Three

It’s incredible how time flies. I think of this in two ways. One, I was away from Africa for 7 months and upon stepping on red soil, that 7 months felt more like 7 minutes. Two, I’ve been in Africa now for 5 ½ months and am recognizing how much of my experiences I’ve shared, one would think I’ve only been here for 5 days. For this, I’m sorry.

Coming back has felt so normal. It’s so easy to share about things that stand out and are out of the ordinary day, like the Siamese triplet bananas I bought at the store yesterday. Three different random people that day told me it means I’ll have triplets.

I guess there have been a few things plaguing my mind and heart lately. One of these things is a family I met in 2009 and have often spoken about: Lorraine and Clearance. They stay in a small rural village called Clare A in the municipality of Bushbuckridge. As soon as I got back to Africa, I felt desperate to see them. I’ve been trying to visit them as often as I can, which really has only resulted in 3 visits. One of these visits was a whole weekend worth and another only a day just before Christmas. Both visits have been quiet and beautiful, filled with lots of drawing, reading, and sitting. Lorraine (16) and Clearance (11) stay alone. I shared in an earlier blog (Dying to Self)about their situation. I’m really overjoyed to say that Lorraine has changed her ways. She recognizes the dangers in her lifestyle and has committed to giving them up. Of course I’d love to say it was through my investment and selfless commitment to her, but I’m happier to say it was through a very beautiful and compassionate African woman of God who dared to dig deep and speak the hard things. It’s just another reminder that God’s vision is for the local church to love and care and transform. Clearance on the other hand is still very sick, with no improvement. I’ve known this for a very long time and have felt convicted in my heart to do something, but still I’ve done nothing. How is that even possible? This week I’m taking him to a specialist.

The second thing plaguing me is the arrival of my father. He arrives tomorrow and is here for two weeks. I almost can’t believe it. It’s truly a miracle he’s coming and I’m excited for the opportunity to go deep in my relationship with him. I have Kruger Park safari lined up, hunting, fishing, community visits, but mostly I want him to know the community I exist in here. I want him to meet and know the people that I’ve journeyed with and have shaped my life for the last 3 years. Exciting times!

The third thing is this recent development in my life that is, in turn, shaping my future. I’m getting married July 31 this year. It’s been a strange and beautiful progression of events leading to this point but it’s so clearly a reflection and symbol of God’s goodness and His perfect and bizarre timing. I had originally committed to serving in Africa until the end of 2012, but God decided it’s time to invest in a companion/ministry partner in crime. Oh yeah, his name is Willis and I met him here in Africa in September 2009. So I’m now going back to Canada in June, getting married in July and remaining in Canada for two years. Both of our hearts seem to beat for this place so we’ll see what happens.


I'm hoping to do a series of updates from Christmas holidays and other interesting things I haven't yet documented, so stay tuned.

Much love to you all!
Kristal

Ps - My camera broke, so no pictures. I'll work on getting that fixed as well as collecting photos from others.