We have boarded

Flight 759 is about to taxi and takeoff.


Every kid,

Jeremy

A slight delay

Our flight (American airlines flight 759) from LaGuardia has been delayed to a 4:10 departure. Our arrival is expected to now be at 6:59pm at gate C31.


Every Kid,

Jeremy Taylor

At JFK

We are taxiing to the fate at JFK! One leg left!


Every kid,

Jeremy

In Joburg!!!

We are just a short twenty minutes from boarding our nice long flight! Home, here we come!


Every kid,

Jeremy

Thursday

Today was another crazy, busy and fun day.  We began the morning with breakfast provided by the fantastic ladies in Skogheim and then went straight to Lake Eland, a game reserve we toured in bakis (or Jeeps without tops or windows).  We were able to see lots of zebra, impala, springbok, wildebeest, warthog babies, eland and other wild animals.  The rolling hills and gorgeous green landscape were a constant reminder of what a wonderful Creator our God is.  I especially enjoyed our time on our ride with hilarious conversation provided by Wes and JP, one of our South African drivers for the week.  We were trading American and Afrikaans slang, and I’m working on developing my South African accent, I don’t think it’s going well.  One of the great things about our team is that we are always ready for a good laugh; and we have definitely laughed a lot on this trip.  

Halfway through our safari we stopped at the Oribi Gorge and walked across a massive suspension bridge.  A few jokesters had to shake the bridge while some of the scaredy cats were crossing, but we are happy to announce there are no casualties to report.  After making a pit stop at the “Loo with a View” we completed our safari and went to eat lunch at Leopard Rock.  We sat on the porch of a restaurant that overlooked the beautiful gorge, and ate chicken or meat burgers and “chips”.

After lunch we went on to Amahlubi Creche to play with and minister to the children and workers that care for them daily.  They were a little apprehensive at first, this is an area that does not often see white people, so the children were not so sure about us.  But it didn’t take long to win them over when we started playing, coloring, blowing bubbles, and having snacks.  And after some of them realized that the giant white men were only trying to play a friendly game of chase, all was well.  After about 30 minutes, half of our group went on to the Assissi Orphanage to care for the children and nuns, doing the same activities we were doing at the creche.  

We headed back to Skogheim for dinner and then met with a very special, brave and godly young woman named Debbie.  At the age of 16 she was kidnapped walking down the street on her way to the market, and trained to be an assassin while also being raped by the men that were forcing her into this training.  She was able to escape and is now living as a refugee and an amazing example of God’s healing.  Her story was incredibly moving and she is a woman that will be in my heart forever.  

During our team meeting, we were greeted by a furry visitor that has made himself at home in our house.  He has eaten some of our food and enjoyed a snack in Caroline’s bed, and the last 2 nights he has decided to make an appearance in our team meetings to go back to his hiding place in the piano.  I’ve been waking up the last couple of nights now, hoping I don’t see him walking down the hall or into my room.  

Well, it’s late and we have an early day tomorrow with the people in Khula.  Thank you for reading and please continue to pray for us!  Our trip has been awesome and we want to finish strong in these next couple of days. :)

Love from Africa,

~ Kristi Sikes

Wednesday!!!

Today. Was. Crazy. Words can’t even begin to describe the amazing things God has done with us this week. We started out the morning at the Murchison hospital. This hospital held a bunch of different kids with all kinds of different needs. At first....it was kind of awkward to be honest. The kids wouldn’t really talk to us, most likely because they didn’t really speak english...but despite that fact, they also didn’t really seem to be too entertained by us. But as our time with them went on they began to open up a little more and actually smile in response to us. Our activities mainly consisted of coloring, singing (I use the word singing loosely), and finishing up with some balloon animals. I think it’s safe to say that as a team; balloon animal production could potentially be our calling. Once we left, we drove to some place that was drop dead gorgeous. It looked like a postcard. That God....man is He an artist. There was rocks and water and trees and a super blue sky and marshmallow clouds...I could continue to ramble, but I think you get the picture. We got to stick our feet in the water while chowing down on some pretty delish sandwiches and apricots. After this relaxing lunch we went up to Murchison. Here begins the insanity. They let the school out early, so we, being completely unprepared might I add, got up on stage and attempted to upkeep their attention by singing songs. The majority of these songs were flawed in some way or the kids didn’t know it, but nonetheless we were able to keep their attention long enough to have the majority of them still standing around while Cala told all the kids about the awesome things that the reading room provides, in attempt to get more kids to come. Later on, in the community centre at Murchison, we were all spread out amongst the chaos of 100+ kids. Despite how tired we all were, it was clear that God still continued to provide us with extra bursts of energy because without Him....the constant state of being jumped on and tackled, beaten up, having hair pulled out, picking up and walking with 3ish kids at a time, etc...would be literally impossible. This afternoon, the reading room had so many kids that I don’t think any of us were able to count, compared to the 35 that they normally have. God clearly revealed His purpose for all of our exhaustion and it was amazing to see it all work out. We eventually left and went back to Skogheim and ate dinner, and after that we were fortunate enough to attend perhaps the worst rugby game of all time. Not that the keep was bad, although it was rather one-sided and boring, but I think it’s safe to say that everyone, at one time or another, found themselves sitting in an ant pile. Then it started pouring. Fantastic experience. Well, now that I’ve rambled on for a while, I’ll conclude in asking that you please keep us in your prayers for our last two days! :)

-Mack Fitzgerald-

Yebo! from South Africa

Yebo!  That means hello in Zulu.  This is Stacy McCarthy reporting from Port Shepstone, South Africa. 

Today we had an awesome day- as every other day so far.  They just keep getting better and better.  This morning we woke up SUPER early (around 6:30) to have breakfast at 7:15.  I’m not going to lie.... breakfast was a little bit sketchy today.  I think Kellan told you before that all meals here at Sogkheim come in courses.  The first course was “porridge”... I didn’t partake.  But the croissants were very delicious.  The reason we were up so early was to meet the staff of Norwegians Settlers Church for their morning staff meeting and devotional.  We sang some songs (some more old school than others- anyone remember Rich Mullins?!?) and then went around and introduced ourselves- what we did- and the staff introduced themselves as well.  

After the staff meeting we went to the Genesis Care Center that is on the grounds of the  NSC.  Sharon, the head of the Care Center, told us a little bit about the Care Center and the patients.  I know she loves her job- because it very hard to deal with death everyday.  The Care Center is for HIV/AIDS patients who have no where else to go.  Their mission is to give them a place to die comfortably and to show them God’s love.  We went in and sang some songs for both the women’s and men’s wards, also Adara gave her testimony and Jeremy gave a little talk.  Afterwards we went and were able to pray for them.  I know it was a hard task for some of us- including me.   But I know I have grown in my faith and as a person by doing this.  Sharon also showed us all the bead work the patients do and the garden they have started to build.  It is quite amazing to see how they are setting up some aftercare (for the patients who actually do well enough to go home!!).  

For lunch we drove to Ramsgate Beach to eat at the waffle house.  I know what you are thinking Waffle House... really?!?!  I was skeptical too.  But it lived up to the hype of those who had been there before.  They had both sweet and savory waffles.  I got the Dutch Apple with raisins and it was delicious.  Right after lunch we were able to walk around the beach.  It was my first time to be in the Indian Ocean.  Very cool, and very cold!!  Kellan did a face plant into it- it was awesome.  We were still laughing about it tonight (don’t worry Molly he’s fine).

After lunch we went to Murchinson Community Center to play with the kids again.  They are SO sweet.  We busted out the side walk chalk at the beginning.  A lot of the kids were writing “I love God”.  One kid asked me “what is love” .... insert the screeching noise here.... what??? how do you answer that???  I wasn’t sure it that was a for real question or a language barrier.  I know it pulled on my heart strings to think that some of these kids do not know what love is.  I gave him a BIG hug and said it’s when you like some thing A LOT like God loves us A LOT.  On tuesdays at Murchinson they do a music class, I know Kellan had about 15 girls to do singing, and the music man at NCS had about 12 boys playing guitar- they were all really good. They craft for today was a disaster- but I have already given Jeremy a really hard time about it - let’s just say popsicle stick picture frames made with glue sticks wasn’t really the best.  Oh well the kids still loved it and my hands were very sticky afterwards.  

We were able to come back to Sogkheim to change out of our sweaty clothes.  Then we met Lynn and her husband Gary at an Italian restaurant.  They are some of the leaders within the Genesis group.  It was good to get to know them and be inspired by all the progress they are making here is South Africa and how the partnership with LakePointe is growing and changing lives.  I know we were encouraged by them and they were encouraged by us.

Well I know I have blogged enough by now... Today was a very intense day at the Care Center pushing us out of our comfort zone and for most all of us today will stay in our hearts forever.  Please pray for us tomorrow as we are going to be able to go into the Primary School and promote the Murchinson Community Center and the Genesis ministries.  

Everyone says HI and much love from Africa!!!

~ Stacy McCarthy ~

Leave your comments below!

Monday

We worked hard today! I figured we would all come back to Skogheim, eat dinner, and then crash in our beds. Nope! We are still going strong back at the bunk house and the energy of this group is nonstop. We started off the day by dividing and conquering into different creches (daycares). The African Evangelical Church turns their building into a creche during the week to take care of 15 kids ranging from 13 months to 3 or 4 years old. 7 of the kids were there today that we got to cultivate our relationship with wonderful kids. It wasn’t easy at first. It took about 30 min. for them to warm up to us, but after they got in the playing mood it was all hands on deck. The ladies that were keeping the children were glad to get a brake for 3 hours as we entertained and fed their children. At the Murchison creche, there was another crew doing exactly the same thing, in addition to cleaning, painting a room, and demolishing a storage house. We gave the materials to a neighbor so they can add another room to their house or sell the material. Thanks be to God for that situation. In the afternoon, school was out, the Americans were here to play, and 60+ kids show up to do crafts and get to know the new Americans. We had a few in the weight room (not me), some on the basketball court, others playing four square, and a couple of South African girls were braiding the Americans hair. When we had to say goodbye for the day they were sad to see us go as they ran down the road behind our van. Our bodies are tired but our spirits are full. So is my tummy! Four course meals ROCK! Please leave a comment. I love and miss you Molly and James. 

- Kellan Hickman

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Yesterday, Jeremy told everyone to not get too attached to our schedules because they will most likely change, and we have no idea what God really plans for us on this trip. This second day in South Africa was proof of that. First, we were able to attend the African Evangelical Church’s morning service. We truly experienced real worship of God’s presence, with such a small, but yet thankful and energetic group of African church members. Due to the rainy weather, our original plans were changed to attending the youth group evening service at Norwegian Settlers Church. This service consisted of an awesome live band, a meaningful sermon of God’s power, and a chance to meet some of the people we will continue to see throughout the week. And finally, we had a great devotional given from Mackenzie Fitzgerald. This was only our second day here, but it’s really only the beginning of a life changing experience.

-Natalie Gallion

2 churches 1 God

As I type this, we are sitting in the Sunday night service at Norwegian Settlers Church. It has already been an incredible time of worship. This is a contemporary service geared at those 13-30 years old. That being said, it is impossible to forget church this morning. Worshipping in a Zulu church with those who have so little, yet who worship so strongly, was truly encouraging in every sense of the word. While we have enjoyed both worship services, please continue to pray for our week. There is a crazy amount of rain falling. This area needs it much like we needed it at the end of our summer. We know that God is good, and his rain is a blessing, so pray that we bless those we come into contact as God is blessing us!


Every kid,

Jeremy

Therefore, go.

We are safely in SOUTH AFRICA!!! not only that, but we have been in orientation, we have eaten our first meals at Skogheim and we are preparing for worship at African Evangelical Church. One of the things we have discussed is that God has not called us to a mission trip. He has called us to a missional life, we just get to live a few days of it out on a trip to Africa. Please be in prayer as this begins our first full day of ministry, another day that we see God stretching and molding us, another day to live to glorify his name. Therefore, we go.

Boarding flight 204

For our lovely 15 hour flight to Joburg! See you on the other side!!!


Every kid,

Jeremy

After a long night...

We are getting checked into JFK for our flight to come. I promise better and deeper updates as the trip progresses, just trying to keep up to date on our progress! Have a great Friday!


Every kid,

Jeremy

Location:Van Wyck Expy,,United States

On the ground

Made it to LaGuardia! Look out NYC!!


Every kid,

Jeremy

TOMORROW!!!

We will be wheels up headed for NYC then to South Africa tomorrow at 9:30 am. I know that God has a tremendous plan, and I know that it will not match up to our plan. Just a quick verse to share that I hope becomes something we live out:

Romans 12:3-6
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...

This immediately follows a very famous passage where we are told to "offer our bodies as a living sacrifice." Pray that these verses are what we live in the next 12 days!

Jeremy