South Africa Week 1 (2/3/17-2/10/17)

Week 1

February 3, 2017

South Africa Day 1-Friday

After a long 15-hour flight, I finally landed in Johannesburg, South Africa. I breezed through customs, but the real trouble came when I went though Border Control. They asked what was inside my box and I replied by stating that I was bringing schoolbooks for some friends. They were very concerned about how much the books were. I had no idea, and traveling alone, of course, raised red flags. I was then sent to a second person, who proceeded to ask me the same questions. Once he seemed satisfied with my answers, he waved me on! So I went on my way: very relieved! Auntie Susan picked me up at the airport, along with my good friend Cambria Mack! When we got to the Clark's house, everyone was so excited to see me! Julia, Marissa, and Uncle Randy were out that evening, so I didn't get to see them until later. Overall, it was a wonderful homecoming! 

February 4, 2017

South Africa Day 2-Saturday 

I woke up at 3:30 A.M. this morning! I talked to the high school group chat until around 7:00 and had the opportunity to catch up on my Bible reading. For breakfast, I ate a peach. Auntie Susan and Uncle Randy left for a 1Hope event, so the three little kids and I sat in the kitchen watching YouTube while Marissa started on lunch. We ate little quiches while watching some Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures. Elijah loves playing thumb war! Sophia, Elijah and I played Baby, if you Love Me, which resulted in lots of laughter! When Auntie Susan and Uncle Randy came home, we started setting up the new trampoline. Saturday nights tend to be family nights, so we got Fishaways, which is a takeout seafood place. We also watched Star Wars Episode V. I was very proud of myself for staying awake the whole time! :)

Mosquito bite count: 11

February 5, 2017

South Africa Day 3-Sunday 

This morning, we spent a lot of time setting up for the communion service that would take place later in the evening. We moved benches and chairs into the big living area. We ate a late breakfast of French toast and eggs prepared by Marissa. If you haven't noticed already, Marissa enjoys cooking! Church doesn't start until the afternoon, which leaves lots of time to get ready. We left for church about 12:45. Church runs from 1:30-3:30 with all your things you would expect, worship, prayer, offering, and sermon. One unique thing is a question and answer time at the end. Pastor Josh Mack preached a wonderful sermon on prayer that you can listen to here: tinysa.com/sermon/26171020413 

After Church, everyone came to the Clark’s house for the monthly communion service. I helped with childcare, which was fun but tiring. After everyone left and we had finished cleaning up, Julia and I sat and talked while eating popcorn.

February 6, 2017

South Africa Day 4-Monday 

Today was the first day of School. I helped Sophia and Gabriel with School. I graded math and listened to mental math problems for both Gabriel and Sophia, as well as grading Sophia's grammar and doing her dictation work with her. There was a lot of waiting around for them to finish so I could grade their work. I helped Julia with a Chemistry experiment, which was fun!

The Chilingulos (Newton, Vanessa, and Chisomo) are here from Malawi for a few weeks. Marissa, Elijah, Chisomo, and I went swimming, as it was quite warm. The Clark kids and I have been enjoying the new trampoline. It has been so much fun having 5 new brothers and sisters. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of pasta with cream sauce, spinach and chicken, and Gabriel made a delicious chocolate cake to celebrate the arrival of our dear friends. While the adults talked, the kids watched My Little Pony.

February 7, 2017

South Africa Day 5-Tuesday

I was able to do an Instagram live this morning! It was great fun answering people's often silly questions.  No, we do not drink lion’s milk! Haha! Even though I could not see the faces of my dear friends, I still felt their immense love and support. I was unexpectedly asked to help with childcare during the Ladies’ Bible Study. From 10:00-12:00 we met at the apartments on Silver St. Several people from Living Hope Church live there. The ladies had their bible study in one apartment and the kids were in another. There were several crying babies so they were taken to another room while the older kids had their lesson. When Auntie Susan and I got home, I ate lunch before getting started on grading school. The kids went to swimming at 3:30. While they were gone, I entertained myself by reading some books I brought from home. Auntie Susan, Uncle Randy, Newton, and Vanessa went out for dinner, so I watched the kids. They just watched (more) My Little Pony, so it wasn't that hard! I was able to FaceTime my mom and sister for a bit, which really warmed my heart!

Mosquito bite count: +4

February 8, 2017

South Africa Day 6-Wednesday 

I received an email this morning with my donations to date. I have received $1,144.20! Thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far! 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.  ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I am starting to get into a routine: math with Gabriel and math, grammar, and dictation with Sophia. 

This evening we went to GC (Gospel Community), which is something like our Home Group. 

Be in prayer for Julia. She has been struggling with some stomach issues for some time now, and this evening it got really bad. Tomorrow she is going to the doctor to see if they can figure out what’s going on.

February 9, 2017

South Africa Day 7-Thursday 

I woke up several times during the night, but on a positive note I was able to FaceTime Bethany and Fiona at the end of Youth group. It was great to see people from home face-to-face!

The Chilingulos left today to visit other friends and family. I did my usual routine with the kids in the morning: math, grammar, and dictation. Julia was able to get medication from the doctor. Pray that it would be beneficial in her recovery!

In the afternoon, Uncle Randy and the kids went to the gym, so Auntie Susan and I went to the mall looking for a couch. As we were driving home, it started to rain! Uncle Randy went to an ABTC class held at the Bible house, which our team from GCO helped prepare it when we came in June. Auntie Susan and Marissa went out after dinner, so I was in charge of making sure everyone went to bed on time. Sophia has such a servant's heart! She helped me clean up the dog's vomit when no one else would!

February 10, 2017

South Africa Day 8-Friday 

Last night there was a huge thunderstorm! It was pretty cool, even though it did keep me up for quite a while. Today Julia, Marissa, and Gabriel had tennis, and Auntie Susan, Sophia, Elijah, and I went for a walk. When we got back to the house, about 9:30, we ate breakfast, and then started school. In the evening, Living Hope’s young adults group met at Andre and Karlien's house. Sarah Ray, Lu, and Chyreece, and I went early. I ended up playing with Andre and Karlien’s two children, Kara and Ben, instead of helping with set up. We ate dinner and sang some songs before diving into the lesson. Andre is doing a series on relationships, and tonight's lesson was on what kind of character a man should possess and what we as girls should look for in a spouse. It was very insightful! Next, we broke up into teams and played two rounds of charades.

Going into this trip, I really didn't have any expectations. Now that I have experienced one week of my new life, I can see what a blessing I have been to the Clarks!

I would love to hear from y’all! It doesn't have to be anything serious: what you've been up to, music recommendations, or even a funny joke! Thank you for following along as I continue on this journey. 

-Sarah Marie