her family is extremely nice and inviting. Everyone around here is so into Rugby and Cricket it is crazy. I am trying to learn more but I feel so unknowledgeable and left out. As big of a sports fan as I am, I feel like someone who has no clue about sports here. I think I am going to referee Netbal next week during there sports week, so I studied the rules over the weekend. 

Friday after school, Swazi and I got picked up and went with Jordan, Patty, and Terry. I have so enjoyed getting to know Patty and Terry more. Firstly, Terry spoils me all the time, and Patty is constantly making me laugh. Secondly, Terry is so easy to talk to and Patty can about talk to anyone and have just a natural and refreshing conversation. I might feel lost when they are gone. 

Yesterday, all of us and Swazi drove a couple of hours to a place called Manguzi. I bought a hilarious African-looking dress. It actually kind of looks like I am a stay at home mother from the 1950's when I put it on. They bough Mbali and her family groceries and we visited with her awhile. She says she wants to be a teacher. It is amazing to hear her speak English with knowing that she only learned in the last year. Wow. What is my excuse for not knowing another language? None, I guess. Next, we rode WAY out in the bush to where a new church was being built by a monstrosity of a man named Joel. There we met Nic and his family who has been a missionary/game reserve supervisor in South Africa all his life.  We also met another mission team from North Carolina, go figure. I tell you if we aren't half-way around the world and I met a girl who went to South Stanly High School. She now teachers at New London. Small world, isn't it? That night all of us; Patty, Terry, Jordan, Jabulani, Fikile, Swazi, Nixolo, Nocebo and I went to the hotel and ate. It was so good! Afterwards we jumped on a trampoline with the girls. I don't think they had ever jumped on one before because every time I tried to bounce them high, they would go on knee lock-down. haha. I also learned a traditional Zulu dance and boy was that a sight. I found out the significance of that short lesson later when I had to get up in front of everyone and do it with all those half-naked boys and their traditional clothes on. It was quite an experience! 

This morning I experienced my first Zulu church service. It was a pretty long drive down a bumpy dirt road to the church. It didn't seem like it, but it lasted around 3 hours. I don't think I could take one of our church services at home for that long, but here it just seems to fill all the empty spaces in your mind and settle with you. They sings so beautifully it gives me chills, or "chicken skin," as Jabulani calls it. We had to get up in front of everyone and introduce ourselves and give a little speech. You always have to be ready to give an improv speech with Jabulani. One boy joined the church and renewed his relationship with Christ and they all just started dancing! At events like those, you really have to ask yourself, "Do I really have any rhythm?" It was pretty amazing. Apparently, I am not going home according to Jabulani. It is so easy to love the children here. Oh yes, also! Today, I saw Nelesiwe for the first time and I could hardly believe my eyes. She looks great and could hardly imagine her in her near-death state. What a lovely personality she has! No one can come here and know what has happened and say God isn't real. He is truly everywhere and I am just so glad he brought me here.

Wednesday- June 17, 2009

Well, I finally made it here. I am sitting here in the Hluhluwe Primary School's hostel gearing up for my first night in my new room. It is actually quite nice with a good view and lots of room. We flew out of Charlotte on Saturday, but did not make it to S.A. until Monday. We stayed in Durban Monday night then didn't drive up to Hluhluwe until yesterday evening. We came to the school this morning and I met Jabulani for the first time last night! He is such an energetic, positive, and up lifting person. It is impossible not to wear a constant smile when he is speaking to you. A new house is being built for him and it is big- which he deserves after he gives about 80% of his money away. So, at the school today, I met most of the teachers and principal. It's a little out of my comfort zone right now just because I am not completely oriented yet. I just need to get to tknow everyone a little more. One of the teachers Elaine, invited me to her house after school tomorrow. She apparently has a pet rhino? Ummm, ok! Haha! I can't wait to see that. All the kids are so sweet and have beautiful smiles, just as I knew they would. I met Swazi, Jabulani's daughter. She is so cute! Well, I am sure the days will get far more exciting from here on! Hambe kahle!