Embrace the Moment

This post is long overdue, as it's been awhile since much of an update has been posted. To be honest, that is ok with me because I really try to limit internet as much as possible, so blog updates kind of get put on the bottom of the list.

I'm not going to pretend that being here in South Africa, thousands of miles away from home, is always easy. In fact, some days it's quite difficult. Most days are great, but there are those times that I just want to be back in Iowa and see my family, ride horses in the lovely autumn sunshine, or go out for coffee with a friend. But through those times God has been reminding me to embrace the moment. To embrace this time He has given to me to go deeper in my relationship with Him and to experience all that He has for me. Here in South Africa God is giving me the amazing chance to step away from the normal routine of life and simply focus on learning more about who He is and who He created me to be. And when I think about it that way, I wouldn't want to trade this experience for anything! Yes, there are still going to be difficult days but that's all a part of the learning process. But in those moments I choose to embrace this time and rely on the strength that God gives.

The classes have been phenomenal and the amount of information is almost overwhelming (in a good way). I'm taking a ton of notes, and I have a feeling that I'll be processing all of this for quite some time. I'm so thankful for the reminder that I don't have to digest it all in these 5 months, because I'm starting to think that would be impossible! Learning is a process, so I'm asking God to show me what areas He want to focus on right now. Over the past couple of weeks we have discussed Cross-Cultural Principals and Relationships, and this week we are focusing on Transformation and Unity. I feel like it is the perfect time to be discussing this because my heart is so ready for it. God has brought me to a place where I truly desire transformation and to have God change me at the very core of my heart. It has been so good to look back over the past 5 weeks of classes and ask God what areas He wants to take from head knowledge to heart transformation.

Who would have thought that a little handbook could be so eye opening in how to relate to other cultures? Our current book reading assignment is a book called "Foreign to Familiar" by Sarah Lanier, and in it the author discuss the differences among "hot-climate" and "cold-climate" cultures. There were several "ah-ha!" moments as I read it, because I can clearly see those differences among this DTS, as we come from so many locations. It really helped me to get a better perspective of why different cultures do things a certain way, and it was quite helpful for preparing me for other cultures that I will come in contact through throughout my life. So if you are going to be doing some international travelling, you may find this little book useful :)

We were able to go to Dwaleni again this week to help out at the feeding program, and during this time God reminded me of the meaning of compassion. Compassion is not about doing "acts of kindness" out of pity towards others, it's about being SO full of God's love that it just naturally pours out of who we are and what we do. It's not just seen in those big things like building a home for a family in need or feeding 400 kids every day...many times it's shown through simple things like a child a hug when they need it or giving someone a word of encouragement.

I also have several prayer requests in connection with out outreach that I would like to share with you. I just found out that I may have an issue with my passport when we go to Uganda, as entrance to the country requires at least 6 months of validity on your passport, which I do not currently have. Another girl has the same problem, so please be praying that God would give us wisdom about what to do, and if needed, that He would provide for us to get new passports in time to go to Uganda. I fully trust that HE WILL PROVIDE A WAY, and I would greatly appreciate if you would join me in prayer as I trust in God to show up in an amazing way!
The other prayer request is that all of the students would see God provide for their financial needs. I am so blessed to have all of my support raised, but there are still several of my team members who have significant amounts of funds that they need for outreach. Please join us as we trust in God to provide in amazing ways. I can't wait to see how He will work!

We are down to about 6 weeks until we leave for Swaziland, so preparation for outreach is beginning to pick up. God has not only been working in each of us individually, but He is also working in us as a team. The topic of transformation has generated a lot of discussion this week, and it's getting to the point where we are having the chance to get very real and transparent with each other. It is so neat to see how God is bringing unity, and I trust that He will continue to bring us closer!

GOD IS GOOD, and I'm blown away at all He is doing. We serve an amazing God!

As one last little side note...I love to receive "snail mail"! If you'd like to send me a letter, my mailing address can be found on the sidebar to the right --->

I love this beautiful view! I can see it partially from where we eat our meals, and to get a better view I just have to take a short walk to the edge of the property.

Sundays seem to be the coldest and rainiest days of the week, so one Sunday we got to mop the floor of the church due to a large puddle of rain water that had accumulated there. Not quite the normal way to kick of a Sunday, but it certainly is a memorable way!

Finally, a picture of ALL of the DTS girls in one place! Love 'em SO MUCH!

When serving food for in the kitchen at Dwaleni, be prepared for lots of singing and dancing!

Me and one of the other DTS girls made chocolate chip cookies for a movie night that we had, and they turned out delicious (and they had disappeared by the end of the movie). We do things a bit differently in the kitchen here...like how we keep the oven door shut. Who knew that there were so many uses for full water containers and wooden spoons?

My new favorite way to ride to church on a hot and humid day...

Having a fun time at a dress-up birthday party that was held for a couple of people here on the base. Feather scarves, mustaches, and sunglasses...quite complete, don't you think?!?