So another 10 days has gone by and I'm just now sitting down to write. I guess it is easier than I thought to 'get busy' in Cape Town. I have had an amazing 10 days. So I'm just going to pick up where I left off.
Last week - Tuesday and Wednesday I had the privilege of serving/helping out with the INSIDE/OUT Camp. I/O is a high school environment created by NP that was just launched by SP. There were about 50 people (about 36 high school students) that went over near Hermanas(Hermanus sp) for an overnight camp. I was strictly there to help Pam sort out the meals. The camp facilities were beautiful and the kids all really enjoyed themselves. The purpose was to get the students excited about Inside Out. I/O had it's first meeting on Friday night and it was a huge success. I am positive that God is going to bless that environment and use it in a positive way in high school students lives.
I volunteered at Rainbow House again on Saturday. I was adventurous and decided to ride the train. It was an absolutely fine experience. It's funny - a lot of people looked at me like I had three eyes when I told them I had ridden the train. I guess it's not very common that you see a "white" person on the train. The train car that I got in was pretty full - I had to stand. There was a man preaching on the train. Come to find out it was also "Nelson Mandela Day" also known as Mandiba Day - Not sure what all it stands for but people are supposed to do 67 minutes of volunteering to represent the 67 years he spent in prison. (I THINK)
Sunday was the first time I've heard John Hasting preach - we've been watching a series by Andy Stanly. I think John did a sermon by Andy - it sounded familiar - about why SP does church the way they do and the whole reason they are so passionate. It was a clear message of Salvation - it was great.
Sunday afternoon I was at RH till around 8:30. I am really falling in LOVE with these children. I also really LOVE the vision and mission of Rainbow House. There aren't a lot of homes for children that function the way this home does. There are a lot of "institutions" out there that provide a safe place for children - but do not show the children LOVE. These children just want to be loved.
Monday I goofed around in the morning and then headed to the Rainbow House for the evening shift. I spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights there. I have enjoyed it so much. I believe I told you - there are 3-4 month old twins there currently. I have been doing the "night shift" staying in the room with them and tending to them as they wake up throughout the night. It's been a huge help to Alison - allows her to sleep the entire night so she is rested and alert for the day. I have really enjoyed "playing mommy" to these little ones - getting up in the night, feeding them, changing them, making there bottles, rocking them, ect.
The Rainbow House is located in an area called GoodWood. It is a primarily colored area. For those of you that don't know in South Africa the 3 main races are White, Black, and Colored. Colored is not the same as black - colored is more of a mixed race. I am really enjoyed being in GoodWood. There is a lot of activity. There are people out on the streets and lots and lots of shops along the main road. They aren't "really nice" shops but they are fun to go in. I have enjoyed walking the streets in the afternoon while the international volunteers are still at RH. The streets of Goodwood kind of remind me of the streets f Brooklyn - just busy with activity.
So I've been riding the train a lot from Pinelands to Goodwood. It is just 2 stops. Yesterday afternoon I was riding back from Goodwood to Pinelands and I got in a train car that was fairly empty with nice plush leather seats. I asked a man sitting across from me why the car was so empty. He told me I was in first class. Ha - can you believe it? They have 1st and 3rd class train cars in Cape Town South Africa. I just kind of giggled to myself. Then I got kind of nervous because I knew I didn't buy a "first class" ticket. He said if I didn't have a ticket they would make me pay an extra R40 (about $6.00). The ticket I bought was R5.50 - less than a dollar. I was sitting there nervously because 2 people in security jackets started asking around to see people's tickets. I just sat there. I knew I didn't buy a first class ticket and I didn't have R40 on me. I started thinking - what if they ask me for mine and I can't pay it - will I get arrested? Could you imagine - me being arrested and thrown into a South African jail because I didn't have the right train ticket. I'm sure my thoughts were a little dramatic. They made 2 people de-board that didn't have the correct ticket. The man I was talking to about the tickets at the beginning was a colored man. They asked to see his ticket and other people around me. Get this - they didn't ask me for my ticket. I don't know if it was a case of racial profiling - I was the ONLY white person on the train so did they just assume I had a first class ticket because I was white? Or could it be that I had FOREIGNER written all over my face? I guess we won't really know for sure. So needless to say I didn't get arrested and I made it to Pinelands and then back to Rainbow House later that evening.
I hope that you all are enjoying my blog. I hope you aren't expecting something really super deep from me. I've come to realize - I'm not that deep of a person. I don't think I have super profound thoughts to share with you all the time. I haven't blogged as much because in my mind I should be writing these super profound posts with reflection and deep thoughts and things to ponder - (I'm being inspired by Carrie Bradshaw LOL ) but that's just not me so much.
I guess I do have 1 thing. So my mom and I were talking about me finding my passion. I am passionate about children and serving. I really think I was created to be a wife and a mother. My mom does a devotion at wedding showers about women being created to help man - and play that support role. I don't know if it is because I have heard that devotion so many times that I really believe that - or it's just how God made me. When did everything change and there become such a huge focus on a woman's career? To be totally honest - I don't think I'm the "super career executive woman." My passion is to be the woman that God created me to be - a great partner, a helper, a supporter, and a mother.
Okay - that's my deep. Sorry I haven't uploaded any pictures lately. I can not put pictures of the children from RH up on the blog. It's for security reasons - some of them are placed there to protect them. I will have tons with me when I return so I'll be sure to show them to you then.
Well I must get ready - I am going to an "Off Broadway" show tonight with some people from church. It is called 3Tons of Fun - tomorrow night I'm going to a show Bravo with some other friends and then Saturday a Christmas in July Dinner Party.
Oh yeah - and starting Monday I'm going to live and stay at the Rainbow House. They have some volunteer quarters in the back. Have a great day everyone!
Until next time - I make no promises as to when I'll write again - hopefully sooner rather than later!
Cheers!
PS (I hope when you read the title some of you starting singing and even dancing a little in your chair) =) CHOO CHOO!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week #3
Oh my goodness - I can't believe it's been an entire week since I've written anything. I have been quite busy this week. It has been a great week - I am really getting "plugged in" and feeling much more comfortable and very at ease. I guess the easiest thing to do is to just give you a quick day by day run down. (I'll try and stick to "quick")
Sunday, 5 July 09
Part 2 of the Why Worry series! If anyone can find the link to that message series can you please email it to me. I have searched all over the Northpoint website and can not find it. The why worry series is FABULOUS - everyone should watch it. I was on the Host Team this Sunday at church. I really enjoyed greeting everyone and welcoming them to SouthPoint!
Monday, 6 July 09
I got to go on a local tour. I went down the West Coast with tour guides Adam and Brenden. The weather didn't start off the greatest - but by lunch time the sun was out and it was a beautiful day. I got to see places that the Tour Busses don't go - Cape Town tour with locals! We went into the City Centre, to Bantry Bay (very expensive) Clifton, Camp's Bay (big surfer area) Hout Bay (pronounced Hot), Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, False Bay. It was such a fun day. We had traditional fish-n-chips in Kalk Bay. The coast is absolutely beautiful.
Tuesday, 7 July 09
I spent most of the day working at the church, Painting Pam's office.
Wednesday, 8 July 09
I met with Alison Alexander - the project manager and house mother at Rainbow House. I met her around 9:30 for coffee at the Howard Centre. She is an amazing woman - whose faith is so encouraging. Her story and vision for Rainbow House is incredible and infectious. It was awesome to hear very specific stories of how God continuously meets the needs of Rainbow House. There is a lot going on with the Rainbow House now - they are about to open a thrift shop which will be a source of income for the Rainbow House. I told her that I feel God is really drawing me to work with children in some capacity and I am here to help her however she needs me. We set up a few things - I'm going to be kind of like her "right hand man" for the time I'm here. Over the next week or so I'm going to RH whenever I can - but I am going to stay there permanently for the month of August. I might go sooner if I can. Let me tell you - I'm so excited. You can hear or see me talk about it through this blog - but my face lights up - and I think God is revealing my passion and purpose to me.
Quick change of subject - Wednesday afternoon I spent with this lady Doreen. She's 78 and took care of Carla's (the lady whose house I"m staying in) father before for the past 5 years before he died last year. She and her neighbor Barbara took me on a tour up North. We went to Parrl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch. We ate lunch at this beautiful place - Hillcrest Berry Orchards. It was stunning - in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain. Very un-American of me - I didn't have my camera with me. You must google image search it - the view was spectacular. I returned from my trip North around 4:00. After that I headed up to the church - I finished painting Pam's office. I had to actually call my dad for a little advice. I couldn't get the trim and the walls to blend together so I asked him what to do. Turns out I was doing it backwards - you're supposed to "cut-in" first and then paint with the roller as close to the edge as you can. I did the last coat that way and Vyoo-lah - it was MUCH Better! I will post pictures tomorrow of so. She got all moved in over the weekend. If any of you are looking for a painter - I can be reached via email - I'll give you a great deal! =)
Thursday, 9 July 09
Today I went to Rainbow House. YEAH! I was there from 930am - 630pm. It was a fantastic day! I got to see the everyday running of the house. There was a girl Kate there - she's been there for a couple of months. She's from the UK - and she's leaving this coming Wednesday. There were also a few other volunteers - 2 girls in the morning and 1 girl in the afternoon. Right now there are 8 children in the house. Twin 3 month olds (boy and girl) Loretta (but we're going to call her Katie) and Keenan. 1 year old Kallum, 2 year old Liam (brothers) - 3 year olds Subashly, Owam, and Anthia, and 7 year old Mishka. These children are all adorable. They have lived harder lives in their young age than most of us ever will. They each have there own unique story and we don't necessarily even know their entire past. Although there stories are all unique - the 1 thing they all need is the same - LOVE! I am sure most of my future blogs are going to be going on and on about Rainbow House. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me there.
Thursday night I attended the braai again. It was fun again. This time I decided to take 2 steaks - sirloins I think - I cooked them both and ate one then and saved the other one for Friday. I was completely exhausted from my day at the Rainbow House. I fell asleep on my bed with the lights on - woke up at 3 am and turned them off.
Friday, 10 July 09
Slept in! I had a pretty relax day. I went to Canal Walk with Kelly - she's a young girl at the church - I met her in November - but have gotten to spend a lot of time with her since I've been here. We just walked around - had lunch and picked up a few things. One thing that is funny here - all of the malls also have grocery store/super markets in them. Could you imagine Phipps Plaza with a Kroger in it.
Saturday, 11 July 09
I went to this outdoor/indoor market. It was in Salt River at the Old Biscuit Mill. It was really neat. There was food to eat - food to buy - all sorts of food! Then there were also tons of shops. I just looked at a bunch of stuff. I love African stuff. I went to the market with Carla and Gavin and a girl from church - Miranda. We left the market around noon and Carla and Gavin took me to the Rainbow House. I felt much more at ease at the Rainbow House today. I think because there weren't any other volunteers there (besides Alison) - so I didn't feel like I had to follow any one's lead. I just took care of kids like I know how to. I am so looking forward to being there full time - although I might come back to Pinelands on the weekends. I am busy the beginning of this week - but will head back to Rainbow House - Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I can not wait.
So here we are Sunday. The rain came during the night. Thank you Lord for the fabulous weather we've had for the past few weeks. It has rained ALL day today. I think it's about to get cold again. I had a very busy Sunday. Left for church 8:15am - helped with Waumba Land registration again. In church we finished up the Why Worry series. Again - it was great! Everyone should see this series. A mission team from NorthPoint arrived yesterday. It's a high school group and 4 adults. They are here to help launch Inside Out this week. I helped Pam serve them lunch after church. Then we had a braai tonight - it was actually an indoor braai.
It was a busy - but very fun day. The NP team is great. I haven't hung around high schoolers in a while - wow they are energetic - or maybe just delirious- I think many of them are a little sleep deprived.
I should be off to bed now - it's after 12am. I have a busy week planned. I'm heading out with MetroKids tomorrow - visiting and giving out oranges. I am looking forward to it. I haven't been with them the past few weeks. Oh yeah - my team from November is hosting a Benefit in Atlanta July 30th to raise money for MetroKids South Africa. The tickets are $25 - please check out the website www.metrokids09.com Please check out the website. If you can buy a ticket and attend PLEASE DO SO - even if you can't buy a ticket and would like to make a contribution you can do that to! MetroKids is awesome! I wish all of you could see it first hand like me.
I promise I will write more tomorrow - I have some funny things I want to tell you about and teach you all some nice South African slang! I will also post the church address a few of you asked about sending packages. As far as the comments on the blog go - I'm sorry i don't know what happened to the "leave comment" button. You can always email me at cape.town.katie@gmail.com I LOVE getting email!
Talk to you soon!
Katie
Sunday, 5 July 09
Part 2 of the Why Worry series! If anyone can find the link to that message series can you please email it to me. I have searched all over the Northpoint website and can not find it. The why worry series is FABULOUS - everyone should watch it. I was on the Host Team this Sunday at church. I really enjoyed greeting everyone and welcoming them to SouthPoint!
Monday, 6 July 09
I got to go on a local tour. I went down the West Coast with tour guides Adam and Brenden. The weather didn't start off the greatest - but by lunch time the sun was out and it was a beautiful day. I got to see places that the Tour Busses don't go - Cape Town tour with locals! We went into the City Centre, to Bantry Bay (very expensive) Clifton, Camp's Bay (big surfer area) Hout Bay (pronounced Hot), Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, False Bay. It was such a fun day. We had traditional fish-n-chips in Kalk Bay. The coast is absolutely beautiful.
Tuesday, 7 July 09
I spent most of the day working at the church, Painting Pam's office.
Wednesday, 8 July 09
I met with Alison Alexander - the project manager and house mother at Rainbow House. I met her around 9:30 for coffee at the Howard Centre. She is an amazing woman - whose faith is so encouraging. Her story and vision for Rainbow House is incredible and infectious. It was awesome to hear very specific stories of how God continuously meets the needs of Rainbow House. There is a lot going on with the Rainbow House now - they are about to open a thrift shop which will be a source of income for the Rainbow House. I told her that I feel God is really drawing me to work with children in some capacity and I am here to help her however she needs me. We set up a few things - I'm going to be kind of like her "right hand man" for the time I'm here. Over the next week or so I'm going to RH whenever I can - but I am going to stay there permanently for the month of August. I might go sooner if I can. Let me tell you - I'm so excited. You can hear or see me talk about it through this blog - but my face lights up - and I think God is revealing my passion and purpose to me.
Quick change of subject - Wednesday afternoon I spent with this lady Doreen. She's 78 and took care of Carla's (the lady whose house I"m staying in) father before for the past 5 years before he died last year. She and her neighbor Barbara took me on a tour up North. We went to Parrl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch. We ate lunch at this beautiful place - Hillcrest Berry Orchards. It was stunning - in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain. Very un-American of me - I didn't have my camera with me. You must google image search it - the view was spectacular. I returned from my trip North around 4:00. After that I headed up to the church - I finished painting Pam's office. I had to actually call my dad for a little advice. I couldn't get the trim and the walls to blend together so I asked him what to do. Turns out I was doing it backwards - you're supposed to "cut-in" first and then paint with the roller as close to the edge as you can. I did the last coat that way and Vyoo-lah - it was MUCH Better! I will post pictures tomorrow of so. She got all moved in over the weekend. If any of you are looking for a painter - I can be reached via email - I'll give you a great deal! =)
Thursday, 9 July 09
Today I went to Rainbow House. YEAH! I was there from 930am - 630pm. It was a fantastic day! I got to see the everyday running of the house. There was a girl Kate there - she's been there for a couple of months. She's from the UK - and she's leaving this coming Wednesday. There were also a few other volunteers - 2 girls in the morning and 1 girl in the afternoon. Right now there are 8 children in the house. Twin 3 month olds (boy and girl) Loretta (but we're going to call her Katie) and Keenan. 1 year old Kallum, 2 year old Liam (brothers) - 3 year olds Subashly, Owam, and Anthia, and 7 year old Mishka. These children are all adorable. They have lived harder lives in their young age than most of us ever will. They each have there own unique story and we don't necessarily even know their entire past. Although there stories are all unique - the 1 thing they all need is the same - LOVE! I am sure most of my future blogs are going to be going on and on about Rainbow House. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me there.
Thursday night I attended the braai again. It was fun again. This time I decided to take 2 steaks - sirloins I think - I cooked them both and ate one then and saved the other one for Friday. I was completely exhausted from my day at the Rainbow House. I fell asleep on my bed with the lights on - woke up at 3 am and turned them off.
Friday, 10 July 09
Slept in! I had a pretty relax day. I went to Canal Walk with Kelly - she's a young girl at the church - I met her in November - but have gotten to spend a lot of time with her since I've been here. We just walked around - had lunch and picked up a few things. One thing that is funny here - all of the malls also have grocery store/super markets in them. Could you imagine Phipps Plaza with a Kroger in it.
Saturday, 11 July 09
I went to this outdoor/indoor market. It was in Salt River at the Old Biscuit Mill. It was really neat. There was food to eat - food to buy - all sorts of food! Then there were also tons of shops. I just looked at a bunch of stuff. I love African stuff. I went to the market with Carla and Gavin and a girl from church - Miranda. We left the market around noon and Carla and Gavin took me to the Rainbow House. I felt much more at ease at the Rainbow House today. I think because there weren't any other volunteers there (besides Alison) - so I didn't feel like I had to follow any one's lead. I just took care of kids like I know how to. I am so looking forward to being there full time - although I might come back to Pinelands on the weekends. I am busy the beginning of this week - but will head back to Rainbow House - Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I can not wait.
So here we are Sunday. The rain came during the night. Thank you Lord for the fabulous weather we've had for the past few weeks. It has rained ALL day today. I think it's about to get cold again. I had a very busy Sunday. Left for church 8:15am - helped with Waumba Land registration again. In church we finished up the Why Worry series. Again - it was great! Everyone should see this series. A mission team from NorthPoint arrived yesterday. It's a high school group and 4 adults. They are here to help launch Inside Out this week. I helped Pam serve them lunch after church. Then we had a braai tonight - it was actually an indoor braai.
It was a busy - but very fun day. The NP team is great. I haven't hung around high schoolers in a while - wow they are energetic - or maybe just delirious- I think many of them are a little sleep deprived.
I should be off to bed now - it's after 12am. I have a busy week planned. I'm heading out with MetroKids tomorrow - visiting and giving out oranges. I am looking forward to it. I haven't been with them the past few weeks. Oh yeah - my team from November is hosting a Benefit in Atlanta July 30th to raise money for MetroKids South Africa. The tickets are $25 - please check out the website www.metrokids09.com Please check out the website. If you can buy a ticket and attend PLEASE DO SO - even if you can't buy a ticket and would like to make a contribution you can do that to! MetroKids is awesome! I wish all of you could see it first hand like me.
I promise I will write more tomorrow - I have some funny things I want to tell you about and teach you all some nice South African slang! I will also post the church address a few of you asked about sending packages. As far as the comments on the blog go - I'm sorry i don't know what happened to the "leave comment" button. You can always email me at cape.town.katie@gmail.com I LOVE getting email!
Talk to you soon!
Katie
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Rainbow House and Waterfront
Okay - so I know I've told you all about the Rainbow House. I got to go there today. The first Saturday of each month they do a breakfast fund raiser at the house. The project manager, Allison - who I have been in contact with is related to a lady at South Point - Joy - (her husband is Keith the photographer guy from our MetroKids Leadership Appreciation day last Nov.) Pam connected me with Joy the other day and Joy contacted Allison again for me and now here we are. Joy and Keith took me to the breakfast this morning. The Rainbow House is located in Goodwood. It is about a 7-10 minute drive from Pinelands. After being there today I am even more excited about helping out there. If you haven't already - please check out there website http://rainbowofhope.org.za/ I just spoke with Allison briefly today - she had her hands full. She is in need of someone to come and stay overnights 7 - 7. I'm not sure of all of the details - I believe there is a house mother - so I would just be another set of hands and helping the house mother. The house mainly takes in children - babies up to 6 years of age. Today I held/entertained a little boy for about an hour. I'm not sure of his age - I would guess 9 - 12 months. He was so cute. I am going to try to get over there 1 day this week - to sit and talk with Allison more and figure out what her exact need is and what logistics are involved.
On a funny side note - last night I did a Myers Briggs (??) type test online and I came out an ESFP and some career suggestions were: child care provider, social worker, teacher (preschool/elementary). The results from the test were seriously right on. I think this is more evidence that I am supposed to volunteer at the Rainbow House. Please pray that all of the logistics will sort themselves out.
So I was able to go to the Waterfront again today. It is so beautiful there! Carla was meeting a friend for coffee and I walked around, enjoyed the view, and exchanged some money. Ugh - the exchange rate is even worse than just last Thursday. Come on American Dollar - strengthen!
Oh yeah - I also wanted to buy some wine. Did I tell you all that Pinelands is a dry suburb. I know - seriously. So we were in the Pick in Pay at the Waterfront right before we were leaving. I went to the wine aisle and there was a gate on it. The sign said the wine section closed on Saturdays at 1700. It was 1717 (5:17pm) I stood and looked at the sign - then looked at another customer and said, "Do you think I can just grab a bottle? I could have been walking around with the wine in my basket for 17 minutes. I figured I'd give it a shot. I quickly grabbed 2 bottles and made my way up to the register. The lady turned me away. She said she couldn't sell it to me - government law. Okay - so for all of you in Atlanta that fuss about not being able to buy on Sundays (technically 11:45 Saturday night) just think if it were 5pm.
Well I should be heading to bed now. It's almost midnight - and I have to be up at 7 to get ready for church. SouthPoint is meeting at Old Mutual. It's a great venue - but they are an entirely mobile church. They have to set up EVERYTHING. We are getting there around 8:15 to help - but the actual set up team is there at 6am. Thank you all!
I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend! Stay tuned till next time! Goodnight and God Bless America!
On a funny side note - last night I did a Myers Briggs (??) type test online and I came out an ESFP and some career suggestions were: child care provider, social worker, teacher (preschool/elementary). The results from the test were seriously right on. I think this is more evidence that I am supposed to volunteer at the Rainbow House. Please pray that all of the logistics will sort themselves out.
So I was able to go to the Waterfront again today. It is so beautiful there! Carla was meeting a friend for coffee and I walked around, enjoyed the view, and exchanged some money. Ugh - the exchange rate is even worse than just last Thursday. Come on American Dollar - strengthen!
Oh yeah - I also wanted to buy some wine. Did I tell you all that Pinelands is a dry suburb. I know - seriously. So we were in the Pick in Pay at the Waterfront right before we were leaving. I went to the wine aisle and there was a gate on it. The sign said the wine section closed on Saturdays at 1700. It was 1717 (5:17pm) I stood and looked at the sign - then looked at another customer and said, "Do you think I can just grab a bottle? I could have been walking around with the wine in my basket for 17 minutes. I figured I'd give it a shot. I quickly grabbed 2 bottles and made my way up to the register. The lady turned me away. She said she couldn't sell it to me - government law. Okay - so for all of you in Atlanta that fuss about not being able to buy on Sundays (technically 11:45 Saturday night) just think if it were 5pm.
Well I should be heading to bed now. It's almost midnight - and I have to be up at 7 to get ready for church. SouthPoint is meeting at Old Mutual. It's a great venue - but they are an entirely mobile church. They have to set up EVERYTHING. We are getting there around 8:15 to help - but the actual set up team is there at 6am. Thank you all!
I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend! Stay tuned till next time! Goodnight and God Bless America!
Happy 4th of July
Happy 4th of July to all of my friends and family in the USA! No 4th of July celebration for me over here in Cape Town. I did however get to see fireworks a little bit ago. I beat Mahjong Titans on my computer and it shot off Fireworks. Ha! I'm being serious. I really think it was God - because I was really missing the USA and usual festivities. I cracked up when I won. Okay enough about all of that.....
I have been super busy since my last post.
Thursday I volunteered at Carla's office again. I rolled up sets of posters and then put together Sterilization Week marketing bags for the different clinics around the Western Cape. It was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed it because I know it was a big help to Sam. She's the new marketing coordinator. She's been there since April and she has a full plate. After I finished I decided to grab lunch at the Cincinnati Spur. It's a burger place at the Howard Center. I actually ran into Pam and her son Adam so I ended up having lunch with them. After lunch I went to the hardware store with Pam to get "putty" to patch holes with. Remember I'm going to start painting Pam's new office at the church. Pam then gave me a lift back to my pad and I had a little quiet time. I had to rest up for the Braai - pronounced "Br-(long)I" - Afrikaans for barbecue.
Julie took me to Pick-n-pay (local super market at Howard Center) to get some meat for the Braai. Oh my goodness - so I got a nice thick piece of Filet - (they actually say "fi-let"). My filet was only R19 - that's less than $3 American Dollars. I took that, a bottle of red wine (thank you Kirsty) and some potato chips to the Braai. There were about 20 or so people at the Braai. The fire was actually under the carport - so at first it was a little smokey - but then it seemed to get better - or maybe we just got used to it. A huge thank you to Garreth for cooking my steak. It was absolutely DELICIOUS! Dad - it might have even topped yours. Maybe it was just so delicious because it wasn't a "Toasted Cheese" (grill cheese sandwich)
While I was at the Braai - Becky Hastings called and invited me to go for a "walk in the forest" Friday morning. For those of you that went "hiking" with Becky in November - I'm sure you know that I enjoyed it about as much as having a root canal. I asked her if this was her way of tricking me into going hiking again. She promised it would be much more enjoyable.
So Friday morning Becky and Leah picked me up around 9am. We went for a very nice hike in the Newlands area of Table Mountain. We were on some paths and then we also made some paths of our own. It was absolutely breath taking. I didn't have my camera - I will definitely take it with me next time. Whoa - I just committed to going again - I must have enjoyed it. We also had some great discussion time while we were hiking. Becky told me about this Romans 8 movement. Have any of your heard of it. It's a movement to memorize Romans 8. Here is a link http://www.romans8movement.com/ Let me know if anyone wants to memorize it with me.
So I got home from my hike around 11. I sorted a few things out and then headed up to the church. I decided to start tackling Pam's office.
(BEFORE)
(Silly picture I took of myself after I was finished cleaning up)
For those of you who know me - you know one of my FAVORITE things is Pizza. Everyone here asks me what I eat back at home - and I probably eat Pizza way more than I should. It's just so darn good. Well - I've really been craving some Pizza. So Friday night I ordered Pizza from Butler's. I'm still on this whole Hawaii (ham/pineapple) fix. I called to order - but they only took cash or check. Yes - they still take checks! I don't know a single pizza place in the USA that takes checks anymore. I went out to Carla and Gavin and told them my delima (I was out of Rand) and asked if I could - "Trade" money with them. They graciously loaned me R65 ($8.50) and I was back in business. The pizza was good - it hit the spot. I mean - it was definitely not Blue Moon or Maizie's but I enjoyed it non the less.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Undomestic Goddess
Hello All!
So I've had a lovely couple of days! I'm sorry I have not written in a few days - I have good reasons. 1. In South Africa you do not have "unlimited" Internet as we do in the US. You buy a certain amount of GB (gigabytes?) and once you use all of it or "cap out" for the month then you must wait until it renews at the beginning of the month. We "capped out" on Saturday night - so I was without Internet until yesterday.
Things are going well for me. It has taken some adjusting and it has taken some time to get settled and work all of the nerves out - but I think I am doing much better as of TODAY!
I will recap the past few days for you all:
Saturday I helped out at the "work - party" at the church. It is the new SOUTH POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH! They are renovating the old KidStuff Theatre and building a new environment to launch in a few weeks for High School. Saturday night I had dinner with James and Janet Senior - we had Mexican fajitas. Afterwards we played this OLD card game called The Pit (I think). It was a lot of fun -I need to find it somewhere.
Sunday we had church at the Old Mutual Building. It is a GREAT place. I helped out a little in Wamba Land Registration. We started the Why Worry series - which was nice because I didn't see the first 2 - so it was still new to me. After church they had there Annual General Membership meeting. That is when they announced the new name - and guess what James is an elder now! How great! I was able to enjoy Sunday lunch with Gavin and Carla - their son Glen, and Kelly and Morgan. It was a nice fellowship. Sunday evening I watched the US/Brazil soccer match - what a shame US. It was funny - USA was winning at half time 2 - 0 and the commentators kept referring to the "Obama Magic" HA!
Monday was a nice and relaxing day. Carla was off from work so we drove down to Sea Point and walked along the sidewalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is BEAUTIFUL - and it was such NICE weather. We then went to the Waterfront. We went there in November - but it was night time. That place is so nice during the day. I have included a picture below.
Tuesday was a rather quite day. I did enjoy dinner with the Hastings. Thank you John and Becky! And Rachel for the delicious HOMEMADE (seriously homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies)
Today was a great day! I got up this morning and was able to go into work with Carla (she's the lady of the house where I'm staying) She works for the Association of Voluntary Sterilization. They promote sterilization (getting fixed) after you have completed your family unit. They are preparing for Sterilization Week - so I was able to go in and help the marketing coordinator put packets of things together and such. It actually was a lot of fun.
Then I met with Pam at the church to talk about some projects.
Get this - I'm actually going to paint her new office later this week. The guys are taking all of the furniture out and I'm going to patch the holes - paint the walls cream, the ceiling white and the cabinets green. I'm so excited! I'm a girl and I'm doing this all by myself! Then later in July I'm going to help here with the behind the scenes work when the mission team from North Point is here. I also was able to touch base with The Rainbow House and I'm going to go visit there later this week. I am thinking that maybe I will spend the month of August there if it works out! Please pray about that. I am going to also reach out to the Red Cross Children's Hospital and another organization the Nazareth House. There is even a World Vision Office here - so I thought I might contact them as well.
So for the Undomestic Goddess story - First off let me say South Africans are VERY DOMESTIC - I AM NOT! Everyone has been taking me to the store trying to show me things that I can cook while I am here. I am quite happy with my toasted cheese/grilled cheese sandwich (going on 3 days straight now)
After watching Rachel bake the cookies last night - I decided I wanted to give it a shot. I got a recipe - bought the ingredients and decided to go for it. Long story short the container that was filled with white granulated substance which I thought was sugar turned out to be SALT. Luckily I figured it out when it was still DOUGH. I threw that dough away. I decided to try again. This time I got a little carried away with the electric mixer and softened the butter a little too much (microwave) and my dough was more like cake batter. The first batch burned to a crisp - the second batch was okay but stuck to the pan. After about 2-3 hours of this I decided to put the remaining dough in the fridge to harden up.
Tonight I went to "Book Club" - I know many of you are probably laughing because I can't remember the last book I read. This is actually such a good idea though. These girls get together and bring all their books and it's like a book swap. They tell about the ones they've read - they all pay about $5 or $10 and 1 person buys new books - then they put all of the books on a table and 1 by 1 you choose a book to read for the month. Once everyone has chosen you can go through again. It was quite fun!
Okay - so I'm sure that is enough at the moment! I think I have caught you up on EVERYTHING! Please continue to pray for me. Thank you for all of your support! Also - emails are very welcomed! (HINT HINT!) I love you all! Have a great night!
So I've had a lovely couple of days! I'm sorry I have not written in a few days - I have good reasons. 1. In South Africa you do not have "unlimited" Internet as we do in the US. You buy a certain amount of GB (gigabytes?) and once you use all of it or "cap out" for the month then you must wait until it renews at the beginning of the month. We "capped out" on Saturday night - so I was without Internet until yesterday.
Things are going well for me. It has taken some adjusting and it has taken some time to get settled and work all of the nerves out - but I think I am doing much better as of TODAY!
I will recap the past few days for you all:
Saturday I helped out at the "work - party" at the church. It is the new SOUTH POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH! They are renovating the old KidStuff Theatre and building a new environment to launch in a few weeks for High School. Saturday night I had dinner with James and Janet Senior - we had Mexican fajitas. Afterwards we played this OLD card game called The Pit (I think). It was a lot of fun -I need to find it somewhere.
Sunday we had church at the Old Mutual Building. It is a GREAT place. I helped out a little in Wamba Land Registration. We started the Why Worry series - which was nice because I didn't see the first 2 - so it was still new to me. After church they had there Annual General Membership meeting. That is when they announced the new name - and guess what James is an elder now! How great! I was able to enjoy Sunday lunch with Gavin and Carla - their son Glen, and Kelly and Morgan. It was a nice fellowship. Sunday evening I watched the US/Brazil soccer match - what a shame US. It was funny - USA was winning at half time 2 - 0 and the commentators kept referring to the "Obama Magic" HA!
Monday was a nice and relaxing day. Carla was off from work so we drove down to Sea Point and walked along the sidewalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is BEAUTIFUL - and it was such NICE weather. We then went to the Waterfront. We went there in November - but it was night time. That place is so nice during the day. I have included a picture below.
At the waterfront - (L-R) Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Signal Hill)
Tuesday was a rather quite day. I did enjoy dinner with the Hastings. Thank you John and Becky! And Rachel for the delicious HOMEMADE (seriously homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies)
Today was a great day! I got up this morning and was able to go into work with Carla (she's the lady of the house where I'm staying) She works for the Association of Voluntary Sterilization. They promote sterilization (getting fixed) after you have completed your family unit. They are preparing for Sterilization Week - so I was able to go in and help the marketing coordinator put packets of things together and such. It actually was a lot of fun.
Then I met with Pam at the church to talk about some projects.
Get this - I'm actually going to paint her new office later this week. The guys are taking all of the furniture out and I'm going to patch the holes - paint the walls cream, the ceiling white and the cabinets green. I'm so excited! I'm a girl and I'm doing this all by myself! Then later in July I'm going to help here with the behind the scenes work when the mission team from North Point is here. I also was able to touch base with The Rainbow House and I'm going to go visit there later this week. I am thinking that maybe I will spend the month of August there if it works out! Please pray about that. I am going to also reach out to the Red Cross Children's Hospital and another organization the Nazareth House. There is even a World Vision Office here - so I thought I might contact them as well.
So for the Undomestic Goddess story - First off let me say South Africans are VERY DOMESTIC - I AM NOT! Everyone has been taking me to the store trying to show me things that I can cook while I am here. I am quite happy with my toasted cheese/grilled cheese sandwich (going on 3 days straight now)
After watching Rachel bake the cookies last night - I decided I wanted to give it a shot. I got a recipe - bought the ingredients and decided to go for it. Long story short the container that was filled with white granulated substance which I thought was sugar turned out to be SALT. Luckily I figured it out when it was still DOUGH. I threw that dough away. I decided to try again. This time I got a little carried away with the electric mixer and softened the butter a little too much (microwave) and my dough was more like cake batter. The first batch burned to a crisp - the second batch was okay but stuck to the pan. After about 2-3 hours of this I decided to put the remaining dough in the fridge to harden up.
Tonight I went to "Book Club" - I know many of you are probably laughing because I can't remember the last book I read. This is actually such a good idea though. These girls get together and bring all their books and it's like a book swap. They tell about the ones they've read - they all pay about $5 or $10 and 1 person buys new books - then they put all of the books on a table and 1 by 1 you choose a book to read for the month. Once everyone has chosen you can go through again. It was quite fun!
Okay - so I'm sure that is enough at the moment! I think I have caught you up on EVERYTHING! Please continue to pray for me. Thank you for all of your support! Also - emails are very welcomed! (HINT HINT!) I love you all! Have a great night!
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