Red Hill
Today we had a lot of free time at Red Hill.  During this time we had a lot of time to think and reflect about the things that we were able to experience this past week.  As I was sitting in the church at the upper camp of the township "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns came on my iPod.  When we walked in we found Pastor Kennedy, the local pastor, and frustration filled the room when we learned that there wasn't actually a "plan" for the few hours we had left there.  We were prepared for our last day of serving, but we had already visited most of the homes in the township with information about TB.  After listening to the song, though, I realized now was the perfect time to reflect and praise the amazing God that had gotten us through the week and also the God that showered blessings upon us since the beginning of our trip.  There is a lyric in the song that says "I lift my eyes into the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth."  I can't even begin to think of a better quote to describe this trip, for me at least.  God has been present and with us and it is completely obvious, there's no question.  From the moment we stepped off the plane we were amazed by the astonishing and overwhelming beauty that has continued to amaze us more and more everyday.  To be in the middle of all of that, I don't see how God cannot be felt.  I know for me, God has shown beauty in every situation, even in situations that might not have been so beautiful.  In a rundown and poor township where hopelessness is a feeling felt by most, God showed us hope through a simple field of beautiful wildflowers.  God has shown us hope by a simple smile from a person we got the opportunity to pray with.  And today there was time to be in a church, just take a step back, and reflect, which in my opinion is a true blessing.  The one roomed and cool church, though its not the church we are used to back home, is a pure sign of hope for the Red Hill community.  It is very evident to me and my group that God is continually working in this this church, the township, and the surrounding people.  When you're in a place like South Africa, it is easy to see how small we actually are in God's creation.  It's also easy to feel like people don't need us to actually make a difference.  However, I don't feel burdened or tired from our ministries this week, nor do I feel proud or like I have something to boast about.  In stead I feel overwhelmed with God's love and undeservingly blessed that the God of all creation chose myself and the rest of the group to show His love and do His work. -Brooke Satterfield
Masi
It is hard to believe the trip is already coming to an end. Today was our last day of mission work and it was a great way to end. Our group was split up when we were asked to finish some construction another group had started. Ten of our group was sent to Red Hill where we have been throughout the week and the other five were sent to repair a roof. Repairing a roof does not seem like a 1 day job and especially for 5 people, but in this case there was almost not enough work for all of us. The house we were working on belongs to a man with TB who would have never had the strength or supplies to properly fix his home. It was amazing to see him watching us as we worked, smiling at us the whole time. Rain made this process a little longer and more difficult, but we got it done. Amazingly, we managed to escape without one smashed finger and without anyone falling through the roof. We have gotten to see God work in so many ways this week and I have been very blessed to be a part of it. -Sam Batts

 
Waterfront and Chapman's Peak
Brooke and Sam have described our day well. After finishing lunch both teams met at the Waterfront in downtown Cape Town. We went to the mall, craft market and watched ships as they left the harbor. We had fun and we began to take in the sites and culture of one of the wealthiest parts of the continent of Africa. After walking through townships/slums we were passing Ferrari dealerships and the stadium which housed the 2010 World Cup. The world feels so backwards at times and I couldn't help but feel guilty about buying ice cream. Clearly, I have a lot more to think about. We ended the day by driving to Chapman's Peak which provided some of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. It's been a great week and tomorrow, we're headed to Aquila for a Safari. Watch out Hippos, Rhinos, and Lions. - Christian Byrd