Our time in South Africa has been a unique season, different than any other country so far. In my experience in particular, it was extra different since half the time was spent at “regular ministry” and half was in leadership training and debrief! This made this particular country a whirlwind, but also a place of deep reflection and growth. And now as we leave SA, we’re officially halfway through the Race already!!
With that in mind, here are some things I’ve learned in South Africa!
- luxury and poverty can exist in much closer proximity than you realize
- sometimes hunger for God is found in the most unlikely places
- age does not determine wisdom (though it certainly can have a big impact)
- the Lord can do more than you could ever ask, think or imagine if you’re just obedient! (for a pertinent example, this tells a bit of the incredible story of the ministry we served with in SA: https://lydiasmission.org/ministry/)
- worship is critical to keep our eyes always on the King
- sometimes, having nicer amenities can actually be detrimental and distracting to the focus you’d otherwise have
- “ministry is life, life is ministry” only works if you actively live your life with purpose and strive to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead in every moment – otherwise it just turns into you justifying living your life for yourself
- South African winters are COLD
- rooibos tea is delightful
- if we’re not focused on the Lord, we’re not focused at all
- conviction can come at times you don’t expect but be completely spot on – we need to be aware enough to acknowledge it for it to be effective, though!
- You’ll only get out what you put in. Your investment in whatever it is – an event, a position, a season of life – determines so much of what will come of it and what you’ll receive.
- just handing someone a flower can touch someone deeply and open their hearts to a conversation
- sweet chili sauce is good on nearly anything
- deep kindness and deep pain can coexist
- cross-continent friendships are hard but also so sweet
- friends that are like family can be found anywhere – and what a blessing that is!
- leadership is challenging in many, MANY ways
- sometimes we don’t recognize God’s grace to us because we expect it to look a certain way or conform to our expectations of how it should appear in our lives – but it doesn’t make that grace any less amazing
Vietnam and Southeast Asia in general is going to be so different than anything we’ve experienced yet. Our whole squad is so excited to get the opportunity to step into and serve in these new contexts!! Thank you again for all your support thus far, and please pray for us as we head into this new chapter of the Race! ❤️
