South Africa. The land of brokenness, the land of miracles. The land of natural beauty beyond compare, the land with the people who are hurting. The land where time slows down, the land where “love your neighbor” reigns. The land where God’s voice becomes louder than a whisper.
As the locals say, “This is Africa.”
This is where I currently am! I am blessed to be the only freshman among a team of 55 students studying abroad in South Africa. Even though I am a freshman, I have been completely welcomed into the group, as is often the way with Azusa Pacific University community.
Every day is a new adventure. I have only been here for three weeks and already, God has been molding me.
Do you remember when you were little and you began to grow? Often, you would experience growing pains. At the time, these pains are quite unwelcome, as they are at best, uncomfortable! But in the long run, these pains could be celebrated because they signified new growth, mostly in height.
Here, I am experiencing growing pains, but of the spirit. The Lord is shaping, pulling, creating, and growing me in ways I never thought possible! I am completely grateful to be learning and growing, but it can often be scary and painful at times!
I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time in my life. I have learned about friendships, confidence, myself, contentment, community, and most importantly, the Lord.
I know He has plans for me here. I feel like He has been preparing me for something this last month… I cannot wait to find out what it is!
Here I am, on a very big adventure. Care to join me?
