For the last four days I have been enjoying the beauty of coastal South Africa, a slice of Europe in the great African continent. I could never have imagined (after my time in Uganda) that Africa could be like this. Yet it is; great wealth and great poverty, side by side. And buried deep in the hearts a hurting from both.
We were there for Women of the Harvest, an organization that supports and encourages missionary women around the world. They offered us an all expense paid retreat with teaching, counseling, and pampering. How could we resist?? The conference was all I hoped and more; allowing me a respite from the constancy of demands in the village and re=opening parts of God’s word that I desperately need to keep on breathing. Counseling and times of healing prayer allowed me to use the events of the last eight months to move me deeper into the knowledge of who God says I am and how He relates to me. Perhaps without this opportunity all of the tumultuous experiences would have left me farther away.
We saw Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned ) from a distance. Tabletop Mountain was gorgeous though we did not make it to the top. Times with the family and friends of my soul-sharing friend Yvette allowed me the privilege of stepping into her life and beginning to understand her better. In addition the teaching at the Anglican church there has opened my eyes to the sweetness of ministry to students in a new way.
And so very dear was time with team friends; Amy, Kim, Stephanie, Pamela and Jennifer who joined me to enjoy the conference. As we are renewed together we have the privilege to move back into service our hearts deeper, wider and closer.
Wonderful thanks go to sweet hubby David for not only keeping the kids but loving into their lives while I was away. And to more team friends who supported them all through it by staying close.
Thank you God for another chance to peel back a layer of the onion skin that covers the beauty of my soul as you created it and once again walk freer and breath deeper and shine in your Beauty.