730 days ago....

April 20th, 2010--I stepped on a plane after spending 13 months of my life in South Africa to come back to America. Wow. The last couple years have had its shares of ups and downs. Sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday that I was in Africa...other times, I feel like it has been forever. Things were different when I returned--not only with others, but with me. Life moves on when you are gone for a period of time, even though you don't expect it too. There were lost relationships, and new ones gained. There were hopes that I would go back, and all to soon they were dashed. There were interviews for jobs, and no results. I found myself in a waiting game--one that seemed to last FOREVER. I honestly can say that going through it was the hardest thing in my spiritual walk I have ever had to do. There were days when I was upset and angry at God because He wasn't working in the way I wanted him too....or desires and passions that I wanted to see fulfilled, and nothing was happening. And yet looking back, I can see His hand in EVERYTHING. He has used these last 2 years to mold me. To shape me. To show me things I needed to see. And to break me more than once to RELY on him more than I have ever had too. It has not been easy--Satan has done everything He could to tear me apart--and truthfully, there were some days that he got the better end. Those dark days when I decided to try to make it on my own, knowing that the one who created me was the only thing that would carry me through. Isaiah 55:8-9 is the verse I have clung to the last 2 years. Why? Take a look.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." 

His ways are better than mine, and I have to trust him, knowing that his ultimate plan for my life far succeeds anything I can imagine. How thankful I am that I have the Word of God to go to for all my needs!! It was only 2 months ago that I realized that I cannot keep saying that I am waiting for God to open doors for overseas ministry. Truth is, he may never do that. And by his grace, I have peace. TOTAL peace. Do I want to be overseas? Absolutely...I'm ready and willing to go anywhere and do anything -but I know without a doubt that it is not his plan right now. It may change, or it may not. What I know is that I am called to serve him wherever I am.

2 years later, I still think about Africa a lot--different situations or circumstances bring back the memories. Certain smells will take me right back in a heart-beat. What do I miss the most?
-the land/culture and slower pace of life
-the time people MADE to spend with one-another producing amazing fellowship-kinda a no-brainer that just doesn't flow here
-My bosmont youth gals--oh, I would give anything to study Jesus with them again
-Slovo-because those children had NOTHING and were SO happy
-The Embrees, who are family to me
-The Hawkins, Kuehls, Brittens, Donaldsons-these amazing TEAM/ZEMA missionary families and ladies who invested, encouraged, and poured into me over the course of that year
-BOOST! The best smoothie place known to man
-ICBM and the joy the students have in learning/studying the Word of God
-Braais-there is nothing that can compare here
-Cricket games
-Game parks and the thrill of searching for God's amazing creatures
-and with that, playing/cuddling with baby lions
-Beth Moore with the ladies of Bosmont
-Teaching Science to Hannah, Max, and Bronwyn
-Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
-The Summer heat with no humidity so you could sit outside with your dinner daily
-Denali (even though she died last year...LOVED that dog)
-Sleepovers with the girls
-Ella's yummy food
-Clearwater Mall/Silverstar
-Jillian Michaels with Lee-Anne and Elle
-Camping, even with those darn monkeys who stole everything
-Soft-serve cones from the ice-cream man
-Sweet-chili sauce and milo-not together of course

This list could continue forever--it has been refreshing and good for my soul to reminisce and reflect on  what God did in those 13 months, and look back at the blessings of the last 2 years, even with the hardships. I'm thankful for life-and for a God who is a steady rock when things crumble around me. May he continue to be MY everything--my source of strength, my Redeemer, my ALL.

Amy and Alex

Being silly with the little ones of Slovo

Smile!

The youth of Bosmont that I worked with weekly

The beautiful children of Slovo

One of my FAVE Bible studies ever--with some amazing friends!

Going for a walk!

Love with my family

One of the precious boys of Slovo

LOVE these gals!

The final goodbye--at OR Tambo Int'l Airport

South Africa-you will be in my heart FOREVER.