Refilwe

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.