One Week Ago

It is hard to believe that it was only a week ago when we started packing. It feels like it was only yesterday when we went out to dinner with Jenn or were playing cards with the interns. After spending time in prayer and seeking counsel from a few trusted friends and family members, we began to see that Thrive was not the place for us. We LOVE the ministry and all that it is doing for South Africa. However, the position that we were applying for was not where we felt God was calling us to work. We loved working with the interns, and we really enjoyed meeting the Outreach Staff (summer interns)! We just realized that God has given us a passion to help teenagers realize the love God has for them. We also want to show them our passion for serving others. After getting to know the Interns and Outreach Staff, we noticed that they already knew both of those! When I look back, I don't know why I didn't see it. They did give up their lives in the states to serve in South Africa for either a year or two months. However, we trust that the Lord called us to Thrive for a reason, and we know that He has taught us a lot about ourselves and our call to serve Him wherever we are. We had planned on coming home a week early, but when the most convenient ticket for July 11th became available our world was turned upside down. We were given a day to pack our bags and say our good-byes. It was nice to talk to everyone about what God had been doing in our lives. They were so appreciative of us and the time we had spent with them. After flying for a two days, we landed in Orlando, FL and were able to spend a few days with Tre's family. Yesterday, we packed the car and drove home to Nashville. It is nice to be in our own home again. We thank God for the opportunity we had to serve with Thrive, even though our trip was shortened. We will continue to pray for the ministry as well as the people serving.

4th of July South African Style

On Friday, I woke up kind of sad, because I was not going to be able to celebrate the 4th of July at home, but it turns out that the South Africans know how to host an American party!!!  After work everyone on base piled into the ministry vehicles and headed out to the Spur (like TGI Fridays or Chilli's).  When we got there we were handed a BIG FAT Cheeseburger, fries and a Coke... YUMMY!  This was good, because I had been craving a juicy burger for a few weeks.  After dinner, we were brought our dessert (ice cream and chocolate sauce), it too was very good.  As if the night couldn't any better, each table was given a stack of sparklers.  So, we waited for the opportune time to light 'em up.  When we heard Bruce Springstein's, Born in the USA, we knew it was time.  Everyone lit their sparklers and the lights in the restaurant were switched off and for 30 seconds or so it felt like the 4th of July.  After dinner, we all returned to base for a movie.  We watched an all time great and 4th of July great, "The Sandlot."  It turns out that it wasn't so bad to be in Africa during the 4th, because South Africans sure do know how to make it feel a little like home.  Hope you all had a great 4th, Lauren and I sure did.