I decided to use a clever title for my newest blog, one that has four parts: one about our new season here in SA, one about a wonderful conference I was able to attend, one about my parents visit to SA and one about the MAJOR changes that have happened in the past few months. Sorry it has taken me so long to post anything, but honestly, I haven’t had the words to do so. Please read to the end. I’m going to work hard to keep it short, but also remember what I’m writing about it a very COMPLICATED situation, and it isn’t possible to put it into a short little blog post. 
Fall:
In the valley of apples and grapes, the weather has started to get cooler by the day, and even colder in the night time. The leaves of all the trees are changing colors, just like the trees at home. It is a beautiful scene, but one that I’m enjoying from a slightly different perspective than before. At the beginning of April, I decided (with advice from several family and friends locally and from home) that it was in my best interest to move away from Agape, but to still volunteer there. I just needed some space between work and “real-life”. I had three offers from wonderful friends to take me in, and I chose to move in with my friend, Tannie Alice, into her old farm house. I’ve been enjoying being back on “the farm”, although it is a very different farm scene growing apples and grapes! I’m enjoying the country air!
COLOUR:
At the beginning of April, I was able to attend a WONDERFUL Women’s Conference hosted by my church here in SA, Hillsong United Church. With over 5,000 women in attendance, it proved to be a BIG deal, but more importantly, it was SUCH an encouragement to me! The speakers were PHENOMENAL! I really enjoyed Priscilla Shirer, and love that this conference is happening throughout the world with other wonderful women, and that theme for ALL Colour Conferences is that they want to empower and encourage women to get involved in making a difference in the world as a host of mighty woman, on a mission from God. This conference could not have come at a more meaningful time for me! I was able to attend with my friends Nettie & Tessa.
Visits:
At the end of March, I was BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE to be able to have my parents come visit me for two weeks!!!!! It AWESOME to spend time with them and just get loved on 24/7, but it was SOOO wonderful to show them where I live and love, and for them to meet so many of the kids and adults that I love dearly!!!! It was also so great to just get away for a little while with them, taking them on a safari and a few other adventures! If you see them around, be sure to ask them about their trip- I know they had a good time, but did want me to come home with them!!
A special thank you to all who sent things along with my parents or contributed financially to help them get here. Their visit was MUCH needed and even MORE appreciated!!!
CHANGES:
So now for the tough part of this post. The part that I’ve struggled to understand myself, let alone be able to find words to tell others about. Sadly, after many unfortunate circumstances, I had to make one of the hardest decisions I’ve made yet in this short life of mine. After many months of trying to resolve situations and then a few ugly meetings, on April 9th, I had to make the choice in my best interest to resign from my commitment with Agape Family Ministries. While saying goodbye to all of the kids and adults that work and live within Agape has been a bit like torture, I know I’m in the will of God as He has given me a sense of peace about my decision since the moment I’ve made it.
Needless to say, things have been rough, since I really don’t like change, but a few things that I’m sure of are: that God has called me to South Africa, and that my work here is not yet done, even if my time with Agape is. My heart is in Grabouw, I feel at home there, and I’m still researching organizations and making connections to see where God wants me to be. I’m trying my best to remain open to where God is leading. CTEN is still my sending agency and pastoral support from the States, and will continue to handle my financial donations. The only connection that CTEN and Agape have is me.
A very wise person has advised me not to ask “why?” during these incredibly hard times, but to ask “what?" God is trying to teach me through this circumstance. While I still don’t know what it is that He wants to teach me, I do know that He is still leading me, no matter how dark my circumstances get. He has opened many doors for me already, and continues to surprise me. I’ve been blessed to find an interim position volunteering at a “creshe” or preschool/daycare center that is run by one the mother of one of my good friends, Ilze. I’ve loved getting to know the kids and the staff at this school, but I will say that working with 1-3 year olds is WHOLE NEW BALLGAME!! I do have about an hour drive to work which isn’t all that fun, but it’s all part of the game!
Through Hillsong’s Community Care team, I’ve also been able to get connected with a lady named Antje, from Germany, who is a missionary here as well, and is running a kids club in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, another slum, on the other side of the mountains I drive over to get to my home. I’ve really enjoyed helping her out for the past few weeks!! Depending on the weather, we have anywhere between 75-200 kids, ages 2-17 on a Friday afternoon. It is PRETTY CRAZY sometimes, but it is so much fun!!!!! Reminds me a bit of Orange/ Impact (the youth program in IL that I helped with for 8 years), but I never had to worry about a language barrier there though!!! 
Learning how to Zumba on a rainy day!
I don’t have any pictures of kids club yet, but as soon as I get some, I will post them!! With that many kids, you can imagine how hard it is to stop and snap a photo!
I thank you again for all of your patience, love, and prayers!
Praises:
* I’m so thankful to finally be getting connected into small groups in Hillsong church, which is making it easier to make new friends. I’ve met some really nice friends, that have often led to connections to check into!
* This Sunday, the message was FOR ME, and has brought a major release from the pain of the past few months, and the beginning of emotional healing.
*For the opportunities that God is putting into my path.
* For the wonderful friendships with Tannie Alice, Auntie Cindie & Uncle Stuart, who’ve all been such a blessing on my darkest days.
Prayers:
* For my VISA paperwork. Since I left Agape, who was listed on my paperwork, I had to change the papers. I’ve found a wonderful immigration officer to work with to get the paperwork I need, but now it is just a waiting game for the government to approve it all.
*For the meetings with all of the new schools and organizations, that God would clearly lead me to where He wants me to be.
*Restoration and healing of relationships with Agape’s leadership. It has been a long hard road, but the hardest thing has been leaving the girls, and having all of my ties to them cut. I haven’t been allowed to see either of them for almost two months now, which breaks my heart. I miss my babies VERY much.
*Continued financial provision & guidance. I’ve had continual problems with my van basically since I bought it in October, so we’ve decided to see if we can sell it and find something more reliable and not so heavy on gas, since I’m doing A LOT of traveling now.
*My family
I hope this gives you an understanding of my new roles here in the mission field. If you still have questions, please feel free to email me! I will try my best to answer any questions you may have!
Thanks for your love, encouragement, and prayers!!! I couldn’t do any of what I do without my FANTABULOUS support system from home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ALL play such a CRUCIAL part of this ministry!!!
Love you all!!
