Nov 25th- Nov 28th
Friday, November 28, 2008
Today was our last official day of class. We had a question and answer session. Glad to be done with them, even though we did learn a lot. Then this afternoon the ladies had a Christmas party. We listened to Mariah Carey Christmas and had a white elephant gift exchange. Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving and today we moved right into the Christmas season. It was a really hot day and hardly felt appropriate to listen to songs about snow! Then this evening the leaders held a progressive dinner for us. We moved from house to house and ate each course somewhere different. We ate American salads, Chinese spring rolls, a traditional South African dish (which was similar to rice and hamburger helper), and then crème brule. All in all, we had a wonderful night. I (Jo) am looking forward to a restful day tomorrow!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving! I (Adam) had the honor of talking to 10 people from my family today. We were able to have a thanksgiving feast thanks to an American leader on the training base. She helped organize a meal with other American missionaries. Jo was responsible for the mashed potatoes and a peanut butter pie. We had quite a spread: turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn and lots of desert. We didn’t have any football and we ate less because we didn’t start till 6:30 or so, but it was close enough to allow us to feel like we celebrated.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
It has been a challenge for Jo and I to continue to be patient with the speed of things in Africa. Today we resolved some financial questions that had been lingering for months. We are also being patient in regards to our next step. We are one week away from the conclusion of our training experience and still have not nailed down an organization. Continue to pray for patience as others have finally gotten on board this week to help with our next step. We take for granted cultural norms and though I (Adam) like to think that we adjust well to culture, my administrative detailed mindset does not always settle well with the length of time it takes to get some things done. These are the times when I (Adam) really miss home.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Today we had our meeting with what hoped to be our volunteer organization. Unfortunately we felt that it didn’t suit our gifting and desires very well. They had Jo slotted to teach 3rd grade, which she could have done, but the children are from townships, or poorer areas, so their English tends to be very low. As for me, they had hoped that I would manage and set-up tent revivals in the local townships. So, we are kind of back at square one looking for an organization. This process has been a bit frustrating especially when a comment was made about God’s will. We were asked what organization that God was telling us to go too. We replied and said, well we feel not this one, but if they give us a few other options, then we can begin to make a better selection. Again, a reply was made: you need to listen to God’s voice where is he telling you. It reminded me how a theological perspective can cause much tension among people. Many, a generalization, comment on God’s leading through particular verses of scripture, his voice, a dream or vision. I (Adam) am particularly challenged by that perspective because I tend to sense God’s direction mostly through my own desires, circumstances and opportunities and through other people’s advice or suggestions. All in all, I know they mean well, but I feel it puts a lot of unneeded pressure on you as an individual when discovering God’s will.
Comments
Robert Huff on Dec 2, 2008
Congratulations on finally finishing your classes! My prayers are definitely with you both, and I really hope that all these bothersome little things that keep persisting are take care of soon. Reading these updates really brightens my day. I miss you guys so much.
PS: The road outside of the Honors Dorm is kind of pure ice right now, and as I was writing this, I saw a lady in stilettos slip, slide and fall right on her face. Just a little bit of home for you. :-D