Hello from South Africa! It’s crazy that we only have a month left of this trip. I am loving my time on this continent and grateful for God’s faithfulness over the past two and a half months. Here are a few of my favorite moments and experiences from the past week in Jeffrey’s Bay.
Ministry
My small team of 6 girls just finished our last week of ministry at the preschool. Here in South Africa, the students’ first term just ended, and are now entering a 2 week holiday. Due to the long break, my team will be helping out with a new ministry for our last three weeks; we will find out more info on Monday. During these two months in JBAY, two girls stay back every week to help our host mom, Wendy, with cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. This past week was my turn to be a “house mom”. I struggled at first with the thought of missing my last week with the kids, but I ended up having a great time serving the squad. Here are some highlights,
- Our squad is staying at the Missions House on the Global Leadership Academy campus. All 13 girls live on the 3rd floor and have the joy of sharing a single bathroom. The biggest pain is the showering situation because the shower walls are all glass. The line for the bathroom at night was extra long while girls waited to brush their teeth. My friend Alicia (the other “house mom”) and I decided to cut an old shower curtain and place it around the middle of the glass door and walls so that others could use the bathroom during someone else’s shower. Everyone was super excited and thankful for our creativity. It’s nice to be able to brush your teeth while having a conversation with your friend during their shower.
- Alicia and I had a fun time making dinner while wearing matching aprons every night. We made potato soup, Mac and cheese, chicken curry, chicken wraps, and spaghetti. The squad has a schedule for dishes every night of the week, but “house moms” don’t have to do their specific night because they made the meal. It was nice to go outside and walk the track after dinner and watch the sunset.
- This past Wednesday was Mak’s (one of our squad leaders) birthday. The night before, we had a silly time blowing up big balloons and decorating the kitchen. One of the coffee shops nearby had offered to sponsor a free breakfast for our squad; something they have done in the past for other World Race teams. It was special to honor Mak with a nice, free breakfast on her day. In the evening, Alicia, Wendy, and I made a fancy dinner and we bought a delicious cheesecake for dessert.
Athletic Day
Our three teams put a pause on their ministries on Thursday to help out with GLA’s primary school’s Athletic day that was taking place on the campus field. My role was helping with the “Mini Olympics” event. I spent the day running the relay race station and cheering on 8yr olds as they ran the perimeter of a giant square over and over again. It reminded me of the biggest event of the year for the 5th graders at Madison; the 5th grade Olympics. It was cute to watch how competitive and excited the kids got with every event they participated in. When the day was over, and after a good shower, I decided I could totally be a track coach.
Teacher Fun Day
To finish our time with the preschool ministry, my team had the opportunity to host a Fun Day for the teachers. The principal shared with our coordinator that the teachers don’t have a lot of fun in their lives or even together. My team jumped at the chance to bless the teachers and planned a party at the Mission House. We made pancakes, and eggs, and bought baby cupcakes, fruit, and tea. It was a rush in the morning preparing all the food and when the bus pulled up we were screaming about last-minute needs. The teachers arrived excited and ready to party. After they finished eating, we played a few team games that got a little rowdier than we expected. We had the best time serving them and watching the joy that was exuded by having quality time together outside of the school building. When the games concluded, we wanted to display our love by painting their nails. They loved the idea and jumped at the chance to get some purple toes. When our time together was finished, they broke into a beautiful a cappella hymn. It was such a sweet time of worship and ending to our ministry with them. I’m incredibly grateful for the ways God used us with the students at the preschool, but most importantly the teachers. We carry the light of Jesus with us everywhere we go and even though we didn’t see a physical difference, I believe we left a bit of our Jesus light in the hearts of the teachers and staff.
My First 5K
Every Saturday, there is a 5K “Fun Run” hosted at the GLA campus (where we are staying). I decided that this weekend I was going to become a runner. I was prepared to run alone, but a few of my friends decided to join me this morning. We joined the other one hundred participants at the starting line and I whipped out my headphones and turned on some Morgan Wallen. The ages ranged all over, but I was most surprised to see so many senior citizens, especially older men in short shorts! The race started and I was off. The first quarter mile I felt pretty good. I was passing a lot of people and was able to keep a steady pace. Slowly but surely, it got harder and harder to keep up with the fast folks. I decided to walk a bit and then run a bit. I was surprised when I saw a sign with a “1” on it. I couldn’t believe the first mile was over so quickly. Then, not too far later, there was a sign with a “2”. Again, I was surprised that I finished 2 miles so fast. After a few minutes, I came to the awful realization that the signs weren’t counting the miles, but the kilometers and I still had quite a few to go. The path ran through fields behind the campus and the view was beautiful. The most shocking aspect of the experience was how fast the older generation was. I was getting passed left and right by people three times my age. When I rounded the final curve, I looked to the older lady next to me and said, “It’s the final stretch, time to run” and crossed the finish line looking like a full-on athlete. Even though I felt like my lungs were nonexistent, I loved the experience and completed the run in 40 minutes. I might have to rethink my dream of running a marathon this summer.
God Is Good
- Last Sunday, I walked with a few of my squadmates to a different church that was suggested by one of our hosts. Near the end of the service, I heard the heavy rain hitting the roof and was not looking forward to the 30-minute walk home. We eventually exit the building and start the trek back. About 5 minutes in, Matt, one of my teammates, prays for a ride home. Maybe a minute later, a car pulls off the road ahead of us and opens its door. We all stop and look at each other in awe. We walk up to the car and the woman inside asks if we need a ride. We say absolutely and hop right in. It was such a cool experience to chat with the woman and her daughter in the front seat who attends the school on the GLA campus where were are staying. We end the car ride by praying for them and their futures. God is incredible in the way he provides and shows his love.
- After having our surfing adventure day rained out, our squad spent Sunday afternoon evangelizing at the mall down the road from our house. After walking around for a few hours, my teammate shared how they were feeling discouraged and didn’t feel like they felt God pulling them in a certain direction and I agreed. When it comes to evangelizing, I am still learning to discern God’s voice and who He highlights for me to talk with. As we leave the mall, we pass an employee of a little dessert stand taking a picture of her booth. I immediately ask if she wants me to take a picture of her with her sweets. She laughs and says the picture is just for her boss to see the setup. We spend the next few minutes chatting with her (Florence) about the business and what life looks like for her. She shares some of the things she is struggling with and heartache from her past. We take the opportunity to pray for her and her family. It was a special time to encourage Florence and create a friendship with her, but also an encouraging time for me and my teammates. God placed that moment in our laps at the perfect moment, when we felt defeated and discouraged.
Well, that’s about it for my week. I thank God every day for where I’m at and the moments I experience. I’m looking forward to Easter next weekend and the joy and good news that gets to be shared around that holiday. Thanks for stopping by to catch up and hear about God’s goodness!
Until next time!
Suzy
