Tues, Nov 10th

Today we went to Living Hope Ministries and did a presentation with the Support Group Facilitators who will be helping us with the rest of the week's ministries. The people here are so loving and appreciate everything. They are so thankful that we are here! They are so easy to love. Afterwards, we walked to God's Little Lighthouse. It is a place where a special lady takes kids in from the area who used to be left alone and have no where to go. It's a Day Care. The children were so sweet and also thankful that we were there. We brought them beany babies and candy and glow bracelets. They were so excited and we sang a song with them.
We just had some relaxation time (well needed). The food is not terrific here but I am grateful for the awesome splendor of God in the scenery.
We are walking to dinner soon.
Thank you all for the beautiful letters that were sent along with me. When I feel lonely or homesick, I read one.
Love you all.

Here At Last!

Arrived safely late Sunday night. Long, long, long flight! Did I say long?
Unpacked and tried to go to sleep. Hard time!
This morning got up early, breakfast, devotions and off to Living Hope (a Humanitary Outreach Mission). Unbelievable ministry that reaches people at all levels. Visited the hospital where aids patients reside. Heard how God is growing and blessing Living Hope ministries.
Then off touring to Cape Point (further South West point of continent of Africa. Wow! God's splendor was everywhere! Climbed up to the Lighthouse and saw where Indian and Atlantic Oceans come together. We saw baboons (mother & baby), Ostrich families, and others. The weather was perfect.
Tomorrow we will begin our ministries to 450 women over the next week. Stayed tuned for updates of God's blessings!
Miss you all!

Waiting

Just waiting until it's time to head to the church. Very, very excited! I was up at 6:00 am.
Here is my schedule:
We will be flying into Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. (383 miles)
From there it is another 18 hours of flight. Yikes! It makes my back hurt just thinking about it. We fly into Johannesburg in Africa (8,128 miles), then fly on a smaller plane to Cape Town, S. Africa (789 miles). (Maybe I shouldn't have looked at the mileage!!!:)
We will be staying at Wellwood Lodge in Fish Hoek. (Where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet). The lodge is very close to the beach.
Sunday we will get briefed and room assignments/unpack.
Monday: Devotions/Team Meeting, Depart for Living Hope (where we will be doing our support group ministries for 6 days. They will give us a tour and orientation. Then we will be off to Cape Point for some sightseeing and hiking. And back to the Lodge.
Tuesday: Devotions/Team Meeting, Depart for Praise and Worship at the Support Group Facilites where we'll do devotional time and teaching. We will to a craft & ministry, lunch, prayers.
Then we'll walk to God's Little Lighthouse for a ministry tour with the kids and finally walk back to the lodge.
Wed: Devotions/Team Meeting
Depart for Support Group Meetings (same as above). Depart for Simon's Town - Penquins, Sightsee, then back to lodge.
Thurs: Devotions/Team Meeting, Depart for Woodstock Baptist Church for Tour & Ministry, devotional time/Teaching, discussion time, activity & ministry. Return to lodge.
Friday: Devotions/Team Meeting, Depart for support group meeting, Same as above, go to Fish Hoek beach, Ocean View Kid's Club, back to lodge.
Sat: Devotions/Team Meeting, Support Group Meeting, Fish Hoek Beach, back to lodge.
Sun: Depart for Church: King of Kings, Worship Fellowship, Tea & Coffee, Go to visit Table Mountain, Free Time/Pack
Mon.: Devotions/Team Meeting, Support Group Meeting, same as above, Load up Vehicles, Depart for Belhar Baptist Church, then to Cape Town Airport to Johannesburg, claim luggage, go to hotel
Tues: Drive to Krueger National Park (game drives)
Wed: Krueger National Park (game drives)
Thurs: Game Drive, Depart for Johannesburg Airport and off to Dulles Airport in D.C.
Fri: Arrive back in Detroit

Packed!

Just finished with the final packing! Yeah! With the church supplies and the stuff I'm bringing, I had to pack selectively. I think I did good though! Mom & Dad came over for a farewell dinner tonight. After dinner, we heard something and looked out the back window. There were fireworks going off in the west. I'm sure it was coming from Macy's. They shoot them off every year at this time for their anniversary. But, my Dad said, "That's quite a send-off you are getting!" That was very cool!
Now...for a good night's sleep so I can be at Woodside for our shuttle to the airport at 11:00 am prompt! :)

Almost Time to Go!

I feel so blessed to be heading off to South Africa this Saturday.
I am thrilled and waiting to see what God has in store for me!

"Into the Wild" Going Away Party

Some of the Stephen Minister girls had a little "going away" dinner party for me tonight at the Alibi. It was great! They prayed for me, Gave me advice to take along, and gave me some awesome presents. I got a journal for my memories, a leopard bag filled with goodies, an adorable little purse, a silk eye mask for the plane, some angel coins for luck and a hat that is in the mail. Poor Denise was sick and stopped in only briefly. We love you Denise! Thank you sweet ladies for your love and support! Missed you Ashley and Diana!

7 DAYS!!!

Only 7 more days to go! Now I am starting to panic! I have so much to prepare and the weekend flew by! Totally trusting that the Lord is going to help me with my preparation for the sweet ladies in Africa that we will be ministering to.
Very excited! I know that a lot of you are praying for me and the team because I definately can feel it! And I thank you! Your spiritual and monetary support has been awesome!
Love you all!