wrap up ::
August 31, 2008
It’s been a busy week. Which is good, I prefer busyness. Here’s a quick recap of the last few days.
Wednesday: LaunchPad again. We had a few less kids from last week, but it was good. I’m horrible with names, particularly ones that I can’t pronounce. But, I’m making an effort to learn them the best I can. Some are easier to remember than others, for example, Happiness January. I think that might be my favorite…
Thursday & Friday: We had a pastor’s conference in Qwa Qwa. I’m always excited for an excuse to wear my shwe-shwe [my African dress]. It went really well. I’ll post more pictures soon.
This weekend has been relaxing [my obsession with scrabble continues...]. However, as the gulf coasts braces for a hurricane, wild fire season has started here with a vengeance. People have been burning fire breaks for the last couple of months, so hopefully all of the preparation paid off. Last night, the horizon was nearly entirely ablaze. Tonight, the air is full of smoke from nearby fires. Excessive wind doesn’t really help the situation. But, hopefully the season will be as light as the winter cold was, and it will pass soon!
it’s the little things ::
August 26, 2008
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” –Mother Teresa
I felt really crappy today. I felt like I was getting sick yesterday, we were in Qwa Qwa and I slept so much in the car. And then this morning I woke up with a horrible migraine. It was definitely a curl-up-in-bed day.
After work Crystal came to find me with soup. It made my heart smile. It’s the little things in life…
summer days ::
August 24, 2008
I’ve been a little MIA in blog world lately…there are a couple of reasons.
a) i’m slightly obsessed with scrabble. we’ve been playing 2 times nearly everyday for the last couple of weeks. it definitely cuts into my internet time…you’d think i’d be an expert by now. unfortunately, i think i’ve only won twice. on the plus side, did you you know ke, qat and qi are all words in the scrabble dictionary?
b) the weather is amazing! I just looked at the forecast, and it says it was supposed to be a high of 68
today. I’m pretty sure it was warmer than that…I spent the afternoon in the sun. very reminiscent of sunday afternoons in Orlando. I love it! yesterday we went hiking and had a picnic lunch. it was a great weekend to welcome in warmer weather. ohhh…and we had a little mud fight at a water hole. i think the last time I was this muddy was detasseling in high school…
good timing ::
August 19, 2008
One of the girls from last year knitted hats for the kids at Hope House (the orphanage we go to on Fridays). Friday was nice so it was a little strange to give them stocking hats, but this weekend it was freezing! The kids loved their hats and I’m sure they came in really handy this weekend.
LaunchPad Begins ::
August 17, 2008
LaunchPad classes started this week. On Wednesday Jace and I had nearly 40 kids in our class! They’re excited [and a little nervous] about the curriculum [Love, Sex and Relationships] and the new format.
We introduced ourselves and broke into small groups. We’re excited for this week! A good friend, David, is our translator. It looks like it will be another great term!
confession ::
August 17, 2008
Living in Florida, I became a fan of the National Hurricane Center website. Now, even 8000 miles way, I’m following tropical storm Fay…
Here’s the link. Beware, it’s addicting!
photos ::
August 16, 2008
flip flops ::
August 12, 2008
I was sitting at my computer working today and had an ah-ha moment. I was wearing a sweater/sweatshirt thing, jeans, flip flops, and I created a headband out of some string in my room this morning [the more bored I get with my clothes...the more interesting my outfits/accessories become...].
This seems normal now.
Working in flip flops.
How cool is that?
Other things seem normal too. The nearest movie theater is hours away. I am 8000 miles from a Starbucks. I don’t get a paycheck. I rely completely on people catching the vision, their generosity and desire to be a part of transforming lives of people in South Africa.
It all sounds a little nuts. It really isn’t logical. But, since when is anything great in life really logical? When does dancing in the rain, going on random road trips, eating ice cream straight from the container or buying a really cute [and out-of-your price range] pair of shoes make sense? But it’s taking a risk, living so close to the edge that you can see over it, but never falling, it’s that sort of life that is worth living.
confession ::
August 12, 2008
A couple of weeks ago I bought a bunch of my favorite South African cookies and candy to send home.
I haven’t been the post office yet.
I keep eating out of the stash that is supposed to be headed to the states.
Between last night and this morning, I ate a whole package of lemon cremes.
A few chocolate bars are gone too. Urgh. No self control! [In my defense that includes the expresso/dark chocolate ones...]
Shame. I guess I’ll restock this week and then send it off…
2011?! ::
August 11, 2008
I’ve rewritten the beginning of this more than a few times, I guess I’m not sure where to start.
Wow. For the first time in a while I guess I’m speechless [or is it wordless since it's a blog?].
Okay, let’s try this again…
I’m excited to let you know that I’ll be spending the next few years in South Africa. Whew, it feels good to “get it out there”.
Many of you knew that before I came here this year, I never would have pictured myself coming to Africa for a year. Now, I’m surprising myself again by committing to 3 more years.
This is life. Africa is about to be home. Let me rephrase, Africa is home.
There are still a lot of unknowns, but I have faith. I know this is where I am supposed to be and I know things will work out.
More details will come in future posts. But for now, I can’t express how excited I am! I’m developed a passion for this place, for these people, that no one can take away. My heart is tied to Africa.
