One Year!

So, yesterday was my one year anniversary of being in South Africa. Its funny because sometimes it feels like I've just arrived and other times it feels like I've been here forever. It amazes me to think that I feel comfortable here - have established a life, a routine, developed friendships, have my usual shopping places, usual groceries, usual schedule (okay maybe not that). Things will be changing over the next few months, though. Both my roomates will be returning to the states and I have no idea who will be here at the flat with me. I'm also getting involved in a new ministry with the potential to work on projects all over the country. It is in its infancy stages now, but is focused on helping orphans and vulnerable children. Will give more info once things get going with it.

I'm continuing to enjoy ministering to the youth at Troyeville. We regularly have about 15 youth on Wednesday nights for Bible study and about the same amount on Friday nights for Youth. Sunday morning varies, but averages around 15 too. Its interesting though because it is not the same 15 each time - probably a total of 30 if you counted them all up. Of course, numbers don't tell anything - I think they are feeling part of a community - part of a group that can support each others. Many of them have committed themselves to Jesus and seem to be trying to learn and grow as his followers. I love the times we can sit around the table and go through scripture together - them asking questions, me hoping and praying that I'm answering clearly and correctly. Their winter school break is coming up - hopefully there will be times to just hang out.

I'm hoping to go to at netball game tomorrow morning - I've never seen it before, but its kind of like basketball except that there is no dribbling and there is no backboard. I think only certain people are allowed to shoot. Several of the youth play, so I hope I get to go. They're supposed to call me in the morning to let me know where the game is.

There are seven Virginians here in Joburg right now - 3 college students at Door of Hope doing summer missions and 4 venturers. By September, there will be 2 - me and Russell. Hopefully there will be more on the horizon. We have about 12 teams coming from Virginia this year, so our wonderful state will be well represented here in 2008.

I'll be starting to raise funds for summer camp soon, so if you're interested in contributing to camp - helping offset the cost for the youth, see the bottom of my blog for how to contribute. If you do, make sure you note when you send the money to the VBMB that it is for Troyeville Youth Camp. They are already talking about camp and it isn't until December - how cool is that????