Leah Rush - Lovin' on Africa

Grandma and Grandpa Rush

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last week, my grandfather passed away. Grandpa went to Heaven on March 2, exactly a month to the day after Grandma, who went to be with Jesus February 2.

It's been a long and hard road for the both of them, and especially those who walked close with them in their final days. Thanks to all of the Rush family who has been there every step of the way during this time. I can't help but feel a bit guilty not being at home in California to support my family, especially my dad.

My grandparents were some of the most loving and generous people I ever knew. They have been nothing but supportive to each of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They loved to travel. They have been around the world and to countless countries. Some of my favourite memories are the cruises that we took with them. I can remember just how fun it was to be so "grown up" hanging out with my older cousins who chartered me around as if I was the most important person to them. I can still remember seeing my Grandparents walking hand and hand on the decks of the cruise ships.

In my 24 years, I have only missed a handful of Christmas's at the "Pa's". Christmas was such a tradition in our family that we would very rarely miss. And to anyone who argues that Christmas Eve isn't really Christmas, they are sincerely mistaken. Christmas Eve at the Grandparents house IS Christmas. We always had a nice big Christmas dinner, complete with carols, and opening packages. The tree never changed in all my years, and I'm sure it was the same tree even before I was born. Many of us would sleep over and awaken to our "Santa gifts," which were normally a very random array of things, but nonetheless, this was tradition. My family would generally stay until just after Christmas brunch, and then head home.

Grandma and Grandpa came to Africa in 1983(?) I believe. They traveled through Kenya as well as South Africa and possibly other countries. This would have been two years before I was born, and they could still remember every detail. This is no surprise, though. Anyone who knew them would tell you that they would never forget anyone they met or a place they had been. I remember speaking about Africa with them, and it was one of the last conversations face to face with G&G just before I left to come back to South Africa.

I know I'm leaving out so much. They lived such full lives; there would be no way to capture all of the memories and how much they meant to me. Grandma went quite suddenly, but Grandpa was a fighter and, as my dad mentioned, kept a smile on his face until the very end. They both would have turned 90 this year. Incredible. They were soul mates on earth, and they are together again to worship the King forever.

When one chapter ends and another begins

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I've been back from Refilwe in Johannesburg for a week and a half already and wow did I love it.

I left for Jo'burg expectant of what I might experience as far as the ministry at Refilwe goes. Refilwe is such a great organization that effectively reaches out to the surrounding communities. As I mentioned in my previous blog, one of their biggest ministries is God-parent (or foster family) homes. There are multiple homes of between 4-6 children living in each. Refilwe does such an excellent job of empowering people in the informal settlements (townships) to be self sustainable. They teach crafts and trades that these people might be able to then support themselves. While I was there, I went with one of the staff to check the status of a few of their up and coming entrepreneurs. The on-site primary school at Refilwe is significantly smaller than other schools, which provides a more one-on-one environment for the children. There will be many opportunities for me at Refilwe that I am so excited about. There is a youth program that is still growing, which I will be involved in, especially the girl's ministry side. I'll also be doing a lot of admin (much needed!), and will hopefully get to spend a significant amount of time in the community.

My time at Refilwe was so nice because I got to spend quality time with Piet. We haven't been in the same place for longer than a few days until this trip. Having a long distance relationship is not easy. Most of the time it's a struggle, but the one thing that keeps me going is knowing we don't have to be apart for too much longer. While I was there, he took me to a game park, we went ice skating, had a couple braais, some fancy dinners, and I spent a lot of time with his family (whom I absolutely love!). Oh yeah, he even put me to work! Haha... It's fine; he's lucky I enjoy doing admin.

I've decided to move up to Johannesburg a little sooner than anticipated. Because I'll be going back to the US for the month of May, I've decided it makes a lot more sense to move just before I leave so that when I return, I can jump straight into my new ministry. So, I am already starting now to say my goodbyes and beginning to close up my time in Port Elizabeth. I only have 8 more weeks of ministry. It doesn't seem like that long.

I can't wait to be a part of Refilwe. I feel that I fit so well. It is such an encouraging place that has rescued so many, and they are continuing to grow. Though I've been establishing my roots in SA for the last year and a half, I'll finally be settling in a place that I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.

Love crosses oceans.

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If you are interested in supporting me financially, checks can be sent to Discovery Church, 5860 Las Positas Road, Livermore, Ca 94551. Checks can be made payable to "Discovery Church" with "South Africa" in the memo line. Checks can also be made out to "The Stirring" with "South Africa" in the memo line, and sent to 1348 Market St. #201, Redding, Ca 96001

Anything but Ordinary

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I often say that I don't want to live an ordinary life. I want to be extraordinary. This has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with Jesus.

Someone who I feel exemplifies out-of-the-box Christian living is Shane Claiborne. A few years back he wrote an incredible book called The Irresistible Revolution and I am currently finishing up his latest book called Jesus for President.

The essence of this book is that the politics of Jesus are so much higher than ours. Imagine if Jesus were sitting in the White House, or on the "throne" over the Kingdom of Swaziland. Perhaps things would look a little different.

The last section of this book displays radical Christians who are revolutionizing the world. This is my dream, my hope, my desire! Another longing of mine is that we wouldn't have to label "radical" Christians vs. "normal" Christians. We should all be living outrageously every single day. Listen to a few of these stories:

Shane speaks about a robotics engineer who used to make robots for himself and to impress people, but began thinking about how he could use his skills to make a difference in God's Kingdom. He now designs robots to dismantle land mines in countries like Afghanistan so children can play freely.

How about massage therapy? One lady kindly and gently washes and massages the feet of women involved in sex trafficking who walk the red-light district all night long.

And how about practicing being green? One community has a washing machine that is powered by a stationary bicycle. They are not only saving precious energy that we often take for granted, but are also being good to themselves.

This last story may be my favourite. A prison chaplain was suddenly overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the lives of the prisoners he saw regularly. So, he decided to turn the prison into a monastery where men would become like a family of monks. They would attend retreats, confess sins, and when they were back in their "monastic cell" they would spend time with God at their own personal altar.

There are a myriad of other stories of people refusing to pay war taxes, making their own clothes, growing their own food, taking in elderly widows, and even an Amish community who actively making peace with those who have wronged them.

I hope this small bit is inspiring, because it has definitely fanned the flame of my heart to do something great for God and His Kingdom. Let's put hands and feet to our faith and do something, anything - as long as it's not ordinary.

Love outrageously!

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Refilwe

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I can hardly believe that today is the 1^st of February. South Africans tell me I speak more like them everyday. My heart really has become a part of this place; I can't even imagine a life back in the US. I have been in South Africa for a grand total of a year and a half! I've been living in PE for a year now! One of my first blogs about living in PE was Fear Factor night at FIREhouse. And we just had Fear Factor again this past Saturday. It's strange to think that was a year ago already!

I have yet to mention my future plans here in South Africa. I've been tossing around a few ideas for a while, but mainly I've been waiting on the Lord to confirm that my will is aligned with his. I think most people that know me always knew I'd stay here forever.

There is a new opportunity for me in Johannesburg, which is about a 12 hour drive from Port Elizabeth. The organization is called Refilwe (see Refilwe.org for more details) and it is located just outside the Lanseria airport. This community project provides many opportunities to young children to realize dreams and "break the cycle of poverty" as their motto states. Some of their projects include God Parent foster families, an on-sight school, day care, youth program, and reaching out to the surrounding communities in varies ways. The more I learn about the NGO, the more I see myself a part of it. At the moment, the program is very 1-dimensional to me because I am only reading or hearing from others. But this will soon change as I am going to visit the centre in a week's time. You can be praying for me that the Lord speaks loud and clear while I'm there.

As much as I love being in Port Elizabeth, I still feel like something is missing. I've been feeling like this for a few months now. My heart is so content in the ministries I am involved in, but there is a definite lack of interaction with the poor. This is where my heart comes alive. I have had many prophesies spoken over me that I was created to work with people in the community and with the poor. I believe this is the perfect opportunity that God is providing for me. At the moment, I am planning on making the big move to Joburg in the beginning of July.

Another big change in my life that I haven't yet mentioned is my new relationship. It was through him that I learned about Refilwe. I met Piet in Jeffreys Bay back in September, and we hit it off right away. He is a South African with a beautiful heart after God, which beats for Africa and the poor. He is very strong and challenges me to be more like Jesus.

I am so excited about what God has in store for me. He is taking me on the adventure of a lifetime.

He has loved us with an everlasting LOVE. Jeremiah 31:3

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Abraham

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I want to first apologize for the silence. My intentions are to keep my blog updated on weekly basis, but sometimes I just don't have anything to write...so I don't. But here it goes...

The story of Abraham has many comparative aspects to my life at the moment. I keep referring back to it.

Genesis 12:1-3 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

Abram, whose name later became Abraham, left everything behind to follow the Lord. He had no idea where he was going. All he had was the promise of the Lord; so he clung to it. Instead of giving Abram the big picture, God directed his steps along the way. This has been so characteristic to my life. God rarely, if ever, gives me the big picture. He places a dream upon my heart, but doesn't let me know how I will get there. He reveals each step when the time is perfect. I, like Abraham, will live as a foreigner for most of my life.

A big struggle in my life is trying to play God in my life. I admit that I can be manipulative of my future, my relationships, and my life. I want things to work out in my favor that I end up trying to take control and doing everything myself, my way.

We see two significant times in scripture when Abraham tries to do things his way, rather than waiting on the promises that God has granted him. Firstly, Abraham lies to Pharaoh saying that his wife Sarai (Sarah) is actually his sister. He fears death and steps out from under God's protection in order to protect his own life. Secondly, we see Abraham doubting God's promise. God promised that Abraham would be the father of all nations, and that the nations would be blessed through him. But Abraham and his wife were very old, and he doubted that they would have children. So, he did what he thought he had to. Sarai presented her maidservant to Abraham to sleep with in order that she would bear children for them. They tried to force God's hand once again and did things their way rather than waiting on the promise that God gave them. God never breaks a promise, nor can He lie. His Word cannot come back void.

There is one more very well-known story about Abraham that I want to compare my journey with. When Abraham finally received the son he had been promised, his faith was harshly tested. God asked Abraham to bring his promised son, whom through which the nations would be blessed, to the top of the mountain to be sacrificed as an offering. God is teaching me that He is always faithful unto his promises, but he will test my faith. He gives us good things, but we have to be willing to let them go. We have to trust God so strongly that we are willing to give up to the point of death, that which we cling to.

Abraham was a righteous man, very full of faith. Though he made a few blunders here and there it is said of him, the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith, Genesis 15:6. I want this to be said of me! May I never doubt God's promises that He has clearly spoken over my life. May he find me upright and walking in truth and faith!

Love! And have faith. Never doubt God's promises.

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District Six

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I would guess that many of my readers know nothing or very little about the affects of the Apartheid. Sure, we hear about it and maybe we can compare it to the civil rights movement in the US, but the history of this country is still very young, and everyone has something to say about how the Apartheid personally affected them.

Even living here I don't know a whole lot about it, but I have learned a lot along the way. I've heard stories straight from many people whether white, black, or coloured.

District Six is an area in Cape Town where a big majority of coloured people used to live. They had their comfortable little community right in the heart of Cape Town. They were well located because they could easily walk or take taxis to work and to the shops. They lived in nice houses, and many of them had significantly large homes. During the Apartheid, the whites came in and took over their land and forced them out of their homes because of something called the Group Areas Act. Each race had to have their own communities in designated areas of town. The whites wouldn't give them any eviction notice, but simply threw them out and seized everything. They even arrested people in their own homes. The coloured people were displaced and forced to live in small government houses way out of town. They lost most of their things because their new accommodation could not hold all of their belongings. The whites then built up the land in places like District Six. While in Cape Town, I visited Mitchell's Plain where a large number of coloureds live today. The houses are nice, but very small and very close together. If they want to add on to their homes, they are forced to build upwards. While driving through, it was interesting to see what they had done to these homes. I could see that many of the homes had been remodeled.

Mitchell's Plain is quite a far distance out of town, 40 minutes maybe. So, during the Apartheid, and even now, they have to travel quite a far distance to get to work. The reason that they haven't moved back into town now that the Apartheid is over is because of two things. They are comfortable now in their communities, though they are far away, and because of money. They now have to spend money on traveling in and out of town.

These people were degraded and dehumanized. Something I find interesting is that coloured people always find themselves stuck in the middle. The white people often see themselves as the superiors of the country, and the blacks are often seen as inferior. Coloureds are somewhere in between. And even now, the government is trying to make up for the way the blacks have been ill treated. They are almost getting special treatment now. This means that, again, the coloureds are still "second best."

I spent the whole time in Cape Town as the only white person among coloured people and I loved it. They are so hospitable and very friendly. I feel as though I've made new family. It's such a blessing to me that people don't even know me, yet they accept me as I am and treat me as someone very important.

I love South Africa with all my heart. You won't ever be able to take it out of me.

Love until it hurts. Then keep on loving.

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in love with Cape Town

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Flew to Cape Town.

Cute rental car.

Met lots of Jody's extended family.

Not much sleep.

Green Market Square.

District Six museum - displacement of Coloured peoples in Cape Town, very sad.

Visited Mitchell's Plain - where Coloureds currently live.

Ate a Gatsby.

V & A Waterfront.

Not much sleep.

Beach.

Ethiopian restaurant - yum! Ate with my hands.

Experienced lots of Coloured culture.

Drive to Paarl.

Met more of Jody's family.

Wine Tasting.

Ate lunch in prison served by prisoners.

Afrikaans monument.

Mall.

Indoor Ice Skating.

Barely any sleep.

Wake up at 4 am, leave Cape Town at 5 am.

Drive 10 hours.

Randomly saw Chelsea in Knysna, ran down the street after her car.

Home to PE.

The V&A Waterfront (below) Jody and I :)

Love is colourblind.

Cape Town bound

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello everyone!

I leave today for a short trip to Cape Town. After a long, draining, but amazing year, I will be getting away from PE for a few days for a much needed break.

Cape Town is one of my favorite places in the whole world! It's such an incredible place. The mountains meet the ocean, and the east meets the west.

I'll be meeting up with my friend Jody from church who grew up in Cape Town so it should be an awesome time. This will be my third trip!

I'll be there from today until Thursday (Christmas Eve). Pray that this break will keep me distracted from being far from my family for the holidays.

Love when it feels good, love when it doesn't.

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The Holidays are Upon Us

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Even though I'm not in the land of twinkling Christmas lights, black Friday, and holiday decorations on every corner, I can still feel that the Holiday season has begun. I have been to multiple end of year parties, kids are finally finished with exams and out of school, and our holiday program is in full swing.

Two Fridays ago was the Young Adult end of year party. It was a Thanksgiving dinner and dance party. Because this was my third Thanksgiving away from my family, it was very refreshing to be with people that I care about and that want to experience a new tradition.

The dinner was not too different than the Thanksgiving that I am used to. We had turkey (I made my very first turkey all by myself!), mash potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, salad, vegetables, and dessert. I really missed cranberries with my sweet potatoes. Unfortunately they are only native to North America. Also, I was really looking forward to pumpkin pie, but the pumpkins are a bit different here. The evening was a definite success. Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without handmade turkeys made from our traced hands.

Ithemba, the school for disabled children, had their Christmas play on Tuesday. They performed only for themselves, but they got all dressed up in white sheets and played the parts of Mary and Joseph, the inn keepers, sheep, goats, and angels.

The Firehouse end of the year party was a real hit. We had a Mexican evening where we ate nachos and dressed like senors and senoritas! A few of the kids ate habenero peppers and their tongues turned black!

I had lots more holiday events that I didn't even mention such as our youth cell group traveling supper, young adult cell group end of year supper, and our Children's Church holiday Christmas pageant.

From here until mid January are social events and holiday clubs. So, this will be a nice time to take things easy for a bit.

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks of fun events. Be sure to check facebook for a more complete view of my pictures

Surge of Passion

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello faithful readers! :)

I know I often talk about my heart for the poor. Every so often I have a surge of energy and passion that is geared toward loving the poor that I have to get out. I'm sitting here in my room reading zillions of Scriptures that are direct commands from God about how we are to treat the poor and about how much He loves them. His heart is for them!

With help from the folks at Biblegateway.com, I have tried to compile all the verses that speak about poverty, the poor, needy, the oppressed, widows, orphans, etc. There are so many. There are well over 300, and I'm sure I didn't get them all. And you know what the interesting thing is? The vast majority are from the Old Testament.

Here are a few of my favourites at the moment:

Learn to do good, seek JUSTICE, help the OPPRESSED. Defend the cause of ORPHANS. Fight for the rights of WIDOWS. Isaiah 1:17

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the LEAST of my followers, you will surely be rewarded. Matt 10:42

Father to the FATHERLESS, defender of WIDOWS - this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. Psalm 68:5-6

For the Lord hears the cries of the needy, he does not despise his imprisoned people. Psalm 69:33

God had a plan to alleviate poverty...

In the Old Testament, the Hebrews celebrated what they call the Sabbath Year every 7^th year. During this year, every person refrained from working for the entire year. God provided in abundance for the Israelites in the 6^th year so that they wouldn't have to harvest in the 7^th. So, the crops would continue growing, and they would be made available for the poor and foreigners among them that were struggling to get by. Because it was a year of rest, the rich were forced to slow down in their accumulation of wealth, and the poor had a chance to catch up. Thus, the gap between the rich and poor was minimized. The Hebrews then celebrated the Year of Jubilee every 50 years, or rather the 7x7 (49-50^th) year. This ritual alleviated debt, because every debt accrued would be forgiven, freed the slaves, and returned land to its original owner. What a cool idea God had when he thought this up; redistribute property and wealth to those who are struggling. He did not want any poor among them. If this practice was followed closely, they would have been a society without any permanent poverty. We could definitely learn something from this.

I definitely believe that God wants us, also, to fight against poverty. Not just by giving hand-outs but by sharing what we have, by bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, and by genuinely loving people that are less fortunate than us. It really starts with bite-sized change and the power of building relationships. The poor are all around us. Jesus often talks about taking care of the orphans and the widows, which were those in society that could not care for themselves. Today, we see so many around us that are struggling: the single mom, the teenager on the street, those that are battered and bruised. These are the orphans and widows of our day.

I think that's all for now...

Love and rebel against poverty!

here is a few of us walking down the street of the township...

and here is a local church that we visited...

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My life and the future

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Trusting God with everything is often very difficult. I know He wants us to give Him everything, but everything is...well, everything.

Because of my personality, I often think ahead and jump to the next thing rather than living in the moment and enjoying where God has called me. Don't get me wrong, I love my life at Lighthouse Family Church, but I can't help but wonder what's next for me. Wow, I feel so convicted. God has spoken very clearly that it's not time for me to know yet, and that I need to remain faithful to the commitments I have made here. He has called me here for a season, however long that season may be, I must be faithful and 100% focused on what's in front of me. I'm thankful that God knows me so well. He knows what I need and knows just how much to tell me about my future at just the right time.

My visa expires June 1, 2010. I started freaking out about this recently. So, I have to decide if I want to go home for a visit, how long to stay, or do I stay in the country and renew my visa? Do I try and find a part-time job and switch to a working visa? Will there be jobs available? Should I consider going for a Master's Degree and get a study visa? Will I be in PE long enough to do this? If I leave this country, will I come back to PE or go somewhere else? Do I come back on a volunteer visa and return home to the US every year? There is a lot to think about.

As I sit here and write this, I feel so convicted of not trusting God. I know that He holds everything in His hands, but I am still fearful!

I am really asking for your prayers because my emotions have been so up and down lately. I know that if I continue to ask God for what He has for me, He will never lead me astray. But it still doesn't make it easy. I guess that's why it's called FAITH! Believing that which we cannot see. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1.

Please stand with me as I try to lay down my desires and surrender my future to the One who holds everything in His hands!

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Walmer Township Adventures

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've gone into the township (also called the community or location) a lot more lately. When the team was living in JBay, I went into the St. Francis Township quite a bit, but barely at all since I've been in PE.

I've recently started up Outreach with Firehouse kids and it's been really awesome. Last Saturday we went to a place called Lethemba in the Walmer Township. It is a children's haven that is home to about 13 kids at the moment. Andrew and Sarah Buller used to minister here on a regular basis. As a team, we would refer to it as Doreen's, which was the former housemother. And if my team is reading, yes, she is no longer there. But I went and saw her and she is good; just resting. She was getting physically sick from working so hard. Eight Firehouse kids showed up to go into the township last Saturday. We played Twister with the kids, read books, sang songs, and colored. All of the boys got "arrested" and placed in the corner about 50 times each. Tristan, our youth pastor, came with, which was so much fun and I could see that the kids really appreciated him being right there in the action with them. Everyone had a blast! In the car on the way home, everyone was very chatty and kept saying how much they loved it. A few of them gave testimonies at Firehouse that night about how blessed they were. Many of them have spent very little to no time in the township and their eyes were opened. They realized that you don't have to be spiritual when you go on an outreach, you can be yourself. When we went back today (Saturday) we got invited to watch a wedding that was taking place just down the road. It was so fun and so African! It's so different than the way Westerners do things. Everyone is invited and everyone is instantly family. Wow...what beautiful people they are.

A girl called Donna that I mentor and myself went back to Lethemba on Thursday. Again, we just hung out with the kids and shared life with them. We didn't go to read Scriptures to them or pray or anything; we just wanted them to see they are valuable to us. Donna and I were dancing and singing and laughing the whole time. It's times like these that I wish I were African. I'll always be the white American girl, and that bothers me. I want to be part of them. I want to relate better than I do. I want them to see me for the heart that I have for them.

My favorite story, however, is about another girl that I mentor called Sam. What an awesome heart this girl has. She comes from an upper-class English white family and hasn't been exposed to much diversity. I guess that is true about many white South Africans; they're experiences are limited to what others tell them. One day last week I told Sam she had to get in the car and come with me somewhere. I didn't tell her where because I knew she might freak out. I took her to the township to see what life is like and to visit some friends there. We visited with a few people in their home, and also went to the children's haven. I really think Sam was blown away. She wrote me an awesome message the following day. She said:

hey leah i just wanna say thank you so much for taking me to the township yesterday. I realised people have pre-conceived ideas about things and because of the ideas we have, we become afraid of going places all because someone told us something about that place... but I tell you, we all need to stop thinking the way we do and start taking risks and living it up because seriously, Walmer township was totally different and I actually felt safe there because that's the way everyone else feels there and that is safe!! Fine, I might be surrounded by scary people, but they will not harm me because just like them, I AM HUMAN, and I also had to understand that just like me, THEY ARE HUMAN and deserve to be treated equally and fairly because the flesh does not matter, God doesn't judge you on the colour of your skin or the way you smell or the way you talk, he looks at something much deeper and that's your heart.

I also was blown away by her heart and her vulnerability.

My heart still aches for more. When I'm in the community I am so happy and I feel so fulfilled. It feels like a missing piece of the puzzle. The people are so beautiful. I really wish I could spend way more time there. I just want to rock up at people's houses and drink Coke with them and talk about life. But who would I go with? Everyone is either in school or at work. I talk to God about it day and night. He knows my deepest desires and He knows my heart is to be with the poor.

I've been really worried about my future lately. I think just because I'm not totally satisfied where I'm at. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but I still feel a longing for more. But, something that God has really been placing on my heart lately is to desire the BLESSER rather than the BLESSINGS. I know if I seek His face I'll find everything I need. I know God has a plan for me, and I trust Him completely.

Well, that's a bit about where I'm at at the moment. My heart really longs for more. Now, I just have to make sense of it and keep coming to Jesus about it.

Hungry for Justice

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am forever changed.

I went to a Leadership Summit conference this past weekend put on by the Willow Creek Association at one of the local churches here in Port Elizabeth.

There were multiple speakers, mostly from the US, but others included a gentleman from Uganda, the former British Prime Minister, and even Bono!

Before it started on Friday morning, I was looking through the books for sale and I came across a book called On the Move written by Bono, which is actually his speech to the White House. I only flipped through a few pages and I felt like I was punched in the stomach. An old passion of mine rose to the surface and overwhelmed me. I had forgotten my love for the poor. I've been so busy working with the "upper" class white South Africans that I'd forgotten a crucial part of my DNA - my desire to work with the poor, brokenhearted, and defenseless. I immediately bought the book.

"...The one thing, on which we can all agree, among all faiths and ideologies, is that God is with the vulnerable and the poor. God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them." (Bono, 16-18)

My heart is broken as I sit here, but yet I am extremely inspired. I so badly want to do something of significance. I envision myself living among the poor, giving them life and value, kissing malnourished babies. My heart literally aches to be among them. I won't rest until I am.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted... Isaiah 61:1. If you have one of my prayer cards, this verse is printed on it. It is a truly significant "life and ministry" verse for me. With this desire I have, comes an anointing.

GOD IS WITH THE POOR. This is where His heart resides. He is hungry for justice. Did you know that there are 2,100 references to the poor in Scripture? And what about the righteous anger that Jesus feels towards those who do not care for the poor and the distressed, and especially the defenseless. Who will care for them if they cannot care for themselves? Spend yourself on behalf of the hungry. Isaiah 58:10

There is one girl named Jessica Jackley that I want to brag on. She is one person with a vision that made a significant impact on the world. She created an organization called Kiva. Kiva gives micro loans to entrepreneurs all around the world. To a mother selling flowers, to a farmer selling goats. Any average Joe can give a micro loan starting at only $25, and the entrepreneurs pay it back little by little as their business grows. One hundred percent of the loan goes to that man or woman. And Jessica isn't even yet 30. Jessica and a few of her friends started off with $3000 and 7 up and coming entrepreneurs in East Africa. Today, just four years later, they have a very successful website that is lending 5 million a month to entrepreneurs in 186 countries, including the United States! If you are interested, go to kiva.org. One person really can affect change.

One day, I hope this will be said of me. But I don't want any credit, or any fame. I only want to know that I impacted lives because of the heart and passion and genuine love God has entrusted to me.

"LOVE was on the move, MERCY was on the move, GOD was on the move." -Bono

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Nannies

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We have just hired a part-time nanny to do our housework. My housemates and I aren't at home all that often, so it will make life a bit easier.

Here in South Africa, most white families hire what they call "nannies" to do all of their housework. They are domestic workers, at first I equated them with black slaves. These black ladies have no education, and generally no other opportunities for employment. They work Monday through Friday earning 20 Rand each day. That's about $2.00-$3.00 a day. Nannies are not child care providers, as the name suggests, but they do everything around the house. They wash all the dishes, do the laundry, iron and fold the laundry after it's been hung dried, and clean the house top to bottom. The hours of the nanny vary by family. Our nanny will only come once every other week as she has other households all the other days of the week. Nannies of larger families come everyday, and by the time they are back each morning, the housework has piled up once again.

White families don't see anything wrong with what is happening in their homes. Because of Apartheid, they know no different. Even though Apartheid is over, there is still so much evidence of it. It will take many, many years for the country to witness actual change and reformation. I have seen white families get irritated if their nanny doesn't show up for work each day. It has become so common to have domestic workers, that it is simply easier to leave everything for the nanny. It really is hard to tell if the nannies are happy or unhappy.

The employment, or unemployment, circle is never ending. The blacks have the least education in the country of South Africa. They live in the townships and they go to a school where they receive peanuts for an education. The township schools really are terrible. A few girls I spent time with at the Children's Home were 13 and 14 and didn't know 3x5, or any other simple math. Because of their education, they can't get a good job, and because they can't get a good job, they can't earn enough to move out of the township, and because they raise their children in the township, the cycle continues.

So what do we do with it? I am trying to treat our nanny as a real person. Humanizing someone is one of the best things you can do for them. They don't have any opportunities for change or for a better life, so respecting them and believing in them is all I can do at this point.

Love because God's Spirit is in you.

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UCSA camp 2009

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you have been a long time subscriber to my blogs, you will remember my experience at UCSA camp last year. It was one of the most significant weeks for me in South Africa. If you recall, after the camp was over, I bawled my eyes out for three hours because I had fallen in love with my group. This year was another great year!

The theme of this year's JBay UCSA camp was God's Agents. The grade 10 and 11 students learned about being God's agent to the world, and also got to be secret agents with secret missions.

I really enjoy the way UCSA camps are run. I remember being so frustrated last year because nothing was ever scheduled, and it was all Spirit led. But I have come to appreciate it. Also, everyone is split up into small groups and a lot is done within those small groups. I was a group leader for 10 awesome Xhosa speaking kids. Though Xhosa istheir first language, they are all exceptional English speakers. The girls in my group were Jack, Zikhona, Ozoe, Mantu, Sinazo, Rita, Lolli, and Nosi, and the two boys were Cia and Buzwe. It always takes a bit for the group to open up to each other, but by the end of the week I think almost everyone felt really comfortable. Everyone agreed that we had a really fun group and it was hard to say goodbye. By the way, our group name was the Contransators, which is the backward way of saying "concentrators."

Our first group mission was to find a certain address in the township, get to know the family, assess their needs, and bless them. Our family was noticeably poor and they really wanted a bin (trash bin). The Shell Festival was also going on during the camp, so, our group went down to the beach front and danced for money. It was the most fun I've had in a while. We were all just dancing to the music while a couple of the girls were yelling, "We're dancing for charity!" We raised about 65 Rand plus we put our own money in toward buying the bin. We had a bit of extra so we bought snacks for the children that lived at the house. I was hoping that we would be able to get to know the family a bit more, but they didn't really ever invite us in. The few times we went to their house, we only stayed in the yard and chatted, but they were thankful for our gifts and our friendship.

We also had a few mini assignments as a group, like interviewing people at the Shell Festival about what they believe about salvation and sharing our stories with each other. One of the most challenging was one day when we were given only R22 (about $3) to spend on lunch for our whole group! We had to learn what it was like to live on very, very little.

I didn't get much sleep this whole week, but I'm really ok with it. I only remembered now that I didn't sleep a lot during the camp. I slept in the hall with about 60 girls! The hall was filled with mattresses from wall to wall. It was only myself and one other leader who had to keep the girls quiet at night. It was a bit of a task!

It was really cool being back in Jeffreys Bay. I got to see a lot of old friends that we did ministry with when we lived in JBay. Before I went on the camp I was really nervous about going because I thought I would be really lonely, but I actually knew quite a few of the leaders and volunteers.

Now that I am actually sitting down and reflecting on the time at camp, I miss it a lot. I can really tell that God is using me when ministering to high school kids. There is just something about them that I really connect with. And South Africa is becoming my home more and more each day. I know I often say that, but I really mean it. My heart has been so captivated by the people that I can't see myself leaving anytime soon.

My future is so unsure. I'm not sure about anything past June 2010, but I'm ok with that! I know it isn't time for me to know yet.

Thanks for reading,

Love when it feels good, love when it doesn't.

I have puppies coming out of my ears!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have puppies coming out of my ears. And I love it!

The puppies are now three weeks old. They are the most fun things ever, not to mention so flipping cute. I just want to freeze them so they stay this way.

Let me introduce you to them...

Missy is the first one I named. She has a distinct stripe on her back like a deer. She is so cute and so sweet!

Zumi is a very curious puppy and very cuddly! She was named after Jacob Zuma, South Africa's current president.

Bull, or Red Bull as we call him, has almost the exact same colouring as Zumi. He is perhaps the most cuddly of all the puppies.

Boer is the second of only three brothers. The other 6 are girls! He's so cute! You'll notice that we have a Boer and a Bull. Together they make up Boerbull, which is the type of pups they are.

Roxy is my utmost favourite of the pups. If Cobus lets me keep one, I want to keep her. She is the daredevil puppy! She is always trying to escape or jump down off my lap into the deep dark unknown. She has the most unusual colourings of them all. She's half blonde, half stripy.

Nico was named after a friend of mine. He is unusually furry like a grizzly bear! He is also the fattest of all the puppies. That's him on the top of the dog pile.

Here's Scotty! She's actually a girl. Cobus named her. When I told him she was a girl, he said it was fine; apparently there is a girl named Scotty on tv!

This pretty blonde one is Ally. You can see that her head looks misshapen. Kia, the mom, bit her and her head is swollen. She used to be the lungs of the pups until she got bit. She's mellowed down while she's healing.

This is Angel. She is the runt. She is such a sweet puppy, but she can hold her own.

The puppies are walking, jumping, fighting, biting, and their teeth are coming in, so they want to chew on my fingers all the time. They just started venturing out of their alcove and exploring the grass and yard. Next time you see them they'll be that much bigger!

Your prayers are needed

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have a more serious prayer request.

Please be in prayer for my family. My grandpa is in the hospital, and has been for about a week and a half now. He started off with the shingles, and now has pneumonia. He isn't able to eat at the moment because of a problem with his larynx. I don't know all of the details, but things aren't looking great. He has been having a bit of trouble with his memory too, but they aren't too sure if it's the medicine or if it's beginning stages of dementia.

My dad is taking it really hard, as he should, it's his dad. And my grandma is struggling as well, they are both getting up there in age. Just keep them in your prayers that God will bring them peace and rest!

Anyway, thanks for your continuous prayers!

Love because of the hope of salvation we have in CHRIST!

One Year

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today is the one year anniversary of my landing in South Africa! One year ago today, myself and a team of 40 nervous Americans and Canadians were trying to learn each other's names, and trying to get used to the cold African weather! I can't believe time has gone by so quickly!

My life and circumstances have changed a lot since then. It's crazy to think how far I've come.

I'm so grateful for those of you who have supported me, and prayed for me continuously.

This has been a crazy adventure, and it's only just beginning!

"Just doing my thing..."

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Things in P.E. are still going good and strong! The puppies are getting much bigger at 1 week, 2 days old, but their eyes are still closed. Not sure exactly what we'll do with them, but I know we'll have to get rid of most of them, if not all of them. I have fallen in love with them, they are so precious! They look like their mom (a Boerbull), but we still don't know what the father was.

Here's a picture of the pups when they were 2 days old!

Sunday Nite Live has picked up a bit more, so I have more weekly responsibilities in the office. I find myself really looking forward to Sunday nights.

I am lucky enough that I am not too busy to continue meeting with young girls because this is my passion! At the moment, I am consistently walking with four girls, and meetings with still others on the side. But I love it. I love sharing life with girls that I can pour into. The hard thing about it, though, is there isn't really anyone to pour into me. So I find that at the end of the week, I am so drained and sometimes just want to crawl in bed and pull the covers up over my head. It just sucks because there aren't very many strong women to look up to in the church. I find myself confiding in the male pastors, which isn't good either.

I've had a rough couple of weeks dealing with issues that really shouldn't be there and feeling a bit lonely. It's funny because I go back and forth with feeling good about things and then feeling terribly lonely. I think it's due to the fact that I'm still not 100% settled in. I have one foot in each world. But, I'm not really sure how to make it better. Any suggestions??

Sorry this update is terribly dry and boring. I'll try to make my next blog more interesting.

Faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

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Ithemba

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've just recently started going with Nicita, one of the Firehouse girls, to a place called Ithemba once a week. Our team went there once before for family ministry and I loved it then, too. Ithemba is a special school for kids in the township with disabilities. The kids are precious! A large number of them have Down's syndrome, several are in wheelchairs, and others have additional physical disabilities. Some of them cannot speak, or just speak with a grunt or a tug. A lot of the kids lack a lot of muscle control and drool constantly.

The day starts off with morning assembly. They sing a few songs and have a prayer before departing to their classrooms. They have grits for breakfast, and then spend some time doing puzzles or legos. Today I played Memory with a few of the kids and they did surprisingly well! They do drills and lessons for part of the day, as well. Part of those drills includes brushing teeth and washing up. I remember the first time we went as a team, the children got into a line and started reciting the months of the year one by one. After each one had recited them, they would applaud them. They did this all on their own. There was no teacher to tell them to get in a line and start learning; she just sat back and watched as we did!

Being with disabled children is a really spiritual experience. I feel so close to Jesus when I am with them. They are so precious and I can just feel the way Jesus must absolutely adore them. All I wanted to do was sing over them. I was probably singing most of the day today. I was reminded of Zephaniah 3:17 which says, "[the Lord your God] rejoices over you with joyful songs."

I always say that I have no maternal instinct and that I probably won't ever have kids, but these kids are so amazing. They are in need of someone to help them do just about everything. They don't care who you are; all they want is devotion. I have always had a heart for the poor and the helpless because I understand the heart of God when I look at them. His heart aches for them. I just know it! And I've heard people ask why God would create people with disabilities, but you know what? They are so perfect in His eyes. They are precious, beautiful, and perfect. And maybe He created them so that we may feel closer to His heart.

Love is being sung over us.

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Life is picking up!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The past few weeks have been very busy. I've had lots of opportunities to have coffee with people, meet up with young girls, and have really found my niche here. This past Friday was our first Girls Coffee Club. It was really cool to just have a time for us girls!

I am just beginning a new role at the church here. I am really excited about this new adventure. I am the new director of Sunday Nite Live, our evening service at Lighthouse Church. The evening service is more contemporary and lively and targets youth and young adults. We definitely have adults at the service as well, but they generally come in the mornings. What this role will entail is coordinating the flow of the services each week. Andrew, the associate pastor, will let me know the sermon topic and I will fill in the gaps. For instance, if he is speaking about fear, I will help to bring other elements to the service on that topic. So, I might find someone in the church with a testimony of how they overcame fear in their life. And I might find someone in the youth group who has written a poem about fear. And I might organize a special song to be sung. I think this will fit me well, as I really enjoy organizing and administration.

I've spoken about it a bit, but lately my friends and I have been treasure hunting quite a bit. We ask God for clues about people that he wants to encounter that day. The last two times it's been extremely challenging. We all hear things that we really believe are words from God, but yet we can't find the people and the clues. And when I do spot someone who I think is a clue, I get rejected more often than not. People say things like "I'm not a Christian" or "I already prayed this morning." It's funny to think that people don't want prayer. They really don't believe in the healing power of Jesus. They won't even give it a shot. So, it's been discouraging.

Even though times are tough sometimes, God is SO GOOD. We all have so much to be thankful for and so many reasons to celebrate life.

I am so glad that God brought me here to let me experience what He's up to in South Africa.

Love because HE loves.

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S.A. lingo volume III

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been getting some really nice compliments lately. Compliments that I speak like a South African! I've been working really hard on my lingo and my pronunciation. I guess it's all due to the fact that I don't live with 14 Americans anymore.

Get on - get along; She and I get on quite well.

Pitch up - show up; She never pitched up for lunch.

Naught - zero; Number your paper from naught to ten.

So long (pronounced as one word) - in the meantime; Just sit down so long.

Canning oneself - laughing hysterically; After he saw what happened, he was canning himself.

Fetch - pick up; Can someone come and fetch me?

Arb (Short for arbitrary; pronounced, obb) - weird, odd, random; It was a very arb night.

Dof - feeling stupid or silly; I feel so dof sometimes.

Oakes - guys, people; What is that oake's name?

Diary - personal calendar; I'll mark your birthday in my diary.

Busy - in the middle of something; I was busy driving when he called.

Fringe - bangs; I need my fringe trimmed.

Purse - women's wallet; Handbag - purse; wallet - only belonging to men

Keen - eager, excited; I'm keen to get more involved.

Heartsore - when your heart aches for someone; It's so heartsore that we aren't friends anymore.

Passage - hallway; The bathroom is just down the passage to the right.

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Girls Ministry

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am so excited about girl's ministry at FIREhouse. There has been a huge need for girl's ministry for quite some time. Because Carmen is the only girl on leadership at the moment, it's been difficult for her to attend to all the needs of the 30-50 girls that attend FIREhouse on a regular basis. Not to mention, she's also attending University during the daytime. She is an incredible girl, and friend, who really has a heart for these girls, but just needs a hand to be able to balance everything.

I've been brainstorming with friends, talking with Carmen, and asking the FIREhouse girls what they would like to see happen. For the next two weeks at FIREhouse, we are splitting the guys and girls. Carmen and I are in charge of the girls and we'll have help from a couple other ladies as well. We will have discussion time, small group time, and we'll have a question box that the leaders will be able to answer. I'm really looking forward to having this time to get to know the girls better as individuals and to get to know the ones that may have been hiding in the shadows up until this time.

From this, we are going to start a girl's Coffee Club. Every other Friday we'll meet at a local coffee shop just to chat as girls and connect outside of church. I'm also going to start a girl's social evening once a month; movie night, hang out at the beach, sleepover, etc.

I feel very empowered by the leaders. They are giving me a lot of freedom to minister in the ways that best suit me. I feel like my ministry is finally starting to take form; it's very exciting!

Tristan, the youth pastor, really wants me to be discipling more girls one-on-one, which is a huge passion of mine. So, pray that God will bring the right girls into my life that need someone to walk with them.

Love is multifaceted.

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Pricilla

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So, I picked up Pricilla on Thursday! When I first looked at her and test drove her, she was much more pimped out. She used to have all tinted windows, like limo style, but they were illegal, so the dealer had to strip the tinting. She also had a spoiler piece on the front bumper which the dealer removed for me. I think he was scared I would rip it off while going over speed bumps. When I first looked at the car it didn't really fit me, but it was definitely the best buy for the money. I started calling her Pricilla because I decided that she was Mexican, don't ask me why, but I just got that vibe.

I really thought it might be a while before I could pick up the car. It's been an interesting week trying to get everything sorted out. I found the car on Sunday, and went to sign the paperwork Monday evening. Because I have never owned a car in South Africa before, I had to go and register my name at the DMV because I'm not in the system. So, before the car could be put in my name, I had to register myself. But, before I could register myself, I had to get a proof of address. So, my housemate had to fill out an affidavit and get it stamped by the police station. I thought that was all I needed, but it turns out I need also two ID photos for the DMV to keep on file. So, the process continued. Finally, I made it to the DMV yesterday (in actuality it is just one separate window at the post office). When I got there, they were closed because of a municipality strike! And strikes typically last for 2 weeks! So, it appeared the waiting continued. Oh! And before this, on Monday night, when my mom was trying to transfer the money, there was a special number that I had forgotten to get from the dealer. So, they had to wait until Tuesday morning for the bank to open so they could get the number. So, again, I thought the money might not transfer before Friday. I kept wondering why everything was going wrong. But anyway, the good news is that we stopped by the dealer on the way home yesterday and they said I could still have the car when the money comes through even though there is a strike.

So here it is, God has blessed me with a car!

Love everyday.

Gender Roles

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since I've been back in South Africa, I really feel like an anthropologist. And it would actually be a fascinating job! The life of a missionary isn't even really all that different of that of an anthropologist.

If you don't know, I live with an Afrikaans guy and girl. They have been good friends for years and are two very great people.

The gender roles are strikingly different between Afrikaans South Africans, descendents of the Dutch, and English South Africans, descendents of the British. It would be fascinating to me to do a study on gender roles for all of the different cultures in this area.

On Monday night, Cobus' parents came over for dinner. And even though it was his parents who came over, Helouise did all the cooking. This wouldn't be uncommon in an Afrikaans household. Typically the women are very domestic, even if they have full-time jobs, and the men are very dominant and the main bread winners of the household. Afrikaans men are known for being more chivalrous than English men, but at the end of the day, they expect to have a meal on the table lovingly prepared by their faithful wives.

So this struck me as odd. Cobus' parents were over, but Helouise prepared the entire meal herself, and cleaned the entire kitchen herself. And she has no romantic feelings towards Cobus. She even waited on both parents hand and foot making sure they had their coffee and tea and all that.

Was this expected of her as the eldest female in the house? Did she do it out of duty or did she do it because of her close bond with his parents?

One of my passions has become educated my readers about South Africa. It truly is a beautiful, multicultural, and extremely interesting place to live and learn.

Love with a rainbow colored (coloured) heart.

Satisfied

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Do you ever just sit around and think of God's goodness and just relax satisfied in Him? That's where my heart is at the moment and it's a lovely place to be in. All I can do is smile and rest in his love.

I am to the point where I am very satisfied with the place where I am. Not that I want to stay in this place, but I am so happy with my current location and my surroundings. I have some really great friends. I think a big fear of mine in coming over here was that people would pity me and hang out with me because I was the foreigner that needs friends. It sounds really dumb when I speak it out. But I have great friends. I have friends that call me up just because they love me and want to hang out with me! It's the best feeling.

I am also really excited and happy about my ministry. It is kinda getting off to a slow start, especially since it's a month in and I still don't have a car. But I have some really great plans, and I'm definitely getting to know the Firehouse girls a lot better. It's been awesome. Even as I sit here, I wonder if I haven't been able to find a car so that I don't fill up my schedule all too quickly and forget about the main reason I came to South Africa-to minister to a hurting generation of girls.

I have really been able to feel prayers lately. Seriously, like never before, I know that I have a team of prayer warriors behind me fighting the spiritual battle with me. Don't give up! Keep fighting with me.

I've posted some new pics in facebook of my house and my room, but here is my new tattoo that I got yesterday...it is very significant and it actually all came together in a dream...

Love beyond all reason.

The Power of a Testimony

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Books have really inspired me in recent years. The one I just finished is Release the Power of Jesus by Bill Johnson, the pastor of Bethel Church in Redding.

The book got off to a slow start, but it really spoke to me once I got into it. It spoke of the power of testimony. Testimony is simply telling a piece of God's story. Sometimes we think of our testimony as revolving around us, when in reality, it is about GOD and how he rescued us. Testimony is also very closely associated with prophesy. This may sound funny, but when you give a testimony, you are declaring what God has done, and what he will do. The book tells many accounts of people that have been healed simply by hearing the testimony of someone else healed from a similar ailment.

One of the main points is that we have this power, and how it is our responsibility to continue to pass on the testimony of what God has done in our lives, and in the lives of those before us.

Consider Psalm 78:2-8:

...I will teach you hidden lessons from our past-

Stories we have heard and known,

Stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths from our children;

We will tell the next generation

About the glorious deeds of the Lord,

About his power and his mighty wonders.

For he issued his laws to Jacob;

He gave his instructions to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors

To teach them to their children,

So the next generation might know them-

Even the children not yet born-

And they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God,

Not forgetting his glorious miracles

And obeying his commands.

Then they will not be like their ancestors-

Stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful,

Refusing to give their hearts to God.

In short, the Children of Israel were brought out of Egypt! God parted the seas for them, gave them food every day for 40 years, but they still turned their backs on Him. It is up to us to declare the MIGHTY works of God to prevent the generations to come from turning away from God.

Now, in keeping with the namesake of this blog, I have a testimony to declare. Lighthouse Church has really caught the fire in doing treasure hunts. About 10 of us went on Saturday! One of the words of knowledge that someone received was "breast cancer", along with carrots, and sisters, and maybe a few other things. So, a few people went to the grocery store (unfortunately I wasn't with them to experience this firsthand) and they saw two ladies who looked like sisters getting carrots. They asked if they were sisters, but they weren't. But the group continued to tell them about treasure hunting and showed them the list of clues. Well it turns out that one of them has breast cancer!!! So they prayed for her, and one our girls told the lady where we go to church and that the next time we see her that she would be healed. So, we are waiting for her return to hear the report. Pretty crazy, hey?

That's the power of Jesus.

Love like Jesus. When it gets hard, keep striving.

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Double Feature: InTo tHe SON CaMp 2oo9!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I got back yesterday exhausted from an awesome four days at camp in beautiful JBay! Apparently it was supposed to be 11 degrees, but it was beautiful and sunny, probably closer to 25.

I think everyone walked away from camp blessed. It was an action packed four days with music, fellowship, good speakers, great food, and lots of time on the beach. There were two speakers, one in the morning and one in the evening. They spoke a lot about walking in the truth and how to make being a believer practical. When we overcome obstacles in our lives and when we make decisions to follow God, it can be very difficult to walk in that truth. But we have to make that decision. They spoke of the idols in our lives that have a hold on us and how we must release their grip on us.

I was pretty sick for the first half of the camp. I was in so much pain from a stupid stomach virus that it was hard for me to participate or experience the camp like I wanted to. Two ladies that I have gotten really close to fasted for me that this would go away. After that, I felt so much better and the color returned to my face and I could jump around with the kids. But seriously, who does that? They made me cry when they told me they had been fasting and praying for me. I have been so blessed by people in the church that genuinely care about me and my well being.

God did a lot in my heart this week regarding fear. I didn't realize the grip that I've allowed fear to take hold of me. I'll share one picture that God gave someone for me. They pictured me as a mighty warrior princess, but I was just cowering in the corner because I didn't realize my strength. I had these tiny chains over my back, but they weren't strong enough to hold me down; they were so small. All I had to do was stand up and take my place and walk in truth and the chains would be broken. The Lord really revealed some other cool stuff too. How awesome that the Creator of the universe wants that kind of a relationship with us!

Many students made commitments to follow the Lord and they will be baptized at church on Sunday. Now the challenge is to help these kids walk in the truth of God and to take their commitment seriously. They are really great kids who are passionate about life and who strive to live rightly.

Love prevails!

PS- I had a good birthday at camp. I got a few cute little gifts and cards, and everyone sang to me at dinner that night. I felt so loved!

I wanted to show everyone my cute puppies, so here they are crawling around on my bed:

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Greetings from the Motherland; Americans spotted in Port Elizabeth!!

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After a bit of a rough week, I am feeling on top of the world again. I really have an amazing church family here in Port Elizabeth and it's something to praise God for. It's really great being a part of such a fun young adults group that really cares a lot about me. I was sitting in McDonald's at midnight a few days ago with a bunch of my friends and someone said something that really struck me. Everyone was asking how I'm doing without the team, and I mentioned that I really miss them a lot and it's weird being here without them. But then someone said, "But Leah, we are your team now." It just really struck me because I am not living in last year anymore. It doesn't mean I have to forget about my "beloved AIM team," it just means that this is a new season, and I have a new team/family.

I really feel that I am fitting in quite nicely. It's just been tough without a car. But I'm managing, and people are being more than generous about picking me up and taking me where I need to go. Pray that I will have a car soon!

This past weekend, myself and some others attended a conference at another church in PE. There was a team from Bethel in Redding, CA that came to speak! It was so fun to talk to Americans! My friends were making fun of me because while everyone else was standing in line to get prayer for healing, I was standing in line to speak to an American.

So, the conference was all about healing and walking in the supernatural. We heard all kinds of crazy stories about cancer being healed, eye balls growing in blind eyes, ears being opened, and all other kinds of back pain, headaches, and everything in between being healed. On Friday night at the church, a leg grew to match the other. On Saturday morning we got to practice our own treasure hunting, aka, searching out the treasure (people) that God wants to bless and heal. So, we spent some time in prayer to receive "clues" of who God is pursuing. Some of our clues were things like brown hair, cowboy boots, a fountain, the name Amy, etc. So we went out in search of these things and people.

Nothing super crazy happened, but God met with some people that needed to be encouraged. My friend Tash and I prayed for a whole family suffering from all kinds of things: Back pains, infections, TB, and asthma. It was just so cool to see how God is after people. And He is pursuing each one of us! Even when someone would reject us and didn't want prayer, we know that God is going to do something in their life anyway, because he is pursuing them WHOLE-HEARTEDLY!

PS- less than a week till I turn 24.

Love always wins.

It's SO cold!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well here I am. Day 11 in South Africa.

I moved into my new place on Monday of this week. My housemates are very nice, yet not home all that often as they both work full-time jobs. Today was my first opportunity to come use the internet at my favorite little cafe, Mugg & Bean.

We have two cute little doggies at our house. One is a fox terrier named Muis and the other is some sort of boxer named Kia. They both speak Afrikaans. Haha.

I have had a bit of a rough time the last week. Everyone here is so great at making me feel at home, and making sure that I am doing well, but I can't help that my mind goes 100 miles an hour (or should I say kilometers). I've had a lot of time in an empty house to let my thoughts run wild. Though I know for certain in my soul that this is exactly where God has led me, I can't help but think I've made a mistake. There are days that I long for familiarity and the comforts of my parent's home. My first Firehouse was last Saturday, and it was so exciting to see all my kids who've been waiting for my return, but there was something missing. My teammates are not here with me. Reality has set in that I have to make it on my own now.

It is sooo cold here. I know I told most everyone that it's 75 degrees all the time, but I lied. It's the middle of winter and it's very cold. No houses in South Africa have central heating, so we basically just have to bear it. I have to pile on the blankets just to sit in the living room and watch tv. And I've never drank so much tea before in my life. I probably have 3 cups a day to keep me warm.

Into the Son camp is coming up in less than 2 weeks on my birthday. I'll be a dorm leader and maybe a small group leader. It's supposed to be a really crazy time with lots of really crazy manifestations. I'm definitely nervous about it because it will probably be lots of things I've never experienced before.

I guess you can see in this blog the ways you can pray for me. I really need a car badly! Pray that all the details will work themselves out nicely and quickly.

Thanks for all your love and support.

Love is not a burden.