Airplanes, babies, and more babies

Well, you'd think with all the exciting things happening my mind would be swimming with creative blog posts, but in all honesty it is just so darn tired!! I left Little Rock Monday evening and flew to Dallas. All was good so far, nothing scary about Dallas right? Then, I made that big step. One of the biggest step my short legs have taken in their life. And that's when all the bravado left me. I truly hadn't had a single fear or struggle until then, but as I walked to the very back of the plane and sat down straight across from the bathroom, I suddenly realized... "I am about to fly across the ocean!!" I was in the middle of asking the stewardess an ordinary question when I just started bawling! One of the absolute, most embarrassing moments of my life! I'm ashamed to say I cried at all. What reason had I to fear? I wasn't going alone, God was with me! That was my comfort as the stewardess gave me a Kleenex and a hug. Mean while, through my sobs the 19 year old Czech guy sitting next to me introduced himself and asked about where I was going. He then shamed me further by telling me how his dad dropped him in the states at 15! Once I got past all the drama, I had a really nice talk with him.I think God used my crying to make the point that even though it was a big deal to me to cross the ocean that Jesus Christ was a worthy reason for it. He didn't think there was a need for "religion" in his life, but I hope that God will answer my prayers and open his eyes.  We were companions until we had to go to different terminals in the London airport. I'm thankful for Him and praying for him and the things we talked about in his life.

 

Me on the plane to London

After such an unexpectedly rocky start, i was thankful when I got through London and onto plane number three. God's gracious hand was on me again. At this point I hadn't slept all night, he placed me on an nearly empty plane and I had three seats all to myself to stretch out on!

From the London Airport.

It was 6am when I arrived in Jo Burg, SA. God graciously made customs and baggage claim extremely easy and I met the Drew's very quickly after landing. They stole my heart the minute they asked, "Would you like some coffee?" And I haven't stopped loving them since. They are the most gracious of hosts and I'm learning daily by their example.

I spent my arrival day (Wednesday) trying to stay awake! The Drew's kept me busy meeting people: The babies, the caregiver, my roommate (Sarah from Switzerland...a true gem), the Macks, a German couple.. and the list goes on.. so that I wouldn't fall asleep. I also got a tour of the city, went to the grocery store, and had dinner at the Mack's (another missionary couple here and my original connection to the organization.)

At 10:00 I finally went to sleep and rested for a full 13 hours!! Thursday afternoon started my training. I got the blessed news of being told that contrary to my expectations, they have unlimited Internet access - that means more blogs and video Skype! Praise Jesus! A sweet surprise joined us: a new baby!! She's a precious little thing who is adjusting quickly. Thursday night was dinner, where I got a awesome experience talking to a couple from the church. They told us all sorts of stuff about their culture and promised to cook a few specialties for me: Chickens feet and Mopane worms!

Friday I worked in the home in the morning, had discipleship after lunch, went to awana in the afternoon, and then worked my first official shift that evening. After that I watched Invictus with Heather Drew and got an initiation into some of the history and culture here. All that is boring though.. what exciting thing happened? Another baby came!! There are now 6 babies in the home! I hope to tell you about each of the nuggets that are holding my heart right now, but I won't be able to tell you quite as much as I'd like because for their privacy and protection.

Today is Saturday, I'm not quite to normal with my times yet, but I'm getting there. I worked another shift and then went to a couples from the church's house for dinner (The hospitality here is so convicting!) and a rugby game!

I know this post is a little dry, but hey! a lot has happened! I have a lot of processing to do still :) I'm very happy and loving getting to know the rainbow country. A few things that I have learned and/or loved so far are: 

1.The kindness of the church family - everyone has been so friendly to me and genuine trying to get to know me.

2. The cultures...plural. There are 11 official languages here and just as many cultures. All around you are many accents and many different languages. There are so many tribes, all with different traditions. It's stunning (as in beautiful)!

3. My little babies, their heart-breaking stories, and their beautiful smiles and heart-stopping laughs.

4. The tradition of the Afrikaans people to walk their guests all the way out to their car as they leave.

Updated prayers:

1. Pray that I would grow in my love and relationship with Christ.

2. Pray for Martin who I met on the plane to London. Also for our brother in Christ, Randy who is met on the way to Dallas and who is reading this :)

3. Pray that I would be an encouragement to the people around me.

4. Pray that a smile would never leave my face.. even if I'm changing a nappie or mopping the floor.

5. Pray that I would be a humble servant - this is important because it will encourage the leadership of the African caregivers.

Hopefully the rest of the posts will be shorter and have more pictures and details.. but hey this is a start :) God bless!