3 months later! Sorry!

Most of you are wondering what happened to me? Well I am very sorry for keeping you all waiting! My time in South Africa got exceptionally busy at the end. I never seemed to be at "home." That and we seemed to lose our internet all the time. Ok, enough excuses! I will make this brief! For the rest of my time in South Africa I continued to build strong relationships with the people I was working. Fairly soon after I stopped writing on my blog the "Wait 4 Me" concert, which was a promotion for abstinence for the youth, was in full flight. We had a big turn out for the event. It was a day long project, with months poured into it, and I was exhausted to say the least by the end of it. We started around 9 am at King of Kings (the church that supported Living Hope) . The program was meant to start at 12, we didn't get started till about 2 and did not finish till 5:30ish. It was an intense day but as the kids sang and got excited it was suddenly worth all the stress. (I forgot to mention all the things that came together minutes before like the food and the music video made by the kids and Life Skill educators!) This concert took place on Saturday and I left the next Monday. My last days were emotionally blurred. I had a hard time saying good-bye to everyone. In fact I will admit now that I did a terrible job of it. I found myself joking about leaving and not allowing others to say good-bye to me, I blame this on living on the mission field (not a good reason)! But then I left. I was not ready to return to the US, yet I knew I was going to back to finish one semester and I knew God had some big plans for me! I left with amazing peace. When I arrived back in Arkansas (after a very uneventful flight with out strange men and meal mix ups) I was over whelmed. I was did not expect any culture shock when I got back but I felt it. I was confused and did not want to share my time in South Africa with any one. I could not express what had happened while I was there! Even now I hold the experience so close to my heart. Much has happened since my arrival back in the US and now. I am in the MIDDLE of my final semester. What is next? Please don't ask! I am not sure but one thing God let me know while I was in Cape Town was that He is not done with me in Cape Town South Africa! How am I going back? When? I don't know but I know He has something there for me, including the people there who captured my heart! That's it! Thank all of you for love, prayer, and support! You made the experience possible and your constant prayer was felt! Again, sorry this is so delayed... but better late then never, right? God bless!!
Standing in His Strength,
Jess Shrode

Sorry for the delay

So sorry! This has been has been a crazy couple of weeks. There has been a lot of change. When I arrived there were 8 other volunteers who arrived at the same time and 7 of those have recently left. It was amazing to see how our small group had become very close and how well we worked together for the 5 weeks we were together. In fact we had coined ourselves as "The Family." So as you can imagine it was sad to see the group go. And as they left we had 21 new volunteers join. It has been a bit stressful. I know this is not a good excuse for failing to update my blog but I thought I would try. Things have been going incredibly well here. The kid's club I have been working in the last month was really hard to become a part of because the kids seemed to have been a lot more reserved and not as willing to play around. As the month has gone by the kids have opened up and relationships have been built. What else? For those who have kept up with the blog might remember some deep frustration I had with the refugee camp that we were not allowed to return to. Well the camp has been allowed volunteers to come back and Living Hope has sent three new volunteers to go and work there (Sadly I am not one.....) but the three girls who are working there came back today after their first day and said the kids remembered our names and the songs we taught them. They said the kids were very responsive. Even though I am a but jealous it was so cool to hear that the kids were ready for the new volunteers who came. Other than that things are going really well. I hope that most of you have kept up with the news and seen the trouble in Zimbabwe. Since South Africa is a neighboring country it has been a hot topic here. If you have not kept up to date I would ask you to take some time to hear the story of a country who was once the bread basket of Africa and has slowly been turned upside down. There is a lot that could be said.... we'll leave it at that. Amongst all the turmoil my heart is on fire and I am trying to soak up every minute I have (seeing that I am on the downward slope of my trip). My main prayer is that I don't let a single opportunity pass by. Thanks for reading and I will not let the blog go this long with out an update again!

How's it? (How is it going)

1. 1.I went to watch a Rugby game. (for those of you who don’t know the South African team won the Rugby World Cup, against England)

22. 2. Went to Cape Point, which is the 2^nd most southern tip of Africa.

3. 3. I almost got knocked off of some rocks by a massive wave.

4. 4. I went back to the African church and was impacted again, I recorded it!

5. 5. Sorry to everyone who is awaiting pictures, you are going to have to wait because we are limited on the amount of internet we can use. (Boone)

6. 6. I went surfing again and stood up 5(!!!) times!!!!!!!

And now I will share the deep thoughts and concerns. This past Sunday the pastor looked at all the volunteers and said “Are you here because of Jesus?” I was very convicted by this statement and I was reminded that my reason to be here are not about having fun and FEELING fulfilled but the reason for being here in Africa needs to be deeper than that. I need it to be more Christ focused. To be honest, I feel convicted when any one mentions how they are glad that I took time out to come to Africa, I don’t feel like I have taken time out.

Moving on, I have also come to the middle of my time here. I have been here a month and I have a month left. I have a fear that I will not seize each opportunity to serve. Another challenge!! And then I have also been struggling with my future. I know that I am not in a position to say whether I would come back here or not because at this point that would be a very emotionally based decision. Objectivity vs. Subjectivity! Still, I am looking at the end of my college career and life beyond University is a reality now. In talking with a friend tonight I expressed the vulnerable place I am currently in. His reply was that this was a chance for God to do something great.

I end this excited cause I don’t think there is anywhere else I would like to be as I figure out these “things” out. And as vulnerable, unsure, and alone (in a good way) as I feel, and as frustrated I get with my shortcomings and with people or situations that don’t go my way, I LOVE being here!!!!

Surfing in SA

I went surfing today! So we went with the kids for surfing lessons today, it was pretty cool. I only got up once but whatever... it was awesome! So I know I haven't blogged for a while but as you may have guessed things just aren't as new any more. I am still enjoying myself so much but i am getting into the swing of things! I have been able to start building relationships, which is what have longed for since I have been here. Here is a brief description of what I am doing. The organization I am working with is holding a "concert" called "Wait 4 Me", which is a promotion for abstinence. My job in all this is to assist the 'life skills educators (these are young adults who put on kids clubs after school and go into the schools and teach basic life skills, kind of like youth pastors). Any how, I get them props for their skits and fill in where ever I am needed. Other than that I work on the computer to get ready for this concert... etc. In the afternoon I work at a kids club and help the life skills educators prepare for those as well. I have been able to hang out with the 'life skill educators' and get to know them better. That has been the best part! I had a great talk with a man named Mandla from Zimbabwe. I was able to hear about his history and I found out that he majored in Community Development. I learned so much from his stories and his experiences, it was was inspiring to hear some one with the same passion and major I have! Mandla may come up in future blogs! The kids club i work at is kind of difficult because the kids don't really care that we are there. We'll see how it goes! That is it for now. Peace
PS: The Refugee camp is not getting better.

Missin mi Pais

Missed Ecuador today..... Not a lot going on at the moment. I am at my more "permanent" assignment. It is a little tough cause I am coming into the middle of a project and that is just awkward. Sick, with the flu now. I have no immune system, my parents can attest to that. Things at the Refugee camp have not gotten better. The Somalian side of camp threatened a mass suicide, it was not successful. They are on a hunger strike, making tension more intense. I am tired right now so I am going to bed. Peace to everyone!!! I just read through the blog and noticed how negative it is... I am happy to be here, PROMISE! I had a good day in fact. So please don't worry. Peace

The MK stomach....

I lack it! I am quite sick as I write this blog. If you want to know detail.....email me and I will let you know! Any how, we went to an artisan market today. I made some friends and I actually made friends with one woman who let me sit in her shop cause I was feeling so bad. Molda was her name, I think. I write today with a heavy heart. This past week we have had the greet opportunity to work at the refugee camp. On Friday I was told that I would not being go back, because I have other projects that they have been planned for me while I am here. I tried really hard not to, but I started to cry. Is it selfish to want to go to visit the refugee camp? I think it might be. Any how, our supervisor noticed that I was crying and told me that I would go back. I felt kind of lame, like the crybaby that gets her way. But I was thrilled! Then as we walked into church today we were told we could not go back at all because the Somalian side of camp had been closed, by the Somalians. Here is the scope. The refugees have asked the UN to step in, and last week some one came in who was titled as the UN representative, the only problem was that they were really a Red Cross rep. When the truth came out the Somalians were so upset and a little bit of violence broke out and they closed the camp to any volunteers, which seem like self destruction but when no one will listen and the issue is urgent I guess extreme measures are necessary. There is not much happening at the moment, but people are on edge! Any how, at first I was angry that we weren't allowed back in. Then I was frustrated with the government for their broken promises and lack of action. then I thought of ways I might get into the camp! Then I found my self upset with God. Not because I could not go back but because this never stops. God where are you? As I battled it out with God the pastor began to talk about the good that was happening in the camp. And then I remembered that all we have received from God is unmerited. Meaning, that the sin in my life deserves death but every day of life and the promise of eternal life are signs of God's grace. This was a good thing to remember and put somethings in perspective. The phrase "God is in control" still irks me and there are more words I would like to share with Him but I am always singing that I will praise Him the good and bad and now that the bad is here I cannot go back on what I have claimed to be true, but it is hard to feel like praising God when I know what is going on in the camp. I end this note angry with the situation SA is in, but I am also reminded that I prayed for the opportunity to serve "hands-on" and that has been given to me. What is the next move? Prayer....(grumble grumble). In a generation that has lost the value of prayer I must trust in the strength in prayer. I need a better attitude-shocker!

Around the world in our combi!

Hello Blog Readers!!!!
I have had the best day! It included meeting 3 men from Uruguay (we were so excited to talk to each other!) Then we gave a ride to some volunteers who were also working in the refugee camp, they happened to be from a rehab center, and the conversation was quite interesting. Then we had two Congolese men get a ride into town from the refugee camp, both spoke Swahili so we sang songs with them! By the end of the day we realized that we had 7 different countries represented in our combi (which is a small van).
Any way. I am about to finish my first week of working at the refugee camp. There are a lot emotions felt when working there. I have been frustrated with the situation and the people. Moved by their kindness and patience during a difficult situation and have felt everything in between. At this point the people who caused problems have apologized but all those who are displaced are not going back. The people we get to work with are from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia, and there are more. The camp has been divided in two because the Somalians, who are Muslim, demanded they have their own camp. Our groups has created two groups to go to each camp. I go to the Somalian side of camp. I knew it would be a little more hostile, and it was! By the way, we are mostly just taking care of the kids while we are there. South Africans are volunteering and helping clean and feed the people, this has been the most encouraging thing to me thus far. The first day was exciting and new and the kids were excited to have us. Day 2: It was raining and we were stuck in tents. Day 3: Our visits were no longer a novelty and it was rainy and the kids had to stay in again. No one was in a good mood. The kids were rowdy and kept hitting me and each other. It was a little rough. Day 4 (today): The people know us and our names and we are SLOWLY learning theirs. I have been able to teach some of the mothers how to read in English. The kids have warmed up to us and the parents trust us now. The sun came out today and we were able to play outside. The kids laughter mixed with the parents laughter (at us singing dumb songs) was.....so beautiful. Just a side note: at the camp I have noticed the Somalian men and their affection towards their children, I am not sure if this is because of the situation but any way, they are very loving. The Somalian men are also a lot more respectful and have the kindest eyes (again my experience with Somalians is limited) . The people from Zimbabwe are also so kind and helpful. The people are physically Beautiful!!!! Their smiles, their deep skin.... God got it right with the Africans.
In the afternoon I go to the townships and this week I have gone to a coloured township. It is called Mountain View and I LOVE it! The two people who work there, Julianna and Timothy, are amazing! The kids are great, and beautiful with their light green, blue, and light brown eyes in contrast to their tan skin! I keep mentioning beauty but I am blown away by it! I have noticed this blog is long so I will wrap it up. Please keep these beautiful people or SA, Somalia, Zimbabwe and the many others in your mind and prayers. There are a lot of people at fault for this situation. On the plane down here the Congolese man beside me said this; "If we think that every one is like (or should be like) us we will never be in peace." And so it is true. When will this stop? Deep disdain because of nationality or race-- absurd! How can love be this difficult?

Dancin at Church

I went to an African church today, and yes I danced( I know right, after I said I was ashamed of my lack of rhythm)!!!!!!!!!! I have tasted the sweetness of South African culture and I will never be the same! I was told that the soil of Africa will not fall off my sandals, this is proving to be true!
We go to the refugee camp tomorrow. We were told that it is really calm and as long as political officials and the media don't come there won't be too much tension! However, scabies has broken out at the camp.....
Went up Table Mountain, I am not going to describe it because you just have to see it yourself! It's breath taking!
Last thing, My new discoveries:
Chutney
Biscuits (English biscuits)

Molo Unjani

So there is a lot I need to go through so I am going type out a quick list
1. You are allowed to go barefoot any where, including the mall. It is quite common
2. We are going to a Rugby game!! Springbok vs. Italy!
3. Went running today. Yeah we are in a higher altitiude
4. I keep trying to adapt the accent here, I know I am such a wanna-be but....
5. Most people think I am South African and they would say that I am Coloured, therefore I do not want to let any one down with my American accent!
5. I lack all sense of rhythm! There have been two days that I have been able to watch young African kids dance and I am ashamed to ever try to move my body to any type of music any more!
6. I went to McDonalds yesterday and to a HUGE mall today. I have mixed feeling about it to be honest.
7. Here are the people who I will be working with, just so you know the names!
Kirsty-She's been here 6 weeks and she is from England. We call her "Mother Hen" because she takes care of us.
Anna- Sophomore from NC. She is funny and extremely blunt! She's been here 1 week.
Jeff- Sr. from TN. He has been here for a week and he is the awkward man of the house.
Samantha, Amy, Margret, and Dyson who got here today so there is not a lot to report, yet!
What am I thinking at this time? Well I feel really comfortable here! It is quite cold here but the sun shines a lot and the ocean to the South and mountains to the north make up for that. The food is great and the people are so much fun! I wish I could speak the language and I really would like to walk around the city and get a better feel for it, but because of the unrest I am not allowed to. In fact the American's are hesitant to let me walk alone any where, a little frustrating, but I don't know everything I must remember that! By the way I get to work at the refugee camps this next week. Yesterday I realized that I was really in Africa and I could be a part of what is going on. Well this is long enough but I will keep all of you posted!!

I am in Cape Town South Africa

And now I am here! I am writing because I am not in the least bit tired! Why, well it is almost 11 pm here but only 4 pm back in good ol' Siloam! So yeah I made it and the plane ride was not too terrible! Here were a few funny events.
1. I was served the vegetarian meal for lunch and instead of realizing that no one else had their food (I was watching a movie and you all know how distracted I can get!) I ate it. A couple of minutes later they came and asked me if I had eaten a vegetarian meal and I said, "oops". The poor man behind me, who was the one who had pre-ordered the meal, was served fruit for dinner, sorry man!
2. Creepy old man invited me to stay at his "bed and breakfast" and told me he would wire me money to come and stay with him! I "forgot" to give him my email!
3. I was given great marriage advice by a man traveling back to the Congo!
4. I was really confused at the beginning of the long flight when they would report something over the intercom in English and then French, I guess I was ethnocentric enough to believe the rest of the world would make announcements in English and SPANISH!

Well that is about all for tonight. I guess I should try and go to bed now! I cannot believe I am actually in Africa!

And I'm off

It's almost 12 a.m. and I have tons left to do! I am ecstatic, nervous, anxious, confident, and ready! For the first time I am going to a place where I have no experiential knowledge, this is going to be great. My mind is swimming! I am not too excited about the flight, can we say Tylenol pm??? That is all for now and I end with a quote,
"I care desperately about what I do...Do I know what I'm doing today? No. But I'm here, and I'm gonna give it my best shot."
-Hansel
I'M GOING TO SOUTH AFRICA!!!