It's good to be back...

I arrived in South Africa, Friday, January 23, 2009, after safe and uneventful flights, welcomed by warm sunshine and African hospitality. Tired and exhausted, yes. But, happy to have a busy first day to keep me awake and avoid jetlag. I met a lot of the staff members and people of Refilwe. I was welcomed with breakfast and a lunch with the director and other staff members I’ll be working with here. I’m excited to start my work with home-based care on Monday. The healthcare department is in transition, so this should prove to be an opportune time to get involved. More on that later.

Refilwe seems to be quite a community. One that I feel like I’m still observing from the outside, but one that seems welcoming and rewarding to those who join. There are many programs and opportunities. Right now, I am trying to learn all about them to see where I fit in and where God wants me to serve. There is a new youth program that is meeting on Saturdays to encourage youth to develop God-given gifts and talents. There are also church services and Bible studies to attend that I’m still learning about. Animal programs, day care services, and skills-training are just some other prospects at Refilwe.
The newness is both a feeling of excitement and a weird kind of insecurity for me. I forgot about this stage and hope it will be over soon. But, I am grateful for it, because it’s part of the process… I look forward to making connections and establishing relationships soon. And through this, being able to minister to God’s people here. That is my heart. It’s good to be back…