Lindsey Watson Africa - Exploring God's creation and loving His people

Since ive been home

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HEy everyone!

It seems like it has been ages since i last posted, sorry for that. I figured it was about overdue for me to update you all on how my life back home has been treating me.

I must say first and foremost, that it didnt take long before i was busy with swim meets, catch up dates, graduations, and and other various things. It was a hard adjustment, especially at first! I found it strange adjusting to the amount of cars on the road and other things that create this fast paced lifestyle. It has been crazy coming back, and looking at all the same things, but from a different point of view. After spending so much time in Swazi, making friendships and getting used to their culture it was wierd to see the intensity of recreational swimming, graduations, finals etc. I definitely appreaciate the awesome opportunities that i have grown up with, it is crazy that i have taken it all for granted.

REality set in a few weeks after being back, and i quickly found myself a few jobs to earn money for school, rent, and a car. I have been extremely busy, but things have been going well. I am having to trust the Lord with my plans for next year, and years to come. It is hard not know where i am going next, but after seeing how the Lord has directed my path this past year, I am able to trust Him with everything!!

I wish that i had been able to organize some sort of gathering to tell all of you about my experiences, share the beautiful purses my Gogos made, and give information about sponsoring one of my kids through school. Things have been crazy though, and i was unable to pull anything together. However, i did put together packets of information for each child that is in need of a school fee sponsor. So if you are interested please please let me know and i can send you all of the necessary info.

Thank you so much, God Bless!

here is a sent to me by the organization i worked with.. The smiling proud after their first day of school!!

travels

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello from Nairobi, Kenya.

I am partially through my long journey home, and find myself in Kenya! Random i know. Since i had a long layover, i figured i would give you all a short update of my last two weeks in Swazi. For the most part i had very successful goodbyes, i got to see and spend time with almost everyone that i have gotten to know here, so that was a huge blessing. But at the same time, i didnt feel right about the whole thing, i just couldnt face the reality of really saying goodbye to these people and this culture, i knew i had to be back someday.

It is crazy to me that i have left swaziland, and wont wake up there in the morning. I feel as though i have just temporarily been taken away from what i have come to know as my home. Unfortunately, once I boarded my first flight, reality did start to sink in. I almost immediately felt a huge sense of loneliness, because for the first time in 5 months, i am not with my teammates. I looked at pictures and was devastated, not knowing when i get to see my babies again. I know that once i do finally arrive home, the transition will probably get even harder, so i suppose flying is a good buffer zone, eh? I am scared to face the crazy busy life that is waiting for me back home, so please have patience with me!!

And on a lighter note, im completely stoked to share stories and pictures with anyone who wants to hear/see!

seeee you sooon

Coming home so soon

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

    Reality has been hitting me hard lately, I cannot fathom the idea of coming home in a little over two weeks. So much will be different when I adjust to life back in the states, and I know it will be a challenge in many areas. Here are some interesting things that happen here that I wont experience anymore in the states

o    Cooking over an open fire on a regular basis
o    Having the electricity go out weekly, and water shut off in the middle of showers
o    Receiving multiple marriage proposals a day from men I have never seen
o    The country having a shortage of CO2, causing certain soft drinks to dissapear
o    Recieving a live chicken as a thank you gesture from a friend's family
o    Killing the chicken, watching it run around headless, and then eating it for dinner
o    Not having to stop at red lights only for cows and goats blocking the road
o    Traveling for over an hour in a hot crowded Kombi, just to receive internet access
o    Having a social life which consists of different card games
o    Remaining inside the house after 6pm

    Although most of these things will be relieving to let go of, I know that I am going to struggle adjusting in the more serious ways. I am going to miss so many things about living life here, in this home, in this country with these people.

I will miss
o    Swimming on such an intimate swim team, that is so eager to learn more.
o    Having three roommates to argue, debate and laugh with
o    The friendly and genuine nature of this culture
o    Not being judged by everyone who sees or meets me
o    The simplicity of life without a tv, car, or tight schedule to keep up with
o    Having quality time be something that actually happens between people
o    My precious kids at the carepoint who greet me everyday in an indescribable way
o    Being able to love and comfort my kids, who have such rough lives at home
o    The Gogos, whos' attitudes are always so appreciative
o    Being able to care for people I don't know without being questioned
o    And talking to my parents for long periods of time, about life

These are all great pieces of what my experience has been here the last few months, it will be a crazy transition when I return in a few weeks. I have had so many awesome things happen to me, and I have learned a tremendous amount. I hope that when I see you next, you will not be satisfied when I tell you my trip was amazing. PLEASE, ask questions because I would love to tell you how I have been transformed, and the things that God has been teaching me this semester.

Sleepover with our girls

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This past Thursday Ashley and I got to bring our little baby girls that we teach to the house for a night of fun. On Tuesday I visited each of their homes to ask permission for them to spend the night. In America this process would be a little more difficult: I would have to explain where we were going, who would be there, what we would do, when they would come home. But here in Swaziland, without any information, the parents immediately gave us permission to take their kids. On Thursday, when we arrived to the care point, the girls were dressed in their best clothes and had packed their backpacks that we gave them. Having never been to town before, the kids were ridiculously excited when we got on the kombi to start our adventure. We sat with multiple kids on our laps in order to save on bus fares. Many of the kids gasped as we turned into the bus ranks because they had never seen anything like it. Walking through town was crazy, and many people shouted at us in Siswati, wondering if we had stolen the kids!! We took them to KFC (the best place ever to Swazis) to get ice cream, which they were surprised to find out was COLD!!

It was times like this that we really got to see how much this all meant to 'our' sweet girls. We brought them to the house, where we had a new stuffed dog, pictures that we printed, and a pair of underwear set out in little piles for each one. They had us strap their new doggies to their backs, just as the Swazi moms strap babies to theirs and of course, I joined in the fun with my teddy Fred!

They went crazy over a lot of things in the house such as the stairs, using a toilet and the bunk beds. We had a great bubble bath time before bed that the girls LOVED. It was so fun to play with them and get them really clean for once, plus they were ridiculously cute in those bubbles.

0They fell fast asleep, exhausted from the long and eventful day. I was surprised that even though they were lined up like sardines, they all slept through the night perfectly. It was such a blast having our babies over, it definitely helps that they were well behaved J. We will see how the boys go this week!

Parents visit

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Having my parents visit was a blessing that I don't even have words to express. It was so amazing to have them alongside me everyday, getting to know the people I have relationships with. Their freshness brought excitement and new perspective to everything I do daily. I got to talk with them throughout each day, serve alongside them, and show them everything I know about this country. My mom, who flew in first, immediately fell in love with the kids and Gogos that I work with. We got to hand out clothes that everyone donated the first day, which was such a great and hectic way for her visit to start. We re-entered some kids into school that were "chased away" the day before, and worked on some details for some other kids. When my Dad arrived we had some great family time together, celebrated my mom's birthday, went to a nearby game park, and saw some other sites around. My Dad added many things to the ministry at the carepoint, trying to provide shade for the kids, and giving them wheelbarrow races. The kids loved having both of my parents around and it was so neat to watch their reactions to them it's not often they have men around who want to play with them, or a woman with funny things glued to her teeth!

It's weird to think that my parents are already back in the States back to normal life. Their visit was an experience I will never forget. How often do people get to serve alongside both of their parents!? Since they have left, many of the people that I see everyday have asked about them: kids, Gogos, parents, coaches, teammates, and roommates. It is so rad that I get to see the fruit of their time here. It just shows how much of a difference you can make in peoples lives, even in a short span of time. I know my parents made a big dent here in Swaziland in the 2 weeks that they were here. They affected everyone they spent time with, including me. It will also be neat to share with them when I come home because the picture will be that much clearer for them

cleaning ears with my papa

Mantenga Falls

Teaching

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When my parents came to visit they brought a lot of things with them, some of it being material things. Packed in my mom's bags were many tools to help us teach at the carepoint. Ashley and I decided to give every few days a color theme, hoping that consistency would really help things stick for the children. It was so great seeing and hearing them start to understand. We started with the color green. We finger painted with green, did worksheets with green, found green objects, chased after green, and much more greeeen. One of many moments that gave me a laugh, was when we switched our color to red a few days later but Nomvuyo was still sure that it was green! It definitely takes longer for some than others!

Zenele and some of the kids, SAY GREEN!

finger painting with green

Swaziland Nationals

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Being an American, and having grown up in the United States Swimming world, when I first thought of what it would be like to go to the Swaziland Nationals I immediately imagined it to be slightly similar to the Sectionals or Junior Olympics of my past. But after living here, I have learned that it is better to not create any kind of preconceived idea about anything, cuz you will most likely be miles off in your prediction.

When we arrived at the pool I was surprised at the size, which I would compare to Campo Cabana club for those of you back home who know. The meet proceeded with as much organization as a rec dual meet, and just as many people. There was a snack bar, a swim shop, and also three countries being represented.

The Mozambique swimmers turned out to be very competitive, especially in Swazi standards and it was really neat having them there. Being at a swim meet with so many cultures mixing is quite exciting and it keeps you on your toes! I ended up winning most races; however, several races I swam unopposed for my age group so it was not all that great of an accomplishment! When the weekend came to a close I was tired and ready to be home. The weekend did give me an invitation to be part of the Swazi team that traveled to the Mozambique nationals the next weekend!

My swim team with their new caps from Orinda Aquatics

Preschool for our kids :)

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As time has started to wind down, we have begun to see the reality of leaving our kids. Realizing that leaving them without any teachers or schooling of any kind would be a huge deficit, Ashley and I put our heads together. With the help of my Dad and our translator Zenele, we investigated the pricing and possibilities of entering our kids into the local pre-school. We discovered that with uniforms and tuition costs, it would add up to be around $200 for each child to finish the remainder of the year in school. We enrolled them and are now starting to tackle the task of finding a supporter for each of our precious little ones. If any of you are interested in sponsoring one of these kids to continue in their learning career please let me know. It would be great to have them sponsored for the remainder of the year, and possibly into the future as well! How awesome would it be to ensure these kids have schooling all the way up until highschool graduation? I am so excited for our little ones and I wish you could have seen their faces as they were sized for uniforms. They loved being in school during their trial week, and supposedly showed lots of prior knowledge!! WOOT WOOT! This has been such an awesome step and it makes me so much more at peace about leaving in a few weeks. Again, if you would like to support one of these precious kids for this year, or years to come, please contact me.

Dad introducing the kids to their new classroom

Parents brought blessings! :)

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My mom arrived this past Friday to visit and I cannot tell you how great it has been to have her here experiencing all of this with me! Ashley's parents came to visit as well, and their trip was coming to an end around the time my mom arrived. Our parents arrival has been such a treat, but they came with treats for the kids as well. They packed their bags full of clothes for the kids that friends and family had donated. So on Friday, when we all went to our carepoint, all of the children were blessed with new clothes! It was a hectic day, with over a hundred kids showing up. Trying to size them all, and keep everyone in order was quite a task, but it was soo rewarding. The kids lit up as we handed them a new pair of underwear. Their appreciation for what we gave them was something I wish all of you could see! Each child was given underwear, and either a top and bottom, or a dress. They were also handed a toothbrush and toothpaste as they finished. It was incredible, and I would like to thank everyone that took part in donating, they really really loved it!

still swimming!

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This past Saturday I attended my second swim competition in Swaziland. It was a small meet, a championship for younger swimmers, but an opportunity to get some more times into the book for the season. My mom and I were picked up fairly early in the morning for meet, which ended up being in the mountains! It was very cold at the meet because of some fog that I was completely unprepared for. I swam nine events in a very short amount of time but it was fun! I met some new friends that were home from college in Cape Town and also trying to get times into the book before Nationals. My mom volunteered as a timer, which just shows how some things never change even across the world! I am excited to see what Nationals will have in store for me, this has all been such a great adventure.

reality of school fees :(

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week in ministry we were faced with the problem of school fees. The trimester is coming to an end, and exams are just a few weeks a way for the children who are in school here. Many of these kids were given extensions at the beginning of the year for paying their school fees. On Monday we had a few extra students at the carepoint, and quickly learned that they were kicked out of school because their parents had not been able to pay the fees. It broke our hearts. These kids were just a few weeks away from passing the trimester, and now because of school fees, they will have to start all over again. My mom, Ashley, Zenele and I all decided to help these kids out. Although we new there are many kids in this same situation, we wanted to help the ones we had at the carepoint. So after making many trips between the school, homesteads, and the bank we were able to enter two kids back into the system! I am so excited about this, and their faces showed that they were too! The parents were also extremely grateful for the blessing. I just hope that we can figure a way to get all of our kids in school all the time.

Nomcebo, who is in first grade, also did not have a uniform like her peers. We were able to purchase one for her which she will be able to wear for a few years. Her and her mothers excitement were priceless, it made me so happy to be able to give so joyfully

Strike

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This Monday, Ashley and I left the house in the morning on our way to catch public transportation which would bring us to our carepoint. The day seemed normal, until we were stopped halfway to town by our teammate Ben, who informed us that the Kumbi drivers were on strike. Knowing that we now had to way to get to the carepoint, we decided to accompany Elisa to her ministry locations. We walked to the market where she has made friends with the ladies. After spending time at the market, we started making our way towards the Hope House. We hadnt made it more than 15 yards up the street when the street vendors suddenly started frantically packing their things and running down the street. We were extremely surprised and confused by the occurrence and tried to figure it out as we continued walking up the street. Less than two minutes later a group of about 30 men came storming down the street, holding sticks of some sort. As they passed by us they turned to us saying, Hey, How are you white people? which the three of us found extremely strange. The rest of the day was very alive and chaotic in the streets of Manzini. We passed many police trucks driving through town full of machine gun armed officers. Knowing the situations that we were involved with, and the stories that our teammates came home with, I am so thankful to have God looking out for us, and to have everyone home safe. We dont know how long the strikes and riots will last, we have heard anything from a day to a month. But because the majority of the country relies on public transportation, it has a huge impact. The last time that public was on strike was in 1995. It caused schools and businesses to shut down for an entire month because there was no way for employees or customers to get any place. So please pray for the situation here in Swaziland, for safety, and a quick resolution.

Family ministry at Ntabas

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Every Saturday our team does ministry together as a family. We have done various projects and ministries on these Saturdays, but this past Saturday the 15^th our team joined Ashley and I at our carepoint. We started off the morning gathering children at their homes and chatting with the Gogos, who were surprised to see us there on a Saturday. The number of children quickly multiplied as we started singing songs, and playing soccer. A few of us started painting the kids faces, and Ben made them balloon animals. The kids loved seeing themselves in the mirror I brought, their faces lit up with laughter and excitement. They loved wearing the balloons as hats, which made their new look even crazier. After painting countless flowers and hearts, and changing some faces to look like zebras, leopards, or lions we gathered the group for a story. Our team acted out a completely unpracticed skit of the crucifixion, followed by an explanation of how much God gave up for them because he loves them. We ended the day with some hilarious relay races. We started with one that required two teammates to hold a balloon between their bodies while running, without using any hands. The second relay race was the crabwalk, which some of them found very difficult. The last race involved some funky clothes that we brought from the storage closet. Putting on a ridiculous skirt, shirt and hat, the kids proceeded to run to the other side of the field where they would tear the clothing off before racing to tag their teammate. I found myself laughing hysterically and jumping up and down as I watching my kids participate in these ridiculous races. The school kids had a blast competing against each other, and the little ones simply giggled their way through all of the races. The Gogos even participated in a few races! All in all, the day brought far more laughter and excitement than I ever could have asked for. It was amazing having the team meet our kids, and seeing each kid get so much individual attention. Being able to spend the day pouring into our kids, and just letting them feel special was priceless, I wish we could do it every Saturday!!

Eskom visit

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While spending the weekend in South Africa, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Eskom, the township I spent time in last semester. Chelsea, Kristen, Aubs and I put together some money for gas, and asked an Alabanza staff member if she could drive us. We got to see the Cresh (preschool) teachers, and other old friends. When I went to find my little girl Elizabeth, I found that she had moved! In fact, her house had moved as well. (I guess that is a benefit of living in a house made from scraps, because her family was able to take their house with them). My heart dropped when I didn't find Elizabeth there, I was filled with so much uncertainty of her whereabouts, or her condition. My spirits were lifted when I visited with my friend Lecretia, and she shared about her life lately. She explained how she had been seeking discipleship from people she met at the church when I was there, and how she has been walking in the authority Christ gives her. It was soo amazing to hear that even though I was no longer there, walking her through things, she was still seeking after truth, and strengthening her relationship with Christ. After saying good-bye to Lecretia, a young girl ran up to me that I didn't recognize. It took me a few seconds, but I realized that it was Elizabeth!! I was soo excited to get to see her again. I learned that her family had moved to the upper side of the squatter camp, which made me see God's hand in her life. Her move was nothing to be afraid about as I first thought, instead her move was bringing her away from darkness. I remembered that her neighbors used to be Sangoma's, and that this was God's way of protecting Elizabeth and her family! I wish we could have visited Eskom for longer, or gone back multiple times, but the time that we were there was definitely such a blessing

Mid Trip retreat

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This Thursday our team along with the team settled in Ezulwini headed back to South AFrica for a 4 day retreat at Alabanza. It has been soo nice to be back in the familiar surroundings that we stayed in last semester. The staff here has been pouring into us the past couple days and it has been so amazing! I dont think i realized how empty i was becoming from doing ministry everyday, but after being here I feel completely refreshed and renewed. Our time has been spent processing the last two months, and preparing for the portion of our time in Swaziland. It is crazy to me that I am almost done with they journey. I know God still has many things to do in and through me though, so I am excited to get back to the carepoint and the children. Tomorrow I get the exciting opportunity to visit the people I met last semester in Eskom. I have huge hopes of reconnecting with Elizabeth and Lecretia and other relationships that i started. I cant wait to talk with them and see how they have been the past few months.

more at Ntabas

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The past week has been filled with furthering relationships, and more teaching and fun with the kids. I am getting to be really good friends with our translator, Zenele. She is a rad girl, and it has been great spending time with her everyday in ministry. It is neat seeing her work with the kids, seeing swazi's teach younger swazi's is so amazing, and gives me so much hope for their future.

Zenele pushing Sethu

We have continued to work on letters, and numbers with the kids. We also have worked on concepts such a Big vs Small and grouping. Last week our Bible story was Jesus washing the disciples feet. We read the story each day and explained how it applies to us today. It is still so amazing to me to think about how perfect of an example Jesus is for us. This bible passage really shows me how much we are supposed to serve one another. At the end of the week we washed the childrens feet, and painted their toes! It was soo much fun, and the girls absolutely loved it! Here are some more pictures!

Me with Nokwanda, Faneliso, and Owethu.. trying to find some shade against the container

Me and Sethu getting a nap :)

Three precious kids...

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Three precious kids have completely captured my heart the past week of so. Nokwanda (7), Nomvuyo (4), and Setu (2) are three of the 8-15 children that come to our carepoint in the morning for lessons. These kids immediately caught my eye the first day I saw them. Their solemn mannerisms and lack of emotion stood out from most of the others. The oldest, who is still only seven, cares for the younger two most of the time, and I can see the burden of responsibility upon her constantly throughout the day.

We have gone to their home many times to gather them for the day, only to find them alone in the dirt trying to clean their clothes. After asking several questions through translators, we found out that the father passed away a few years ago, and the mom leaves them very early in the morning to beg for food so they can eat. Their house is made of mud and rocks, and is smaller than many American bathrooms. These kids really have captured my heart. As hopeless as the situation for these youngsters seems, I have to remember that God is in control, and I just need to do what I can cuz He will take it from there.

It has been so amazing already, each day more and more personality and giggles come out of them. It is so so neat to see little Setu laugh and play, because it took at least two weeks to see his facial expression change in the slightest. The girls are learning their letters, and are very smart. Earlier today I sent Nokwanda home with a worksheet and crayon so she could practice the letters in her name. Treasure, a swazi girl who lives with us, is trying to get the mother a job through some connections she has which would be so rad! I am so stoked to see where God takes these kids!! Here are a few more pictures:

Nokwanda and Setu

Nomvuyo and Nokwanda

A Swazi Wedding

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This Sunday we got to see Dennis and Zwagele's wedding, it was soo neat to see a swazi ceremony and compare it to an American one. Because Dennis is American, the wedding was not very traditional, but it was still ridiculously energetic and exciting! The ceremony was held in Pastor Waltor's church in Timbutini. The bridesmaids and groomsmen all did a choreographed dance in the isle to meet up with their partner. The wedding party broke out into random song and dance throughout the wedding, making it such a fun experience. The couple is now off on a honeymoon in Cape Town!

Ntabas carepoint update

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our ministry at the Ntabas carepoint has really picked up this week. We were able to spend time teaching and hanging out with the children everyday. We have about 10 youngsters that we teach during the day. This week we started learning the letters A and B; we practiced writing them, and saying the sounds they make. We have also been doing a bit of counting with the children, trying to help the understand the concepts of numbers rather than just memorize how to count to ten. It is neat to work with each of them, counting with objects and numbers. I feel like I am learning just as much as them, I understand more and more each day how to get ideas across to the kids, its such a blast! On valentines day we brought them little cookies and treats or the holiday which was so special for them, they really had a blast!
Here is a picture of a few of our kids.

weeds and shoes

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Each Saturday we get the opportunity to do ministry as a family which is awesome cuz throughout the week we are all scattered in every direction. This past Saturday our team went to the Thembeni carepoint, where we cleared land of many thorn bushes and trees. The Chief of the area gave us this plot of land so that we can start building the kitchen and other buildings for the new carepoint. Our job was to prepare the land to be built on... So we woke up in the morning and set out to do some dirty work. We were given shovels and Machetes to chop down the many many trees and bushes that were covering the property. It was a blast!! It was nice to be able to get out and do something with our hands for a while, even if we did come home with numerous scratches and bruises. I felt the day was very successful, considering nobodys fingers were chopped off!

After clearing the land, we went to the carepoint that exists now, and distributed shoes to the children. The shoes were donated by a family in America who had recently visited. It was such a neat experience to be on this side of things. I got to see the excited smiling faces of all the children as they tried different pairs on to find the right fit. They were sooo thankful and happy! It was an amazing experience, and I couldnt help but think about the many donation drives that i have been on the other side of. How many people actually get to see and play with the kids that the shoes/ school supplies/ or whatever goes to?!?

I am so thankful to be on this side of things, I wish you could see all of the things that i am getting to do because you sent me!!

Swimiming in a green cloud..

Sun, 3 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Between ministry, transportation, chores, and meals, I have found a bit of time to add one more thing to my schedule. Last semester while we were hear in Swazi I noticed that the primary school next to our FYM house had a swimming pool. So this semester I approached the coach about possibly helping out with the team. Unfortunately, the younger kids practice at all the wrong times for me, and I am unable to help coach. BUT I was given the opportunity to join the club team that trains after school. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I figured WHY NOT!? After tracking down the one and only swim cap and pair of goggles in all of Manzini, I set out for practice a few afternoons later. The walk from our house to the pool deck is in total about a minute and a half, so I quickly found myself in the pool area. I joined in on some stretches that I had never seen done before, and then proceeded to warm up. I was never able to forget that I was still in Swaziland, because while swimming I wasn't able to see more then a foot in front of me due to the cloudiness. I had to swim with my head up to prevent hitting the wall. I have attended more than a handful of practices now, and I am still having a blast in the experience that each afternoon brings. I swim with about 5 other swimmers who are all teenagers. I am faster than all but one, who is a little older, and is supposedly training for the Olympics! I have fun training with him, he keeps the practice challenging, which is great! Looking back on all of the years of swimming in my past, I never thought that this is somewhere it would bring me, but how sweeet? Its been such a neat way to experience Swazi culture in just one more area while I am here. I might even go to a competition sooon!!

The Bus Rank & Crowded Kumbi Rides

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Because of a destructive virus that seems to have hit all of AIM's vehicles in the South African region, our team is very lucky to still have one vehicle. However, because there are about fifteen different daily schedules, we have been attempting Public Transportation for everyday purposes. What a wild an adventure it has been! Each day Ashley and I walk into town (about 30min walk), where we find the Bus Rank. This consists of several dirt parking lots on a hill, overflowing with funky decorated Kumbi vehicles parked in every which direction possible. When you start to walk into the general area, you are bombarded over and over again by people screaming at you to get in their vehicle, or asking where you are headed. In a nutshell its mass chaos! With horns beeping, Kumbis backing up, and people shouting, I try to stay focused on where I am going so I don't slip on the dirt hillside. Each of the Kumbi's are labeled ob the front bumper with the two places they travel between, so after learning how our destination is spelled, finding the right vehicle hasn't been too difficult. After joining fifteen other passengers in the van, we wait out the 40 minute ride before yelling STACHE to the driver to stop the van. While the first few rides on public were somewhat interesting, I have grown very fond of the crowded rides.

my own rhythm and beat

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This past week the World Race mission team came through Swaziland, which gave us the opportunity to talk with them, and also attend some of the teachings that were being provided to them. The teachings were great and we learned a lot from the speakers, Gary Black (director of the Nsoko G42 project) and Tom Davis (author of Red Letters-check it out! Goood book). We learned a lot about how to stay focused on the path in front of us, while still not worrying too much about the future, and instead leaving things in Gods hands. I really enjoyed the teachings, but I especially benefited from a few words spoken to me by a World Racer. I love how God can use us to speak into others lives, and He definitely did this to me this past week. During a time provided to pray/chat with one another, a world racer came to me, telling me that God wants me to live freely. How I have been holding myself back because of people around me, or a standard that I might be judging myself against. How crazy is that? Cuz, what was it, 2 or 3 weeks ago that I almost stayed home from Swazi because of this exact thing. So here I am, hearing from God how much He wants me to be ME, cuz afterall, He is the one who made me the way I am!! So now I am walking each day trying to live each moment following my passions instead of conforming to the ones around me. This is something I have known for such a long time, but never been able to put my finger on, I am so thankful that God awakened me, and has challenged me in this way.

visits?

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Coming in March is an opportunity for family/friends to come visit and see first hand what I have been doing here in Swazi. This is a big prayer request, I would love to get some of my family out here, but I know that finances could be a bit of a problem. I would really appreciate it if you would join me in praying about this, cuz I know if God wants this to happen, He will provide a way!

Getting Started

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wednesday JAN 23^rd ..

The last week or so has been spent sorting out what the next four months of ministry will look like for us. After a few meetings and visits to different places, most of us can visualize what our semester will look like. Our team is doing a variety of different things for our daily ministry. I am very excited to see my schedule fall into place. Ashley and I will be serving at a carepoint teaching the children and encouraging the Gogo's. I am pumped to start hanging out with these kids on a regular basis and get to know them on a personal level. We will be doing all sorts of exercises with the kids; crafts, organized games, math, reading, English. I really want to help these kids gain the things they would be gaining if they were in school. Coordination, discipline, and common knowledge! So we shall see how things go! We will be needing to get supplies to help our time with the kids. Things such as balls, paper, crayons, counting charts, children's Bibles etc etc. Unfortunately, expenses like these are not covered in the cost of our trip. So if you would like to donate $$ to help fund the things we are doing here I would love your help!!

If you send a check to my parents, it can be deposited in my account so I can access it here! If you need my parents address let me know! Thanks for all your help!

Mercedes vs BMW

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday JAN 20^th

This morning we got to go to church again. After walking through the fields to get there, we got there in time to observe the end of Sunday school taking place under a few trees. The children were learning to perform in front of the congregation during the service. Church service, started around 11 and continued on until about 1:30 that afternoon. I love the amount of energy and freedom that is present in the churches here. Each person is so alive! MY favorite part is offering. The church body is divided into two different teams, (Mercedes, and BMW). One of the leaders in the church will yell out "Mercedes!" and all of the people on that team file to the front and give their offerings. The same thing happens for the BMW team. After this process, the money is counted and whichever team gave the most amount of money wins!! I am not so sure how Biblical, or appropriate it is to make offering a competition, but I guess it get the job done! We have definitely grown accustomed to things like this happening, how wierd that of all things they would choose Mercedes and BMW to represent the teams though? It goes to show how much the world looks up to westernized culture.

getting pumped

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This morning my team had a meeting, and our leader, Kate, spelled out what the next four months of our life will look like, in a general sense. It was totally full of information I needed to hear. She explained how we were going to be living more independent lives, and how we will have more freedom (which comes with responsibility, but is still FREEDOM), unlike the strict schedule we had last semester with so many rules and expectations. The only real requirements in our weekly schedule will be putting in 20 hrs at our internship. I am so excited to dive into life, like a real missionary would. Live my life normally, and live it full of passion. Looking at the semester ahead, I feel like I am going to be challenged, but I know that I am going to grow tremendously! I am excited to see what happens when I walk out my life, serving and seeking after God because I want to! Its not that I haven't wanted to in the past, but I so easily get caught up in the forced structure and rules put on me, that I often lose my true genuine passion to be living for God.
Anyhow, I am pumped for the adventure that lies in front of me. I am determined to make use of my time here. I hope to really touch the people I encounter, whether it be small orphaned children, high school students, or people I pass by in town. The people in Swazi have a horrible future laid out for them in fact studies predict that, because of death from AIDS, Swazi will no longer exist by the year 2050! I hope to educate and inform these people of a much more meaningful way of living, and a lifestyle that will carry them past the year 2050!

and im back!

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey again everyone!

I am back in South Africa! After a really good break, and longs travel, its crazy that i am back here once again!

Our team flew in all day yesterday, and now the next two days we will spend adjusting to the time change, and catching up. We are leaving for Swazi on Friday morning, we are taking some sort of public transportation because our vehicles are all broken down.. what a surprise! ahaha

Its been really neat seeing everyone again, and being back at Alabanza. I do miss everyone already though!

I will make sure to write more next week after a bit more has happened!

Support update..

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The final leg of our trip is well underway, I cannot believe I am in Jefferys bay right now, spending the last couple weeks of my trip before Christmas by the beach! I have been learning a lot in our conference about leadership. The speakers have helped us to see how our stereotype of a leader differs from others countries stereotypes of leader. We have discovered important traits of a great leader, as well as practical skills to have as we begin to tackle life as leaders. It has definitely been neat to learn skills that I will be able to apply to life in Swaziland next semester. However the things I am gaining from this conference will follow me throughout life, even beyond Swazi.

I am very excited to come home and see everyone during Christmas break! We are all counting down the days until we arrive back in the states, what a blessing it will be to be home for the Holidays!

As exciting as it is to think about coming home, it is also exciting to think about life next semester in Swazi. However, one aspect of making next semester possible is support raising. I have really appreciated everyones support thus far, but I am still in need of a little over $3000 to fund the remainder of my trip. Although it seems like an overwhelming amount of money, every little bit helps. If a number of people donated $50 dollars it would make such a difference. If you would like to contribute, click on the link on the left hand side of my blog reading Support Me.

Thank you so much for keeping up with my life here in Africa! It means so much to know that people back home are thinking of me! Have a great Christmas if I dont see you!

A new friend named SuperM

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Super M!
While hanging out in JBay last week, we were approached by a girl about our age, asking if we were from America. After confirming that we were, we entered into a convo that lasted quite some time. I learned that Emi spent about six months in the states last year working at a summer camp-which is how she recognized our accents. We quickly became good friends. It was so neat to hang out with her, and her friends who were on vacation here in Jbay. All from Pretoria, which is crazy, because that is where I have spent most of my trip so far, Emi and her friends really opened my eyes to the Afrikans culture. I even got a few language lessons while hanging out on the beach with them. Emi, aka SuperM, made my week. It was so exciting to be able to hang out with people our age each afternoon, and learn about each other. We share so many similarities in addition to our faith. Emi happens to have a heart for America, and while right now I am completely in love with south Africa. Its crazy how God works, and brings people together from different cultures to encourage one another. I am sure that Emi and I will be able to keep in contact for quite some time, hopefully forever!