Have I been asleep?
Its about time… yes… its about time that I give an update and a little news flash. I feel the news has not adequately expressed what’s happening in South Africa and I have as well had full intension to catch you up on my life here over seas… the things that I am over whelmed with, the situations I am daily faced with… and because of these things I have put off blogging and communication in general. Not knowing how to start does not give me permission not to start at all… It’s a crappy reason to not stay in touch so I want to thank those of you that have not given up on me and, at this very moment are reading with a smile from cheek to cheek because you feel a joy just knowing that I am alive and kicking.
I titled this blog “have I been asleep” and that is not in regards to lack of blogging for the last four months… but more to do with the way my heart has come alive over the last month like never before. I am studying the prophets and just finished Hosea this last week. I had never read Hosea to be perfectly honest until this SBS and I have found the faithful love of the Lord resounding throughout its pages. Some of you might remember a cretin book series that I was “for lack of a better word” obsessed over before SBS and yes just days before I left I was absorbed. Well I read the second book again and the revelation of GOD’s love for us poured off the pages with new intensity then ever before. I feel like a lovesick teenage girl who can’t get enough of her high school sweetheart… but for me its Jesus. In Hosea, the Israelites “God’s chosen people” are described as a whoring people who prostitute themselves to other god’s and religions… selling themselves to the highest bidder. They deserve judgment and yet they receive God’s mercy and grace. There are consequences to their sin but that is subdued by the intensity of the Fathers love. God steadfast love, His pursuit to his people as a jealous lover who deserves a prater/ a nation that is loyal and true to his every breath, but he loves her… he loves Israel and where He could have anyone, he chooses her with all of her flaws and imperfections.
I am awake and I don’t know how long I have been asleep…
I went to coffee today with some friends from the base who have moved out working and are working as journalist in South Africa for the next two months. This little coffee spot has organic muffins (chocolate or banana) and really great coffee. They have inspired me to get back to my blog and continue to update/ journal what has been happening… they have a blog on blogspot as well and I encourage you guy to give it a peek. They really are amazing friends and have a lot to share! And yes I happen to me mentioned in some of their hair brain stories… the blog is called “thanks a double latte. Blogspot.com”.
Stuff happening in South Africa and prayer points…
2010 Soccer World Cup is coming to South Africa for those of you who have been living under a rock or those who just don’t have any interest in soccer… the estimated amount of human trafficking that will take place during the games is staggering... something like 100,00 women and children will be trafficked and that alone is beyond disturbing. So the focus on bringing awareness has been ampted up to new levels in hopes that this information will bring ignorance to a responsive light.
Zimbabwe is slowly seeing improvements within day to day living… this information was given straight from a classmate who’s family has to make a trip to the border of South Africa form Zim every month to stock up food… there is HOPE…
The South African elections take place on Wednesday! Please pray!
Thank you to those who have asked what they can pray for in regards to my life here in SA…
I am praying about finances at the moment… I still owe about 2000 Rand for school fees that are due at the end of this month which comes out to just over 200 USD. So if you would please pray for the Lords provision… it would be greatly appreciated… God has provided so much for me to be here that I know he will provide this as well, but it would mean the world to me to know that I had friends and family praying for me as well.
Side note the pictures are of some friend and I out doing a little wine tasting on a our week off right before Easter break... it was a lot of fun... hanging with two German's who had never been wine tasting, a Zimbabwean who was a pro... and yes my Aussie girlly who got the short straw and played designated driver for the girls trip out...
LOVE you all! and there is many more stories to update you with so this will not be the Last time you hear from me.
