One day.

  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!:)