Let the journey begin!

Tonight I find myself sitting in the LXP house on Salamander Strout in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa with the sound of LXP students singing to the playing of the key board while the other students are busy in the kitchen washing dishes and cleaning after the evening meal of a traditional African food of Pap, sausage and soup on the side. It’s been two weeks since I have arrived in Jbay and one week that I have been staying in the LXP house.

My first week in Jbay I stayed with Pastor George and Michele (the Directors of LXP) and it was such a wonderful and refreshing time being able to share and really fellowship with them. Since my very first time in South Africa in 2008, Michele has been someone I have really looked up to and sought for wisdom and counsel in my life and I am so thankful for the week the Lord gave me with her before I started this journey of being part of the LXP staff.

So, last week I moved into the LXP house and the same day my friend Heidi arrived from the states. Heidi is a dear friend that I went to bible school with in the states and quickly became a close friend that also shares a heart for missions and children. Heidi is joining me for two months to help me start the children’s Sunday school at Ithemba Church and also help with LXP during her stay here. Its been such a blessing to have her here with me as I try to find my place and roles on the LXP staff team and adjust to life in Africa again.
I didn’t except to be challenged like I have in adjusting back to life in South Africa again; it’s quite a transition from life in South Dakota to life in South Africa. But Jesus is so good, gracious and patient with me as I have struggled and then again trust in Him for what He has called me to here.

The students have started to trickle in slowly and on Monday, June 6th we will have our official opening for them; welcoming them into LXP 2011 and into the city of Jeffreys Bay. So far, there are nine students representing three different countries- South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Arriving some time next week will be students from Zambia, Ghana and Tanzania.

It’s been quite an adventure already being part of the LXP staff team. Last year as a student the statement I heard a lot was- “Except the Unexpected.” I am learning as a staff member it’s just as true. But more then that, the life of a Jesus’ follower is that way. Living by faith and always being open and willing to go and do whatever the Holy Spirit speaks.

I have been given the role of administration more specifically with the recruiting of the new students and the application process. Also, I live in the house with the students so I have taken the role of the Mother in the house. That means I have been given the opportunity to manage the kitchen and food aspect of the program. I am learning quite a lot! This week I have been doing the cooking for the students and have been learning that experience is the best teacher! Also, a new challenge I have taken up is driving! It’s quite a bit different then driving in the US. With the challenge of driving manual also comes the challenge of driving on the opposite side of the road. I know one day I’ll look back and laugh as I remember these days of the American cooking African food and learning to drive on the wrong side of the road.



This is one of the meals I've learned to cook!


The Sunday school is running at Ithemba, but is just in the beginning and foundation of what we pray and hope that it will be one day. Currently, there is about 35-40 students that have been attending.






Here are some of the children coloring their pictures after learning about the 7 days of creation.

I look forward to all God has in store for LXP and also, the children at Ithemba!

Please pray specifically with me as I continue on this journey of ministering in Jeffreys Bay.

-Pray for discernment, wisdom, and grace as I lead these students in the house.

-Pray for the children coming to Sunday school that they would truly have a hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ.

-Pray that as I minister daily, I will also refuel and spend time with my sweet Jesus every day growing in intimacy and fellowship in the Holy Spirit

-Praise the LORD! That He meets us where we are at and gives us sufficient grace each and every day!

Bambisana

Well, I have been in the country of South Africa for just over three weeks. I can hardly believe it! I have already had so many new experiences that have been great along with many new challenges as well.

The first week in South Africa I spent time in the area of Transkei in a village called Bambisana. Its about eight hours northeast of Jeffreys Bay. I was visiting some friends that are running a ministry there called Potters House Ministry. I stayed with a family in the village that I met for the first time when I arrived there. I for sure was a little nervous as I thought about staying in the village which I never had done before and also, with people I didn't know, but I knew I was in for a new experience.

From the moment I met the family I feel in love with them. I have never in my life been so welcomed somewhere. I was introduced to the TaTa (father) of the house, his daughters, and then the small children. They prepared a wonderful African meal for me and we sat around visiting and getting to know each other. Then the Father asked if I would share the Word/ encouragement. I was so surprised, but felt so honored that they wanted me to share with them. After sharing with them the Father stood up and wanted to share something with me. He didn't speak a lot of English so as someone translated for him, he shared how the LORD has given him six daughters, but today the LORD has blessed him with his seventh daughter. He continued to share with me how I am part of their family and how I should make myself at home, because I am now part of their family.
I was so overwhelmed and humbled as this man of God welcomed me into his home and truly took me in as his own daughter, though he had just met me. I realized yet again that as we are part of the body of Christ no matter where we go, we will have family, because we are one body. Also, I was reminded again of one of the reasons I love Africa so much. The hospitality is like nothing I have experienced before.

My time in Transkei was wonderful. I stayed in the village for five days and experienced what life is truly like there. They fetch the water at the river, boil water for bathing in a basin, use long- drops for toilets( similar to outhouses) and live life with such simplicity, but yet such contentment and joy. Along with the joys also came the challenges, as the area of Transkei is predominately black, I was very out of place. In the village of Bambisana, I was the only white person, and though every eye seemed to take a second glance at me, I knew that I could use this to my advantage for the kingdom. I could respond negatively and be frustrated or I could use the attention I was getting and use it to show the love of God. My prayer as I was there breaking the cultural norm, was that somehow the Holy Spirit would work in the people of Bambisana the deep love our Father has for ALL people. That these beautiful people would know that rather Xhosa or American we are dearly loved by Jesus Christ.
My time in Bambisana grew my love for the Xhosa people and their genuine, open hearts and their joy for life. The scripture that God has put on my heart so much the past weeks and during my time in Bambisana was-

1 Corinthians 9:19-23(ESV)

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

My hearts desire is for everyone to know the love of Jesus. Anything for one more soul. No matter the cost. No matter how uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Anything for one more precious soul to know the abounding grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.


*Though this is only about my first week in South Africa, I will be writing and updating you all next week about my time so far serving with LXP in Jeffreys Bay.
More to come soon!*