Three days back

I've to say that its been hard trying to adjust to what used to be familiarity. But I see things in a new perspective. My life isn't about me anymore. Some of the scales on my eyes have been removed since coming back from South Africa. There are lots of things that I am still processing, trying to figure out what it all meant.

I know the last day, saying goodbye to everyone was so difficult. I told one of my cultural mentors I would cry my eyes out. I did. I kept hugging everyone trying to get the last bits of them before I could never see them or hug them again. This was the most bitter part of it all. Saying goodbye.

But God is good. He really is good. And one day, I will return.

I had to take four flights just to get home. By the last one I just wanted to be out of the airplane. It was so weird coming home to winter. It was beautiful in Ontario. When I saw the mountains I felt like I was home.

Everyone was so happy to have me back. It felt good to have everyone say so. And now I am trying to figure out what to do with myself now that I don't have class or some excursion to go on.

I think I will just rest and think.

Last days

Its incredible how three months turn into two days. I have fully enjoyed all that has happened here in South Africa. I have learned so much and been stretched in different ways. I am extremely blessed to spend my last days in Cape Town. God is moving here in this country more than I ever knew. The people here incredible. I have seen the lives of some that look as though they have no hope, yet they have more hope and faith than me. These last two days will be hard. They will be bitter sweet. I feel like more bitter than sweet. I am happy to come home, but I know that I will never be here in South Africa with 28 good friends doing the same thing.

God has blessed me and taught me things beyond my socks here and I want to bring those blessings and what I learned back home.

10 days

are left here in South Africa. I don't really want to leave. I miss home and every one, but there is something about this country, its people, and its history that just capture my attention. These pass 8 days have been wonderful. I was able to visit Cape Town and sight see a bit. Then we've had class twice a week, which has been so informative on the culture here in Cape Town. I am starting to understand the effects of Apartheid now. Seeing how it has effected the mindsets of all the peoples- whites, blacks coloureds, and Indians. It was a dark and sadistic time in human history, but there is so much hope for this beautiful country.

My time here has been extraordinary. We have cultural mentors while being in Cape Town, and they are the funkiest people ever. Mine is Liezl, she is wonderful! She's tiny and sweet. She is engaged to my Student Life Coordinator- Reagen. They are so awesome together. But the rest of the guys are so different in their own ways.

This past weekend I was able to stay at a family's house with another student. It was very interesting to live for a few days in a coloured community that is economically disadvantaged. One thing I found out is when the government was under the Apartheid regime, there were forced removals of people. They would take the people living on the coast and move them to the other side of town and put them into government development homes. People were taken from their homes and moved because of their skin color. They had no choice because the government was behind it all. It has been heart breaking just thinking about it all. I really don't know how much hurt would come from it all if I was in that position.

This week is going to be great. For chapel I will be speaking on Salt and Light. I am nervous because I've not really preached, I guess. I like doing it smaller setting rather than just speaking out to the crowd. But it will be good, hopefully!

Then we go to an famous prison that Nelson Mandela was in and on saturday I will climb Table Mountain!!

Along the Garden

So this last portion of the trip has come. The next few weeks I will continue with my History and Culture of South Africa course in Cape Town. Friday morning was the last day in PMB. It was a rainy cold day when I left. My trip to Cape Town has been exciting. So far I have seen some friends bungee jump for the world's highest bridge. It was super exciting. I wasn't able to bungee jump but when I saw people flying out and I really wanted to go and do it.

After bungee jumping we came to the little town called George, where I stayed for two nights. Saturday I was able to go into the Cango Caves. There was two parts to the tour the standard tour where you see two large cave chambers and learn about the history of the cave. Then there is the Adventure tour which I was able to do. It consisted of several chambers where there were tight spots that I had to climb through. There was one called the Tunnel of Love where it was so narrow that all of my limbs were touching both sides of the cave wall. Then next one after that was called the Devil's Chimney. This tunnel was extremely narrow and kind of difficult to climb through. I had to maneuver my way through a tiny space. It was a bit frightening because I felt so weird not knowing what to do.

After that we had to come back through the rest of the cave to get to the exit. It was such an incredibly cool adventure. I've never done anything like that before. Our tour guide explained that in one of the big chambers concerts were held in there because of the great natural acoustic setup.

Later that day we went to the Cango wildlife park. There was different types of animals. There was crocodiles, snakes, tigers, cheetah and baby goats! There was much more too. I was so glad that I got to hold a baby goat. They are the cutest animals ever! I am set on getting one when I get a house.

The next place we went was to an ostrich farm. I was able to ride on a ostrich!! It wasn't want I expected. It was actually kind of frightening but over all awesome. They have to put a bag over the head of the ostrich to calm them. Then I had to climb on like if I were to do the same on a horse. Then the helper would hold onto the ostrich and let me ride around for a bit. It was weird because I had to hold onto his wings and then lean back and hold my feet around the ostrich's chest.

Once that was done we watched some ostrich's race and one of them was called Speedy Gonzales. I don't think that he won :[ I was rooting for him too.

After that we went back to our little bed and breakfast and had dinner.

Tomorrow is our last day of traveling for a little bit. We are suppose to get into Cape Town at around 3pm. I am excited to see what its like. I feel like I've had another culture just being in the Western Cape. Since PMB is in Kwazulu-natal where primarily Zulu's live, being here in the Western Cape there is a different culture. I'm not used to hearing Afrikaans here where back at AE IsiZulu. But its going to be a great two weeks and a half. Then I will be home for Christmas!!

I am thankful for

my family at home missing me. I am thankful for the people that I have met here in South Africa. I am thankful for the things I have learned and still learning. I am thankful for many things.

Today, Thanksgiving would be like any other holiday except this year I celebrated it in South Africa.

I was sitting at the table thinking of the things that have passed. So many great memories. Some tears. Lots of frustration at myself but sometimes with others. And lots of laughter and joy.

Tonight is my last night here in Pietermartizburg, then its off to a three day journey to Cape Town. I am excited for what is going to happen along the way.

It was just yesterday when I came into my little room, unpacked my things and set out for the adventure of my life. And now I am sitting in that same little room, writing on this blog thinking of each day that has passed.

I am thankful that God made all of this even possible for me to experience, and I am thankful that my parents helped me and still loved me when I chose to go.

Time is precious.

This was my last week of service site. I didn't realize how soon it would all come to an end. I knew the time was short but I didn't take hold of it to well. Our last day at Esther House we threw a tea party for the ladies and took them to AE. They were talking about it for days before the party. I didn't know how excited they were until the day came when everyone was all dressed up and ready to go.

Once we got to AE I was so nervous that things would go bad, that they wouldn't like what we planned or they would be bored. But instead they absolutely enjoyed it all! We played pin the pedal on the flower. Where we decorated our own flower pedals and then pined them up blindfolded. Lulama is a mother of a young girl, Thabile, that I got to know. She told us that she was thankful of the things we did. That we started to remind them of the dreams they have and to go out there and reach for them. I never knew that the ladies talked about some of the activities we did with in the house. But to hear that they actually enjoyed making a dream chart and the river of life. It was so good to hear that we made a difference some how.

Once that was over we had to take them back because they needed to get back before 6.

It was just too soon that we had to rush them out. I was trying to take in as much as I could before they left. We took a group photo and walked towards the van. Once we got to Gateway to say our goodbyes I saw the faces of these women for the last time. Each hug was priceless, each farewell was and is precious. I never knew how much they meant to me until that moment. When I said goodbye to one of the ladies' son, Esfundo, I opened my arms to embrace him and he just smiled at me and said bye. As I walked away looking back for the last time, I cried.

Papa Reg, a wonderful man of God and fortunately our head master here in South Africa told me that "Tears are the price we pay for love". I didn't expect to feel this way after the four weeks. I didn't know the ladies would cry. But I know God made His glory shine through us to reach them. I know we loved them for who they are.

It just wasn't enough. Not enough time. Not enough laughs, or hugs or tears. I just wanted to stay there and to love on them and learn from them.

And the most difficult part of it all is I don't know if I will ever see them again.

There should be a warning sign for the next semesters that go to South Africa.

What a Sunday

My second to last Sunday here in PMB then its off to Cape Town! Its wrapping up so quickly! But today was another great Sunday. It started off with church at New Life which is an Indian church I started going to. The pastor had a great message about what goes wrong with interpersonal communications. It was very insightful and helpful in understanding why we have communication breakdowns. Then one of my girls from my D group that I am co-leading spoke about Mary washing Jesus' feet and how she felt so grateful for the miracle that happened with her brother Lazarus. She is showing her all when she does this to Christ. It was a great mini sermon.

After church we had lunch which was spicy but delicious! Then I went to the mall to do a bit of shopping for some necessities. After that I was just completely busy with going to another Indian family's house for some tea and to drop off a gift.

But I really enjoyed this Sunday even though I didn't rest. I got to spend time with friends and enjoyed different foods for a change.

What a Sunday

I can't believe I only have two more weeks at AE. That means I only have three more days at my service site. I only have 6 hours left with the ladies of Esther House. My team and I have just began to make relationships with some of the ladies and I am sa

dden at the fact that we will leave them in just days. I wish I had more time in the day. More time to laugh and cry with them. More time

to understand their story. More time to learn from them and see their strength.

I don't want to go back so fast. Where did my time go? There was so much of it at first but then it just passed me by.

The beauty of this all is I have changed. My eyes have been opened to the pain in this world. Opened to the honest fact that

God is needed everywhere. But God is still working no matter what situation good or bad. He is at work! I know that these ladies have changed me. They have a strength that I've never seen before.

My team and I tried something with the ladies on Thursday. We did an activity called River of Life. The purpose was to draw out our life using lines to indicate our ups and downs and then label them. We were so nervous to see if it would work. I was scared because I drew mine first in front of them. I wasn't sure what to say. Tears started to flow and they came fast. I drew my lowest point in my life, but then I shared the fact about how God redeem me completely. At the end of it all of the women in the house drew their own river of life. I wasn't too sure what they thought of it. Today I was able to talk to one lady and I asked her what she thought of it. She said that she liked it and it was good to do. She wanted to share but was to scared. I asked her if she would want to share with me. It was here that I found out that most of the women who live in Esther House is because of abuse, but its not always abuse from a husband or boyfriend. Sometimes its from sisters, aunties, etc. I was shocked. She told me that she knew she had to get out of there. She did not want her one year old son to be in that kind of environment so she left and thats how she found Esther House.

This is Luthando, my little friend.

I got to hang out with him once a week when I would work at a feeding scheme in the community. His grandmother helped prepare food for about 20 people. I think this last week was the last time I would get to see him :[ But he was so cute. He speaks English and IsiZulu which helped a lot. He would translate some Zulu for us here and there. He has a little sister who so twice as cute! She is shy but when I got to hang around her more and more she was much more spunky. I saw how Thando was such a good brother. His sister was riding her bike and he got behind her and started pushing her on it. It was so cute!!

This past week a great week. At my service site there was a much different atmosphere than normally. Before when we came into the house we felt like the women didn't really know why we were visiting them. They didn't seem to be very excited that we came either. My team felt like we were going to be welcomed in with such joy and excitement but it was completely different from that.

This week changed as we started to be bolder in asking deeper questions other than resorting to small talk and that went really well. But the whole point for us to be here at the service site is to incorporate the things that we learned in our Community Engagement class and learn from the people in the community. So our goal is to learn from them and then to try to implement the tools that we learn from class and find what they are skilled in and use those things to empower them for a better life.

There was a mother who I have been talking to when I am in Esther House. She was telling me this week that her baby son is not well because his limbs are working and he doesn't talk. She told me that she has been taking him to the physical therapist since January and there was not real change in his condition. I was so glad and sad at the same time because she started to talk about the person things in her life and I was sad because her son is not even two years old and has this disability.

For the rest of the time on we baked for the ladies in the house and they really enjoyed it. The first time was hard because we wanted them to join so we can have something to do while we tried to start up conversations with them. But it was different this time as we saw the ladies were in the kitchen and we sat down just eating with them and talking about different things.

The rest of the week was great. I taught some PE lessons to a bunch of elementary kids. They were so crazy!! We played Red Light Green Light, Simon Says, Red Rover, and Duck Duck Goose. I felt like a kid again it was so fun but then I was reminded how out of shape I am after running around for a bit.

The weekend was great too as we went on a Safari about four hour north of AE. We rode in open jeep vehicles that looked a lot like the Indiana Jones type of car. So we rode for about almost three hours before we reached the open game vehicles. After that we rode in the vehicles for about an hour and half on dirt roads. I was sitting in the back and the other girls who rode with me got so dirty because of all the dust that was flying up in the air. On the way over we saw a cheetah sitting in the bushes.

Once we reached the camp site we settled in our bungalows and got ready for dinner. We were staying at this environmental camp that is located in an actual game reserve. There was no lions at this game reserve but there was other game.

Then early next morning we went on a game drive. We saw loads and loads of Impalas and Nyalas. I saw a large group of Giraffes and some White Rhinos. That day we saw the back of a Leopard which is the hardest of the Big five to find. The next morning I went to the game reserve that is next door to the game reserve I was staying in. I was able to see two male lions really up close! That was not scary but really majestic. Then we saw the most dangerous of the Big five which was the Buffalo. They are the most dangerous because if you hunt them they will charge back at you. The Big five are the Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, and Black Rhino. The reason they are called the Big five is because they are the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

The whole weekend was just a great experience in God's creation. The last day we had we went on a afternoon Safari. We visited a lake and caught the sunset. It was so beautiful and clear.

We saw some hippos in the water from a distance. But then after a while we noticed they started getting closer to the bird hid we were in. Then suddenly our driver was telling us to hurry up because the hippos were coming. I knew that people die of hippos more than other animal attacks in Africa. So we ran out of there safe and sound!

It was a great weekend and now is a start of another potentially great week.

The hike up

and back with a rock passage way

The first of November

I only have another 6 weeks left before I leave for the States.

This past week was the start of my service site at Project Gateway. I hang out with women who have been abused and I work at Christian school. Its been hard the past few days with the women because it just seems like we've just popped out of nowhere invading their personal space. I don't know why I expected the women to be happy to see and meet us. I keep forgetting that their background, what ever it may be, wasn't easy. I don't know if I have the right words to say. Most of the women don't even seem interested in staying around to chat which makes me discouraged as well as my other friends with me.

I guess what's really bothering me is if anything I am doing is worth it. I know it is, and most of the time the fruits of one's labor isn't always seen. I am asking the Lord to help me and my friends continue to love and be positive about this despite the gloomy atmosphere. But the first few days went really well despite today and Friday. Today was good and bad. We were able to bake scones for them but no one was really interested in baking. But I was glad to know they enjoyed the scones we made.

I was thinking that we only have 10 more days total to be working there and it just seems like that isn't enough time at all.

The school has been going well. I am using my library skills that I have acquired from high school to fix books. Its a tedious chore but I am glad to help none the less. Some days we get to teach P.E for the classes which was one of the reasons why I wanted to work at Gateway.

Halloween was not the same this year. I went hiking in the famous Drakensberg mountains and was able to look at Bushman cave paintings. The hike was absolutely awesome. There was a store that we were able to go in before our hike started and I was looking through it and found an interesting book about the mountains. It was called encounters with the Dragon. I was looking through the books and the images captured of the mountain range were spectacular.

Every time I see the splendor of His creation, I want to be right in the middle of it and breathe it all in. To have my mind, body and soul completely quite right in His presence.

Wena Unjani

Asking how you are in IsiZulu is as far as I can go. I want to know more!! Today was my first day at my service site-Project Gateway. The morning was long but filled with fun and little kids. There is a Christian school for grades R all the way to 7th that I will be able to work with in the mornings. On our first day I was greeted by tons of little ones coming up and hugging me. I was asking for their names but it was hard to keep up with the amount of kids and the fact the their names are in IsiZulu! Plus some have a click in it which makes it interesting :]. Then I felt

two little hands in my mine pulling me to this huge slanted hill. The children run up and down this 45 degree hill just for kicks during their break. I was kinda spent after the third time... man I need to get into shape again or at least in better condition. But I enjoyed it so much! I know I came to the right place because of the things I will be able to do here. I get to play with these children and talk with them, help the teachers with PE lessons, fix the library, help prepare food and serve it to a community ten minutes away and finally engage with women who come from physically abusive relationships.

I was much more apprehensive about the second part of our day. I got to speak with women who have been hurt by their husbands or boyfriends. I was scared, worrying about what I would say. I just never worked with young women like this before. But it was not as scary as I thought. Many of these women have children so we played with them. One of the hardest thing is that there is the language barrier, which makes things a bit unnerving. But God gave us the courage and it couldn't have happened any way else. I just sat and spoke with a young woman who is a little bit older than I am. She was holding her three month old son who was so cute!! But we chatted for a little bit. The suddenly it was time to go... I really just wanted to stay a little bit longer.

I am at the half way mark and I know I will want more time.

Almost the end

I am starting the last week of my elective classes here in SA. But don't be to worried Mom and Dad! I am still taking three other classes. These past 5 weeks have just blown away. They all are just a pile of great laughs, tears, and knowledge.

Today is Monday, and already it has been such a profound day. This morning while trying to finish up my power point for a Bio presentation, I forgot that I still have to drop my laundry off. As I was walking out of my cottage house I noticed how beautiful today was. Have you ever eaten such a juicy and tasty apple? It was just the most succulent apple ever eaten, this morning felt just like that. The morning air was crisp and so fresh. The warm sun fighting over the night's cold was sweet on my skin. God how unbelievable You are! The whole earth proclaims Your glory. I was quieted, my heart stopped worry about my presentation for a few moments. I was just so overwhelmed at the beauty of this world.

Later in the morning I heard a couple stories from some of the nurses. They get to go out each week into the townships and work in the clinics. Just the stories they told us about was difficult to hear. There was a lady who's daughter didn't come back after one night. They searched for her at different places but couldn't find anything. Then they found her shoes and a puddle of blood in a ditch. Soon after that they found her body, ravaged and stabbed in a field.

What would I say to her if she told me this story. I thought of what my parents would do, how heart broken they would be. But she had such faith in God, knowing that everything will be OK. That no matter what life brings her, she will turn her eyes to the Lord and be comforted.

Melody, the nurse telling this story, said that she never had to grieve like this before . There is a difficult line in wanting to know God's comforting love and having to endure so much pain. She continued to say that she wished that she wasn't born privileged living in America. She wanted to switch places with this woman so she wouldn't have to feel this pain. But God was telling her something- even though the woman was grieving she was comforted by God's love. And never did she feel such comfort as the woman felt.

This is Africa. It is not just a country filled with animals and wilderness. This is a country filled with people who are broken. Just as there are people broken in America. People who live and love. People who struggle to get a day's food. People who are dying from AIDS every day. And I am sitting here in the comfort of my pleasant room- standing right in the middle of it.

Praise be to God. For His glory will be proclaimed.

I am waiting for the day that I get to speak with the people of this beautiful country. This week is the start of something bigger in my life.

D group today was awesome. I am co leading a bible study group with an awesome friend- Rachel!

We have such a great young women in our group. Tonight we finished going through the Minor Prophet Habakkuk. It was such a great study. The injustice that is not dealt with and God's answer to it. And Habakkuk himself waiting on the Lord for the deliverance of God's people. Just a great example of many who wait on the Lord for guidance during difficult times.

What a day this was.

Little bit of everything.

its sunny for three days and then its sprinkling the next day. Oh how strange you are Africa! I think I am starting to feel homesick. I miss the comfort of familiarity. I miss my grandma seeing her bright face in the morning. I miss the things she would make me for lunch or dinner. I miss driving down to my parent's house and seeing the chaos there. I miss everything back home, my best friend, my awesome mentor- my home.

But I am here. So far away and just 9 weeks away from returning.

I hope the days will feel long.

It was about a 3-4 hour bus ride to the historic Blood River and Isandlwana battle fields. It was very intriguing to hear what happened and at the same time standing on the very same ground. Our guide was this old man who seemed to be so frail ready to keel over. He was actually packed with lots of energy. He described what happened at each battle field with such passion and great knowledge. I was trying to keep up with this little man. He would shout in IsiZulu and at times it catch me off guard how chipper and energetic he was. I loved how he was completely passionate about the military history.

On the ride back to AE, I was reading through the History of South Africa textbook, and I began to read about the Segregation and Apartheid eras. There were several points in the text that made me feel so frustrated and angry at the evils and arrogance of man. How much the Blacks were oppressed. Even the ability to provide for themselves were stripped away because their lands were taken. Good paying jobs were practically non-existent for Blacks. This was all happening in the 20th century.

I was thinking how can man do such things in the name of God. It made me think of Hitler and his motivation to clean the world of Jewish people. I came to tears at this point because God gave us the freedom of choice, and that choice can be used for good or evil. And too often evil is disguised as good.

Open up the Heavens

let Your glory fall. Open up the our hearts

That we would know you- Hillsong

That is my prayer for my time here in South Africa. There is a lot of things I left behind- friendships, relationships, an easier life. Now that I have been here for almost a month I look back at how home will be different and how I will be different. I know that there is something big for me here, something that will forever change the way I view myself, the world and my faith in God. I cannot express the anticipation to see what is around the bend.

I was talking with my grandma about my own transformation as a person and especially as a young Christian woman. She told me that there is something amazing about being able to do something like this. I know that in time I will see the beautiful ripple affects that these three months will have on my life. I actually have seen some of those now. That prayer night I wrote about- there was a girl in my group that I knew God kept bringing her name up through out the whole week leading up to that night. I knew I my heart was hard towards her for no reason really... just a misconception of her. I let my pride down and I asked for forgiveness. I am not saying this for my own glory, but honestly that night I felt the Holy Spirit piercing my heart with humility and the drive to just tell her I was sorry.

God You move in mighty ways and I wonder how is it so? You are too vast and amazing for me to understand. I ask that Your glory falls in this place, that my heart would just open to know You and the will in my life.

A day in the life

To spend the day at a Zulu village homestead was pretty awesome. This homestead was about an hour away from the school. It ended up being located in between mountains and a small valley. The whole group was excited and a bit nervous because everyone thought we were just going to be thrown into rural Zululand. One we arrived we were befriended by three amiable and excited dogs. From there we were shown our hut and the grounds. I was placed with five other girls in one big hut. It was so cute inside, it was like a scene from Snow White. When she walks up stairs with the forest animals and notices the little beds. After that I got to explore the village grounds. There was this beautiful lake that glistened when the sun was setting. Our guide who showed us around and gave us great information about the Zulu culture was extremely friendly. Dave was his name. He told us how inventive and resourceful the Zulu people are. The most interesting thing I found out was that they don't kill cattle for the meat but in fact they would just use all of the cattle for many things.

Some of those things were for instance its dung as natural gas and floor polish. He said that since the cattle aren't given hormones but only grass their dung doesn't smell as badly as we are used to. He then showed us these trees that had tons and tons of yellow birds that were flying back and forth with long blades of grass. Turns out that these birds were the males making nests to attract a mate. Then it was up to the female to choose which nest was the best. What was so awesome was how strong and intricate these nests turned out. These male birds made them with only their beaks and grass. I was completely amazed how meticulous they were. After that we were sitting around a camp fire talking about everything and taking pictures. That was relaxing, then they served us a traditional dinner. Dave explained that the women would never eat barbecued meat because they were the child bearers and if something went wrong with the food it could affect the child. We ate pieces of steak and had a vegetable platter. It was good :]

After that we got to see them dance traditional dances and some of the guys from the group learned Zulu dances. The night ended with some sliced oranges and lots of laughter and silliness. The next morning we were showed how to make a traditional pottery. That was extremely sad for me because I was not able to get the right shape of the clay pot. I actually had to try two times and the end product did not look like my example. The whole weekend was awesome, just to learn something about the culture and just relax for a little bit

This is Artie

Hosanna

Tonight was phenomenal. There was a prayer walk for the campus, where all the students gathered and we prayed for different places. Prayer for the dining hall and for the classrooms, chapel, and living areas. It was beautiful, just gathered all together in worship and candle light. The night continued with pieces of scripture in the Beatitudes and what a prayer walk looks like. A time to walk with Christ and purposefully pray for His will in a place. To have His spirit pour into each area for strength and love.

At first I wasn't sure if there were going to be many people since many of us have plenty loads of homework to do. But God was faithful. This night was huge and defining. Earlier today I received some news that shook my world. And I didn't know what to do about it but I needed to cry out- tell someone. There are amazing people surrounding me. I was blessed to be prayed over, and I felt God's work in my heart. And when tonight came I was quieted. My storm was calmed. God speaks, and when He does it is powerful and comforting.

Tonight was pivotal in my walk with Christ. I knew that there were certain people were don't feel comfortable talking with one another, and I read the passage in Ephesians 4: 2-6

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord , one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

I read that out loud, because I knew I was ignoring someone specifically. I was prideful not wanting to talk to her. I was unsure of what she thought of me. This week God has put on my heart to ask for forgiveness- to tell her pride is in my heart withholding love and humility.

I let it go. I asked, and she gave me forgiveness. I knew that I needed to do this because it was something eating away. Something that was not of God. Praise be to Him, Hosanna who gives me strength to be humbled and joyous. I thank you for the undeserved forgiveness and the ability to love.

Tuesday rain

I have followed the pattern of when it rains. It will rain in the beginning of the week and then die out about end of the weekday- getting beautiful for the weekend. Its just amazing the beauty of God that is all around me. It is the spring/ summer season and its wet. In the winter is it dry apparently, but with water comes life and a new start. These pass few days have been hectic trying to catch up on homework and going to class, but God has been amazing and given me strength.

Today was another visit to one of the service sites to chose from to work at for a month. It was place where they hold a children's after school program, and they help the community by teaching them different life skills. Afterwards I was able to buckle down and get a good portion of work done for some classes. This week I will be able to go with 24 other students and send two days in a Zulu home, eating authentic food and spending time learning about their culture. I am a little intimated because my Zulu speaking skills are a limited. But it will be a great time to finally get out there and learn hands on.

Day at Durban

Durban is a fast pace city where people walk anywhere to get to their destination. It reminded me of a little bit of LA, but definitely a different place entirely. It was not what I really expected. They had markets on the streets and inside buildings. I went shopping in a street market called Victoria Street, which was an indoor market. It smelled of curry pounder :]. There was tons of things, and shop keepers were willing to make a bargain. I got somethings to take home and remind me of Africa and some other things. One thing I thought were these incredible paintings. They smelt like crayons!! They depicted figures with children or a village or wild game. But what was so captivating were the vibrant colors used.

After the indoor market, I was able to swim in the Indian Ocean!! Which was bizarre because I am used to the sun setting on the coast. But it was setting behind the city, so there was not sunset on the beach. Another thing were the waves when they crashed were so powerful!! I almost got knocked down a couple of times when I was out there. Tons of locals were out there swimming and playing soccer in the water. At one point there was a whole dance/clapping party in the water. It was awesome to see people who don't know each other but are communal in dancing.

When I was getting out, I was bombarded by a group of girls who were so excited to see me. I wasn't sure why, but I think they knew I was America. They said I love you and I love your costume- which is bathing suit to them. It was kinda scary because they were so excited, and they wanted to take a picture together. I was a celebrity for just a second and it was very interesting :]

Atrimus and the bus

Artie was a very friendly giraffe, and he travels alone. Driving through the game reserve for the very first time in SA was exhilarating. Just because I was seeing the vast land in front with wild animals. It was a scene from a movie. I want to find myself in those types of situations where you are somewhere that makes inevitability quiets everything- and makes you listen.

The weather was beautiful, it was a sunny cool day just after a few rainy days. God is just amazing! With the beauty and grace of the animals he made. Artie- the friendly giraffe was so much larger in real life ahah. He was gracefully eating on an Acacia tree. But he was alone. His pack kicked him out of the bunch. I can't really remember why but he is a lonely ranger which made me really sad for him.I wouldn't want to be alone for the rest of my life :[

Then we drove around the reserve and saw an assortment of animals, hippo,impala, rhinos, and zebras. It was just a cool experience to sit there and gaze at the animals. After that I had to do a survey of grasslands for my bio class which was interesting a bet meticulous. At the end of the day I was able to go swimming with some of the girls who were with me. The water was freezing but it was great :]

Another beautiful day to breathe in life. Thank you God

Sunrise

It is amazing how rain and sunshine can change rapidly in the midst of a couple of days here. Just on Sunday it was hot and then the pass few days it has been cold and wet. But today is another lovely morning with sun!! I am going on a safari for a biology practical. It is so awesome to be able to do hands on work for a class. This reserve is said to be a very personal one, where the wild life will be very close and "personal". I can't wait to see a giraffe up close. They are curious, which is great because so am I :]

What a morning

I took a run at the park near the school with some friends. It was soothing to get out and run again. This morning I saw a few zebras and impala. But today is a different day because we get to visit another site for my intercultural communications class. This is where we will be able to engage with the community rather than just driving by. I am nervous and excited for what is to come. I don't know what to expect really. I know that it will be something completely out of my comfort zone.

My Communication class has been an eye opener to how essential it is to get cultural savvy with different types of cultures. While being here in SA I have seen how apartheid has stripped the colored people of their own culture. Since they are not considered to be white enough or black enough. I am learning more and more each day, as I talk to some of the wonderful people on the campus. It was interesting on the way back from Haniville, I asked someone what their ethnicity was and they gave me a confused look. I realized that they consider their heritage but the color classification they are in. There are four distinct race groups: Whites, Blacks, Coloured, and Indian. I don't know what exactly to think of when people just classify themselves as either one.

In the first few days we were here, I was able to visit the Apartheid Museum. It was quite shocking how the blacks were basically stripped of everything. Their freedom, education, ability to prosper, or the ability to live in a suitable condition. How does someone come in a foreign land and take everything way from the people living there for centuries and prosper from their pains?

I am guilty of greed as well.

Rainy day in Haniville

I never thought that I was going to create a blog- ever. But I saw how nifty it is and helpful in keeping everyone updated. Today is the second day of week two. It was beautiful on Saturday and Sunday then suddenly it got wet and colder. But today was fascinating, I got to drive through a Township called Haniville just a few miles away from the center that I am staying at. Little tin houses made of mud and wood trying to hold together as the rain comes. I couldn't really register what I was feeling or thinking at the time. But it was hard to think that people live in these conditions day to day. We were at Haniville to visit our first service site that we could choose to work at during October and November. It was a small building that was created for a children's ministry that flourished into helping the people of the township in Haniville provide for themselves through different kinds of programs. It was so intriguing to know what God is doing with this ministry so far.