A Field Trip into the World of Millions

Although I had been in South Africa for a while, I still hadn't seen much of the poverty and devastation I had expected to see. Finally, one month into my trip, I was taken on a tour of the area surrounding the Pines and Welkom.

Thabong, the nearby black township, was our first stop. Bits of Thabong are characterized by small houses, maybe half the size of a mobile home with decent structure and build to it, but most of the houses - if you can even call them that - are probably about the size of a bedroom or living room, constructed from old slabs of metal, and fairly grungy looking. It wasn't uncommon to see a nice house with a handful of tiny shacks scattered throughout the yard. Street after street after street. It was weird seeing it all for real, and to be honest, I'm not sure how much it really hit me then. We continued on to the dump, where - thankfully - no one lives any more. 

In the distance I saw a massive cluster of buildings - perhaps a section of Thabong, I assumed, or even a different township. I was sadly mistaken. Those "buildings" were tombstones. 

You wouldn't believe how many there where unless you saw it yourself. 

We went to the children's graves first. The scene was heartbreaking. Graves are only marked and dug up once a death has happened; their where at least 8 graves prepared for the funeral on Saturday. That was only from the past week. I got out of the car and wandered slowly through the graveyard. I read tombstone after tombstone, staring down at the deceased one's treasures keeping the little grave company. Part of me didn't want to think much about it, or to see without contemplating, but I forced myself to let everything I saw sink in. I made myself think about what the family must have felt, losing a child - who knew how many others in that same family had already died. I also couldn't help imaging it was one of my little sisters buried beneath that grave marker. 

I wanted to cry. 

It was worse at the adult's graveyard. I was shocked. Thousands of graves stood before me. It would have taken hours to gaze upon every grave, to read the inscription on every stone. The sight was overwhelming. And the death count for this Saturday? I couldn't tell you for sure as I didn't walk through the whole area, but I counted at least twenty or thirty. 

Once again, I made myself wander through. Delicate stone grave markers with elaborate inscriptions stood alongside scraps of metal reading only a name. Some had lived for only 20 or 30 year; others had reached their 80s. What were the stories of each soul, represented by yet another mound of dry dirt? Rich or poor, young or old; none of it mattered any more. All lay together in the quiet field. 

The worst thing? All those graves, seemingly riding endlessly into the horizon, were only dug after 2000 - a large percentage in the last 5 years. Most of these deaths were due to AIDs, a problem that has sky-rocketed in the last decade.

Needless to say, I wasn't overly talkative on the ride home. 

It's terrible, seeing all this in person: the extreme poverty, innumerable graves... the cry of helplessness found in that place. However, what I hated the most was realizing that most of these people were non-believers and had possibly never heard about the love of God. In that case, the graveyard becomes a place of reaping for the Evil One. This truly is the worst monstrosity that has befallen this people and place...

What are you going to do about it?

Braai Time

If you're going to be in any foreign country, you simply must try some of the traditional foods and participate in cultural activities.

I had absolutely no intentions of being an exception.

South Africans enjoy a good get-together with family and friends just as much as any North American. On one beautiful weekend we decided to have a braai (pronounced "bry"; known here as a barbecue). This wasn't going to be one hot-dog-and-French-fry outing though. We were loaded down with a variety of traditional African dishes: mealy papa, chakalaka, milk spinach, tuna spinach, and water bread. The Australian team's contribution of lamb chops and sausages made for a complete picnic feast.

My Braai Meal

Now, of course, if you were going to eat African food, you have to eat the traditional African way. Down went the utensils and soon I was digging my hands in with the rest of them. Any time there's the opportunity to try something new and do all the things I can't do in Canada's "sophisticated society", bring it on!

Don't expect to partake in a traditional African Braai without giving back in some way: it simply does not work this way. With the excitement of the braai, the kids decided that we needed to continue with all sorts of fun and games.

I'll never have to wonder at how Africans keep themselves in such good shape. Those kids got us running, jumping, chasing, and dancing for what felt like hours on end, accompanied with yelling and singing in Sesotho, me not having a clue what I was chanting. Of course, all the African girls wanted to see this white girl try to dance. Considering that there is hardly a good rhythm in my body, I think they just wanted to have a good laugh more than anything. I finally gave in when they dragged me in the center of the swirling circle lit only by the light from the bonfire. I wouldn't say my "dancing" was horrific, but don't ever expect to see me perform.

All in all I had a blast, blending in with them and joining in on every game and Sesotho song. It was awesome, just having fun with them all and not thinking or caring about what anyone else would think. We so easily become enslaved to maintaining a certain self-image that we won't allow ourselves to have innocent fun being silly with younger people - or anything outside popularity's accepted "norm". Don't let everyone's expectations of you keep you from having innocent fun and being an awesome role model to those looking up to you.

Looks like one can learn lessons from anything, even a crazy braai time.

Devotional: The Happiness Myth of Materialism and the Responsibility Wealth Brings

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying,“The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

~ Luke 12:15-21

Travelling to a country characterized by extreme poverty, I can't help but be convicted of my constant need for another fill-in-the-blank. I look at these people who have so little and think how much more I have in my own bedroom. I have so much... well, junk. I have grown up in a materialistic culture that has tricked me more than once that "just one more" will make me happy. 

My only comfort, and yet sorrow, is that I'm not the only one. 

How many times have we fell for it? Did you really need that umpteenth shirt? What about that latest gadget? Extra sports gear? Latest movie? Or - my Achilles' heel - that Ice Cap? Fill in the blank. When you really think about all the money you've - we've - spent on purchases that either last about 10 minutes, sit in your closet, or lay on your desk to occasionally be used, it's pretty appalling. I'm as guilty, if not more, than every one of you.

The worst thing is, we honestly believe that these things will make us happy. After all, who wouldn't be content with the latest sports car or an entirely new wardrobe of this season's fashions? This really is the thought and justification that passes our minds as we make yet another transaction, and yet before the week is over (if we even last that long), we're drooling over the newest "must have" item. 

I'm not saying we shouldn't spend money on things for ourselves - not at all. I enjoy picking out a new outfit and going out for a haircut. I love getting together on coffee dates and talking about what God's doing in our lives. I enjoy grabbing a movie that helps me focus on the right things and builds me up spiritually. I'm a huge fan of getting together with a bunch of friends and going somewhere together where we can all spend time together, encourage each other, and build bonds. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying doing these things and spending money on it. What I am saying is that we shouldn't be wasting our money frivolously on every passing whim when there are so many needs we could be instrumental in meeting. 

We need to stop viewing our money as a reward and start seeing it as the great responsibility it is.

Think about all the wonderful possibilities we could have to be a blessing to others if we would be more thoughtful on what we spend our money on and used our wealth for things that truly mattered. Supporting missionaries. Helping fellow Christians with serious needs. Working together on reaching out in the community. Funding bible conferences. Taking up a project as a church body and providing financial aid. I could go on, but do you see the point? If we honestly took to heart the fact that God has provided us with our wealth in order that we can bless others and further the Gospel, I believe we all would spend our money differently from how we currently are.  

What is our priority and purpose in life? Is it to satisfy our never-ending desires for something to make us happy for an invariably small point of time, or is it to honour and glorify our Lord and Saviour? 

When I think about this, that new dress, that faster laptop, and even that delicious Ice Cap don't seem half as appealing. 

Pretty sad I had to go all the way to Africa to learn this. 

Girl Talk

One evening we were celebrating one of the older girl's birthday, and the mama of the flat invited me to stay for dessert. We had a great time, mostly with everyone rambling on in Sutu and me listening intently to see if I could catch anything - which, by the way, I didn't. 

After a bit one of the girls got out some twine and we started braiding bracelets. A bunch of us girls were congregated at the table: some listening to music on my phone, some of us braiding, some organizing beads and doing various things. 

After a bit of chit-chatting, one of the girls asked me a question:

"Amanda, I was wondering... if you are saved but you do bad things... do you need to ask Jesus to come back into your heart again?"

I was so happy to hear this question - not because she was confused, but because it was something she was pondering and she wanted to know for sure what was right. I explained to her that, when we ask Jesus into our lives because we want to make Him king in our lives and follow His ways (not just not going to Hell, etc.), Jesus lives in our hearts and He will never leave it, just like the Bible says in Romans 8 that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ - nothing can make us lose our salvation. I continued by telling her that we still do bad things because we are sinners, but if we are truly Christians, we will have the overall desire to live for God and will want to ask God for forgiveness and the help and strength to be more like Jesus. I also made clear that, though as Christians we should be doing good things, our works don't save us; for a Christian, good works are the natural response that a Christian should show in his life (James 2:14-26). 

This was only the beginning of a great discussion many of the girls participated in. What kind of clothes is better not to wear, and how short is too short? Why? What kind of people should we be dating? How much is too much in the terms of dating? Why should we take time to get to know a person before dating - can't we just start dating and then figure all that important stuff as time goes by? Is it okay to have unsaved friends? What about Christian friends that are doing bad things? On and on the discussion went, and I was so encouraged to see some of the girls challenging themselves and realizing that there were some things in their own lives that they needed to reconsider. 

I was also encouraged to see the girls were distinguishing the differences in how unsaved people live. We've been having a group from Australia staying with us while they are working at the kids' school; they are all nice, but most of them aren't Christians - especially the three young adults. Being typical girls, a couple of them asked me if I would marry one of those young guys. I replied no because he wasn't a Christian. "How do you know he isn't a Christian?" one girl accused. Before I could explain, one of the quieter ones replied, "Because he isn't living like one". A little later, I was saying how I thought the girl young adult was nice, to which one of the girls replied, "Yeah, but I don't like the way she dresses", and went on to name a few reasons. I was so encouraged to see that, though the girls obviously enjoy these young adults, they were realizing the difference from these people to the Christian people they know, and thinking about why they wouldn't want to be exactly like them. 

I say all this to encourage you to keep praying for these kids, especially the teens. They are struggling with everything any teen in Canada is going through and more, and they need to understand the difference of living for the world and living for Jesus. I am praying that God would keep them near Him and that they would realize the significance of living for His glory.

Adventure-time with the ATM

Event

A couple of weeks into my stay, I went to the mall and headed straight to the ATM, as I was running out of Rand and decided it was time to replenish the stock while I had a chance. I put my card in the machine and start going through the process. When the ATM began asking for me cell, I had had enough - hit cancel and go to the other ATM I was used to. 

But no, I wasn't getting off that easy. I wouldn't have anything worth telling you if crazy things didn't happen. 

It didn't matter how many times I hit 'Cancel', my card wasn't coming out. Someone was behind me, so I moved aside and waited for their inevitable realization that they weren't going to be able to get anything out with my card hogging all the space; within 2 minutes, however, the person had their money in their hands and sauntered off happily on their way. 

Completely confused, I went back to the machine. Bert, who had been along the whole time, noted the slight gap underneath the insert for the card and asked if just possibly I might have dumped it into the wrong slot? Within seconds, I was shining my flash-light (one of the many reasons I keep my phone on me) and was peering into the troublesome space. Sure enough, I had been blind enough not to spy the correct slot for insert and had chucked my card in a little space right below. Well, at least I wasn't the only one to make that dumb mistake - someone else's card happily kept mine company.

All right God, I thought, I'll see how you work this one out. After successfully surviving the few incidents that had happened since I left Halifax, I figured God would once again make every thing work out - no sense worrying or crying over spilt milk. 

We had a wonderful 5-second drive to the bank after - unsuccessfully - trying to explain the situation to the telephone bankers. To keep this story from going forever, the bankers finally stopped giving us petty advice like using tweezers - the slot was too small and, goodness, I'm sure security would be impressed! - or simply cancel my card and get a new one - sorry, but that's simply not happening - to eventually calling someone who serviced the machine and could get into it. Back to the mall we went, me peeking in once more, just to make sure my card was still there. Yup, fast asleep with his little buddy. 5, 10, 15 minutes went by. The proverbial pot wasn't boiling, so I tried to keep my mind occupied. After around 30-45 minutes, we were rescued from our boredom and within 2 minutes my card was safely in my grasp without even a question for ID.

Once I had my card in my hands, I promptly walked over to the other ATM, and made my withdrawal there. I was not touching that faulty machine again!

Application

It's so easy to get frustrated and upset with all the little things that take up time, money, and energy. As soon as something doesn't work out the way we wanted, we begin inwardly (and sometimes outwardly) fuming and complaining.

I want to challenge everyone to think further into our "mishaps" than that.

Think about it. Everything in life has a purpose for happening. Have you ever considered how all the little annoyances in life could have huge potential for helping us grow spiritually? Okay, so my card got stuck in the machine: instead of seeing this as an unfair injustice and groaning about "why everything always happens to me", I can see this situation as a way of God helping me to trust in Him and keep a positive disposition because He is in control. Owe an unexpected $600 in taxes? Be thankful you have the money to pay it. Have your flights switched around for seemingly the worse on you? Maybe it's because God has planned it out a way that becomes much more favourable.

So the next time something happens and your first response is to complain, remember: your Heavenly Father will never give you any needless pain. Everything He does has a reason, and His plan is always perfect. Keep trusting in Him and looking for His goodness in every situation.

Africa

A gravestone in one of the many graveyards

As I'm chronicling these events after my trip has concluded, it would be slightly difficult to describe everything from a day-by-day basis. This being the case, I have decided to include a post filled with various pieces of information that aren't necessarily part of any major "event" and then post numerous updates on specific incidents that happened.

Enjoy! 

~ Mandie

Schedule

My day were pretty busy for the most part. I would try to get up at about 6:30am, giving me enough time to get up and ready to catch the school bus with the kids at 7:10am. There's a few hours of miscellaneous jobs or relaxing until 10am, when I either taught a preschool class (Mon, Wed, & Fri) or simply played with the preschoolers (Tues & Thur) for an hour. Next usually came shopping or getting lunch ready, followed by lunch sometime between 12-1pm. At 2pm I rode the 2nd bus run to bring the kids back (the Pines have their own bus for taking the kids back and forth from school). 3:15 - 5pm was the scheduled homework time, but with about 25-30 kids who would be needing help with school work - especially math (I now know why I had to be good at math) - I would usually be helping with homework until supper time at 6pm. Wherever I had a chance, I spent time getting to know the kids and participating in activities with them, such as playing soccer, engaging in educational games, or running after a soccer ball At 7pm, the activity depended on the day of the week, but Tuesdays and Thursdays were devoted to me reading to the girls 11 and under. After that, the evening was mine to do what I please - usually reading, on the Internet (email or FB), or chatting with Sally, Bert, and Carol.

There wasn't any real "bedtime" for me, but I tried to make a habit to hit the sack somewhere between 10:30 and 11pm. It worked great actually - I was barely able to keep my eyes open by 10:45pm, so I just went to bed - that was, of course, if I didn't fall asleep on the couch first.

In Africa, you don't follow a rigid schedule like the "sophisticated" North Americans. And if something doesn't work out?

"It's Africa."

That pretty much sums this county up to a tee.

Preschool Classes

Preschool class play time

Playing outside (left to right:
Ciyabonga, Letlotlo, Mamukgothu)

 It was my job to oversee a preschool class for the 3- and 4-year-olds on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for an hour, while that hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays are spent playing with the 2- to 4-year-olds outside. I have never overly enjoyed working with this age level, to be perfectly honest, and having a bit of a language barrier would occasionally make things a bit difficult, but I got more comfortable with working with this age group and loved the little ones to pieces. I would work with them a lot on basic concepts like sharing, taking turns, and obeying, but they were also learning colours, singing, completing puzzles, tracing their names, and listening and interacting with stories.

Animals

Cape Cobra

Dead spider, about
 the size of my palm 

Got to see a variety of animals at a wildlife reserve, but I also saw a few wild critters out and about as well. A poisonous Cape Cobra was found dead outside of one of the doors - was quite thankful it was dead. I did manage to spot a live Black Spitting Cobra, which was amazing - especially when it flared up for us. The massive dead spider hanging in the corner of the computer desk was not so exciting, neither were all the other big spiders that were either spinning webs somewhere around the said desk or running back and forth between the monitor and keyboard.

Thor: my shadow. Was begging me
to get of the soccer goal and throw
his pine cone around

 On the flip-side, their are five "guard" dogs on the property: 2 German shepherds, 2 Yellow labs, and a "photo-shopped" Corgie, as we liked to tease. One of the German shepherds, Thor, became my shadow. Always having wanted a Shepherd, this affection and attention-loving dog got as much attention he can ask for.

Food

Clockwise from the top: spinach with tuna, spinach (different
from what we generally had), mealy papa, lamb chop, sausage,
water bread, Doritos with guacamole, chakalaka (center).

Guava juice was absolutely amazing - between that and Rooibos tea, I couldn't have it any better. I've also managed to try a few more-so cultural foods so far. One of the best things I've ever had since I've left home is a mashed potato and spinach dish. No, I am not being sarcastic - that dish is absolutely amazing! I also tried a couple of other traditional foods, such as chakalaka and mealy papa.

Koeksisters: a traditional Afrikaner dessert
similar to a doughnut, coated with syrup and
usually twisted or braided

 Some things, such as Sun-dried Tomato Chili & Black Pepper Jam and Onion Marmalade, are other stories entirely. They were edible, and if I was being served at a family's house as a guest, I would eat it without a word. Within the confines of the Pines however, when asked about my opinion on the jellies, I simply answered in complete honesty that I'd stick to the strawberry jam from a can. As for the Cream-Soda flavoured cheerios I see in the grocery stores, I can't quite make up my mind if it's worth spending a couple of dollars on something I'm sure to find appalling. The $0.60 Canadian I spent on 2 packages of cookies however were definitely worth it though.

  Generally, most of the food (that I had) was the same as anything we'd have here in North America.

Economics

The currency here is pretty cool - and convenient. The standard is the Rand; 10 Rand = $1 Canadian approx. It's the strangest thing: pulling out 3000 Rand from the ATM, feeling extremely wealthy and guarding your pocket with your life, as if everyone could read your mind. Many things are cheaper here, especially in the sense of general "stuff" or trinkets. 

Climate & Weather

Wearing flip-flops just because I can

Beautiful South African weather

I really enjoyed the warm South African weather I was receiving on my stay in exchange for the bitter cold of another Canadian winter. The weather out there was perfect - just entering their fall, so it was really warm but not sweltering. Surprisingly, their winters can be fairly cold, especially because most homes do not have heaters. Also, when the clouds decide to release their loads, they definitely do their jobs! It rained so hard at times that we would have to head back immediately to avoid flooding roads. These rainstorms may not last long however... but ah, such is Africa!

Social & Political

Concerning the social status of South Africa, only one word is truly needed to sum it up: corruption. The government is completely corrupted, but so is every other vying party. 

There are some "bad guys" from Lesotho (the nearest country from Welkom) called Zma-zmas (pronounced "Za-ma za-mas") that can be pretty dangerous, so we are forbidden to go off the grounds alone. Only staff here at the Pines are allowed to open the gates to let anyone in. We are pretty safe, especially with 5 dogs on the property. I did hear what I believe was shooting a couple of nights, but that seems to be a common thing. I was told that sometimes the Zma-zmas form groups and fight each other from their hidden places in the large network of tunnels, stretching underground for hundreds of miles. 

During my time in South Africa, but I have heard much of the depths of poverty and evil that consume this country. I watched a few movies dealing with various social issues: one themed around the idea of child abuse and early deaths and another on HIV/AIDs. To watch these things and know that many of the children within the gates of the Pines have experienced one if not both situations pains me to the heart. If a child with AIDs lives passed their 30s, they are doing quite well. Their is currently a drug available out here which keeps the virus dormant in the body longer, but still: if you are HIV+, their is nothing you can do about it but accept the crushing news. 

But that is not all that there is for South Africans to fear here. Pastor Manaka was telling us how dangerous life in the townships can be. Gangs roam around, some as young as 15, carrying sharpened kitchen knives and killing people in broad daylight. If the police come, they are able to hide their weapons from the police so that they cannot find them. If people - men, women, children - have been killed and the police find the bodies, they are simply covered and removed with the blood washed away, and life goes on as if nothing as happened. Pastor Manaka has seen this before, spying the bodies of four dead boys. These sights are nothing new to the eyes of even little children, and too often the little ones will receive no counsel on the subject. Between AIDs and lack of parental & Christian counsel, evil reigns in many areas, especially the townships. 

Thankfully, there are some things being done to try to make the townships better. Pastor Manaka of the church in Thabong has helped organize a system that, should someone be in trouble, others can be contacted immediately  and within seconds help is on the way. Also, there is the church in the Thabong township, so people have access to the gospel should they seek to know the Truth. God sees every thing that goes on and hears the cries of the righteous, and He will answer them. He will not leave His children alone in their struggles.

Religion

South Africa seems to be a mixture of Animism and a broad sense of Christianity. 

Pastor Frans Manaka (left)
and Bert Kuehner

Many of the things I've heard about the tribal religions and their views were interesting to learn, and some quite comical. They believe that God (or a god) created everything, but then left it to itself. The ancestors, previous generations of humans who have since deceased, enter the spirit realm, and they are responsible for all the things that happen to us humans. Having a bad day? You must have made the ancestors upset. Things going wrong in your life? Must have serious offended them. You stubbed your toe and tripped? Ah, you didn't tell them about your new house, did you? (And I was honestly wasn't kidding about that one - it has been said before!). 

The 6 teen girls singing in church

Man came from one of two places, depending on your skin colour. Blacks (excuse the term, no intention of offending) originated from a dark, black hole in the ground, while Whites came from the sea - thus why we only ever hear of white mermaids (:P). I was actually surprised, but many Africans greatly dislike the water. 

When a person dies, it is said that he will join the ancestors and become one of them. As for Heaven, it used to be very close to us, but as the women would use their large "mortar and pistol" to grind their meal, the Earth was driven farther and farther away; thus, the Earth is far, far away from Heaven. 

The church in Thabong Pastor Manaka ministers to
 and the Pines staff attend

As far as Christianity goes in South African, I am speaking in an extremely broad sense of the term. There is a lot of the charismatic and far Pentecostal teaching, along with the Health & Wealth Gospel. 

As far as strong, biblical churches, there are some, but they come few and far between. Even then, it is not overly uncommon for churches to have serious issues that have to be critically evaluated and biblically dealt with. Church leaders especially have a lot of weight and responsibility, and prayer and encouragement is essential as they struggle to lead and direct the Flock. 

Education

Considering it is probably the most "developed" country in Africa, South Africa theoretically should have the best opportunities for education. Their colleges and universities may be all right, but if their schools are the top of the line for this continent, it's not looking good. South Africa actually has some of the lowest math grades and literacy rates. Many children struggle to pass Math, English, and Afrikaans, yet these three classes are essential for moving up to the next grade.  

Often, especially with the older ones, the kids are simply too lazy and don't see the need to put effort into their studies. They do not see that education is essential: it makes the difference as of whether they will be able to get a job or if they will be forced to wash cars at red lights or preform miniature shows to scrounge enough to eat for another day.

I worked with many of the kids with mathematics (mostly times-tables) and reading comprehension. Almost every kid could benefit from help, but there is simply not enough time certain children were targeted and had to take their turns enduring my wrath :) They seem to enjoy spending the one-on-one time with me regardless, and I tried to make it as enjoyable and encouraging as possible. It was all worth it when one of the young girls thanked me for helping her learn her times-tables.

The Children

The children performing a talent show

Pheello's 16th Birthday

There are between 30 - 35 children at the Pines, ages ranging from 2 to 17. If you want to know what that looks like in day-to-day life here, take two or three kids from all ages and different family backgrounds and stick them together for a couple of weeks. Despite the chaotic havoc that may have flashed in your minds, things run very smoothly. There are four apartments, or "flats", as we call them: 2 girls and 2 boys. Each flat has it's own Mama who treats them as their own kids. Disciplinary actions, however, are brought to the attention of Sally and Phil & Alana Carmichael, the full-time couple here that help run the Pines. Most of the times punishment means not aloud to participate with the weekly Friday movie night - quite a big deal for all the kids here. The punishment may also manifest itself into something larger though, such as extra chores. Each situation will receive its own punishment.

Dress Up for Annah's 5th Birthday

Most of the kids are open to the Gospel. Many of the older ones have made a profession of faith and have since been baptised. Though they all struggle with various sins and temptations, they are seeking to be more like Christ. They are no different from any Canadian kid or teen in that respect.

Each child has their own unique life story. I was able to read many of them. What they have gone through is horrendous. Seeing what they've come from (and what they had looked like) to who they are now makes me want to cry with thankfulness for how much different their lives are now - and simply the fact that they are alive. Every clinging hand, every gripping hug is a search for love - to receive and give. In some of them I see my little sisters, and that comes close to breaking me. I feel so privileged that God is allowing me this opportunity to not only give them love, but show them God's love.

The Preschoolers and Toddlers

I never realised how true it is that you have no understanding at all of what people - and children - around the world face until you see it with your very eyes and are in contact with them.

But thanks be to Christ Jesus, each and every one of them have hope - not just in their physical life, but in the spiritual as well. 

Lessons

Life in general is going on pretty much the same. With a schedule in place, life isn't really any different from being at home. You still have responsibilities, chores, frustrations, and every else. But at the same time, it is still different. The pace of life is different here. I am actually enjoying the fact that I am not tied to my phone - good grief, I waste so much time on it! I've spent a lot of my free time simply playing with the kids or reading books that are helping me grow more in my Christian life - definitely more growth than I'll get spending an hour scrolling down Facebook or watching YouTube. I also realised just how much junk I have, and I mean junk. I have so many trinkets, hobbies, clothes, etc... why? Because I can have them? Because it's cute? So what? I've been living from a suitcase and backpack and have been more than happy with what I have. I'm going to be doing some serious purging in my room.

I've learned to really appreciate the small things in life, as well as the small, random, yet cool things that happen in between everything. Staring back at the Praying Mantis through the window last night. Beating some of the guys in a basketball game or destroying their glory streak in soccer. Realizing how fortunate I am to live in a place where it is safe for me to go for a walk around the block, much less town. Grasping the main idea of what the kids are saying in Sutu if I pay attention close and long enough. Knowing enough of the tribal language to get the preschoolers attention when they are misbehaving. And then just the small things like the beautiful weather and all the kids' love make my heart want to sing. 

Another thing I've realised is a huge desire for the mission field. Many of you know I've always considered this off and on for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I'd want to dive right into another country, while other times I'd rather not leave home and all it's "comforts". Well, I've left home now and realised you can have "comforts" wherever you want to have them. It all depends on what you consider comforts. As for the "adventure of living somewhere new and different", I know that soon goes away. Wherever you go, that place becomes normal everyday life. But hey, that's okay with me - I don't need to have an adventure every day :) 

Besides, life IS an adventure. I would have never believed I would have been here right now if you had told me last fall. God's plans, however, are not always the plans we may have initially have chosen, but they really - really - are what is best, and honestly, I wouldn't have changed anything. The more you see God working in your life, the more you are inspired to watch God deal with the next issue. He knows the story He hasn't written out - I'm becoming more and more happy just to watch it unfold and play the part He has given me. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Pastor Frances Manaka, the pastor at the church in Thabong. A little bit ago his wife left him and he has lost some close friends. Pray that God would continue to encourage his soul and give Frances the inner strength to trust Him, and to remind him that God's grace is sufficient for all our needs. 

• The children, that they would have a deeper desire to know and learn more about out awesome (full of awe) God and Saviour.

• The staff, that God would give them the wisdom and strength to make the right choices for the children and the Pines.

• Finances, as the Pines is funded solely on donations

Ready, Set... GO!

On February 25th, I set off on my two-day journey that would take me to the other side of the world.  

Never having flown or travelled internationally - much less experiencing a layover - I was a bit intimidated at what may occur, but I decided to push any form of anxiety out the window and trust God to take care of it all.

The first day of my travels were wonderful, praise God. The ride from Halifax to Chicago was beginning to get long, so I was more than grateful when we landed for the layover. After finally deciding on the lunch menu and eventually permitted onto the next plane, I made my way to Detroit. It was a short flight - only half an hour of flying time - so I hardly had time to get bored before landing. Some friends of mine met me at the baggage claim area and brought me over to their place for the night. 

The next day was an interesting story. With having a perfect first day without complications, I should have expected that something would go wrong. In short, as I was checking in, I was told that my flight to Washington had been delayed, which would end up giving me only 40 minutes in the airport. As it wasn't a lot of time, I was booked a flight straight to Johannesburg from Detroit with a whole other airline. All I had to do was go over to the different "terminal" and go to the new gate. 

I think you could have pushed me over with a paper clip, but I couldn't do anything about it and besides, what's the point of going to the other end of the world if you don't have a few crazy adventures along the way?

I found my way to the shuttle and had no issues finding the baggage check-in at  the Delta location. 

Of course just this would have been too easy.

When checking in, I found out that my new flight actually did make a stop and I would have to change planes - in Atlanta, Georgia, with 20 minutes between landing and boarding time. Not only that, but I wouldn't be able to know which gate the plane from Atlanta would be leaving at until I landed there.

I was quickly becoming anxious, but I decided that the only way I could look at this was that, if I wouldn't be able to catch my flight, it's because God didn't want me on that plane, and He would work something out. 

It's fascinating to see how God provides. I was still a little nervous about this layover on the ride from Detroit to Atlanta, but God didn't leave me comfortless. I ended up finding myself seated beside a Christian couple, and the lady and I had a wonderful chat the whole flight. Also, the gentleman was a seasoned traveller. He not only found a map of the Atlanta airport for me in one of the magazines, but he also looked up the gate number for my flight. 

Who would have thought it possible to get from one end of one of the world's largest airports to the other in less than five minutes? Needless to say, I could barely breath once I made it to the gate, much less ask the stewardess to confirm I was at the right place, but who cares as long as I'm there?

And the best part? I ended up being on the same flight as Bert and Carol, an older couple who I was to be working alongside with at the Pines. God is so good. It was simply amazing to see how God work out everything better than I could have imagined.

I found out really quickly that 14.5 hours is a long time to be sitting in a plane. Between my journal, my music, and the TV, I managed to make it off that plane alive and sane, and it wasn't long before we all met up with some of the folks from the Pines. When we arrived to the childcare centre at 8:00 pm, I was quite happy to hit the sack and soon drifted of to dreamland, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

Mission Trip Intro: Welkom, South Africa

Hello! 

My name is Amanda, and I'm a young adult seeking to go into the mission field. As a born-again Christian, I have the joy of experiencing a wonderful relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and my main desire in life is to tell others about how they can have their own personal relationship with Christ. 

As I am looking to prepare myself for the mission field, I had the opportunity to come to Welkom, South Africa, to help at the Pines: a Christian childcare centre for orphaned and abandoned children. With the various requests for a blog about my trip, I have finally decided to do so.

I'll be posting a bunch about what has gone on during my time at the Pines (February 25 to April 24) and the lessons I have learned.

Hope this may be an encouragement to someone out there.

In Christ, 

Mandie 

Soli Deo Gloria!