There's a community called Welverdiend that I've spent a lot of time in over the last 3 years. "Welverdiend" is Afrikaans for basically "well deserved". During Apartheid, people were relocated to this dry wasteland and apparently the people deserved it.
I spent an incredible day in Welverdiend on the 4th of February. This is my journal entry:
Today I stood on Holy Ground. As George shared to the care workers in Welverdiend and encouraged them to be strong, take possession of their land and dream big, God opened my eyes and I could see the magnitude of His heart in that place. My spirit was overwhelmed by the presence of His Holiness and His anointing. It was incredibbly humbling and I was incredibly honoured to be in that place. If Christ were to be walking the Earth today, He would be walking in a land called Well-Deserved. I had such a sense that, on this land, miracles would happen. Every child that steps foot on that land will be healed emotionally, physically and spiritually, by the power of the compassionate God roaming there. Deep emotional wounds from years of neglect and abuse, healed. Chains of spiritual oppression, broken. Spirit of hopelessness, gone.
Other updates, my Dad was here and gone. We had a great time together! He went on a hunting trip and shot an Impala (animal not car), went on a safari and saw everything!!!, visited communities, Dad helped put windows in the house of a family of kids and even paid for the last unfinished window, we went to waterfalls and canyons and had dinner at a different home every night. He even attended all the prayer meetings and fell asleep in church! It was a blast.
Another interesting fact, my brother is getting married... in like 9 days. How neat is that?
These days I've been busy with a few things. I was hosting a couple ladies from the UK this past week. I've also been busy planning child care in 3 communities in the areas of food, education, and health ... the total number of orphans and vulnerable children going to be cared for from these three communities is 260. Also have been busy starting two model projects in two different communities. These are going to be Best Practices in South Africa. We're helping the communities start a pre-school, a Saturday youth program teaching about making good choices, a program for Grannies caring for children that basically teaches them how to understand the psychosocial needs of the child and as a result care for them better, and of course this includes a feeding program, home visits and hopefully eventually an after school homework program. Lots of fun.
That's about it for now!
Much love!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
"How do I fight a monkey?"*
I went for a run yesterday morning around 5 am, which is not an unusual occurrence. I basically run along this flat strip (the only flat strip miles around) which is lined by a canopy of trees, often and cutely inhabited by friendly monkeys. They are little brats and often slip their little monkey hands into windows and steal fruit, but they are friendly. Except the handless monkey. Well, as I write this, I’m confused, because the infamous evil monkey is the handless, tailless monkey, but this one definitely had a tail. Usually if monkeys are frolicking around as I’m running, they run away as I approach. Yesterday morning, let’s call him... Buster. Yesterday morning as I approached, Buster started running towards me. Feeling a little put off and not feeling up to a game of chicken, I veered off to the side. Upon doing this, Buster veered off his path also, and continued to run towards me. Upon realizing he was chasing me, I screamed. Buster then hissed at me. I decided to not stick around to see what happens and turned and ran away. I looked back and noticed Buster was still chasing and hissing at me, but was much closer this time, like basically at my feet. I screamed again. Feeling the adrenaline, the question that consumed my mind in that moment was, “How do I fight a monkey?”. Should I kick? Should I punch? What will he do? Will he viciously scratch at my face? Of course this was all running through my mind within a matter of seconds. I just kept picturing a scene from Outbreak. (Remember that movie? Am I right?). After the mental fight scene and Outbreak, I saw a giant stick lying on the ground. This stick was massive. I’m not sure why I picked it up because I definitely wouldn’t have been able to effectively swing it. But it worked. I picked up the stick and off Buster went. It took me 0.2 seconds to decide to get the hell outta there.
Now onto a different sort of monkey...
In a very recent blog, I talked about Clearance. Okay, I talk about him a lot. But I said I was taking him to Acts clinic this week, which is a world-renowned clinic specializing in HIV/AIDS and particularly successful in paediatrics. I arranged with a friend of mine (Jonathan), who’s a doctor there, to examine him and get a second opinion. The previous clinic tested him, took his white blood cell count, and said it was too high to put him on ARVs. Further, they said they had to wait to treat his HIV before they could treat his cloudy, nearly-blinded eye. And that was the end of it. Frustrating. But I finally took him this morning. Because he’s a new patient there they had to test him again and open a new file. We then took him into the room for the test, which is basically a little prick on the finger (like diabetic people) and onto a litmus-like strip. As the nurse brought out the finger-pricker, Clearance started crying hysterically and fighting the nurse. He got up and ran out of the room. I chased after him and finally convinced him to go with me to see his care worker. As Elsie started taking him back to the room, he erupted again and ran away. Elsie chased after him and finally tracked him down and brought him back. A few more people came into the room and held him down as he kicked and screamed and cried and bit. It broke my heart. I cried so many times today. We finally pricked him and then proceeded to open a new file. We then did a general check, which resulted in another crying fit (myself included) and near escape. Then an X-ray and then the news. He has Tuberculosis which is really not a surprise to me since he’s had a cough for 2 years, but the frustrating thing is why the previous clinic did nothing! He has two months of TB treatment before he can go on ARVs. The treatment is so brutal and hard on the body and very rigorous. For a little guy who stays with his teenage sister and doesn’t consistently have food, the chance of defaulting is extremely high. We then had to take his blood (the worst fit of all, myself included). Jonathan also booked him into see an eye doctor. It was such a hard day. That poor little guy was so scared. Somehow he still loves me. When Jonathan asked if they are still friends, Clearance said no. When asked if he still loves me, he said “Ahey” ... Yes.
Last thing, I finally had my last mango test. I wasn’t convinced I was allergic to the whole mango... just the skin. Usually when I touch/eat mango skin, the swollen lips and itchy rash comes a couple days later. I ate a little bit in my smoothie this morning and noticed my lips swelling up a couple hours later and my ear itching and burning. Now I’m sitting in Khethiwe’s bed in an apparently hot room, wearing a bunny hug and sweat pants, shivering achy skin and also nursing a bit of a runny tummy (the South African polite way of saying diarrhea). It seems to get worse every time. I hereby declare to the world that I am officially allergic to the entire mango! And vow to not eat it as much.
Update on Dad... he’s doing great. I don’t want to say much because I’ve encouraged him to write in his journal, which he has been doing extensively and I’m going to have him post a blog as a special guest very soon. He’s currently on a hunt with Todd.
**Title of blog suggested by the British Cat
Now onto a different sort of monkey...
In a very recent blog, I talked about Clearance. Okay, I talk about him a lot. But I said I was taking him to Acts clinic this week, which is a world-renowned clinic specializing in HIV/AIDS and particularly successful in paediatrics. I arranged with a friend of mine (Jonathan), who’s a doctor there, to examine him and get a second opinion. The previous clinic tested him, took his white blood cell count, and said it was too high to put him on ARVs. Further, they said they had to wait to treat his HIV before they could treat his cloudy, nearly-blinded eye. And that was the end of it. Frustrating. But I finally took him this morning. Because he’s a new patient there they had to test him again and open a new file. We then took him into the room for the test, which is basically a little prick on the finger (like diabetic people) and onto a litmus-like strip. As the nurse brought out the finger-pricker, Clearance started crying hysterically and fighting the nurse. He got up and ran out of the room. I chased after him and finally convinced him to go with me to see his care worker. As Elsie started taking him back to the room, he erupted again and ran away. Elsie chased after him and finally tracked him down and brought him back. A few more people came into the room and held him down as he kicked and screamed and cried and bit. It broke my heart. I cried so many times today. We finally pricked him and then proceeded to open a new file. We then did a general check, which resulted in another crying fit (myself included) and near escape. Then an X-ray and then the news. He has Tuberculosis which is really not a surprise to me since he’s had a cough for 2 years, but the frustrating thing is why the previous clinic did nothing! He has two months of TB treatment before he can go on ARVs. The treatment is so brutal and hard on the body and very rigorous. For a little guy who stays with his teenage sister and doesn’t consistently have food, the chance of defaulting is extremely high. We then had to take his blood (the worst fit of all, myself included). Jonathan also booked him into see an eye doctor. It was such a hard day. That poor little guy was so scared. Somehow he still loves me. When Jonathan asked if they are still friends, Clearance said no. When asked if he still loves me, he said “Ahey” ... Yes.
Last thing, I finally had my last mango test. I wasn’t convinced I was allergic to the whole mango... just the skin. Usually when I touch/eat mango skin, the swollen lips and itchy rash comes a couple days later. I ate a little bit in my smoothie this morning and noticed my lips swelling up a couple hours later and my ear itching and burning. Now I’m sitting in Khethiwe’s bed in an apparently hot room, wearing a bunny hug and sweat pants, shivering achy skin and also nursing a bit of a runny tummy (the South African polite way of saying diarrhea). It seems to get worse every time. I hereby declare to the world that I am officially allergic to the entire mango! And vow to not eat it as much.
Update on Dad... he’s doing great. I don’t want to say much because I’ve encouraged him to write in his journal, which he has been doing extensively and I’m going to have him post a blog as a special guest very soon. He’s currently on a hunt with Todd.
**Title of blog suggested by the British Cat
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
It's beginning to not really look a lot like Christmas
So it’s been a while since I’ve updated.
Things are going well and are starting to wind down for Christmas break (December 15 – January 3). It’s seems to be very short but I guess does the trick. It’s been a tough last few weeks. There’s been a lot of pressure from big donors and a lot of meetings. One in particular, the biggest meeting I’ll ever be a part of I’m sure is happening on the 15th. Please be thinking and praying for us during that time. We meet with our biggest donor in South Africa (PEPFAR – US government’s Aids Relief) which we have a contract of almost $1,000,000 USD. The 15th will decide whether we work together or not. Pray God’s Will be done in that situation. I’m personally unsure of which way I want it to go. There are many challenges that come with both. Anyway, continue to pray also for all the people here. We are exhausted and many people have been suffering from reoccurring sickness as a result of it. Pray for good, good rest during Christmas.
It’s hard to grasp that it’s Christmas. Walking through a thatch-roofed building with the hot air blowing through and walking past bows and garland while hearing Celine’s Christmas album play, just doesn’t feel normal. It’s trying to celebrate Christmas in these places that seem quite impossible and so my mind automatically cancels or omits Christmas for the year.
But on the other hand, I have received some of the most beautiful reminders of Christmas. One I’d like to share being a sachet of ground wild-harvested Fir needles. It smells like Christmas and is the most beautiful gift I think I could ever receive at this time. Thanks Lydia. I smell it all the time and it instantly fills my insides with the warmth of love.
I’m excited, though, for the break. I’m not planning to travel anywhere, as many people usually do. I just want to stay home and relax and spend some much needed time with many of the people I love and have, these last couple mounths, poorly invested in. This includes the students who just got back from University for the break (Fortunate, Elvis, Gugu!) But this especially includes Lorraine, Clearance, and Remember that I spoke about in an earlier blog. I can’t wait to go see them! I’m even thinking of bringing them here for a couple days or even take them into Kruger Park to see all the animals. I’m positive they’ve never been, even though it’s a 20 min drive from their home. That’s the reality of most people here. They will never in their life have the opportunity to see the area’s biggest attraction.
Not to mention I’m excited for Willis to be here. He just arrived yesterday. I surprised him at the airport, which is quite impressive for me because for some reason I can never keep surprises hidden to him. I usually get way too excited and end up telling him. But I kept this one in. He was expecting me to pick him up from the bus in Nelspruit, but waited for him at the airport in Johannesburg. It didn’t exactly turn out as I had played it over and over in my mind. His plane was to land at 7:00 and I didn’t get to the airport until 7:20, which I felt was still plenty of time because it usually takes longer than 20 minutes to get through security and pick up bags. Nope. He landed at 6:50 and was out at 7:00, so after waiting for 1h15, Paul and I walked around the airport in search of him. I knew he’d be hiding in a little corner somewhere by himself listening to music. After searching for a while, we almost gave up and I decided I would just meet him at the bus station at 10:45 (because I had booked the same bus ride home with him), but we decided to check one more place, the bus station. I didn’t think to look there because I couldn’t imagine why anyone would wait there for 4 hours seeing as there’s nothing there but dirty taxi drivers trying to con and pressure you into spending a million dollars on their taxi ride. But lo and behold, there he was. So now we are together at the Village and are looking forward to the adventures unfolding.
Before I end this, just need to give a shout-out to my family. I miss you all so much, especially during this time. My heart feels heavy when I think about snow activities, Grandma’s Christmas cookies, and mostly just sitting around the table enjoying a meal together. I’ll try to re-create that here as much as I can. I bought a chocolate calendar and am planning to go on a tree hunt, which is nearly impossible since coniferous trees are definitely not indigenous here.
I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my Christmas adventures.
I love you all very much. Have a Merry Christmas. I pray that it’s filled with joy and peace and that you can experience even a sliver of the hope that is birthed during this season.
Things are going well and are starting to wind down for Christmas break (December 15 – January 3). It’s seems to be very short but I guess does the trick. It’s been a tough last few weeks. There’s been a lot of pressure from big donors and a lot of meetings. One in particular, the biggest meeting I’ll ever be a part of I’m sure is happening on the 15th. Please be thinking and praying for us during that time. We meet with our biggest donor in South Africa (PEPFAR – US government’s Aids Relief) which we have a contract of almost $1,000,000 USD. The 15th will decide whether we work together or not. Pray God’s Will be done in that situation. I’m personally unsure of which way I want it to go. There are many challenges that come with both. Anyway, continue to pray also for all the people here. We are exhausted and many people have been suffering from reoccurring sickness as a result of it. Pray for good, good rest during Christmas.
It’s hard to grasp that it’s Christmas. Walking through a thatch-roofed building with the hot air blowing through and walking past bows and garland while hearing Celine’s Christmas album play, just doesn’t feel normal. It’s trying to celebrate Christmas in these places that seem quite impossible and so my mind automatically cancels or omits Christmas for the year.
But on the other hand, I have received some of the most beautiful reminders of Christmas. One I’d like to share being a sachet of ground wild-harvested Fir needles. It smells like Christmas and is the most beautiful gift I think I could ever receive at this time. Thanks Lydia. I smell it all the time and it instantly fills my insides with the warmth of love.
I’m excited, though, for the break. I’m not planning to travel anywhere, as many people usually do. I just want to stay home and relax and spend some much needed time with many of the people I love and have, these last couple mounths, poorly invested in. This includes the students who just got back from University for the break (Fortunate, Elvis, Gugu!) But this especially includes Lorraine, Clearance, and Remember that I spoke about in an earlier blog. I can’t wait to go see them! I’m even thinking of bringing them here for a couple days or even take them into Kruger Park to see all the animals. I’m positive they’ve never been, even though it’s a 20 min drive from their home. That’s the reality of most people here. They will never in their life have the opportunity to see the area’s biggest attraction.
Not to mention I’m excited for Willis to be here. He just arrived yesterday. I surprised him at the airport, which is quite impressive for me because for some reason I can never keep surprises hidden to him. I usually get way too excited and end up telling him. But I kept this one in. He was expecting me to pick him up from the bus in Nelspruit, but waited for him at the airport in Johannesburg. It didn’t exactly turn out as I had played it over and over in my mind. His plane was to land at 7:00 and I didn’t get to the airport until 7:20, which I felt was still plenty of time because it usually takes longer than 20 minutes to get through security and pick up bags. Nope. He landed at 6:50 and was out at 7:00, so after waiting for 1h15, Paul and I walked around the airport in search of him. I knew he’d be hiding in a little corner somewhere by himself listening to music. After searching for a while, we almost gave up and I decided I would just meet him at the bus station at 10:45 (because I had booked the same bus ride home with him), but we decided to check one more place, the bus station. I didn’t think to look there because I couldn’t imagine why anyone would wait there for 4 hours seeing as there’s nothing there but dirty taxi drivers trying to con and pressure you into spending a million dollars on their taxi ride. But lo and behold, there he was. So now we are together at the Village and are looking forward to the adventures unfolding.
Before I end this, just need to give a shout-out to my family. I miss you all so much, especially during this time. My heart feels heavy when I think about snow activities, Grandma’s Christmas cookies, and mostly just sitting around the table enjoying a meal together. I’ll try to re-create that here as much as I can. I bought a chocolate calendar and am planning to go on a tree hunt, which is nearly impossible since coniferous trees are definitely not indigenous here.
I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my Christmas adventures.
I love you all very much. Have a Merry Christmas. I pray that it’s filled with joy and peace and that you can experience even a sliver of the hope that is birthed during this season.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Walking by Faith
We’ve been having some major challenges here at Hands lately. Eish, big challenges. In the last couple years we’ve been really pushing for our communities to be receiving support. We started a campaign called Arise & Build that encourages people to contribute $15/mo in order for a child to receive education, health, and food security. As this campaign has caught on and our communities have been receiving incredible amounts of support, we’ve seen our own operational funds become less and less. These operational funds are what allow us to pay our rent, our bills, and care for our family. When I speak of our family, I speak of the people within our organization that have devoted their lives to serving the communities we work with. They are volunteering and have no means of paying for accommodation, food, and other basic needs. And when I speak of these people, I speak of basically everyone who isn’t an international volunteer that either raised their own support or has a church sponsoring them. There are many. When Hands started, the founders committed to living by faith. Now is the time we actually have to do it.
I’m being deeply challenged by this myself and am trying to figure out what role I am to play in this. I keep thinking of my friend Hank and the whole message behind the buffalo chicken sandwich. If I have and my brother has not, it’s my responsibility. When we use the word “family” it means we are committed to each other.
Because of all the challenges we’re facing, we’ve committed to a 24-hour prayer and fasting time from Friday 6pm to Saturday 6pm. Please stand in solidarity with us. We are desperately seeking God during this time for wisdom, for strength, for understanding. This work requires great faith and we’re hoping God will impart some words on us that may increase our faith.
If you do pray with us and you receive any scriptures or words of encouragement, please e-mail me. I’d love to share with the family. Even though you may be thousands of kilometres away, we are together in this.
I’m being deeply challenged by this myself and am trying to figure out what role I am to play in this. I keep thinking of my friend Hank and the whole message behind the buffalo chicken sandwich. If I have and my brother has not, it’s my responsibility. When we use the word “family” it means we are committed to each other.
Because of all the challenges we’re facing, we’ve committed to a 24-hour prayer and fasting time from Friday 6pm to Saturday 6pm. Please stand in solidarity with us. We are desperately seeking God during this time for wisdom, for strength, for understanding. This work requires great faith and we’re hoping God will impart some words on us that may increase our faith.
If you do pray with us and you receive any scriptures or words of encouragement, please e-mail me. I’d love to share with the family. Even though you may be thousands of kilometres away, we are together in this.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Where Will Their Hope Come From?
Remember when I talked last about George's visit to Goma, DRC, and how heavy but equally exciting it was? Well here's what he wrote about it: Click here.
Actually read it.
On a different note, I've been having some health issues. It's something that I can remember goes all the way back to when I was 8 or so. Not sure how much to disclose, but basically I choke a lot when I eat and regurgitate a lot. Even today I burped and fluid went up my nose. I know you didn't really hope to read about this following a challenging update on DRC, but this is my life and I'd really appreciate prayer. Tomorrow I'm going for a Barium Swallow (OMMnomnom) to see if there's an issue with the actual functioning of my esophagus. I saw the doctor today and she said it could be an Esophageal Motility Disorder. Anyway, I'm alive and I'm fine, but it's just a little stressful. I'm happy to finally have direction.
And yesterday I got a letter from my Grandmother. It made my day. Letters are the best. Feel free to send.
There's a short update for you.
Actually read it.
On a different note, I've been having some health issues. It's something that I can remember goes all the way back to when I was 8 or so. Not sure how much to disclose, but basically I choke a lot when I eat and regurgitate a lot. Even today I burped and fluid went up my nose. I know you didn't really hope to read about this following a challenging update on DRC, but this is my life and I'd really appreciate prayer. Tomorrow I'm going for a Barium Swallow (OMMnomnom) to see if there's an issue with the actual functioning of my esophagus. I saw the doctor today and she said it could be an Esophageal Motility Disorder. Anyway, I'm alive and I'm fine, but it's just a little stressful. I'm happy to finally have direction.
And yesterday I got a letter from my Grandmother. It made my day. Letters are the best. Feel free to send.
There's a short update for you.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dying to Self
It’s been a while since I’ve written. There’s been a lot going on and every time I get an opportunity to sit and write something I find myself overwhelmed by even the look of a computer. Even now I’m struggling as it’s smoking hot and the heat radiating from this computer is causing further discomfort in my body.
Let’s start with Canadian thanksgiving. I think this was the best so far. This is the third year in a row I’ve celebrated thanksgiving in Africa. We always organize a BIG function where the Canadians are responsible for providing the essentials and everyone else just brings a side dish. This year I made 66 mini and 1 big pumpkin (carrot) pies. They were just as superb as last year. We bought 3 turkeys and 3 chickens and I’m not sure how we managed, but we cooked them to perfection! I was so impressed and truly felt like I fulfilled my female existence by mastering 3 turkeys and 67 pies. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s very true. Jayme the Babooshka of course once again led the perogie assembly line. We really outdid ourselves this time. It’s really strange, though, to think of my last thanksgiving in Canada being in 2007. That seems like ages ago. Has it really been that long that I’ve been coming to this place? Unreal.
Our turkey celebration also marked the last night with my dear friends Brooke and Jed. I miss them every day. They’ve been here since September 2007 so have been central to my time here. I’ll save myself from tears and keep it short. But I must just say that they’re my favourite.
Since Brooke has left, though, the pressure has definitely increased. My first month here I could easily hide behind Brooke, but once she left I actually had to start doing some real work. As much as it’s been hectic trying to manage and organize the South Africa/Swaziland Regional Support Team, it’s been really awesome. I’m working closely with Levy (a key member of the Hands family usually sent out to break new ground all across Africa) and just love serving the people around me. I’ve been getting out to the communities often and spending two days a week in the Service Centres (last year I worked in the Bushbuckridge Service Centre). We’ve been quite busy organizing trainings for care workers. The trainings are to communicate the changing face of HIV/Aids and the need to fight it by providing holistic care for orphans through parental home visits. We’re rolling this training out into all the communities in South Africa and so far have completed 7 out of 14. Not bad. But these trainings really mark a new season for us. We’re really seeing the need to walk closely with these care workers, to be constantly encouraging and influencing them. It’s quite exciting to see how our Service Centres will figure out how to mentor them on an ongoing basis.
On a REALLY exciting note ... my father is coming to visit in January! Eeeeeep! I can hardly believe it myself and when I tell people, I just giggle. It’s so exciting and so crazy. He’s coming Jan 15-28. I’m hoping to find him some building projects. Simon figures there will be child home renovations in Bushbuckridge that’ll need a hand or two, so I’m sure we can find something for him to do. Not to mention we’ll go on a safari and, really, how can my hunting-lover father come to Africa and not get the opportunity to shoot something exotic? He just came out of elk season (with a nice one I hear) and is moving into moose season. So I guess I’ll have to get him some gun-time here too.
Eish, this one’s long. Sorry, guys. Another exciting thing happening lately is I’ve joined our worship team at church. This has been something I’ve wanted to do my whole life. A couple Sundays ago I actually sang and played guitar. It’s hard to believe people actually trust me with a microphone, but it was so much fun. I’m sure I could do it without ceasing. That and eating cereal. I had three bowls of cornflakes for supper. As it gets hotter here, my craving for a delicious bowl of cereal intensifies. OMMnomnom.
I know this is long, but I can’t finish this entry without talking about Lorraine, Clearance [Clarence], and Remember. I write [Clarence] because that’s his name but this weekend I saw him writing it “Clearance”. These three have been a family close to my heart for a long time, ever since Louise stayed with them and introduced me. I’m sure I’ve talked about them before somewhere but Lorraine is 16, Remember 11 and Clearance 10. Their father passed away in 2007, their mother in 2008 and they’ve been staying alone since. While in Canada, they were the story I seemed to always share and as soon as I got back to Africa I felt desperate to see them. And this urgency to see them wasn’t for nothing. As soon as I saw them a couple weeks ago, it absolutely destroyed me. Their situation is not good and as much as I wish to share the details with you all, I really can’t. But as soon as I saw them I felt the urgency to stay with them and spend time with them. A week later (this past weekend), I stayed in their community (not with them, unfortunately, as they have no windows or doors on their house and Minah deemed it too dangerous for me... but for some reason not for them). I got to hang out with Clearance on Friday night and play a lot of Top 10 (card game very commonly played here in South Africa). On Saturday I spent the entire day sitting in their house. Lorraine made me cook, Clearance and I read storybooks as Lorraine did my hair, we all made friendship bracelets, played more Top 10, and drew pictures of houses. It was such a lovely time, although my derriere became quite sore from sitting for 8 hours on a cement floor. And then on Sunday I sat beside Clearance during the 3-hour church service and tried to pay attention to the screaming preacher while Clearance played with my hand, stroked my skin, and drew pictures of elephants, lions, snakes, and buffalo in my journal. They’re such lovely kids, but were dealt a bad hand in life. It’s quite hard to imagine that this type of situation can actually be real. Where is everyone? How is this allowed? A young girl left to care for younger siblings, even struggling to care for herself as she engages in destructive and degrading activities. A young boy awfully sick, going blind in one eye, and often left alone in the house as the older sister runs around. And then the middle boy who was taken into the home of a teacher in a different community because he had compassion on him, but what’s left is a broken up family that only has each other and desperately needs one another. But God isn’t concerned about what the world is doing for them, He’s asking me what I’m doing about it. A friendship bracelet is a start, but it signifies much more to me than a string on a wrist. I’m committed to them.
Dying to self. We become a little less significant when God shows his little snotty-nosed face.
Let’s start with Canadian thanksgiving. I think this was the best so far. This is the third year in a row I’ve celebrated thanksgiving in Africa. We always organize a BIG function where the Canadians are responsible for providing the essentials and everyone else just brings a side dish. This year I made 66 mini and 1 big pumpkin (carrot) pies. They were just as superb as last year. We bought 3 turkeys and 3 chickens and I’m not sure how we managed, but we cooked them to perfection! I was so impressed and truly felt like I fulfilled my female existence by mastering 3 turkeys and 67 pies. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s very true. Jayme the Babooshka of course once again led the perogie assembly line. We really outdid ourselves this time. It’s really strange, though, to think of my last thanksgiving in Canada being in 2007. That seems like ages ago. Has it really been that long that I’ve been coming to this place? Unreal.
Our turkey celebration also marked the last night with my dear friends Brooke and Jed. I miss them every day. They’ve been here since September 2007 so have been central to my time here. I’ll save myself from tears and keep it short. But I must just say that they’re my favourite.
Since Brooke has left, though, the pressure has definitely increased. My first month here I could easily hide behind Brooke, but once she left I actually had to start doing some real work. As much as it’s been hectic trying to manage and organize the South Africa/Swaziland Regional Support Team, it’s been really awesome. I’m working closely with Levy (a key member of the Hands family usually sent out to break new ground all across Africa) and just love serving the people around me. I’ve been getting out to the communities often and spending two days a week in the Service Centres (last year I worked in the Bushbuckridge Service Centre). We’ve been quite busy organizing trainings for care workers. The trainings are to communicate the changing face of HIV/Aids and the need to fight it by providing holistic care for orphans through parental home visits. We’re rolling this training out into all the communities in South Africa and so far have completed 7 out of 14. Not bad. But these trainings really mark a new season for us. We’re really seeing the need to walk closely with these care workers, to be constantly encouraging and influencing them. It’s quite exciting to see how our Service Centres will figure out how to mentor them on an ongoing basis.
On a REALLY exciting note ... my father is coming to visit in January! Eeeeeep! I can hardly believe it myself and when I tell people, I just giggle. It’s so exciting and so crazy. He’s coming Jan 15-28. I’m hoping to find him some building projects. Simon figures there will be child home renovations in Bushbuckridge that’ll need a hand or two, so I’m sure we can find something for him to do. Not to mention we’ll go on a safari and, really, how can my hunting-lover father come to Africa and not get the opportunity to shoot something exotic? He just came out of elk season (with a nice one I hear) and is moving into moose season. So I guess I’ll have to get him some gun-time here too.
Eish, this one’s long. Sorry, guys. Another exciting thing happening lately is I’ve joined our worship team at church. This has been something I’ve wanted to do my whole life. A couple Sundays ago I actually sang and played guitar. It’s hard to believe people actually trust me with a microphone, but it was so much fun. I’m sure I could do it without ceasing. That and eating cereal. I had three bowls of cornflakes for supper. As it gets hotter here, my craving for a delicious bowl of cereal intensifies. OMMnomnom.
I know this is long, but I can’t finish this entry without talking about Lorraine, Clearance [Clarence], and Remember. I write [Clarence] because that’s his name but this weekend I saw him writing it “Clearance”. These three have been a family close to my heart for a long time, ever since Louise stayed with them and introduced me. I’m sure I’ve talked about them before somewhere but Lorraine is 16, Remember 11 and Clearance 10. Their father passed away in 2007, their mother in 2008 and they’ve been staying alone since. While in Canada, they were the story I seemed to always share and as soon as I got back to Africa I felt desperate to see them. And this urgency to see them wasn’t for nothing. As soon as I saw them a couple weeks ago, it absolutely destroyed me. Their situation is not good and as much as I wish to share the details with you all, I really can’t. But as soon as I saw them I felt the urgency to stay with them and spend time with them. A week later (this past weekend), I stayed in their community (not with them, unfortunately, as they have no windows or doors on their house and Minah deemed it too dangerous for me... but for some reason not for them). I got to hang out with Clearance on Friday night and play a lot of Top 10 (card game very commonly played here in South Africa). On Saturday I spent the entire day sitting in their house. Lorraine made me cook, Clearance and I read storybooks as Lorraine did my hair, we all made friendship bracelets, played more Top 10, and drew pictures of houses. It was such a lovely time, although my derriere became quite sore from sitting for 8 hours on a cement floor. And then on Sunday I sat beside Clearance during the 3-hour church service and tried to pay attention to the screaming preacher while Clearance played with my hand, stroked my skin, and drew pictures of elephants, lions, snakes, and buffalo in my journal. They’re such lovely kids, but were dealt a bad hand in life. It’s quite hard to imagine that this type of situation can actually be real. Where is everyone? How is this allowed? A young girl left to care for younger siblings, even struggling to care for herself as she engages in destructive and degrading activities. A young boy awfully sick, going blind in one eye, and often left alone in the house as the older sister runs around. And then the middle boy who was taken into the home of a teacher in a different community because he had compassion on him, but what’s left is a broken up family that only has each other and desperately needs one another. But God isn’t concerned about what the world is doing for them, He’s asking me what I’m doing about it. A friendship bracelet is a start, but it signifies much more to me than a string on a wrist. I’m committed to them.
Dying to self. We become a little less significant when God shows his little snotty-nosed face.
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