Kembo Na Yahweh

Glory to Yahweh.....

We were finally able to go to church after over a month! It was so refreshing and rejuvenating. Never have I felt more at home, so much joy, so welcome, and love at a church upon just entering. We went to the Berea Baptist Church connected with the original baby house at the DOH. The worship was amazing; I do not feel as though I saw the leaders not smile for a second during all of the music. They asked those to stand who have never been here. We went with a group of Americans serving at the DOH; we were the only white people in the place. However, I do not think it phased us at all as we felt so welcomed and loved. It was not about color or race; The church was about loving Christ <3 Even though they had all their chairs stolen last week they did not complain or grumble. This church is in a desperate area full of struggle. Yet, this church is a light of hope in this city of desperation.

Last night was so exciting at the Door of Hope. Two babies came into the baby bin at the original baby house. Also, a toddler was also received. The baby boys were one and three days old. They are both absolutely precious. The one baby was so well taken care of- well he was placed in a beautiful outfit as well as a sweet bath towel to keep him warm. Many times mothers do not do this. I cannot imagine being that desperate in order to have to leave your baby in a bin. However, it is such a blessing the moms placed their babies in these bins rather than abandoned upon the streets. The Door of Hope spoils these babies and loves them so so much!

One of the girls who served at the DOH last year through our ministry is with us in South Africa for her second summer. She was surprised by being able to name one of the baby boys. Of course she started crying, and then we all proceeded to cry after this. After a long while, she decided to name the baby boy Josiah- meaning the Lord saves. I love this name. All of these babies have been granted a second chance. They are at the DOH for a reason and are fearfully and wonderfully made with plans made in advance by our Father :) We have experienced 5 adoptions since we have been here, and we have heard of a few more to come! I can not imagine the excitement of getting your new baby. It is so strange to think these babies are in homes now in Holland, Finland, and different parts of South Africa. It is so sweet. That night I was able to carry the one day old boy on my stomach in a wrap. He is so precious. He only weighs one pound which is so bizarre. Their lives are so fragile.

I can not believe we only have one week left until we go back to the states. I do not know how I will feel. I can not wait to see my family and friends. However, I know it will be so hard to leave these babies as well as the memories, friends, and aunties behind. I have learned so much since I have been here about myself and who God has created me to be- still a work in process. It is so bizarre it will be my senior year. Sometimes I feel as though I have to have it all figured out. However, I just need to depend on God and he will reveal his plans for me and why he made me the way I am. I have truly been broken in every aspect this summer to rely fully on him. It has been so difficult; however, I am excited for the journey he has planned ahead :)

The hands of many angels called Aunties

First off I would just like to say sorry I have not posted in a while. The last blog I attempted to do continually kept getting messed up. It was about my birthday and celebrating my 21st.

It is amazing to think about the journey God has taken me on, especially my past three birthdays. When I turned 19 I was able to serve on my first ever mission trip in Slidell Louisianna building a roof for one of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The night of my birthday we were playing with a bunch of children in a trailer park. I still remember one of the girls who just wanted me to sleep over and continually play who was dear to my heart. I can not believe my first mission trip was just three years ago. My life has changed so much since then. Last year I turned 20 at Fort Caswell in North Carolina. I learned so much about God's love that summer it was incredible. I still remember the sweet teachers and kids making cards/banners/ a fruit basket (for all of you who know my love for fruit). Last summer was incredible for me and I miss Caswell a lot. This year was amazing to be able to celebrate in Johannesburg. It really has been the adventure of a lifetime from working with these beautiful babies, working in the hospital for night shift, working night shift at Door of Hope, and just recently being able to go to Johannesburg :)

This verse just reigns more true. "For I know the plans I have for you..plans to prosper you and not to harm you..plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

It is amazing to see all the plans God has had for me, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead. I just hope that I am willing to listen and obediant. I get excited each day to see what is in store.

The fog has finally cleared to see, the beautiful life you've given me- to feel the breeze of my NEWBORNS gentle breath. With one to walk hand in hand, to share this life that you have planned. It's like a STORYBOOK with dreams that are meant to every next step is an extraordinary scene.

Last week we were able to go to Cape Town for four days- another adventure of a lifetime. Cape Town is absolutely beautiful! It was amazing just soaking in the beauty of everything. From the plane we could see Table Top Mountain. Actually, you could see it from everywhere pretty much. It was a blessing to be able to go. We were able to walk around and feel safe for the first time in nearly two months. Also, we saw water for the first time this summer!

We were able to go shopping the first day in several boutiques as well as African art places. There was one store with traditional African dresses which were so much fun. I wanted to try them on, but we did not end up doing that. Also, we saw the Cape Town soccer stadium which was so exciting. The people in Cape Town are so friendly; We are not used to cars stopping or talking to anyone. We were able to talk to many of the store owners which was truly one of our favorite parts of the trip. The second day was rainy so we were able to do all of this stuff again as well. I am done shopping for gifts finally!

The third day was by far my favorite. We rented a car for the day so we could go to Boulders Beach. We drove to Table Top Mountain and began the two to three hour climb. We have not done any exercise in two months as it is unsafe to walk around JoBurg. Needless to say the climb was exhausting! I have only hiked once in my life and have seen a waterfall. This was the hike of a lifetime for me, and we saw four waterfalls that we had to cross through :) Honestly, I would not have made it without Annie. In my head I was making a devotion about the journey up the mountain. When things get tough you just need to truly depend on God for every step of the way. That may sound cheesy but it is completely true. We stopped and prayed in the middle of the trip as we were so exhausted. One point in the trip I was leading. We took and break and were about to start again. I told Annie okay lets go....1...2....3. My legs did not move, haha. I told Annie my legs were not working. Up the mountain everyone literally told us it was 30 more minutes- even when there were about two hours left. However, it was worth taking it slow and steady up the mountain. We were able to soak in all of the beauty of the ocean and Table Top Mountain :) Finally after three hours we made it to the top. I told Annie as well as my parents that I am getting married here! However, if I want my family and friends to come I guess I should not get married there :)

This is what I read at the top of the Mountain:

Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sin and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion- who satisfies your desires with good things- so that your youth is renewed like the eagles...psalm 103:2-5.

We have met people from every continent except for Antarctica this summer. We met somene from Northern Ireland, Cape Town, France, Germany, Canada, North Carolina, 30 missionaries [who moved into the same hostile as us on the same day!] from Colorado,New Zealand, Mozambique, the Congo, Cameroon, Brazil, Korea, Thailand, Austrailia, and a bunch of other places. So neat :)

We were also able to go to Robben Island which was very neat and interesting. I am wanting to learn even more about Mandela when I come back home to the states.

Off to four more nights of night shift at the Door of Hope. Night shift has been tough, but it has also been a blessing. The baby I looked after in the hospital came back to the DOH two nights ago after a month in the hospital!!! so exciting. He had so many issues and is now a somewhat healthy baby again :) Only 5 more nights of work and 2 more weeks in Joburg so crazy.

The auntie we work with at night shift sometimes is truly amazing. She has two twin daughters who are ten years old and still works night shift. Last night she told us that the babies wake up every night because they know beauty, and they want to see our faces. She also said that they smile all the time because they know they are being touched by an angel.

The aunties are the ones who are the angels. They work night shift while being pregnant, having children of their own, or just working night shift alone all the time is exhausting in many different aspects. However, they continually work with such vigor and joy. I know that I desire God to have a HUGE glorious plan for my life. I see myself working for a large non profit, teaching, or doing something with ministry. However, if God called me to work full-time for night shift being a nanny when not given much credit at all- would I be willing to do this? They are the angels.