Where do I even begin to explain all that I experienced, felt and had revelation about in my almost three weeks in South Africa? (Especially when I'm not even really sure all that God did while I was there!) So here are a few highlights/thoughts that will help to paint a picture of my time.
* God is at work through incredible groups and individuals all over the globe.
This is not the first (and hopefully not the last) time that I have seen this in action. It often looks quite different than it does in the States, but the Truth is the same and it always accompanied by love. South Africans are good at this one--I was loved EXTREMELY well while I was there.
* Poverty is hard to cope with no matter how many times you've seen it.
I had the opportunity to go into the townships (slums--
see pictures and info about one I visited here) with friends who are involved with ministry there. It was overwhelming to see all of the needs. There are major issues with sewage, roads, electricity and clean water--not to mention HIV, education, gangs, prostitution and unemployment. With over a million people in just one of the many townships there, it can seem fairly bleak. I was tempted to volunteer for every ministry opportunity that I heard about. :)
Yet there is hope and joy on many faces there - God is moving and making an impact. I am more convinced then ever in the power of intercession and simple obedience of doing what God has asked of you for that season. HE holds the entire world in His hands...I am called to love the one in front of me. (I HIGHLY encourage reading this
blog entry by my dear friend, Susanne who was just in the Dominican Republic on an outreach trip and put into words the emotions of seeing more need than can be met.)
* South Africans can sing.
Sorry it's a bit bumpy...we had to dance with them :)
* Though the apartheid is technically over, the effects of it were constantly blaring.
The racial divides are difficult to take in - but it's impossible to ignore them. Cape Town has the extremes of wealth and poverty, often on different ends of the same road. It is uncomfortable and rattles every justice bone in your body. It should. I encourage you to
read this (or something) if you are unfamiliar with the apartheid.
One of my friend's family there was a part of the forced removal. We were having coffee overlooking a beach one day when she started sharing about the first time she was allowed to go to that beach after the apartheid ended. Conversations like that you don't easily forget. Not to mention the fact that most of the places I went with her we were surrounded by mainly whites only - except for those watching our cars outside. They have created their own jobs by doing this and can expect the equivalent of 25 cents for each parked car they watch through tips.
I realize the more I travel, the more I love the diversity of the people God has created. I cannot even imagine what it will be like to all worship Him together in our native languages - all as one.
* I love God's creativity in the Cape Town landscape (and the wildlife there - no lions, giraffes or elephants this time...gives a good reason to go back!) I put in other pictures here too...click here to see them in a larger format.
* Obedience brings JOY.
I am struck by that more than ever as I stepped out in faith to go on this trip as I believed God was asking me to go that obedience brings joy. I am more refreshed, alive, free and at peace than I have been in awhile. I am also eager to see what He is asking of me next, here in Tacoma. (But if you hand me a ticket, I will quickly jump on a plane back there to visit again...hopefully to other countries in Africa too next time!)
