Month numbero uno

I left the States about 6 weeks ago! I was in Tanzania on a Young Life Expeditions mission trip, from July 19-Aug ust 1. My parents invited me to join them as well as 26 others. It was an amazing reconnection with Young Life after a 4 year headious during college! I was very involved in Young Life throughout high school, attending weekly clubs, camps at Windy Gap and Sharp Top Cove, Western Tour (2004, 3 buses!!) and the inaugural trip to Costa Rica (summer 2006, with my bible study of 5 girls, Missy Curtis & Steve Clay, BA time!) Despite my involvement throughout high school, I did not get involved with College Life at UGA. I therefore welcomed whole heartedly the opportunity to go on NW Atlanta's annual trip to Tanzania. Thank you parents for manifesting this, especially my Mama. Thank you to Drew Voyles and the YL team in Arusha. And thank you to all the family and friends who supported me going on this trip!

I invite all of you to read about our daily experiences on YL Expedition to Tanzania by visiting our group blog. The entries were written each day by a different group member. It will paint a wonderful picture of our time there as a whole group in the first week in Arusha and at the Masai Village, as well as the 2nd week's separate adventure trips on the Safari and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I'll say a few things about my personal experience on the trip. I am amazed by the type of people Young Life draws into its organization. Our group ranged from ages 16 to 71, good balance of men and women, high schoolers, college age, young adult, older couples, and family members. A wonderful variety of ages, states, and backgrounds all connected in the love of Christ, sharing this love, and adventure. I thank God for bringing each of us together on this trip. A few highlights for me were spending time in the Masai village, communicating in the language of smiles, love, soccer, singing, dancing, and hugs. I also enjoyed learning and sharing with the Young Life Arusha team. And, of course, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! The climb was an incredible experience of being in creation and witnessing the humble servantude of our porters, whom without we would certainly not have summited. Dang, what an amazing trip!! Could not have asked for a more incredible start to my time in Africa, praise God!

On August 1, I arrived earlier to the Mt. Kilimanjaro airport than our group to catch my flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. T.I.A. (This is Africa), my flight was delayed, and I got to see my parents and our group once more at the airport. Thankfully, my Mama had moved on from tears to excitement for me :) I was happy to see them once more and watch them wave from the runway as I boarded the plane for Joburg. Sitting in the seat on the plane the reality of what I was doing settled in..."Yes", I felt, and consciously thought. I breathed deeply the feeling of peace that comes with surrendering to this exact moment. Shortly after take off I once more saw, Uhuru, the peak of Kilimanjaro, standing tall above the clouds outside the plane window. Shaking my head I audiably said, "Peace out Kili!" So happy to have that arduous summit climb behind me! Upon safe arrival in Joburg (planes are A-mazing!) I was joyfully greeted and once more in the arms of my dear friend Roxanne Hendriske!! Reunited :)

Roxanne and I spent two nights in Joburg visiting her Grandparents, Aunt & Uncle and cousins. We flew to Cape Town on August 3rd. We were picked up by Errol, Roxanne's 34 year old Uncle and taken to the home he shares with Claude, his father. They live 2 blocks from the beach in Melkbosstrand on the Western Cape (about 30 minutes, northwest of Cape Town proper). Wow. I am living on the beach!!! So blessed. Errol and Claude converted the wooden shed in the backyard to our bedroom, a cozy one bedroom abode that we call our "beach cabin"! The house is a treasure on 8th avenue, the avenues are the older parts of town that have historical significance to the area and close proximity to the beach. Needless to say Claude's decision to move to this house from Joburg roughly 30 years ago was, locationally, genuis. Errol has taken over Claude's former business, Mr. Antenna, the local is lakker (Afrikkane for "better") television and satellite installment company. Errol's genuine personality and expertise in the field created him a loyal relationship with his suppliers and customers. Claude retired from former careers in nuclear electricity, orginally moving to Melkbosstrand to work in South Africa's first nuclearal power plant, and moving on to his local company. Claude now keeps very busy working on the house, walking the two beautiful Huskies, Storm (female, 3) and Merlin (male, 9), creating jewelry through wire work and precious stones. His highly spirited self has kept him physically fit and intellectually sharp for a man of 78. To give you a glimpse..Claude weekly walks 15 kilometers on the beach, with 7 kgs of weight on his back, a strong Storm, the Husky, pulling him, and stopping half way to do a series of Tai Chi. Not for the physically nor mentally weak , in my personal experience of joining him "for a nice walk" :).

To close, I am so grateful for this time! Thank you Life for bringing me to this place at this moment. This time is giving me the opportunity to align my inner and outer purposes. Sending out waves of African love to all of you. Many blessings and love, liz

school of life!

Let freedom ring! I've been in Cape Town for 3 weeks now...the reality of this time is here. I have had some time to settle down and get used to life on the beach and now reasons for us to be here are apparent and flowing. A few months ago in January I met Roxanne through our mutual friend Zack Jones, by the end of my last semester of college in May, Roxy and I were best friends planning for me to come visit. We "put it out there" to God and the universe..and here we are..now! It is amazing what happens when you let go and let God come in and lead you.
For the first time in my life I really had to let go and step out on faith to come to South Africa for 4 months. Now that I am here, it seems like the easiest decision ever..but when I was home in Georgia trying to make these decisions, I came up with every excuse to not go. Stepping out of the path of the majority, my comfort zone, to open up to new experiences, new ways of living, and a new way of learning...
"Yes" has been said and felt so many times since I've been here. I feel God's presence over me and am literally doing every thing that I am interested in..yes! So much abundance when you open up to opportunity and allow it to take you. I've had some good times with God, reading, prayer, walks on the beach..living not minding what happens. Been really nice to just "be". I've found that in this state of openness I am more alert, happy, and creative. My mind is free and active. Using all of my senses now in the school of life.
Finding deep peace and gratitude now. This very moment! Roxanne and I decided to create a blog so that we can share with our family and friends our growth and experiences. We want to unite with all of you in life right now. Please feel free to comment by joining the blog. We are happy to hear from each of you. And we welcome prayer requests.
Sending a wave of African love back home and across the world..universe! Hope you all find a moment during the day to feel the peace and love within.
Many blessings and love, Lizzy

Dear world, i love you.

Greetings from Cape Town South Africa, the most beautiful city in a rainbow nation. Oh ya, we saw a double rainbow the other day, African Style. We have been lead on a surfing safari with the most epic waves in the Universe. There has never been more of a perfect time to go on an adventure with our Creator. We let go and said let's go. Please join us on a our journey as we embrace freedom on a whole new level, and feel free to be free your self, nothing is holding us back from living and loving. Peace over you. I love you.
-Roxy