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.
