We arrived in South Africa ten days ago, and what an incredible time it has been! It is so refreshing to be experiencing summertime in what would normally be winter, sunburns and all!
Before starting our volunteering, we had the opportunity to spend a day at a Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve here—we fed a giraffe named Sunshine, went on a safari ride, and were able to play with baby lions and tigers. Talk about an amazing experience! A few days later I celebrated my 23rd birthday, and was reminded of how truly blessed I am all throughout the day. Between receiving a Stormers jersey (for the Cape Town rugby team) and beautiful cakes from our weekend host parents, to all of the messages and sweet thoughts, I was overwhelmed with kindness. If this day was any indication of what this coming year will be like, I think it’ll be one of my best ones yet!
On Tuesday of this week, we started our volunteering at a primary school in Olievenhoutbosch, a local township that is a 15-minute drive away. I have spent my days in a second grade classroom with Ma’am Martha (which is how they refer to teachers here). There are 13 kids in our classroom, and talk about a room filled with love. These little ones have the most contagious smiles and laughs; although each day ends in exhaustion, each day also ends with a spirit of contentment. It’s not often that you serve as a jungle gym, English/Mathematics/Bible teacher, piggyback giver, and designated hugger all in one, but what a rich experience it is.
Through all of this, I am learning so much about the little moments, and the value of being present. As Psalm 46:10 says, and as many of us have often read, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s funny (and humbling) how little kids can teach you more about a verse in a week, than what your “adult” mind can learn in years. The value of those little moments, be it the breakthrough of a smile with a child you have been working with, or their success on a test in a subject they have been struggling with, shine an immense amount of light on who God is.
Sometimes it takes coming to a rural village in Africa to realize those moments, and yet we are surrounded with them daily.
I am encouraged to know, and be reminded, that the God of the universe cares about these little moments. He loves when we are still enough to find the little miracles hidden within each day. Moving forward, this is my hope and prayer.
May I truly take the time to see and recognize the goodness that surrounds me each and everyday. May I not get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but rather, reflect back on these times when I was afforded the opportunity to slow down, and see His goodness surrounding me.
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