//Set a Fire down in my Soul//

Mmmmm sitting here at Flavour café with 5 other beautiful young women.. ahaha it is seriously a dream Sunday, it is overcast, we are sipping coffee enjoying creation and writing papers among having laughs and girl talk. So blessed. I just finished 2 papers one about our field trip yesterday to the Bushman caves and Drakensburg Mountains and another for Intercultural Communication…

Once again, the weeks go by like a snap of a finger and a blink of an eye. Slow slow down please. Mmm but praising the Lord everyday for this adventure I am on… and this place …//South Africa//

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it..” ~Psalm 24:1

Side note~ we are sitting here at the Café and they just brought cheesecake out for us on the House… oh the little things in life bring so much joy and a smile!!

So here is quick update on the past Week…~Reflection// Quotes// Memories..

Last Sunday//Saturday. Spend some time on a farm with some friends from Church, super fun. .and drank unpasteurized milk= interesting. Last weekend at Church Talked about Raw Faith again with the story of Hosea, the redemptive love..[Paralleling Jesus Christ ..And Israel]

“Your Grace is sufficient for this Moment”

Monday 18^th // Had a great chapel.. Our main professor Reg led it. He spoke about finding God’s will, which is so head on for where I am at in my life…Finding meaning in a meaningless world..

            Four guidelines he gave:

                        -God’s will is not revealed in advance

                        -God wants us to enjoy his will (ENJOY TODAY).

                        -God wants us to follow the way of wisdom

                        -Follow God’s commands

// Proverbs 20:24// We are called to a personal, cultural, spiritual, and social mandate.

Still challenging myself not to worry about the future

Michael Cassidy: came and spoke for our history class today! He helped start African Enterprise, the place we are staying at. He told his story and his involvement in the Apartheid era. He told us about .. “The day God stepped in to save South Africa…” it is an amazing story I do not have enough time to right it all out, but truly amazing. ....How prayer and believers arising to the occasion, what God can do. He kept calling us beloved the whole time, I got his book A Witness Forever..

Later in the day had to give a seminar for my Life and Teachings Class about women and the resurrection.. went on a run in the reserve.. had some good talks with Reagan, one of our CLC’s about spiritual warfare and spiritual gifts, met some of our kitchen staff Max and Wiseman they are so hilarious. And spent the later night journaling and gazing at the stars and drinking tea…praying that I would be available to the will of God wherever he leads Had some worthwhile conversations with friends… The stars our so gorgeous from where we are at. Thank you Abba Father.

…. “As for God his way is perfect… the word of the Lord is flawless…He is a shield..”

Tuesday 19^th//

I was so tired today, stayed up toooo late, but had an enlightening Life and Teachings class.

~The Divine God indwells in YOU… just had to let that sink in today

So much is on my mind to pray about lately.. Mmmmm so good though. My heart is full yet, so anxious. I am so wanting to keep my eyes open to see the glory of God all around.

Had some extra time today, and read some George Muller what an extraordinary man of God. I am so challenged every time. //Went to home group tonight, during our meeting there was a full on thunderstorm… I am falling in love with these storms.

Wednesday 20^th//

Basically had a full day of Art class from 8 to 3ish. Long day, but I am appreciating art more, still a little stretch, but learning to embrace it. Had D-Group tonight with wonderful girls in the prayer chapel so great. It rained hard again…slept with the windows open hearing the waterfall and the rain mixture. What a sound.

Thursday 21^st//

Every time Thursday comes I can hardly believe it already here. Time is so funny here, there is a crazy slow pace, but then again time is going by fast and has been away from home for over then a month now. ~We talked a lot about Miracles today in class and why in the western mindset it is harder to embrace and believe, this may be do that we do not expect them to happen…so many things to think about. God is so big. Challenged. // Went running with Penny during teatime, had a lovely adventure even up the incline part. Later took a study break from writing my Inter Comm paper, it was a beautiful day, such a shame to spend it inside writing papers. It was an interesting paper though about the culture of South Africa how their transportation system works and how dangerous taxis can be. In addition, about the South African markets in Durban. //Took a study break again at a bunch of us went to MacDonald’s. Ahaha I never go to MacDonald’s back in the states, but I guess this is a new thing. Took another study break and a bunch of us wrestled in the rain before we went back to writing our papers.

Friday 22^nd// I was really tired, stayed up late finishing up the paper. We had morning chapel and one of our CLC Reagan shared his testimony from being a gang member to becoming a disciple of Christ. Then after chapel had Jeanie and Daryl come and speak to us for Intercultural Comm. Daryl is an Indian and Jeanie is an Afrikaans woman, they are married and have two beautiful kids.. we were blessed to learn about their culture and interracial marriage and got try some awesome Indian food. They both are so passionate about “Kingdom Culture”

~ later in the afternoon read some more of George Muller by the waterfall mist! Went on a girls date with some beautiful girls and Leizel. Shared stories and laughs and heartbreaking things over coffee and some chocolate in a beautiful garden place. Then we all drove to look out over Pietermaritzburg = what a view over the city. Mmm gained so much wisdom and encouragement from our wonderful CLC Leizel. She is a beautiful blessing. // Went to youth group at NCF. Came back and had some tea with Penny and our adoptive older brother Derek. We just talked about life and what God is doing while gazing up at the stars sitting in the wet grass. Beautiful moments.

Saturday 23nd// was a lovely morning. Got to facetime some beauties from APU, made my morning. We packed our lunches then headed to the Drakensburg Mountain’s to see the Bushman’s painting part of our History and Cultures class for South Africa. Through the pot holes and dusty roads 2 hours later we made it to the beautiful breathtaking Mountains, reminded me of Colorado and Yosemite and a flare of the Grand Canyon… Pictures do not do this place Justice. We got to play in the river and frolic around the grassy hills where the blue sky dazzled us all day. Great day. Ended the day with watching the Sound of Music and falling asleep.

Sunday 24//

Mmmm another great morning… Spent a majority of the day at Flavour Café getting a lot of homework done and having sweet conversations and interacting with the other guests and workers… went on a run with some awesome girls.. Church was refreshing and reviving…It was not the regular pastor, but a man who use to be a Rugby player, but now is serving God as a pastor. It was a well-needed sermon based on the Rich Young Ruler…this happens to be the passage that my Exegetical Paper is on..~ The message was challenging and powerful.. do we attach more value to Jesus than anything else? Oh the western culture has been so consumed with money and status, this has trickled in even to South Africa. Money can lead to a false since of security.// He also spoke about being lukewarm, this is some scary business. There are people who are lukewarm, people who know they are lukewarm, and there are people that want to be lukewarm…Jesus says that he will spit those who are lukewarm out of his mouth!! In the heart of the Church I am at and I know my home Church back home there is a passion and a desire to put away the state of having lukewarm symptoms to stir up a fire… for a New Reformation, that turns the heart of the son back to the father…

~Things don’t define me. My passion for Jesus defines who I am.

//Where much is given, much is Required//… Mmm what does this mean? I have been given so very much, I have been immensely blessed, I must not abuse these blessings. Sometimes these blessings God gives us turns us away from him, for example the wealth did that for the Rich Young Ruler. Receive in order to give.

~At the end of the service the Pastor asked if there was any lukewarm areas in our life that needed overcoming.. if I am truly honest with myself I totally need God to strip away these stumbling blocks in my life. I confessed before the Lord my burden and surrendered it before his feet. Mmm we ended the service singing and praising. “Set fire down in my soul.. that I can’t contain that I can’t control.. I want more of You God.. I want more of You God” ~My prayer and my desire. Come Holy Spirit awaken us. Praying that God would continue to break me and transform me and open my eyes to what is going on around me… so much need.. My heart is anxious to start service sites.. as our schooling is coming to a close at AE. God is so good. So thankful. So blessed. No words…desiring the Father and his love.

Well It is nearly almost midnight here. It is time for bed. I love all of you. Sorry this is totally me rambling about you know.. life and stuff. Have a beautiful blessed week.

Shalom&Love

Sarah Rae

His Banner over me is LoVe.

His Banner of me is Love~ Song of Songs 2:4

Hello Hello! I am sorry it has been over a week since I have last debriefed my life and the Adventures here in South Africa... I am finally having a moment to think as I sit under my bunk bed, I have just finished one of the 6 papers I have to do in the next 2 weeks as are intensive schooling comes to a close... This is so crazy to me. We have been In South Africa for like a month...!! Say What?! Ya I have no words..it has been more then just a blessing! Mmmm this afternoon it has been quiet and still, misty, and a light drizzle..I am beyond thankful to rest after a full week!

Here is a little catch up!

Last weekend: Friday night went to an epic Sharks game (Rugby) It was raining and epic..the Sharks blew out the Leopards by I don't know of how many points.. but a lot. A fun experience for sure.

~Also, last weekend we went on an excursion "Battle Fields"..we saw where the Zulu's fought the Boers..Where the Brits and Zulu's fought...and the Brits and Boers. It was a hot weekend, but it was cool to see history come alive as we saw the battle sites. We got to stay in a pretty nice hotel that looked more like a cottage/ museum out of a book or movie. Had a wonderful meal..and had some real coffee which was a plus...It was a full packed weekend, but so worth it.

Monday// Had a local pastor come and speak to us for Chapel.... Mmmm talked about how 1 and 3 people have aids in KZN area where we are at...then we finished watching "The Cry of Freedom"..a movie that is based on true facts that happened during the Apartheid era..my eyes were not dry after that. Still can't believe the apartheid era happened. Monday ended up being a nice change of pace day. Watched some drop dead dive with our CLC Janet. Did some running and Cross fit with the monkeys :)

Tuesday// I slept through my alarm for the first time ever on this trip. We visited Walk in the Light (another NGO) , a service site that some of us will work at. It was pretty awesome set up. They grow these flowers to make an oil base for perfume. God is doing amazing things there. They have hopes to build a community center on a hill, they want to be a "City on a Hill" to the surrounding township....     //A Beautiful thing that was said today " ..Need to acknowledge God;s image on every person..."..// In the evening had a little coffee and ice cream date with some girls from our group. So blessed. Good treats and good conversation.

Wednesday// it always is a busy day.., but love it..got up early to be alone and just think and read, which I love. Then had art for the majority of the day. We got to print our stamps that we made so it was so much fun! Love the girls in my art class. We manage to get through the long day together.. We then ventured to a art museum and got to hang out over coffee. Then in the evening had girls night!! There are like 40 girls here..it was so much fun..and good food...we got dressed up, which does not happen very often here ahaha. The first place we were going to go to lost their electricity. T.I.A (This Is Africa).

Thursday// Happy Valentine's Day.// We Had Pancakes for BREAKFAST! Yes. God's Love is so so big..his banner over us is LOVE... I have to say by far..this was the best Valentine's day I have ever had. I will get back to that later..// In the morning we had a speaker/pastor come and speak to us about the religious practices of many Zulu people here in South Africa. We talked about the Witch Doctors in the township, there is such a strong trust in the Witch Doctors, who work with the ancestors to do healing and other things... In addition to talking about the religious practices, the speaker talked about the spirit/ culture of "Ubuntu" this is about the essence of being human....and gave us some great sayings from Desmund Tutu~ being willing to go the extra mile for the sake of another..~ Anyways we ended up visiting a witch doctor in a local township, there was not a heavy set of discomfort, but it was still uneasy being there, there was emptiness in the man's eyes..as we were there I just kept praying for him and those he interacts with.. it started raining when we were leaving..it had been a hot warm humid day...on the way back to AE we say our CLC Janet's house..she is a gem. // Before dinner went running with Mel, Penny, and Ris in the reserve. Beautiful women of God.. always am blessed. Mel and I ended up going further and did about 5 miles..we reminisced over good old track days and finishing the 4x4 and how good that felt when we crossed the finish line... Then all of us got dressed up for our Valentine's dinner... so fun so fun.. We had Chicken Alfredo South African style and the red velvet cake Mmmmmmm ya!!! Then we had a party afterwards and ended up playing soccer into the late hours/ early hours of the night/morning...aha awesome.

Friday// Our group went to UBI~ Union Bible Institute..it is a seminary school. We got to hang out with them for the whole day. We got to attend their chapel. It was lovely..a lot of spontaneous worship and getting up and out of our seats..dancing..singing..so much joy and laughter... played some crazy games and met some beautiful people...One of the guys in our group.(Sammy) accidentally took down a brick wall with his leg..// We got to meet so many different people.  One lady I met was names Nontando Mgabile <3 She is 26 and is a pastor, but working on her first year of seminary school. She has such a beautiful voice and a passion for Christ. We couldn't always understand each other fully, but a smile says so much.. It was a blessing..After lunch we played a game of soccer in the misty air in the pouring rain..one of the greatest things ever.. had so much fun sliding in the mud..and with good competition. The UBI guys beat us, but it was still so fun! We can break down so many walls when we just fellowship, worship, compete, and talk with one another. It was a blessing...oh we almost got hit by lighting too... Mmmm so wet. Then went to a youth group..brought me back to those good old high school days...and then had a MacDonald's stop for ice cream..

Today// Saturday// Mmmmmm a monkey just took a bag out of our "Cougars den" you never know what can happen in a day. I am going to get back to homework now.. Mmmm oh and I figured out the service site I will be at ..and it's Riv Life. I am so excited to see what God has planned and the people that I will meet... God is good!!

//Shout out// to my little sister Anna Joy!! Whose Birthday is today!! Blessings Anna when you read this! I love and miss you..praying for you!!

Shalom&Love,

Sarah Rae


The Week in Pictures:

Ngiyakuthanda.. (I Love You) South Africa.

Mmmmm Sanibona (Hello in Zulu).. I am trying to pick up on the Zulu language here! I can't believe that it is already Friday// The weeks go by so fast, I really want to just PUSH PAUSE. Everyday is such a remarkable experience.. I am learning new things every day...and loving being here. So blessed and thankful.. and am so blessed by the beautiful people I interact with and love on the daily. It still almost feels like a dream.

Well, here is just a little catch up on the week~

Tuesday// Went on a early morning run with my dearest roomie Penny. We have become quite fond over this reserve of wild life and nature by AE (African Enterprise)... It is very hilly sooo it's a work out, but we often take breaks to gaze at the zebras and bucks in the breathtaking mornings. I want to talk to the animals. They are so beautiful. Later in the morning our group went to Riv Life, one of the service sites we may go back to in a couple weeks. Each of us gets to pick one of four service sites to spend three weeks at, which will be an amazing experience. Riv Life is a non profit organization that has a clinic, community center, garden, pre school, and other things to aid the people who live in that township. There was so much joy in visiting on tuesday. The preschool children sang to us, so precious. God is doing extraordinary things there, all because of the leaders Faith!  Beautiful selfless faith.. I could see myself working at a place like Riv Life.. Mmm Kingdom work. Mmmm someday I hope to work in a community center in the States or in another country//Just dreaming.

tuesday continued...our Life and Teachings class (on the gospels and Jesus) was eye opening and challenging once again. This class is probably one of the best classes in Bible I have ever had. We dug into the Beatitudes...we are called to "be" not "do".  Also, talked about Salt and Light... "The only way I know I am a Child of God,.. is if I am being a Child of God Today.." ~Reg (our teacher)..We also talked about divorce and marriage and how divorce has become the "Norm"..satan feasts on this...Then our teacher Reg, gave his testimony how God broke down his life and transformed it..Powerful beautifully broken and heartbreaking story of how he got divorced after 37 years of marriage, left his pastoring job, and hit rock bottom.. I do not do the story justice. God is so good and his forgiveness is so beyond us.. Reg is truly a Man of God.. He reminds me of my grandpa Bill. He has such passion for teaching and preaching the word of God, so blessed to learn from him this semester. God does his best work when we are broken..// side not I got an eye infection tuesday night after connect groups it was kinda ya yucky..all red and pussy so ya..haha interesting for sure.

Wednesday// My Art class took a field trip to Durban..and visited different art galleries and museums, as well as getting some coffee and shopping and lectures along the way. It was such a fun day..hanging out..laughing, learning..making new friends..experiencing new things..and marveling at individual's God given talents..I wish I had a more creative side in me. Then later that night had D-group (small group) led by two beautiful nursing students here..we have all kinda adopted the nurses as our moms or older siblings. They are the best..and d group was great. Mmm then hung out at the prayer chapel and finally had some alone time..and gazed at the clear sky and all the wondrous stars. Mmmm just was pondering and thinking a lot..we get fed so well here at AE and less then 30 minutes away in a township children go without meals...so many things race through my mind in the late hours of the night. Also, it is interesting that not may white South Africans go into the black townships here..just thinking out loud...once again. Asking God so many different questions.

Thursday// Mmm tried to wake up and run ..did not happen..had a great Life and Teachings class we talked about Jesus' second coming. Mmmm I do believe that we are living in the closing years of History..as Reg echoed too..some good discussion and food for thought in this class...Satan knows his time is running out...// Art class is always ya well it is good for me I am learning...we made stamps today that was fun..I am getting better at drawing my hand too. Then in the afternoon went on an adventure hike. Mmmm ended the day with peanut butter and ice cream the best combination. Peanut butter is like a huge thing here..we have it with like every meal. Mmm then had great conversations with the girls in my chalet so blessed my the, What Joy they bring. Mmm Gary wouldn't let me have any chocolate..ahaha long story just ask Penny//haha love her//

Friday//TODAY// Went on a run with Ang and Pens! For chapel this morning we listenend to Francis Chan when he spoke at Apu last week. Always a great speaker about the Truth. He spoke about God's Faithfulness. "If we are faithless, He remains Faithful because He can't deny Himself.." Then had a white South African (Afrikaan) come and speak to us this morning for Intercultural Comm.. we tried some cow tongue and cake sisters. Listened to some Afrikaans music ahaha it is the best. Mmmm but still there are wounds from the Apartheid that are still healing..still some fear.., but have progressed forward thus far...

Heading to a Rugby game tonight..should be fun and exciting..it is probably going to rain..aha :) then tomorrow heading to Battle Fields to see some history from the Boer Wars..A packed weekend for sure..

Miss you guys! So abundantly blessed!  Ngiyakuthanda (I love You).

Shalom & Love

Sarah Rae

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your Love towards me; you have delivered me form the depths of the grave.."

Psalm 86:11-13