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.

One Crazy Costume Party!!

Okay so in case you do not realize, Thrive Africa is based on a farm. There is not much to do here, and Tre and I do not have a car to go into town. Therefore, when people have birthdays, you have to be VERY creative. For Marc's half birthday, his real birthday is in December and he won't be here then, the interns decided to have a costume party. Everyone was borrowing clothes and ideas from their roommates. Well, my roommate Tre does not have a lot to choose from. So after a few days of trying to figure out what to do, our final conclusion was to go as each other. However, Tre thought it would be funny to go as a pregnant version of me. No, that is not a sign of the near future. Anyway, we had an absolute blast at the party. All the interns and outreach staff did an AMAZING job at dressing up!! We posted a picture of the ten interns that we have had the privilege to work with for the past three weeks. There are soo many great pictures, but I did not want to scare you. Have a laugh on us, we know that we look silly! On the intern picture . . from Left to Right . . Marc (a truck driver/Larry the Cable Guy), Matt M. (Indiana Jones), Kaylen (Frank Sinatra), Matt P. (Jester), Shannon (Sethoto Bell), Jace (African tooth fairy), Jodi (Cindy Lou Who, from the Grinch), and Katie T. (a substitute teacher). Bottom row - Crystal (Marc, the birthday boy) and Katie M. (80s aerobic instructor).

Only a Kid . . .

Sorry it's been awhile, things have been busy here in South Africa. But I wanted to take a moment and share a funny story about one of the kids here. Every week Tre and I get to go with the interns to the local orphanage. It's definitely a highlight of our week. Tre has befriended a young boy named Lunga. Now, Lunga is a rambunctious boy who is everywhere and gets into everything. This particular afternoon, Lunga ran up to Tre with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, similar to a dog, and drool was going everywhere! We couldn't figure out what he was doing. Then, Tre had remembered that earlier a few kids found a bottle of seasoning and of course shook it everywhere, some even landed on a slide. So Tre asked him if he licked the slide. As the boy nodded, Tre and I couldn't help but laugh. Only a kid would be curious enough to actually lick a slide!! Tre took him inside to get a drink, and then he was back to normal; running and playing around. We may never know the difference one afternoon will make in these kids lives. We only pray that our presence will give them a glimpse of the love that God has for them. I would have to say that this orphanage is full of love, as it is set up like a big family. The kids are very happy and enjoy hanging out with each other.

God's Beauty!!

Hello everybody! Things have been going well around Harrismith, as the weather has been absolutely beautiful! The temperature has been warm enough to be outside without a jacket, which is very enjoyable. Yesterday, we went with the interns to the orphanage and had another great experience with the kids. Some of them even recognized us from last week! Thrive is located on a farm called Mt. Everest. There are three main mountains on the property, plus tons of large rocks to go bouldering. (Jodi and Tre are rock climbing on a boulder-picture on the right). Evidently people come from all over to go rock climbing on the property. They come and camp out in tents or stay in the chalets. Below is a picture of an ostrich that we saw from up the hill! There are only two on the property, so its pretty sweet that we saw one. :) We can go hiking whenever the weather is nice, and when someone will lead the way. So after a little begging, we went climbing today!! We didn't go all the way to the top, but we climbed up some steep parts and large rocks. The interesting part was that we couldn't find a path, so we climbed through bushes and tall thatch everywhere we went. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the property. The picture below/right is the mountain that we climbed up to. If you look closely, you can see the cave towards the left. The picture below/left is Tre, Marc, and Matt at the mouth of the cave. Tre is wearing his blue Beckham jersey, Marc is in a red shirt, and Matt is close to the rock in a gray shirt. Those boys were very adventurous.

Praise God!

I just wanted to take a moment to Praise God! Not that I have not been praising Him all week, but you know what I mean. For those of you who read our emails, you know that Tre was asked to speak at church tonight. He had been preparing all week, as God had been speaking to him through different situations. Well, I would just like to say that I was definitely a proud wife tonight. He spoke from the heart, and was very captivating. Well, until he made a joke at my expense. :) Fortunately, I was able to laugh it off, and I don't think my face turned too many shades of red. It was evident that people were really responsive at the end as well. It was enjoyable to see the staff and interns interacting in conversation and laughter!! A large group of people stayed in the upper living room to just hang out. Some were playing cards (of course), some watching a movie, and others just enjoying the company. It was great to soak it all in. So thank you for your prayers, we are receiving so many blessings from the Lord. Stay encouraged in all you do, He will never leave you!

Our home away from home . . .

Several of you had asked about our small hut that we are currently living in. The base refers to it as a rondavel. Basically a round room with a bed, couch, side table, armoire, sink, and mirror. Our bathroom is a separate rondavel without any form of heat. Do not worry though, after a few minutes hot water is accessible!! The great thing about our small room is that it stays fairly warm with one space heater! We have learned how to layer on cold nights. For example, last night when it got down to 15F I slept with gloves, three shirts, two pants, and my wonderful down slippers(thanks Lindsay)!