Aaryn Phillips First Year Missionary -

Two weeks

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My life is changing in two weeks...that means that two weeks from today I will be getting on an airplane and heading back to America. I am saying goodbye to Jeffreys Bay (hopefully not for forever) and heading home. I honestly don't even know what to think right now. Really it depends on the moment. One second I am terribly sad to have to close this chapter of my life and the next I am excited about what and where God will take me next...whatever that may be. But a thought that is pretty consistent is that I am in total shock that the time is here. It's coming, and it's coming quick.

This week is the girls last full week of ministry. We are starting to clean out things, pack things up, and give things away. CRAZY! We are beginning to say our "pre" goodbyes and have to already begin to face the sadness of those here that we love so very much. I can't imagine my life without some of these people, but I do consider myself incredibly blessed to have such great friends half way across the world. The thought of leaving my girls...I can't even entertain that one yet. So many times I can't wait to get out of community, but I have to admit, I love this community. It has changed me and I will treasure them always. So for now, I'm just enjoying every second I have with them.

Here are a few pictures of the team....and a few of me and the girls I disciple:)

I will not be snuffed out.

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am not really sure how this blog is going to turn out, so be prepared for a bunch of randomness. The only way I know how to start is to share a verse that I have been meditating on for the past couple of days.

"The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out" Prov. 13:9

I don't know if many of you know what has really been going on here, so I will try and do a quick recap.

First of all, about a month ago I got a call from my mom informing that my grandfather had a double heart attack. When it first happened he wasn't strong enough to do much more than rest, even though they thought we would for sure need surgery. Well, one morning God woke me up at 6:30 am and very vividly said "You have to tell them there is hope." I knew God could and would heal Him, but regardless, I knew I had to let my grandparents know there IS hope. So I did. About two weeks ago when my grandfather went back to the doctor, the doctor said for now he is healthy. He'll have to do some more tests to just make sure, but he should be fine. He doesn't need surgery. Some might say it is a coincidence or something strange, but I don't. It was God. There is hope. He is right in front of us. I find joy in this.

About a week after my grandfathers heart attack, one of my beautiful girls here in Jbay that I disciple decided that God was calling her home. It was rough. You spend so long pouring into some one's life that it becomes hard to let go and be okay with the seasons that people are in your life. As much as I wanted to fight it, God knew what He was doing. He had things in her He needs to do that He couldn't accomplish here. It was tough. I had a lot of questions, but still...the one thing that I still had was joy. I had the joy of knowing her. I had the joy that God CHOSE to use me in her life. I was able to see her grow and tackle things she never dreamed of.

On top of that, our teams here in South Africa experienced a huge tragedy. One of our beloved students, Sarah Buller, who was serving on the PE team was in a fatal car accident. She was with two other teammates and a local. They were heading to Jbay that afternoon when a tire blew. The car flipped. She was thrown from the car and shortly after passed away. It's one of those things you never thought would ever happen. I'm thankful to have known Sarah. Last semester I was given the opportunity to disciple her and truly get to know her. I remember so many of our conversations. We laughed. We challenged one another. We talked about our hopes and dreams. That girl was all about Christ. The joy and love of God seeped out of her very being. The world has been changed because of her and the life she had here. Now she is at home...with Jesus. In a strange way, I can find joy in this too. Yes, I don't understand tragedy or God's timing, but there is still joy. There is still hope. People have now heard of God...of Jesus Christ...not only through her life, but also through her death.

Since Sarah's death, so many other things have gone wacko from girls being sick, girls needing to go to the hospital, teammates leaving and going home, going to Cape Town to process, still pushing on with the program here and most recently, Dr. Bill (my SA grandpa) having a stroke. Most days I wake up not knowing what is going to happen. But now, I will bring it back to the verse at the beginning. Despite all circumstances, I am promised that my life is FULL of LIGHT and JOY. Those things still remain. I will NOT be snuffed out.

I'm learning what it looks like to live a life full of joy despite my environment. So many times I want to get stressed. I want to get easily irritated. I want to be what we call "miss pissy pants." But why? I have Christ. I'm living the life I was called to live. I get to live life with 10 amazing women of God. I get to see God move in people's lives every day. It's so easy for me to lose perspective and think all this is about me, but it's not. It's about Christ and through good or bad, He is receiving glory....and through that glory I find my joy. I will not be snuffed out. You don't be snuffed out. If you know Christ, YOUR LIFE, my friend, is full of JOY AND LIGHT.

Nothing like family.

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's one thing to describe what you do and where you live to your family, it's another thing to have the opportunity to show them EXACTLY what you are talking about. Just about two weeks ago, my family came to visit...they just left yesterday. My dad, mom, and brother came all the way to South Africa to see Jeffreys Bay and as much of South Africa as possible in such a short amount of time.

They first came to Jbay. They were here for about 5 days. I was able to take them around to all the ministry my team and I are involved in. It was also really cool for my family to meet people that I have talked about for almost two years, as well as those that I have grown to love here have the opportunity to meet my parents. It was really cool.

I had a really sweet moment actually. I took my parents to the clinic to meet everyone there. All of the staff were so excited to meet them, but the one that surprised me the most was Sister Meyer. She is pretty sassy most days, and you really have to push to get to know her. She is ALWAYS stressed out and very rarely smiles. BUT when I got to introduce her to my family, I finally saw a WHOLE different side of her. She smiled and actually spoke about the impact I have had. It was really great. I can only attribute that to the Lord.

After Jbay, we went on a mini tour of SA. For one night we went to a game reserve. You can't be in Africa and not attempt to see all the big 5. After that we went to Cape Town for four days. Amber was gracious enough to let me go. It was exactly what I needed. It was a nice time to get away, relax, and get some needed alone time in.

So yeah, that's what I've been up to. I have been super busy, but I'm so glad that my family came. Good times. This week I am playing catch up and giving Amber some days off because her family is now here! It's a crazy time for visitors.

I do hope and pray that each of you are doing well and you are seeing the Hand of OUR Almighty God. He is moving.

When I get a chance I will post some new pictures:)

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

***So... I just briefly looked over my last blog, and I just want to apologize. I think that was the WORST grammar EVER. Mrs. Rooke would NOT be proud of me. Yes, I am a college grad, thanks. I will try to make this one better. I hope.***

You know those weeks where everything just seems to go wrong all at once? That is how this past week has been. It has just been little things, but I have to admit, Amber and I are NOT handy dandy AT ALL. Its been an adventure trying to be MISS fix it. Its provided a lot of entertainment and a side of stress, but we are stronger from it though right? I think so. We have had to break our first reaction...and that is calling "TAG!!!!!" the moment anything just might not be working the right way. Now its weird to hear all the students desperately calling our names...

This past week in Discipleship Amber and I split the week and taught on the book of Romans. She taught the first half, and I finished up with the last half. First of all, one could study Romans for WEEKS, but we went ahead and gave it a shot. Honestly, it was awesoe. I was really stressed out at the beginning of it just because there is SO much to get out of the book, and how do you just skim it?! The Lord knew exactly what He was doing.

I think I probably needed that study more than the students did. It is one thing to read the Word and think about it a little, but for me, it is a totally different thing when you have to VERBALIZE truth and lead by example. Ouch. It hurts, but a good hurt. I saw myself all over Romans. I saw myself as the Israelites who got so focused on the Law that they forgot about the GRACE Jesus so freely gives. I see myself in the Gentiles as one who takes for granted the grace and becomes prideful and judgmental. Its convicting. But I also saw how deep in my core...deep in my heart...I want to be the living sacrifice that Paul so boldly writes about in chapter 12. That's what I want more than life itself.

It's really easy for me to read what my life is supposed to look like being a Christ follower and be super overwhelmed. It was so nice though to sit in the presence of God and these girls and be able to admit where I fall short, but also speak about how Christ keeps pursing me to become better. It's a process. I love it.

The girls really did engage in the entire study. It was amazing to be able to wrestle along side of them as they try to work out their salvation to be more like Christ. It was just a great reminder for me to show me THIS is why I am here. I am here to see them see Christ a little more. It was so refreshing.

This week looks a lot like a normal week, but I hold on to that loosely. Really, who knows what will happen. We always have to be on our toes. Welcome to Africa:)...and being a missionary, of course.

My parents and brother are coming to visit in just under 3 weeks! I'm really REALLY REALLY excited about them coming. It will be so great to introduce them to people and show them a place that I have grown to love.

Have a blessed week.

A Normal Day.

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well, the good news is I have survived my SECOND week of the spring semester. At times I feel like I was just at home yesterday for the holidays, but most days I feel like I never went home. Between making sure the girls eat to making sure they get rest and stay healthy to pushing them to fulfill their purpose for being here and becoming more like Christ, the days just seem to slip by. It makes for a very interesting concept of time. I wish I tell you all that happens in a week, but I think that would be just about the longest blog EVER...so maybe I should blog more I suppose.
Last week we spend most of our time finding our routine. We started the girls off in their ministries but as a leader I spent most of the week trying to figure out what needs to be done when, who needs to be where when and all that kind of stuff as well as reconnect with my ministry here in Jbay. It makes for a crazy but great week. I thought for this blog I would just fill you guys in on what a "typical" (what is that when you are a missionary??) schedule for one of our wonderful FYMers. So here it goes...

Monday: Team Discipleship in the morning taught by Amber and/or I. Lunch. Ministry at their Internship which includes Ithemba (Xhosa kids), Joshua Project (street kids), or the clinic. Street kid feeding at 6ish. Dinner. And the evening to do either One on One discipleship or prepare for the next day.

Tuesday: Student led devos early. Morning ministry which includes house visits, Seventh Heaven Children's Home, Virginia's Creche (pre-school), and St. Francis Bay Township. Lunch on the go. Afternoon Internship. Dinner. And preparations.

Wednesday: Looks a lot like Monday except some of the team heads to a prayer service at Ithemba after dinner.

Thursday: Exactly like Tuesday.

Friday: The students day off which a great day for Amber and I to catch up!!!:)

Saturday: Family ministry which means we, as a team, go and do ministry all together in the morning. Lunch. Intentional Ministry is in the afternoon which is four hours where the girls get to decide how they want to minister. It gives them the freedom to build into relationships that they form during the week. Saturday dinner and evening is "Family Night." This is when we do something fun together as a team. It's a great time!

Sunday: Church in the morning. Late lunch together as a team. Resting and preparation in the afternoons followed by evening Church. After we finish church we do a house meeting to get on the same page for the upcoming week.

If you haven't noticed we have a pretty packed week! I am so proud of my team though. They are such hard workers and they are running with the ministries they are apart of. Jbay will be different because of their hard work. Please pray for rest and strength that they may run HARD from now until the end☺

Starting New.

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sorry it has been a few weeks since I have blogged, but I've been around the world and back...literally...and I'm just now finally settling back in for the last 4 1/2 months here in Jbay. As most of you know, I went home for Christmas for two weeks. It took me almost three days to get there, but it was well worth it. I spent a week down in Jacksonville with my family and just about a week up in Atlanta seeing old friends. It was a blast and exactly what I needed. I don't think I realized how much I miss so many of them.

I arrived back in South Africa last Tuesday night...as the big dawg this time around. I am working with Amber, my amazing co-leader, and we are leading an ALL girls team here in Jeffreys. We have 12 outstanding women of God that we get to lead. I can say that I genuinely love each one of them and I can see EXACTLY why all these FIERCE women are here. They are not the type to sit on the sideline, but rather they have to dying to get back into ministry. Its great. Makes my job a bit easier:) It has taken me almost this long to find my place and realize that its "game time." Its been a challenge most of the time, but I do think its amazing and I am enjoying myself. It is a LOT of work...but its totally worth it.

All last week we spent most of our time doing team bonding, setting schedules and ministries, and figuring out exaclty how our little "community" is going to function as the body of Christ. We did fun things like the House Olympics, a picnic by the beach, and my favorite..."Bubble Night" at the local water slide. We had a blast! Its so great to be able to just spend time with the girls and get to know most of them in a totally new setting.

Today the girls start their first day of ministry! I'm so pumped for them and I can hardly wait to see what God has in mind. This semester is looking a little different for them because they will spend WAY more time doing ministry and less time doing intense discipleship. Its a great opportunity for them to pour themselves out completely on the people here in Jbay. They will be soooo tired...but of course, its a good tired.

Please be praying for our team as we are starting out on a fresh start. Pray for their hearts that they would engage in this community 100% and realize that their ministry is not just to the people here in Jbay but also to one another...as we can all find healing and our place in a community of Christ. Pray for Amber and I as we are stepping out on this exciting, but scary journey at times. I am so grateful for her and wouldn't want to do this with anyone else. God has Big Plans. May we all pray and wait in Great Expectation.

Pictures

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here are a few new pictures from Nellie's...at Seventh Heaven...

This is me with Mariam...she's new:)

Angel, Blessings, and Mariam

The girls and I!

Angel likes to pull hair... I don't mind!

As you can tell, Angel is doing AMAZING! Every time I see her she is making progress. Nellie is such a blessing. I am just grateful I get to see a little bit of God's story for this little girl. Its just the beginning. Praise the Lord!

Growing Up Before My Eyes

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As most of you who follow my blog know, I have fallen in love with a little baby girl named Angel. You can go back and read previous blogs about her and where she comes from. Anyways, I just wanted to give a short update on how she is doing at Nelly's house. First I have to say that Nelly has done an AMAZING job. We would be so lost without her and she just is incredible. Every time I turn around she is opening her house to more at risk children. She accepts them with an open heart and open arms. She loves them. She gives the hope because of the Awesome God she serves. She is an inspiration. A few of our students have been doing their ministry internship with her and they have been doing a great job as well. I love that they are there. Plus, it gives me another excuse to go and visit to see all the wonderful children, especially Angel.

On Tuesday, Nelly wanted to throw a baby shower/ Christmas for all the children. Some of us AIM people were there, but we also joined together with some YWAM people and local people from the community that love Nelly. It was actually great to see some many friends there from all over Jeffreys Bay. Everyone did a great job of providing things for the children and also for Nelly. I think everyone had such a great time, and it was priceless to see the smiles on the children's faces.

With that said, I got to spend some extra time with Angel. She is just about 9 months now and she is just progressing so well. She just keeps on packing on the pounds. I love it. She still can really sit up by herself or crawl, but I think its coming soon! She attempted a few times by kicking up her baby bottom, but just isn't there yet. She is just doing so well and I'm so encouraged by God just continuing to provide for her.

Last week I brought Angel's mother and grandmother (Gloria and Esther) for a visit and they were overwhelmed at how beautiful their little girl looks! It was good for them to be able to see her and know that she is being cared for. I think it was difficult for them to leave, but Gloria still trusts in the decision she has made for now...and so do I. God is working. God is doing something and I can't wait to see what it is. He has saved this precious little girl for Himself. Oh, and a few weeks ago Gloria showed up at church! Awesome! God is good.

I will post pictures soon:)

December 1st already!

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It is finally the first of December. That is pretty crazy. It's weird to think that JUST now the weather is getting SO hot here, and for many of you, you just can't get warm enough! I guess that is the beauty of being on the other side of the world in a different hemisphere. I love warm weather and it is BEAUTIFUL here right now. I do have to say that I am excited that it is holiday season. I love this time of year...even though it looks differently here.

Last week for Thanksgiving, we decided to do a good ole American meal for all 50-something of us. It was wonderful. It really turned out to be a crazy day. We did ministry in the morning, cooked in the early afternoon, had an AMAZING Thanksgiving meal, cleaned up, packed up the left-overs, delivered the left-overs to families we LOVE, and then headed to the beach to baptize two of our students. I don't think the day could have been better. It was a great moment to stop and be SO Thankful for where God has placed me and for the people He has put in my lives. I also thought about each of you as you guys have so faithfully provided spiritual, emotional, and financial support to me for the past year or so. I'm so grateful for each of you. After we finished all of the Thanksgiving festivities, a few of us leaders headed home to start the Christmas spirit with some great Christmas movies...of course Home Alone was one of them.

This past weekend we released all the students for a "Thanksgiving break" so they could find some rest....and we as leaders could have a weekend off as well. It really was amazing. I was able to do some extra sleeping, enjoy the great weather, spend some extra time with the Lord, and we even got to go away for a night to a BEAUTIFUL Bed and Breakfast near by. It was just what the doctor ordered. I needed this time. We are all getting pretty worn out! Thankfully we only have a few more weeks before we can have a nice break for Christmas.

Since it is the first of December, we only have two weeks of ministry left (including this week) and then we will do a semester debrief for a few days...and then I will be heading to America for the Christmas Holidays! I can't believe it! I'm pretty excited about it.

Please be praying for each of us these next few weeks. I am not only closing up the semester but we are also trying to do all the leg work to prepare for the next four months. When we arrive back here in January we will be hitting the ground running. So pretty much there is a lot to do! But that's what I'm here for:)

I hope that each one of you had an amazing Thanksgiving with your friends and family. We have so much to be thankful for. Blessings.

Just another Update.

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I'm trying to think of things to update you on, but I have to be honest and say that I can't really remember what has been going on. The longer I'm here the more the days run together. Sometimes it is difficult to put into words what happens here because SO many things occur in just one day. We aren't just here being kind and loving to those in need, but we are also walking along side students that are finding healing and freedom. They are finding out who God has created them to be, and how to walk in that. It's SO incredible to be apart of. Its an amazing opportunity to fight for, love, encourage, push, and teach these students to truly seek the God of All. I would like to say it is easy work, but its not. It is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done, but seeing in their eyes the truth and life they are finding makes it all worth it.

The past couple of weeks we have been trying to challenge the students to write a Statement of Faith based on the following six things: Jesus, God, the Bible, Church, the Holy Spirit, and the depravity of Man. It was pretty incredible. Matt, Tag, and Chris did a great job of taking everything that the students thought they had nailed down and challenging them to really KNOW what they believe and WHY they believe it. That is so huge. Some still have some question marks, but I think that is ok. I think God is revealing Himself a little at a time to each of them. I'm really excited to hear them all and see what work God has done in each of their hearts.

Now, I am going to do some bragging. I hope that is okay. I have the most AMAZING ministry team ever. Brittany, Layne, and Andrea have taken over my full time position at the Clinic. At hard it was so hard to let go and put the ministry in their hands, but I am so glad I did. They are so great. They are constantly looking for new ways to minister to all that work and wait there. They bring light and joy to every corner of that place. The nurses have learned to love them and its just so great to see. Its really encouraging to be able to see them come after and do a great job. They truly bring love into that place.

Thats all I can really think of right now. OH! I did get to have tea w/ Dr. Bill and Carol again. It was the first time I had really spent time with the since I've been back. It was so great. They were so happy to see me, and it was just great to be back at my South African grandparents house again! I'm hoping to be able to spend a little more time with them soon:)

Love you guys.

Be WHO You Want to Be.

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FYMers just want to have fun. This weekend was no different. Since we have been in South Africa we haven't been in one place for too long to just have one night to relax, let loose, and have some good ole fun. SO, this past Friday we decided to hold a FALL festival and a costume party. We had one last year and it was supper successful, so the leaders thought that we would throw another one. We weren't exactly sure what to expect, but I think it was amazing! EVERYONE got into it. There was amazing creativity, and I think it worked. It helped all of us have a good night to just decompress and have some fun:)

I think that we had just about a hundred people at our little shindig. Between us, the YWAMers, some locals, and a bunch from a couple different ministries, our house was PACKED. But it really was great. We had plenty of snacks, games, and music to make it a great time for every person. I'm just so glad that we were able to do it. Here are some pictures from the evening. OH! Some of us leaders dressed up as the WHOs from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and of course, Matt was our Grinch:)

Bri (a girl I disciple) and me!

The Who's and their Grinch:)

I love being a WHO!

A few friends from South AFrica...Jono (old man on Left), Kelvin (the middle priest), Corny (the injured guy),

Me, and Sarah (Princess Leia...another girl I disciple)

It was a fabulous night! Now its on to November! Time is FLYING by! Keep us in your prayers:)

Life is a whirlwind on this side of the world...

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

And...that's why I haven't blogged in a few weeks. I know, I thought I was doing so well for a while! So, now I am redeeming myself:) So where do I even begin....

Where did I leave off? Let's see....Angel. This little girl is doing amazing. Each time I go and visit Nelly's house, she is making more and more progress. Almost all the bed head is completely gone. Her skin complexion is looking better. She laughs. She responds to being tickled. She can sit up and move her head on her own. It really is amazing. I'm soooo excited to see her grow right in front of my eyes. Last week while we were out of town, her mom, Gloria, came by for a visit. It went pretty well and Gloria was so impressed at how this little one was doing. Please keep praying for Angel AND Gloria. I know God has some good things in store for this family. Also pray that God will provide everything that is needed to take care of this child:)

The same week that everything happened with Angel, another semi traumatic event occurred. I'm sorry I haven't written about it soon, but I think I was a little in shock and we also left town for a week in a half...which I'll get to just now. Um, so pretty much a lady that volunteered at the clinic with me who was HIV positive passed away unexpectedly. It was a total shock to all the works and a huge shock to me. I had just seen her and prayed for her less than a week earlier. I was one of only a few that new she was positive. Yeah, it stinks. The doctors said that it was a blood pressure issues, but a week before this all happened she told me that they had just changed her ARVs (medication for HIV) and she was reacting to it. I asked God to heal her, but He didn't. So I trust that He healed her in a better way than I thought. She was an amazing woman and will be terribly missed. I am grateful for the nurses at the clinic in bringing me into their pain and mourning. We did a small memorial service for her at her home...it was really cool to be apart of it.

So, like I said previously, I have been gone for the past 10 days. We went to a small town located about 3 1/2 hours northeast of us called Sommerset East. We joined forces with local volunteers and a few other missions groups to put on a program called Beat the Drum. Beat the Drum is a HIV/AIDS awareness and abstinence program. We pretty much went and took over this small town. We went into the community, schools, and local churches to share our message and give the next generation some hope for tomorrow. Inspire them to stand up and be apart of change rather than sit back and let this disease take over. I taught grade 12 at a school called Cookhouse, which is one of the highest percentages of HIV in all of SA. It was really challenging for me, but I really enjoyed hanging out with those students and see a fire lit in their eyes to want to make a difference. A lot of cool things happened, but now it is left up to all the local volunteers and churches to do our follow up. That is a big job. Please pray for them. They need it.

We are now back in Jbay and starting our normal routine FINALLY. Ministries are going well. It is still difficult sometimes to not be in a SET ministry everyday, but thankfully God still gives me really cool opportunities here. I absolutely love the girls that I am discipling. They are amazing, and I am seeing God bring freedom to so many of their lives.

I hope you enjoyed the update:)

Angel and Blessing.

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I just wanted to add a few pictures. They should have been with my blog yesterday, BUT I couldn't get them to load. These girls mean the world to me:)

This is baby Angel and I.

And of course her big sis, Blessing:)

Baby Angel.

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I think today was one of the hardest days I have had in ministry since I've step foot in Africa just a little over a year ago. I knew that God would call me to do some crazy things, but sometimes I forget that occasionally that means we are called to do hard things. Things you never thought you would be equipped to do which lead to feelings you never thought you would ever feel. Maybe this is just one of the steps of me becoming more like the God I so willingly serve. He does and feels hard things all the time.

I guess I should start with the story. It all starts last April-ish. I don't know if any of you had read any of my previous blogs, but if you haven't, I'm going to tell you the story about Angel. I met her right before we headed home last May in the Clinic. Here mom was in hysterics because she was not able to provide milk for her baby. It wasn't until we ran into her mom, Gloria, in the township a few weeks later carrying the baby while she was drunk, did we realize how serious the baby's condition was. We went home with Gloria, stripped the baby of the 6 layers of clothing, and discovered that the 6 1/2 week old baby girl was nothing but skin and bones. It was a terrifying sight. We spent some time with Gloria, provided some food, hooked her up with some ministry contacts...and then a few short days later, headed home on a plane to America. Never knowing what would ever come of baby Angel.

Little did I know, God wasn't finished with her yet. I have been back in Africa for almost three weeks. The first week and a half went by in a whirlwind. At the beginning of this past week, my clinic team was joining up with one of the house visit teams to do some afternoon ministry. So, Kristen (another leader) and I decided to walk our teams into the township and then let them at it. We dropped them off, and then started towards town. We started to walk by where Gloria and Angel lived, and I said out loud "A house visit team needs to visit this family I know today." Kristen quickly asked me if I would like to stop, but I felt that a house visit team needed to go for some reason. Three hours later, I arrive back at base and a house visit team runs up to me to tell me about this baby Angel and her mother Gloria. They had found them. I never told them where they lived. God led them. They quickly gave me the run down and then told me that Angel was now 7 months old...and still in bad shape. My heart broke immediately. It was horrible. After talking with Christina and Holly that night, I decided I would go back and visit. I just really had a hard time trying to figure out what am I supposed to do about this injustice? What do you do? You can't provide all the food when the entire family are alcoholics and don't work for their food, but you can't just let a baby starve to death. Ugh.

I went back to the house the following day with a few of the girls and Holly. By the end of our visit, Gloria agreed to allow us to take Angel and her older sister, Blessing, to the house for a bath. In that time, we took Angel to a friend of ours, Nelly, who runs a Children's home here in Jbay. At the first sight of Angel, she told us that she was close to being totally malnourished and that she would take her in. I was shocked. Nelly is an AMAZING woman. So that began a crazy process for the next couple of days.

That afternoon, we took the girls back and decided to bring Gloria to Nelly's house to speak with her. Nelly told Gloria that she was not interested in taking her child legally, but desired to take her indefinitely to get her healthy. Gloria was thankful for that option, but wasn't sure what her family (her mother, etc.) would think. So, we made arrangements to meet with her entire family the next day. We went the next day, and every thing went over fairly well. They were concerned about it a bit, but then decided that this would probably be a great opportunity. After discussing for a while, we all decided that we would come back on Sunday, which is today, to take Angel to Seventh Heaven Children's Home.

I was really excited for today because I new that we were doing the "right" thing. I dont think I realized how difficult it would be to have to be the one to take a child from its mother. Having to take someone away from the person that is supposed to love them the most just didn't seem right. I know that it was what God wanted, but still. I'm just having a hard time processing it I guess. Part of me wants to be mad at Gloria. I want to be angry and upset about this injustice. Sometimes I want to ask God why He lets things like this happen. But I am always reminded that at the end of the day, God is still God. He is still Good. He loves this child WAY more than I love her. Seeing her like that breaks HIS heart ten times more than it breaks mine. God still is pursing her, and pursuing her entire family. At the end of the day, Gloria, even after I took her child, called me her friend.

God has some crazy things He wants to do in this childs life. His Kingdom is coming. Please pray for Angel and her family.

Survived the African Bush

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So this past weekend, our team took a little excursion to a place we like to call "The Bush." The word in itself describes exactly what we were in for. I knew that when we had to drive on a random dirt road for 30 minutes...go off roading down a mountain...cross a rive....and drive over fields...in our vans...I knew we were not close to home at all. We pulled up and there was not much besides random fire pits, a few rickety cabins,and a river. I knew this was not going to be a "normal" weekend.

It was nice. It took us back to being simple. We cooked alllll of our meals by fire. We didn't shower for the entire weekend, and we just got to bond as a team. It was beautiful. It was a little tough because it was a LOT colder than we thought. I mean, A LOT colder than we thought. But it was still good. It was relaxing and a time where we could spend time w/ each other and with the Lord out in his beautiful creation.

While we were out there we did some interesting team builders. I think it was a litte difficult for out team to get pumped about it becasue we just came out of training camp, but they were what we needed. One in particular was amazing to see. We blindfolded all the students...walked them into the middle of this BIG rope cirlce...stuck them somewhere on the rope...and set them free to go find the end. There was no end. While they were each walking around blindfolded trying to accomplish their task, Louie (a guy from the Bush camp) kept telling them "if you want off the rope, just raise your hand and ask for help." It was very interesting to see the reaction of our students. It took a bit for them to catch on. Slowly one by one as each student got frustrated with the task, they would stop and ask for help. Some of them never listen nor asked for it, so they were left in the circle.

After the exercise was over, we debriefed it. It was amazing to hear each one of them apply it to their own lives. Christ has offered us all the help we need, if we just ask for it. But how many times do we get so focused on doing ourselves that we forget to just stop and ask for help? I know I do that a lot. That night moved me. It was a perfect and clear picture of where I find myself so many days. So maybe I'll start asking more. I need to. I need His help more and more everyday.

Back for Round 2.

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well, I'm officially back in Jeffreys. Oh my gosh!!!!!!!! At first, the thought of coming back kind of stressed me out and frightened me a little bit too, but I have to say, now that I'm here, I am sooooo thrilled to be back. It feels like I have only been a away for a few long weeks. Oddly its familiar...kind of like home. I like that feeling. We arrived in Port Elizabeth late last night and made a long hour drive down to Jbay. We unloaded the students and ALLLLLLL of their luggage...and finally made it back "home" to the house I lived in last year. Its so crazy! I was so excited to be back and have the opportunity to unpack so I think I stayed up WAY too late...probably like 2:30 am. oops!

I thought I would sleep in to get over jet lag, but that was NOT the case. I woke up pretty early with too much excitement to go see some of my favorite people here....of course the Sisters at the clinic! I got up, got ready, and went to the clinic as fast as I could. I don't think I could have dreamed of a better hello! Every single one of them was SO excited to see me...even Sister Meyer (She is a tough cookie). It was so great. I think that I teared up just a little bit to know that I was missed so much, but also feel like I was right back in a great place. Of course the clinic was packed as always, but it was a good time to love on the Sisters. I think God used my coming back as a testimony to each of them. I didn't realize how much it would mean to them that I came back just to see them. It was soo cool. Oh, and Sister Meyer...yeah...she totally wants to go to dinner with me. AWESOME. She has a hard heart. Pray that God would soften it.

This afternoon was spent "laying down the law" with the participants. Not so much fun, but needed. We want them all to be safe. I think is going to be a good year. I just have that feeling. I'm excited to see what God has in store and what He is going to do in the lives of the people here and in the lives of our students. God is going to free them. He is going to restore them. He is going to bring his people back to His heart.

I love you all. God bless.

Beat The Drum

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Family,

My team, going to Jeffrey's Bay this September, is taking on a large project called Beat the Drum. We need more people partnering with us to make this happen. We are asking if you would please read the mission and purpose of Beat the Drum and prayerfully consider helping in any way God leads. This is a program I fully believe in and have seen God work. I think that knowledge and awareness is one of the keys to seeing change made. Please pray about being apart of our ministry and all that God wants to do in Summerset East. Thank you.

Love,

Aaryn

HISTORY OF BEAT THE DRUM

The horror of so many millions of souls currently under the curse of AIDS has been seen. The movie "Beat the Drum" was the catalyst for our response. A multi-faceted approach was developed that continued with a massive campaign to train young people in AIDS prevention, mobilizing people, volunteers from Africa and the US to break up into teams to go into high schools to train the learners in biblically-based AIDS prevention under a brand new project called, Beat the Drum.

Why Somerset East?

In early 2008 George and Michele Mwanza took a team to Somerset East for outreach. They spent three days prayer walking through the community. Through this prayer walk God introduced them to many influential leaders and opened their eyes to the need for change and growth within this small community. George knew that the town was ready for Beat the Drum it was just getting influential leaders on board. On Friday May 23^rd six leaders from AIM along with George and Michele went to present Beat the Drum to different representatives of schools, businesses, and churches. The response was amazing. God was so evident in that room that day. They are ready for Beat the Drum to happen tomorrow. God is telling us that it's time to move in to Somerset East and open their eyes and hearts to the ways of our Lord.

Mission

To serve the Somerset East Community by bringing primarily the message of abstinence through Beat the Drum project and giving hope through meeting felt needs in the community.

Purpose

To educate on HIV/AIDS

To prevent and STOP HIV/AIDS in the community

To care for our community

PRAYER NEEDS:

*Continued prayer is needed for the whole week of community outreach week.

*Families of the community

*Finances

*HIV/AIDS positive people in the community

*Home Visits

*For the volunteers

*Curriculum facilitation

*Lasting impact and real value

*For God's spirit to be poured out on the people attending

*Opening of their eyes to the knowledge and truth with understanding

*The Truth of the Word of God

*For the overall smooth running of our programs

FINACIAL NEEDS:

*Vehicle rental/Gas for transporting teams from J-Bay to Somerset East (100 people/3 hour drive)

*Curriculum-Our target is 6,000 books which will cost $.80 a book which equals $4,800.

*Any additional food that is not donated by the community

HOW TO GIVE:

www.adventures.org/give

Type BTD Somerset in the Staff name block

Or send check to Adventures in Missions (for Beat the Drum)

6000 Well Spring Trail

Gainesville, GA 30506

Training Camp!

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I know, I am terrible at this thing...but I promise that I will get better...eventually. I am trying to commit to being religious about thing...maybe now that I'm a "leader" I will actually do it:) With that said...I am now back at training camp in Gainesville, Ga. I am not really sure what I think about it right now...I think that I am just trying to get re-adjusted to being in the electricity-less cabins, no running water, showering with hoses, and using port-a-potties. It's a good way to get back into "Africa" mindset REAL quick!

I do have to say that it has been really good to see a lot of the people that meant so much to me last year, and seeing them just makes me excited about all that God is going to do in and through our leadership team. As much as I love them, I am really excited about the other additions to our leadership team. God has so blessed us and given us such a dynamic team, that I know for SURE God will be glorified...and it will be so great. We are all SO very different, but we ALL have the same heart and the same love and the same vision for our participants that are coming.

Speaking of participants, all 41 of them show up this coming Monday! They have been blowing up all the blogs and emails with so many questions! Its great. I so remember being there last year...all that anticipation. I'm excited to be on the flip side this time around, but I'm so excited to see how they are and how they respond to the upcoming weeks and months.

Until Monday, we will just being doing leader training. It pretty much consists of getting to know our leadership team, bonding, making sure we are all on the same page, and making sure as many answers are given for all the billion of questions we have. We also just get to spend some extra time with the God...asking Him to fill us with exactly what we need to fulfill the calling that He has placed on each of our lives.

Please pray for our leadership team as we are forming. Just pray for unity. We have 14 so unity is SO important!:) Blessings.

Resting.

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am home....AGAIN. I know, I can't even keep up with it. I don't know where I'm going or where I am most days. BUT today I am back in Florida...resting. Trust me, I need it! I arrived back to the States just a little over a week ago from the most amazing trip EVER to the Philippines. I did some debrief in downtown Atlanta, and then headed back to Kennesaw area to spend the week hanging out with friends and try to rejuvenate that way. I had a wonderful time spending time with my favorite people, but also got to send of a great girl as she follows the Lord's calling to move to Nashville. All by herself. I'm so proud of you Annie Downs! It's so great to have friends who are listening and going without having all the answers:) We had a going away dinner for her on Friday night and it was a great time.

Annie's Going Away Dinner:)

I finally headed south to Jacksonville on Sunday. It's nice to be home, and my parents half surprised me by re-doing a room upstairs for me so that I have my own space somewhere in this world. I absolutely LOVE it. My mom did such a great job, and it hit the spot. I needed this room probably more than anyone will ever know.

I am at a place where everything in me just craves some rest. My body is tired. My emotions are worn out. My spirit is exhausted. I thought I would be starting work as soon as arrived here in Jax, but I'm getting a few extra days free. So maybe I'll get bored enough to be excited to head back to work. Right now I am just focusing on taking in easy. I'm in a really weird place right now. Right now the thought of leaving the country again in a month to head back to Africa excites half of me, but totally stresses out the other half. It's an internal battle because the part that is stressing just wants to bail and stay home. BUT the part of me that is a fighter refuses to give up. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has called me to go back to Africa and help lead this years FYM program. Every single time I doubt and ask God to confirm this next step for me, He does. I'm so glad He doesn't get tired of me asking Him all the time.

So for now, I'm just choosing to be obedient to the call God has placed before me even though I'd really like to pass it up and take it easy. Something in me just can't. I know I would be missing out on the greatest thing for me. So if you think about me at all...please pray that God would renew all that I am over the next month while I'm home and that I will be ready and EXCITED to go back and serve Him. Also, I am still trying to raise more funds for the trip. I need about $5000 more. Please, please, PLEASE pray for that! Thanks. Blessings:)

Basak

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have fallen in love with a little community in Cebu called Basak. Its for the most part predomniately Catholic, but also is evangelized by the Mormans as well. But its a small, but very special place that we have helping Ruben and Sharon in. For the past year or two they have started a small Bible Study in this area, but their vision is to see a church starting in that place. So that is where we have found ourselves helping. We have done some house to house to spend some time with people in the community, but we have done a TON of work with their children. Here the parents are more receptive when they see their children being loved and cared for.

We have had approximately 100-150 each afternoon. We tell them Bible stories, sing songs, do crafts, and just love on them the best we know how by showing them attention. Along with our effort to help Sharon and Ruben, we went to Basak Elementary School on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning to share with as many of the 42 classes as we could. Each class averages about 60 students...and I am pretty sure that we made to almost all of them before our time was up. Each of our classes heard about Jesus and how Jesus loves each of them enough to come, die, and take their place so that they may live and have a relationship with God. It was so great to see their faces light up when they hear how much the King of the Universe loves each of them. Ruben estimated that about 1000 students heard the name of Jesus. That's sooo incredible!

I am only here in the Philippians for five more full days. We head home on Thursday, July 24th. I can't believe how quickly the time is going. The rest of the time we are here we will continue to pour everything we have into the community of Basak. I feel like it has been a huge blessing to really spend so much time with the people there. So pray for the people of Basak. Pray that they would see Jesus despite their physical circumstances. I know God has a huge heart for them.

Tonight we are doing a Bible Study with the adults, a childrens program, and doing a film outreach this evening...if the weather holds up! Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I'm excited to talk to each of you when I arrive home and share all that God is doing in the Philippines!:)

A whirlwind!!!!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sorry it has been a good week since I've updated. Its been a total whirlwind since we have landed here in Cebu. Its been great though. We pretty much have hit the ground running. We didn't have much time to get over jet lag, but my team has been doing incredible at pushing though. I think we are all finally adjusted!

As soon as we landed, we changed over some money, got some basics, dropped our luggage off at our house, and went straight to a feeding that hosts between 150 and 200 kids. While the kids are doing a lesson, they take the parents of the community and do a short Bible Study with them. After we finished there, we went and explored the home church and began some ministry prep. On Sunday we did not go to just one or two church services, but FIVE. We shared and presented at every service. It was really great, but really tiring. But the people here are incredible, so its worth it.

The host church that we are working alongside of has several church plants all over Cebu, but it also is a hub that host Compassion International children. They are over 532 children. About seven years ago, they started a program called "Loving My Neighbor" which is an after school program for the Compassion kids that teaches them about Jesus but also other life skills. It's an awesome idea. So, for this entire week, we have taken over all their programs and run them for all the teachers. Its giving them a nice break, but also a change of scenery for the children. I have absolutely fallen in love with them, and have enjoyed getting to know them. The kids range from 6-14. Its heart breaking to hear their story, but also I feel honored to get to love on them and show them Christ.

We are staying in a "boarding house" with a few of the church workers. We have no refridgeration or air conditioning or really even a kitchen. Our kitchen is pretty much a sink, an electrical burner, and a rice cooker. We sleep on mats on the floor. We shower with buckets. Our toilet has no seat and it takes a bucket to make if flush. But honestly, its great. We are living with locals and we are experiencing what they experience. It's different then what I'm used to but we are having a blast. At night we look forward to getting a good "bucket" in before we head to bed! The weather is very humid. I think that is the hardest thing we are trying to adjust to, but we are getting there!

Keep praying for us as we ministry. We are here for just about two more weeks and then its back to America! I am posting some pictures on our team blog, so check it out! The link is in the blog previous to this one!! God bless!

1....2....3....PHILIPPINES!

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well, I have survived another training camp. It was is WAY better on the flip side. I've decided that being a leader is probably the best thing ever. It probably has a lot to do with the great staff that I have been able to work along side this week, but also the HUGE blessing that God has given me by my INCREDIBLE team. From different stuff, God has made our team a small one. I am co-leading with my friend Matt and we have three participants: Ansley, Trevor, and Emily. They are perfect for the job that God has called us to. The love the Lord and are sooo ready to step out in God's promises.

Up until now I didn't really know what to expect with our trip coming up. To be honest I am still not exactly sure what to expect because we are the first AIM team to be sent to Cebu City. With that there is great excitement, but also a little bit of pressure for us. But thankfully, our team has bonded quickly, built incredible trust with each other, and are excited to rise to the challenge. We do know that we are working along side a missionary couple. Their names are Reuban and Sharon. They are the cutest couple I have ever seen...from their picture. We also know that we will be doing a lot of ministry in a couple different slums, on of which is built in a grave yard, going into elementary schools to preach the Gospel, and lots of Childrens ministry. I'm really pumped for this trip. It took a few days for me to get my head in the game, but now that I'm all here I can't wait.

I have been praying intensely for the spiritual protection of our team. I KNOW that God has some HUGE things for this team. I dont think I could put the feeling that I have into words. So I have been spending a LOT of time bathing our team in prayer that God would go before us in our journey. I really would like to ask that you really pray for our team. We are going blind into this, but know that God has it all worked out. We are going to see and do things that will be VERY uncomfortable, but God is good, and we are sooo excited to be apart of His story.

I will try and be on here to update as much as I can, but we also have a team blog for this trip that you can check out at : http://08pp0626amb1.myadventures.org/

Keep praying:)

Getting ready!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So, time at home, for now is quickly coming to a close! I have to be at staff training for my Philippines trip a week from today!!! I'm getting pretty excited about it. I dont really want to pack...and I haven't even begun, but it's cool. I may just end up throwing a bunch of stuff in my bags and hoping its good enough:) I survived Africa for 9 months, I can do this for a few weeks!

Being at home has been a really good thing for me. I've spent most of my time down in Florida w/ my family. My parent's church, Neptune Baptist, has been a tremendous blessing in my life! They have given me a job while I'm in the States to make a little extra money, but the body here has been so nice to pray for me and what I'm doing this summer and really, this upcoming year. God has also just been kicking my booty about just being disciplined in all areas of my life while I'm home. I find it so easy to be lazy and let the time I do have slip away. So, I try to get up decently early to spend time with the Father but also to be physically disciplined in working out and taking care of my body. Its been amazing. I really needed it! I think I have finally found a habit that will hopefully stick:)

I think the most exciting thing that has happened lately is probably that I bought myself a bike! It's actually a beach cruiser! I think that's what I love the most about being down here in Florida. I don't really have to drive anywhere which means I'm being environment friendly...and my bank friendly. I am still having a hard time getting over the outrageous gas prices!

This week I'm going to be running around trying to tie up some loose ends for the time I'll be gone, working, and getting myself packed! Sounds exciting! Please, please, please pray for all of us as we are getting ready to head out again especially Matt (my co-leader) and I. I know that sometimes its overwhelming to think about leaving again so quickly, but I'm confident that God wouldn't have me be anywhere else! I will try to do a couple more updates before I actually leave the country. I'm not totally sure what the internet situation will be like in the Philippines. But please know that I appreciate each of you and all the encouragement you all have given me. God has used you to confirm the steps that I am taking right now! Thank you!

Life.

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well, it's now been about 2 1/2 weeks since I've been in America. I think that I am finally starting to get used to life here. I mean, I'm just now figuring out that the blinker is on the left side of the car and not the right. For about the first two weeks, whenever I wanted to turn, the windshield wipers went off instead:) I think I have it under control now. BUT I still order "tap water with ice" at Restaurants...not sure when that habit will break. Probably just in time to turn around and go back to Africa.
Last week I spent up in Atlanta. I think that I eat every meal with someone different. It kept me busy, that's for sure! I was so great to be able to catch up with friends, family, and supporters and to try and tell them all about Africa. I know that I didn't even scratch the surface of my experience, but I enjoyed being able to try! It was encouraging to be able to speak about where I've been and where God is taking me this year. Several times God used others to confirm that I was exactly where I was supposed to be and God has great things in store for this upcoming year! Just talking about it more gets me really excited!
This past Tuesday, I think, I had a conference call with my team that I am leading to the Philippines. It was so awesome, and I can't wait to be around these kids! To hear them talk about their heart for the Philippines, and where they hope God will take them was incredible. I can see that God is already bonding our team together. We might be a small team, but God has BIG things for us! Right now we are all just getting ready, asking a billion questions on what to bring, and preparing our hearts for what's next.
Today I started a part time job at my parents church, Neptune Baptist. They are allowing me to come in and work in their office for the time that I'm home. It's been a while since I've had a "real" job...so I think this will be a good thing. It will give me the chance to make some extra money and keep me busy while I'm here in Florida. They are so generous to allow me to do this!
For now, I am just asking God to get my heart ready to lead these kids, to give me a passion for the people that we will be ministering to, and to bind our team together in perfect unity that we may be able to live and breath as one. I am also still working on raising support for the next year. Please keep praying for that. I need it!
Summer is finally here! I hope each of you are enjoying it so far!!!

Home Again, Home Again.

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

   Well, I'm home! I've actually been home since last Friday, but I haven't been ready to sit down and write a blog yet! Plus I haven't really be "home" anyways.   I survived the longest flight of my life and arrived home on Friday morning. My mom picked me up from the airport, brought me home, and then I had to run a bunch of errands to keep me awake. Jet lag is awful! Saturday morning my family and I left for Orlando to take a few days for me to spend with them before the craziness of summer gets started. We did the whole Disney and Universal thing, and we even saw the Blue Man Group. Surprisingly, it was better than I thought. It was a great time to hang out with them and relax and get back to being in America.
   I do have to say, being back is weird. It's great, but I think I am definitely hitting a little bit of culture shock this time around. Some moments it seems like Africa was just a blur and it hasn't even been a week! I am trying to force myself to really start to digest this past year and clear my head so I can begin to prepare for my next journey to the Philippines. I'm hoping the next few days will be a little more low key for me to do that.
   I am enjoying the things of America like my own space, unlimited Dr. Pepper, normal salad, and swimming pools. At times I miss Africa, but I don't think it has really hit me that this chapter has closed and a new one will be opening soon. In my mind I think we will all be back together soon to carry on "normal" life in Jbay. I'm not sure it will all really hit me for a couple more weeks. I do miss my "family!" Love you guys!!!
   I am working on getting in contact with my high schoolers as they are getting ready for our trip in June. I'm also working on raising support so I can continue to do missions over the next year. I ask that each of you would pray for that! I believe that God will provide:)
   Sometime this weekend I will probably be heading up to the Atlanta area to see and spend time with some of my friends there! Hopefully I will be able to see everyone!! I would love to get together and catch up!

One day.

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have ONE day left in Jbay (oh my gosh, that rhymes). That is out of control. I never thought this time would come, but it's here. I have to be a little honest and say that I am really excited to be in America for a while. I need the break. AND the unlimited Dr. Pepper;) Sorry it has been a while since my last post. We have been out of town for Debrief. To close out the year, we headed to Cape Town for 5 days to tour the city and begin to process what all happened this year. It was nice to see the city again, but unfortunately the weather kind of sucked. But it's all good!
Before we left for Cape Town, we said our final goodbye to the clinic. It was probably the hardest thing I have had to do since I've stepped foot on this continent. It was so good, but sooo hard. It broke my heart. We decided to bake the Sister's favorite muffins for them, as well as we wrote all of the workers personal cards with pictures of the three of us and any pictures we had taken with them. They absolutely loved them. They couldn't believe that we took the time to do that for them. It was a great day. I think it was perfect because it was that day that I finally got a glimpse of the impact that the three of us had in that place. There were many days where we would walk out of the clinic thinking we had little or no impact on the Sisters and the patients, but as we handed out the cards to the Sisters, they sat us down and began to pour their hearts out to us. They let us know how much they saw Christ in us. They had grown to love and look forward to seeing us each and every day. Even if the clinic was super busy and they had no time to speak with us, they just found peace with knowing that we were there. They assured us that even just our smile brought more light into such a dark and dying place. It was amazing. I tried so hard to be tough and not cry, but I couldn't do it. Their kind words went straight to my heart and God used them to encourage all three of us in a job well done. It was amazing to know that we did our part the best we could and we were used by God. I have grown to love each one of those ladies. They will be missed. A part of my heart will always be in that place. Thank God I didn't have to say my final goodbyes, or I would really be a mess!! I'm looking forward to seeing them all again very soon!
I am so very proud of Katie and Hilliary. It was such a pleasure to do ministry alongside of them each and everyday. I learned so much from both of them. I don't think I could put it into words. They have been a huge encouragement in my life, and I will never forget all the good, bad, funny, and sad times we shared together. We will always be one in spirit!!! Yeah Clinic Crew!!!! I LOVE YOU:)
Today I helped Amber finish up a painting project in the Township, packed up, and went to say our goodbyes to our African grandparents, Dr. Bill and Carol. I really enjoyed my time with them. They are so precious. I think I might have found a new penpal too...maybe she'll send me money for Christmas and birthdays:)
So yeah, as of now I have one final day in Jbay. It will most likely be filled with lots of cleaning, packing, and taking Katie to the airport (makes me really sad just thinking about it). I don't think it will hit me that this is all over for a couple more weeks when I'm roaming around somewhere thinking about all these people here in Jeffreys. It has been an incredible journey that I feel so honored to have been apart of. I will probably write more once I'm home and have time to get my head back on straight.
I can not express to each of you how much this year has meant to me and how much I am grateful for each one of you. I couldn't have done it without you. I just am really thankful. Please continue to pray for Jeffreys and for all the things that God still has in store. Also, pray for all of us as we will be travelling home:)! Yay! I look forward to seeing many of you very soon!:)

CRAZINESS.

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well, its two weeks and counting. Soon I will be home. I can't even believe it. I keep telling myself that its almost over, but my heart refuses to believe it. This past week has been pretty difficult for me for a couple different reasons. I'll do my best to put it all into words for you.
   First, I am totally exhausted. My heart is just ready to rest. My body is ready to rest. I just need some down time. As it gets closer to the end, the more I have to do here. The more I have to fit in. On top of that, I am preparing and getting organized for my Philippines trip in July, and we are also making preparations for all that participants for the upcoming year here in Africa. I know it is all good stuff, just a lot on my plate. I am just looking forward to having some good solid alone time.
   Secondly, my Spirit has been fighting my decision to come back here. I know its the right thing, but its something that my flesh wants to fight. I feel like I SHOULD be doing something different. So this week I have felt a lot like Gideon. You know in Judges where God is calling him to fight a MASSIVE army and He asks God a couple of times for confirmation. He asks God to dew the entire ground minus the fleece he sets out in front of his tent. So God does it. But it wasn't enough, so the next night Gideon switches it up on God and asks him to do the reverse. And God does it again. I love that God doesn't get frustrated with Him, but just continues to show Himself and confirms His call for Gideon. So, back to my life. This week I have been fighting what I've been called to but asking God to confirm my decision. Each day I would ask, each day he would confirm. Whether through His Word, through circumstances, or through spoken word from my teammates and mentors, He continues to show Himself faithful in my life and confirms His call. Its a bitter sweet. Its bitter because I feel like I should be out doing a "real" job, but sweet because I know I am walking to where God wants me for this season. I hope this all makes sense.
   Lastly, I feel like as time is supposed to be closing here, God continues to open up new ministry opportunities here and ways for me to meet the needs of people here (probably another good confirmation for me coming back!). This week we have been given the opportunity to meet the needs and help a little girl named Angel. Angel is a 7 week old baby girl who is absolutely beautiful but comes from a family that is consumed w/ alcoholism. They have no money to provide for her. She only weighs a little over 5 lbs. Its crazy. So on Monday, Hilliary did an amazing job just caring for her. We provided her mom with enough food to get her through the week. We are going to take Her mom, Gloria, shopping on Monday when she gets her grant check to get food and diapers for Angel. We have taken a local lady that we work with over to her house with us to introduce them to each other. Our hopes are that Noomsa, the local woman, will continue to check on her and help teach and enable her to be a mom and take care of the blessing the Lord has given her. Thats how change will occur. When people will help their own culture. If you would just lift up that family. That they would see Jesus, and that God would show up. That change would come. I believe it can.

So that my friends, is my week in a nutshell. I am spending a LOT of time visiting people and getting ready to head back to the States. Our last official day of ministry is this coming Tuesday. We are going to Cape Town for debrief from next Wednesday to the following Monday. We will be back here for two days to pack and get ready to head home. If you could just pray that I would finish out strong and also for the hearts for those we have to say goodbye too. Luckily this is not the final goodbye! Also if you could please pray about continuing on your involvement in my ministry. I do have to raise support for the next year, and I would be honored to have you as a partner! Thanks for all your prayers! Love you guys.

I dont have a good title name:) Sorry!

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I can't believe another week is gone. I think as the days go by, time keeps going by faster. This time in four weeks I will be at home with my parents. CRAZY! As much as I am getting excited to see friends and family, the idea of this time of my life being over is really sad! I mean, don't get me wrong, I think that I'm ready to have some of my own space, but just the thought of leaving this place and these people just makes me so sad. This time in my life is marked by restoration and healing. It is marked by struggles and stretch marks, BUT all things that have made me stronger in the Lord. The people here have become my family. They have all learned to love me as I am, and have pushed me to become the girl God has created me to be. I don't even want to get started on the people in ministry that I have grown to love. I only have two weeks and two days left of ministry with them. At the clinic we can't even talk about it. Thankfully I am coming back in September, but it is still going to be SO hard to leave.
    Teaching my seventh graders every Thursday started back up this week. It was really awesome. They were really excited to have us back since they have been on holiday. This week we taught on "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." It was a good lesson for these kids. I think that it challenged them to think about the little things that they do. That righteous things aren't just the BIG things, but even the unseen and small things. We had two of them volunteer for a hands on demonstration for thirsting. The girl had to eat a TON of crackers and the boy had to stuff his mouth full of peanut butter. They all seem pretty entertained and I think it got the point across.
    On Thursday night, my discipleship group (me, Chelsea, Amber, and Christina) went camping for one night to get away and just hang out. IT WAS PERFECT! We left right after ministry was over on Thursday, and drove an hour away to this killer camp ground right on the ocean. We set up camp, built a fire, and enjoyed a TON of food and each others company. It was so relaxing. It got kind of cold, so we hit the hay kind of early so we had a good reason to get in our mummy bags to get warm! Friday morning we woke up, ate some breakfast, broke down camp, and then headed on a day hike down Storms River Mouth. We hiked down the coastline and over some rocks to a beautiful waterfall. Enjoyed the sun, and then hiked out. It was a great girls trip!
    I think thats a pretty good update for now! Just really pray for out team as we are winding down. Pray that we will have enough energy and strength to finish this trip up. Also pray for our hearts as we will have to start saying goodbye to people we love. Pray that the right conversations will take place and that we will not leave anything undone. Thanks!:)

Just Kidding.

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So, according to my last blog, I was headed to Lesotho this past Saturday. Well, our plans got changed. Again. But that is the beauty of being a missionary. You never know whats going to happen. God likes to keep you on your toes! I wanted to see Lesotho, but its a total blessing that we decided to stay here. God has been moving a ton this week.
First, I went and visited Mercia on Monday because she was sick. As we were talking to her and filling her in on our plans, she told us that all the Sisters were asking about us while we were in Cape Town. I know that seems really trivial, but its HUGE. I mean, they know us...and actually missed us. I was totally pumped. The clinic this week has been great too. They all seemed so excited to see us and so interested in what we've been up to. Its just been a blessing.
Secondly, this week I have been able to spend a lot of time with the Lord. Its been incredible. On Monday morning we went to Cape St. Francis and sat on the rocks. It was beautiful. I got to find a cleft in the rock to sit and rest with the Lord. It was nice to have the solitude. God just really spoke to my heart. On Tuesday, we headed for a mountain close by to do a free hike. No trails. Just straight up the mountain. It is probably one of my favorite things we've done here. We were able to put on our ipods and just go our own way. I spent a lot of time climbing rocks and processing a lot of what the Lord has been doing in my life. It was really cool though for me to do something both physically and spiritually tough. As I was starting up the hill, I felt like God was calling me to Him. In Psalms 24 David ask "who can ascend his holy hill? Who can stand in His presence? Only him with clean hands and a pure heart." I was not only climbing a mountain physically but spiritually. I took my time heading up to the top and used it as a time to clean out some places in my heart, and allow God to point out any wicked thing in me. I want to be a woman that can ascend the Holy Hill of the Lord and just sit in His Presence. I want to be apart of the generation that seeks His Face with everything that I have.
I thought that going to Lesotho would be a time where I would have a chance to be pushed my the Lord and also to find some extra time to spend with Him, but I was wrong. I have been so blessed to have that this week. Our leaders have done a great job of allowing God to come into our midst and push us. Thank you for all your prayers, and sorry for any of you that have been praying for me while I've been in "Lesotho." God is still moving here in Jbay:)

Cape Town.

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I think I have found my new favorite city. That has to be Cape Town. It just is amazing. Beautiful scenery. Big City. What else could a girl want? The past week we were given a "spring break" so a group of us made some plans and headed to Cape Town for the week. It was a much needed break. It was just nice to go and be in a different place to enjoy God's creation but also to just rest. Here are a few pictures from the week.

Katie and I the night we dressed up:)

South African Sunset over the Atlantic!


Hanging out on Chapmans Peak. Overlooking the Atlantic.


    Another update on whats next...I am still preparing and praying for my trip this summer for the Philippines.   So far, my team is 5 teenagers...2 boys and 3 girls. I'm pretty sure they are probably amazing. I'm REALLY excited. It is also looking more positive that I will be returning here next year. The more I think about it, the more it just seems like its exactly where God wants me. Please keep praying for my decisions and also that God would provide the funds needed.

I will be out of touch for the next two weeks. We are heading to Lesotho, which is a small country in the middle of South Africa. Its supposed to be extremely beautiful, but also very primitive. Its going to be way more tribal than here in South Africa. I will be staying at an orphanage. It'll be a good experience. Just continue to pray for our team while we are out on outreach!

I hope you have an amazing couple of weeks.   God is so good:)