Watch this video! It's spectacular!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Routine
Well I think it's probably been too long since I've made a blog post... longer than the once a week I promised people.
It's safe to say that in the past four weeks, I've settled into a routine. Mind you, not enough to make me feel like I know what I'm doing, but enough to feel like I live here and belong here.
Here's a day in the life of an intern:
Up around 7:30, morning routine, which now includes my new french press, I'm obsessed (it's red). Get to campus at 9:30 to have breakfast with a student, hang around Starbucks for an hour or two working on study program or reading Emma... (I was able to finish it long before my study program book, so I was probably reading Emma that morning, haha.) At noon, walk to the commons for "fun lunch" with RUF students-- basically we get the same table every week at 12, and everyone knows we'll be there to hang out. After lunch, spread out blanket on the green and text every freshmen in my phone telling them to study outside, not in the library! Manage to get a few students to work/socialize on my picnic blanket. At 3, head to the education building for upperclassmen small group, talk about the book of Mark for an hour. 4:30, brave Birmingham traffic on 65 south and head home!
Not everyday looks the same because we have large group and freshman small group in the evenings, some days I have zero or three one-on-ones, and some days include preparing for bible studies and fun gatherings at my apartment or the Dentici's. I'm learning to get used to not having a regular schedule, and learning to be patient as I develop relationships and figure out what is needed on this campus!
Since I last posted, we've had three more large group meetings with lots of students, and three freshmen small group meetings! I'm so excited about all the freshmen that are becoming the "regular crowd". This monday night gathering each week has been so special to me because we've really gotten to know the group and have had some great discussions. It's also caused me to reflect on the freshmen bible study I was a part of my freshmen year at Furman. We're going over a lot of the same material used by my old campus minister--things that are the basics of the Christian faith, like justification, forgiveness, the importance of Scripture. It's stuff that God used a lot in life my freshmen year, and stuff that I really benefit from learning again with these freshmen! It's also fun to be with and observe this bunch because my freshmen small group introduced me to the people who became some of my very best friends at Furman and I can see that happening here.
Our group also went on a retreat two weekends ago! We went to one of the older girl's family lakehouse on Lake Guntersville. We had a really sweet and rowdy (yes, both) time getting to know one another, and also spent some time talking about community in Christ.
(Snuggling with some freshies!)
Some weekend soon we're going to Huntsville, for a service/vision trip to Lincoln Village. We're going to hang out with RUF @ UAH, too!
It's safe to say that in the past four weeks, I've settled into a routine. Mind you, not enough to make me feel like I know what I'm doing, but enough to feel like I live here and belong here.
Here's a day in the life of an intern:
Up around 7:30, morning routine, which now includes my new french press, I'm obsessed (it's red). Get to campus at 9:30 to have breakfast with a student, hang around Starbucks for an hour or two working on study program or reading Emma... (I was able to finish it long before my study program book, so I was probably reading Emma that morning, haha.) At noon, walk to the commons for "fun lunch" with RUF students-- basically we get the same table every week at 12, and everyone knows we'll be there to hang out. After lunch, spread out blanket on the green and text every freshmen in my phone telling them to study outside, not in the library! Manage to get a few students to work/socialize on my picnic blanket. At 3, head to the education building for upperclassmen small group, talk about the book of Mark for an hour. 4:30, brave Birmingham traffic on 65 south and head home!
Not everyday looks the same because we have large group and freshman small group in the evenings, some days I have zero or three one-on-ones, and some days include preparing for bible studies and fun gatherings at my apartment or the Dentici's. I'm learning to get used to not having a regular schedule, and learning to be patient as I develop relationships and figure out what is needed on this campus!
Since I last posted, we've had three more large group meetings with lots of students, and three freshmen small group meetings! I'm so excited about all the freshmen that are becoming the "regular crowd". This monday night gathering each week has been so special to me because we've really gotten to know the group and have had some great discussions. It's also caused me to reflect on the freshmen bible study I was a part of my freshmen year at Furman. We're going over a lot of the same material used by my old campus minister--things that are the basics of the Christian faith, like justification, forgiveness, the importance of Scripture. It's stuff that God used a lot in life my freshmen year, and stuff that I really benefit from learning again with these freshmen! It's also fun to be with and observe this bunch because my freshmen small group introduced me to the people who became some of my very best friends at Furman and I can see that happening here.
Our group also went on a retreat two weekends ago! We went to one of the older girl's family lakehouse on Lake Guntersville. We had a really sweet and rowdy (yes, both) time getting to know one another, and also spent some time talking about community in Christ.
Some weekend soon we're going to Huntsville, for a service/vision trip to Lincoln Village. We're going to hang out with RUF @ UAH, too!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
First Large Group!
We had our first RUF large group of the year last night and I think it was a huge success! I think we counted 60 students!
This week was a lot of firsts for RUF at UAB:
First week in a new, bigger room in Heritage Hall,
first time with a leadership/ministry team,
first time to have more than 30ish students attend (and we doubled!),
first time to have a totally student-led worship team,
first time with an intern (yay),
and the students got to finally find out that Joe and Melissa are having a girl!
After we met, we hung around and had ice cream and played kickball. I think everyone had a fun time and it was good for me to finally see the group all together.
I'm so excited for the week ahead with small groups starting up and lots of hang out times with freshmen girls already planned!
In other news, I finally went grocery shopping....
P.S. I'm supposed to write a short bio for the website-- anybody have any good ideas?
This week was a lot of firsts for RUF at UAB:
First week in a new, bigger room in Heritage Hall,
first time with a leadership/ministry team,
first time to have more than 30ish students attend (and we doubled!),
first time to have a totally student-led worship team,
first time with an intern (yay),
and the students got to finally find out that Joe and Melissa are having a girl!
After we met, we hung around and had ice cream and played kickball. I think everyone had a fun time and it was good for me to finally see the group all together.
I'm so excited for the week ahead with small groups starting up and lots of hang out times with freshmen girls already planned!
In other news, I finally went grocery shopping....
P.S. I'm supposed to write a short bio for the website-- anybody have any good ideas?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
I'm moving to Birmingham!
Today I got the green light to move to campus! I can't even begin to tell how mind-blowing and unreal it is to know that this is actually happening.
I am so thankful to the many people who have told me that they're praying for me and for my support to be raised. It's been the most unforeseen source of encouragement this past week and summer, and such a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness to me.
How do I tell you how thankful and blown away I am by the sheer number of people who are supporting me? And so generously! I'm undone by how my church family and friends have come around me and encouraged me in this, and by my peers (college students and recent college grads!) who have given SO much you wouldn't believe it. I've struggled a lot this summer with coming to terms with asking people to give to something that I'm doing while also seeing so much of my sin and faults through this process. I keep thinking, I'm not qualified, I don't deserve this and .... I don't! What a freeing realization. I don't deserve what's been given to me. I've asked people not to be a part of Laura's deal, but Christ's work on UAB's campus. And thank goodness that He is the Qualified and the Worthy one!
I am so thankful to the many people who have told me that they're praying for me and for my support to be raised. It's been the most unforeseen source of encouragement this past week and summer, and such a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness to me.
How do I tell you how thankful and blown away I am by the sheer number of people who are supporting me? And so generously! I'm undone by how my church family and friends have come around me and encouraged me in this, and by my peers (college students and recent college grads!) who have given SO much you wouldn't believe it. I've struggled a lot this summer with coming to terms with asking people to give to something that I'm doing while also seeing so much of my sin and faults through this process. I keep thinking, I'm not qualified, I don't deserve this and .... I don't! What a freeing realization. I don't deserve what's been given to me. I've asked people not to be a part of Laura's deal, but Christ's work on UAB's campus. And thank goodness that He is the Qualified and the Worthy one!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Study Program
Part of the internship involves doing a study program-- usually two books a month and book reports on each. So for July, I'm finishing up Putting Amazing Back into Grace, by Michael Horton, and The Enduring Community, by Brian Habig and Les Newsom.
My favorite of the two was Enduring Community because its on the subject of the Church. The authors go into what the Bible says about Church and why we need it so much. I found it really helpful because questions of how to do church, and whether or not it's important is kind of a hot topic with college kids. There are lots of ideas out there about "reinventing church" and this book really answered a lot of those controversies, and more importantly, put Christ at the center of the discussion. It also helped that one of the authors is my pastor from Greenville and I think he's awesome and his church was one of the best parts of my last two years at Furman.
Support update: As of today, I've raised, $18,003 and need to raise $9,515 to move to Birmingham. Please consider being a part of this ministry by giving!
In the words of Tracy Tina of youtube fame,
"Peace and blessins, peace and blessins"
Laura
Monday, August 8, 2011
Nashville Wedding Weekend
All that aside, the real reason that the wedding was awesome was that we wrote a song and dance toast for K&M at the reception and we pretty much stole the show. Video to come.
An added bonus to the weekend came when we visited Kelsey's church on Sunday morning, Christ Community, where they were having an RUF sunday! Kevin Twit led worship, along with Emily Deloach, who has a beee-yoo-tiful voice. If you haven't heard of Indelible Grace Music, you should look into it!
We sang this song:
This hymn has been very close to me this summer, as support raising has turned out to be a huge lesson in trust and patience. God seems to be teaching my that when we ask to grow, he's not going to do it the easy way, or at all the way we want it.
Also, when fellow RUF intern and bridesmaid for the weekend, Catherine, and I went to look for the RUF support table outside, we found three fellow interns from our intern class! We thought we wouldn't get to see you guys til October!
The weekend reminded me that I have so much to be thankful for! It felt like we were receiving one blessing after another! I got to spend one last weekend with my Furman besties and roommates before we all went our separate ways, was hosted by an incredible family that took us in as if we were their own kids (shout out to Kaka Ray!), and was given a beautiful reminder of how Christ loves us.
Friday, July 29, 2011
RUF Training
I just returned home from spending a week at RUF staff training, which is just in Atlanta, about 30 minutes from home. I love everything about this week, from spending time with interns, meeting other staff and campus ministers, and learning!
Throughout the week we attend sessions led by different campus ministers, beginning with the "state of the union address". The interns' sessions were mostly about RUF's philosophy of ministry and about putting it into practice on our respective campuses. Some of my fears going into this week were that I still have a hard time imagining what my job will look like and that I don't know how to prepare myself for the day to day life of an intern. These sessions really helped me get what it looks for a ministry to be driven by the Gospel, even in one to one conversations. I wasn't handed a daily job description, but I realized that I have all the tools to do my job. We had sessions focusing on each of the principles of the "P.O.M.", which are Scripture, Justification, and Sanctification. At first, I thought, "really, we're being taught about justification again? I get it!" But that's the thing, I really don't get it, I need to be taught about forgiveness and grace EVERY DAY.
Throughout the week we attend sessions led by different campus ministers, beginning with the "state of the union address". The interns' sessions were mostly about RUF's philosophy of ministry and about putting it into practice on our respective campuses. Some of my fears going into this week were that I still have a hard time imagining what my job will look like and that I don't know how to prepare myself for the day to day life of an intern. These sessions really helped me get what it looks for a ministry to be driven by the Gospel, even in one to one conversations. I wasn't handed a daily job description, but I realized that I have all the tools to do my job. We had sessions focusing on each of the principles of the "P.O.M.", which are Scripture, Justification, and Sanctification. At first, I thought, "really, we're being taught about justification again? I get it!" But that's the thing, I really don't get it, I need to be taught about forgiveness and grace EVERY DAY.
In other news, I think I've reached about 42% of my support... which means I'm halfway to moving! It also means that I'm still far, and that I still need so many supporters! Please pray that God would provide! Classes start at UAB two weeks from tomorrow, and I want to be there!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Just for fun!
Sometimes this blog is really serious.... I'm going to post today to share some things I'm really thankful for!
1. Starbucks and Mary Beth Moore. She's sat with me twice this week as I read for the study program, make phone calls, and waste time on the internet. What a friend! I'm so thankful for you, MB, and for our mothers' friendship that keeps us connected when we get bad at keeping up with each other!
2. DIY blogs. Very rarely do I actually get around to making anything that I see, but it's cool to think that I could be a crafty person.
3. Books that I don't have to read. Oh, thank you, summer, for reconnecting me to one of my favorite past times ever! Let's keep this up past August this time.
4. Daniel 3! Have you read this recently? I know we all heard the story in Sunday School, but verse 25 gives me chills when I read it now. King Nebuchadnezzar saw one "with the appearance like a son of the gods" walking around in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Let's take a second and imagine what that might have been like.
1. Starbucks and Mary Beth Moore. She's sat with me twice this week as I read for the study program, make phone calls, and waste time on the internet. What a friend! I'm so thankful for you, MB, and for our mothers' friendship that keeps us connected when we get bad at keeping up with each other!
2. DIY blogs. Very rarely do I actually get around to making anything that I see, but it's cool to think that I could be a crafty person.
3. Books that I don't have to read. Oh, thank you, summer, for reconnecting me to one of my favorite past times ever! Let's keep this up past August this time.
4. Daniel 3! Have you read this recently? I know we all heard the story in Sunday School, but verse 25 gives me chills when I read it now. King Nebuchadnezzar saw one "with the appearance like a son of the gods" walking around in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Let's take a second and imagine what that might have been like.
Monday, July 18, 2011
What is July for anyway?
Something I mentioned in my last post is that I'm spending my summer raising support for this internship. This is the part of the deal that took me a long time to come to terms with and REALLY freaked me out. The truth is, it has turned out to be an incredible learning experience and something I feel really wholehearted about (truly the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart, that's not how I felt two months ago).
In order to move to Birmingham, I need to raise 85% of $33,787. I'm not even half way at this point, but I'm still really excited to see how it's going to come together. Okay, that last thought changes every couple of days or so. This summer has definitely taught me how much I let my circumstances determine my attitude. At the end of the day, I know that God can provide the support and that He loves to give his people good things, so I can trust him to bring me to the end of this summer, whether that means with support or without.
This process has been really hard for me for two reasons. First, I am always really reluctant to share how I feel about things and I hate to make people uncomfortable. This is not helpful at all when it comes to support raising because it is good to share my love for UAB and RUF and for sharing the Gospel with students and it is good to ask people to partner with me! It has really shown me how I need to learn to be less afraid of others and more concerned with sharing the really good things that God is doing in my life right now. Something that has helped me appreciate the support raising process is that it is really about relationship building. I have been blessed to deepen my friendships with so many people in my life by sharing with them about this internship and I've overcome a lot of fears about other people and what they will think of me. I have such a long way to go towards loving people the way Christ loves me, and he is graciously showing me that so much this summer.
Another reason this process has been difficult is that it has shown me that I am not a very self-motivated person. Support raising involves a big goal, with a deadline that's not exactly close and the reasons I want to do it are people who I don't actually know yet and are not around me everyday. I'm kind of excited about support raising next summer, because I'll be able to tell stories and share about individuals.
Training is next week! I'm excited because I love being with the other interns, and because the campus ministers will be there this time! I'm also anxious, though, because I know that I don't have very much support raised, and this training marks the beginning of the end of summer...
Until next time,
Laura
In order to move to Birmingham, I need to raise 85% of $33,787. I'm not even half way at this point, but I'm still really excited to see how it's going to come together. Okay, that last thought changes every couple of days or so. This summer has definitely taught me how much I let my circumstances determine my attitude. At the end of the day, I know that God can provide the support and that He loves to give his people good things, so I can trust him to bring me to the end of this summer, whether that means with support or without.
This process has been really hard for me for two reasons. First, I am always really reluctant to share how I feel about things and I hate to make people uncomfortable. This is not helpful at all when it comes to support raising because it is good to share my love for UAB and RUF and for sharing the Gospel with students and it is good to ask people to partner with me! It has really shown me how I need to learn to be less afraid of others and more concerned with sharing the really good things that God is doing in my life right now. Something that has helped me appreciate the support raising process is that it is really about relationship building. I have been blessed to deepen my friendships with so many people in my life by sharing with them about this internship and I've overcome a lot of fears about other people and what they will think of me. I have such a long way to go towards loving people the way Christ loves me, and he is graciously showing me that so much this summer.
Another reason this process has been difficult is that it has shown me that I am not a very self-motivated person. Support raising involves a big goal, with a deadline that's not exactly close and the reasons I want to do it are people who I don't actually know yet and are not around me everyday. I'm kind of excited about support raising next summer, because I'll be able to tell stories and share about individuals.
Training is next week! I'm excited because I love being with the other interns, and because the campus ministers will be there this time! I'm also anxious, though, because I know that I don't have very much support raised, and this training marks the beginning of the end of summer...
Until next time,
Laura
Thursday, June 16, 2011
I'm back!
I've returned to my blog...
No, not because I didn't finish blogging about Africa (I didn't). I did return safely after two and half AWESOME weeks in Botswana. We went on game drives, ate really good food, slept in tents, and saw a lot of elephants and zebras. I loved it. Then I came home for three intense weeks of class and research projects, and then I graduated! I had two wonderful weeks between the end of class and graduation in which I spent doing all the things in Greenville that I never got to do (almost all) and spending time with friends.
I've returned to the blog to keep up with my next thing: the RUF internship!
Lord willing, I'm moving to Birmingham in August to be a part of the RUF at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. I spent approximately two years trying to decide whether to do this after graduation, until I finally realized this past fall that this is exactly what I wanted to do, and can do, and that I could trust the Lord to work out all the obstacles that I thought would make it impossible. I'll get to those later.
I'm really excited about this opportunity for a number of reasons. The first is probably really obvious to most of you who know me: I love RUF. It's no secret. Since the beginning of freshmen year, RUF has been my metaphorical home on campus. I found a wonderful community of friends and consistent teaching about the Gospel: my sin and Christ's righteousness. RUF does a really good job of not just providing Christian community on campus, but teaching that is aimed at the student's whole life. Following Christ is not just a college thing (which is what it often felt like at Furman), it's for eternity.
In the past couple of weeks, I've spent a lot of time telling people about what I'll be doing and why. And isn't that always the best way to figure out what you think about something? What I keep coming back to is the fact that I think college ministry is really important. More so, I think, than when I was in it.
College is when we might actually start to take the bigger questions more seriously, and to think about more than just ourselves. BUT, it's also when we don't want to hear answers that have already been said before-- which is good, and something really valuable-- but it often keeps us from the Church and from God's word. I think RUF gets this-- it loves church and wants students to love it, too.
I'm also excited because I'm moving to Birmingham! Alabama wasn't really on my radar when I was waiting for my placement, but since finding out, I keep finding more and more reasons why the 'Ham is a good place for me. (Immediate sources of joy: Courtney Cooper, Mary Ashley Underwood, and Mary Beth Moore... so many BFFs in one place) I'm excited about the things already going on on UAB's campus and about Joe and Melissa Dentici (The CM and his wife). I just want to move there now!
There are a lot of things that need to happen between now and Aug. 16th (when UAB's classes start and when I really want to be moved in by) and I'll be using this blog to keep up with it all.
Be back soon!
Laura
No, not because I didn't finish blogging about Africa (I didn't). I did return safely after two and half AWESOME weeks in Botswana. We went on game drives, ate really good food, slept in tents, and saw a lot of elephants and zebras. I loved it. Then I came home for three intense weeks of class and research projects, and then I graduated! I had two wonderful weeks between the end of class and graduation in which I spent doing all the things in Greenville that I never got to do (almost all) and spending time with friends.
I've returned to the blog to keep up with my next thing: the RUF internship!
Lord willing, I'm moving to Birmingham in August to be a part of the RUF at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. I spent approximately two years trying to decide whether to do this after graduation, until I finally realized this past fall that this is exactly what I wanted to do, and can do, and that I could trust the Lord to work out all the obstacles that I thought would make it impossible. I'll get to those later.
I'm really excited about this opportunity for a number of reasons. The first is probably really obvious to most of you who know me: I love RUF. It's no secret. Since the beginning of freshmen year, RUF has been my metaphorical home on campus. I found a wonderful community of friends and consistent teaching about the Gospel: my sin and Christ's righteousness. RUF does a really good job of not just providing Christian community on campus, but teaching that is aimed at the student's whole life. Following Christ is not just a college thing (which is what it often felt like at Furman), it's for eternity.
In the past couple of weeks, I've spent a lot of time telling people about what I'll be doing and why. And isn't that always the best way to figure out what you think about something? What I keep coming back to is the fact that I think college ministry is really important. More so, I think, than when I was in it.
College is when we might actually start to take the bigger questions more seriously, and to think about more than just ourselves. BUT, it's also when we don't want to hear answers that have already been said before-- which is good, and something really valuable-- but it often keeps us from the Church and from God's word. I think RUF gets this-- it loves church and wants students to love it, too.
I'm also excited because I'm moving to Birmingham! Alabama wasn't really on my radar when I was waiting for my placement, but since finding out, I keep finding more and more reasons why the 'Ham is a good place for me. (Immediate sources of joy: Courtney Cooper, Mary Ashley Underwood, and Mary Beth Moore... so many BFFs in one place) I'm excited about the things already going on on UAB's campus and about Joe and Melissa Dentici (The CM and his wife). I just want to move there now!
There are a lot of things that need to happen between now and Aug. 16th (when UAB's classes start and when I really want to be moved in by) and I'll be using this blog to keep up with it all.
Be back soon!
Laura
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Last day in Namibia
Hello all!
Sorry I haven't updated! Since I last posted, the group flew from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia. Landing in Walvis Bay was probably the most surreal moment yet because all we could see was sand. Everywhere. We stayed in Swakopmund, on the beach for about a week, climbed Dune 7 (a really big sand dune), and went sandboarding- which means we dove down large dunes on plywood wearing helmets and elbow pads. SO AWESOME. From Swakop, we drove to Windhoek, the capitol city, which is where I am now. Penduka, the first place we stayed which is in the township of Katatura, runs a TB treatment program and has an awesome work program for women with physical disabilities. Now, we are staying at a Lutheran guest house in the middle of the city so we're right in the middle of everything.
Since we've been in Namibia, I've gone on two homestays, one in Windhoek and one in the north, in the rural area around Khorixas. The first was much like the homestay in Soweto. They had two kids, Benny and El Shaddai, and I basically became part of their family for the week. I got to go to church with them twice! The worship service was FAR different than worshipping at Heritage and Downtown Pres back home, but I treasured it so much. I felt so at home stomping my feet and dancing in the aisles.
My second homestay was a totally unique experience from the others, and I know I'm not going to be able to fully convey what I got from it. I know you're all dying to hear how I fared making food over a fire and using a pit latrine (situated ever so conveniently next to the main road), but I was FINE! I milked a cow, road a donkey cart, and sat around in the dirt. But really the most valuable part of the weekend was being a part of the family and getting to know them. Our "Ouma" (grandmother) reminded me so much of my own grandmother, even though she didn't speak English... I think it was the way she wasn't exactly warm, but just wanted to take care of us (Rastos know what I mean...).
I haven't heard from RUF yet, and I don't think I'll be able to get on internet again anytime soon. I really wanted to be able to tell everyone before I went off the charts in Botswana, but you'll just have to be patient!
Sorry for being so out of contact, friends. So many of you have sent emails and had birthdays and I haven't been able to email or call and I'm SO sorry. I miss everyone SOO SO SO much and I'm counting down the days (18!).
LOVE YOU!
Sorry I haven't updated! Since I last posted, the group flew from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia. Landing in Walvis Bay was probably the most surreal moment yet because all we could see was sand. Everywhere. We stayed in Swakopmund, on the beach for about a week, climbed Dune 7 (a really big sand dune), and went sandboarding- which means we dove down large dunes on plywood wearing helmets and elbow pads. SO AWESOME. From Swakop, we drove to Windhoek, the capitol city, which is where I am now. Penduka, the first place we stayed which is in the township of Katatura, runs a TB treatment program and has an awesome work program for women with physical disabilities. Now, we are staying at a Lutheran guest house in the middle of the city so we're right in the middle of everything.
Since we've been in Namibia, I've gone on two homestays, one in Windhoek and one in the north, in the rural area around Khorixas. The first was much like the homestay in Soweto. They had two kids, Benny and El Shaddai, and I basically became part of their family for the week. I got to go to church with them twice! The worship service was FAR different than worshipping at Heritage and Downtown Pres back home, but I treasured it so much. I felt so at home stomping my feet and dancing in the aisles.
My second homestay was a totally unique experience from the others, and I know I'm not going to be able to fully convey what I got from it. I know you're all dying to hear how I fared making food over a fire and using a pit latrine (situated ever so conveniently next to the main road), but I was FINE! I milked a cow, road a donkey cart, and sat around in the dirt. But really the most valuable part of the weekend was being a part of the family and getting to know them. Our "Ouma" (grandmother) reminded me so much of my own grandmother, even though she didn't speak English... I think it was the way she wasn't exactly warm, but just wanted to take care of us (Rastos know what I mean...).
I haven't heard from RUF yet, and I don't think I'll be able to get on internet again anytime soon. I really wanted to be able to tell everyone before I went off the charts in Botswana, but you'll just have to be patient!
Sorry for being so out of contact, friends. So many of you have sent emails and had birthdays and I haven't been able to email or call and I'm SO sorry. I miss everyone SOO SO SO much and I'm counting down the days (18!).
LOVE YOU!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
a whirlwind of a weekend
This weekend has been so jam-packed and I want to do all of it justice but I'm going to try to just retell it in snip-its. Also, note: the past two weeks have probably been the most vacation-y that the whole trip will be.I will be coming back down to earth on Friday because that's when we're going to Namibia.
1. We got REALLY spoiled in Durban and ate a whole lot and were waited on hand and foot. It was nice.
2. On Monday or so we decided it would be fun to try to see U2 in Cape Town. We just assumed we would be able to get tickets... I don't know why.
3. We actually have a really wonderful tour guide who was with us through Durban. His name is Peter and he's one of those people who seems to know everything and can make anything happen. He got us tickets to see Bono two days before the concert. He also managed to get half of our group on the flight that they had been knocked off of because it had been overbooked by 50%. Which leads me to my next thought:
4. I flew on an African airline called Mango and survived.
5. I think U2 concerts should count for CLP credit because Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Zackie Achmat were all featured in some way.
6. The southern most point of Africa was really windy and covered in fog so I really didn't see all that much. It was still beautiful, though!
7. I had decided that Durban was my favorite city, but that was before I got to Cape Town. It's out of this world beautiful. I'm wondering if they would want to start an RUF at University of Cape Town because I'd move here in a heart beat.
8. Penguins are the most adorable, fascinating creatures. Andrea, I think I'm tagging you as the penguins when I post them on facebook. It's either because of the way they walk or the way they crane their necks around when they look at each other. Apparently, they mate for life, which I think is obvious because of the hundreds we saw on the beach, most of them were standing in couples holding fins. So precious. Now I'm kind of embarrassed that I took up this much space talking about them.
9. Bishop Peter Storey!
10. Wine country of Cape Town-- also beautiful. We biked 20k and then went to three wineries. I am so thankful right now that they wouldn't let us bike after wine tasting. Just so you know, I chose that over diving with great white sharks. How thankful are you right now, Mom?
1. We got REALLY spoiled in Durban and ate a whole lot and were waited on hand and foot. It was nice.
2. On Monday or so we decided it would be fun to try to see U2 in Cape Town. We just assumed we would be able to get tickets... I don't know why.
3. We actually have a really wonderful tour guide who was with us through Durban. His name is Peter and he's one of those people who seems to know everything and can make anything happen. He got us tickets to see Bono two days before the concert. He also managed to get half of our group on the flight that they had been knocked off of because it had been overbooked by 50%. Which leads me to my next thought:
4. I flew on an African airline called Mango and survived.
5. I think U2 concerts should count for CLP credit because Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Zackie Achmat were all featured in some way.
6. The southern most point of Africa was really windy and covered in fog so I really didn't see all that much. It was still beautiful, though!
7. I had decided that Durban was my favorite city, but that was before I got to Cape Town. It's out of this world beautiful. I'm wondering if they would want to start an RUF at University of Cape Town because I'd move here in a heart beat.
8. Penguins are the most adorable, fascinating creatures. Andrea, I think I'm tagging you as the penguins when I post them on facebook. It's either because of the way they walk or the way they crane their necks around when they look at each other. Apparently, they mate for life, which I think is obvious because of the hundreds we saw on the beach, most of them were standing in couples holding fins. So precious. Now I'm kind of embarrassed that I took up this much space talking about them.
9. Bishop Peter Storey!
10. Wine country of Cape Town-- also beautiful. We biked 20k and then went to three wineries. I am so thankful right now that they wouldn't let us bike after wine tasting. Just so you know, I chose that over diving with great white sharks. How thankful are you right now, Mom?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Hello from Durban!!
Hey friends!
I've just arrived in Durban after spending the weekend at Giant's Castle in the Drakensburg Mountains. I wish I could describe how incredibly beautiful it was. Out of this world. We spent Sunday hiking which turned out to be extremely eventful. One group crossed into Lesotho, another was accosted by baboons (which are not nice animals), and our group got lost, sick, and stuck in the rain. But it was AWESOME!
Last week, we were in Kimberley, touring the De Beers Diamond Mine and the Kimberley research library. I don't want to reveal my history nerdiness too much, but I LOVED this place. They had "the first history of the world" published in Nuremburg in 1467 and the first Bible printed in an African language, as well as lots of old maps.
Before that, we finished our stay in Joburg by visiting Central Methodist Church in the heart of the city. This visit has been the most heartbreaking experience of the trip. The church houses 1400 refugees EVERY night. The building smells of poverty and many of the refugees are trapped here since they can't find jobs but can't return to Zimbabwe. We started by talking to Bishop Verryn, who I really loved because he's the first person here who seems to understand the hope that is found in the Gospel. I really appreciated hearing the many things he tries to do to serve here, but the whole talk was also disheartening because it seems the church is often unable to accomplish anything. He led us to the sanctuary for our service project, which we expected to be something like cleaning, or building something, or playing with kids, but instead we were told we were going to lead a workshop for young mothers who can't find work and who are very alone. We all felt utterly hopeless trying to converse with these women when we knew we were totally unable to change anything about their situation. They looked to us as a large group of white Americans who could somehow fix things for them, which was probably the most humbling part. That's been the most unexpected part of this trip; everyone we come across expect us to behave in a particular way since we're white and American, when in actuality, we know nothing about their situation, nor do we have any power to change anything. Needless to say, I'm learning a lot and processing a lot. I miss you all very much!
Laura
I've just arrived in Durban after spending the weekend at Giant's Castle in the Drakensburg Mountains. I wish I could describe how incredibly beautiful it was. Out of this world. We spent Sunday hiking which turned out to be extremely eventful. One group crossed into Lesotho, another was accosted by baboons (which are not nice animals), and our group got lost, sick, and stuck in the rain. But it was AWESOME!
Last week, we were in Kimberley, touring the De Beers Diamond Mine and the Kimberley research library. I don't want to reveal my history nerdiness too much, but I LOVED this place. They had "the first history of the world" published in Nuremburg in 1467 and the first Bible printed in an African language, as well as lots of old maps.
Before that, we finished our stay in Joburg by visiting Central Methodist Church in the heart of the city. This visit has been the most heartbreaking experience of the trip. The church houses 1400 refugees EVERY night. The building smells of poverty and many of the refugees are trapped here since they can't find jobs but can't return to Zimbabwe. We started by talking to Bishop Verryn, who I really loved because he's the first person here who seems to understand the hope that is found in the Gospel. I really appreciated hearing the many things he tries to do to serve here, but the whole talk was also disheartening because it seems the church is often unable to accomplish anything. He led us to the sanctuary for our service project, which we expected to be something like cleaning, or building something, or playing with kids, but instead we were told we were going to lead a workshop for young mothers who can't find work and who are very alone. We all felt utterly hopeless trying to converse with these women when we knew we were totally unable to change anything about their situation. They looked to us as a large group of white Americans who could somehow fix things for them, which was probably the most humbling part. That's been the most unexpected part of this trip; everyone we come across expect us to behave in a particular way since we're white and American, when in actuality, we know nothing about their situation, nor do we have any power to change anything. Needless to say, I'm learning a lot and processing a lot. I miss you all very much!
Laura
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Soweto!
Hi friends!
Internet access has proved more difficult to come by than expected, but I've found an internet cafe at a mall. I'm currently on a homestay in Soweto, and my homestay sister Mbali is sitting with me. She's shown me all over Jo-burg and her township of Soweto. I also have a homestay brother named Nathi and when you pronounce it, it sounds like "Naughty" which is so appropriate. On Thursday we took a bike tour around Soweto which was awesome because the township has rich history and culture. Unfortunately, I am very sunburned (Sorry Mom. I haven't gotten sick though!).
Love you guys and miss you! Thank you so much for the notes stuck in all parts of my suitcase. You are too good to me Hannah Keuhnert. Keep sleeping in my bed.
Laura
Internet access has proved more difficult to come by than expected, but I've found an internet cafe at a mall. I'm currently on a homestay in Soweto, and my homestay sister Mbali is sitting with me. She's shown me all over Jo-burg and her township of Soweto. I also have a homestay brother named Nathi and when you pronounce it, it sounds like "Naughty" which is so appropriate. On Thursday we took a bike tour around Soweto which was awesome because the township has rich history and culture. Unfortunately, I am very sunburned (Sorry Mom. I haven't gotten sick though!).
Love you guys and miss you! Thank you so much for the notes stuck in all parts of my suitcase. You are too good to me Hannah Keuhnert. Keep sleeping in my bed.
Laura
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Two days until departure!
Hi friends,
I'm now less than 48 hours from leaving Furman and getting on a 16 hour flight to Johannesburg! The past week has been incredibly overwhelming between packing, class work, and interviewing for the RUF internship, making me feel woefully unprepared to leave school in my last semester of college. It's easy for me to revert to stress and panic, but I know that God is faithful and that worrying doesn't get me anywhere. Even before I leave, I'm realizing how much I have to learn about trusting him!
Hopefully, I'll be able to keep you guys updated as I travel and maybe put some pictures up as well!
Laura
I'm now less than 48 hours from leaving Furman and getting on a 16 hour flight to Johannesburg! The past week has been incredibly overwhelming between packing, class work, and interviewing for the RUF internship, making me feel woefully unprepared to leave school in my last semester of college. It's easy for me to revert to stress and panic, but I know that God is faithful and that worrying doesn't get me anywhere. Even before I leave, I'm realizing how much I have to learn about trusting him!
Hopefully, I'll be able to keep you guys updated as I travel and maybe put some pictures up as well!
Laura
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)