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