month 5

In Corinthians Paul instructs us to boast in our weaknesses because it's there that God is made strong. I've been fortunate enough to have come across this scripture because my strengths are too few to mention and my weaknesses to many to count. To be totally honest, the night before I left for South Africa I stopped packing at 3 am and asked myself, "What the heck am i doing? I am just a 20 year old girl and Africa has had its extreme problems since before I was a twinkle in my dads eye." I became doubtful that I'd be able to help and even thought that I may be a hinderance to my fellow missonaries. After a while I had to let it go by saying, "No Guts, No Glory!"

Without a doubt we've faced a lot of difficulties and with God overcame them all, but I believe with all my heart that I've recieved much more than I could ever give and my heart rejoices. I've climbed up several mountains and waterfalls and spent many days in the wilderness. I nearly died twice in the processes, but my breath was taken away by the magic in the mountains. I was nearly attacked by a water buffalo and a baboon when I a had a bag of cheesy crisps in my hand, and bought a sling shot to defend myself. I learned to communicate a bit in Afrikaans, Xihosa, and German. I learned to drive a manuel car and drove it on the left side of the rode without getting in any trouble. Most importantly however, I took my postiton as a watchman on the wall and gave the enemy a bit of his own hell.

Hot doggy, I think this AMAZING adventure was an excellent way of beginning 2009 and the 3rd decade of my life. I have missed you dearly and I'm sooo thankful for your prayers and support.

REMEMBER!!! no GUTS no GLORY.