Wow...time flies when you are having fun. I cannot believe that I am only 2 weeks away from returning home. Every time I think about leaving, I tear up. It is hard to imagine that I have come to love this place as much as I have.
My experience here has been amazing. I have learned so many things from the South African people.
Lessons Learned:
1. Don't take advantage of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me.In teaching Yunes how to read (she is in her 60s), I have become quite thankful for learning
how to read at a young age. I cannot imagine facing the challenges of life and not knowing how
to read. I would not be able to read God's Word, street signs, church bulletins, etc. Thank you
Lord!!!
I am also very thankful for the home that He has provided me with. I would never have thought
that I would say this, but I am so happy to be living with my parents in a safe and secure home,
with heat in the winter time. The simple things. Thank you LORD!!!
I am also thankful for the privilege of owning a car. Every Sunday, on my way to church, I see
one particular gentleman dressed in a suite, carrying his Bible, walking down the long trek toward
town on his way to church. What dedication. Thank you Lord!!
2. Trust in God for all things.
God has provided for all of my financial needs while here in South Africa. He has also provided
me with a healthy time here. Yes, I had a little glitch in my plan by falling down the stairs and
seriously spraining my ankle, but it could have been a lot worse. I have looked at it as an
opportunity to experience the health care here in SA.
3. Take each day as it comes.
It does not matter what you plan ahead of time, it can always change. I have had days where I
"thought" I had everything all planned out and then at the end of the day, I look back and it did not
happen at all as I had planned. Flexibility is quite important.
4. South Africans like their tea.
I quickly discovered, that South Africans like to have tea. Some days you can have breakfast, then
around 11 or so you have tea (don't forget the food), then around 1 or so lunch, then around 3 or so
tea AGAIN!!, then around 6 or 7 dinner. This is why I have been so well fed while hear. If I go
hungry it is my own fault. It is GREAT!!!
5. The people here are NOT as different as you first think!
Yes, they may speak different and they may have some different traditions and beliefs, but they
are still human. They have wants and desires. They have joys and trials. They know how to
laugh and cry. They love and show their love. There are lost people and people who truly love
the Lord. There are rich and poor. They treasure family and friends.
Oh South Africa, I will miss you. But soon hope to return!
