Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I can't think of a good title so here ya go.......

I would say our first two weeks in South Africa has been a success…We celebrated South Africa’s national Braii day (aka BBQ day) with steaks, sausages and rugby; Dan beat Uli (Lindsay’s brother-in-law) in tennis (don’t tell him we made that public knowledge); Zach and Lindsay both got sick (we are both better now - thank you); Zach and Dan have unintentionally come out dressed in the exact same outfit at least 3 times; we discovered the world’s largest can of mustard (pictured below); and Zach and Dan finally learned how to 2-step from the Africans at church in the township.  So all in all, we are feeling accomplished and ready to come home.  J

I know that sounds like an exhausting schedule, but in our spare time we’ve done some other semi-purposeful things.  Our friend Tertius who is the pastor of Light Church here in Klerksdorp took us along to help with a leadership workshop for 7th grade middle school kids.  Our time there was really amazing.  We played a few games to break the ice and give some leadership principles, which opened up discussion about what it means to be a leader.  By the end Tertius shared that real leadership is about loving others and the only way we can truly love others is if we know and experience God’s love for us.  How awesome that an hour of talking to 13 year old kids about being leaders at their school could turn into praying with them about knowing Christ’s love for them and giving them the strength to love their classmates and teachers!  It reminds me that we are to take hold of EVERY opportunity we are given to share Christ and His love in this world. 

Zach and Dan had their first experience at a black church.  What an experience!!  My family friend Atwell Mohoto is the pastor of Abundant Life Church in Joberton, which is the township next to Klerksdorp. (side note: a township is the area/city where blacks were forced to live during apartied.  Although technically South Africa is now integrated, the townships are still almost entirely black and where the poorest people live).  Last week Abundant Life had a evangelical crusade in the township that Zach, Dan and I went to.  At the end of the service people where getting prayed for and two guys in wheelchairs stood up!  One of the guys I have met before, I believe he has multiple sclerosis, which he has had since birth.  It was incredible to be there and witness Christ’s power in such a real and tangible way.  May we never doubt how awesome our God is!!! 

Tuesday we spent part of the afternoon at Mother of Mercy, the baby house for abandoned babies and young kids where my sister volunteers.  Currently there are five kids (4 boys and 1 girl) that live there.  The four boys are all 5-6 years old and rambunctious, but sweet boys.  They lack male attention and discipline so for Dan and Zach to be there and spend the afternoon playing was such a joy for them.  There was never a moment where Dan and Zach didn’t have one or two of the boys hanging off them.

The three of us ventured to Vanderbijlpark this weekend.  This is where Life Christian Foundation’s (LCF) headquarters are and where I will be moving in a week  (eventually making it my permanent home in January when I come back from Mozambique).  The guys left from there to Mozambique where they are serving in an orphanage called the Promise Center for the rest of the month.  I don’t get regular contact with them so as I hear from them I’ll try and post updates. 

The plan as of now is to move into my new apartment Monday, spend the rest of the month getting settled with LCF and then off to Mozambique to meet up with the guys and start working with my dad and Techno-Serve.  I’m a little anxious about living by myself after living in house of 30 for the last two years, especially in a new culture where people only speak English when they are talking to you.  It may get a little lonely/I’m going to have to become really good at initiating all kinds of conversation. J   We are having a good time so far.  I’m thankful for the slow start to get more adjusted to life over here. 

Love from the southern hemisphere.  Thanks for the prayers, emails and facebook messages.  J


Blessings,
Lindsay

Giant can of Mustarde...just in case you ever needed to make sandwiches for 5,000

Uncle Dan putting Kiajah to sleep

Playing with kids at Mother of Mercy

Enjoying the beautiful sunset
Lindsay's sister Kjelsi, niece Kaijah (crazy silent 'J's) and nephew Siabonga

Sia and Zach having a laugh during their "business meeting"

1 comment:

  1. I love that you are engaging the school kids. I can't think of a better place for you to share your leadership skills. Sounds like fun. I got to have dinner with your Mom tonight at Dorie's. She is so sweet and is really looking forward to being with you Lyndsay. I sent along a hug with her to you. Make sure she gives it to you. I am anxious to hear about your flat and the adjustment there. I will pray for good friends and divine appt.'s for you while you are there. Love you
    Di

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