And so it begins...

Hanging out with Cor!

Oh man! So much to update you guys on. It has been great getting settled in here in Pretoria. The girls only came home on Sunday night. The first few days I just went to the gym and enjoyed having a home that I can settle into. On Saturday I had the chance to go out to Krugersdorp to celebrate Settie’s (my boss Chris’ wife) birthday. It was such a blessing to feel a part of their family. Cor (their 4 year old son) took to me and hung out with me for most of the day. As did the little one Peter. And the girls have taken to calling us aunts. So I got to be Auntie Rachel which was great. I also had some interesting conversations with a family friend of theirs and Settie regarding the presence of the Occult in South Africa and some of the other issues they face. I learned a lot. I left that time feeling blessed and filled. I love the body of Christ!

This photo was taken by Peter... He's only about 3... I think he has some talent!

Lynn Marie, Kirsten, and Venolia enjoying the pool! 

  On Sunday, I went to church after watching a devastating rugby world cup game. The Boks completely dominated everything but the scoreboard. At Church, the pastor was talking about the importance of keeping Christ at the centre of our evangelism and of our lives. We were looking at Acts chapter 13, when Paul despite his constant pain and having John Mark leave them persisted with his journey and when he had the chance; he boldly proclaimed who Christ is and what He did.  I also celebrate a Canadian thanksgiving with my American housemates, an old friend that I met at camp named Mary, Missy, and some new friends that were visiting Paul and Haley. It was a great time of fellowship and we all bonded over the Mexican food that I made. There were no turkeys available here but it was a great chance to thank God for the multitude of blessings in my life. That includes you guys, the opportunities that I have being here and most importantly for sending His Son Jesus Christ to save me from my sin! When I was taking my friend Mary home we had a chance to chat a bit. She was sharing the impact of our camp last year. God used it in huge ways to renew the team and many of the girls faiths. At their training camps, and on tours the girls have started having bible studies, praying as a team before meals and asking Christ to be a part of their athletics and their lives. And God has been blessing their team. They qualified for the 2012 Olympics for the first time ever! And while their team was stretched to be at qualifiers also had enough depth for a good showing at the All Africa Games. It is amazing to know that you were a small part of a catalyst of God’s working in their lives. It is even more amazing to me that I get the chance to be a part of a longer investment in these girl’s lives.

On Monday I met with Granny, we discussed how I could best help the team, and I started tutoring the girls on Tuesday night. I will be helping with everything from English to accounting. However, I don’t know a whole lot about accounting, but I can help with most of the other subjects. So far the girls have been responsive to my help and I think it will build some strong relationships. It is a bit tough because I go to training from 6-7:30 then immediately to tutoring from 7:30-9 or 10 but I feel a difference even in the first few days. So it is well worth it. I am still looking to become more involved with the girls but I am not sure what that will look like yet. I would like to help with some soccer skills as well as starting up a bible study and discipleship. But I am trusting God’s timing and leading with that.

The last exciting thing is that I have started training with the Tuks (University of Pretoria) soccer team. I am learning just how out of shape you get when you don’t train for 4 months… but it is good. Definitely enjoying the burning in my lungs and quads.  I have been talking with Shorty, who I met last summer at camp, and we have some interest in having a team bible study! So I am excited to get going with that. Shorty will also be sharing her testimony in Joberg at a soccer camp on Saturday. I am excited to have a greater involvement in her life and feel so blessed by her friendship!

So that is a bit of an update on what is going on here. It is cool to see God put the pieces together for me and I want to go forward trusting His leading. Please pray for wisdom for me both in teaching the girls and next steps. It is nice to start being involved and can’t wait to see what God has planned! Love you guys!! Thank you for your continued prayer!