Worshipful Weekend!

What an amazing weekend it has been. It is hard to believe that I am on the backend of my trip here. I have really grown to love the people here (not surprising) and will be sad to be leaving. In a way I will be excited to be back in the States as I will get to see Beau and other family and friends, but I am definitely going to miss it here.

One thing that I really like about it here is that it is such a unique set-up. By working at the University, you get the opportunity to work with the influential and affluent of the community. There is direct interaction with the people in the administration of the University and also the people in the South African government. Then their is also the college student ministry aspect. For those that know me, you know this is something that I am passionate about. I love college students. It is when they come to college that I think that they are at one of the most formidable times of their lives. It is the first time they are away from their parents and must decide for themselves just exactly what they believe and who they will serve. It is here that they test the things their families have instilled in them and the first time they are experiencing independence. What a precious opportunity to be able to help guide someone during this time. To be able to help them understand and discover that the pursuit of higher education and making money is okay, but it can't be their ultimate goal as it will never satisfy. I want to introduce them to THE LORD who can supply all their needs according to His riches in glory, that can heal the broken places in their lives, that can give them purpose for the rest of their days, and to help them understand the hope to which they are called. These students will be the future leaders in the communities and it is the prayer that the seeds sown in them during their time at University will multiply in the lives they will influence.

I love how free people here in Africa are with their worship and I have always wanted to be in a black choir. Well, my dream came true this weekend. I went Saturday afternoon to the His People University choir practice. They are very good and I thoroughly enjoyed singing with them. We rehearsed for about 2.5 hours (and we were standing/dancing the whole time!). About half the songs were in either Zulu or Setswana and half were in English. Luckily for me, they repeat a lot so by about the 5-6 time singing through it I could look like I was saying the right word! They are very professional in their performance and appearance. They decided that everyone would wear black and white. I didn't bring any black and white with me, but fortunately there are a couple of American college students here serving with some Baptist missionaries and one had a black dress that she let me borrow. I figured I am white and I wore a black dress so there was the "black and white"! :)

Sunday morning, Rebecca and I got up early so that we could go to the His People Community Church that Pastor Josephine is starting here in Mafikeng. Right now it is meeting at The Tusk which is a hotel and casino. Isn't that pretty cool that the Word of our Lord is being preached in such a place! Bringing light into the darkness! WHOOP! As we were singing that morning, several of the workers came to the doorway. Some joined in with the worship and some just were spectators, but I can tell you this much, seeds were sown into their hearts and they are wondering who it is that these people are so passionately worshipping. This Sunday was a baby dedication--their first. It was neat to see these parents presenting their child to the Lord and committing to help him grow up in the Lord. They let me hold him after the service, and I was ECSTATIC!!! Finally got my baby fix! :) Then we went to the student service that is held up at the University in one of the lecture halls. It was so neat to see the students singing praises to our God. This was the first time that they have had service for this semester and there were many new first year students. Pastor Dineo challenged the students using Daniel 1:8 to be like Daniel and "resolve in their hearts not to be defiled by the food/drink in the kings court." She encouraged them to be excellent in their studies and to live a life above reproach. A very good challenge for the beginning of a semester. 17 students made a commitment to Christ at the end of the service! :)

Did I mention that I DROVE to church this morning. I drove their Jetta and I managed to stay on the left side of the road and maneuver the stick with my left hand. Luckily the pedals (clutch, brake, and gas pedal) are all in the same order. After we got back from church, I ate lunch and took a nap. I am going to attempt to stay up and watch the Super Bowl with Logan and Micah tonight. It begins at 1:25 a.m. over here. The things we sports fanatics do . . . :). If it isn't a good game I have a feeling my eyelids will get the best of me. If so, I can always watch the replay tomorrow afternoon, but it just isn't as good as watching it live!

I hope all of you had an incredible Sunday and were able to spend some time with the Lord and fellow believers in worship. I love you all very much!