Christ our coming King!

Homework. That’s my day. Sad eh? Really sad. But it’s been interesting. I stayed up far to late last night and then woke up far to early worrying about this interesting homework. Praise Jesus that this is my last semester. Anyways my homework. In my Simpson class we are going over all the doctrine of the CMA. Today I had to read and write a summery/reflection on the last two distinctives of the fourfold gospel. The first two are Christ our Savior and Christ our Sanctifier. The ones I reflected on today are Christ our Healer and Christ our coming King. So I was nearly floored with Christ our coming King today. I don’t really know much about the second coming nor have I ever put much time into trying to know. It’s always seemed a little messy and confusing – I think that’s how many of us feel about it but I learned some pretty interesting things today.

A.B. Simpson starts this off by talking about how there is hope from Christ our coming King. Towards the end he discusses blessings that will come to us when Christ returns. They are really beautiful! The first one that he discusses is that Jesus will be with us. I had to stop and control myself right then. You see I just was overcome with the idea of Jesus being with us. Right here. In person! How amazing is that? I just can’t help but smile and get so excited at the thought of it. In fact while I was sitting in starbucks thinking about it my heart went up in my throat and I nearly started to cry from the joy that the thought brought me. The other blessings that come are not nearly as exciting but they floored me as well – the whole family of Christ will be together (I think that includes those of the past also - like my grandpa), we will be given perfect spirits and restored to His image – healed, we will have perfect bodies, we will be given a high service to do his blessed work, Satan will be defeated and banished, and it will bring blessing to the whole world. Isn’t that amazing?

I also appreciated how Simpson didn’t just leave it at the blessings we get but continued on with application of where this should leave us while we wait. It gave me perspective and inspiration to continue on in the service that he has called me to do and not sit in complacency. Simpson was right to start off the chapter talking about how this forth distinctive gives us hope. I am full of hope right now and inspired to continue on even when I feel like I am unable to anymore.

10 things I didn't think I would miss.

As it turns out I really loved my time in Africa – I'm sure you all could tell that from every blog I wrote while I was gone.  But even things that were not that great I'm finding myself missing – how weird is that?! 

So here is the list of weird things that I may not have loved while I was gone and yet am craving to have them back again:

1. Warm milk – I'm a big fan of cold milk but shelf milk is very popular in South Africa and I was starting to get use to it.

2. Winter – its just really hot here.  I find myself wishing that just for 5 minutes it would rain enough to keep me cool (I suppose its good I came here first instead of Redding).

3. The word now meaning later – now means now here, now in South Africa means in 10 or 15 minutes.  Just now is even better – that means anywhere between a half hour and days…

4. Diversity – every black person I see (which is few and far between) I want to run up and hug.

5. Children – I'm getting confused why when I walk anywhere kids are not running up and holding onto my legs.  It is easier to move around but I'm missing those beautiful faces looking up at me.

6. Xhosa and Afrikaans  - couldn’t understand a word but I miss those beautiful languages and even being out of the loop.

7. Being the one with the accent – I was the one that people would giggle at because I said the English words funny.

8. Security – okay so I actually do not miss the insecurity that one felt when walking around but I do miss the community of always being with people.  This is funny cus when I was there I just needed alone time every once in awhile. 

9. The ocean – okay so I loved it when I was there too and I just miss it now.

10. Construction – so for the two months I was living in a house under construction and every day was like camping.  I kinda want to cook in the living room.

Back in the States

So I made it home!  I'm sorry that I didn’t tell you until today.  Things got crazy once I got home and the time change was a little bit hard to adjust to.  But, I think I am nearly all over my jet lag! 

I can’t believe that I made it back.  It’s crazy that my internship is already over.  I feel like I just started it.  God has taught me a ton over the last few months and has really showed up on this trip.  Thank you to all of you who prayed for me – I really feel like it made a huge difference.  For example – usually on trips like this I get very sick but I did not get sick the entire time!  I did get food poisoning last week but it only lasted a night and a day and I was all better before my flight home.  I also can walk away saying that my internship was a success.  I learned a lot, I enjoyed my time, I made a ton of friends, and I got to be in ministry all time – so great!  Again, I cannot begin to tell you how deeply thankful I am for the support you all have given me. 

My last week in Africa was hard.  It was hard saying goodbye to all of the people that I am just getting to know.  It was hard looking at the children and saying goodbye and not being able to tell them when I may see them again.  We did have a wonderful last day in Red Hill though.  The guys that we work with, Stanton and Mzo, planned a wonderful going away club where we gathered with all the children and sang songs and danced and were given just time with the kids to talk to them and hang out.  It was great!  When it was over they took me into Papa Williams house and said how thankful they were for my help and we had cake and said sad goodbyes. 

With some of the older boys in Red Hill on my last day!

Unfortunately my last day in Masiphumelele was the Wednesday before I left and I didn’t even know it!  I got food poisoning on Thursday night and was unable to go to Masi on Friday to say goodbye.  It turned out that I wouldn’t have been able to say goodbye anyways because the rioting in Masi has just gotten worse and we weren’t allowed to go in.  I'm sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye to the Vulnerable Children but I'm sure Ritmwa told them for me.  My food poisoning also made me miss my own going away party that was supposed to have occurred on Friday morning.  Bum!  But everything worked out and I just said goodbye to people separately. 

Goodbye at the airport to Vuyani and Nceba the boys that moved in with us.

Now I am back in the States and adjusting to another culture – my own.  I'm in Ellensburg right now but since I got back I have been to my parents house in Cloverland.  Ill be here for the next few weeks getting ready for my friend Michelle’s wedding, which is on the 18^th.  Then it’s back to my parents for harvest. 

Again – thank you guys for following my blog and praying for me.  You are all amazing and I'm so blessed to have you in my life.  If any of you would like to get together with me and hear more I would love to!  Send me and email at greenebean55@hotmail.com and we can make plans!

My two months is just about up – I leave on Sunday.  I still can’t believe how fast time has flown by.  I'm sad that this is my last week.  At T for T yesterday morning I had to tell two of my favorite ladies (although I have a lot of favorites) that I would be leaving in one week.  Nomandla said that it was indeed bad news and that just as she starts to get to know me I have to leave.  I think its time for me to not be a short time person any more.  I think God needs to plant me somewhere so that I don’t have to say good-bye so often.  We will see.

I mentioned to you guys about the break in we had last week.  Things have calmed down quite a bit since then.  It helps that we have guys living with us – a good sense of security.  Plus these two guys add to the community we have here; its nice not having it so quiet.

Ministry this past week went very well – I seem to have a lot of good weeks here!  Most everything was what I usually do, Red Hill children’s ministry, Masi Vulnerable Children’s clubs, visiting with women, bible studies, ect.  We did not have bible study on Wednesday because of the death in Red Hill but we did have services to go to in the evening.  They were…interesting!  Everything was Xhosa so I didn’t understand a thing and there was a lot of yelling/preaching!  The person who is speaking gets all worked up in their preaching and then as soon as they take a breath everyone else breaks into singing – even if the person is not done.  It was quite an experience! 

This weekend I went to a local beach called Boulders Beach.  At this beach there are South African penguins!  I have wanted to see them since I got here and so it was such a treat to finally be able to!  I also got to play in the ocean and just have a fun relaxing day.  

Living on a Prayer

Totally listening to Bon Jovi in the lounge right now :)

Some Crazy things have been happening here on the home front. Site 5 (or Masi) has been experiencing some hard times. I do not know many details but people are upset in the Wet Lands because they have to move but do not have anywhere to go and so riots have been taking place all week. Funny story though - a movie has been being filmed in Masi for a week and on Friday there was a huge commotion at the entrance to Masi. We have 5 American girls visiting who thought that the commotion was the filming of the movie. However, it was really a huge riot! So these girls drive right through the middle of it, waving as they go, thinking everything is just fine. They thought all the police with guns and people yelling was just part of the movie!! Thankfully they are fine and we can laugh about it now!

The other thing that happened was we had a break in 2 nights ago here at the Africa house. We had some guests staying with us in one of the out buildings who did not lock their room and had a bag stolen. They noticed their stuff was gone around midnight but didn't want to wake me up. However, at 2:30 in the morning some man called their cell phone saying he found one of their passports and medicine by the streetlight. The man sounded pretty sketch so they woke me up and we decided to call the cops. By the time we went with the police to where the man said to meet him he was long gone. He was totally legit though because he called the next morning and the guy got the important stuff back. We three girls staying at the house were pretty shaken up by the whole thing so we had 2 guys from Masi that we know and trust come and move in with us. We are already thankful they are here because we came home late last night and by the time I got to the door the one guy was waiting for us because he heard footsteps outside.

So, crazy, exciting stuff is going on but God is totally protecting us and caring for us. In fact I spent the whole day in Masi walking around and meeting people and had no problem at all. Instead we met some wonderful ladies and prayed with them and blessed their homes. This afternoon we hung out with the vulnerable children and I taught them the story of Noah - fun times!

Also, don't be freaked out by this blog - especially you mom and dad! Im being smart - locking everything, walking around with locals, and pushing the emergency buttons when needed! haha :) (but that doesn't mean you should stop praying for me!!)
Thank you guys for everything!

Back on the farm!

I had the amazing opportunity to go on a mini road trip east of where I am staying to a friend of mines farm!  We went last weekend for a short break from ministry.  It was really neat for me to see what a farm is like in South Africa.  Surprisingly – it’s very similar to my dad’s farm!  The farmer does no till dry land farming (which is easier when there is a lot of rain).  He grows wheat and barley.  He also had sheep – this was a new experience for me.  I feel like I now know a little about sheep and the more I learned the more sad I became because we are referred to as sheep in the bible!  Haha.  We drove around the flocks looking for lambs that were left or rejected by their mothers and for sheep that were giving birth that needed help.  It was…messy.  Haha.  The whole weekend was wonderful and I'm so thankful that I got to go! 

Now for some highlights:

Kids club in Red Hill has been amazing!  I love these kids so much!  I am still going three times a week to help with the clubs and have made a ton of friends!  I enjoy just loving on these children by playing with them, holding them, singing with them, and sharing Jesus with them.  This week some of the teens have warmed up to me.  This is a blessing because I wanted to hang out with them a bit – it’s been so difficult trying to get them to feel comfortable with us.  Christianne and I are going to try to do a youth gathering next week – hopefully all goes well!  (You can pray for that!)

Things in Red Hill have been difficult this week.  A lady passed away last Monday (a week ago).  She is the sister of a person of peace in the township that we work very closely with.  It was very unexpected.  Through this process I am seeing how a different cultures deal with death – very interesting.  Everyday until the body is moved to where they were originally from, family, friends, and neighbors gather together to mourn.  This has been going on all week and will until next Thursday.  To show that you care about the family and support them you are supposed to go to these services.  The first night we went and I had to stand up and say a few words!  It was VERY short notice and a little awkward but God supplied words and hopefully it helped the whole process.  I haven’t had to speak again since then but I still have a whole week of services!  One of the guys here was telling me that this is a very important time to be bold and share Jesus because many Africans don’t have a very good understanding of death and dying and not much of a belief of what happens after death – this makes death very difficult to deal with.  We are praying that God is softening and opening up the hearts of all the people.

This past week I also went into Cape Town to Bo Kaap.  Bo Kaap is the section of Cape Town where all the Muslims live.  All the Muslims were moved into the section during the apartheid.  It’s a very beautiful community with bright buildings.  I also went to All Nations discipleship house that works with Muslim women.  They give them jobs with making jewelry and share the gospel with them.  All of the women come from other African countries and last year during the Xenophobia they were chased out of the townships. 

Houses in Bo Kaap

This past weekend was very good – relaxing a bit!  I was able to hang out with my friend Matt in Kalk Bay on Saturday.  Yesterday I had a slow morning but in the afternoon I headed up to Red Hill to watch soccer games and visit several of our friends.  Early this morning the house is even emptier!  2 more of our guys left for outreach in Mozambique leaving just three girls to live in the Africa house: Ritmwa, Annari, and me.  Should be an interesting last 2 weeks. 

Thanks for your continued prayers!  You guys are amazing!! J

Am I in charge?

Prolly not.  J  Last week started with Raymond handing me the keys to the Africa House and saying that he needed me to run it.  Thankfully all that really included was being the person who locked and unlocked everything.  But never the less I was a little stressed out. 

This last week has also been a week of goodbyes.  Raymond left to fly his wife home because soon she will not be able to fly because she is pregnant.  The Swiss-German couple that has been living here with their 3 adorable girls left Thursday.  Now the house is 8 people less and extremely quiet and boring without kids around. 

Most everything is still the same.  Home schooling was good this past week.  Red Hill children’s ministry was amazing again.  The Vulnerable Children in Masi went well (although it was a little chaotic). 

A home in Red Hill

I do have 2 highlight stories for last week:

I randomly went to a dance that some Masi teens were having for the American team visiting.  I was able to see some really neat local dancing from some hard working youth!  While I was watching I was thinking that one of the young boys looked so familiar.  After the show I went and asked him what his name was.  It turns out that he was a boy that I had met when I was here last 2 years ago!  He totally remembered me!  When I was here we had a good time together talking and getting to know each other.  There was something about this young boy that drew me to him.  Now, 2 years later, I get to see him working hard to stay out of the temptation that townships have to offer and lead a dancing team.  Plus he is way taller J.  God is so Good. 

Lastly, Ritmwa and I visited a woman who has HIV/AIDS.  We prayed with her and encouraged her.  She is very sick and is not doing as well as we had hoped.  She is looking for work (like most of the people who live in the townships) and is hoping to work next week.  She seemed to be encouraged when we talked to her about her relationship with Jesus but when we asked her about her friends she started to cry.  No one visits her or even wants to be near her.  These are the people that we need to love on.  I cant help but think about the kids in schools in the states – those ones that no one likes – they need someone – the need me and you but more importantly they need to know the love that Jesus offers.

Now however my new week began and new things are happening.  For one – Raymond just got back and I'm praying that he will take the keys back J! 

Please keep me in your prayers though!  Drama at the house is seeping in and I'm hoping to escape it! 

Blessings!!

Cross on a shack in Red Hill

Baptism at the Africa House!

Yesterday we had a baptism here at the house for two ladies from Masi.  We had tons of people here from the American team who is visiting, as well as family and friends of the ladies getting baptized.  

We had am amazing time of worship in both English and Xhosa!  It was such a great time of celebration and fellowship.  Above is Raymond and his daughter, Precious, leading us in songs.  Raymond is a staff member of All Nations who will be leading a team to Mozambique in a few weeks.     

Another week has flown by!

My weeks are somewhat becoming a routine – which is nice.  However flexibility is still key here!  The kids that I home school in the mornings were not consistent this week because their dad (who is on staff with All Nations) got the mumps!  This opened up a few mornings.  I filled them with helping with the work happening here in the house and on Friday I joined the American team here in Masiphumelele. 

Here is what the kitchen looks like!

I was able to find rides to Red Hill this week – thanks for praying!  The guys that we work with from Living Hope on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays picked me up so that I could help them with the children.  Everyday the children are given dinner so we help out with that.  We also help out with the bible stories and prayer time that occurs (almost) everyday.  On Tuesday Ritmwa and I lead the story time with the teenagers.   Thursday I spent nearly 6 hours in Red Hill with the children.  There was an American basketball team visiting from Belmont University who wanted to play netball and soccer with the kids so we helped and facilitated that!  We had nearly the whole township watching these tall Americans pass the ball over the heads of the Red Hill netball team!  I stood with Papa Williams and Bantu (another local man of Peace) and laughed. 

On Wednesday I also was able to go to Red Hill in the evening for the bible study at Nomandla’s!  It was a really great time!  We talked to them about how we just want to be there and help them if they need it but it’s really about them.  We want them to lead it and not rely on us so that when we leave we wont be taking the group with us.  We encouraged them to speak in Xhosa and really take control of it.  It was neat to see what happened.  Nomandla really took charge and asked the others questions and they even broke out in song at one point.  I won’t lie – it was a little boring since we didn’t know what they were talking about the entire time.  But it was still beautiful to see God working in their small group! 

I also spent some time in Masi.  We spend 2 afternoons with the children from Vulnerable Children.  On Wednesday we had a huge party for them and all their friends.  We passed out food and had a craft.  It was pretty crazy because there is another team here from the states (30 of them!) working in Masi with us.  It was good though because the kids were able to get plenty of attention!  On Friday morning I went and walked around in the Wet Lands with 2 people from the American team.  We went and looked for people that we could get to know and pray for.  It was a good time!  In fact, some of the others who were walking around prayed for a man's leg so that he didn’t need to use a cane and the Lord healed him!  He was walking around freely from that moment on!  Praise God!

There is some sad news though.  When we were in Masi on Friday Christianne and another intern with All Nations were mugged.  They both had their bags stolen.  So we are being even more careful and trying not to carry anything around with us.  (Which is why I still do not have photos of my times in the townships)  If you would like to continue to pray for safety that would be much appreciated!  

Gearing up to go out in the rain!

Vulnerable Children

All Nations has a ministry in Masiphumelele that reaches out to children whose parents are sick or who are poorer then the rest around them.  Most of these children liven in the area of Masi called the Wet Lands – it’s the worst of the worst.  The ministry is called Vulnerable Children.  There are 19 of these children who are sponsored by families in the states (Much like Compassion International and World Vision).  On Friday I was given the privilege to sort out the food that is given to these children and their families each month thanks to their sponsors back in the States!  It was an amazing experience to be a part of it on the receiving end of things!  I was also able to visit many of the homes of these children and meet their families. 

Yesterday I went to Red Hill for T for T.  I'm not sure what that stands for but it’s their House Church planting ministry.  They have handed off facilitating it to a local man – Papa Williams.  It was neat to sit in and even participate in this type of bible study!  When we got back we had an impromptu meeting about our time there and the progress that is being made in Red Hill.  It was really good for me to sit in and see where the staff of All Nations is coming from.  They really strategize and think about the ministries that they are doing there.  They discussed people that look like leaders that could start their own ministries and talked about changes that may need to be made.  What I took away from this meeting was that ministry doesn’t need to be random.  All Nations is looking ahead so that when they leave they don’t take their ministry with them but rather the people can encourage one another and spread the good news even more.  I am learning so much!

This week will be an interesting week.  There is a short-term team coming in from the states that will be working in Masiphumelele.  Because of that I may not have the transportation I need to get to Red Hill.  So if you would pray that it all works out that would be great!  Also, my throat has been sore for a few days now – I'm not sick though – so could you pray for that to go away also?  Thanks friends and family!  I really appreciate you all.  

Townships at night?

Tonight I went into a township when it was dark out.  This is the first time I have ever done that.  I have always been terribly against it because it is dangerous to be out in South Africa when it is nighttime.  However, All Nations has made themselves known in Red Hill.   And we had the Lords protection!  Please pray that we will continue to be protected every Wednesday night because I have joined a bible study at a Xhosa speaking ladies house!  Tonight we had a good time hearing what God has been teaching these young women and praying for one another.  Pray also that they warm up to us and feel comfortable to share, speak and be open with us.

It has been neat seeing what All Nations is doing in this area.  I was especially excited to go to this bible study because it is ran in the way that they are starting the simple house churches.  All Nations sets it up so that they teach the local people how to lead their friends in the study who then teach each other to lead as well.  It’s self-sustaining in that way.  At Simpson we have talked about how in the past church planting worked on the three self movement – self sustaining, self supporting, and self propagating (hopefully I have gotten that right!) and its neat seeing it in action J. 

This week I have been in Red Hill everyday.  On Monday we decided to join Living Hope (another local ministry) in their ministry with the children.  They put on kids clubs and feed them.  We watched on Monday and then Tuesday we helped feed the kids and tomorrow we are going to participate a bit more.  They are very thankful for the help!  And I am very excited to give it! 

So some other random information for you!  The house I am staying at is doing some remodeling.  I woke up to pounding the other morning and by mid-afternoon there were huge holes in my bedroom wall right into the kitchen!  Needless to say – we moved rooms!  They are remodeling the kitchen so that cooking can be more efficient.  However, that has left us in the dark (the lights don’t work) and without a kitchen.  Also, today, I got to see my friend Matt from my outreach with YWAM 2 years ago!  He has been living here for the past year working with YWAM in their Voice for the Voiceless ministry (the one that cousin Tim worked with).  It was really great catching up and reminiscing about when we were last together!  So great!  Lastly, I have been home schooling two children in the mornings.  It has been very good!  They are such great kids and I have enjoyed hanging out with them.  They are 6 and 9 years old. 

Well I think that is enough for now!  Sorry I do not have any photos up of what I have been doing this week!  I will hopefully take some soon!  Thanks for your continued prayers! 

I made it!!!! :)

Hello!

After goodbyes to friends and family, 2 flights, and no sleep I have arrived in South Africa!

This is the Fish Hoek beach which is about 10 minutes from the Africa House

I already have some amazing praises! I am first off able to be in South Africa because of you, my supporters. I want to send an incredibly huge thank you to all of you. Thank you to those of you who have sent me money – it has all came in! Thank you to those of you who have prayed for my safe travels and who are praying now. All of you have blessed my heart tremendously. I hardly have words. Thank you.

I have been here in Cape Town now for 4 whole days. It has been amazing so far! I moved into the Africa House which use to be a small school. I share a room with 2 other girls. One is an intern like me. Her name is Ritmwa and she is from Nigeria. The house has 2 families so we have 4 small girls running around. There are also a few guys here who are with All Nations and will be leaving in the next few weeks on outreach. Usually the house is very full but most of the others left a week ago for their outreach.

The Africa House! I feel very spoiled to live in such a beautiful place!

I am starting to learn what I will be doing here which is good because I spent 2 days wondering! There are two townships that I will be working in. The first one is Masiphumelele, which I worked in when I was here last in 2007. The second township is Red Hill, which is much smaller and on a mountainside. In these townships I will meet people, work with Kids Clubs and youth gatherings, and see how All Nations ministers in their house church planting ministry. In the mornings I will be watching some kids and working in the All Nations office.

This is Christianne and Ritmwa. I will be working with them while I am here.

It has been neat coming here and getting to know everyone. I have already made some wonderful friends. I am also noticing that I am talking different! I am pronouncing my “T’s” more so that all of my friends here can understand me! This is because every person I have worked with besides just one speaks a different first language! And in Africa the English is pronounced different. I am starting to wonder if I will talk this way when I return! You all can let me know.

My first official week starts on Monday so I will be sure to update you on what I end up doing and how it goes! Thank you for checking in and making sure that everything is well with me! If you would like to pray please pray that I figure out transportation (I may have to rent a car) and that my relationships with the people who work with All Nations and the people I meet outside of All Nations may grow deeper.

SMILE! It is just the beginning! :)

My apartment is full of boxes, my binder with all my notes is sitting around me, and the AC just turned on.  I'm in the middle of finals week and what am I doing?  Procrastinating.  I should be packing, or studying, or maybe going to bed (I do have an 8 am final) but instead I am posting my very first blog.  Its kinda exciting, possibly the highlight of my day.  Although I did spend 4 hours in the library…

Anyways, this is my first ever first blog and I'm excited that I'm starting one.  This will have a few different purposes.  In exactly 15 days I will be boarding a plane headed to South Africa.  I am planning on using this to update you on the adventures I encounter.  Also, this is so that you know I am alive, that you know how to pray for me, and so that you know what’s going on in my life. 

If all goes well and I actually enjoy blogging, ill keep up with it after my trip and you can continue to read about my interpretations on life.  Yea?!

Alright, well, that being said, and the sudden silence brought on by the AC kicking off, I think its time to stop procrastinating (or at least make you think I'm not). 

Get excited…this is going to be great!!!