Sunday - South Africa Update

Tomorrow our mission work begins. As of today I was reminded that it's been said that it's obvious when you are experiencing a moment that is without question, once an a lifetime. That is officially confirmed as of this afternoon. We focused today on site seeing, and trust me when I tell you that I saw things today, as bad as I hate to admit it, I'll never see it again. 

My day started with the sunrise somewhere between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. I drank Rooibos tea (which is indigenous to Africa) and listened to Nora Jones' "Sunrise". I don't type this to conjure jealousy....well....You can see where Sunday morning worship was as easy as ever after being saturated in African culture. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are conflicting emotions towards different worship styles, etc, and honestly, I'm not interested in that fight. But experiencing Masi worship can be best stated from Will Estes' quote, "Christian, I'm not sure what they're saying, but it's pretty clear they mean it." Will was right. Worship at Masi Baptist Church was something I'll never forget. I didn't get handed a bulletin when I walked in the door. There was no set order. They just started singing and they sang for an hour straight; and you better believe they meant it.

After clapping, dancing, and trying to sing words I couldn't pronounce, the team headed to a small fishing harbor for some food. I had a calamari burger. For those of you wondering, yes....it's squid. Lynsey had the same thing and we both agreed it was A+ sea food. We left the harbor for penguins. Yes, I said penguins. They live in South Africa and they're just as cute as they look on tv.

 

Sam did a great job of getting the attention of penguins with a very odd guttural penguin call. People looked at us but we got results from our small aquatic bird friends. Did you know that Penguins never leave their signficant others. They are faithful to only one penguin and they use serious team work. I made notes for my next marriage counseling session. Can't wait to pull that one out.

Shortly after our penguin encounter we headed to the Cape of Good Hope. The view was breathtaking and it was at this point perspective slowly began to creep into my mind. The entire team was blown away. There was a lot of sitting and watching and not much talking.. Sometimes you just can't ignore what your brain and heart seem to scream in an unheralded moment of clarity. Add yet another sensory overload with site and you give in and silence all presuppositions and distractions around you. God's creation was incredible. As I looked over the ocean and mountains, I noticed a whale breech the surface, jump and land. Perspective. The same God that was big enough to stroke all of the things my eyes were seeing is the same God that seeks me and pursues a relationship with me. I felt a chill as I thought about how ridiculous it was that it took a change of scenery to break through to me. But I wasn't letting guilt ruin this moment. No way. I took in the salty air and let it marinate in my lungs. God was speaking to me and it was as clear as a whisper in my ear. The week ahead will surly be every bit as powerful as the 40 foot waves crashing below me. I can see it. I can taste it. I can feel it.  



 
“I believe in God like I believe in the sun, not just because I see it, but by it I can see everything else"
-C. S. Lewis

South Africa 2011

And it begins. After months of counting down a journey that would take us to three continents in one day, we set off Thursday, July 28th at 3 p.m from First Baptist Dalton. We have a fascinating group of personalities and if you think I'm exaggerating with the word, "fascinating", you probably need to get closer to the group I have been traveling with me.

Our trip to the airport was flawless and we missed Atlanta traffic. We checked in and made it through customs/security in Atlanta in less than 30 minutes. I'm pretty sure that's a record. Our flight left Atlanta at 9:15 p.m. and before we knew it we were in London.

Reagan Fromm decided long ago that a nine hour layover in London was only acceptable if we ventured out into the city. Reagan was right and she planned our time away from the airport down to the tee. We saw everything....and I do mean everything during our time in the city and it was fantastic.

We made it back to the airport in plenty of time to board our 7:15 flight non stop to Capetown, Africa. While all the passengers boarded the plane a small......well......large accident occured. Just when I thought I was the sleepiest person in London, one of the luggage cart drivers drove his vehicle into the side of the plane! It put a hole in the vehicle and they had to call a welder to fix the issue. Bottom line: this took an extra 2 hours. So we left at 9:30 p.m. instead of 7:15 p.m. Early this morning around 3:30 a.m. Dalton time, we landed in Capetown. You can verify that with Phillip, I thought I would send him an early morning text to make sure he knew. :)

 

I thought a lot during that flight. One of the features the plane offered was an on screen tracking device that showed you exactly where the plane was currently located on a world map. I woke up early in the morning and noticed the plane was over Spain. My mind was quickly taken to Romans when Paul discusses a possible trip to Spain. It was an electric time in the beginning of the church and its followers were literally taking the Good News to all parts of the world. As I sat in 35C on flight B27, I realized that First Baptist Dalton was doing the same thing. While we flew over Spain, God reminded me of the awesome and humbling experience we were about to have and just how proud I am of our students and the support you have given them. So for every dollar you gave, for every mother that cried, for every student that gave up 10 days of his or her summer, and for every chaperone that gave up 10 days of work or time with their family, thank you. In order for the Church to be the Church we must be selfless and willing to act in DRASTIC measures. I'd say flying across the world, leaving our comfort and safety zones to tell people about Jesus is drastic....how drastic? I'll tell you in 10 days.