I went to my first professional rugby game tonight! It was quite exciting. The Harveys, who continue to amaze me with their generosity and how they have just made me apart of their family, took me (and quite a few other people). We braai-ed before (tail-gating basically), sang (at least I attempted to sing) Afrikaans songs, and cheered on the Blue Bulls. It was a fabulous evening, and I have come to the completely sure decision, that rugby is far more dangerous and violent than American football. Watch a game.
The word in the title of this post, is the Afrikaans word for captain, and is the name of a song that was played over and over at the match. Despite its utterly silly lyrics (which Nicole was so kind as to translate for me), it is a very catchy and pop-y song...and I loved it! You should look it up and listen. :)
Internet is down at the moment, so I'm writing this on my phone; hence, the brevity and lack of pictures.
It's late, I'm tired. Till next time...
Cheers!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Rapid fire update
Ok, this is going to be a rapid fire post. AGAIN, I apologize for not posting sooner; life is busy, internet wasn't easy (I now I have wifi in my room though!!), and after a long day, writing is tiring. But I truly will try to do better. So, here are some highlights until I post again (which will be soon, I assure you), and in no particular order:
1) (Ok, well this I made sure to put first) We are having our first campus baptism tomorrow, since I've been here! Her name is Alicia and she goes to UJ. She is such an encouragement and joy to me and I can't wait to show you pictures!
2) We have seven girls studying the bible at UJ (and like 17 guys...go guys)! Pray for us.
3) It rained for almost two days straight, and the past two days have been filled with afternoon thunderstorms. This is lovely but problematic because Joburg roads do not seem to handle rain very well. Dirt and silt from the medians and sides of the road become sludge in the streets, and sewers tend to overflow. :/ ick! But the sun has been out for two days which brings joy to my heart and civility to the streets.
4) Yesterday was Human Rights Day which is a national holiday here. South Africans love their holidays. I celebrated by going to the Vaal River (doesn't that just sound cool?) and spending the day braaing, knee boarding, and wake boarding. My body is having revenge on me; Advil was a part of my breakfast this morning.
5) My family is coming to visit in June! And my roommate through all of varsity is as well, in August. Yay, yay, yay!! I definitely am missing friends and family.
6) My birthday was a week ago and it was lovely. As I've already mentioned before, South Africans are some of the warmest and friendliest people you will meet, and they did not fail to lavish birthday celebration on me. :) I was woken up at 6am to my family here singing happy birthday and bearing presents (in which I received a South African cricket jersey! very cool), had tea and cake in the most charming and delightful tea room I have ever been to (not that I've been to that many), and had dinner in a Mozambiquen restaurant. (I don't think that is the right form of something from Mozambique.) It was very encouraging birthday, especially with all the emails and facebook posts from abroad. Thank you! :)
I'll elaborate on everything later, as well as, include pictures of my life here. In the mean time, here's a few from my birthday dinner and the Vaal River.
Cheers!
1) (Ok, well this I made sure to put first) We are having our first campus baptism tomorrow, since I've been here! Her name is Alicia and she goes to UJ. She is such an encouragement and joy to me and I can't wait to show you pictures!
2) We have seven girls studying the bible at UJ (and like 17 guys...go guys)! Pray for us.
3) It rained for almost two days straight, and the past two days have been filled with afternoon thunderstorms. This is lovely but problematic because Joburg roads do not seem to handle rain very well. Dirt and silt from the medians and sides of the road become sludge in the streets, and sewers tend to overflow. :/ ick! But the sun has been out for two days which brings joy to my heart and civility to the streets.
4) Yesterday was Human Rights Day which is a national holiday here. South Africans love their holidays. I celebrated by going to the Vaal River (doesn't that just sound cool?) and spending the day braaing, knee boarding, and wake boarding. My body is having revenge on me; Advil was a part of my breakfast this morning.
5) My family is coming to visit in June! And my roommate through all of varsity is as well, in August. Yay, yay, yay!! I definitely am missing friends and family.
6) My birthday was a week ago and it was lovely. As I've already mentioned before, South Africans are some of the warmest and friendliest people you will meet, and they did not fail to lavish birthday celebration on me. :) I was woken up at 6am to my family here singing happy birthday and bearing presents (in which I received a South African cricket jersey! very cool), had tea and cake in the most charming and delightful tea room I have ever been to (not that I've been to that many), and had dinner in a Mozambiquen restaurant. (I don't think that is the right form of something from Mozambique.) It was very encouraging birthday, especially with all the emails and facebook posts from abroad. Thank you! :)
I'll elaborate on everything later, as well as, include pictures of my life here. In the mean time, here's a few from my birthday dinner and the Vaal River.
Cheers!
 |
| The Harveys, Gordon, and me at Mozambique (the restaurant, not the country) |
 |
| Vaal River |
 |
| Me kneeboarding: not too bad. |
 |
| Me wakeboarding: not so much. |
 |
| Someone's YARD - those elephants are fake, in case you thought otherwise.No, we don't all live with elephants in our backyard here. And those black squares underneath the elephant in the background: that is a fish tank! |
 |
| day ending on the beautiful Vaal |
Thursday, March 10, 2011
No matter where you are...
So, first off, I have to apologize profusely for not writing sooner. Even in South Africa, life gets busy. UJ is full of people studying the bible and a small ministry that loves to spend time together. It’s wonderful; our little family of seven.
Bible studies have been going well, but we have encountered a slight problem. They (the two-person UJ security desk) won’t let us on campus. Since we are still waiting for our society application to be approved, they won’t let the other intern or me on campus. The campuses here are not like those in the States, where anyone can walk on; here, they are completely gated off. So we have been forced to come up with creative ways to continue studying the bible with people. We met at McDonald’s the other day and today we tried registering for a class. In order to register, even if we’re not getting any marks, UJ wants our transcripts…which is slightly difficult to get from all the way over here, and time consuming. So, please be praying that we can sort this issue out quickly. But there are many eager and searching people here in Joburg – it is refreshing and encouraging.
People are constantly asking me, “What is it like over there?!” I’ve quickly run out of things to say because life here does not seem to be that different. But that, actually, makes life surprisingly interesting and entertaining. Since my last blog, I have been creating a list of everything I have discovered to be the same in any country you’re in. No, I have not been to every country on the planet, but I’m pretty sure these things are consistent everywhere. Some of them are saddening (the fact that they exist everywhere), but most of them I have found hilarious. I have enjoyed seeing these things here in South Africa, and I hope you enjoy reading them and noticing them in your own country, wherever that may be.
No matter where you are….
A) People fall asleep in class.
I started taking a class at UJ (unofficially…this all being before the transcript ordeal); my first one being last Wednesday. It was a decent size lecture with probably about 75 students. The lecture started right after lunch, which I should have remembered was a time that requires a cup of coffee. Although I did enjoy it, I admit, I was struggling to stay awake at some points. (Thank goodness I’m not getting any marks for the class!) As my mind and eyes wander in an attempt to stay awake, I look behind me and notice a girl slouched in her chair, head back, mouth open. A few rows back and a couple seats over, another girl leans forward on her desk, head propped in her hand, eyes closed. Needless to say, my attempt to keep my laughter in side kept me awake for the rest of the lecture.
B) Girls like boys, boys like girls; girls over analyze everything, and guys don’t.
This became apparent very quickly. As I’ve gotten to know a number of different girls, the subject of boys, naturally, came up quickly…as does, “He put a smiley face at the end of his text! What do you think that means?!” or “Our eyes just locked at the same time, I know he felt the same thing I did,” or “He gave that other girl a ride home from campus, he doesn’t like me anymore.” It’s actually one of the most amazing things to me about people; in this regard, we are all the same. And I love it. I think it is something that allows people to connect so quickly, regardless of skin color, religion, education level, or age.
C) There will always be the poor and needy.
Jesus said it, and it is completely true. I think it’s just a matter of the degree to which people are in need. It’s sad because considering the wealth of our planet, there is no reason for anyone to be in physical need. But we will always have the poor with us, which means we will always have an opportunity to serve.
D) Everyone, at some point, just nods and says “uh-huh” when they don’t actually hear what someone says; and then get caught when what the other person said was actually a question.
This just makes me laugh. I feel like it happens to me more often than it should, but it makes me feel much better knowing that it happens to everyone else.
E) Everyone has a cell phone and teenagers spend too much time on them.
I have nothing more to elaborate on here, except that it is an unbelievable truth! I really try not to be on my phone a lot; if we’re ever in a conversation and you think I’m not paying attention to you because of my phone, please slap me. I give you permission.
F) Kids want their parents to pay.
Whether you’re 12 years old and need money to go to a movie with your friends, or 16 and need gas money, or 23 and just want a free meal, every child loves when their parents pay and will probably never refuse such generosity. J
G) There’s a McDonalds. Shame.
I’m always thinking of and discovering new similarities in people…if you have any to add, post them.
Also, I just have to add that sometimes it just hits me, that I live in AFRICA. When I was packing all my worldly possession to store them for the year, I found a small journal that was first of all, red (my favorite color), and secondly, full of things I want to do in my life. I started flipping through it and one of the first ones I read said, “Live in Africa”. I stand amazed.
Until next time,
Cheers. J
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
If you only read one part of this, read #2
So, I have quite a few fabulous things to update you on since my last post (which seem like forever ago)!
1) I have moved in with a family! I mentioned in my last post that I was going to, but now I actually have. And I am in heaven. The Harveys are absolutely wonderful! They have welcomed me into their (gorgeous) home like I am actually family. I would be completely thrilled with just that but...I have my own bedroom and bathroom (Amazing), my drive to campus is now cut in half, and I have someone to share clothes with (Nicole Harvey is a year or two younger than me, almost exactly my size, and oddly enough, we look alike)! Seriously, I feel like God has hooked me up. Also, in South Africa, everyone has a house keeper/maid. If you have almost any amount of money, it is expected that you have one because there are so many people here who need jobs. How much money you can pay determines how often the person comes and what exactly they do. I am now blessed to live somewhere where the house keeper comes everyday AND does our laundry! I am so spoiled. I'm going to have a hard time going back to the US, in that regard.
2) Kids Club this past Saturday was so encouraging! The day started off overcast and rainy, which immediately reduces the amount of kids who come; however, as the morning went on, the sky cleared and more and more kids came. The exciting part though, was this: some of the other people from my church who also help out at Kids Club (and have been there much longer than my three weeks), have been trying to get the director to allow us do some sort of spiritual enrichment with the kids. With about ten minutes notice, we were finally allowed to do it! We came up with a quick skit, complete with brooms, tennis balls, and plastic bags, showing the story of David and Goliath. Our "tag line", if you will, was, "With God, I am strong." We needed something that was simple English, but that could really convey a good message to these kids. They loved it. They cheered for David when he (figuratively) killed Goliath, and repeated the phrase many times. And a lot of them really did seem happier, even just from when they walked in earlier in the morning. It was so cool to be able to have a subtle impact on the faith of children who have such a hard life. It still amazes me how I can be with these kids who, 50 yards away live in shacks, and then drive 20 minutes in the opposite direction and see mansions. Honestly, it was harder this time, leaving the kids and going back to my life. It's a weird reality to live in: one where I get more used to the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots, yet become more sensitive to it. I was able to snap one picture on my phone, and have included a few others that someone else took that day. I also am considering setting up a Pay-Pal account this blog for anyone who wants to donate to help these kids. The money would probably go towards buying food, coloring books, and other small items for Kids Club. Thoughts?
3) So, after Kids Club on Saturday, I went to a LION PARK!! It seriously was SO cool. I am not exaggerating or being overly dramatic. Yes, it's not a safari (which I still would like to go on), but going to a lion park guarantees that you see stuff. One of my friends here, Gordon, took me; and it was a good thing, because he knew how to get the lions to get up, off their (probably) overfed, lazy butts. If something fast goes past them (the lions), they (should, at least) instinctively chase after it. So that's what we did. We revved the tires and sped past the lions. (I'm not actually sure we were allowed to do that.) As we take off and look back, through the dust that is floating behind the car, what do we see but a massive lion bounding towards are car! We stopped, so it stopped - right next to the driver's window! It was unbelievable. We literally could look into his eyes. Lions really are such beautiful animals; yet, so powerful and intimidating. (Although, I can see why when they're laying down, someone would think, "I'm going to get out of the car and just take a really quick picture." They just look like giant stuffed animals!)
In another area of the park (completely cut off from the lions), there are giraffes and zebra and antelopes (or something like that). It really was such a beautiful scene - and it did look like something out of "The Lion King". The giraffes, even though everyone knows they're really tall, are surprisingly big. It's head was at least double the size of mine and it's tongue...ugh, giraffe tongues are disgusting. I know this first hand, because we got to feed it. Giraffe tongues are about 18 inches long and look like a slug. I feel like they must a life form unto themselves. Regardless, petting and feeding a GIRAFFE was one of the coolest things I've done.
After feeding the giraffes (I know, what else could there possibly be?!), we got to play with lion cubs! OMG. Lion cubs are unbelievably cute and cuddly. They are also surprisingly strong - it's a good thing they don't know it. They're like puppies, but cats. We played with some that were probably just a month or two old; those were the really sweet ones. There were also a couple that were about four months old, and surprisingly, already much more aggressive. There obviously stronger, and I'm guessing, are more aware of that fact. I started to pet one and then, changed my mind. The scratching and biting (even though it's only four months) was too much for me. I think those guys should already be out with the adult lions.
The whole day was such an incredible experience. Another reason you must come to South Africa.
I am falling more and more in love with the country and the people here. It's starting to get cooler, as March, April, and May are autumn here. I'm definitely not there yet, but it's feeling more like home. (Oh, and my driving is a thousand times better!)
I was reading in Luke today, the passage where Jesus heals a demon possessed man (sending the demon into a herd of pigs), as well as, the following passage where a woman touches Jesus clothes and is instantly healed of her internal bleeding. Once again, I was struck by two things: A) Why did Jesus tell the man who once had the demon not to follow him, but rather, return to his home and tell people about what was done for him? B) Even though he knew someone had been healed because they touched him, why was Jesus insistent on finding who that person actually was? Just as I said in a post or two ago, I came to the conclusion that I think people's spiritual healing is more important than their physical healing. It at first makes me feel a little weird - it's so important for people to be physically helped and healed! - but the more I study the bible with people and see the need for God in my own life more and more, I am compelled to help people spiritually. This life is so temporary, and as I see such extremes in riches and life styles here in South Africa, I believe and am OK with that fact, more and more. I am more grateful for the life I do have and the blessings that fill it, but I think (and hope) I'm becoming less and less attached to them.
Please share your thoughts with me about the Pay-pal account...and whatever else you want. :)
Cheers.
1) I have moved in with a family! I mentioned in my last post that I was going to, but now I actually have. And I am in heaven. The Harveys are absolutely wonderful! They have welcomed me into their (gorgeous) home like I am actually family. I would be completely thrilled with just that but...I have my own bedroom and bathroom (Amazing), my drive to campus is now cut in half, and I have someone to share clothes with (Nicole Harvey is a year or two younger than me, almost exactly my size, and oddly enough, we look alike)! Seriously, I feel like God has hooked me up. Also, in South Africa, everyone has a house keeper/maid. If you have almost any amount of money, it is expected that you have one because there are so many people here who need jobs. How much money you can pay determines how often the person comes and what exactly they do. I am now blessed to live somewhere where the house keeper comes everyday AND does our laundry! I am so spoiled. I'm going to have a hard time going back to the US, in that regard.
2) Kids Club this past Saturday was so encouraging! The day started off overcast and rainy, which immediately reduces the amount of kids who come; however, as the morning went on, the sky cleared and more and more kids came. The exciting part though, was this: some of the other people from my church who also help out at Kids Club (and have been there much longer than my three weeks), have been trying to get the director to allow us do some sort of spiritual enrichment with the kids. With about ten minutes notice, we were finally allowed to do it! We came up with a quick skit, complete with brooms, tennis balls, and plastic bags, showing the story of David and Goliath. Our "tag line", if you will, was, "With God, I am strong." We needed something that was simple English, but that could really convey a good message to these kids. They loved it. They cheered for David when he (figuratively) killed Goliath, and repeated the phrase many times. And a lot of them really did seem happier, even just from when they walked in earlier in the morning. It was so cool to be able to have a subtle impact on the faith of children who have such a hard life. It still amazes me how I can be with these kids who, 50 yards away live in shacks, and then drive 20 minutes in the opposite direction and see mansions. Honestly, it was harder this time, leaving the kids and going back to my life. It's a weird reality to live in: one where I get more used to the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots, yet become more sensitive to it. I was able to snap one picture on my phone, and have included a few others that someone else took that day. I also am considering setting up a Pay-Pal account this blog for anyone who wants to donate to help these kids. The money would probably go towards buying food, coloring books, and other small items for Kids Club. Thoughts?
3) So, after Kids Club on Saturday, I went to a LION PARK!! It seriously was SO cool. I am not exaggerating or being overly dramatic. Yes, it's not a safari (which I still would like to go on), but going to a lion park guarantees that you see stuff. One of my friends here, Gordon, took me; and it was a good thing, because he knew how to get the lions to get up, off their (probably) overfed, lazy butts. If something fast goes past them (the lions), they (should, at least) instinctively chase after it. So that's what we did. We revved the tires and sped past the lions. (I'm not actually sure we were allowed to do that.) As we take off and look back, through the dust that is floating behind the car, what do we see but a massive lion bounding towards are car! We stopped, so it stopped - right next to the driver's window! It was unbelievable. We literally could look into his eyes. Lions really are such beautiful animals; yet, so powerful and intimidating. (Although, I can see why when they're laying down, someone would think, "I'm going to get out of the car and just take a really quick picture." They just look like giant stuffed animals!)
In another area of the park (completely cut off from the lions), there are giraffes and zebra and antelopes (or something like that). It really was such a beautiful scene - and it did look like something out of "The Lion King". The giraffes, even though everyone knows they're really tall, are surprisingly big. It's head was at least double the size of mine and it's tongue...ugh, giraffe tongues are disgusting. I know this first hand, because we got to feed it. Giraffe tongues are about 18 inches long and look like a slug. I feel like they must a life form unto themselves. Regardless, petting and feeding a GIRAFFE was one of the coolest things I've done.
After feeding the giraffes (I know, what else could there possibly be?!), we got to play with lion cubs! OMG. Lion cubs are unbelievably cute and cuddly. They are also surprisingly strong - it's a good thing they don't know it. They're like puppies, but cats. We played with some that were probably just a month or two old; those were the really sweet ones. There were also a couple that were about four months old, and surprisingly, already much more aggressive. There obviously stronger, and I'm guessing, are more aware of that fact. I started to pet one and then, changed my mind. The scratching and biting (even though it's only four months) was too much for me. I think those guys should already be out with the adult lions.
The whole day was such an incredible experience. Another reason you must come to South Africa.
I am falling more and more in love with the country and the people here. It's starting to get cooler, as March, April, and May are autumn here. I'm definitely not there yet, but it's feeling more like home. (Oh, and my driving is a thousand times better!)
I was reading in Luke today, the passage where Jesus heals a demon possessed man (sending the demon into a herd of pigs), as well as, the following passage where a woman touches Jesus clothes and is instantly healed of her internal bleeding. Once again, I was struck by two things: A) Why did Jesus tell the man who once had the demon not to follow him, but rather, return to his home and tell people about what was done for him? B) Even though he knew someone had been healed because they touched him, why was Jesus insistent on finding who that person actually was? Just as I said in a post or two ago, I came to the conclusion that I think people's spiritual healing is more important than their physical healing. It at first makes me feel a little weird - it's so important for people to be physically helped and healed! - but the more I study the bible with people and see the need for God in my own life more and more, I am compelled to help people spiritually. This life is so temporary, and as I see such extremes in riches and life styles here in South Africa, I believe and am OK with that fact, more and more. I am more grateful for the life I do have and the blessings that fill it, but I think (and hope) I'm becoming less and less attached to them.
Please share your thoughts with me about the Pay-pal account...and whatever else you want. :)
Cheers.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Normal life
First off, I just have to let you know (whoever you are) that I am writing all this on my phone because I don't have any other internet access, but still want to post something. So at least act like you like this post, please. :)
Well, it has been about a week since my last post and honestly, nothing terribly exciting has happened. I think "normal life" is settling in; which is good and a little difficult. When there are always things going on and things to do, I don't notice that I am kind of by myself in Africa, seven hours away from my family and closest friends; but when all of that stops, then I notice. Even though those moments can make me feel insecure, I have truly felt tremendous love and support from people here and back in the States. I've been meaning to write this: I have to express how grateful I am for my campus ministry back in Boston - I have felt nothing but ceaseless encouragement from you guys. The package of cards you sent with me has been a continuous source of joy and inspiration, as I often reread them over and over. (And I loved the slow clap video.) ;)
This week on campus was good. It was the first week that I felt like every person I talked to WASN'T quite thrilled to hear about our bible discussion. However, that's not something I'm not used to and plenty of people rejected Jesus, so it really shouldn't come as a surprise. It is really cool though, to be sitting on campus in a bible study and see another bible study going on 50 yards away. As a small ministry at UJ, I really do feel like we are becoming a family and are like-minded in helping people to know God. It never ceases to amaze me that the bible is the same everywhere, that regardless of cultural or financial differences, people really are the same, and that everyone needs God. No matter where you are. If you've never been to another country, you must put it on your list of things to do in the next few years. It will change your life. (And if you're a freshman in varisty...that's university here...or a senior in high school and don't know what to study, look into international relations. It's the best major ever.)
New news: I am moving in with a family on Sunday! I am quite ecstatic about this. As mentioned previously, I am currently living with two other women who are truly wonderful. They have been my first sense of home here and for that I am grateful. But I had always pictured living with a family before I got here. I'm not sure why - perhaps because my family had two college girls live with us while I was in high school and it was fabulous; or because when I lived in Washington, DC for a summer, I also lived with a family and loved it. I think I am an old soul and thoroughly enjoy being with people older than me. (Don't get me wrong - I love and my friends who are my age.) I think, also, that when I don't have my actual family here, I appreciate feeling that at least I have some family here. I like coming home to a home. AND, this family has wifi in their house! Blogging, skyping, facebooking, and just general internet vegging will be so much easier! (And no more writting posts on my phone! My fingers are getting cramps.)
Tomorrow, I am going to kids club again and then to a...LION PARK! How cool is that?! At the park, you drive your car through the park with lions all around. Obviously (or maybe not so obviously?) You do not get out of the car. I've heard you're not even allowed to roll the windows down. And in another part of the park, you can hold lion cubs. Eek! I am so excited. Pictures will come soon, I promise!
I am sure I will have much more to write after this weekend...enjoy yours!
Cheers!
Well, it has been about a week since my last post and honestly, nothing terribly exciting has happened. I think "normal life" is settling in; which is good and a little difficult. When there are always things going on and things to do, I don't notice that I am kind of by myself in Africa, seven hours away from my family and closest friends; but when all of that stops, then I notice. Even though those moments can make me feel insecure, I have truly felt tremendous love and support from people here and back in the States. I've been meaning to write this: I have to express how grateful I am for my campus ministry back in Boston - I have felt nothing but ceaseless encouragement from you guys. The package of cards you sent with me has been a continuous source of joy and inspiration, as I often reread them over and over. (And I loved the slow clap video.) ;)
This week on campus was good. It was the first week that I felt like every person I talked to WASN'T quite thrilled to hear about our bible discussion. However, that's not something I'm not used to and plenty of people rejected Jesus, so it really shouldn't come as a surprise. It is really cool though, to be sitting on campus in a bible study and see another bible study going on 50 yards away. As a small ministry at UJ, I really do feel like we are becoming a family and are like-minded in helping people to know God. It never ceases to amaze me that the bible is the same everywhere, that regardless of cultural or financial differences, people really are the same, and that everyone needs God. No matter where you are. If you've never been to another country, you must put it on your list of things to do in the next few years. It will change your life. (And if you're a freshman in varisty...that's university here...or a senior in high school and don't know what to study, look into international relations. It's the best major ever.)
New news: I am moving in with a family on Sunday! I am quite ecstatic about this. As mentioned previously, I am currently living with two other women who are truly wonderful. They have been my first sense of home here and for that I am grateful. But I had always pictured living with a family before I got here. I'm not sure why - perhaps because my family had two college girls live with us while I was in high school and it was fabulous; or because when I lived in Washington, DC for a summer, I also lived with a family and loved it. I think I am an old soul and thoroughly enjoy being with people older than me. (Don't get me wrong - I love and my friends who are my age.) I think, also, that when I don't have my actual family here, I appreciate feeling that at least I have some family here. I like coming home to a home. AND, this family has wifi in their house! Blogging, skyping, facebooking, and just general internet vegging will be so much easier! (And no more writting posts on my phone! My fingers are getting cramps.)
Tomorrow, I am going to kids club again and then to a...LION PARK! How cool is that?! At the park, you drive your car through the park with lions all around. Obviously (or maybe not so obviously?) You do not get out of the car. I've heard you're not even allowed to roll the windows down. And in another part of the park, you can hold lion cubs. Eek! I am so excited. Pictures will come soon, I promise!
I am sure I will have much more to write after this weekend...enjoy yours!
Cheers!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Pray
Well, this is a lovely suprise...
I unexpectedly ended up spending the night at the Renton's house (the couple who lead the church I am interning for here in Joburg), which means I get to use internet! It's amazing how exciting things that were so commonplace in the states can be now.
So, it happened: I had my first meltdown. It wasn't quite as dramatic as a meltdown really sounds, but it was a build up of emotion and then a flood of tears. Friday night, we had a campus devo and braai (an African bbq)...and it was great. It really was. But it was one of those moments, like my first Sunday service here or the baby shower that I attended last weekend, that remind me that this is not home. At least not yet. I feel like I have to shout at the top of my lungs that I completely want to be here, and that the people have already captured my heart, and that I really do like the city of Johannesburg. I don't want anyone to think that because I had a meltdown, that those things aren't true. It's just times like these that I'm grateful for the promises of God.
Mark 10:29-31 - "I tell you the truth,' Jesus replied, 'no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."
Now on to updates about my life here...
The first thing I HAVE to talk about is my driving. In case you didn't see my last post, I am driving on the LEFT side of the road. It was absolutely terrifying when I first started and my car is slightly tempermental, which took some getting used to, but now...I am driving by myself most places! And I don't accidently turn into the wrong lane anymore! (Only did it twice...thank the Lord that there were no cars in those lanes.)
It continues to amaze me how open people are here to studying the bible. At UJ's bible talk this week, we had 37 visitors - most of them different from last week. This week, I had girls coming up to me asking, "Can we please get together tomorrow [to study the bible]?" I truly feel like an ambassador of Christ.
Today (Saturday), I went to "Kids Club". This is a section of an area that is full of people living in shacks; complete shantytowns. Every Saturday morning, from roughly 9am to 1pm, over 200 kids come to this...area (that is really all it is...a fenced off area with trailers, kiddie tables, a few computers, and nowhere near enough coloring books or frisbees)...to play, to wait, to sit. Most of them get dropped off while their parents go to the store or just try and get things done. There are so many kids; and from ages two to 15. I don't have pictures because the guy who runs it doesn't want the kids being exploited, since it has happened before. I truly respect that and agree with it; especially coming from a country that floods the news with "starving children in Africa", but really, is desenitzing us to it. Hopefully as I spend more time there, I can earn enough trust to take some pictures, because it is apart of my life now.
I played frisbee with some boys for a little bit, colored with other kids for some time, but mostly sat with two twin, toddler girls who didn't speak; but, just sucked on their green lollipops and clung to my legs. The less stimulation and attention babies and young children get, the less they develop (obviously); but it was so sad to see it, for real. Some of the kids were energetic and super chatty, but so many just sat there and never said anything. Granted, for most, there probably is a language barrier; but so many of them just had a sort of blank look on their face. Yes, it is what we see in the media (and maybe I'm about to contradict myself here) but it is so real. I can drive twenty minutes from these shantytowns in one part of Johannesburg, to 6 bedroom houses in another part. It's unbelievable. I am quite confident that at this point, my thoughts are coming out as complete rambles - between recovering from missing home and family and friends, seeing what I saw today, and accounting for the fact that I should be asleep - I know that I am still processing everything around me.
I've been reading the gospel of Luke, and was recently reading the passage in chapter five where Jesus heals a paralytic. I've always had a hard time understanding why Jesus first forgives the man's sins and then heals him; as well as, why he asks the Pharisees, "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" I don't know! I can't do either! But I think I realized this week, that Jesus forgave the man's sins first, because he was (and God is), above all, concerned for our salvation. God wants all men to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4) And it is better for us to enter heaven maimed, then hell perfectly intact. Jesus healed people. He, undoubtedly, came to serve and to heal. But most of all, he came to save; so that we would have something worth holding onto, far past this life.
I know this posting was probably a little more serious than others, so to lighten the mood, I will end with this:
I am so not a Justin Bieber fan. (I just had to look up how to spell Bieber.) I am so far from Bieber fever; but, as I'm sitting at the Renton's computer and looked through their iTunes for something to listen to, I discovered the J. Bieb song "Pray". I don't know if everyone knows about this song and I am just discovering it because I am not a Bieber fan, or because it's hard to keep up with pop culture here in SA. And although I still think he is ridiculous and corny, this song chipped off some ice on my heart for him. The music video is kind of moving, I'll admit; but most importantly, it was a reminder for me to pray. To quote a good friend, to pray like our lives depend on it. The images that are in the music video are things I'm seeing here in South Africa. And as I study the bible with people, I've never been more sure that people are lost and hurting and need God. And the most powerful thing I can do - even beyond moving to a new country or donating clothes and food - is, pray. So, go on, get a little Biever fever. ;)
Cheers.
I unexpectedly ended up spending the night at the Renton's house (the couple who lead the church I am interning for here in Joburg), which means I get to use internet! It's amazing how exciting things that were so commonplace in the states can be now.
So, it happened: I had my first meltdown. It wasn't quite as dramatic as a meltdown really sounds, but it was a build up of emotion and then a flood of tears. Friday night, we had a campus devo and braai (an African bbq)...and it was great. It really was. But it was one of those moments, like my first Sunday service here or the baby shower that I attended last weekend, that remind me that this is not home. At least not yet. I feel like I have to shout at the top of my lungs that I completely want to be here, and that the people have already captured my heart, and that I really do like the city of Johannesburg. I don't want anyone to think that because I had a meltdown, that those things aren't true. It's just times like these that I'm grateful for the promises of God.
Mark 10:29-31 - "I tell you the truth,' Jesus replied, 'no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."
Now on to updates about my life here...
The first thing I HAVE to talk about is my driving. In case you didn't see my last post, I am driving on the LEFT side of the road. It was absolutely terrifying when I first started and my car is slightly tempermental, which took some getting used to, but now...I am driving by myself most places! And I don't accidently turn into the wrong lane anymore! (Only did it twice...thank the Lord that there were no cars in those lanes.)
 |
| This is my charming car. I named her Nala. |
It continues to amaze me how open people are here to studying the bible. At UJ's bible talk this week, we had 37 visitors - most of them different from last week. This week, I had girls coming up to me asking, "Can we please get together tomorrow [to study the bible]?" I truly feel like an ambassador of Christ.
Today (Saturday), I went to "Kids Club". This is a section of an area that is full of people living in shacks; complete shantytowns. Every Saturday morning, from roughly 9am to 1pm, over 200 kids come to this...area (that is really all it is...a fenced off area with trailers, kiddie tables, a few computers, and nowhere near enough coloring books or frisbees)...to play, to wait, to sit. Most of them get dropped off while their parents go to the store or just try and get things done. There are so many kids; and from ages two to 15. I don't have pictures because the guy who runs it doesn't want the kids being exploited, since it has happened before. I truly respect that and agree with it; especially coming from a country that floods the news with "starving children in Africa", but really, is desenitzing us to it. Hopefully as I spend more time there, I can earn enough trust to take some pictures, because it is apart of my life now.
I played frisbee with some boys for a little bit, colored with other kids for some time, but mostly sat with two twin, toddler girls who didn't speak; but, just sucked on their green lollipops and clung to my legs. The less stimulation and attention babies and young children get, the less they develop (obviously); but it was so sad to see it, for real. Some of the kids were energetic and super chatty, but so many just sat there and never said anything. Granted, for most, there probably is a language barrier; but so many of them just had a sort of blank look on their face. Yes, it is what we see in the media (and maybe I'm about to contradict myself here) but it is so real. I can drive twenty minutes from these shantytowns in one part of Johannesburg, to 6 bedroom houses in another part. It's unbelievable. I am quite confident that at this point, my thoughts are coming out as complete rambles - between recovering from missing home and family and friends, seeing what I saw today, and accounting for the fact that I should be asleep - I know that I am still processing everything around me.
I've been reading the gospel of Luke, and was recently reading the passage in chapter five where Jesus heals a paralytic. I've always had a hard time understanding why Jesus first forgives the man's sins and then heals him; as well as, why he asks the Pharisees, "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" I don't know! I can't do either! But I think I realized this week, that Jesus forgave the man's sins first, because he was (and God is), above all, concerned for our salvation. God wants all men to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4) And it is better for us to enter heaven maimed, then hell perfectly intact. Jesus healed people. He, undoubtedly, came to serve and to heal. But most of all, he came to save; so that we would have something worth holding onto, far past this life.
I know this posting was probably a little more serious than others, so to lighten the mood, I will end with this:
I am so not a Justin Bieber fan. (I just had to look up how to spell Bieber.) I am so far from Bieber fever; but, as I'm sitting at the Renton's computer and looked through their iTunes for something to listen to, I discovered the J. Bieb song "Pray". I don't know if everyone knows about this song and I am just discovering it because I am not a Bieber fan, or because it's hard to keep up with pop culture here in SA. And although I still think he is ridiculous and corny, this song chipped off some ice on my heart for him. The music video is kind of moving, I'll admit; but most importantly, it was a reminder for me to pray. To quote a good friend, to pray like our lives depend on it. The images that are in the music video are things I'm seeing here in South Africa. And as I study the bible with people, I've never been more sure that people are lost and hurting and need God. And the most powerful thing I can do - even beyond moving to a new country or donating clothes and food - is, pray. So, go on, get a little Biever fever. ;)
Cheers.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I drove on the left side!
I did it: I drove on the left side of the road. Every stick shift car is a little different (and perhaps the ones in South Africa are particularly difficult), but I had a really hard time getting the hang of this one. And the stick is on the left! I can't really describe in anymore, other than by saying it was unbelievably stressful! Praise the Lord that I had very patient and kind people helping me, and that I only stalled once on the road! :)
It does feel pretty good though to have done it. I will sleep well tonight.
It does feel pretty good though to have done it. I will sleep well tonight.
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