This past weekend we left Krugersdorp for Kuruman. It was quite the drive with roads marred by potholes and crazy drivers. We left Saturday morning around 8 and arrived in Kuruman around 2ish. Our first stop was the Robert Moffatt Mission. Moffatt was the first missionary to come to Africa. It was pretty amazing to walk down the "Missionary Road" a bit. To know that I was on a road that had been walked by so many who have gone before was so amazing. The church he built is not only still standing, but is still used for worship services.
After leaving the mission, we went to a church to have supper. We were served chicken, grilled lamb chops (that were absolutely amazing!), mashed potatoes & green beans (together), rice with tomato gravy and a salad. After supper, they took us to our "home" for the night. We stayed at Red Sands Country Lodge.
Our group was divided into five smaller groups. Each group went to a different church Sunday morning. The church my group went to was Batlharis Monitsarara PHC. The worship was wonderful. We were also able to enjoy all three of their choirs, the children, youth, and "elderlies".
After the sermon, we witnessed the expulsion of a demon. There was a lady who had apparently gone to the doctor and when she wasn't healed, she went to see the witch doctor. She was given some sort of "medicine" and she vomited it up. (This happened after Joe Arthur, the director of SAFARI, prayed in the name of Jesus.) It was a definite example of the power of the name of Jesus. It was pretty intense!
This week has gone by pretty quickly. Our classes this week were taught by Dan & Brenda Clowers, Dan is the OMC for LAMCAR (Latin America & Caribbean), and Ernest Turner, the OMC for Africa. We had our own braai Friday night. Denise, our cook, and Greg, one of the students, are both from TN and together they fixed us some TN-style pork bar-b-q. It was absolutely amazing!
Today, Saturday, we went to Gold Reef City, an amusement park. Below the park is a gold mine that is no longer in use. However, they do tours. We went on the tour this morning and then had time to have fun in the amusement park. We also went over to the Apartheid Museum this afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the Museum quite as much as I would have liked. My ankle decided it had had enough walking for the day and wanted me to sit down. It's such a pain getting older....
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
1 full week down... 14 more to go
This has been a week of adventure. I have now been to a South African church, eaten two African meals, explored downtown Krugersdorp, experienced two different malls, lived with a 17 yr old (=P), went to a braai (S. African cook-out), and lots more.
Church on Sunday was great. I'm sure that the experience was a bit different for me than the other students. For me, it was sentimental as well. Just knowing that I was in a church that held Dr. Jimmy's heart for so long made it all that much more special for me. I was able to find a few of the people who are still there that knew him.
This week began the classes. We are learning to be culturally relevant rather than ethnocentric. While some of the information may seem like common sense at first, when we dig a little deeper we are able to see things a bit differently. If you ask me, this is a wonderful way to help people understand what life can be like. We are hearing from people who have been out in the field for many years. Their experiences may all be different, but they have a common thread. It's not easy!
We went out for ice cream last night after supper. We piled 8 adults into a lil pick-up. It's totally legal for people to ride in the back here. Of course, it does have a nice camper-type shell on it. The ice cream here is really good. Most of us got the soft-serve vanilla cones, some plain, some chocolate dipped, and one caramel dipped. The ice cream has a slightly different flavor, it is a bit richer and creamier here. It's almost like you can taste a bit of butter in it.
Our African meal today was Chicken Curry with Pap (pronounced "pop") and Rape (greens). The picture here shows the way a native South African fixes this plate of food. Pap is similar to grits, except it's a bit more coarse and they don't put as much water in it so it's more solid. They put bananas on top so that the sweet will help cut a bit of the heat. I wish I had known that and tried it myself. Another note, when cooking chicken they don't de-bone it. They leave the bones in because it adds more nutritional value.
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:20-22
This week began the classes. We are learning to be culturally relevant rather than ethnocentric. While some of the information may seem like common sense at first, when we dig a little deeper we are able to see things a bit differently. If you ask me, this is a wonderful way to help people understand what life can be like. We are hearing from people who have been out in the field for many years. Their experiences may all be different, but they have a common thread. It's not easy!
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:20-22
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Gettin into the groove...
Most of a week has past and I'm gettin into the routine of life here. This has certainly been a week of ups and downs as well as one full of new experiences. I have grieved the loss of a much-loved uncle, traveled half-way across the world (at least it seems that way), and come to a place where nearly everything is unfamiliar.
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to eat an African meal prepared by our cook's assistant, Prisila, called Samp & Boerewers. It was really good, probably not something I'm going to seek out to eat every meal, but it was really good. :)
Friday morning, we were dropped off in downtown Krugersdorp in pairs. Our assignment was to take 15 pictures, without looking through the viewfinder, or at the LCD. At first I thought it would be a difficult assignment for me. I typically like to look at the composition of the shot and ponder it before I take it. I think this assignment actually ended up being a great exercise for me as a photographer as well. I looked at everything through the viewfinder in my mind. I must confess, however, there were a couple that I glanced at after taking them and deleted them so that I could re-take it. One of my favorites, was this one. I'm not sure if this guy realized I was taking his picture. I'm not sure if you can read it, but at the top of his windshield he named his truck, "The White Thunder." He had put a pretty impressive sound system in that little truck. He had his music up pretty loud. I loved how he was just chillin out, leanin up against his truck. The purpose of our assignment was for us to see the cultural differences that we may otherwise miss.
On Friday afternoon, we went into town to watch Invictus, a movie about Nelson Mandella and how he was able to effectively begin the dismantling of apartheid using rugby. It was a wonderful movie. I would certainly recommend it. We spent part of our evening at the mall, giving us the chance to explore more of South African culture.
Today, Saturday, has been a pretty low-key day for us. We will be going to the Krugersdorp church tomorrow morning. I am truly looking forward to visiting this church that Dr. Jimmy began. I will be sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow. I am so excited to be where I am. Not only am I following the path God has set before me, I am getting to experience so many new things. I have the opportunity to see things that such dear friends, the Gardners, had such a part in beginning.
(I am posting many of my pictures on facebook.) I have gotten into the habit of posting Scriptures that relate to how I'm feeling, but this time I'm putting the chorus of a song at the end. Not only am I following my dream, but I am getting to see the fruit of a dream as well.
Dream on
When the world just doesn't believe
God has promised
Never to leave you alone
Dream on
Follow hope wherever it leads
In the seed of dreams
There's promise of the dawn
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star
Morning can't be far
Dream on
"Dream On" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to eat an African meal prepared by our cook's assistant, Prisila, called Samp & Boerewers. It was really good, probably not something I'm going to seek out to eat every meal, but it was really good. :) 
Friday morning, we were dropped off in downtown Krugersdorp in pairs. Our assignment was to take 15 pictures, without looking through the viewfinder, or at the LCD. At first I thought it would be a difficult assignment for me. I typically like to look at the composition of the shot and ponder it before I take it. I think this assignment actually ended up being a great exercise for me as a photographer as well. I looked at everything through the viewfinder in my mind. I must confess, however, there were a couple that I glanced at after taking them and deleted them so that I could re-take it. One of my favorites, was this one. I'm not sure if this guy realized I was taking his picture. I'm not sure if you can read it, but at the top of his windshield he named his truck, "The White Thunder." He had put a pretty impressive sound system in that little truck. He had his music up pretty loud. I loved how he was just chillin out, leanin up against his truck. The purpose of our assignment was for us to see the cultural differences that we may otherwise miss.
On Friday afternoon, we went into town to watch Invictus, a movie about Nelson Mandella and how he was able to effectively begin the dismantling of apartheid using rugby. It was a wonderful movie. I would certainly recommend it. We spent part of our evening at the mall, giving us the chance to explore more of South African culture.
Today, Saturday, has been a pretty low-key day for us. We will be going to the Krugersdorp church tomorrow morning. I am truly looking forward to visiting this church that Dr. Jimmy began. I will be sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow. I am so excited to be where I am. Not only am I following the path God has set before me, I am getting to experience so many new things. I have the opportunity to see things that such dear friends, the Gardners, had such a part in beginning.
(I am posting many of my pictures on facebook.) I have gotten into the habit of posting Scriptures that relate to how I'm feeling, but this time I'm putting the chorus of a song at the end. Not only am I following my dream, but I am getting to see the fruit of a dream as well.
Dream on
When the world just doesn't believe
God has promised
Never to leave you alone
Dream on
Follow hope wherever it leads
In the seed of dreams
There's promise of the dawn
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star
Morning can't be far
Dream on
"Dream On" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Long and Short of It
Wow, in EST it has been 32 1/2 hours since I left the house for the airport. At nearly 11 am EST, it is nearly 6 pm in South Africa. Both my flights were smooth and uneventful, unless you count the screaming babies. :)
On my first flight, I was reminded of God's creativity. When we took off, the skies were all a deep blue with stars all around. Within the little more than hour long flight, I was able to watch the sun rise. It began with a slight tinge of dark orange along the horizon to the east, gradually becoming brighter and larger. It never ceases to amaze me how God blends those contrasting colors. They faded from one to the other so perfectly.
My second flight, was oh so long. I had hoped to catch some semi-decent sleep on that 15 hour flight. I dozed off and on... If that seat had been just 3 inches wider, it would have been so much more comfortable. I watched a few movies, some episodes of House and Knight Rider, played a few games, and ate some pretty good food too. I was surprised at how good the food was.
I was fortunate enough to have a familiar face waiting on me at the airport. It made the entire trip less stressful just knowing that in the end, I would see a friend. The drive from the airport to the campus was also relatively uneventful. It's kinda weird being on the "wrong" side of the road though.
I had no idea that when I logged onto facebook that I would find out that one of my uncles had passed away while I was in the air. Uncle Monroe had fibrosis of the lungs. We knew it had gotten bad, but did not expect him to leave us so soon. I am so glad that I was able to see him at Christmas. Though my heart breaks for my family, I know that he is no longer in pain. He had a glorious reunion with the One who had created him. Please pray for my family as we are grieving this loss.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:18-20
On my first flight, I was reminded of God's creativity. When we took off, the skies were all a deep blue with stars all around. Within the little more than hour long flight, I was able to watch the sun rise. It began with a slight tinge of dark orange along the horizon to the east, gradually becoming brighter and larger. It never ceases to amaze me how God blends those contrasting colors. They faded from one to the other so perfectly.
My second flight, was oh so long. I had hoped to catch some semi-decent sleep on that 15 hour flight. I dozed off and on... If that seat had been just 3 inches wider, it would have been so much more comfortable. I watched a few movies, some episodes of House and Knight Rider, played a few games, and ate some pretty good food too. I was surprised at how good the food was.
I was fortunate enough to have a familiar face waiting on me at the airport. It made the entire trip less stressful just knowing that in the end, I would see a friend. The drive from the airport to the campus was also relatively uneventful. It's kinda weird being on the "wrong" side of the road though.
I had no idea that when I logged onto facebook that I would find out that one of my uncles had passed away while I was in the air. Uncle Monroe had fibrosis of the lungs. We knew it had gotten bad, but did not expect him to leave us so soon. I am so glad that I was able to see him at Christmas. Though my heart breaks for my family, I know that he is no longer in pain. He had a glorious reunion with the One who had created him. Please pray for my family as we are grieving this loss.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:18-20
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Travels
Now both suitcases are packed as well as the carry-ons. I'm now trying to decide if it's worth it to try and go to sleep. My first flight is scheduled to leave at 6 am. The ticketing counters open at 4:30, so that's when I'll get there. Of course to get to the airport around 4:30 means we have to leave at 3:30. *sigh*
•Depart RDU Jan 11, Arrive JNB Jan 12
•Drive to Durban Feb 13
•Drive to Zululand Feb 18
•Return to Krugersdorp Feb 22
•Depart JNB Feb 24, Arrive BUD Feb 25
•Travel from BUD to LON March 8
•Depart LON March 22, Arrive JNB March 23
•Travel to Mozambique March 25
•Travel to Game Park March 31
•Return to Krugersdorp April 2
•Depart JNB April 24, Arrive RDU April 25
Though I desire your prayers throughout my trip, I especially need them on the days I'll be traveling. Below I've listed those days. If you'd like a more detailed calendar of what I'll be doing when and where, you can contact my mom.
The next time I write, I'll be on another continent! I'll let you know how the flight was. :)
The next time I write, I'll be on another continent! I'll let you know how the flight was. :)
•Depart RDU Jan 11, Arrive JNB Jan 12
•Drive to Durban Feb 13
•Drive to Zululand Feb 18
•Return to Krugersdorp Feb 22
•Depart JNB Feb 24, Arrive BUD Feb 25
•Travel from BUD to LON March 8
•Depart LON March 22, Arrive JNB March 23
•Travel to Mozambique March 25
•Travel to Game Park March 31
•Return to Krugersdorp April 2
•Depart JNB April 24, Arrive RDU April 25
6 I call on you, O God, for you will
answer me; give ear to me and
hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from
their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your
wings
Psalm 17:6-8
answer me; give ear to me and
hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from
their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your
wings
Psalm 17:6-8
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Adventure Begins...
I have two (mostly packed) suitcases, a backpack and carry-on that still have yet to be packed. Today, we had a going away party at the church. Thanks everyone who came out. Tomorrow will be my last Sunday at TWC for nearly four months. I'm looking forward to all the new experiences coming my way. I also look forward to getting to share them with you.
Tonight, by singular demand, is Mama's night. :) I can't express how lucky I am to have the parents I have. Ya know, lucky isn't the word, I am blessed. God gave me the perfect parents. He's just good like that!
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
Tonight, by singular demand, is Mama's night. :) I can't express how lucky I am to have the parents I have. Ya know, lucky isn't the word, I am blessed. God gave me the perfect parents. He's just good like that!
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
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