Fifteen Years in South Africa!

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO...

I stepped foot on South African soil for the first time with a sparkle in my eye and a six month plan to save the world.

I always knew God made me to strengthen families. The way I see it, strong families make strong churches. Strong churches make strong communities. Strong communities strengthen other communities. And, slowly but surely, the world is transformed for the glory of God.

Fifteen years ago, I had just begun my career as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I was sure I had found my sweet spot. I was operating in my calling and loving life. Then, I heard a little whisper from the One who purposed me from the very beginning. The whisper was just an invitation, not a mandate. The Lord invited me to Africa to “really learn about family from the orphaned and vulnerable.” And, boy did I.

I became a mom in Africa. I became a preacher, teacher of families, taxi driver, dance party hostess, cake baker, hospital volunteer, home builder, fundraiser, foot washer, SiSwati speaker, prayer warrior, missions team host, and expert frog, snake and rat catcher.

Five years into the adventure, I became a wife. I stepped into my calling differently, once again. This time, it was beside my husband and in line with his calling to build the Church.

The calling remains. The way it’s lived out always changes. Strengthening families looks different as a special needs family. It looks different in every season of life. The Creator, the Caller, the faithful, faithful God stays the same. If you stay with him, you’re right on track.