In about 12 hours I will be on a plane back to the States to visit friends and family. Preparing for the journey back causes a wave of reminiscing. I look back on this year and all my brain can come up with to sum up the bulk of everything is; crazy life, crazy people, crazy God.
This year has been filled with incredible struggle and heart ache. But just the same, insane joy, reward, adventure, confusion, and worship. My crazy God has brought me to meet so many amazing people this year. Through that, I was able to experience so much- playing in music festivals and gigs, helping start a church, having the chance to impact thousands of young people through school assemblies and such, mentoring and building relationships with incredible youth who I love with all my heart, starting a transitional housing program with Oceans of Mercy, and making lots of new friends who are a part of my new community here.
Life really is a crazy thing to live. I have learned so much this year and am so thankful to God for leading me(sometimes dragging me) through it. I cannot wait to see my family and friends so soon! That I will admit, has been my deepest struggle here is the distance between my family. It will be so good to hang out with them in person and cram everything we possibly can into the next month! I will also, miss my life here. I will miss playing ad singing sunday mornings with the musical worship team for services. I will miss experiencing the progress and growth of our church and its people. I will miss seeing the life change in those our ministry touches. I will miss the girls in the transitional house who I have been living with for over the past four months and have come to love so much. I will miss my friends and family here and the beauty of this country. Thankfully, I will be returning to continue ministry here next year.
To be called, is to live a crazy life with crazy people, while serving a crazy God. My prayer is to never get caught up in the "what if's" (i.e. what if this happens…)of fear, and live constantly in the "what is…" (God is my rock, my strength, my joy,etc…)of God's love. Merry Christmas everyone! Thank you for all your prayers and support through this eventful year. Blessings
Thursday, 26 December 2013
Monday, 2 December 2013
Summertime Christmas
It's a strange thing (for me) to walk in shorts on a hot sunny day through a shopping center filled with plastic trees, metallic tinsel and a Santa inappropriately dressed for snow. Growing up in Carmichael, California, our Christmas took place during winter. To me, Christmas represented cold rainy days, and nights spent dreamily gazing at the lights and ornaments on our Christmas tree as we huddled around our wood stove. Don't get me wrong, I love the weather here in Port Elizabeth. There is only really but two seasons; a not-so-hot one and a hot-most-of-the-time one. In the morning it could be stormy and grey, then come afternoon it could be hot and sticky. You really never know what to expect. But it just doesn't feel the same for me (obviously). I guess that has been a bit hard.
As this year comes to an end, the distance between me and family/friends becomes harder and harder to bear. I have lived here for a year now. Thus far in life, I have not experienced such peace in my daily life. I love South Africa and I love what Jesus helps me do here. But my heart is stilled pulled between two parts of the world. This will be my first Christmas without family. Although I do get to see everyone a few days later I will still be here for Christmas without them. And I try to not let my heart hurt, but it never really gets easier with time. But in all fairness, those gaps that family helps to fill won't ever be truly full until I go to live with Jesus in my true home forever.
Things at the house are going okay. Always interesting, always something going on. I have so much love and respect for what these girls have done in the past month. One of the women who stays there has been working at a call center arranging appointments for a cab service who keeps drunk drivers off the road. She has had to overcome incredible circumstances such as: not having any prior skills with computers, horrible treatment, from her manager, and working the night shift. Keep in mind this is her first job! From her background, she has really been thrown into the deep end. Even so, Roxy has been strong and is moving forward! She has a strong heart and the beauty of Jesus shines through her.
Only 25 days till I depart to visit everyone in the States! So excited to see everyone. Love and miss you all. Have to go now, will post more updates later on. Blessings!
As this year comes to an end, the distance between me and family/friends becomes harder and harder to bear. I have lived here for a year now. Thus far in life, I have not experienced such peace in my daily life. I love South Africa and I love what Jesus helps me do here. But my heart is stilled pulled between two parts of the world. This will be my first Christmas without family. Although I do get to see everyone a few days later I will still be here for Christmas without them. And I try to not let my heart hurt, but it never really gets easier with time. But in all fairness, those gaps that family helps to fill won't ever be truly full until I go to live with Jesus in my true home forever.
Things at the house are going okay. Always interesting, always something going on. I have so much love and respect for what these girls have done in the past month. One of the women who stays there has been working at a call center arranging appointments for a cab service who keeps drunk drivers off the road. She has had to overcome incredible circumstances such as: not having any prior skills with computers, horrible treatment, from her manager, and working the night shift. Keep in mind this is her first job! From her background, she has really been thrown into the deep end. Even so, Roxy has been strong and is moving forward! She has a strong heart and the beauty of Jesus shines through her.
Only 25 days till I depart to visit everyone in the States! So excited to see everyone. Love and miss you all. Have to go now, will post more updates later on. Blessings!
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