I don't know what I expected 7 months removed from South Africa to feel like, but it wasn't this. It has been one of those great roller coaster rides, with turns and dips at the most unexpected of times. South Africa ignited a fire in my core that I don't want to ever die dim. It has been seven months of suppression and avoidance, for fear that I won't be able to handle the feelings that I find. Dang it. Pandora just started playing Everything by Lifehouse. I was surprised by the emotions it unearthed within me. If anything transports my mind to South Africa it's this song. We had played it in our last days at the Family Center for the youth. We had initially desired to act out the clip, but realized that time restricted the quality that we could have presented it with. Resulting in a minor team conflict They were riveted from the start. We projected a video onto the wall. The film depicts how so many things try to get in the way of us and God. But he never gives up. I am so thankful for that part of who God is. Looking back I have let so many things come between Him and I. Losing sight of His love and the GRACE that He offers to me and all the things He has worked out in me in this past year... I need to dwell on these things with regularity and actually write down thoughts/feelings/emotions that remain fresh. What better way to tangibly make steps in this direction than to make a to-do list.
1. Write/Journal/Blog, daily and bi-weekly. I need to process. If I don't make time it won't happen.
2. Talk about it. Stop freaking keeping it inside. This is not healthy.
3. Go through my pictures and remember.
4. Continue to connect and pray for my beloved family in South Africa and my brothers and sisters here at APU.
5. Finish my video compilation over Christmas break.
6. Remember to thank God daily.
I have been struggling to connect that life, those relationships and experiences with my life today. In some relationships and connections from the trip I feel forgotten and disconnected at times because this current reality is so distant and in conflict with what we had built in that beautiful place. I miss the family, the depth and the honesty we were able to have with each other. These months have broken down my pride, (dang human nature) and have humbled me. Now I just long to learn and maximize the change God longs to work in me through this. I feel like I am embarking on a whole new journey in to this foreign American life... God help me as I go. Keep me humble.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Greetings from Cape Town
Well hello world!
It has been some time and countless hours spent in the bus since my last post. Also in the mean time I have done such things as jumping off the worlds highest bungee bridge, on purpose I might add, went spelunking in Cango Caves, and sat on an ostrich. Just your normal week in South Africa you know? YA RIGHT! So many memories have been made, and countless God-ordained conversations have occurred! I love life in Africa. I already know I will miss this place an incredible amount. Well internet access is coming to a close. Hopefully update you all more in-depth in a couple days.
Shalom,
Rob
It has been some time and countless hours spent in the bus since my last post. Also in the mean time I have done such things as jumping off the worlds highest bungee bridge, on purpose I might add, went spelunking in Cango Caves, and sat on an ostrich. Just your normal week in South Africa you know? YA RIGHT! So many memories have been made, and countless God-ordained conversations have occurred! I love life in Africa. I already know I will miss this place an incredible amount. Well internet access is coming to a close. Hopefully update you all more in-depth in a couple days.
Shalom,
Rob
Saturday, April 10, 2010
GOODBYE PIETERMARITZBURG, Hello Cape Town!
Heading out bright and early this morning. Garden Route awaits. Miss and love you all!
Grace and Peace,
Rob
Grace and Peace,
Rob
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
God is GREATER
John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less"
Today I was pushed to my physical breaking point. Through a combination of my lack of sleep, sheer lack of energy, and mental exhaustion, I became less, I became nothing. I knew whatever God would do in the afternoon would be all because of Him, not because of me, or anyone else in my team.
We gave all that we had left, to leave open the door for God to work. He took that opportunity to show up, and He multiplied and blessed our humble efforts beyond what we could imagine. When we are less, HE is GREATER. Praise God!
Today I was pushed to my physical breaking point. Through a combination of my lack of sleep, sheer lack of energy, and mental exhaustion, I became less, I became nothing. I knew whatever God would do in the afternoon would be all because of Him, not because of me, or anyone else in my team.
We gave all that we had left, to leave open the door for God to work. He took that opportunity to show up, and He multiplied and blessed our humble efforts beyond what we could imagine. When we are less, HE is GREATER. Praise God!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hurting
I am so thankful to experience hurt for the faces I am seeing and stories I am hearing. God is showing Himself and displaying attributes about Himself that for much of my life was just Theology. VERY COOL. I think looking back on the past days at my service site and am completely overwhelmed by it all. I could not adequately portray what has occurred in me, them, my team members in a simple blog post. I look forward to conveying these stories and experiences to you in person one day. Just know God is working overtime! I want to dwell on this feeling and remember why I hurt. I hurt, but because of Unkulunkulu (Great-Great, the Zulu name for the Most High God) there is hope! For this I am thankful! Praise Unkulunkulu!
Shalom Friends,
-Rob
P.S. Just some images to help you visualize what my team looks like and some of the people I am working with as well
From left to right: Me, Eli, Jamie, Cynthia, Nombulelo(Social Worker), Kailey, Alex and Alyssa
Sweet baby Amahle (Beautiful) and I.
Joy and hope in their faces, truly because of God's love and provision.
Shalom Friends,
-Rob
P.S. Just some images to help you visualize what my team looks like and some of the people I am working with as well
From left to right: Me, Eli, Jamie, Cynthia, Nombulelo(Social Worker), Kailey, Alex and Alyssa
Sweet baby Amahle (Beautiful) and I.
Joy and hope in their faces, truly because of God's love and provision.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Flexibility: The name of the game.
One thing I have definitely realized is that flexibility is essential to functioning at the family center. We may come in with all our schedules for the day laid out, and have to totally wipe the slate clean. This has been the case of the past two days. Wednesday morning we visited, prayed and sang with the patients and staff at the Mpophomeni Clinic at around 8. From there we returned to the family center. (who's main room now has this beautiful world map painted on it, along with John 3:16 in isiZulu!)
Next came school visits with my mentor Zwelihle, Eli and his Nhlakanipho.
(This is truly a rare photo of my mentor Zwe, he has one of the most contagious smiles so this intense portrait is out of the norm)
They monthly visit teachers of their "mentees" to check up on grades and relationships between the child and their parents, and also their relationship with the teacher. This took us an hour or so, then we made our way back to the community center. Both Zwe and Nhlaka seem to love going around in the community, so much of Eli and my time looks to be spent on home/school visits.
Later that afternoon we delivered two beds and frames to homes on the hillside. We also stopped by the home of a highschool age boy nick-named "Church." (because of his want to be a pastor in the future)
He has been sick, missing the past three days of school with some sort of respiratory sickness that the doctors could not diagnose. His home consists of one bedroom and a kitchen/sitting area with concrete floors. He lives with his little brothers, and older sister who has taken on the mother role to the little ones, since his parents have passed. There was a distinct heaviness over this home. Eli and I had the privilege of praying over them. Our final stop of the day on Wednesday was at a "Go-go's" home. She has got to be in her late sixties and is losing her sight, (much older here in comparison to back home) but yet is taking care of two of her grandchildren since their mother has passed away and the father has no involvement. It is incredible to see the amount of sacrifice she makes for these children. She has no income besides her pension, yet she funds their tuition to school and scrounges up food for them. (with help of the center) Our time with her ended with her singing and praying fervently for us in isiZulu. Definitely a humbling day,and incredible selflessness to witness.
As for today, I am still processing. Most certainly the most heavy day yet. I will write more on this when it isn't past midnight, which is two hours past my ideal bed time ;) Goodnight friends, until tomorrow, Shalom!
Next came school visits with my mentor Zwelihle, Eli and his Nhlakanipho.
(This is truly a rare photo of my mentor Zwe, he has one of the most contagious smiles so this intense portrait is out of the norm)
They monthly visit teachers of their "mentees" to check up on grades and relationships between the child and their parents, and also their relationship with the teacher. This took us an hour or so, then we made our way back to the community center. Both Zwe and Nhlaka seem to love going around in the community, so much of Eli and my time looks to be spent on home/school visits.
Later that afternoon we delivered two beds and frames to homes on the hillside. We also stopped by the home of a highschool age boy nick-named "Church." (because of his want to be a pastor in the future)
He has been sick, missing the past three days of school with some sort of respiratory sickness that the doctors could not diagnose. His home consists of one bedroom and a kitchen/sitting area with concrete floors. He lives with his little brothers, and older sister who has taken on the mother role to the little ones, since his parents have passed. There was a distinct heaviness over this home. Eli and I had the privilege of praying over them. Our final stop of the day on Wednesday was at a "Go-go's" home. She has got to be in her late sixties and is losing her sight, (much older here in comparison to back home) but yet is taking care of two of her grandchildren since their mother has passed away and the father has no involvement. It is incredible to see the amount of sacrifice she makes for these children. She has no income besides her pension, yet she funds their tuition to school and scrounges up food for them. (with help of the center) Our time with her ended with her singing and praying fervently for us in isiZulu. Definitely a humbling day,and incredible selflessness to witness.
As for today, I am still processing. Most certainly the most heavy day yet. I will write more on this when it isn't past midnight, which is two hours past my ideal bed time ;) Goodnight friends, until tomorrow, Shalom!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Mpophomeni (MMM-Po-P-Ho-Mey-Knee)
To say that I went into my community engagement portion of the semester @ the Mpophomeni Family Center without some anxiety, I would be lying. It's not so much that I was feeling unprepared, but more overwhelmed by the task that lay ahead. Over the first three days we were afforded this opportunity to study under Francis. Personally I planned on taking full advantage of his knowledge and experience in a field that is truly exciting to me. He has over 30 years of being a consultant to communities, in which he uses his skills to try and empower them to dream, and through interdependence, vision, and using the resources they have,(as limited as they might be) help them to reach their goals. This provided me with helpful mental preparation going into last week Thursday and Friday in the township. The other six people have the privilege of working at Ethembeni with are:
-Eli Johnerson -Alyssa Donahue -Cynthia Johnson -Kailey Hopkins -Jamie Hunter -Alex Gennaro
The first verse we chose to reflect on and pray throughout day one was 1 John 3:16- "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." In reflecting on this verse throughout the day, we kept our hearts united and in the right place. As we approached the center excitement filled me. It was going to be a good day, I knew it. We walked into the E.C.D. (Early Childhood Development) and jumped head first into the fray. And by fray I mean snotty, (literal snot) energetic children. They were so receptive climbing right up into our laps and touching my beard and marveling at my leg hair. (both seem to be foreign sites for them) We spent most of our morning with them. Once nap time hit, we got some good time with the mentors and leaders of the family center to talk about what our shared vision should be over the month we will have there. This time was invaluable in helping to unite us all under a common goal of advancing the center and the community.
The vision that we agreed upon was a mural of the world,and many different areas of organization; in a potential child play therapy room and a storage closet. In all after the first day, I left feeling so blessed and full of love for these children of God. Can’t wait to be back tomorrow!
Friday, day two, we got down to business. We hopped right back in with the preschoolers in the morning. After their morning breakfast, we got to work on the play therapy room and church closet organization projects. It was so awesome to work with this group of people. Our determination fueled each other on. We accomplished so much in one afternoon. We emptied the storage rooms and re-organized the church closet. It was at this point that we realistically started thinking about this mural project, and how that would end up happening. We decided that we would be in need of overhead sheets and of course, an overhead. Where we would get these? WHO KNOWS. That’s where God came in! :) As the girls were organizing the office, (the mentors were at a training session so we had free reign to put things in order) we hear screams of joy. In their venture they had found overhead sheets of the world.
Step one: overhead sheets of the continents and countries CHECK
Being the voice of reason, Eli reminded that we still are in need of an overhead. After fifteen more minutes of cleaning in their little office, they had found a brand new and never been used overhead still in its original packaging.
Step two: OVERHEAD!
God provides! It was definitely an encouraging time for our group to know that God is working along side us!
In the afternoon, the area high schools get out and many come to hang out at the center. So along with organization, our game plan was to take photos of each child and student. In our limited exposure to the center, we realized that many of the workers themselves don’t know the names of all the children, so collectively we decided a photo shoot was in order. So after snapping shots of each child and kicking the futbol around on the yard, day two was complete. A much needed weekend awaited.
Saturday involved some fun downtown shopping experience. Local vendors galore! Eli and I had some male bonding time, and I ended up investing in my first tank (a big deal for a Michigander) and some cool shoes. Also tried ate at Wimpy for the first time. Yum!
Sunday was a down day, just with some reflection time and mental preparation for the week ahead. It was also the day that we found out that Francis’ brother passed on to glory. So he is at home in Kenya for this week and returns on Saturday. Keep him in your prayers. This man’s heart is so beautiful, he has already become such a good friend in only week.
Monday involved an 8 hour class once again preparing and equipping us with tools and signposts as we approach another week.
Today was day number three at Mpophomeni. This was in reality the first REAL day at our site, because the mentors, (that were a big asset and reason behind feeling like this was the service site I was meant for) were actually there. I am paired with a studly fellow named Zwelihle. He is a 25 year old Zulu man who has lived in the township for 15 years now and has worked at the center since it’s conception 2 years ago. The game plan we came into the day envisioning ended up quite different, but flexibility is the name of the game, ESPECIALLY in Africa. Eli, his mentor Nhlakanipho, Zwe and I went to an area High school to check up on a student from the center. This experience was interesting for the fact that Eli and I felt all eyes on us as the only Caucasians in the whole school. Girls were giggling, guys were stone faced for the most part, with the few exceptions saying “what’s up,” or the occasional handshake. We just checked up on a student with his teacher. Talked about grades and their relationships at school. Later we also went touring the township with some German fellows/tourists who were mapping out a route for their run/dribble from Hamburg, Germany to Jo-burg for the World Cup. Today we were also able to incorporate some of the tools that Francis instilled. Relationships are truly being built. I am so excited for what God is doing in and through us, but also the lessons being taught to us via the community. God is so faithful. I feel so blessed to be doing His work in such a beautiful place. He is so gracious to use a broken vessel like me.
This week please pray Philippians 2:2-4 over my group!
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Shalom friends!
-Eli Johnerson -Alyssa Donahue -Cynthia Johnson -Kailey Hopkins -Jamie Hunter -Alex Gennaro
The first verse we chose to reflect on and pray throughout day one was 1 John 3:16- "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." In reflecting on this verse throughout the day, we kept our hearts united and in the right place. As we approached the center excitement filled me. It was going to be a good day, I knew it. We walked into the E.C.D. (Early Childhood Development) and jumped head first into the fray. And by fray I mean snotty, (literal snot) energetic children. They were so receptive climbing right up into our laps and touching my beard and marveling at my leg hair. (both seem to be foreign sites for them) We spent most of our morning with them. Once nap time hit, we got some good time with the mentors and leaders of the family center to talk about what our shared vision should be over the month we will have there. This time was invaluable in helping to unite us all under a common goal of advancing the center and the community.
The vision that we agreed upon was a mural of the world,and many different areas of organization; in a potential child play therapy room and a storage closet. In all after the first day, I left feeling so blessed and full of love for these children of God. Can’t wait to be back tomorrow!
Friday, day two, we got down to business. We hopped right back in with the preschoolers in the morning. After their morning breakfast, we got to work on the play therapy room and church closet organization projects. It was so awesome to work with this group of people. Our determination fueled each other on. We accomplished so much in one afternoon. We emptied the storage rooms and re-organized the church closet. It was at this point that we realistically started thinking about this mural project, and how that would end up happening. We decided that we would be in need of overhead sheets and of course, an overhead. Where we would get these? WHO KNOWS. That’s where God came in! :) As the girls were organizing the office, (the mentors were at a training session so we had free reign to put things in order) we hear screams of joy. In their venture they had found overhead sheets of the world.
Step one: overhead sheets of the continents and countries CHECK
Being the voice of reason, Eli reminded that we still are in need of an overhead. After fifteen more minutes of cleaning in their little office, they had found a brand new and never been used overhead still in its original packaging.
Step two: OVERHEAD!
God provides! It was definitely an encouraging time for our group to know that God is working along side us!
In the afternoon, the area high schools get out and many come to hang out at the center. So along with organization, our game plan was to take photos of each child and student. In our limited exposure to the center, we realized that many of the workers themselves don’t know the names of all the children, so collectively we decided a photo shoot was in order. So after snapping shots of each child and kicking the futbol around on the yard, day two was complete. A much needed weekend awaited.
Saturday involved some fun downtown shopping experience. Local vendors galore! Eli and I had some male bonding time, and I ended up investing in my first tank (a big deal for a Michigander) and some cool shoes. Also tried ate at Wimpy for the first time. Yum!
Sunday was a down day, just with some reflection time and mental preparation for the week ahead. It was also the day that we found out that Francis’ brother passed on to glory. So he is at home in Kenya for this week and returns on Saturday. Keep him in your prayers. This man’s heart is so beautiful, he has already become such a good friend in only week.
Monday involved an 8 hour class once again preparing and equipping us with tools and signposts as we approach another week.
Today was day number three at Mpophomeni. This was in reality the first REAL day at our site, because the mentors, (that were a big asset and reason behind feeling like this was the service site I was meant for) were actually there. I am paired with a studly fellow named Zwelihle. He is a 25 year old Zulu man who has lived in the township for 15 years now and has worked at the center since it’s conception 2 years ago. The game plan we came into the day envisioning ended up quite different, but flexibility is the name of the game, ESPECIALLY in Africa. Eli, his mentor Nhlakanipho, Zwe and I went to an area High school to check up on a student from the center. This experience was interesting for the fact that Eli and I felt all eyes on us as the only Caucasians in the whole school. Girls were giggling, guys were stone faced for the most part, with the few exceptions saying “what’s up,” or the occasional handshake. We just checked up on a student with his teacher. Talked about grades and their relationships at school. Later we also went touring the township with some German fellows/tourists who were mapping out a route for their run/dribble from Hamburg, Germany to Jo-burg for the World Cup. Today we were also able to incorporate some of the tools that Francis instilled. Relationships are truly being built. I am so excited for what God is doing in and through us, but also the lessons being taught to us via the community. God is so faithful. I feel so blessed to be doing His work in such a beautiful place. He is so gracious to use a broken vessel like me.
This week please pray Philippians 2:2-4 over my group!
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Shalom friends!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A New Chapter
How does this keep happening to me? This time I won’t really promise anything about when my next post occurs. I think the problem originates with the fact that simply blogging is one of the lower things on my list when I there are so many important people to be investing in and building relationships with, and experiences to be having each day. As I reach this point in my South African journey, I feel as If I am closing one chapter and opening the next. But first I feel like I definitely need to wrap up the first. To do so, I must go back to the 25th of February.
That Wednesday, instead of taking normal class, we spent the day from right after breakfast driving an hour to the north to the Drakensburg once again. This time instead of visiting the San/ Bushmen paintings, we took this day trip to listen to the world renowned Drakensburg Boys Choir sing. Boy was this worth the drive. It was at a private school, to which parents from all over Africa send their young boys from grades 4 to 9. The guys sang and danced to a variety of songs, which included traditional Zulu songs, the national anthem, and also some of their favorite Michael Jackson songs! (Man in the Mirror with MJ hip thrusts. GREAT.) It was definitely a sight to experience.
The following day we wrapped up our final days of our classes before our finals came around. It was definitely a struggle studying in such a beautiful place. This seems to be an excuse that can be used in actually quite a variety of situations. A oft used phrase is simply the three letters, “T.I.A.” This Is Africa! In celebration of wrapping up many classes and that it was finally the weekend, a group of us went out to Bangkok Wok. My first Thai food EVER! Plus, I LIKE SOY SAUCE! Who would have guessed?
Our next adventure came in the form of an early morning excursion to Karkloof Canopy Tours. In other words, ZIP LINING! 6:30 departure was a tad early but more than worth it. We flew along the course at speeds of up to 60kph at heights over 100 feet above the forest floor. Definitely a once in a life time experience.
Sunday the 28th was spent with my church family here at God’s Family Life Centre. It is a church of about 300 members, and after the service the fam met up at Midmar Dam for a good old fashioned Braai! (barbeque) It was an afternoon full of fun and fellowship. This group of mainly Zulu South Africans has been one of the coolest communities to be a part of. I ended up he spending most all the afternoon playing soccer with the middle aged fellas of the church. It was at this point that I realized my uncoordinated nature. Soccer used to be my thing… In 7th grade! Oh well, it was a blast, and was definitely an avenue for me to build relationships.
Finals week was now upon us. Torture. Luckily there was sufficient rain to make it a little less painful having to be pent up insides studying. After my Life and teachings final, we all were needing to let out some major aggression. Thankfully it was raining hard enough to warrant some rugby. I have come to the realization that the best in all of us comes out on the field. Just letting go and enjoying the environment, people, and relationships God has placed us in. Such a blessing. The one detractor this time was a couple people decided to get hurt. They seem to be on the mend.
Finals being over and all, a group of us in need of a getaway decided a safari/trip to a reserve was in order. Destination: Weenen. Baba graciously offered his services and trekked along about 2 hours to the north. For each of us it was a whole new world, not having been to any reserves like the bio students had. We were kids in a candy store. God’s creation is so diverse and beautiful all around us. I was so thankful for this escape. I saw boks, rhino, and even giraffe!
This past weekend we spent digesting some major history as background to the build up to apartheid. We spent about 8 hours in a nice tour bus over the two days. We visited 4 major battle sites from the Anglo-Boer war and also between the Boers and the Zulu warriors. The history buff that I am (not really), I enjoyed seeing these sites and the stories behind them. As fun as this might sound, It was not the highlight of my weekend. The highlight was in times of reflection and prayer. I felt God prodding me and moving in and through others and me. Such a valuable time, what I had been praying for.
Once again a Sunday rolled around, yet another blessing provided by GFLC. After the service we were invited to pastor Greg and Nolene’s house for a braai and afternoon in the sun by the pool. In my time in Africa, I have kicked the soccer ball around the most I have since middle school. It seems like a calming and relaxing tool. Much of my afternoon revolved around interactions while juggling the ball or playing keep-away. I even got to learn how to play cricket! Now that is an interesting sport! Very fun though, I think I was getting the hang of “bowling” or what we Americans would call pitching. The hospitality this church has shown me is truly a glimpse of heaven and the type of hospitality we are called to!
This week started off with much anticipation as it is the official beginning to our community engagement portion of the semester. For this portion, APU flew in a wise man named Francis Njoroge. He is a renowned Community Engagement facilitator on the continent of Africa. His teaching over the past days has been so enlightening and challenging. He has developed simple yet effective techniques for empowering people to reach their dreams. It is so exciting to imagine myself attempting to do this at my service site Ethembeni. A new chapter is beginning. I pray that God’s love would flow in and through me as a vessel to His children in this community. Not for our Glory but HIS.
1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
Prayer requests:
1. Patience
2. Humility
3. Boldness
4. That Christ would be seen in me.
That Wednesday, instead of taking normal class, we spent the day from right after breakfast driving an hour to the north to the Drakensburg once again. This time instead of visiting the San/ Bushmen paintings, we took this day trip to listen to the world renowned Drakensburg Boys Choir sing. Boy was this worth the drive. It was at a private school, to which parents from all over Africa send their young boys from grades 4 to 9. The guys sang and danced to a variety of songs, which included traditional Zulu songs, the national anthem, and also some of their favorite Michael Jackson songs! (Man in the Mirror with MJ hip thrusts. GREAT.) It was definitely a sight to experience.
The following day we wrapped up our final days of our classes before our finals came around. It was definitely a struggle studying in such a beautiful place. This seems to be an excuse that can be used in actually quite a variety of situations. A oft used phrase is simply the three letters, “T.I.A.” This Is Africa! In celebration of wrapping up many classes and that it was finally the weekend, a group of us went out to Bangkok Wok. My first Thai food EVER! Plus, I LIKE SOY SAUCE! Who would have guessed?
Our next adventure came in the form of an early morning excursion to Karkloof Canopy Tours. In other words, ZIP LINING! 6:30 departure was a tad early but more than worth it. We flew along the course at speeds of up to 60kph at heights over 100 feet above the forest floor. Definitely a once in a life time experience.
Sunday the 28th was spent with my church family here at God’s Family Life Centre. It is a church of about 300 members, and after the service the fam met up at Midmar Dam for a good old fashioned Braai! (barbeque) It was an afternoon full of fun and fellowship. This group of mainly Zulu South Africans has been one of the coolest communities to be a part of. I ended up he spending most all the afternoon playing soccer with the middle aged fellas of the church. It was at this point that I realized my uncoordinated nature. Soccer used to be my thing… In 7th grade! Oh well, it was a blast, and was definitely an avenue for me to build relationships.
Finals week was now upon us. Torture. Luckily there was sufficient rain to make it a little less painful having to be pent up insides studying. After my Life and teachings final, we all were needing to let out some major aggression. Thankfully it was raining hard enough to warrant some rugby. I have come to the realization that the best in all of us comes out on the field. Just letting go and enjoying the environment, people, and relationships God has placed us in. Such a blessing. The one detractor this time was a couple people decided to get hurt. They seem to be on the mend.
Finals being over and all, a group of us in need of a getaway decided a safari/trip to a reserve was in order. Destination: Weenen. Baba graciously offered his services and trekked along about 2 hours to the north. For each of us it was a whole new world, not having been to any reserves like the bio students had. We were kids in a candy store. God’s creation is so diverse and beautiful all around us. I was so thankful for this escape. I saw boks, rhino, and even giraffe!
This past weekend we spent digesting some major history as background to the build up to apartheid. We spent about 8 hours in a nice tour bus over the two days. We visited 4 major battle sites from the Anglo-Boer war and also between the Boers and the Zulu warriors. The history buff that I am (not really), I enjoyed seeing these sites and the stories behind them. As fun as this might sound, It was not the highlight of my weekend. The highlight was in times of reflection and prayer. I felt God prodding me and moving in and through others and me. Such a valuable time, what I had been praying for.
Once again a Sunday rolled around, yet another blessing provided by GFLC. After the service we were invited to pastor Greg and Nolene’s house for a braai and afternoon in the sun by the pool. In my time in Africa, I have kicked the soccer ball around the most I have since middle school. It seems like a calming and relaxing tool. Much of my afternoon revolved around interactions while juggling the ball or playing keep-away. I even got to learn how to play cricket! Now that is an interesting sport! Very fun though, I think I was getting the hang of “bowling” or what we Americans would call pitching. The hospitality this church has shown me is truly a glimpse of heaven and the type of hospitality we are called to!
This week started off with much anticipation as it is the official beginning to our community engagement portion of the semester. For this portion, APU flew in a wise man named Francis Njoroge. He is a renowned Community Engagement facilitator on the continent of Africa. His teaching over the past days has been so enlightening and challenging. He has developed simple yet effective techniques for empowering people to reach their dreams. It is so exciting to imagine myself attempting to do this at my service site Ethembeni. A new chapter is beginning. I pray that God’s love would flow in and through me as a vessel to His children in this community. Not for our Glory but HIS.
1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
Prayer requests:
1. Patience
2. Humility
3. Boldness
4. That Christ would be seen in me.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
God in my Waiting
I have let far too much time pass by once again since my last post, but I am thinking that the regularity with which I write will soon be adjusted. A couple changes are goin down so bear with me. I'm taking a little Facebook hiatus here, so if you found me via my status, great! My main man McCurry back in Azusa decided to delete his profile so I jumped on the bandwagon. So here's to no Facebook til' May! I can already tell it is going to be liberating. One less thing wasting my time on my computer.
One small dilemma is that I am now unable to post photos for you all back home to see. Thus, I have a nifty looking Flickr photostream directly to the right of this post. There you can see some of my latest photographs. Also just a reminder, not that any of ya are just itching to contact be, but I do have skype, (robert.verwys) and gmail. (robert.verwys@gmail.com) I will do my best to respond, seeing as I plan to have a bit of extra time on my hands due to nixing Facebook.
Many different things have happened since I last wrote. So many unique experiences I am blessed to be having. Here on the campus we have two bicycles, so on my free Wednesday afternoon last week, my buddy Mikey and I grabbed the bikes and headed off. We had no idea where to head, so we just took off. The thing about African Enterprise is that it is nestled up in the hillside above PMB. (Pietermaritzburg) So when we decided to go towards downtown, it was downhill the whole way. And when I say downhill, I mean keep up with the speed of vehicle traffic downhill.By the time we decide to turn around and make it back for tea, we are a good 5 kilometers out from AE and very near to God's Family Christian Fellowship where I attend church. The way back was tortuous. 5 straight Km up hill in the Shiza,(zulu for hot) equates to sweat and sunburn. Never-the-less, it is an awesome opportunity to break away and see PMB from behind the handlebars.
Later last week on Friday, we had a Kwazi-Africa speaker named Jomo Mchunu speak in chapel. He is a theology professor at a small Christian university in Cape Town. He was particularly challenging, reminding each one of us to remember God. It is always most natural search and listen to God when we don't have much spiritually or monetarily. It is when we reach the "promised land," that we most easily forget to remember God. South Africa is my promised land, and I first hand realize how easily I can forget to praise and thank God for where I am in life. He has been so merciful to me and has repeatedly blessed me, even when I am so undeserving, which is always. I know nothing of where I am in life is because of me, it is of God. Lest I become prideful. God has provided and now my focus must become to live gratefully.
So easily I can become impatient. Previous to coming to Africa, I felt God preparing my heart and mind to do His work. Looking back, time after time I see God's fingerprints all over my story building up to this experience. Now that I am here, I admittedly get frustrated. I no longer want to be held at arms length from the real Africa, I want to go out an serve. It is at these moments that God provides someone to speak truth into your life. That person for me this time was my roommate. He had just been coming out of his d-group, and was just beaming. He and a fine man named John Dickson were just beaming with excitement from their conversation. We just shared our expectations coming to Africa and whether or not they had been exceeded. At which point I shared where I had been at. They had experienced some of the same feelings and longings. Josh then explained that at this point is where we need to praise God for the work He is doing in the lives of people all around me. I have so much to be thankful for. God is moving, albeit not on my time table, but that is why His plan is better than mine. Thank goodness I am not in control, I have far too much to learn yet.
Anyways so after Jomo shared his message, he went on to teach us about Ubuntu,("the spirit of Africa") which defines who we are in relation to others,("We all need each other, and none is greater than other")and the African traditionalist religion. This religion involves prayer and sacrifices to your passed on loved ones/ ancestors. They are spiritually seen as a GPS to their lives, and may cause sickness or injury (no such thing as accidents) to direct and pull them in their lives. It is at this time they would visit a "Sangoma" or witch doctor. Where they would sacrifice animals, receive herbal medicines via cuts, and pray to their ancestors. The sad thing is that this still occurs to this day. That afternoon we boarded the Combis (Buses) and headed out into the countryside to visit one of these Sangomas.
This experience was hard to describe. As we reached the small little settlement or community we were greeted by a jolly looking man in pajama pants of all things. After exchanging a handshake, he ducked into his dark room and emerged wearing a black hat that looked similar to braided black hair with little kiddie neon beads around the strands. He also had donned a colorful bathrobe-like cloak, and a leather band adorned with tin pop can tops cut off to be a noise maker as he chants/dances. We each were able to step into his "office" and observe where he practices. He had all sorts of concoctions, (and alcohol) for different diseases. It was a dark and deeply saddening experience. He has dedicated 9 years of his life to being a Sangoma. You could tell just from looking into his eyes that his vision and symbolic eyes of his heart has been clouded over by the lies of the world and this religion. This experience was a valuable window into the life of so many traditionalist Africans around this country.
Next came Saturday: excursion day. We drove 2 hours to a "World Heritage Site" called Drakensburg. It was here that the ancient peoples called Bushmen or the Sans lived and painted on the rocks up in the cliffs. As I looked and the scenery all around me, my God grew exponentially bigger. To me I imagined God as a child sprinkling legos (massive chunks of rock jutting out in each direction) all around a beautiful and pristine valley. I have never seen a country so green and fertile, God's handiwork is indeed evident.
Another week came to a close with another refreshing Sunday at God's Family Christian Fellowship. This week was refreshing for a very different reason than the previous week. It was no normal Sunday, yes I loved the music, but the vast majority (by majority I mean a good hour) was spent welcoming and praying individually for about 30 new believers/members to the church. God is moving in mighty ways in the church in Africa, I long to see this occur in the States.
I hope to soon update on the happenings of this week as well. Blessings and thanks for reading!
Song of the Week: They That Wait- Spencer (Thanks Lane!)
Verse of the week: Matthew 16:21-28
Shalom my friends!
One small dilemma is that I am now unable to post photos for you all back home to see. Thus, I have a nifty looking Flickr photostream directly to the right of this post. There you can see some of my latest photographs. Also just a reminder, not that any of ya are just itching to contact be, but I do have skype, (robert.verwys) and gmail. (robert.verwys@gmail.com) I will do my best to respond, seeing as I plan to have a bit of extra time on my hands due to nixing Facebook.
Many different things have happened since I last wrote. So many unique experiences I am blessed to be having. Here on the campus we have two bicycles, so on my free Wednesday afternoon last week, my buddy Mikey and I grabbed the bikes and headed off. We had no idea where to head, so we just took off. The thing about African Enterprise is that it is nestled up in the hillside above PMB. (Pietermaritzburg) So when we decided to go towards downtown, it was downhill the whole way. And when I say downhill, I mean keep up with the speed of vehicle traffic downhill.By the time we decide to turn around and make it back for tea, we are a good 5 kilometers out from AE and very near to God's Family Christian Fellowship where I attend church. The way back was tortuous. 5 straight Km up hill in the Shiza,(zulu for hot) equates to sweat and sunburn. Never-the-less, it is an awesome opportunity to break away and see PMB from behind the handlebars.
Later last week on Friday, we had a Kwazi-Africa speaker named Jomo Mchunu speak in chapel. He is a theology professor at a small Christian university in Cape Town. He was particularly challenging, reminding each one of us to remember God. It is always most natural search and listen to God when we don't have much spiritually or monetarily. It is when we reach the "promised land," that we most easily forget to remember God. South Africa is my promised land, and I first hand realize how easily I can forget to praise and thank God for where I am in life. He has been so merciful to me and has repeatedly blessed me, even when I am so undeserving, which is always. I know nothing of where I am in life is because of me, it is of God. Lest I become prideful. God has provided and now my focus must become to live gratefully.
So easily I can become impatient. Previous to coming to Africa, I felt God preparing my heart and mind to do His work. Looking back, time after time I see God's fingerprints all over my story building up to this experience. Now that I am here, I admittedly get frustrated. I no longer want to be held at arms length from the real Africa, I want to go out an serve. It is at these moments that God provides someone to speak truth into your life. That person for me this time was my roommate. He had just been coming out of his d-group, and was just beaming. He and a fine man named John Dickson were just beaming with excitement from their conversation. We just shared our expectations coming to Africa and whether or not they had been exceeded. At which point I shared where I had been at. They had experienced some of the same feelings and longings. Josh then explained that at this point is where we need to praise God for the work He is doing in the lives of people all around me. I have so much to be thankful for. God is moving, albeit not on my time table, but that is why His plan is better than mine. Thank goodness I am not in control, I have far too much to learn yet.
Anyways so after Jomo shared his message, he went on to teach us about Ubuntu,("the spirit of Africa") which defines who we are in relation to others,("We all need each other, and none is greater than other")and the African traditionalist religion. This religion involves prayer and sacrifices to your passed on loved ones/ ancestors. They are spiritually seen as a GPS to their lives, and may cause sickness or injury (no such thing as accidents) to direct and pull them in their lives. It is at this time they would visit a "Sangoma" or witch doctor. Where they would sacrifice animals, receive herbal medicines via cuts, and pray to their ancestors. The sad thing is that this still occurs to this day. That afternoon we boarded the Combis (Buses) and headed out into the countryside to visit one of these Sangomas.
This experience was hard to describe. As we reached the small little settlement or community we were greeted by a jolly looking man in pajama pants of all things. After exchanging a handshake, he ducked into his dark room and emerged wearing a black hat that looked similar to braided black hair with little kiddie neon beads around the strands. He also had donned a colorful bathrobe-like cloak, and a leather band adorned with tin pop can tops cut off to be a noise maker as he chants/dances. We each were able to step into his "office" and observe where he practices. He had all sorts of concoctions, (and alcohol) for different diseases. It was a dark and deeply saddening experience. He has dedicated 9 years of his life to being a Sangoma. You could tell just from looking into his eyes that his vision and symbolic eyes of his heart has been clouded over by the lies of the world and this religion. This experience was a valuable window into the life of so many traditionalist Africans around this country.
Next came Saturday: excursion day. We drove 2 hours to a "World Heritage Site" called Drakensburg. It was here that the ancient peoples called Bushmen or the Sans lived and painted on the rocks up in the cliffs. As I looked and the scenery all around me, my God grew exponentially bigger. To me I imagined God as a child sprinkling legos (massive chunks of rock jutting out in each direction) all around a beautiful and pristine valley. I have never seen a country so green and fertile, God's handiwork is indeed evident.
Another week came to a close with another refreshing Sunday at God's Family Christian Fellowship. This week was refreshing for a very different reason than the previous week. It was no normal Sunday, yes I loved the music, but the vast majority (by majority I mean a good hour) was spent welcoming and praying individually for about 30 new believers/members to the church. God is moving in mighty ways in the church in Africa, I long to see this occur in the States.
I hope to soon update on the happenings of this week as well. Blessings and thanks for reading!
Song of the Week: They That Wait- Spencer (Thanks Lane!)
Verse of the week: Matthew 16:21-28
Shalom my friends!
Monday, February 15, 2010
3 weeks. Already?
Believe me when I say, it is so hard to believe that three weeks already have past. I guess time flies when you are falling in love with a country and a culture. I know that in the realm of what my whole experience will be like, I have only scratched the surface. It only makes me excited for what I know the future to hold, God allowing.
This past week has held a wide spectrum of experiences for me. By far this was the most class work intensive week we have held yet. The primarily academic portion of the semester is to last the first six weeks. So as we hit the half way point here, I had a mid-term, a 9 page paper, 5 page paper and bountiful pages for reading. Not trying to have a pity party here, but I had a nice little sinus infection to boot. But God is good and sustained me through completion, and blessed me with a beautiful weekend as a reward.
Every Tuesday over the past 3 weeks, we have visited our various options for service. For 4 weeks in the middle of this semester, we get to go out into the Pietermaritzberg community to minister and be ministered to. With a group of our size we have 5 options to choose from. The first week we visited a small Christian preschool where we would get to interact with the children and establish relationships. Our second stop was at Gateway, a prison (that Mandela possibly was held at) converted museum/non-profit headquarters. At this ministry we would have the option of working at Gateway Christian School, interacting with the children and helping the teachers on a daily basis. Another ministry that Gateway offers is a home for abused women and children. The most surprising thing about it is that they WANT men to step in and be an example of a Godly and NON-abusive presence in their lives to help the healing process. A third stop was Walk in the Light; a non-profit, community engagement center that provides people with a subsistence/cash crop to trade and live off of. Along with the farming, It provides medical services and a safe haven for outcasts amongst the community. Next came RivLife, a community center that combines a preschool, factory for the disabled, a special needs learning center for children and outreach working with elderly in the township. Tomorrow we make one more stop, I pray for God's leading to be used and serve in whatever capacity He places me in.
After such a long week of schooling and focus, (and believe me it is of UPMOST difficulty to focus when wherever you are on campus you can hear a waterfall, and I am in AFRICA after all:) we all needed some time to relax and unwind.
The activity planned hit the spot for all of us. We drove about an hour south east to the coastal town of Durban.
First we stopped at the downtown business district. So many sights and sounds to absorb. Although we stuck out like a sore thumb, It was so much fun interacting with different people and shopkeepers we would meet. My purchases included some small original paintings by some locals, and an Inter Milan practice jersey for 5 bucks. (Requests and orders accepted for those of you back home ;)
Next stop BEACH. It was a gorgeous summer day with temperatures in the 80s and water temperatures hovering in the 70’s. (I love the Indian Ocean by the way) I didn’t lay down on the sand at all the whole afternoon; far too much to do and see. Rugby is a new found favorite sport. Back at the campus we play whenever it is raining and we are free. The beach game was much more intense. Locals named Rudy, and Lucky were around to show 8 of us novices how it is done. Even Baba (daddy) Phillip, played. SO much fun. After a good four hours of sunburn for most of us, we loaded up in our Bakkie (truck), 2 twenty passenger buses, and Janet’s Avanza and trekked back to PMB.
Sunday, February 14, 2010 Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s was a bit different for me this year. We will get to this a bit later. I woke up at 6:30 for an 8 o’clock service at God’s Family Community Church. This was a church of about 300, the majority being of Zulu background. From the very moment we walked in, we were family. Not only because of the welcome we felt, but because of the unity that raising our voices in praise and exalting our Savior together provides. Rejoicing in the Lamb who was slain, He is the one worthy of breaking the seals and opening the scroll. (Revelation 5) The church was more charismatic than any church I have experienced, but it blessed me so deeply. Being able to dance and jump unashamedly before our Savior was one of the most liberating and intense experiences of my life. The pastor named Greg spoke with such passion, it would have normally been a distraction to me, instead, God worked in me to have it reach the core of me. One of the most powerful moments of the service was singing the words, “Falling in love with Jesus, is the best thing I have ever done!” at the top of my lungs with 300 strangers, who are really my brothers and sisters in Christ. God provided the exact thing I was in need of yet again. He is so faithful. He the source of love is my valentine.
Sunday night there was a fun Valentine’s dinner planned in the Jabulani hut. (means happiness in Zulu) I never knew chicken alfredo could taste so good. I miss pasta. We exchanged names and bought some 35 rand maximum gifts for each other. I received a nice card and a Bafana Bafana bandana. Such a good night, with good friends. I remember the anxiety felt coming into a situation with new and unfamiliar faces, but God provides. It is so good to see our group, even with 53 people, mesh and come together. I am excited for the depth and understanding that is growing with these new friendships.
God is teaching and revealing Himself in new and beautiful ways I could have never imagined.
I love Africa.
Monday, February 8, 2010
So. It has been a while, yebo?
When I last wrote, I was nicely situated in a hotel in Jozi, Jo-burg, Johannesburg. We were there for all of two days nothing more. We arrived mid to late afternoon and were greeted with a nice bit of heat, that I know I had not felt since when summer was winding down in late August. After arriving, we loaded all our large bags, that we would not be needing, up into a van for Baba (daddy) Philip to drive to what will be our home for ten weeks in Pietermaritzburg.
On our fist day in Jozi, we were led around the city by our guide Alina. She took us around the city to several different sites, most spent in Soweto, the location of a major uprising of students protesting the use of Afrikaans rather than English in the schools. (Afrikaans was the language of Apartheid) In Soweto we went and saw Freedom Square which has a cone shaped building in its center which houses a monument to the 12 chapters of the new South African constitution.
Next, as we made our way to lunch Chez Alina, (Alina's restaurant) we passed by Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu's homes.
Lunch was a nice traditional meal of rice, chicken, fish, the works. It was a great introduction to the food here (which has not caused any need for ciproflaxin thank goodness :) )
From there we trekked over to the Apartheid Museum, for a difficult but import time of reflection on the nation's scarred history and the bright but long road yet to be traveled by this beautiful nation and it's kaleidoscope-like people.
That ended our day and we headed back to the hotel and posted up for the night. The next morning,(a Sunday) we flew from Jozi to Durban, which is approximately a 1 hour flight, on which they served us food of course. Durban and most all of the Kwazulu-Natal province, of which Pietermaritzburg is the capital, is a much more warm, muggy, tropical region. Which does not bode well for my VerWys sweat genes, but am and will deal.
I was struck from the very beginning, by the vastness and beauty of this place. To think it had been just an image in my head less than a month ago, to be here is surreal yet.
Arriving at the African Enterprise campus, I only began to realize the awesome location I would get to call home. It is nestled in the hills north east of the city with two small waterfalls and a game reserve virtually right on campus. I am SO BLESSED!
The next days mostly can be summed up with adjustment and getting acclimated to my new environment. I would even go as far as to say that in this in-between time that I have been rediscovering myself and my niche in a sense in this large group of 53. It can often overwhelm. And in all honesty I struggled with that dynamic. God is good though. Just when I was getting to a place of confusion and loss He sent a weekend of intercultural immersion in the Durban area, but specifically Umzinto. This area is heavily populated with Indians. South Africa has the highest population of Indians outside of the country of India.
Coming into this weekend, I had a variety of expectations and feelings in my head. Different struggles within myself with self-adequacy to be blessed in this situation, to be in South Africa, with so much to learn and be taught by God. For the first two weeks I was looking for the uncomfortable, and this weekend was when I found it, or it found me more like. Uncomfortable, because the people taught me so much about myself, my culture by being thrown out into the "deep-end" in my professor Clive's words. It’s funny how God works that out for us, challenging us right where we need it. I had become stagnant and comfortable where I was at, this weekend helped me to break from that mold. The highlight by far was the hospitality and amount of interaction that we were allowed to be a part of after the service at Umzinto Christian Fellowship at Reuben’s house. It really blessed me to feel a part of their family unit that opened up it’s doors to a group our size and sacrificed of what they had for us, who have so much. It should have been the other way around. It was quite a humbling experience. It really for me, felt like what God intended for His Kingdom and the relationships He calls us too. Giving of ourselves for one another and being raw and real in our conversations. This was just so clear to me when I was able to interact with Reuben one on one. We really were able to invest in each other and offer a deeper understanding of our pasts and what our lives and struggles are currently like. I remember sharing my pursuit of what God would have me do in his world career wise, and he in turn shared how God is using him in a very difficult situation of being a paramedic in a different country so that he gets two weeks at home and six away, and the struggles that he experiences being away from family and home, and he encouraged me to lean on God even when I don’t understand always where he has got me. It was exactly the antidote I was needing, and I bless God for how he orchestrated that in my life at my point of need.
The weekend stretched me, my norms of structure and order and ultimately changed my outlook on relationships and perceptions of the country. BLESS GOD, He is so GOOD. I know this was a lot to read, it was honestly as short a summary of life here I could muster. Thanks for your continued prayer and support. Love you all.
-Grace and Peace
Friday, January 29, 2010
Making A Change
I had been blogging on a site called "Tumblr," so I guess you could say I was Tumbling, but I decided it kinda restricted who could "follow" me, thus I am switching to a Blogspot. I will quickly catch you up on a few of the posts on the other site, and hopefully post a new update for you later on in the day, as so much has happened since Jozi/Jo-burg/Johannesburg
On the 20th of January-
On the 20th of January-
This is it.
Today is the day. The 20th of January is here, it has snuck up on me more quickly than I had ever imagined. These last few days in the States have been interesting to say the least. And this rain, definitely not what I was coming back to CA for. :( But the last goodbyes are being said, and 2:30am tonight will come faster than I even know. I’m more than ready for this journey God has begun with me. The 2 orientation sessions only have further exposed small pieces of what HE has in store for me. I am ready. Hopefully via this fandangled new thing called tumblr, you can keep tabs on me and I can share some of what I am experiencing. I will also be planning on communicating primarily via e-mail (robertverwys@gmail.com) and skype (robert.verwys). Thank you for your prayers and support, I can feel God moving already. Blessings my friends/family. I thank God for you and will miss you more than you know. Here we go.
On the 22nd of January-
"Be Ruined for the Ordinary" -Matt Browing
On the 23rd of January-
Safely in Johannesburg.
10:10 pm South Africa time.
Okay, this has got to be quick. I have a half hour of internet access to split over two days. Just letting you all know I arrived safely and am doing well. Sleep depraved but well. We are going to the Apartheid museum in Johannesburg leaving at 8:30 tomorow morning. Just came to the realization that I did not call Macatawa bank and let them know I am in South Africa so that they do not cancel my account or not let me withdrawl. That could be potentially crippling over the next few days. (Mother, if you could possibly help me with that, I would greatly appreciate it.) Miss you all and thank you for the prayers and support! They are most definitely felt!
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