WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

Dear Partners on this crazy journey that God has called me to:

I NEED YOUR HELP!

As I become a house mother I will need transportation so that my little family can travel together- to the store, to church, to play dates, to school/daycare. When I was on my own, it was easy to find a ride with someone to the store or to the work. But with two children, one in a wheelchair and one in a car seat, it is almost impossible to find space.

I’ve been looking for an automatic minivan, and I’ve found a few, but I didn’t include buying a vehicle in my budget. I don’t have an exact amount yet, as I’m still talking with a few car dealers, but would you be willing to help financially and in prayer?

Pray that we can find the right van, at the right price. I’m blessed that Agape has a friend who is a mechanic that helps them to find cars and makes sure they are in good condition.

If you want to bless us financially, you can simply send a check to CTEN  (Commission To Every Nation, PO Box 291307, Kerrville, Texas, 78029-1307), including a note that this is for Megan Hartman’s Car Fund, and they will mark it that way in my account. Or you can give online to CTEN (click on CTEN and it will take you directly to my page). If you give in this way, there is no where for you to mark if this is for the van, so please either contact me (mihartm87@gmail.com)  or respond to the email you will get from CTEN after they process the gift and Angie will mark it for me.

I SOOOOO appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, messages, emails, and financial support I’ve already received!!!!!! It is a blessing to be loved by so many people, and even though I’m half-way across the world I can still feel your love!!! Keep up the good work people!!! I can feel your arms reaching around the world giving me great big hugs!! <3

Crazy couple of weeks!

Things have been pretty crazy these past couple of weeks:

*Last week we took some of the kids from the special needs school horseback riding on a farm that invites children with special needs to come riding. If you know me well, you know I love riding as well, so it was an extra special treat to go with the kids and watch them have a BLAST!!! As the weather gets warmer here and the rain slows down a bit they will start going every Monday!

Ntabiseng  (Ntabi)  and Catie loved riding! Some of the children can ride alone, some need someone to walk alongside them, and some need some need someone to ride with them. It was such a beautiful experience!

*Annet, a volunteer from Holland and I spent a lot of time fixing up the house I thought I was going to be moving into as a house mom. FLEXIBILITY. I found out now that I will be moving into a different house, on a different campus. I probably won’t be moved in until the end of the first week of October, with only two children to start off with.

I wish I could say that I had swallowed these changes better. I’ve been frustrated and confused. I have moments when I’ve just cried, “God I’m just ready to be a mommy! What’s with the delays?” I keep coming back to the reminder that HIS plan is so much better, and bigger than mine, so I am trying to patiently wait. I will worship while I’m waiting.

 

I’ve found so much comfort from 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7- GO READ IT!!!!. It amazes me that things written by Paul so many years ago, can still be SO APPLICABLE today in my life! I’ve written these verses down and put them on the back of my door, so that every time I come or go, they are there to remind me of the comfort I have in Christ! PTL!!

 

*I’ve also enjoyed some light tourism with my friends, Tessa, Faizel, and Annet. We toured Cape Point. God’s creation just astounds me!!!! I love capturing the waves crashing against the rocks. It reminds me of how sometimes something that seems so painful- like running into a “rock” or stop along our path, can turn into something beautiful, like the mist of the waves. “You will bring beauty from my pain.”- Superchick

I’m also blessed that even though I’m living in a slum, I don’t have to go far to be surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s crazy to think about the vast differences where I stay and where I travel.

Annet, Faizel, Tessa and I at the top of Cape Point.

Love listening and watching these waves!

 

I was also able to go to Robben Island- FINALLY! It was so interesting to hear the stories of the political prisoners that spent many years there, especially during Apartheid. I’ve always loved learning about Nelson Mandela, so seeing where he spent so much of his time in prison really was moving. One of our tour guides was actually a former political prisoner. Hearing his stories made everything so much more real!

This was the cell that President Nelson Mandela spent so much time in during his time on Robben Island.

 

*This past week I’ve been quite sick- even spending a couple of days in bed. If you know me, that is SOOO not like me. I’ve been struggling with it- I know I need to rest to get better, but I hate not really doing much to help out!! I’m so thankful that my nurse Cindy helped me pack up meds from home that I’ve been able to use! I wasn’t thinking I would need to use them so quickly though! Thankfully this week at school it was pretty relaxed because the kids are going on break for a week this coming week, so they weren’t missing me too much.

*This coming week a new adventure begins for me: Camp. When the kids have time off of school and the weather is nice, the Agape families go camping- you heard it right, tents and all!!! So as I’m trying to quickly get better before we leave Monday morning, I’ve also been trying to prepare games to play with the kids. I’m hoping to teach them Poop Deck and Flour Dodgeball, among others. (Anyone remember playing those games with me??)  I’ve been told there are some nice walking trails that we will take the kids hiking on as well. They have also talked about swimming, but I think it is a little too cold for me to be getting into any water just yet! There are 26 kids with us…so it will be quite the adventure!

 

PRAYER POINTS:

* Safety as we are travelling for Camp this coming week.

* Quick healing for me.

* Patience and understanding in the delays of becoming a house mom.

* Safety for all drivers, as there have been LOTS of accidents lately, especially on the mountain pass that we have to go through frequently to get to town for cheaper supplies and therapy with the children. Many people believe that during this time of year, when there are some Black Magic holidays happening, strange things begin to happen. Satan is at work to destroy, but I’m so glad to serve my God who loves and restores.

*Transportation for my new little family. I’m going to post a blog specifically about our need.

 

PRAISES:

*I was able to talk with my mom on the phone for just a few minutes on Wednesday, but no matter how old you are or what continent you are on, when you are sick you just want to talk to your mom! What a blessing it was! PTL!!

* In my first month of being here, I’ve been able to become close friends with Annet and Tessa, two of the volunteers here. Annet has now left, which makes me sad, but I’m so thankful for the friendship that God gave me in her and for all of the spiritual conversations we had. She isn’t a believer, but asked lots of questions- and I loved trying to answer them. I think a seed has been planted in her heart. I’m going to continue to pray that God will continue to show Himself to her, and that she will be safe as she is travelling around SA. She will be back for one day in early November before she flies back to Holland. We will all be anxious to see her again!

Teachable

Teachable- Flexible- Expect the Unexpected. These are all things that I have been wrestling with for the last week. My devotion last night addressed the importance of being "teachable", especially while on the mission field.

I thought I was just coming to South Africa to work in the special needs school, lending them my experience from school and working at the UE, and spending time loving on the kids in the group home.

But my God had different plans. Bigger plans than I could have fathomed.

As of Monday, I have accepted the role as a full-time "house mom" for four little ones, all under the age of 6!!!! God knew my heart's desire to be a mommy, but I didn't quite think He was going to answer it in this way! We are still working out details and getting the house ready for the children and myself. I'm hoping that by the end of next week I will have a move-in date. This obviously means some change in my routine, but I'm happy that I can still go to the school in the mornings if I want to since the children will either go to school or to a creshe` (daycare/preschool). Once we get settled and organized I will post more information and of course PICTURES!!! :)

Am I stoked OUT OF MY MIND????? YES!!!!!!!!

Am I CRAZY??? Probably!!!!

Am I a little nervous?? Honestly a little. I think I'm just getting those first time mommy gitters. BUT I trust that God is going to be right alongside me as I walk through this journey, as He has already led me down this path.

I need your help though: Being a mommy means I will need to have my OWN transportation. I've found  minivan that we are looking into purchasing for me to use. Thankfully it is an automatic- I've decided if I'm having babes in the car I'm not driving stick-until I've had LOTS more practice! Of course though, I didn't add the cost of buying a van into my budget before I left, so I'm trusting that God will provide the finances I need to purchase the van.

Would you be willing to come alongside and help bless our new little family with a financial gift to use for the purchase of a minivan? If you are feeling called to help financially, please email me (mihartm87@gmail.com) and I will send you information as soon as I have all of the details solved. Please pray for wisdom as we search for the perfect fit!

Also, if you have been patiently waiting for me to give you my postal address, please email me and I will send you the address!

Can I just tell you there are not enough words to tell you how much joy this little girl brings to my life?
We painted her fingernails today! I've LOVED getting to LOVE my Catie Belle!!!
I'm excited that my love gets to spill out to the 3 other kids as well!!

Week One

Greetings to all of my wonderful family and friends that are so interested what God is doing in my life in South Africa!  I have been here for a week now, but it feels like I have been here forever. I was happy to have a busy week so that I'm not just sitting around thinking about everyone and everything that I miss from home. The prayers you have sent on my behalf have most certainly been felt as I've adjusted a little better, but still getting settled in my house, my rountine, and my work schedule. I can't lie and say that it has been easy. Adjusting to life away from my family and friends, the language barrier, and the big decisions I'm still praying through have made it a difficult week. Today one of my beloved friends emailed me this verse which is so appropriate for this season:

 

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

 

I was also blessed by the encouragement from my church's weekly email that contains a reflective devotional. It was such perfect timing, only something my God can do!

 

 

 

I started my week off this week working at the Agape 4 School for Children with Special Needs and I spent everyday there, except for Friday. I love being there with the kids and the teachers, but the language barrier does prove to be quite a challenge. I know that I will learn it eventually, but it is hard to feel like I never really know what is going on. I'm trying to be a "learner"- to sit back and learn from the teachers and staff here that know the kids, the expectations, and simply know how things can work here. It has been a little challenging at times. Right now, I feel more like an "aide" or assistant than a techer. I spend most of my time changing nappies (diapers), making sure kids are behaving and following along during "class", and feeding those that can't feed themselves. Don't get me wrong- I love what I'm doing- I LOVE the kids, but it is so very different than what I expected and what I'm used to!

Sometimes I feel like things are "unorganized" but I don't know if that is because I don't understand their language or the expectations! Please send extra prayers for my tongue and brain to absorb the language!!! It will make life easier for all involved!!! :)

 

This is CarenLeigh. She has grown such much since last year and is even sitting up on her own and crawling. On Thursday, we fingerpainted flowers since it is now spring time here. We all had a blast!!!

 

 

I've also got to spend more time with Catie Belle and I have loved every minute of it. At first, she didn't really want anything to do with me- and that was hard, but I had tried to prepare myself for that. She has walls of protection at 6 years old because she has so many people coming in and out of her little life. Thankfully, she has warmed up immensely and the past several nights she has begged me not to leave, to stay with her at the Asiphe` House where she lives. She is sooo smart and deserves the world. I love this sweet little girl!!!

 

Catie Belle had a braai at school on Friday and came home with stars on her face! She must be my child for everytime I have the camera out she wants to take TONS of pictures- and she gets grumpy sometimes when I take her picture!!! :)

 

 

On Friday, there was a tannie who was sick but was scheduled to work at the Asiphe` house, so they called to ask if I would work the 7am-7pm shift. I was happy to be there- I felt like I knew more of what I was doing and there wasn't so much of an issue with the language barrier. This is where Alissa and I spent the last 3 weeks when we were here last year, so I already know most of the routine,  the kids and their needs, and most of the tannies (ladies that work in the house- "tannie" means "auntie"). While it was a hard day physically and I left covered in food, I enjoyed every minute of it. I love loving these kids and ladies. I especially enjoyed some time with Ernie and the newest addition to the house: Mignon. She is an 8 month old baby that has no special needs, but when they had to close the baby house because they didn't have parents to care for them, the only place they had for her was in the special needs home. It breaks my heart that she is here, missing out on the development and attention she needs to grow. I loved loving her and spending as much time as I could with her. We are all hoping and praying that her situation will soon change. I'm hoping I get to be a part of that change.

Mignon has one of the sweetest smiles around!! Love her already!!!



Hoping to update again next week!! For those of you in the El Paso, area- I hope you are enjoying the Corn Fest this year!!! It is soooo strange not being there, but I am living vicariously through you!!!

Hugs and love,
Megan

Change 9/4/12

My how so much has already changed in my life, but I guess that happens when you move to another continent! Here’s the thing:  You should know that I HATE change, so coming here has been a huge challenge that EVERYTHING has changed for me. I’ve been adjusting a little better, but I am still missing family and friends. Now that I am busy with school, the home, and other activities, I don’t have time to sit around and miss home- I feel like I’m always on the go! God has blessed me by bringing Tessa and Annette alongside me as friends during this transition, to keep me busy and to help me adjust by answering questions.

         Tessa and Annette

 

On Friday I enjoyed some time at the Kid’s Club that they host every Friday at the Agape church. It was a very cold and rainy day, so it was a small turn out- only 25 children. Usually they have between 70-100 kids, ranging in age from 6 to 16. Here is a picture of our small group playing a relay game. I enjoyed my time with the kids- even though I had a hard time communicating with them!

*Prayer Point- Pray that my tongue and brain will QUICKLY pick up Afrikaans!

        Kid’s Club Relay Game!

 

I’ve enjoyed spending time with all of the children, but especially Catie Belle. At first, she was shy and didn’t want anything to do with me- as I predicted would happen. Yesterday she finally broke down her walls and we spent lots of time playing together during recess at school. Today, Tessa, Faizel, Annette and I took Catie and Kaylinn (another girl from Asiphe`) to the mall for a little shopping, a walk along the beach, and a nice dinner out. They loved the extra special attention!

   Faizel, Catie, Kaylinn, and Tessa trying on some summer hats!

 

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Catie and I enjoying dinner at the “Spur” along the beach!

 

I’ve seen all of the children that we met last year and I’m amazed at how much some of them have grown, and how some of them seem to not have changed at all!! Ernie has grown SOOO much since last year!!! I could hardly believe it was him!!!

           Ernie!!!

 

*Prayer point: God is at work in strange ways. I’ve felt confused since I got here- like I wasn’t sure why it is that I am here. He is moving and working. I have some decisions that I need to make regarding where I will be spending my time within Agape, so I would covet your prayers that God would speak clearly to me so that I will be where He wants me to be.

 

My love always,

Breaking my heart for what breaks His,

Megan

Reality (9/1/12)

Reality has set in. This is not a short trip in which I will return home to my dear family and friends. I will be here for much longer than I ever have before.  I thought I had prepared myself for that, but I guess I wasn’t prepared enough. I thought I would not find myself feeling “homesick” until after a few months. Don’t get me wrong- I love being here! I love being reunited with my babies and friends of South Africa, but my heart also longs for my family and friends. I wish I could have both worlds together, especially today.

I’m so blessed that Amy, an Agape volunteer from Texas, was still here when I arrived, and was the one to pick me up at the airport. She has been here many times, for long amounts of time, so she had lots of wisdom and encouragement to share! She left yesterday which makes me sad that we were unable to spend more time together, but I’m happy we were finally able to meet in person. We have emailed back and forth a great deal these last few months, so meeting her in “real life” was quite a blessing!

 

I’ve moved in to my “flat” or apartment that is attached to the foster home on  Agape 2, right across the yard from where Catie Belle lives. When I went to go see her at school to let her know I was here for the first time, her eyes lit up and she gave me a great big hug! I was overwhelmed with how happy it made me that she remembered me and that she responded in that way. Last night however before bedtime, when she saw me she began to cry, and was inconsolable. I don’t know why she does this. One of the other volunteers from the Netherlands, Annette, thought maybe she just didn’t know how to process her emotions that I actually came back. I don’t know if we will ever know. I hope that later today I will be able to spend some time with her and she will warm up a little more. Please continue to pray for our relationship.

 

Here are some pictures of my house:

This is what you see when you walk in. My bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room are all in one.It is bigger than I imagined it to be!

The kitchen. When I arrived they had forgot to put in a stove or at least microwave so I could cook. Thankfully one of the other volunteers gave up her microwave.

 

Here is my bathroom. Still learning the tricks to the shower: like having hot water and keeping all the water in the shower.

 

Please continue to pray for transition on both sides of the Atlantic. Huge praise for Tessa, a permanent Agape volunteer who has been a huge help and has tried to keep me busy these past few days!

 

Will post more later!

Love always,

Megan

Rollercoaster (8/29/12)

WOW!!!!! My life for the past few weeks has felt like a constant rollercoaster, with incredible highs and insane lows. From unexpected doctors visits and procedures, to spending quality time with family and friends, to watching my Grandmother leave this Earth for her eternal home with Jesus. Saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and it is completely selfish. I know she is no longer in pain and is dancing with Jesus so why should I be sad? My head is not sad. I’m REJOICING in the thought that we will one day be reunited. But my heart needs a little more time. She had been on an uphill stint, so I thought she would pass after I left, but God had different plans. Please pray my family through this. For those of you, who have been asking, her services will be today (Saturday Sept. 1) at 10am at the First Baptist Church in El Paso.

On the climb of my rollercoaster however, I’M OFFICIALLY on my way to South Africa!!!! I’m sitting in Heathrow Airport as I type this post. While I am SOOOO excited to finally be going after what seems like an eternity, saying farewell for awhile to my dearest father, mother, sisters, and friend yesterday really hit me hard. Another dear friend reminded me of the call Jesus makes: “Leave your father and mother and come follow me.” Not easy stuff. I miss them already and I haven’t even made it to Africa yet!!! But I live in the reassurance that we will Skype often. I’m also praying that they may be able to come visit me while I’m in SA to see firsthand how God is using me, and so they can meet my babies!!!!

 

Praises: * For the outpouring of love that I’ve felt the last few weeks, especially at my going away party! Thank you SOOOO much for those that helped and that came!!! I am blessed with a HUGE support system!!! <3

* One leg of my trip is down!

* That I was able to be with my grandmother and my family when she was called home to be with Jesus.

Prayers: * That the second half of my trip goes well….I’m nervous about finding my gate after our last issue at Heathrow airport.

* Transition on both sides of the Atlantic!

* That I will be able to prioritize myself in a way that doesn’t run me down, but that allows myself to be used by God at Agape.

* That Catie Belle and I will have a sweet reunion! <3