The other day I was walking through the community with some volunteers. Now this isn’t a regular activity I get to participate in, but I was hosting another team of missionary students. We had to get through a wire fence so one of the care workers lifted one of the wires so I could bend down and get through. As I bent down and my upper body paralleled the ground, I saw a Cobra quickly pass directly under me. And in this position I froze. The care workers squealed a little bit, but mostly laughed at my frozen response. I survived a Cobra.
On a sad note, Vusi passed away. Now if you haven’t been keeping up with my blogs, please refer to Drowning in a Sea of Yellow. The care workers said Vusi had passed away the night we prayed for him. It’s interesting how similar this situation is to one that burned me deep: Gloria. The circumstances were very similar. The only difference is how we responded to the need. When I met Gloria, I sensed God wanted to just give her peace and rest and so I sat and held her hand for a very long time and then prayed for peace and rest. She died that night. When I first walked into Vusi’s room, I sensed the end of his life nearing. In that moment, I felt strongly to sit on his bedside and hold his hand and tell him he’s beautiful and God loves him and God sees him even within his pain. But I just sat back as a group of people prayed intensely for healing. It’s hard to not feel like I failed him in that moment. God clearly had a purpose for Vusi then. Perhaps God wanted him to die with dignity while being loved. We, as stupid Christians, completely misinterpreted God’s will in that moment and, in our emotion-filled initiative to manifest God’s power, as his son and wife watched us, we prayed and thanked God for healing.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Mess of African Politics.
Here is some interesting reading for those who love the mess of politics.
George just got back from Goma, DRC. Eish, that place is
unbelievable. Not sure if you've been following what's been
happening. They officially declared the war there over and to
celebrate their 50th anniversary of independence they closed down all
the refugee camps. It was so heavy on my heart the whole time he was away. I couldn't stop thinking about it and praying for it. It just feels so big to me.
That place is so broken and so dark.. it just weighs so heavy on me.
Read about it on the Hands website and be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the Hands page to read more about it on New York Times:
http://www.handsatwork.org/newsroom/2010/9/2/in-a-war-ravaged-region-drc.html
South Africa is also a disaster. The whole country has been on strike
for... well since I've been here anyway. Hospitals are calling family
members to tell them to fetch the patients (even ones in critical
condition), students have been out of school (and as a teacher you can
understand my frustration because before World Cup, they went on
strike for a week, and then they were let out for 6 weeks during
World Cup, and now they've been on strike for over a month), and
passionate people who don't want to see their own suffer are being
seriously threatened. ANyway, if you're interested you should read
about it: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/world/africa/07safrica.html?_r=1
On a different note I forgot to mention in the earlier blog, I went to a real soccer game with Todd and Katie. South Africa vs. Niger. It was fun. The Vuvuzelas were absolutely obnoxious. But I randomly found ear plugs in my bag which was a huge lifesaver. Those things will drive someone mad, literally.
Anyway, read up!
George just got back from Goma, DRC. Eish, that place is
unbelievable. Not sure if you've been following what's been
happening. They officially declared the war there over and to
celebrate their 50th anniversary of independence they closed down all
the refugee camps. It was so heavy on my heart the whole time he was away. I couldn't stop thinking about it and praying for it. It just feels so big to me.
That place is so broken and so dark.. it just weighs so heavy on me.
Read about it on the Hands website and be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the Hands page to read more about it on New York Times:
http://www.handsatwork.org/newsroom/2010/9/2/in-a-war-ravaged-region-drc.html
South Africa is also a disaster. The whole country has been on strike
for... well since I've been here anyway. Hospitals are calling family
members to tell them to fetch the patients (even ones in critical
condition), students have been out of school (and as a teacher you can
understand my frustration because before World Cup, they went on
strike for a week, and then they were let out for 6 weeks during
World Cup, and now they've been on strike for over a month), and
passionate people who don't want to see their own suffer are being
seriously threatened. ANyway, if you're interested you should read
about it: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/world/africa/07safrica.html?_r=1
On a different note I forgot to mention in the earlier blog, I went to a real soccer game with Todd and Katie. South Africa vs. Niger. It was fun. The Vuvuzelas were absolutely obnoxious. But I randomly found ear plugs in my bag which was a huge lifesaver. Those things will drive someone mad, literally.
Anyway, read up!
Drowning in a Sea of Yellow
Firstly, I just have to say that today I met the president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. I was in Clau Clau hosting a group of missions students who were interested in doing an outreach with Hands. We went into the community expecting to do home visits and found ourselves drowning in a sea of yellow (yellow Zuma shirts that is). Zuma was coming to visit. Since everyone in the community was there, there was no point of doing home visits. We sat and waited for Zuma. Three hours later, Zuma showed up. He stood on the stage and began his speech. Five minutes into his speech, he noticed the 3 of us white people in the crowd and asked us if we understood. We told him we didn't and he arranged for someone to sit with us and interpret. When the lady sat with us, he told her to summarize so as she summarized, everyone waited and stared at us (including Mr. President). After she finished, I gave Zuma a thumbs up and shouted "Siyabonga (thank you)". Everyone in the crowd laughed (including Mr. President). The above picture is me wearing one of the shirts.After seeing Zuma, we squeezed in two home visits. The first one was the home of a young man and his young wife. This man, Vusi, had been sick for 7 months and is clearly in his last leg of life... couldn't talk, could barely move... We went in and prayed for him.. the missionary students took the lead and there were tongues being spoken and Jesus' name screamed and crying for healing... and my whole body was full of goosebumps and tears were welling in my eyes. I'm not sure if it's because it was powerful, or if there was pain in my spirit. I didn't feel very comfortable with the situation. I just couldn't imagine how praying for healing would be appropriate. I wanted everyone to leave and I just wanted to sit on his bedside and hold his hand and tell him how beautiful he is and how Jesus loves him and sees him and that he need not fear what is to come. And I wanted to do the same for his wife.
Basically my days now have been filled with the new volunteers that came a week ago. I'm helping out quite a bit with orientation, but will get extremely busy soon as most of the volunteers will start being placed short term in South Africa to get their feet wet. My role is basically to oversee their involvement and mentor and teach them as they go along, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they'll need to be effective in the community. It's really quite neat and I'm excited about it. It's very much up my alley. This year is going to be a good year, I can just sense it. God is already challenging me big time and teaching me a lot. He's really calling me to step up and set a higher standard for myself.
Anyway, love you all! Please e-mail or text or call me.
KD
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Surprise, child! There's a White Lady in your bed!
Ughhh facebook really does not function well here and so I feel I am slowly being weaned off of a drug that I allowed 8 months of fast internet to enslave me. Sometimes all I want to do is put a little status like this:
True story. What a crazy night. These Africans know how to party Jesus-style. I must admit, most of it made me feel uncomfortable. Yes there were beautiful moments and powerful moments, but for the most part I felt uncomfortable. This could be a result of Christian culture in North America where we are scared to pray aloud but some of it is also sometimes the type of gospel that is preached and focused on. But I sang and dance and slept well beside a little 4 year-old guy.
The reason I went was to watch one of my previous students, Nokuzola, preach. She has recently received a calling on her life to be a pastor. She was fantastic! Most preachers scream and yell and the congregation cheers and shouts "Amen" even though no logical points are made, but Zola stood up there and taught. She was gentle but strong and connected points well and really knew her stuff. Before she started to preach, she sang a worship song and it was beautiful. I teared up and felt so proud of the woman of God that stood before me.
This week I'm excited. I'm going to Oshoek with a group of fellow Hands people for three days to put on a Church Leaders Workshop. Oshoek is right on the Swaziland border and I hear it's stunning! It's really quite a privilege to be a part of challenging and encouraging pastors to care for orphans and widows. It's also a challenge, because these people know much more about the Bible than I do, so it's more of facilitating discussion on what's happening around the community and the church's role in it than actually training or teaching. These pastors have the solutions, it's just a matter of encouraging them to come up with them and supporting them along the way.
Ever have the feeling like you're being watched? As I write this, there is a monkey hanging on the bars outside the window 2 metres away from me, staring at me.
“Went to church at 6pm Friday night not expecting the service to go until 6am and be put to bed at 1:30am on the floor of the Pastor's home with all the other small children while the adults continued to praise Jesus”
True story. What a crazy night. These Africans know how to party Jesus-style. I must admit, most of it made me feel uncomfortable. Yes there were beautiful moments and powerful moments, but for the most part I felt uncomfortable. This could be a result of Christian culture in North America where we are scared to pray aloud but some of it is also sometimes the type of gospel that is preached and focused on. But I sang and dance and slept well beside a little 4 year-old guy.
The reason I went was to watch one of my previous students, Nokuzola, preach. She has recently received a calling on her life to be a pastor. She was fantastic! Most preachers scream and yell and the congregation cheers and shouts "Amen" even though no logical points are made, but Zola stood up there and taught. She was gentle but strong and connected points well and really knew her stuff. Before she started to preach, she sang a worship song and it was beautiful. I teared up and felt so proud of the woman of God that stood before me.
This week I'm excited. I'm going to Oshoek with a group of fellow Hands people for three days to put on a Church Leaders Workshop. Oshoek is right on the Swaziland border and I hear it's stunning! It's really quite a privilege to be a part of challenging and encouraging pastors to care for orphans and widows. It's also a challenge, because these people know much more about the Bible than I do, so it's more of facilitating discussion on what's happening around the community and the church's role in it than actually training or teaching. These pastors have the solutions, it's just a matter of encouraging them to come up with them and supporting them along the way.
Ever have the feeling like you're being watched? As I write this, there is a monkey hanging on the bars outside the window 2 metres away from me, staring at me.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Red Soil and Black Faces
Well, I guess the first post is to communicate or display that indeed I have arrived alive. Other than that, I’m not sure what to say. I haven’t really been up to much since I’ve been here and one would think that despite not doing anything, there must be tons to say about being in South Africa, but it’s all so familiar to me that it hardly seems like anything significant to write about. But I’ll try.
My flights were good. They seemed short. As soon as I got on the plane I ordered the usual red wine (a missionary’s traveling secret), drank it up, and fell asleep instantly. Helen and Paul gave me sleeping pills that I thought I would try out, so did on the second leg of the journey, but besides the fact that they tasted absolutely awful, I’m pretty sure they did nothing. After quickly arriving in Johannesburg, I waited patiently for 10 hours for Shelly to join me. And join me did she ever! As soon as she came through the doors and saw me, she hopped around, literally, with excitement. Our adventure begins. We drove mostly in the dark to get to the Hands Village in time for George’s birthday party. As soon as we pulled up, my legs were shaking violently. I was excited to see everyone, but for some reason I was terribly nervous.
But it’s been great to reunite with my African family. It honestly doesn’t even feel like I left. The wonderful 8 months I spent at home feels like a breath. There have been changes, as Hands is always changing, but I feel as if I’m slipping right back into where I left off. Sort of. My role here is up for discussion. I’m actually supposed to be meeting with Lynn and Levy today to discuss where I can put my hands. I’ll be staying in South Africa, probably getting involved in similar stuff I was doing before (supporting communities as they strive to care effectively for orphans, widows, and people dying of HIV/Aids) but there is talk of dipping my hands into some new things. Maybe some international team (marketing and advocating), maybe some volunteer stuff (helping to place new volunteers that come in and equipping them for service). It’s all quite exciting.
I had the opportunity already to visit Sesinyana, Nokuzola, and Patricia. All of them are doing very well. Sesinyana and baby Prosperity are looking great! Prosperity even said “Gogo” while I was there, which means Granny. Sesinyana has been working as a server at the country club in White River, which is great. She gets bored easy and loves to be around people. Patricia finished her Social Auxiliary Work program and has been working with Masoyi Home Based Care helping to run the program Winrock, which educates young orphan girls on HIV/Aids and supports them through school, often helping them with school supplies and uniforms. Nokuzola also finished her Social Auxiliary Work program and has recently received a calling on her life to be a pastor. She’s so excited but terrified. It’s so fun to see her talk about it. When she first heard this calling, she responded the same way many of us do when we don’t necessarily want to do what God tells us, “God, WHY are you doing this!?!?” She preaches this weekend at her church so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her in action.
I’m not exactly sure what the next couple weeks will look like, but I’m sure I’ll get busy very soon. I’m planning next weekend to drive up to Venda to visit the other students in University. I’m also very, very much looking forward to welcoming Todd and Katie here and re-welcoming Morgan!! I can’t even bear it I’m so excited!!!
As much as there are exciting things happening around me, I do miss home terribly
already. I had such a great time at home and this next stint here in Africa will be more difficult than the first. I’m really looking forward to this next while to really develop my gifts and grow in new ways. I’m surrounded by such a beautiful and authentic community of believers and led by such passionate men and women of God. It’s good to be back and contribute to the big things God is doing here.
Please pray that I can get settled in, find the role that I will find most joy in and can be most effective, and also that I can continue to communicate well and journey with my friends and family back home.
Much love to you all!
Kristal
PS – Shelly, you’ll be happy to know the monkeys stole ALL my bananas and made a horrid mess of the kitchen!
ALSO!
Here is my contact information. Feel free to send me letters, e-mails, text messages, or even phone. It is free to receive calls internationally and text messages. Also feel free to give out my blog: www.kristalgadsby.com to anyone you think would be interested in following.
Kristal Gadsby
c/o Hands at Work in Africa
PO Box 3534
White River, South Africa
1240
kristalgadsby@gmail.com OR kristal@handsatwork.org [goes to the same place]
My number is +27 72 183 8626. To call from Canada, dial 011 27 72 183 8626
My flights were good. They seemed short. As soon as I got on the plane I ordered the usual red wine (a missionary’s traveling secret), drank it up, and fell asleep instantly. Helen and Paul gave me sleeping pills that I thought I would try out, so did on the second leg of the journey, but besides the fact that they tasted absolutely awful, I’m pretty sure they did nothing. After quickly arriving in Johannesburg, I waited patiently for 10 hours for Shelly to join me. And join me did she ever! As soon as she came through the doors and saw me, she hopped around, literally, with excitement. Our adventure begins. We drove mostly in the dark to get to the Hands Village in time for George’s birthday party. As soon as we pulled up, my legs were shaking violently. I was excited to see everyone, but for some reason I was terribly nervous.
But it’s been great to reunite with my African family. It honestly doesn’t even feel like I left. The wonderful 8 months I spent at home feels like a breath. There have been changes, as Hands is always changing, but I feel as if I’m slipping right back into where I left off. Sort of. My role here is up for discussion. I’m actually supposed to be meeting with Lynn and Levy today to discuss where I can put my hands. I’ll be staying in South Africa, probably getting involved in similar stuff I was doing before (supporting communities as they strive to care effectively for orphans, widows, and people dying of HIV/Aids) but there is talk of dipping my hands into some new things. Maybe some international team (marketing and advocating), maybe some volunteer stuff (helping to place new volunteers that come in and equipping them for service). It’s all quite exciting.
I had the opportunity already to visit Sesinyana, Nokuzola, and Patricia. All of them are doing very well. Sesinyana and baby Prosperity are looking great! Prosperity even said “Gogo” while I was there, which means Granny. Sesinyana has been working as a server at the country club in White River, which is great. She gets bored easy and loves to be around people. Patricia finished her Social Auxiliary Work program and has been working with Masoyi Home Based Care helping to run the program Winrock, which educates young orphan girls on HIV/Aids and supports them through school, often helping them with school supplies and uniforms. Nokuzola also finished her Social Auxiliary Work program and has recently received a calling on her life to be a pastor. She’s so excited but terrified. It’s so fun to see her talk about it. When she first heard this calling, she responded the same way many of us do when we don’t necessarily want to do what God tells us, “God, WHY are you doing this!?!?” She preaches this weekend at her church so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her in action.
I’m not exactly sure what the next couple weeks will look like, but I’m sure I’ll get busy very soon. I’m planning next weekend to drive up to Venda to visit the other students in University. I’m also very, very much looking forward to welcoming Todd and Katie here and re-welcoming Morgan!! I can’t even bear it I’m so excited!!!
As much as there are exciting things happening around me, I do miss home terribly
already. I had such a great time at home and this next stint here in Africa will be more difficult than the first. I’m really looking forward to this next while to really develop my gifts and grow in new ways. I’m surrounded by such a beautiful and authentic community of believers and led by such passionate men and women of God. It’s good to be back and contribute to the big things God is doing here.
Please pray that I can get settled in, find the role that I will find most joy in and can be most effective, and also that I can continue to communicate well and journey with my friends and family back home.
Much love to you all!
Kristal
PS – Shelly, you’ll be happy to know the monkeys stole ALL my bananas and made a horrid mess of the kitchen!
ALSO!
Here is my contact information. Feel free to send me letters, e-mails, text messages, or even phone. It is free to receive calls internationally and text messages. Also feel free to give out my blog: www.kristalgadsby.com to anyone you think would be interested in following.
Kristal Gadsby
c/o Hands at Work in Africa
PO Box 3534
White River, South Africa
1240
kristalgadsby@gmail.com OR kristal@handsatwork.org [goes to the same place]
My number is +27 72 183 8626. To call from Canada, dial 011 27 72 183 8626
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Final Canada Tour Dates!
Hey everyone,
My time in Canada is quickly coming to an end. I'm going to be making a final tour to cover the main areas. I want to see you so please contact me and we'll try to get together before I head back to Afreeka. This is a tentative schedule for my last weeks:
July 18 - 20 -- Lloydmonster
July 20 - 24 -- Saskatoon
July 24 - 28 -- Calgary
July 29 - 30 -- Lloydmonster
July 30 - 02 -- Goodsoil (Family Reunion)
Aug 2 - 5 -- Calgary
Aug 5 - 7 -- Sky Abyss
Aug 7 - South Africa
Much Love.
My time in Canada is quickly coming to an end. I'm going to be making a final tour to cover the main areas. I want to see you so please contact me and we'll try to get together before I head back to Afreeka. This is a tentative schedule for my last weeks:
July 18 - 20 -- Lloydmonster
July 20 - 24 -- Saskatoon
July 24 - 28 -- Calgary
July 29 - 30 -- Lloydmonster
July 30 - 02 -- Goodsoil (Family Reunion)
Aug 2 - 5 -- Calgary
Aug 5 - 7 -- Sky Abyss
Aug 7 - South Africa
Much Love.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Bernice
Today I met Bernice.
It's funny the way these things happen. I saw this woman stumbling down the street. I was going to continue walking down the alley as I was but found myself pulling a U-turn (on my feet of course). As she heard my footsteps, she turned around and said "Can you help me?" I said, "Yes I can". We walked for a while and talked. She told me a bit about her story but continued to say in between tears and long periods of eyes-closed silence, "It's a hard life".
And now I'm burdened by the question, "What can be done for these people?" They are literally lost, with no place to call home and no place to go. Sometimes I wish I had my own house. I doubt my family would appreciate me bringing over strays for lunch and allowing them to take a nap on the couch after. Bernice seemed very tired and said she can't remember the last time she slept longer than 15 minutes.
Sure I can buy her Combo "A" and a Ginger Ale, tell her she's beautiful, and pray for her as she sobs in my arms, but .... what can be done?
It's funny the way these things happen. I saw this woman stumbling down the street. I was going to continue walking down the alley as I was but found myself pulling a U-turn (on my feet of course). As she heard my footsteps, she turned around and said "Can you help me?" I said, "Yes I can". We walked for a while and talked. She told me a bit about her story but continued to say in between tears and long periods of eyes-closed silence, "It's a hard life".
And now I'm burdened by the question, "What can be done for these people?" They are literally lost, with no place to call home and no place to go. Sometimes I wish I had my own house. I doubt my family would appreciate me bringing over strays for lunch and allowing them to take a nap on the couch after. Bernice seemed very tired and said she can't remember the last time she slept longer than 15 minutes.
Sure I can buy her Combo "A" and a Ginger Ale, tell her she's beautiful, and pray for her as she sobs in my arms, but .... what can be done?
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