The Beginning of a New Thing...

This first week has been a lot of adjusting. For one, I'm adjusting to a completely different experience in South Africa. The previous times I've come to work in villages or with churches, and this time I am working a 9-5 job with a Christian radio station. God is teaching me a lot about trust and waiting on Him - and it's only been one week!

Last Monday I began my internship at TWR. Most of the week was spent just learning about my department, reading a lot of information (on TWR and on the issues that Africa faces), and meeting people. Everyone at the office is very friendly! They have made an extra effort to make sure I feel welcome. The office is very international; people are from all over - I'm definitely not unique in that regard. There is so much to learn, but it just takes time. The most important characteristic I've seen at TWR is a passion for the Great Commission. Everyone who works there wants to see people come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. That passion is contagious and very motivating. I'm glad to be working with an organization that wants to glorify God the way TWR does.

As far as what I am doing, I am working in the HCY (Health Children and Youth) department on the creative end of the programming aspect. I will be working under Winfred and helping with different aspects in the complete process of a programme (by the way - they call it a "programme" here...haha). Basically, I help with either the creative end (thinking up a project), the middle aspect (monitoring the project to see how it's going) or evaluating the project at the end (feedback from listeners, leaders of programmes, etc.). I will also be doing research for the programming. The programmes I am helping with this summer are HIV/AIDs, getting children into schools, Malaria, to name a few. I'm also helping to create a new programme for Youth.

I haven't driven yet because I haven't needed to - plus, I'm a little scared! Driving in Africa is totally different than the States! The rules are bent a lot more! =) I ride to and from work with my roomate Millie or the Winfred and Juliet, who live right next door.

My roomate, Millie, is great; she is definitely a blessing from God. Millie came to SA in January and is serving with TWR for one year (or longer, depending on how God leads). She has always wanted to come to Africa but was prevented until now. She is a breath of fresh air and such an encouragement to me. She imparts wisdom to me all the time and loves to laugh!

I had a great weekend. Saturday was spent doing laundry, cleaning house, and resting. I went to a popular coffee shop chain to read called "Mugg & Bean." It was really neat to just sit and observe people. There are "American" looking people and also very "African" looking people all living in the same place. It is unusual, but nice.

Sunday I went to the famous Rhino and Lion park in SE Johannesburg. One of the TWR employees took me and the other two interns. We saw lots of animals, and four of the Big Five - Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and Rhino. We actually got to play with lion cubs! It was not as fun as it sounds...those lion cubs were very rough and a little too playful for me. Their idea of playing left deep bite marks on another guy who was in the pin with us. The "guide" who was with us kept telling me to get closer and teased me because I'm American. He said even Oprah got closer to the lion cubs when she visited. WELL....=)

That's the update so far! I will add pictures soon .

Thank you for your prayers. I really do feel them. God is continually reminding me (and I continue to ask Him to remind me) that He wants me here for now. Last week I read Psalm 121 - I lift my eyes unto the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker heaven and earth...He who watches over you will not slumber nor sleep...the LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter at your right hand. Those words are a great comfort to me. I can rest knowing that God has provided the way for me to be here and He has a plan in my being here. I am seeking Him for guidance and strength, and wisdom to know what His will is for the future.

I also read the book of Esther over the weekend, and God reminded me that He is in the details! He works everything out according to His timing just the way He wants it to be. So I am trusting Him that His timing is perfect and that my time here in Africa will accomplish exactly what He wants it to accomplish.

Cheers for now!