Trying to get settled....

I made it safely to Durban. Even though the bus ride was long it got to see a lot of the country and it is beautiful. The weather has been absolutely wonderful. Not to hot, not to cold and with a light breeze. I am staying at a lovely Bed & Breakfast for now while I am looking for a place to live. That will be quite an adventure considering I am getting acclimated to the area.

I went out to Shongweni on Saturday with a friend to visit Pastor Thwala. We had a nice visit considering this was the first meeting with him. I went to visit another friend and saw a few of the orphans. They remembered me and that was nice to be greeted by their smiles. I will have lots of work to do but with God's help I will get it done. After all this is not about me, it's about what God called me to do. I am truly blessed.

On the road again...

Well I'm back in Pretoria but only to get packed. I am heading to Durban in the morning. Middleburg was great and I made so many new friends. On my last day they had a surprise braai (barbeque) for me which was quite unexpected. It was a nice time and they had so many nice things to say.

Zulu culture focuses on relationships and I definitely have made some very good relationships in Middleburg. I will have to go back to visit. My Zulu lessons were awesome and I learned so much. I'm not fluent yet but slowly getting there.

Durban here I come. I will be taking a rather long bus ride but excited to see some of the country as I travel. I will look for a place to live next week and get some things sorted out. Then the team from the U.S.A. arrives on the 19th. I look forward to going to Ntshongweni and seeing old friends.

Sala kalhe

Springtime in S.A.

Today the 1st of September is the start of Spring and everyone has Spring fever. The children get to wear regular clothes today. They all are ready to go the pool, play soccer and netball, have braai's (barbeques). It is a fun day.

The weather is warmer and hopefully my cold will be gone soon. It is getting better. My Zulu lessons are going well and I am learning a lot. So to all of my family and friends Happy Spring Day!!!!

Sala kahle (stay well)

Middleburg (Mhluzi..in Zulu)

Sawubona (hello)!!! It's been 2 weeks and I do apologize for not updating my blog. I have been in Middleburg and internet access is limited. I have to go into town a few days a week just to check emails. I did have access to a dial-up connection but it was not working the past week. I am doing well and yes, I have been taking Zulu lessons....Ngifunda isiZulu ( I am learning Zulu). It will take lots of repetition. I am staying in the township with Rev. and Mrs. Khumalo. They have been wonderful host and have opened their home and hearts to me. The township is a mixture of big houses with squatter homes scattered throughout.

My first week I spent time with a group call Caring Friends. They are a group of women who do home care for those infected with HIV/AIDS as well as other chronic illnesses. They also look after OVC (orphans & vulnerable children). They also do outreach in the community. I was able to go with them to hand out condoms one day. They are a wonderful group of women.

My second week was spent with LoveLife, which is a HIV/AIDS campaign that changes the behavior and attitude of young people. We spent a week at the Manyano Primary School and did some lessons in the classrooms. I have met so many wonderful people in Middleburg and they are helping to make it a great experience.

I am trying lots of new foods. One of the main things that they eat is called PAP. It is a hard porridge and is eaten with meat and would take the place of rice or potatoes in the U.S. It will take some getting used to. Vegetables are a main staple, especially beet root. I am trying.

I was surprised to see that almost everyone has a cell phone. Many people even have satellite on their houses. So I am able to watch U.S. shows. So Things are going very well. Thank you for all of the prayers.

Sala kahle (stay well)

Settling in

It's 4:25pm in the afternoon here in South Africa and many of my friends are still in bed and some are getting ready for church. It's a bit weird that when I'm getting ready for bed they are enjoying the day and when I'm getting up they are winding down for the day. But such is life...it's different for now and exciting. Today is another cold day but without the rain and hail from yesterday.

So the big question is what have I been doing so far. On Friday I went to the mall with Cindy Rodewald (LCMS Regional director's wife). I will have no problems getting the things I need. There was even an iStore so I can take my Macbook in if I have any issues. Yes there is even a movie theater with all the current movies even Bruno. So I will have fun things to do on the weekend. Saturday I stayed in doors due to the rain. Today I attended church with the Rodewalds at the Lutheran Seminary. It was good but I miss Pastor Jeff's sermons. I will have to catch up with them on via podcast.

After church a group of Liberian seminary students and friends of the Rodewalds came over for a visit. It was nice getting to meet new people and hear about Liberia. Will have to visit one day. Next week I go to Middleberg to start my Zulu language and culture training. Excited....yes, nervous...a bit. Well that's all for now as I am settling in.

I'm here!!!

I'm here!!!! After a very long flight I landed safely in Joburg. After waiting what seemed liked forever I found the driver that was waiting for me and was on my way to Pretoria. I will be staying here with the Regional Director Mike Rodewald and his family as I get my plans together. The weather is cold here and I will have to adjust after coming from 113 degrees in Phoenix. All is well and I am excited to see how God will use me. To my family and friends thank you for all of your continued prayers. I know that I will need them. I miss you all.

When Are You Leaving?

When are you leaving? I have been asked this question for the last 2 weeks and rightly so. I hoped to be in South Africa by now, but I am still here in Arizona. There has been some delay due to a request for an FBI background check. The background check came back to me this past Thursday and was sent to the consulate. It is in their hands now. This has been a lesson in patience and in trusting in God and his timing. I am taking it one day at a time and when the time is right, I will leave for South Africa. I must still have something that I need to do here in Arizona. It has allowed me to spend a little more time with friends and to do some catching up. This verse has brought me comfort during this time of waiting...Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.