Sunday, June 1, 2008

a SPECTACULAR day!

We have been having a few complications with our internet... so my post from yesterday just went up... but aside from that, everything has been beyond wonderful!

We have only been here two days, but we are quickly learning about the culture and ways of life around Cape Town. I feel like i have known the other volunteers all my life. We are already all getting so close and they are truly wonderful, beautiful people- i couldn't be more blessed.

Ok, lets see.. today was, to say the least, spectacular!! Because we have the weekends off we have been able to do touristy things around the Cape. So, we started off the day going to church... and then we went to church again. The second service was in Masiphumulelle, at township (or a slum) and it was incredible! i had chills the entire time! They sang at the top of their lungs and danced around the church slapping their bibles as if they were drums- it was so moving. I couldn't understand what they were saying, but as a woman said today, i could understand their hearts, and that was truly remarkable. 
One of the women in the church made a statement saying, "This world is not ours, we are only refugees." refugees... i would have never associated this word with myself.. but as soon as she said it i wanted to cry. It made me realize the corruptness of this world... that we are simply waiting for salvation.. for someone to save us from all that we are running from. And for the first time.. i finally understood, on a small scale of course, what it's like to be a refugee. I wish there was a way for me to save them all, but i can't, i can only do as much as the Lord allows me to- no matter how big or small... if only he would allow me to save the world... 

This was only the beginning.. 
We later went to John and Avril's house- the leaders of Living Hope, for lunch and it is absolutely unbelievable.. and i mean, UNBELIEVABLE! it is right on the coast and has the most amazing view i have ever, ever seen in my life! Not to mention how incredibly sweet and amazing they are. 
We then left from there and went to table mountain. And oh my freakin gosh... guys.. i can not explain to you how beautiful it was. it was absolutely breathtaking!! I took a million pictures it feels like, but none of them do it justice. As i was up there- and this may sound completely cheesy- but i could feel the presence of God. As you look out over the city from one point, and then from the other walk to east and west and see both the indian and atlantic oceans... gosh, it was amazing! I know i have said that about almost everything, but it truly was! i was wanted to let the winds sweep me and envelop myself in the beauty around us.. and i have not even told you about the sky and the sunset... but i won't try to describe it because i would be useless.. nothing could explain to you how magnificent it was. 

Today was filled with so much freedom and so much laughter. i have not felt this full- physically and spiritually, ha! in a long time. The joy within is overflowing!

Tomorrow the real work begins. We are headed to a refugee camp. Filled with about 3000-4000, and 700 children, i have a feeling i may begin to feel overwhelmed... and there was an outbreak scabies in the camp.. so i pray that i won't get infected- as well as the rest of the time.

So please be praying for us tomorrow. We are all a little nervous and could definitely use your prayers. 
Love you all!
Amy

5 comments:

Renee said...

What a great beginning to your trip! I am so glad you've been able to see and do as much as you have so soon! I'm jealous for those beautiful views and sunsets..guess you know now why it's Mr. Warren's favorite place in the world, huh? I'm sorry you can't send pictures, but I will be patient and look forward to seeing them when we can. I know they'll be incredible!
I love you,
Mom

Rhonda said...

Wow, Amy! You go girly! Good for your little bloggin' self! Can't wait to keep up with all your African adventures! I want to be there with you! Look out, because I know the "Spirit of Adoption" is going to do it's Work on you! ;o) Add photos so we can peek in on what you're doing, and include some of you! Prayin' for God's revelation in and through you while you are there! Love you, Rhonda K.

Lindsey said...

Oh gracious Amy! I love that I get to stalk you a million times a day through this blog until you return to me! I am so thrilled you are having these absolutely life-changing experiences. I can't wait to hear all about them from your mouth and see the undoubtedly amazing pictures. I love you so very very much and I look forward to hearing your updates on here... I can just hear your voice and sense your beautiful heart coming through your writing. Take care and have a great day!!!
I love you!!!!
~Lindsey Cleek

Hannah said...

Amy!!! Cape Town sounds incredible! I am insanely jealous of you and I wish I was there!!! I can't wait to hear more about your experiences. God is clearly working in and through you and I can't wait to see what He will continue to do in your life! I am already missing you like crazy....say hi to everyone for me. I love you girly and I can't wait to see your beautiful face!!! I will continue to pray for you and I can't wait for updates!!!
I love you!!!!
Hannah

MichealG said...

Hey Sweet Amy,
Thank you so much for keeping us blogged! I know it takes time and effort, but we so appreciate "being there" with you through your precious words. I am praying that God will bless you and those you come to love while you are there. I leave for C.R. in the early A.M. so you won't hear from me for a while, but know I am praying for you and the team. I love you so much and I hope you are feeling better today.
Always love,
Aunt Rhonda