Love, Penny

Hi my name is Penny and Sarah is a crack up. Tonight she caused a social upheaval in the African Enterprise campus, accidentaly causing animosity to spring up by just one simple, innocent request for chocolate. Usually Gary is her sugar daddy, but tonight he was NOT. Sarah batted her eyes and said, "Gare bear, i want choc choc," but heres the thing, Gary thought Sarah was a part of the recent prank on him and so he would have none of her eyes bate tonight. Durk and others tried to convince people it was gary's birthday, and sarah unintentionally, on her own, fell victim to this as well, by wishing him a happy birthday on the book. Durk continued to do sarah's gunshot hand gestures that are her new signature, and he said' hey man, got ANY choc choc? then he checked out his sunburn.

God's heart

 Mmmm Sitting here underneath my bunk bed trying to write a paper..so easily distracted.. It is raining this afternoon. I love when it rains. There has been  some thunder and lighting to accompany the rain as well! So blessed...to just sit and be still listening to the water hit my window. I should really get back to writing my paper it is about "The Rich Young Man" in the book of Matthew. It has been very good and convicting to analyze this story...there are so many comparisons to this man and our American culture...especially with the love of money hanging over our heads...Mmm hopefully I finish it soon.. I am half way there.

Anyways here is a quick update on life here in South Africa:

Friday, we played a awesome game of soccer, as well as having a bonfire, with worship outside in the rain.. we just had a great time of fellowship and vulnerability as a family here in South Africa. It was a beautifully broken night of all sorts of emotions, but all the glory to God.

Saturday, some of us woke up early to go running, the mornings are gorgeous here. That was a blessing. Then we headed off to Durban. While we were there we got to experience the marketplace, the culture, the smells, and faces of the local people. We laughed and bartered with the people. After a couple hours at the market we headed to the beach. It was a stunning beach for sure! The water was warm. The Indian Ocean is pretty sweet and was thankful that I did not see any sharks. Had a great time with our group there, played some soccer and went on some long walks...everyone managed to get sun burned. Aha so we are all red now. On the way home we stopped at MacDonald's and got some ice cream. Back at home we watched the South African soccer team (football) it was a close game but they ended up losing, but fun experience. Oh they served pancakes during the game! It was the best thing ever!

Sunday, was a pretty chill day. I worked on a lot of homework. Then went to night Church at NCF. I really have been challenged attending this Church the pass 3 weeks. They are going through a series on Faith.Last night the Pastor talked about Elijah.. a man just like you and I. Mmm the pastor went through a couple different examples showing how Elijah put his faith in God and extraordinary things happened. Mmmmm "With God Less is more..." I keep asking myself that question.. "What does that mean for you Sarah? " I have just been wrestling with this. Asking God to show me in his presence and through his word what he longs for me to do. I am open to his call and available to serve him. Mmmm another thing that has been coming up a lot and that has been on my heart is the revival of the Church. What is God's heart for the Church? Last night we prayed for that and just cried out to God, it was a powerful experience... God is so good. While we were praying it was pounding rain and a thunderstorm happening outside.

Here is one of the songs we sang last night.. I just love the words:

CLoser by Bethel

Your love has ravished my heart

And taken me over taken me over

And all i want is to be

With you forever with you forever

Pull me a little closer

Take me a little deeper

I want to know your heart

I want to know your heart

cause your love is so much sweeter

Than anything ive tasted

I want to know your heart

I want to know your heart

Whoa whoa how great your love is for me

Whoa whoa how great is your love

Pull me a little closer

Take me a little deeper

I want to know your heart

I want to know your heart

cause your love is so much stronger

Than anything ive faced and

I want to know your heart

I want to know your heart

Mmm that is my desire to keep seeking...Mmmm it has been a good afternoon and morning. Still blown away by the beauty that surrounds me and the miracle of the country of South Africa as I sat in History class today.. I believe God will continue to break down walls and revive this nation for him. They are so eager and hungry. I pray for this passion. Mmmmm well should try to finish this paper while I am still awake. Happy Monday.

Blessings..

Shalom&Love

-Sarah Rae

Some pictures from the weekend adventures:

Durban Beach

The girls chilling by the Indian Ocean

Penny and I making the most of a long drive back home!

Mel and Steph and I repin SA.

Having a grand time watching the game!

God's Promises All Around

Mmmmm... it is tea time right now..just got some tea and a little muffin..just was in "The Life and Teachings of Jesus" ( one of my classes) We will be reading and going through the gospels 4 times in the next couple weeks...talking about Jesus' ministry and the heart of the Kingdom of God.I really love this class. Our teacher Reg is amazing! He says profound things all the time.. For example today something that struck me as we were talking about death.. "..Death is irreverent in God's plan.." as a Christian when we die..In God's time table that life has been accomplished!.. and what a glorious place eternity will be.. just hard to think about when we live in such a worldly culture...

Anyways..just have a quick break before I go to Art class! Ahaha I am working on my creative side for sure..Mmm the last couple of days have been amazing..and there is never a dull moment... so I cherish the times I have to think and debrief everything that goes on...

Sunday night...Church was incredible..love worshiping with other believers from around the world..there was a thunderstorm too..

Monday we went for Thai food..it was Janet's Birthday! She is one of our CLC's here..Awesome young woman!!

Tuesday... we visited a service site called ITHEMBA.. which means Hope..it is basically a community center for the local township.. I still can't give over..how the gap of the rich and the poor is here..we are staying in such a beautiful rich area of Pietermaritzburg and then 30 minutes away there are those living in poverty..But this organization is being such a light in the community..it was a blessing to see.

Mmm more of tuesday..was in class for most of the day..then at night went to a connect group with a bunch of other college and high school students from one of the local church I have been going too. The living room was packed! The message was so direct about Faith..and how important it is to be in the presence of God and the word. As well as to not limit what God can do.. have the faith that can move mountains.. desiring something that might even seem scary or out of reach for us, but nothing is to big for our God. I literally can't describe the time we had. Ryan, the guy who was leading it told miraculous stories of healing and miracles that have been happening in South Africa..with just regular people who took a step out in Faith and believed that God can do the impossible.  It was a joy to be there...we talked about revival.. and how that is on both the hearts of South Africans, Americans, and around the world. God's presence is so vivid here.

Wednesday...took a drive with my art class.. into the "Midlands" ..in the back country...it was utterly beautiful looked like a painting with the cloudy sky and the rolling hills and lakes...felt like "The Shire" or somewhere in Lord of the Rings..We went to an Art Museum. And go to see the different process of sculpture, pottery making and designing. Many of the artist have HIV aids and some have died in the process. It was a  peaceful place to wonder at others God given talents. We stopped on the way back to get Milkshakes..and over looked an amazing view of a waterfall and cows! Had some amazing conversations with the girls in my Art class..found some other pastors daughters on the trip..so bounding moments for sure. They are a blessing.

Mmmmm later that afternoon went on a run in the rain with some friends..while there was thunder and lighting all around.. I have never enjoyed a run like that before..running among the trees and getting dumped on with water with great friends just laughing and thanking God for His beautiful surprises and blessings. Then there was a double rainbow.. and if any of you guys know I am kinda obsessed with Rainbows..maybe it is a family thing. It was a great reminder of God's promises..they never cease to amaze me and make me become awe struck of what a mighty Abba Father and Lord we serve. He is Faithful no matter where we are at in life..and even across the country! I have so loved being in South Africa! Ended the afternoon with a soccer "football" game in the mud! What sweet memories.

Today.. I am finishing this up now..had lunch and finished with Art class.. Penny and I are trying to do homework, but there are so many distraction..especially the ants crawling on the wall! This afternoon we are going to get coffee with our Chalet of girls..there are six of us and they are all a blessings! So thankful for them and our living situation. They are like sisters!

Mmm well should start to do some reading and homework.


And if you guys want here is our address (takes about 2 weeks to get to SA) :

API Education Foundation/ 
PO Box 13870
CASCADES 3202
Pietermaritzburg
KZN, South Africa

Shalom & Love

Sarah Rae



Pictures from this week:

Never know what can happen in A day!

Mmmmm Sunday afternoons...gotta love them here..it has been a busy filled week and weekend, yet so so blessed still! I manage to still go to bed by 10 0r 11 and get up at 6 to run with some beautiful girls!

Anyways finally just relaxing, probably should be doing some reading.. ( I really do enjoy the classes here just got to keep up on everything..and there are so many distractions and fun things to do)..

So this weekend was an adventure for sure..we went dancing to this Afrikan thing..it was a lot of fun! Then Saturday saw some crazy birds of prey..and at night we had a "Bry" like a bbq tons of meat..they ran out of forks so we ate with our hands..As well as the meat..our group had a girls night.. it was so splendid to start getting to know the girls in my group..laughing so hard and being competitve with games..what a blessing and we have 2 great leaders Leizel and Janet they are the best!

This morning went for a run in the fog with the girls..there is something so peaceful about it..then off to Church..was so blessed to worship at North Hills Church..there wasn't really a sermon just sharing of testimonies... about what God is doing in the local prison..as well as healing..and working though families lives...God is moving everyday..it was a reminder for me to "Keep my eyes open"..God is working miracles all around.. Mmm shared a lovely conversation with Penny (my roomie) and some girls from the Church..we laughed and smiled over PIxar movies and disney channel..school..dreams..and coffee..

Then our driver and friend Bubba Philip..took us on adventure... (in our Church clothes) to see some giraffes. ahaha we trampled through the mud and thorns..to see these beautiful creatures..it felt like we were so far out and hidden away from civilization..haha nothing like walking in flats and a skirt through the wild life..Mmmm but it was worth it..God is good..His creation speaks every where..What a morning and afternoon!

Mmm heading to Church in a little bit..probably should read now..Surrendering this next week again to whatever awaits.. Thanking the Lord everyday for this experience..learning so much..I can't even explain..


Here are some pictures..

Shalom & Love

Sarah Rae

Good Morning from S.A.

Mmmmmmm I am sitting in my bed...looking out my window..listening to the sounds of the morning come alive..as the radiant sun appears on the bedroom walls. I feel at home here. I know this is true because I am seeing and feeling God's presence all around me.

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than  watchmen wait for the morning." ~ Psalm 130:5-6

Mmmm as I am here I am desiring to seek after God in a new way and be intentional in the word yet it is so crazy busy here too..

Yet in spite of being busy, I have experienced beautiful things..

We went to a wonderful Church on Sunday and were blessed and filled with Joy as we praised our King together, a small taste of heaven. That night I also went to a different Church with a lot of young South African students and once again blessed. God is good. The Spirit is moving and God’s everlasting love pouring out. It is a beautiful picture worshiping with others from around the world …

As well as Church it has been so great to live by a wild life park that we can walk and run in! Seeing God’s creation.. I really have no words to describe how beautiful it is here.

We started school on Monday. It is going to be a challenge, but I believe so much growth will come from the classes I am taking, that will equip me for the rest of my life.

Yesterday we visited a service site. Playing with the kids and loving on them, we saw the face of God in His beautiful Children..

I wish I could describe and show better what I am experiencing, but I can not do it Justice! I am off to eat breakfast!! Looking forward to a new adventure filled day!

Shalom& Love

Sarah Rae