Settling In...

So I officially live in South Africa. I even drive on the wrong side of the road on the wrong side of the car and shift gears with my left hand. Every now and then I still turn the windshield wipers on instead of the blinker, but even that only happens rarely! I've moved into Somerset West which is really near the beach. It's strange how just being able to see the ocean makes me feel so much less far from home. Not to mention it is absolutely beautiful here. 

Even though I hadn't forgotten the conditions here, the number of townships within just an hour from me is astonishing. Rows upon rows of shacks set up practically on top of one another stretching as far as you can see sometimes. And then, just down the road, you'll find mansions and malls and restaurants. I wonder if I will ever get used to the sight. I hope not. I hope it never ceases to leave me unsettled. 

So far I've just been settling into life here. I will begin work at the Academy next week, which I am super excited about. I drove up to the farm (where the school is) yesterday and saw all the kids for the first time since I've been back. It was SO good to see them. After relaxing and getting settled for a week and a half, it felt so good to see their faces and be reminded why I am here. Our devotion groups met for the first time yesterday and I have three girls: Zikhona, Pretty and Thobeka. I am so excited to dive into the Word with them and grow closer to them as we all grow closer to the Lord. They seemed pretty excited too :)

I have begun (actually from day 1) missing my friends and family alot. I think it is human nature to want someone to experience amazing things with you. So the countdown has commenced until the RHCC team comes in April, including friends, a few of my awesome former high school girls, and my amazing sister! But until then, I've had a lot of time to actually be alone with God, which didn't happen much in the States. I've also read ALOT, which also didn't happen as often as I would have liked at home. So, I am enjoying my alone time and using it well. 

I'm not sure how many people will actually read this. I've never had a blog before so maybe you just fool yourself into thinking people actually care to take time to read your ramblings. Or maybe there are a few of you who actually do care to waste your time reading. And for those people, from now on I will do my best to be real, go deep, share my experiences and encounters with God, and hopefully make you smile (or maybe even laugh!) here and there. I am so excited to be here and thankful for everyone who has and continues to support me throughout this adventure. Please keep me in your prayers. Pray for safety, wisdom and strength. Get started with those 3 and I'll give you some more as the journey continues ;)