It seems not that long ago that I was starting up this blog in preparation to come to South Africa, and now I find myself packing up all of my things and saying goodbye. The past 9 months have been an incredible experience to say the least! There's been so many highs (and a few lows) that I'm not really sure what say.... What I can say for sure is that I'm not the same person anymore, and I know that I've gotten so much closer to God. I think I have a better understanding of what it means to truly be one of His disciples and having to give up everything for His sake. I find that I'm able to trust God a lot easier now as well. I finally get it that He has everything in control, and all I need to focus on is loving Him and my neighbor.
In thinking about South Africa I find that it is a country of opposites. There's so much beauty, and so much pain. Black and white. Mountains and plains. Rich and poor. Hot and cold... It has some of the most incredible sunsets you will ever see. But more than the physical beauty of the land, I found another beauty here. It's the people-- black, white, or colored. Their love and hospitality have blown me away. The children can steal your heart with a smile, and I must say that I've come to love children so much more than I did before. God's been breaking my heart for these people for the last 9 months, and I must say that as much as I am excited to go home and see my friends and family, my heart aches when I think about leaving this place!
I don't know if God will ever bring me back to South Africa, but I know that it has changed my life and I'll always have a part of South Africa in my heart.
Saying goodbye.... it's so bittersweet, but I know that God's in control and even if He never brings me back to South Africa I know I will get to see many of my brothers and sisters from here in heaven.
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support! I am so grateful for it. God's done so much here, and you were such a critical part of that!... So again, thank you and God Bless!
proud of you Paul, thanks for serving Africa, Jesus is worthy of these last 9 months
ReplyDeleteyou've described her beautifully and i so know the ache you feel about leaving! praying that your transition is going as well as it can be.
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