Rain, Tatoos, and Kings

April 20, 2011

We were greeted this morning with a lovely pitter patter of rain. When it’s raining, there is nothing more positive than staying inside and watching movies with hot chocolate, OR exploring outside in a raincoat and rain boots.

I couldn’t perform option number one…

SO after class, Debs and I adventured off into the now crazy hardcore rain, in order to go to Pick and Pay. We are cooking dinner for our family tomorrow and needed supplies.

About of the quarter of the way there, the side walk ended… just like Shel Silversteen said… and we had to choice but to turn back! The wind was biting! And there were no rain boots for Renna L. Sad day.

When we got back, everyone had gone to get tatoos. So I thought, HEY, WHY NOT get a TATOO in SOUTH AFRICA!!!

So I got an outline of Africa covering my whole shoulder blade!

IT WAS SO SCARY. I hate needles. But Debs held my hand. And now I’ll have it forever!

Just kidding.

HAHA.

But I am thinking about getting one when I get home.

Joy <- something like that really, uuber, super small on my wrist, possibly in white.

After turning back dejectedly, Zach, Kristina, Debs and I were the only ones left at BI! Kristina and Debs did homework. Zach and I decided to explore the tide pools in the rain. QUITE the party. I may or may not have accidentally killed a starfish by holding it out of water too long L

It was beautiful. I am in love with the beach here! So spectacular!!!

Then Zachariah and I headed back to find people to go on an adventure with. Unfortunately… no one wanted to come and we were super hungry. We went to Fish & Chips! I have yet to have fish and chips in my life… I figured it was ABOUT TIME.

Zach had been to this place FOUR TIMES already! He was super tight with the manager. This resulted in free rolls. Woot woot!

My fish and chips were quite delightful.

When we returned, we got together with Melinda to schedule more of our extra week! I’m SO excited! I just can’t hide it! (It’s a song. Duh. J)

When I got home, I was so excited to discover that for dinner, we were having…. FISH AND CHIPS!!!! WOOOOO!!!

It was really good, of course. But not going to lie. I felt DISGUSTING. So much grease in one day! BLEH!

We watched a super fantastic movie called “Into the Blue” with Jessica Alba. It was about treasure and drugs! A real winner, right? I very much enjoyed it J

I missed Mom a lot today L.  Can’t wait to hang out with you, Mommy!!!

I learned the most AWESOME things about David in 1 Samuel today!!!

Ok. First off. I did not know that David was Saul’s harp player! Therefore, he watched Saul rule! Almost all of the time! He was learning how to be a great king, either by example, or learning what not to do! WAY to be a planner, God! And he was used to being a servant, so when he later became king, he wasn’t all big-headed!

And THEN I didn’t realize how much David went against the world’s standards. The entire army, as well as the king, was pressuring him to use armor and shields and weapons, etc. And David KNEW how to use armor; he was Saul’s armor boy! Can you imagine telling the entire Israelite army: “It’s cool guys. I’m just going to use a rock and a sling.” NO FEAR.

PLUS! God prepared David differently. He knew how to kill lions and bears; not people.

I was real excited about that J

I want to be like David. COMPLETELY in tune with what God wants, and choose to be oblivious to what the world wants. 

Home: Homesick for a Place I’ve Never Been

April 19, 2010

Wisdom from the one and only Francesca Fromang: “Listen up to what God has to say. He tends to be the loudest when we’re the loneliest.”

Today we visited a township called Langa. It was named for the chief, Langa Libalele. Although it is mostly a Xhosa township, “Langa Libalele” means the same in Xhosa as it does in Zulu. Translated, it the township’s name means “the sun, it is hot.” I was so excited to know the true name of the township! All my hardcore Zulu studying this semester definitely paid off.

I was super surprised at the level of development in Langa. It seems to have evolved into a tourist attraction. Our tour guide commented that the residents like it when tourists come. I assume that is because tourists generate revenue and excitement in the township.

I was also shocked at the contrast between the homes. In one section of Langa, there were exceedingly nice homes. They looked like they could have belonged in a rich suburban area in Los Angeles. But then, across the street, there would be crumbling shack composed of assorted trash. The polarity between the disparity verses the wealth was alarming!!!

My favorite aspects of Langa were it’s art programs! They have a dance studio, a stage for theatre, music programs, a picture framing school, a fashion store, a recording studio and a radio station! The township’s goal in these programs is to educate youth and grant skills to adults so that they may have a better life, as well as attempt to provide AIDS prevention. At the radio station, they talk about difficult issues such as the effects of HIV and AIDS. These programs allow the kids to express themselves in creative ways, as well as allow them to dream for their futures.

I am so passionate about arts programs! I believe they have the most significant impact upon youth. If I was given the choice of something to do to benefit a township, I would have dreamed of beginning a program exactly like this. I hope that it can continue and flourish!

(^Sorry if that was dry. I had to write about the field trip for class. Instead of writing about it twice, I have pasted my assignment above. I promise to make up for the lack of excitement NOW.)

I got to play the drums today! I FOUND MY CALLING!!!!! WHOOO HOOOOOO!

My absolute favorite part about walking around Langa today: I was sauntering with Kelly. And all of a sudden, this beautiful little girl runs up to us, and slips her tiny hands in ours, and continues with us on our journey!!! It was the most precious thing of my entire life!! And in that moment, I felt perfect love. I loved her. I had only known her for 30 seconds, but already, she had stolen my heart, because she loved me. To think. I traveled all the way around the world to search for more about God’s love, and I found it in a four year old child.

Amen.

So today, I really wanted to talk to my mom. It’s been weeks. And what with my traumatic surgery (HAHA) and lack of internet, I just needed to talk to her. She didn’t even KNOW I’d been sliced, so she couldn’t pray for me! I was quite dismayed!!!

Morgan and I strove to find positive internet! We went to an internet café and ordered random coffees (mine was surprisingly good) just to attempt to secure skype time! But a-stinking-las. The internet at the café was shotty too. And I had to way to tell ma mama to get online! It was kind of torturous.

And I was crying out to God.

“DADDY! WHY will you not let me talk to my mom?! It’s been forever! And I need her!!!”

(Don’t read this next part, Mom.)

And God was like, “Ren. I am all you need. You are whole in me.”

I processed this.

“Yeah. God, you are so RIGHT!” Because, let’s face it. Mom can’t be with me now, thanks to stinky internet and, oh yeah, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of miles and oceans and all that jazz.

But God CAN be with me.

And He IS.

When this epiphany sunk in, and I relinquished any intention of skyping the madre, GUESS WHAT.

Ding! SKYPE WAS WORKING!

HALLE-FREAKING-LUJAH!!!!

Ok. Now you’re just showing off, God ;).

So I got to skype Mom.

PS: MY BABY BROTHER, MY FAVORITE HUMAN BEING ON THIS EARTH, WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT!!!

He is fine. But I just about had a heart attack!!!

Tommy: I’m sorry. But I forbid you to drive until all bloodthirsty soccer moms have rid the road of their killer mini vans. I don’t care if it wasn’t your fault and you were going 22 mph. You’re not allowed to drive anymore. Capische?!

Tommy. I am going to cry. I miss you SO MUCH. Come to Africa, PLEASE. You would LOVE it. In fact, you WILL come some time in your life. I am positive. And I’ll be darned if I don’t come along. Just saying.

Just when the internet worked well enough to carry on a conversation, we had to leave OF COURSE. But it was ok. I caught Mom up and let her know there was air in my lungs. Therefore, all is right in the world.

So, because Debs is legitimately AMAZING, of course we had a life changing conversation on the way home. Duh.

We were talking about being homesick. (A common topic these days.) Debs commented, “I’m already homesick for Pietermaritzburg. And when I get home, I know I’ll be homesick for Cape Town. So I know that I’ll always be homesick for somewhere else. Because even now, I’m homesick for a place I’ve never been.”

She had puzzled me on that last one. “What do you mean?”

“I’m homesick to be with God in Heaven.”

Oh, DANG. This goofy, GINORMOUS smile crept on my face and WOULD NOT GO AWAY!!! It was great. Debs couldn’t stop laughing and my goofy smile and I couldn’t stop smiling goofily. We were obviously meant to be roomies J.

When I finally gained control of my face, Debs asked, “Have you been reflecting on your time recently?”

“Absolutely! I feel like I almost reflect too much. At the beginning of the semester, I felt like I learned lessons EVERY DAY. Which was awesome. But right now, I feel like I’m on the brink of this HUGE lesson that’s taken a while to be taught to me. But I can’t quite decide what it is.”

After dinner, I totally decided what that lesson was.

Here it is:

God is teaching me to place EVERYTHING in Him. Seriously, EVERYTHING: my confidence, my worth, love, belonging, trust, hope, dreams, desires, fun, attitude, and HOME.

I realized today that if I was somehow able to make God my home, that would pretty much fix ALL my life’s problems.

Where do you feel most comfortable? Where are you always loved? Where do you always feel safe? Where do you want to go when you hurt? Where do you store your treasures? Where are the ones that will always love you, through thick and thin, pain and joy?

Home.

God is our home. I don’t have to try to BE anyone else when I am with Him! I am enough for Him, JUST as I am! But I’m not JUST me. Because, really? It’s FOUR for the price of one:

Me, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

They live in me.

So, I’m never alone. And I can’t place worth in JUST myself, because that would be like ignoring ¾ of me!

Basically, I’m never alone, I don’t have to fight for acceptance, I never have to feel like I’m not at home, or feel afraid because God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are with me.

I’ve found my home.

And just like Dorothy and Toto, I had to leave my house and go to another world to find what I’ve been looking for, even though it’s been there the entire time.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have found my home.

I am home. No matter where I am or who I’m with, or what my situation is, I am at home.

Home.

It’s such a great word, isn’t it?

Home.

God is Bigger (than a scalpel)

April 18, 2010

SO last night, I stayed downstairs longer than Debs because Paul and I were watching Spiderman 3!

I had been planning on asking her for Tylenol before going to sleep for my silly arm.

But when I got up there, SHE WAS PLAYING SLEEPING BEAUTY!!! NOOOOO!!!!

By this time, my arm was in excruciating pain. NOT positive. But I was like, ok, there’s the consequence for watching a stupid movie. Pshh.

At this point I really missed my mom. There’s never a time you miss your mom so much as when you’re in pain. I didn’t really NEED my mom when I fell off the waterfall. But BOY. I needed her last night!

I started bawling annoyingly. I HATE crying. And I decided that sobbing was a really good reason to wake someone up. So, I tip-toed into Deb’s room.

“Debs, I’m so sorry but I hurt really bad and I’m really homesick and I need meds could you please help me?!” I blurt out as fast as I can.

Debs, merciful as she is, grants me Tylenol, water with which to consume them, and allows me to sleep in her bed with her. THANKS, DEBS!!!

I had a CRAZY dream about a hotel and all of the students and dinosaurs and rhinos and lions.

Morning was a relief.

We had chapel this morning at BI. Reagan was awesome. He talked about Jeremiah. God told him that from the beginning of time, he KNEW him, and called him, and destined him for great things. God also said that He would be with Jeremiah and that He would aid him in his trials. Therefore, the road would NOT be easy. And God would NOT accept Jeremiah’s lame excuse: “I am young, Lord!” Uh uh.

Something else cool? Jeremiah never left Israel. But God has used him around the world over and over and over again and for THOUSANDS of years!!!! This gives me hope for my loved ones in Mpophomeni and in Ocean View who will never leave their townships. God reminded me this morning that HE is BIGGER than the confines of space. He has the power to work in ANY way that he wants to. Thanks, God.

Class was…weird. It was the first time I was able to have internet in quite a while… And then Quinton made us close our computers…. So I was annoyed… and then I was hungry and had been saving this glorious juicy apple for CLASS to keep me awake, and THEN Quinton was all, “No eating in class.” SO… I was super super annoyed. Ahem. Yes, I didn’t really have a right to be. But HEY. These are my feelings. And once upon a time, someone told me to validate my feelings. So hurrah.

I went back to the Pancake and Waffle House with Aimee, Morgan, Melinda and Shayna. I got a “berry cocktail pancake.” I was very surprised when it was a crepe filled with pears and peaches… It was still good though. We all had fun J

I convinced Janet to take me to the doctor. Zach, Janet, and Shelli were convinced it was a cist. LOVELY.

Had I known what I would have experienced at the doctor’s, I would have convinced Janet NOT to take me. Ay yi yi.

Before I went in, it was totally positive. Janet and I had some much needed convo.

Ok, PAUSE. Can I please take a moment to mention how GRATEFUL I am for Janet?! I swear, she has saved my life like a million times!!!

UNPAUSE. “Renna? The doctor will see you now.” Here goes nothin’!

“What’s wrong with you, Miss?” he asks me.

“Well, I have this nasty-mcnast something on my arm… I’m not sure what it is. It could be a bite…” I lift up my sleeve to reveal the horror.

“WOW. That looks REALLY BAD.” Um, THANKS, Doc! That makes me feel GREAT! Positively PEACHY!

He ushered me to the elevated patient table with the annoying light shenanigan.

“Ok. That’s absolutely FILLED with pus. We have to drain it.”

HOLD UP. Shelli and Zachariah AND Debs told me that they wouldn’t have to slice and dice! They said I would only have to get antibiotics! WHO DOES THIS GUY THINK HE IS?! A full-fledged DOCTOR or something?! …….. Oh.

“DRAIN it?? Are you going to have to cut me?!”

“We must get the pus out. Or else it will get worse and worse” (he is currently demonstrating with his hands my lovely tumor, which is bigger than a silver dollar [GROSS, I KNOW] grow and grow to the size of a hamburger. EWWW. Doc, you are NOT HELPING!!!!!) and THEN you will have to go to hospital.” (PS: in Africa, you don’t go to “the hospital.” You go to “hospital.”)

It is at this point that I go into full-blown FREAK OUT mode. Janet holds my hand, and goes into full-blown survival status.

“RENNA! What is the FIRST thing you want to do when you get home?!”

Blubber, blubber.

“Uh… sniff sniff… g-g-g-go to t-t-t-twenty-one ch-ch-ch-oices…”

Doctor Evil brings over cleaning supplies.

“DON’T look, Renna! Stare out the window!” Janet warns me. Ah. Too bad the window had closed blinds. I thought about opening them, but decided that the unsuspecting passersby shouldn’t be subject to such atrocity.

And then I heard it. The clink of a scalpel. DEAR GOD, HELP ME. Did I mention I was in full-blown freak out?! I think I revved it up to over-the-top freak out-ness.

“JANET I am SO scared!!!” I don’t think I have ever wanted my mom so badly.

---Side note:  Now that I think about it, maybe it was good that it was Janet and not my mom. I was trying to keep some semblance of dignity. With my mom, I would have let my guard completely down and would have been a disgrace to humanity.

Here came my favorite person with his favorite toy: “Whatever you do, Miss, don’t moo-ove!” he said in a sing-song-y voice. Ohhhh I wanted to SLAP HIM.

And then he did it. I felt it pierce my skin (on one of the most sensitive parts of the body, so I’m told!). It wasn’t a little prick. I felt it go through layers and layers, and each layer it defied, the more the pain was magnified.

And before I knew it, I was yelling.

“THERE’S the pus!” Screeches a delighted doctor. WHO IS THIS GUY?!

“There is SO MUCH PUS!” Really, now?

And he decided to help the pus along. LOVELY.

You guys. This was seriously the WORST pain I have EVER felt. I would rather fall off that waterfall FIVE more times. It was excruciating. I kept thinking, “Is this what child labor is going to be like?!”

Soon-to-be-murdered Doctor Evil was squeezing my oozing and sliced-open wound. Oh, how I hated him.

I am pretty sure I sounded like a banshee. I thought about those poor patients in the waiting room… And then considered opening the blinds. Hopefully someone on the street would notice my AGONY and come rescue me!

FINALLY, the Slicer was done. He left my gushing arm all by it’s lonesome. He didn’t clean it after or anything. He just slapped gauze on it.

But what he did do was continue saying things that were OH so comforting. AND he continued using one of my favorite words. (HINT: it rhymes with “gus.”)

“I cannot BELIEVE how much PUS was in that!” Shut up.

“You were SO BRAVE amidst all that PUS!” Liar!

I tried to set him straight. “Thanks, but I was NOT brave.”

“That was serious pain right there. I mean, that was a big deal. I don’t think many people could have handled it so well as you.” Are you for real?! I was a stinking teenage scream queen!

“Does it hurt now, eh?” You mean, does my gaping tumor that you have recently CARVED without numbing me on one of the most SENSITIVE parts of the body, and then proceeded to squeeze poison out of, and is currently just chillin’ as it oozes, hurt? Wow. This guy’s a smartie pants. I can just tell.

“Um. YES.”

“Well, of COURSE it does! With all that PUS, I am just so surprised how you handled it!”

“Is it done getting gross stuff out?” I ask.

“Oh no. What it will do is ooze PUS for days and days. There is just SO MUCH PUS!” Ok. This guy has got to go.

“I’m sorry, sir, but could you please stop using the word pus?”

He LAUGHS. “Alright, there, Miss. Hang out there while I get your medicine.” OH the nerve to laugh at me in my pain!

By this time, I have gone a bit ballistic. I was in shock. I was shivering and sobbing and I couldn’t breathe and snot was gushing… I was really a sight for sore eyes, eh? [Woah, how many “s”’s did I just use?]

And my arm HURT SO BADLY. I cannot explain to you. I needed pain meds. PRONTO. And I am not someone who enjoys taking meds. I do it sparingly, only in emergency situations. And THIS was an emergency situation FOR SURE.

But the doctor wasn’t ready to make it feel better just yet.

He decided to tell me about what would happen, what with the stupid PUS and all. I couldn’t pay attention, it hurt so bad.

“I’m sorry,” I interrupt him, “but could I please have some pain meds? I hurt SO badly.”

He gives me two pills. They are huge.

“I’m sorry, but is there any way to get some water, please? I’m sorry…”

The dude gives me ‘tude and goes to find water. LAME!

When he brings me the water, I am currently having a hysterical fit. Great. I try to take the meds, but I end up laughing (out of shock, I’m pretty sure) and shoot snot out of my nose.

Doc doesn’t like snot. He shoves Kleenex at me. THANKS.

When we are FINALLY done with this silly (I’d prefer a different word.) man, [ok. To be fair, he could be a perfectly decent man. Really. Honestly, I can’t imagine being too keen on anyone stabbing my arm.] we go out to the receptionist who is just TOO SMILEY for the situation.

“And that’ll be 800 Rand please.”

Botox lady say WHAT?! I just paid 100 American Dollars for that jerk to STAB me and use the word PUS a thousand times?! NO WAY! UGH.

Oh. And did I mention Doc wants to see me again on Thursday? We are gonna be SUPER tight if he decided to knife me again. HA.

At this point, I am a MESS. It was embarrassing. But I could not stop shaking and leaking tears. I wanted my mother SO horrifically.

It was time for me to return to my home stay.

As much as I love them, I couldn’t bear seeing them then. The only word to adequately describe me was MESS. I couldn’t pull myself together enough.

Then beautiful Janet offered to take me to coffee. YES! And after more bawling, she invited me to dinner, and said she would take me home around 9! That gave me four hours to pull myself together! Hurrah!!!

Janet’s kindness made me cry some more.

Yesterday, I was feeling lonely. I prayed that God might help me feel loved today. Hey Janet? You were an answer to prayer.

And so was Tyler. I went inside BI to wait for Janet to get ready to go out, and the second Big Brother Tyler saw something was wrong, he came up to me and hugged me on my good side. He listened while I told him what happened. I was still shaking (but trying not to cry) and he gave me his jacket. It’s so nice to have a brother. Love you, man!

Liana, Heather, and Kara blessed me as well. Thanks, guys J

Janet and I were making dinner with her friend Natasha. We had ciabatta bread with soup and a brownie. But we needed an appetizer. SO I suggested apples and caramel! It was a HIT!

Tyler taught me a more positive way of slicing apples, Janet saw to the bread, and Natasha took care of the soup.

Supper was delicious.

As we were cleaning up, I recounted to Nurse Heather the details about my adventure. When she found out Doc didn’t numb me, she FREAKED OUT. She’s watched doctors operate on similar issues before, and she insisted that they would NEVER do ANYTHING without anesthetic because of the pain caused by those suckers, “ESPECIALLY under the arm!!!” Yep. NOW I feel better about how much it HURT.

We had about an hour left. I joined the gang for the first bit of Braveheart. It did NOT go so well. They had to tell me every time something gory happened. Which was like ALL the time. I ditched when the girl was about to get raped. I could NOT handle it.

Amazing Janet helped me change my gauze before dropping me off in Ocean View.

When I came up to the door, Luke burst out and yelled, “RENNA! ARE YOU OK?!!?!?!?!?!!”

“Yeah! I’m ok!”

Paul ran forward and scooped me into a huge bear hug. Which hurt, but was totally worth it.

Corinne cried, “My baby is home! Come to Mama! Are you alright, my darling?!”

I told them a less graphic version of what happened. And they FREAKED.

Paul offered to send Doctor Evil to one of two places. He lifted up his right arm and showed his muscle. “THIS will send him to hospital.” And then the other arm’s muscle. “But THIS baby will send him to graveyard! I’ll even let him choose!” He was totally kidding, guys. Just so you know.

Corinne made me some tea. “I called BI TWICE because I knew you had to be hurting so badly, my love!”

Paul chimed in, “We didn’t even know which hospital you were at, so we couldn’t come visit you and offer support!”

I was overwhelmed with love. I have known this family three days. And already, they have love for me. I almost cried…. Which seems to be a theme of my day.

I am so thankful for them.

Please pray for my arm’s healing! No more scalpels, PLEASE!!!

But you know what? God offered me major perspective today. Yes, this was the worst pain I have ever felt. But I am going to be fine, no problem.

As we were driving away from the clinic, I saw a man with one leg struggling to use crutches.

Now, that is something to be upset about.

I just have a story that will be funny tomorrow.

I am so blessed. And thankful.

And once again, God has proven that He is SO MUCH BIGGER than this little situation.

A Dark Day Has Come

April 17, 2011

So… I may or may not be experiencing a bit of homesickness!

(Slow motion.) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

This morning, I attended my first Anglican church service, which is how I had my first taste of wine. Communion was a bit of a surprise to me. Where was the Hawaiian bread and grape juice?! That wine was BITTER. I literally have no desire to drink that stuff again for at LEAST a very long time. ICK.

It was a pretty chill day. I got to take a little cat nap, which was positive.

Lunch was AMAZING. I swear, anything Corinne and Paul make is touched by Jesus.

At about four, we went to a market. It was good family fun J

Yeah. SO I pretty much missed my family horribly today.

Mom, Tommy, Dad, Nana, Mike, Jenn, and Mocha. You guys. I miss you. Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

It was nice to have a chill day. School tomorrow!!! I have 6 more days of class to finish up History and Culture. Which I don’t get credit for. But, I am kind of excited… Don’t know why… but I am J.

My lovely host family doesn’t have a shower, so I braved the bath tonight! Not going to lie, it was a bit of an adventure. I do believe I shall take a bubble bath upon reentry.

So I realized something about parenting today. It is a FULL TIME job. Like, EVERY minute of the day! I do not know how parents have the energy to raise small kids! It will be by the grace of God if I’m successful as a parent!

I would love some prayer support. I do NOT want to spend my next 3 ½ weeks wanting to go home! Not that I want to go home. But I am really missing it. I know that God still has things to teach me here, so I want to be open and receptive to those lessons!!! Help.

It also stinks to have super duper limited internet access. Translation: no connection to my support group. And I can’t post my blogs daily. It was a real comfort to know that you, my lovely readers were with me day by day, if that makes any sense.

Yep. I’m feelin’ it. And I’m rambling.

So I suppose I’ll stop now… Yeah. I’m pretty sure I’m sounding pretty dang pathetic. 

Cold and a Carnival in Cape Town

April 16, 2011

This morning I woke up to a hurricane.

Not really J But it SOUNDED like it!!! Corinne prepared a beautiful breakfast for Debs and me- Milo Cereal and bran muffins! The Milo cereal is chocolatey goodness that Debs is OBESESSED with! And the muffins were fresh out of the oven. SO delish.

Papa Paul walked us down to the church where we were to be picked up by the API bus driver. It was SO COLD and WINDY!!! Fun fact of Ocean View: True residents NEVER walk on the sidewalk. Or so says Paul.

Once we were on the bus, I got to have a good talk with Kallie.

This morning’s destination: TABLE MOUNTAIN. I was so excited!!!

The plan was to climb up this glorious, God-made land mass.

Unfortunately, as soon as we exited the bus, we could tell that our plans were going to have to be rearranged… It was so windy, I could barely WALK STRAIGHT! The park ranger advised that we NOT climb this ginormous MOUNTAIN. Yet… many in our group still wished to battle the climate. Ahem. Props to them if they think they could complete an intense hike when the weather is peachy—let alone when one can barely stand!

Yet, those crazies—I mean, adventurers—were overruled. We scrambled back onto the 80’s cheesy bus and tried to decide how to fill our day.

The conclusive decision: A day in Cape Town. Hurrah.

I hung out with Heather, Aimee, Morgan, and Melinda. We walked EVERYWHERE! We explored markets and found our way to the Waterfront, and then to a train station! BAM!

Not going to lie… there was a heck of a lot of negativity splattered into my day, which was sad L.

I think we’re all just getting to that time when America sounds really good and nerves are high and patience is low.

I began getting a little homesick today myself.

I have had NO ALONE TIME in QUITE a while. Which isn’t a bad thing. But. Being an introvert, that doesn’t result too positively.

Being with my home stay family has made me a bit homesick myself L. This family is AMAZING. Corinne and Paul truly and evidently love each other. Jordan and Luke are so phenomenal with baby Parker! It touches my heart! Both of the boys remind me of Tommy. I MISS YOU! And Clinty!!! And I missed my mom. It’s nice having that one person in the world who completely understands you. Plus, she always thinks I’m funny. J And having Paul makes me miss my dad.

Paul is one of the best fathers I have ever seen. Every time I watch him interact with Parker, I think, “Wow. That’ s an incredible father,” and I also think, “That’s what God must be like.”

One time, Parker and Paul were playing. They were having a grand old time!

Then Paul said, “Parker, turn left!”

But Parker was sneaky. SO she turned right and ran into the couch and fell down.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Paul swooped down and picked her up and said, “Come here, Baby. I love you.” He held her close.

That’s my relationship with my Father in Heaven. We’ll be having a party, then God will give me some sort of direction. But I’ll do the opposite of what he asked me. Then I’ll get hurt in some way, shape, or form.

Instead of running away, laughing, or saying “I told you so,” my Daddy is always there for me, scooping me up, and holding me in His arms, ready to fix whatever mess I made this time.

Thank you for exemplifying that, Paul!

Corinne made hot dogs for dinner. In Africa, they use real dogs. I’m going to miss Fluffy…

JUST kidding. But they DO put butter on the bread before the ketchup. It’s super positive!

There was a carnival tonight in Ocean View! Although it was FREEEEEZZZZINGGG, it was a BLAST. And it was so great to hang out with Jordan and Luke. It’s almost like hanging out with my best friend. You know. The one that has the same last name that I do? J

We rode the “Big Wheel.” (Ferris Wheel.) Debs and I were all, “WHERE’S NOAH?!” (If you didn’t catch that quote, shame on you. We shan’t be friends.) Then we rode the scrambler. Jordan and Debs squished me the WHOLE time! But, it was worth it. Love them.

Our family calls me three things: Ren, Daughter, or Sister. I just feel so welcomed and loved.

Church tomorrow, and I’m not sure what else.

Come on, adventure!!

And hopefully… some down time.

Legger slap! (Don’t know how to spell it. But it means good night.)

“Vat ees yo nam?”

April 15, 2011

It has been SUCH a big day!! But OH so glorious.

Debs and I slept in until 8:30! WOOO!!! I got to read 1 Samuel.

A reinforcing revelation? HOW could I not trust God?! He is SUCH a deliberate, detail-oriented, organized, artistic, wise, merciful PLANNER! God told Samuel to watch out for a man at a certain time. God sent Saul on his way because Saul’s dad HAPPENED to lose his sheep. Then, Saul’s servant HAPPENED to tell Saul to ask for directions from the prophet. Lo and behold! Saul finds Samuel at the EXACT moment the Lord foretold.

You guys. God’s GOT IT.

Happiness.

Breakfast was lovely. Then I had to pack for HOME-STAY!!

Half of us are going on home-stays, while the other half is staying at the South African Bible Institute (BI), where we are finishing our final course: History and Culture. I am in home-stay group one.

The interesting thing is that we have two full buses. I don’t really understand this because we came to Cape Town in one bus and one fifteen-seater. But now we have two buses, and ALL of us could fit on one, including the extra 15 people that couldn’t fit from last time…?

“All shall be revealed in due course.” (<- That one’s for you, Debs!)

The bus for home-stays smelled delightfully near to that of a beach bathroom, and looked like a cheesy 80’s fiesta! It was jampacked like an airplane with two seats, and then three across the way, reminding me of one of my FAVORITE days: flying to Africa. Ahem. Which will soon be repeated… but flying in the opposite direction…

I sat with Debs on the bus. Can I just say something? I LOVE HER. I am going to miss her SO much when I’m not living with her.

We arrived at BI and got to explore. Yay!

Morgan was my exploration buddy. God seriously blessed me with her. Walking around was amazing. Cape Town may be the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I am simply flabbergasted! YES. FLABBERGASTED. The sea air was brilliant.

Did you know that Cape Town is called the Windy City? (YES, like Chicago.) Therefore, it is SO WINDY! As I currently type this, the window sounds like it is going to BREAK. HURRICANE status! Yikes! But I’m almost used to it… ish.

Morgan and I were being clever and made sandwiches this morning at breakfast so we didn’t have to spend money. We went to get a shake at a Waffle and Pancake house with Reg and 10 other girls.

African Fact: African “pancake:” Crepe. Just in case you were wondering J

Reg paid for all of us! It was so sweet! Reg is like my grandfather. I am in awe of this man. He cares for each of us specifically and individually. He asked me about my ankle today.

(My ankle is still sore. I’m hoping I can still hike up Table Mountain tomorrow!!!)

Reg’s birthday is tomorrow, and he is also leaving tomorrow! I thought he was staying the whole time. Nope. Not going to lie, I got super upset when I heard he was departing. Reg has impacted me so much. I hope to acquire his loving personality and wisdom.

At 6:00, we arrived at a church in Ocean View (the township where we are living!) where we had dinner and met our host family! Debs and I are living with Paul and Corinne, and their kids Jordan (13 year old boy), Luke (8 year old boy), and Parker (1 year old girl).

I LOVE THEM!!! Paul is HILARIOUS!!!! Corinne is so beautiful and loving and caring. She made me feel at home RIGHT away! Jordan wants to be a fisherman, then go to the UK and become a mechanical engineer (I told him about you, Uncle Jim! J). Luke is my buddy. He reminds me of you, Tommy!! I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! I love and hate having new adopted brothers. I love them, but I hate it because it is really making me miss you dreadfully.

They speak Afrikaans as well as English.

The only Afrikaans I know:

“Vat ees yo nam?”

“My nam ees Renna.”

“Ya.”

“Buya Donkey.” (Thanks a lot!)

After dinner, there was a talent show put on by a program that was created 27 years ago to keep kids from gang violence and substance abuse. It was really cool! There are 700 kids in the program! Some of the kids were AMAZING. I know they could have careers in America.

But most likely? They will not leave Ocean View. I was talking to Paul. The farthest he has ever traveled is the Northern Cape. He doesn’t like airplanes and sees no reason to leave Ocean View. Corinne feels the same way. They both grew up here, and just don’t want to leave. I hope Jordan actually gets to go to school in the UK!

Jon Wallace was here again with Kate. I was sitting next to Paul. He told me to call him Dad.

This really made me miss my daddy L.

Overall? Excellent day.

Praise Him. 

Risking All of Who I Am

April 14, 2011

This morning, we sang a song called “Jabulani.” Translation: sing for JOY to the Lord.” HELLO, Lord.

This was one of my favorite days ever! We were split up into groups of 11 to explore Cape Town. I was in Janet’s group- such a God thing! We had serious bonding today.

Some highlights:

*We had to go to a museum, called “The Slave Lodge.” There was a HUGE sign on the door announcing that entrance was FREE for those under 18! BAM!!! Normally, I totally do not promote my youth, but today, I was ALL OVER IT! I went up to the lady who was selling tickets and said, “Hi! I’m 17! I swear!” She eyed me suspiciously. “My birthday is in May!”

“Fine,” she said. “Just make sure you stay with an adult. Who is your guardian?”

Ok for REAL?! I’m SEVENTEEN with a bunch of college students! And I need a guardian?! WHAT IS THIS?!

Luckily, Janet shoulders the great responsibility of watching me in the museum. “I’m her guardian.” HA! Janet’s like 7 years older than me! But, sure. I’ll take it.

*We went into a Cathedral. I think it was one of my favorite sites in Africa so far. Oh my lanta. It was unbelievable. SO much holy beauty I have never seen in a building. I literally could have stayed there ALL day. The stained glass windows were breathtaking. I wanted to burst into song, but also was afraid to whisper; I dared not disrupt the serene silence.

Our mission was to take cool pictures. So I suggested we reinact the nativity. BAM. I was the angel Gabriel because I was in white. And I’m am an angel. Duh. J

*I loved walking around today SO MUCH. It made me miss New York!! But… I kind of liked it better than New York, not gonna lie. If only Cape Town had Broadway!!! Cape Town is definitely more scenic, more green, more CLEAN, and less crowded. So, overall, POSITIVE.

*Mary Bette bought five sunflowers. She would randomly hand them out to people we passed. My favorite interaction was when she gave a sunflower to a homeless man. His smile was brighter than any I have ever seen. It was so precious.

*Janet and I had an amazing talk about the Bible. Of course. We planned to have a Bible Study on Esther, because we are both kind of obsessed with the story of Esther!

*After walking around Cape Town all day, we went to the mall. THEY HAD FRO-YO! Mary Bette, Janet, Melinda and I had a party. It was excellent.

Melinda and I spent the rest of our mall time searching for fake engagement rings to fend off unwanted suitors on our week long adventure. We haven’t decided if we’re going to propose to each other, or make Zach and Tyler propose to us… either way, it will be a candid moment! J

*I got my favorite proposal today: “You are my DESTINY! You marry me?”  Pass.

*For the taxi ride home, it was interesting. We were trying to get one cab driver to take us, but he didn’t know where we were going. Then, another cab driver named Philip that didn’t know the other, went up to the first driver and tried to tell him where we were going so that the first guy wouldn’t loose money. But the first driver didn’t like that too much and drove away without us. So we rode with Philip J. When we got in, he was all, “Let me play you my favorite song!” He put it on. It was this ridiculously cheesy 80’s techno pop. And then… IT WAS TAYLOR SWIFT! His favorite song was a horrible remix of Love Story! SO FUNNY! So we all belted out Love Story in the Taxi in Cape Town J. A beautiful moment.

When we left, Kallie yelled, “We had a magical time in your taxi!” Thanks, dear. Super positive J

Just like Kallie said, I had a magical time today.

Jon Wallace came today!!! I was so excited. I have legit respect for this man (he is the president of APU.)

After dinner (good times, Morgan!) Jon Wallace spoke to our group.

Two main things I want to share from what he said:

1)    In the Gospel of Luke, women are mentioned. They are set apart because of how Jesus touches them spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes physically. I want to be a woman who is set apart by Jesus!!! Heck YES!!!

2)   Best quote of my life:

“Risk all of who you are for all of who you can be.”

Let that sink in for a moment please.

Has it sunk?

Positive.

President Wallace said he thinks there are two categories of people. The first are people who are content with who they are. He can pretty much guarantee that in 10 years, they are going to be EXACTLY the same people.

The second group consists of people who are constantly changing. They are always reflecting and growing and seeking the Lord and trying to discover their purpose in every situation and attempting to discern His will.

He asked us, “How are you different because of your experience in South Africa? Which category are you in?”

Well. I certainly hope I qualify for the second group.

Then Jon shared that in 2005, he was told he had cancer. He went home and cried out to the Lord, “I just want my life back!” He called a friend who also had cancer, and shared this statement with his friend.

“Never say that,” the friend told Jon. “God has decided that at THIS time in your life, you need to be in this situation to learn and grow and come closer to the person He created you to be. I guarantee that you will thank God for cancer. Never ever say that.”

“You do not want your old lives back,” the president told us. He said that even though our American lives and old ways were comfortable, it is not the life we are meant to be living.

“I’ll bet the lives you want to live in the future are not even the kind of lives you want to be living. All that matters is that you are living a life where you get to glorify God EVERY DAY with your specific gifts and talents. You want to live a life where you are seeking the will of God every day and are working in His kingdom.”

YES!!! That’s all I could think! That is TRULY all I want!!! I want to live a life DEPENDING on God and seeking to serve Him everywhere I go! THAT IS WHAT I WANT!!!

And you know something cool?

God wants that life for me too.

So… If I play my cards right, the odds are, I’m going to get to live the life I’m dreaming of.

Whoa, man.

That’s crazy.

After my life had been changed, Janet, Morgan and I went to Janet’s room to do a Bible study on Esther.

I LOVE THE BOOK OF ESTHER. SO positive!!!

Janet has so much insight into this book… I’ve read Esther many times, and it just gets BETTER and BETTER. Praise Him.

Then I was able to be open and honest. I haven’t seriously opened up in a while. It was such a blessing to be provided with a safe environment where I trusted my dear friends enough to be seriously vulnerable.

And then we prayed.

You guys.

I prophesied over Morgan!!! I am not sharing this for self-glory, I SWEAR!!! It was so cool to be apart of God blessing Morgan!!! It was an incredible experience. Thank you, Father.

Dude. All I can say is,

Blessed be the name of the LORD.

SO. This day kind of rocked my socks. And by “kind of,” I mean “seriously, totally, and completely.”

New life goal:

Every day, to risk all of who I am for all of who God wants me to be.

This is my Hallelujah song. <3