A South African Chronicle

The Walker Family Visits SA

2010-05-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

       These past two and a half weeks, I had the amazing blessing of touring the Garden Route with my parents and my older brother Nathan who came to South Africa to see what all the fuss was about. After a grueling two days of traveling from Seattle and Santa Barbara, respectively, they arrived safely in Cape Town, where Nate and I had arranged to meet them after taking the 7-hour bus ride from George.
       As a family, we spent a long weekend touring the Cape, wine tasting, visiting with a wonderful missionary family from our home church in Seattle, seeing the African penguins at Boulder's beach, seeing the view from the Cape of Good Hope, taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, and much more. It's a spectacular city, unlike any other, and it left quite an impression on the Walker family.
       From there, driver Nate, navigator Nathan, and tour-guide Kristen directed the party east, past Hermanus and Cape Agulhas (the Southern Most tip in Africa), to the small city of George that has been home to the Life Academy students for the past four months. It was the perfect base from which we could explore the entire garden route. Some of the highlights were the two days of safaris at Schotia game reserve and Addo Elephant reserve, surfing the waves at Jeffery's Bay, kayaking and hiking through the eden-like jungle near Wilderness and picnicking at the waterfall at the top, a trip over the Outeniqua mountain passes for spectacular views, and watching the sunset over the Knysna Heads. It was truly an unforgettable few weeks, and an absolute blessing to have my family be a part of this wonderful, African experience.
       Below are just a few pictures of our travels!

Wendy and Kristen overlooking the Knysna Heads at dusk

Walker family at the Ebb and Flow waterfalls in Wilderness, after a breathtaking hike and kayak trip through the western cape jungle.

Hippos outside the lodge at Schotia Game Park. The "yawn" of this female hippo, contrary to popular belief, is not a sign of fatigue, but rather a warning to us onlookers: "This mouth full of powerful teeth is what I have for you if you get any closer."

The Walker family in the Safari Land Cruiser with our game driver, George.

Wildlife crossing the road in front of our truck.

Nathan taking a photo of the lioness resting beside out safari truck.

A close encounter with the mother lioness of the pride. She seemed completely unconcerned by the fact that she was blocking the road, and we were in no hurry to challenge her.

Nate and Nathan watching an elephant graze in Addo Elephant Sanctuary.

The surfers take on Jeffery's Bay, the second best waves in the world

Nathan catches a wave

Walking back along the beach after a successful afternoon of surfing.

The Walker family overlooking Plettenburg bay, about half-way between Port Elizabeth and George.

Nathan and Dad explore the rocky coastline.

Nathan overlooking the Little Karoo on our way over the Outeniqua Mountains towards the small, quaint town of Prince Albert. The dirt mountain road wound its way through one of the most breathtaking passes any of us had seen.

Kristen and Wendy watching for Whales in Hermanus.

Mozambique

2010-04-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

First, let me apologize for the long delay in posting. We've been away as a group and have just this week returned to George (and the luxury of internet access). I wish I knew how to describe the past month in a way that would adequately convey our experience, but I just don't think it's possible.

Late Monday night three weeks ago, all eight members of Life Academy climbed into a small, extended cab pickup truck with all our suitcases, sleeping bags and pads, as well as supplies. With three crammed in the bed of the truck with the luggage, three in the back of the cab, and two up front, we rotated positions as we drove the 15 hour journey overnight to Johannesburg. After relaxing for a day in the biggest city in South Africa, we took off again for the remaining 8 hour trip across the border to Mozambique. The border crossing itself took almost three hours; 10 minutes to leave the well-organized South African side, and the rest spent waiting in limbo land to get visas on the chaotic, crowded Mozambique side. It took a great deal of patience and cunning for Mitch to get us all approved, but once we finally drove past the gate and the half dozen guards with AK-47 machine guns, we entered an entirely different world.

While the road was noticeably worse, the beautiful scenery took our breath away. As we approached the capital city of Maputo, the streets became crowded with old, imported cars overloaded with people. A two-lane road accommodated five lanes of traffic: three for speeding cars and taxi vans, one for big trucks slowly chugging along in clouds of black smoke, one for motor-scooter taxis, pull carts, and donkeys, and one on the far outside for crowds of local women carrying baskets and buckets of water on their heads.

Just outside Maputo we met Kate, the director of Project Purpose, at her home in the suburb of Matola. She is an amazing woman, with a passion and love for God that overflows into her service ministry. Project Purpose works with young inner-city girls who have been forced into prostitution either by their families or to be able to feed themselves and their children. Kate has spent the last 10 years or so building relationships with these young women (ages 12-25 on average), providing medical help, teaching job skills and helping them go back to school (many never even make it past 3^rd grade). She shares with them that Christ loves them and wants to have a relationship with them, that God has a plan and purpose for their life, and that they are worth far more than just their bodies. It was an amazing experience for all of us to get to meet a number of the young ladies, to see where and how they live, and to help Kate in her work. Maputo is an amazing city: dirty, crowded, loud, vibrant, and poor. The young prostitutes find shelter in old bombed out buildings downtown, or in shabby reed shacks in the lowest parts of the biaros (ghettos). It would be impossible to find them if it weren't for Kate's excellent knowledge of the winding back roads of the city and her impressive 4-wheel driving skill. There are pot holes and mud puddles on those dirt roads that would eat small cars whole!

In addition to the inter-city outreach, Project Purpose also has a ministry base in a nearby suburb, a safe distance from the craziness of Maputo. There, Project Purpose staff run a safe house for almost 20 of the young children of a number of the street girls. (In order to protect the kids, we've been asked to keep details about the safe house's location to a minimum, and to not share the names of any of the children currently living there.) The end goal of Project Purpose for the young women trapped in prostitution is to get them out of danger, off the street, and into a new life of freedom where they can live in safety with their children. Many of them struggle, however, to escape their current situations. A number of the young prostitutes have entered their children into the Project Purpose safe house where they know they'll be safe from the dangers of street life. There, Kate's ministry team works to ensure that the kids get regular food and schooling, not to mention the love and care of a whole team of supportive Project Purpose educators. As a group, we got to spend a great deal of time playing with this group of wonderful kids. They are so full of energy and life, and boy, how they love to be held and cuddled and tickled! We all enjoyed learning new dances and worship songs with the kids, as well as getting the opportunity to lead afternoon activities.

In the evenings, our group would gather back at Kate's house for dinner and group devotions. Some of the most challenging conversations and the deepest personal and spiritual growth happened around that veranda table as the sun was setting and the mosquitos were beginning to stir. We grew closer as a team for sure, sharing our stories and our struggles and growing together through the eye-opening experiences of the day. Needless to say, we were all sad to leave, but none of us left empty handed. We've come back to George with changed hearts and opened eyes, and we continue to pray that our work here in the local townships will make a difference in the lives of the kids. We are ever grateful for the experiences and adventures of the past four months and we can't wait to see where God takes us next. Thank you all for your continued prayer and support!

Stay tuned for the next post detailing our return car trip from Mozambique and our stop in Kruger National Park!

Another Fantastic Week

2010-03-19T03:24:00.000-07:00

It's been another wonderful week here in South Africa!

This past weekend we had the opportunity to travel to Cape Town to see, explore, and learn about one of the biggest cities in South Africa. It was a great trip, and we enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the country as a whole! The two of us had several awesome opportunities to see Cape Town harbor, visit the local V.O.C. (Dutch East India Trading Company) Castle (that is one of the oldest "modern" buildings in the whole of Africa), explore downtown, go to a rugby game, and travel up to the base of Table Mountain. We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed growing as a group (through traveling together) and enjoying new experiences a as couple.

Early in the week we also had the joy of working both at Protea Park (through Life Community Services) and helping to cultivate a local school garden in Blanco. It's was great to work alongside the kids, and we have continued to learn about what it is like to live in the townships as well as how these programs work to make a difference in the lives of the children living there.

Here's some pics from our week!

The Cape Town Harbor (R to L: Nathan (from America and a Graduate Seminary student here for the next 4 months), Catherine, Kristen, Rosy, Emma, and Shauna

Kristen and Nate in the courtyard of the Castle with Table Mountain behind us (with cloudy table cloth too!)

The two of us at the rugby match (Western Cape Stomers and New Zeland Hurricanes)

Kristen and Nate at the bast of Table Mountain with view out over Cape Town

Having fun in Protea Park

Several other kids we worked with at Protea Park

The view from outside the classroom in Protea Park looking up towards the mountains surrounding George

Working in the gardens at a local school just outside Blanco. Here we're working on re-weeding (which we did a lot of the week before), turning up the soil, and planting.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support. Blessings on your week!

Loving It - by Nate Dreesmann

2010-03-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello again from George!

It's been a fantastic but challenging past several weeks as we have been continuing to expand our horizons, grow, and learn. We have continued to work in several areas including the Badorchard, Blanco, and Protea Park townships, Kid's Stop, and even a bit in the Thembalethu township. This last week we also began our first week of work in the Parkdene township as well. I think we are steadily getting used to a lot of the unsaid culture differences, as well as growing more bold as to take chances and put ourselves out there more and more.

I'm realizing that it is less of me trying to say or do the right things, and more of just stepping out and being willing to be open and honest with those I am around – whether that be with people in our group, those we work with and alongside, and even with the kids. Being willing to share my time, play, or just talk are all so much more important that finishing a project or doing things my way or within my time schedule.

To be honest, I feel as if a lot of living in community and working in a foreign country is learning to see things and do things from a different perspective. The more I give-up my preconceived notions on how things “must” be done, often the smoother a project goes. This not to say that there's something wrong about doing things a certain way to be effective or getting things done in a timely manner, rather, I think I'm reevaluating my priorities and realizing (as I have before) the need to keep growing and being willing to grow throughout my life.

It has been incredible to work with the kids, and here's some pics of what we've been doing:

Playing "Sharks and Minnows" with the kids at Kid's Stop

One of the kids at Kid's Stop

Adorable son of Trudy, one of the workers at Kid's Stop

Two girls Kristen got to play games with in Blanco. (Also notice the wall and divide between the nicer housing beyond and the township)

Another one of the little girls with a view of the Blanco township behind her

Kristen and another one of the young women

Some of the kids in the meal line at Blanco

A better view of the meal line at Blanco

Serving the kids their meal for the day (this guy was awesome, totally polite, and always says "thank you")

A view from behind the Parkdene Baptist Church out over the township

Thanks again for all your love and support!

Kid's Stop - by Nate Dreesmann

2010-03-04T03:24:00.000-08:00

Hello again from South Africa!

It's been another week of challenges, learning, and growth, and I am happy to say that life goes on. I think the hardest thing has been seeing the utter poverty that many of these kids live in, and then being able to just go back to a place where we have running water, hot showers, a refrigerator, and even carpeted floors. I feel like if I had to live like that, I would be so miserable, uncomfortable, and sad... yet in the midst of living in utter poverty, the kids are happy. They can smile, have fun, and make the best of it.

This last week we worked at Kid's Stop and actually ran a program for the kids. Jason lead some warm-up activities, Kristen gave a message about honoring your own body and respecting others', Shauna read a bible passage that pertained to the lesson, and Catherine closed with prayer for the kids. After this Kristen and the other ladies led several games of “Four-Corners” while Jason started up a game of soccer down on the field with the kids. We had to step out of our comfort zones, teach a little and learn a lot, and just make some stuff work, but we did it, and coming out the other end I think it was a fantastic experience for all of us.

Jason and Kristen getting ready to lead the "warm-up" activity

From R to L - Jason, Kristen, Emma, Shauna, and Catherine leading the warm-up!

Kristen teaching

The kids playing "Four Corners"

Jason (bottom left) leading/reffing soccer

A view out over Borchads (a township in George) from the Kid's Stop building

Thanks again for all your prayers and support!
Best Wishes,
-nate

Rain and Abseiling

2010-02-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

It's a rainy Monday here in George, and while we students are a little bummed to be cooped up inside, the whole town in rejoicing. The garden route area has been experiencing the worst drought in the 130 years since they started recording rain fall. The town of George gets its water from a reservoir in the hills above the city. As of Saturday, the water level had dropped to 18% of its regular capacity. If the dam level drops to 16%, the city has to stop pumping water, and everyone's on their own to buy bottled water or dig wells or find water wherever they can. The implications for the cities poorest residents is catastrophic, since many of the families in the townships cannot even afford basic necessities. But God is answering prayers here as we speak because its been raining straight for almost 24 hours. It's not enough to refill the dam yet, but its enough to tie the city over for a little while longer.

This past week has been pretty eventful for the Life Academy students. Our resident director, Mitch, left for a two week visit to see his family in Durban, so we're on our own in many ways. We have a pretty regular schedule that we follow, involving our discipleship and personal development classes in the mornings and several volunteer services in the afternoons, and it's been neat to bond as a group as we figure out our way around George. Normally Mondays are quite full. We spend the day with LIFE Community Services, working in the soup kitchen preparing meals for hundreds of underprivileged school children in the townships, helping to watch over and play with kids at one of the 10 or so outreach centers, and leading after-school activities to help keep kids and teens off the streets and out of gangs.

Today, however, we're a bit stranded. This past Friday, our Volkswagen Van (aka the Combi) simply wouldn't start. We towed it to the shop, and the diagnosis was grim: “We have no idea what's wrong with it.” We're meeting as a group with the ministry director Jono to work out a game plan to help us get to our service ministry commitments this next week, and we're praying God will open a door and provide OAM with the physical transportation it needs to be able to serve the community.

Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support, and we are so blessed by all the encouraging letters and emails.

I'll leave you with a few photos from this past weekends adventure activity: abseiling!

The group heading up the trail towards the top of the cliff face

Kristen descending down towards the lagoon

Safe in the raft below!

The cliff face we abseiled down (approx. 30 meters high)

Nate about to leap into the salty water to cool off after everyone had made it down the rock face

Kayaking

2010-02-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Hello from George. We're entering our second month her in South Africa, and we've had an amazing experience thus far. Our daily lives have settled into a more comfortable routine as we're adjusting to the culture, the classes/discussions, the service ministries, and each other. We're jumping head first into the 'adventure' portion of our time here as well. Martinez, the same awesome guide who lead the orientation hike, is leading our Friday wilderness challenges. This past week was our first outing. Wee borrowed kayaks from a local friend, loaded up the Combi, and headed east, towards Knysna. We pulled off the road about 6km up river from Buffel's Bay (aka Buffalo Bay in English). As the clouds rolled in, we snuck our kayaks across a horse pasture and pulled them into the river. It was a long paddle, almost three hours, before we reach Buffel's Bay where our resident director Mitch was waiting to pick us up, but along the way we had a lot of fun laughing, singing Disney songs, observing the beautiful birds and wildlife, and enjoying the quiet countryside. It was such a a blessing to be able to participate, despite my continual struggles with my foot (which now seems to be slowly on the mend, but which had digressed to the point of a full boot and crutches). Photos will be coming soon! We miss you all terribly, and we are so thankful for your continued prayer and support!!!

With love from Africa,

Kristen

Emma, Catherine, and Nate riding in the back of the Combi in route to launch site

The group on the river

Kristen paddling hard

A Quick Update - By Nate Dreesmann

2010-02-13T03:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

This has been a challenging week with classes and service. The last three mornings we spent turning-over scripture passages and thinking about our ideas of what being a Church means, what are some big issues today in general, as well as personal struggles and corporate struggles in our group. It has been hard at times, yet it has been truly good for each of us to be able to talk-though things that have been on our hearts and minds over the last month or so.

In addition, we did some work with two after-school programs again this week. The one on Wednesday was really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed helping to dish out soup for the kids after playing games and just spending time with them. With this program, called Blanco, we usually spend the first hour or so doing some sort of activity with the kids, who range in age from 3 years old to around 13 years old. Then, we dish-out soup for them. The kids come with bowls, coffee cups, Tupperware bins, empty butter or margarine containers, and anything else they find for us to fill, and then they also get some bread to eat too.

I am always challenged through these experiences, especially as these could be on the only meals the kids get for the day. It makes me realize how blessed I've been in my life, and it gives me a desire deep within me to bless these kids too... but then again, that's why I'm here! I get the opportunity to be hands and feet of service, and Kristen and I are eager and stoked to get involved, give of ourselves, and help in whatever ways we can.

Thank you so much for your support, cause without you none of this would be possible!

On a different note, here's some photos so you can all get a glance into what we've been up to:

Our hiking group. From L to R: Catherine, Emma, Jason, Me, Mitch, Marthinues (pronounced like Martinez), Rosie, and Shauna

Kris with our neighbor's horse... I had to convince her that we couldn't take it home.

Me braving some reeds, bushes, and knee-to-waist deep river water. The water's orange from the plant roots in the area. Apparently their effect is similar to tea leaves...

Makani -- our home for the next 5 months!

The Kombi -- our transportation to work, service, and everything in between. It's kinda like a Volkswagen Vanagon... only everything's a little backwards...

Kristen, Shauna, Emma, and Rosie the day before Catherine arrived

Me trying to learn how to play Cricket with Jason, Johnny, Ruben, and Ben (Jono's son, seen here)

George at sunset

Kristen and her "new and improved" leg brace. We saw an Orthapedic Doctor here and he gave her the brace and crutches...

Me and my surfing battle wounds... which are not as bad as they look, and not all that impressive (to be honest). I tried to body-surf some rocks before getting into the water with my board. Unlucky for me, they weren't as streamline as I had hoped...

A Litchi -- my new favorite South African fruit

The Rain Spider we found in the Ladies' Bedroom last night. It was about 7-8 inches in diameter with it's legs out. Mitch decided it was best to put it outside.

Another pic of the Rain Spider, safely captured and next to my hand for size reference. They are not really poisonous to humans, but actually eat a lot of other bugs that we don't really like around. But, we still thought it would be best to put it outside.

Well, that's it for now. I'll update with more pics soon, thanks again for your support!

Cheers,

-nate

The First Week - By Nate Dreesmann

2010-02-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hello again from South Africa!

It's been a week already, and already we're beginning to grow into the culture, cultivate new friendships and relationships, and see what our time here might entail. Today we spent the day with an organization called Life Community Services, and each of us was divided-up to help in different areas. Kristen got the chance to work in the kitchen with several other of the women, and afterwords worked to sort and distribute donated clothing to local children in need. Others went out to one of the food distribution centers to help with distribution as well as games and activities. I had the unique experience of starting the process of converting an 8 ½' X ~ 20' storage shed into a classroom for preschool children. I, and two other volunteers, removed as much as we could from the shed, and then began the process of filling-over one of the three window panes and removing the other two for replacement. So, I removed the plank siding on one side, cut new planking, and then (with help) re-installed the newly-cut planks over the empty space while the other guys were fitting one of the new window frames.

Today was our first day of actually spending a full day on-site. This whole month is supposed to be a litmus test for us to see where we would like to or feel led to serve, and this past week was evidence of that. We spend Monday doing preparations and getting some household assignments done. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we had discussion-based lecture time with our head lecturer, Jono, and bible study leader, Jillian. Then, in the afternoons of these days we spent time playing games and doing activities with children in different townshipsbefore we helped distribute food to them. A huge problem here (in addition to the recent drought that George is experiencing) is families not being able to provide food for their children. Thus, there are several organizations, such as Life Community Services that, among other things, focus heavily on feeding children as well as providing activities for them to participate in (to keep them out of gangs or from begging at street corners).

Friday and Saturday were our “play days” for the week, and we spent the time in a staff bible study Friday morning and at the beach in the afternoon and evening. Early Saturday morning I went surfing for the first time here and attempted to body-surf some rocks on the way out to the local surfing spot... thus I got a little banged-up prior to actually getting to surf. But, in the end it was great to get out and finally experience some South African waves! That afternoon we met up with some people from our evening church to play volleyball at (you guessed it) the beach. Sundays we have generally been going to two church services. One in the morning, which is more Evangelical in nature, though I believe it is officially Non-Denominational. In the evenings, our main lecturer, Jono, leads a church call 24/7 Church in a local business center. It's a very small church (only around 30 people, max make up the body), yet it is a great community for us to be a part of.

Personally, I have been really challenged the last week or so. From different ideas about how the Holy Spirit works, to feeding hungry kids their only meal of the day before I go home and stuff myself with pasta – these experiences are challenging me not only spiritually and physically, but mentally and emotionally. “Character is not something that happens, it is something that is built over time”, one of my fellow students said, and I think that is a big part of this time for me. It's time to reflect on lessons that I'm learning, talk-through difficulties, process complex ideas, and grow in my understanding of the world and myself. It's awesome and scary at the same time, yet it's also good.
Thanks again for your prayers and support. Keep our team in your thoughts and prayers this week as we continue to get outside our comfort zones and learn to serve those around us.
Blessings,
-nate

ps – the pics! I'm sorry be behind with pics as far as from our service projects and stuff... I'm still trying to make sure it's safe for me to bring my camera with me, find time to do it, etc... I'll post some more stuff asap!!

The Backpacking Trip - by Nate Dreesmann

2010-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

It's our first full day at Makani after our 10-day backpacking/mountaineering trip and it feels great to be back! The trip began gradually with a stay-over at a cabin the first night and a nice cave overhang the next, yet my ideas of what a camping trip might entail was challenged greatly over the next eight days that followed. We walked through trail no wider than a foot with a hundred-foot drop on one side and a wall of rock on the other, through rain and mist, through water that was up to and over our waists, and over and down waterfalls and mountain pools. We climbed over and through brush that stood up to our chests, and made our way over several mountain passes and even “bagged” (climbed) a peak of over 900 meters! To be honest it was a terribly difficult trip that tried both our bodies and minds, but through it we became a better team and better individuals. To be honest I don't think any of us could have expected the challenges that came, yet I am so very glad we had the opportunity to grow and mature through it. The end of the trip came with a day and a half fast in which Kristen was able to join us at an awesome cave with beautiful flowing pools and a wonderful valley view. We returned home yesterday, got a some McDonalds burgers to welcome us back to civilization, and then had a reunion with several other students and our leaders at an awesome Italian restaurant. We look forward to our two church services tomorrow, and then beginning our service work on Monday.

I think something that really hit me on the trip was a phrase I like to throw out: “If it wasn't difficult, it probably wouldn't be worth doing.” I usually would say this in terms of relationships or other things, but I definitely felt it applied to our trip as well. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, yet it was also one of the most worthwhile things ever. We were able to walk through areas that have never been explored, and we saw some wildlife and views that were nothing short of awesome. I think this trip was an opportunity for us to really get outside of our comfort zones, do something we may not initially have had the strength or ability to do, and to come out on top realizing both our ability to overcome and our utter need for Christ. It was definitely a great learning experience, but I see it more as a time where I grew to understand what it means to be a man or woman of God.

Please continue to pray for us as we continue to learn, grow, and mature in our faith. Pray also for our fellow students as well as our leaders too! Thanks for all your support through all of this, we've been here for almost three weeks, yet we're just beginning to immerse ourselves in the culture and wonder of South Africa. It's great, and we look forward to keeping you all in the loop!
Blessings,
-nate

Around the world

2010-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

As unbelievable as it may seem, I'm writing this note tonight from the far side of the world. As the other students and I sit around the living room trading stories and laughing with new friends, it's crazy to think how far we all have traveled to be here. There's five students from Northern Ireland, one from the opposite side of South Africa, and Nate and I from the US. It was a grueling 40-hour trip from Seattle with little sleep and lots of time spent wandering around airports, but everything went as smoothly as possible. Despite the blizzard-like weather, we made it in and out of London Heathrow with only a few hours delay, and while our plane was late leaving Johanessburg, we made it safely will all our luggage intake.Here we are checking in at SeaTac airport before our first flight:

Since being here, we've gotten a chance to tour around the town of George and spend some quality time getting to know the other students and directors. It's a beautiful town, similar in a number of ways to Southern California. It sits atop ocean cliffs and is shadowed by a range of green, almost tropical mountains. It's summer here, and the air is warm and humid. There's wild peacocks, giant totuses, and monkeys running around the yard, and extra large bugs crawling across the walls.

George, while surrounded by natural beauty, is also a town divided. Seperate communities of Blacks, Coloureds, and Whites border each other across the town. Gorgeous three story dutch colonial homes sit across the street from overcrowded townships filled with tin and cardboard huts. The longer we're here, the more our eyes are opened to the overwhelming need.

Tomorrow morning is our orientation meeting where we'll learn about our classes and our service ministries. It's truly amazing to be here after so many months of preparation. Everyday is a new adventure and we feel so blessed to be able to participate.

"The Boot"

2010-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

The time seems to have flown by since this summer, since I first knew I was embarking on this wonderful adventure. The days remaining before our departure have dwindled down to a mere six, and our anticipation and excitement has grown steadily greater as the 12th of January approaches. The process of organizing all the necessary items has begun, soon to be followed by the packing of the bags. One suitcase, max 44 lbs, and one carry on item is all we can take for our six month journey. We'll take the essentials, the things we don't think we'll find there, and the rest will be left behind. This thursday, Nate Dreesmann, my fiance, is driving up from San Jose to Seattle, a long two day trip. We'll fly out together on Tuesday, Jan. 12th.

Yet in the midst of all these exciting preparations, I was hit with a storm cloud this week that has changed my expectations and altered our plans in a unexpected way. I have recently sustained an injury to my foot, and yesterday got the results back from my MRI scan. My left foot, my toes in particular, have numerous stress fractures in multiple places, in addition to wide-spread bursitis, or swelling and inflammation of the joints. Needless to say, I was completely heart broken at the diagnosis. My doctor wanted to cast my lower leg immediately, but since I am about to travel outside of the country (and casting carries with it high risks of blood clots, especially when not monitored), we have settled on a boot designed to keep my foot immobile. It's a particularly bizarre looking contraption, and while it serves its purpose well, I must admit to the hilarity of its appearance. I'm seriously considering adding buttons and ridiculous patches to give it some pizzaz. :) God is good, for if it weren't for the substitution of the boot instead of a cast, my journey might have been delayed. And while I am a bit discouraged that I will not be able to walk long distances or run, like I normally love to do, for many weeks, I am so blessed that I am able to go despite my injury. I know God has a purpose and a plan, and I believe he is asking me to go to South Africa to serve for a purpose, and I am greatly looking forward to it. I am trusting that there is a reason while this injury has occurred at this particular time, and that I will be able to serve in a way I would otherwise have missed. And above all, I am learning to trust, have faith, and smile at the goodness of God and the goofiness of myself. This promises to be the greatest adventure of any orthopedic boot ever, and I am sure that it will lead to lots of laughs and memories along the way.

Both Nate and I feel so blessed by this opportunity to serve and learn, and we are immeasurably grateful for the love and support of our friends and family. We would be so thankful for your prayers as we prepare to leave next week, and we look forward to keeping in touch with all of you, through pictures, emails, and blog posts of course. Blessings!

Introduction

2009-12-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family, thank you so much for all your support and encouragement over the past few months. I am about to embark on an exciting and challenging adventure, and as I go, I will be using this blog to post updates, share photos, ask for prayer, and recount the stories of my time in South Africa.

For a bit of background, let me describe how it is that I have come to this point and all the exciting things that have been happening in my life lately. After graduating this past May from Westmont College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design, I’ve been living and working in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. I have been immeasurably blessed by being able to find an exciting position as a graphic and web designer at Phase 3 Enterprises. I am an active participant in Santa Barbara Community Church, where I have found a church family whose support and prayer continually encourage and inspire me. I continue to pursue art, both in painting and graphic design. In my free time, I enjoy running, sailing, serving in the local community, spending quality time with friends, and being outside in the beautiful Santa Barbara scenery. I have been so greatly blessed, both in the wonderful Christian liberal arts education I received at Westmont College, and with the loving friends, family, and church body surrounding me. Having been so blessed, I now feel led to use my passions, my gifts, and all that I have learned to serve those in need in a completely different part of our world.

On January 12, my fiancee Nate Dreesmann and I will be leaving for a six-month service and discipleship journey to George, South Africa, with an organization called Out of Africa Missions. The driving passion behind the ministry is to provide the opportunity for young men and women to be visible, acting, faithful servants in underprivileged communities. During my six-month stay, I will be placed in service opportunities where I will have the chance to participate in social action projects and ministry organizations. We are going to be working with a variety of ministries including working with street kids in townships, leading afterschool tutoring programs, providing medical relief, visiting AIDS patients, working in the local orphanages, repairing and building homes in underprivileged communities, praying with families and congregations in the community, and much more.

This trip provides an opportunity to address the physical needs of a community that is desperately in need. While it promises to be an amazing adventure and a wonderful opportunity to share the gifts and blessings I have received, I have no doubt it will be a stretching, eye-opening experience as well. I would be so thankful for your thoughts and prayers for my journey and for those whose lives will be touched through the work done by Out of Africa Missions.

I am so grateful for your prayers for safety, good health, smooth travel, and financial support. I know God has a plan for my life, one that will bring me hope and a future, and I am trusting in Him whole-heartedly to use this trip to make a positive difference in the community of George, South Africa.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement! Stay tuned for more updates!!