Noel's adventures in South Africa

I'll be home soon

2010-07-25T23:56:00.000-07:00

Tried to get up and see a friend at the shelter today but doors were locked. Not sure what that was about but guess change of route today. Going to drop off more brochures where I can and look at a few gifts for people before I Leave. 1 More week! Yeah yes mom and 6 more sleeps for me, well 7 I guess on flight. Anyone know anything cool to do or people in DC cause I"ll be in Dulles airport for an entire day! Yeah after 16 hour flight, rough! OH well all worth it. Been just cleaning, saying some goodbye's avoiding many goodbye's, emailing, trying to create lil CV, exercise (played soccer game Friday, I was HORRIBLE and so sore for 2 days, but we still won 9-0 ) and clean up room for the house. What have you all been up to? Any special, cheap requests to bring home?

What day is it? oh right the 16th

2010-07-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

Ah I'm sorry this will be short and sweet, but I've been back in CT for few days now and Nicolai just now arrived as well into town this morning for the weekend here. IT's raining and depressing. It's like I am coming off this high of a world wind trip! I almost desire I could just fly home tomorrow and yet it's a few more weeks. But probably good for me and also I have a few people I should say goodbye to, but I prefer to just take off and write nice emails or cards because I absolutetly hate goodbye's. I have the bill from the trip from Nic and have to see what I've got to give and what's left over to live off a few more days. I thank you so so much for the help and support it's incredible! I have had the time of my life and I need to express it more to share the joys of the Lord.
Tonight is our base leader Edwin's goodbye party, and then before Grant and Laura leave tomorrow they want to head out Salsa dancing tonight so trying to get it all into one. I miss you all so so much and even throwing ol cards away etc., from my mum and was crying because I realized how far away 2 weeks are now, adn how far away it will be or how near, to be in her arms again. You too dad :)
GOtta stay dry and also oh, many things I could get into and look into ,buttrying to get back on a path of organizing things before I head out. Lydia went to Angola for a few weeks to do some ministry and documentary, it was hard to say goodbye to her right when I arrived. SHe left 3am the other morning and I probably won't see her before I leave. She's been one of the closest and dearest friends of mine here. Oh how I love her!
Ok, better get going now to rest up, picked Nic up early this morning, work out, change into something hoepfully warm, then pray the night is grand!
Muah!

HOME, I miss you

I forget the days...Friday?

2010-07-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

Yes I believe it's Friday because from my World Cup calculations, the 3rd and 4th place is tomorrow then finals yes, oh yes, Sunday! NUTS EH? I can't wait to see my new favorite player, Forlan. He's unreal!
I"m at Mugg and Bean chatting to my lovely dearest best friend Andrea Lyons online, and I can't believe she's moving east coast on me so freakin soon! I get back and 2 weeks later my best friend's outta here. Oh well, I asked her for her job :)
Anyways, things have been a lil slower than prior but still all new adventures and people I've been meeting. Been meeting heaps of Nic's family and been taking the time to get to know his Aunt Robin real well, she's just hilarious. We been walking and doing some new things together that I hope have inspired her. Her daughter comes home today, so I'll get to meet her. And his lovely granny and her family we've been blessed to get to visit. Even other people from the church we went outside the city to their house in the hill and picked fruit and avo's and had lovely dinner together. Great fellowship with them and their extended family. I dearly though am looking forward to returning home. Durban's still hot and wonderful!
No more tickets have been offered up, but still to admit I've been to 5 WC games, is unbelievable. The story is inspiring even to hear again and again from myself. Nic and I are going to head to the pool today, his knee's been bothering him, and then we'll see what we can get up to later. We've given the car back obviously with costs, so figuring out our movements.
Anyways, I'im sorry it's not long and detailed, but thought I'd pop in while I can. Thank you again for all your support, it's been great travels, trying to stay in God's pouring, and sharing it with others. Brochues have given conversation and debates as well. IT's been completely a blessing. Oh God is so good! Miss you all!

I'm alive

2010-07-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it's been totally safe and cool, just no real internet access. I've been staying here in Durban the past few nights at Nicolai's aunt's. I've just booked flight back to CT next tuesday so I have another week. was the cheapest and nic's staying this long as well. We give car back tomorrow since sara's flying back and it'll keep things cheaper. Not much I can quickly write other than I never went into Mozambique because it was only for a few hours for sara to renew her visa, so I didn't waste money crossing, but we drove through swaziland from Nelspruit and that was amazing! So here in Durban, it's HOT an dloving it, in fact i have no warm clothes not expecting this. But it's been great! I love you all, I'm doing great, I"Ll try and be better about writing something then posting it when I'm on, but nothing too crazy past few days. Met up with old boss Keith Palmer and his wife from New Zealand today and it was incredibl! So great to see them and sounds like that girls league I got to help start up has doubled! Lord is good! Cheering for Uruguay tonight, but gotta go internet's going ot run out at this cafe. Love you love you all! Mommy less than a month!

Let's catch up

2010-06-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm tapping away on laptop here at the host family here in Pretoria. Been super taken care of! I think I've had 4 meals here today, they think I'm not eating, that's unreal. I dont' understand because I haven't worked out really in past week and I did feel a bit tiny today, so I let myself just get fat today. I even had Elmerie's South African Pudding. The real deal, it was richly good! Oh what have I been up to? WOW, loving life and trying to not look back.
I woke up this morning at this city lodge near the most crazy casino called Carnival City outside Joberg. I was with Donevin my mate from Mississippi whom I spent the day with, and he put me up in this hotel since his bro's house was full, I felt so bad but he insisted. Just finding teh dang place was nuts! We were laughing the whole time because we said 4 years ago, let's go get lost in South Africa! And guess what, in his x city, we sure did. It took us about hour half to find the place, but I saw this glowing blue tent in the distance, and I said that MUST be it! As we drew near at 1am, it looked like willy wonka's choco factory on crack! It was wild! Freaky looking more like it, but I got booked in and the sleep and room to myself was something I haven't had for a long long time! Woke up, and hear from D that the tickets, we thought we had to Brazil vs Chili match tonight, for R350 he was going to take me, his mate SOLD! YES since he found out he could get $300 out of it, he sold themt he night before. So D was so mad and our whole day was planned for seeing downtown Jo and etc., we even pulled back the trip of going to Safari with Nic and Sara but thing worked out in the end, since Nic and Sara went back to Pretoria, Sara had an interview for a possible job opportunity here in Pretoria. SO, God has been working his lil scheme magically before our eyes. HOwever, through these lil places, Ive been getting to leave my brochures everywhere I go. Even with Wonka. So I text Nic today, and he rushed down to scoop me up and bring me back to Pretoria, and basically been vegging, catching up on sleep, and getting fat! YES, preparing todrive north tomorrow to our first bungalo in Kruger Park. We know that Portugal is playing Spain at 8:30 so we're just praying that someone there will have teli or we're going to go nuts!
Weather up here in Pret Jo is much dryer, and much warmer. I heard Durban I can whip out the swim suit, that's to come later this weekend. I"ve been super fortunate paying for travel, 1 ticket out of 5 matches, and car rental. Lil bit of food but mostly my apples and oranges. :)
SO, yesterday I spend the time with D and seeing his old stomping grounds he used to play for the Pirates and we hung out at his indoor arena to watch football and I felt totally at home. I didn't bring boots nor have I even been in decent shape to think about a match, but loved the atmosphere. Great to see him. We met at Nelson Mendella Square in Sandton Jo after I had spent the time adn night with Yanev at his apt as well. THe Israeli's took great care of me. I've never been around so much wealth. I went through the richest place in Jo, so life can only get poorer from here. Ah it wasn't anything special but great to see the diversity here eh? Just think nights before I was in a township, oh love it!
So, I met D there where the vibe of the ARgentinians and Mexicans were heating up for the match last night. Poor Mexi's gotta go home, I'm sorry Luis. But ARg is going all the way now!
I almost tried to get tickets to that, but connecting with teh random cute Argentinians I'd met at the nicest club in Jo the night before. THey were everywhere and incredible people. Money Money, and to think I went out with Yanev and his friends til 6am. OH YES, it was a once in a lifetime thing so I went with it. I didnt' even have more than a drink and yet I had the energy with the people i met, things I saw and suffering from USA's loss. We had left the match 2 min early to beat traffic in the middle of no where Rustenberg, whcih was incredible to experience and see and see USA for sure! I even ran into this couple i had seen on the train in CT. It was such an adventure. Yanev took great care of me not letting me pay for a thing. He took the back roads knowing howt ot get back to Jo with also touring me showing me the dam and the sights. I had fun. WIld having the driving in SA and the stops, and cops and no laws really, it's crazy! Cops speeding past with lights on, really just guiding rich and famous or I'm sure ANC through to matches etc. We had a ball, and another stadium to witness. I wish our USA had gone throug, but at least it was an African country to make it. More African fans there than Americans to support Ghana, but I say amen to them they worked hard. Also they're Christians so that's super cool!
I've seen 5 matches, then now. Who ever would have thought? It's been a dream coming eh? And still going! God's been able to let me do this and finish wiht Pizaz. Another bonus is haveing NIcolai and I connecting in an unreal way! Yes we're sharing what God's been doing, our desires, dreams, business, etc., and it's like our personalities just fit too well to not work towards something int eh future. I mean even having met Omri, whom Nic had brunch with after the Spain match, they spoke of great business int eh future and was encouraged by Nic and I and possible Kingdom building in this world in the future. Yes learning about the business world. I am encouraged about Nic's inspiration of the window that needs to be worked in, the business world where it's the most of our world's population, and it's mostly Muslims, and that's the world to reach them is in business and I said SPORT. :) Somethign going's to come from it. Nic's been inspiring and also a protection over me, and teaching me what my personality and what not is a gift and how to use it and what I can do and be in people's lives I meet. Like Yanev, in being that only CHristian to speak into his life, to fulfill God's promise in Israel with Israeli's. Love it!
So I went out with Yanev when we got back into Jo it was 1:30 and that's when this famous club was beginning to pump. Yes, it was something like, oh I can't remember the name, let's just say Yanev wanted to show off I think how rich and popular he is. He rolled in past the ropes and was mad when we weren't getting in asap. Apparently there wer esome celebrities but i was just trying to soak it all in, not getting bothered by wealth or not being in some slinky dress and heels. I was actually glad and couldn't believe how many guys actually spoke to me with my boots adn coat with scarf fresh from the outdoor USA match. Ah it was hilarious. Fancy club no doubt and went to the one next door and i think it was 95% men with this world cup going. 80% Argentinians. Interesting and meeting rish Isreali's and what not. We even hit up pizza at the end of the night and what a laugh ha! Made it home by 6am, and slept in my lil sleeping bag only til about noon when Donnie called to catch up. I thought I need to so Yannie and I hit the road. That's been the jist of it, minus details that I can't even remember this late now. I need to definintely be working out though more, I'm going to get fat on this trip, but like FIFA says, Once in a lifetime! I'm soaking it all in! Thank you thank you for everything and my taken care of Father!
I'll write when I can, perhaps after Kruger :) LOVE THIS TIME!

Going to see USA in 5 hours

2010-06-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

Yes once again, the Lord has blessed me, R400 tickets to see USA and a ride in a BMW to Rustenberg. How does this happen? I've been praying for a chance, but nothing like I would be really crushed if not, just super happy if I could. God knows the desires of our hearts. The reality is, I've been telling all the wonderful people I've been meeting is that, it's not so much the soccer and the games, it's the relationships and people I've been experiencing this whole event with. COPMLTETELY worth it! I've been many religions, countries, races, etc., and I've been getting these amazing opportunities to share a piece of Jesus with them. I pray I stay humble and keep giving him praise, and also teaching what I've learned about the HIV Trafficking but more than that, why I have been doing what I"m doing, why I'm here, who drives my life...JESUS! Amen!
I'm currently in this beautiful home at the moment with Sara, from NZ, Nic is driving up with our Israeli friend Yanev, (whole other story how I met him yesterday...incredible what happens when you get out of the car to use the toilet in the Hilton hotel) :) and Yanev and I have tickets, then Sara and Nic will come with and see if they can experience match, and possibly get tickets outside in Rustenberg. I'm in Pretoria and Jo is hour away, and Rustengerg is hour away where match is tonight.
This lovely family has hosted us, who know Nic and Sara's friends from Church in New Zealand. Small world! I've had breakfast and lunch cooked, my laundry done, a mansion to run around outside. Seriously you have to put your finger in this reader just to get through the gates! yes they love Jesus and we have even got to share more of who he is, why we live the way we live and beter yet, I shared with the high school son, what a missionary really is. Not a title and thing you do with post cards, it's Jesus through you in how you live your life with teh HOly Spirit day in and day out. Whatever career or journey you take. I pray I can serve like I'm suppose to. Not suppose, but should in showing God's love. So much happening so much so quick, planning every second as we go, that I am not getting my quiet time, but perhaps God knows that I have had that and I have the heart to move, I pray I keep seeking him
Yesterday I'll rush what I can with my journey backwards, but yesterday Nic, Sara and their other Kiwi mate, who was the one we had to pick up at Hilton in Jo, Omri from NZ, all had tickets to Spain match in Pretoria. I didn't want to spend money on the match, I said if I had to spend money on a ticket it would rather be USA. So I went to nearby square with other fans to watch in this pub/screening place in teh square. IT was fun, and I met argentinians, and this lovely group of Irish/Eng/SA guys who we had a laugh and swapping stories of rugby and football. THey were so impressed that i knew a bit about the two sports. In the end the English man John Paul was almost in tears as I shared what Jesus was in my life, why I live the way I live because he was curious what I do, how I do it, and why the heck I would stay in a township the night before. He said you've got balls. He said I don't know many people like this, why are you like this? Honestly the man had these welling eyes, and I just said, this isn't of me, this is God moving through me to show you something more. I honestly spend an hour with that group, and sharing and I pray my spirit from HS is left something with him. Grabbed his email to stay in touch and is was just such a blessing to have great company. We got home real late and ended up at this amazing home, and there were chocolates on our beds for sara and I before we crashed. Beautiful!
Nicolai has been this whole coordinator working things left and right. It's like our 2 talents have just mended perfectly together. His spirit is wonderful and we're talking about building more in his kingdom together in the future of busines and helping others and traveling, so it's been divine intervention beyond what I can share. Too many things happening by chance, it's not chance, God's had ueblievable hand on us. Great to have support and other Jesus lovers around to inspire and share. He's encouraging me heaps!
So the night before last, guess what...I saw New Zealand make history. Yes those boys and the crazy fans celebrated like they'd won the world cup. I mean to have a nation of 4 million leave the world cup unbeaten, even better than ITALY means the world to them and i witnessed it. It was crazy story how we made it happen but we did.
Ok, how did this happen? Oh yeah, so night before Nic and I were speaking back and forth on how the heck we were going to get to Polokwane and see this match and get tickets and even place to stay. THe ideas we had of bus, or taxi or whatever scared Boet and Irene, (mom dad you'd be proud to know i have had more than 1 South African parents over here watching over me) however where's the balance of taking chances and experiencing vs safe easy know what lies ahead? So by the morning time, I received a call and he said, I've got a rental, not cheap but I got it, and I bought us tickets along with my auntie's maid here Dora, whom we're going to stay in her home iN polokwane tonight int he township! Ahhhh how cool! So Nic picked me up with Dora, I'd spent the morning with Irene chatting, having coffee and just loving that beautiful family and their maids Charlotte and Emma. So He comes directly to my door, and we pack in and drive cause we're already late to Polokwane 3 hours away. So we head off. Great to see Nic and catch up and express each other's heart and where God has been taking us. And now leading us to one another to share more!
We get to Polokwanie a bit late, but we're not giving up! Nic is truly a champ. We devour his mamma cookies in the parking lot, then Dora, (whom this experience was an absolute dream come true she was calling everyone in her family to tell them!) we all hoped on shuttle bus towards stadium. My dang camera died on teh way so I hardly have photos, but Nic's camera phone has witness, and eventually I ran into other Kiwi's even my old boss, (should have seen his face when Keith Palmer saw me!) and Greeny, the whole crew it was incredible!
GOtta run my ride is here to the match!

I wrote this 3 days ago, thought I'd at least post it

2010-06-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Ok so I must take my time in updating I am currently sitting in Cape Town airport ready to hope on the flight heading to Johannesberg without knowing exactly what’s going to happen to me. It’s going to be ok because I’ve already seen God’s hand in what I’m about to embark on, so I feel it’s going to be ok. He’ll protect me. I’ll try and backtrack a bit to catch up on all the chaos and excitement!
So, first of all I’m here because of a few factors. I have 10,000 brochures on the doorstep of YWAM. Amen! I have been getting blessed with going to matches, seeing New Zealand taking some major tie with the world’s champions!!! Yes NZ tied to Italy 1 – 1 and I couldn’t have been prouder. Just like the match of England vs Algeria I saw last Friday night, I saw an under dog team of Algeria get through with a tie 0 – 0 and those fans won over my heart. They were vibrant, loud, happy, singing, and celebrated as if they’d won the world cup after that tie. I took some pictures and just embraced that closed country, that overtook Cape Town and from what I heard partied until the wee hours of the morning. New Zealand…same thing. I watched them play really well and push with a tie against the world champions Italy, and to see the boys faces, and the crowd where I spotted my old coach and New Zealand friends with their shirts off twirling, it just stole my emotions. I left the base jumping up and down screaming for those boys and went on a fantastic run and finished off the night with some wonderful new guests Grant and Laura, the Americans visiting. We had curry and I was blessed to have my wonderful roommates have a taste of what Jesus is doing in both these servant’s lives. Great night, that was 2 nights ago.
Back on track now, ok so yes, NZ could possibly go to the next round. America is very likely to go onto the next round, HOWEVER, if they don’t they are done and fly home. I am on a mission (with Michael’s ticket in hand) to Polokwani to catch up with the fans, friends, and team to watch them play Paraguay Thursday. That’s a HUGE reason for traveling. I heard from Mike Greeny, my old coach that I need to get up there and others who are up like Andy Barron and Jeremy Christie are playing and it would be so so cool to be there! More reasons…
Tickets at the stadiums have been available. Completely! I’ve been meeting people left and right with tickets. People who have been getting tickets last minute. I even met this amazing ticket selling (his occupation in Switzerland) who knows how to get tickets. More to that story soon. So I’m in no doubt if I got to the America match, I could see it. BUT, another blessing came through. My friend Donoven from here originally, whom I met while in Mississippi, who connected me with mates in NZ a few years ago, is here. He’s in Jo and told me to come up. He knows I’m coming today, not sure if I can or will stay with him, but he said he has an extra ticket to the Germany vs Ghana in Soccer City Stadium. There’s that option as well, but friend Nicolai (another story) has just arrived to Jo, where he’s from  and he’s looking to try and get into the America game if possible. So I needed to at least head north. Ok story on Nicolai.
So Nic is originally from SA. He lives now in NZ where I met him from my small group. He has been fully supportive and guiding me along here in SA and praying for me and the ABSTAIN 2010 campaign. Super stoked! So, this is what God has placed in front of me. Oh before I forget, my license, which I haven’t had since was stolen months months ago, arrived on the doorstep today! YES God is conspiring some magic! Well, Nic was in London airport on his laptop talking with me on facebook. He said his trip to Kyrgyzstan was cancelled because the country just broke out in war. He was going on a few month missions trip there, now stuck in London airport, figuring out what to do next. He’s off work, and once he saw me online and asked how things were going he changed plans and came here. He said yes I want to help, I’d love to show you around the country, I know people, places, never been to Polokwani either, and wanted to help distribute brochures too. So here he is now. He said get up to Jo and we’ll work on it. He’s even working on a safari in the Kruger right now!!! Yes amazing. So our other friend Sara who is from NZ is also trying to get north so we can do this together. We’ve been really trying to connect and so I’m praying it all works out.
I’ve just texted him and he’s in Jo, just not sure if/when he can get to airport and also texted D and looking to hear back from him asap. Worst comes to worse, I meet people, or I take train, or I get to backpackers asap. Safety first I know, but been meeting heaps of people and traveling, friends…not been hard. God will show me. I bought a 1 way at midnight the other night after curry dinner and prayers w

I witnessed history

2010-06-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

I saw in front of my very own eyes here in Pretoria, USA beat Algeria 1-0 in the SA World Cup. There were 35,000 there and I was one of them. I am completely exhausted, I can barely think strait but had to mark this day down on teh day. I went with Martin's bro Mo, and we had the best time I will tell you now, I cried at the end. Not much, but it was one of those moments, you could only feel and experience with no words. Everyone lingered. Greatest match to see yet of my life. And the adventure continues.
All I can say, so that the trip is a bit marked out for my parents to follow in case I don't have internet for awhile. Nicolai is here in Jo and working this out with me, I'm so pumped!
TOmorrow picking me up on way to Polokwane he said in black taxi with his maid of 20 years Lucy or something. WE're ALL watching NZ vs Italy and I"ll meet and see my Kiwi's! May we win! THEN, best part, we're stayin at Lucy's home at a township in Polokwane. YES it's going to be awesome Nic said. So he said bring sleeping bag and warm cltohes. Oh by the way, Izak did get my flyers at airport and smuggled them directly to my doorstep here at Martin's parents house tonight, God is totally aamazing!
THEN, Fri we drive to Jo, grab Sara at airport, then we're going to find the church my friend's from YWAM are based at, stay there. Then plan is come back to Pretoria Sat/Sun, an stay at Nic's aunt's friend's mansion or something. I threw Mansion in taht part cause he said it was real nice. THEN, we may go back to Jo, and finish the plans on our travel to Krugar, depending on transport, for our 4 day safari trip! I am falling over. ACtually falling asleep.
Hope you saw my smiling/crying face on television. The games roll on and the blessings keep pouring. Please pray God will use me and keep us safe! Love you and thank you all for helping provide this opportunity! AMEN

And the dream rolls on...

2010-06-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mom, Dad, I'm safe and sound tonight. I wasn't sure how things were going to look earlier in the day with no clue of anything except I had a flight to Jo leaving at 2:10, which ended up nto even leaving until 4. But I even wrote a long bit of blog to cut and paste to update, and I haven't connected here so you don't get the full back up story. Yes when I post it, you will be in reverse. But here I am for now...
I am at Martin's amazing parent's home in Pretoria. Yes never knew this would happen, at least not at this time in my trip. I figured I might get a chance with Martin when he gets done with WC but, I booked a flight and had not many places to end up, (in the end) so I threw a last minute text to Martin if his parents offer was still up. He demanded I called his dad Boet and mother Irene asap! I even have met his brother and divine intervention he claims, has a ticket for me and his other son Marious to go see USA VS Algeria tomorrow! Seriously am knocked off my feet. I hate being an inconvenience but I know at least one night is down and I have more to come.
I had lovely dinner, watched football, met their friends, oh and getting here to Pretoria was hilarious in itself. I met adn sat by these amazing Algerian fans on teh plane, learned all about Muhammed, was pretty much proposed to, and then went with them to get a shuttle. I met 2 more Americans before that in the Mug and Bean who were staying at Kia Ora hostel and had an american ticket for $160. I took their # in case, but once I heard from Martin about parents I thought I should take the offer. In this effort to get a shuttle with Algerians bargaining, for R60 I piled in a van and headed an hour to Pretoria learning Arabic along the way. Had driver speak with Martin's brother on the phone adn even tually we met them on the side of the highway because the driver didn't know where this restaraunt was. It was hilarious and what a joy and treat to see Martin's father openly welcome and kiss me and meet his lovely brother as well. Oh GOd has me under his wing!
WOW, so yes USA at 4pm here tomorrow then really not sure wehre to next. I know that we have Safari booked in Kruger with Nic Sara and I 28-4th then not sure before nor after. Hopefully I can get brochures from Izak whom I left at the police station in CT airport because 30kgs over weight limit was way too expensive.
Met this Honduran man Ricardo today at airport and we shared our life stories and breathed life into each other's experiences to brighter one another's day. Really was energizing!
I'm completely exhausted, but trying to reach my kiwi friends, get tickets for thursday, and possibly a ride. Who knows what will come about, please keep in prayer that the LOrd shines through his vessel while I'm here. Thank you so much for all your support, love you

Brazil always pleases me

2010-06-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

They play the most beautiful football ever! Never ever freeze up on the ball not even in defense where most teams boot the ball high and wide. No oh no no not these brilliant players. What is it they do to prepare all their lives? Anyways, i loved the show and performance last night. Bravo boys bravo!
I won't stay long since it's National Youth Day and I must get out and about. Get a work out in, head into town, meeting up Grant Knight from Vienna and originally the states I'd love to hear about his adventures and what he's doing with soccer and ministries especially in Vienna with the surge. We'll see.
Well, I pray for guidance, wisdom, living for the day, grace, and servant leadership with a humble heart. I pray to make God smile even when the doors are closed. NO especially when the doors are closed.
I love you all, and pray that I can continue to experience and help others experience more wonders of this world cup and our God.
Bafana Bafana!

History

2010-06-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Can’t even begin to tell you what an experience and dream come true I’ve already had here at the world cup. Honestly the best day of my life. Ok, in comparison to when I go to heaven, it’s gonna remain up there. I’ll walk you through my tears of joy.

I couldn’t sleep knowing I was going to get tickets into the stadium, in one of the best cities in the world for a real World Cup match. Not just nay match but with the world champs Italy vs. striving competing Paraguay. All of this plus the rain pouring down hard all night kept me awake. I rose even before my alarm went off at 7 to get ready for the soccer camps with Living Hope. I rose and sent me messages making sure thre even were camps for the day. I arrived at base with Zach’s team and my new friend Scooter whom we played with on Sunday and had asked her to come with me to the match knowing she appreciated it just as much as I was going to!!! Kevin said still come out we’ll try and figure something out and see if weather clears up. So we took off around 8.
We showed up and despite past results, there were tons of volunteers. Some of Living Hope, some YWAM and some were from Ubuntu alone with Taylor Uni girls. We already had a few kids ther in the pouring rain from who knows where. We rushed into this primary classroom next to the fields just to try and get some sort of communication. This girl Meg looked into this community center nearby and as we introduced ourselves and looked into what Kevin had written down for plans, we tried to look into what we may get to do, IF kids showed up. So we ended up getting the center in the end and I ran with the few wet kids already to the center soaking more, and opened the doors to set up what we could in the tiny hall. We were blessed with it despite not having to pay last minute, but in Ocean View the town was quite dead. No kids really came, we tried to gather together, split center in 3 sections and by about 10:30 at this time, it ended up being not a whole lot of kids to do anything. So we at least prayed and looked into what we could do for the following days if we end up there again the next day. So exhausted and knowing I wanted to get my day going with tickets ahead of me at 8:30pm, we left. I didn’t know what to expect but knew I needed some sleep, so I tried to nap when we got back, and hardly won that battle. I got ready, bundles up, found what red white and blue Paraguay colors to wear while Scooter said she was going to support Italy so we could battle all night! I wore gum boots and this bright yellow coat I had, wore a backpack packed with extra gear and poncho. I was expecting the worst with how the weather had been all day. Scooter had this awesome pink hat on with green bandana and this wild skirt over her soccer pants, and we were off on the train in the rain! Ha! Screaming and already hello Ayoba and Ole ole ole ole…we hopped on the packed train around 3.
When we got into Cape Town, I had friends from base and others who were going to be having drinks and watching the 4pm match prior to the CT match. So we were waiting to hear from Martin where to pick up the tickets.
I got this phone call right when we arrived and he was like basically you need to scavenger hunt and find this building where your tickets are on this 4th floor. Oh man what an adventure it was. We made sure to stop and take pictures here and there, enjoying the moment and also asking where this building was, oh gosh to Africans, you can never get a direct or correct answer. Eventually we found the Murry Roberts Building, and then I see this sign that says FIFA VIP tickiets. YES I said VIP!! I was flipping out. Scooter was flipping out. She was saying you didn’t tell me!!!! I was saying I had no clue!!!! So we take this elevator to 4th floor and realize we’re scooping up FIFA world cup VIP tickets!! I stopped breathing, I shed more tears and we screamed and even had the man take our photo behind the desk. He was like now you even have VIP transport, so I recommend not going to the water front and get to the stadium asap because you can ALWAYS go to the waterfront but not VIP for World Cup with free food/drinks/service etc. So we got directions to the place we needed to catch our VIP bus and we were literally running through the streets of Cape Town screaming and laughing and yelling Paraguay!!! Italy!!!
We found the place when it began pouring down rain again and it was so nice to have these people in suits and lady’s taking us around, taking our passes, taking out umbrellas, check our gear and then get us on this lil bus just the two of us to get to the stadium. The FIFA volunteers have been amazing!!! (needless to say I find out later that during this whole night there was a bomb threat (could have been us), a strike on stewardists and a riot)
So we get to this area of stadium, I shed more tears on the van sharing the moment with Scooter in awe! We thank our escorts and hop in another line of people outside the stadium. Right when we’re about to think we can’t get in in that way, we hear cheering and start working our way through. Again, we’re screaming and loving our VIP tickets with our gum boots and funky attire! People were loving it!
We then start to wonder, ok where do VIP enter? We’re then looking into any and every door we see. It was like we all of a sudden thought we were the presidents! Eventually we get to this entrance where we see access to walk through down by where the team and VIP’s drive in. We show our tickets to this door, and they kept guiding us to the next door, and the next. We’re like, freak man, where are we VIP suppose to enter! The last door, was literally the entrance to where the players go to the locker rooms!!! We were like don’t tell us that’s where we’re going, because if this is true, we’re not JUST VIP!!! Later we found out why we were getting pushed into different doors. Our tickets said VVIP, which we thought wasn’t a good thing. So we go back to this entrance where they tell us to go again, and finally get into this red carpet door. We took our pictures with the desk people there and were again, screaming and shouting with joy!!! We got our free game guides and then whisked to the 4th floor where VIP section was. We enter these doors where there’s people standing holding every drink imaginable at the entrance, I immediately grab some champagne and we cheers to the VIP section!! We took photos, we were screaming, I’m again in black gum boots, bright yellow coat with fur, and a white cap. There were only a few tables at the moment with men in suits. Oh man oh man we stood out like a sore thumb!!! It was hilarious and as soon as I entered I shouted PARAGUAY!!!!
So we were led to this table close to the window doors in this maculate room, and I realize I was being rude and immediately went and introduced us to this table of suited men. I explained how excited we were, and a brief intro of why Scooter was wearing a TUG identification, The Ultimate Goal (network of Christian ministries for the world cup) and then we still feel like they’re wondering why we’re there. I ask the head man, Chuck Blazer, what he does and he says he makes decisions for FIFA. I met all these other FIFA CONCAF execs and wonder, WOW what are we doing here, and why is no one else really here yet, I mean I knew we were early…but it was kinda weird. I thought, did Martin do this on purpose?
We set our bags down and jackets down and I head to the bathroom, I get asked not to leave this certain door, and then I realize when I went out and into the right room, we were actually in VVIP room with Chuck and the other rooms surrounding were VIP only. We had access to them all!!! So we go into ladies room, where I find of course, condoms on the counter for these crazy people, and leave in disgust. We go back to our VVIP and gather our drinks back up. I thought I must make a better impression than this…so I went to join Chuck on the couch.
We instantly strike up football chat, and apparently this man is Mr. FIFA and best part was he started US women’s soccer in 1984. www.chuckblazer.blogspot.com
Chuck then proceeds to ask me if he can see my tickets. This is when I get worried. I give him my tickets and he looks at this VVIP and asks more equestions and I then realize as he tells me, that WOW we set off an alarm literally!!! We were a possible bomb threat. I’m not joking!!! Yes, we had these tickets that somehow we shouldn’t have had access to, we come in randomly, we are brightly colored, not like anyone else there, we apparently had these people downstairs phone upstairs to look for these 2 girls who had these weird tickets, and then when we got into the room we set our backpacks down, a table away from the FIFA men, and then ‘go to the bathroom’ which Chuck proceeded to tell me we set off an alarm and security came suspecting we left a bomb in our backpacks, we even had someone apparently follow us to the bathrooms to make sure we came out. It was unreal! I couldn’t believe he was telling me this, saying the only reason he is doing the research behind how I got tickets is because there was a loop hole or something where he has to make sure that they are safe, that’s why they have high security outside because this is the place VVIP where the governor and etc. all come. So we had slipped through and as I’m telling this Chuck where I got my innocent tickets I started to worry Martin was going to get in trouble. Chuck laughed with me and yet still seemed a bit uneasy that such things happened but said we’r emore than welcome to stay obviously, we had the right tickets now, but that he said maybe it’s because you’re cute you go so lucky. I was like no God has just blessed me beyond comprehend!!!!
Chuck and I got along great, and I loved his Chuck Team with Italo, George and Jerry. We had food, and drinks, coffee, chats, etc. Turns out we knew a lot of the same people like Bayard, the Red Bulls, Timbers, Bernie, etc., it was just madness then we were like buddies who lost the suit appeal and enjoyed one another. I was working the room in my flashy attire of gum boots and George even came up to me giving me the greatest compliment any Christian could ever have… he said some people are planets and some are stars, and you my darling have life and are a star! Now this man has no idea what the night meant to me, but I definitely had more life than anyone else there. Scooter was laughing hysterically and loving it! So funny that they even thought when we came in so loud, that Scooter with her colorful skirt, was actually part of the entertainment!!!! Ha!
We met workers there, hi execs, FIFA people, people from Spain Embassy, I saw the governor and the DA Helen Zella whomI didn’t actually get to meet later.
Chuck was amazing with his stories and was saying things like his favorite friend was Michelle Akers, and Nelson Mandella calls him Chucky. OH man oh man!!!
Eventually we went out to watch the start, but prior I had been in and out of the seating area outside dancing and screaming and pointing to the Italian players on the field like Pirlo! AHHHHHH!
We eventually went to some seats outside, met more great people, even these incredible English and Irish man Steve and Keith who take care of high end people and were enjoing themselves and us so much! We saw Paraguay and Italy have a pretty incredible battle! Oh it was exciting!!! Me and a few Paraguay fans in VIP screamed and cheered and it was incredible to see us excited ones among the rich and famous. They loved it!!! It poured all game, but we were covered and had the greatest view/company ever! Steve and Keith said we must go back to this hotel party on the roof and we couldn’t let the night end.
I had some great talks with everyone and getting to share my testimonies and what I’m doing, my passion it was great to have people who shared the same views and completely interested. Ah I was dancing around in VIP and loving it!
Martin came up to see me, and I jumped on him!!! I freaked out and just expressed my complete gratitude, hoped I didn’t get him in trouble, told him what a dream come true this all is and was, and he kept saying you deserve it you deserve it which I don’t think is true, but God does some incredible things and loves to share in our joys. I am blessed!!!
I laughed with martin when we talked about our experience getting thereon the train, running through streets, looking for face paint, setting off Bomb alarm threats, oh man oh man he just said that’s awesome!!! I love him, and all he does is make me want to be a better person! He has Jesus!
We eventually said goodbye to our friends, George and others asked why I’m not working for FIFA, which I completely agree  and swapped, no wait, only they gave me their fancy business cards. I thanked them over and over and served them coffee and tea just to help around the area. We just loved it!!!
We said our goodbyes to the VVIP and joined our English friend and Irish friend to this party and ran in the rain, and even Mike Packy joined us there on this amazing Hotel rooftop. Not a whole lot happening, but we had an incredible view with this pool and it had FIFA screens to watch matches. I had coffee and the boys leaned in completely interested in my life and why I felt called here and what God has been doing for me and how Football has been a ‘tool’ and they were lingering on this and I couldn’t believe that my mouth wouldn’t stop expressing what’s happened in my life and what God means to me. It was incredible when all this time I felt I had no say and no story and this one flowed about the wonderful TRUE meaning in life despite all that lets you down which are things of this world. It was fantastic. There was even this chocolate formed world cup trophy which I of course has my picture with! I soaked up every moment, and then eventually had to catch a cab from the fanciest hotel to the train station where Scooter and I caught the 1:10am train home. It was packed and had actually other Americans from the match on going to their home stays, and were Christians here ready to leave and volunteer in Algeria.
I ended my night curled up in my sleeping bag in my freezing room, looking through my photos, laughing and exhausted from one of the greatest moments in my life. Thank you Lord for blessing me, thank you Martin, thank you everyone who’s made this dream come true!
I was too tired of course and warned the soccer camps I had this opportunity. So I made sure Amy was there for the camps today, and she was so I slept in instead of head over there. I felt it was the only match I get, I’m ok. They had more than enough volunteers which was part of my job anyways I felt. So today I’ve been trying to get little things done around the house, look into traveling north, Steve mentioned going north, a few others, and even after seeing NEW ZEALAND tie it was amazing and inspiring to get up north for more matches!!!! I have brochures and blessings and excitement I must get out and share it!!!
I’m thinking of heading downtown tonight with many to watch the Brazil match tonight and possibly catch the prayer walk with Justice Acts. I know that a friend of a friend is here Grant Knight from Cascade Surgeand what hes doing here and int eh future. I am getting pushed off, internet is down so going to office to quickly send this out. BUT ANDIE YOUD BE PROUD, I NEEDED YOU WINGMAN!

Dream come true !!!!

2010-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to the Italy (yes world champs) vs Paraguay tomorrow here in Cape Town magic city stadium. It's at 8:30! Please look for my painted face on television! I cannot believe what has happened. I can't tell too much I'm exhausted but today was incredible! I have early soccer camps and then hurrying myself to get ready to head downtown for festivities!!!! All day if I can ring it out as long as I can!
Martin, I can't believe it! He called me up this morning, AFTER I spoke to my bro for 2 hours as was desperately needed and completely incredible! I miss you Kale!
Martin calls, I"m rushing out the door to catch train with new American friend Scooter who is from Colorado, and major soccer nut just here volunteering too. She played college ball too. We hopped on train for 6 aside tournament today with Ambassadors, super cool! Anyways, he's like hey how you doing i'm like I just miss hearing from you martin you're in the heat of it all and I'm super glad for you. He's like so where are you watching the match tomorrow? I was like, well some big screen. He's like well how about you watch it in side the stadium? I choked on my cucumber. I started screeming and crying and woke up the whole house! I was jumping up and down adn couldn't believ eit! Lydia Elise came in and just had tears of excitemtn with me and for me. THey know how cool this is to me. I just passed out and can NEVER repay that man. He doesn't get them free, so he bought me 2 tickets. Then said I can take whoever. OH man oh man!
Long story short, I tried to think of who going would mean the very most to someone, adn freaked out whole train ride. Poor Scooter and I basically just met, but she's increidlbe. We play and there's this talented young girl on my team, all from townships and I thought wow what if I asked her. It would be somethign she'll never forget. She basicaly didn't know what do to. It's like she couldn't bear to think of going like she didn't deserve and was backing out and barely could talk to me. She just was like I think I'm busy. I thought if you need a ride I said we'll sort something out for sure this si something you're never busy for!!! But I just don't get this culture of oppressed girls and not building up guts to even speak. Oh man oh man, and in the end i couldn't grab her number. So I prayed some more for God to guide me, and I was with Scooter all day, Taylor Uni girls all going, Scooter would appreciate and doesn't have tickets, so I asked her on the train adn she freaked out. Yes she cried and is still jumping so I know it was a great decision. I feel guilty so many aren't getting to see a match and then i have to choose 1 to join me , oh man! So YES, THEN we are screaming on the train adn these 2 American guys are asking how we got tickets and have come all this way, still not getting any in all of Africa and still trying. I made great friends, swapped numbers and they are thihnking of renting a car to drive up north to more locations of matches. This is where I proceeded to tell them, I'm looking to do just that! We're meeting up before the match tomorrow for a few beers and just get READY painted faces etc!!! Yes I know others going so it's going to be a blast! I am blessed it's unreal! thank you Lord thank you. I"m exhausted and have a full on day tomorrow! AHHHHHHHHH muah!

Honestly in tears

2010-06-12T01:53:00.001-07:00

I don't mean tears from my 1st world cup day experience because if I had done that and only that, then I would be let down. Yes only because it was more frustrating trying to figure out where, when who with and how to get there for the beginning matches etc. I ended up watching at the water front, the opening, with missing the ceremonies because it's Suzie's bday and I wanted to go where she desired, but we were late and literally, NO WHERE to watch! Not even space between the masses of the big screens. I watched Mexico play SA standing on top of chairs with many other mad fans (who were awesome!) on this lil screen at an Elmo's pizza place. Yeah I'll never forget. Later we had tables reserved for the France match at this nice place off Green Market Square. ANYWAYS, I am in tears freezing sittting up here in the office of YWAM, feeling a lil down today because I think there's just so much and I feel like I"m not in the heart of it all and yet walking through the streets last night (completely reminding me of mardi gras) I was here. THere. And yet, I can't rely on this passion of the World Cup to make me happy. It's here, I've never felt more of a success in being in the presence, but even more GOd has done all of this. He has brought me here. He is making a way. He is the reason for everything. WHere I am in Timbuktu or South Africa, or whatever reason of slavery or high class, I am in His house. I need to be happy, grateful every single day and praise Him for it.
I received funds today in my account that just threw me over the wall!!! I am in tears here just bawling like a lil baby in this place because I'm just too blessed. Blessed doesn't even suffice. I have this honor of being here and yet at moments I give myself guilt because it's like I expect more to be resulted, or do to more or to feel more or to be more compassionate. WHATEVER I need to stop 'feeling' and just be right? I am just loved to death and that love is something I am not giving enough of. I need to love love love just as you, and especially my mom, dad, church, friends are loving me relentlessly. Just as Jesus is loving me relentlessly. I never need to worry nor doubt. I am so sorry if I have. I am only human as well.
To have an email from my mom asking how much flights cost to Jo Berg. To have the church let the money come through them, it's a bit of burden feeling, but I ask and I received what should I feel?
I'm going to look seriously into the flights etc., and at least see if I can't make it up to the north to experience. I will send out another emial today to those I know and see where I could stay or be helped out a bit. Martin's family is up there, Justin works and said I can stay in hotel where he works, same with Nic. Joelle said she has friends in Polokwane. And you know what? Even if I don't make it to a match or see my friends up there, I must rejoice and be glad in Him. Amen!
Ahhh so much going on now. But i have energy when I have God in my mind. When things come out in the end, that even if we're lucky to 'see' why is it then we get the energy. God please provide me with the energy I need for everyday to serve. In each and every way. Remind me to catch up on the night out with MST but still amazing. Yesterday we had meeting out where we will be doing the soccer camps. There's like rocks/rubble trash everywhere, but hey it's open space and great colored community. Ocean View is awesome. 2 of my team mates are from there so I called them up and they're totally excited to help out as well and they completely know the community. I think it will be amazing. Long tough times, but desperately needed for teh community and sharing God's love. Pray for sunshine. I then headed back, trying to rest up, trying ot get a work out in, which never seems to work out well and I'm never eas;y on myself, thinking I can't go out and enjoy a time and night without working out (paranoid I've always had) but I missed opening ceremonies then like I said Suzie showed up too quickly and I tried to go wtih flow with her for her bday. Oh well, I saw the liveliness of Cape Town. Mad fans from all around the world.
All I can say is, this is the first time in history, all africans, all people have come together for something. First time EVER! It's huge with the history behind the country, but I could never be more proud and happy for South Africa. That match against Mexico show cased amazing heart and pride. I loved it! Look out England here come USA!!!!!!!

Can't believe it!

2010-06-10T02:04:00.001-07:00

It's here! 1 day til kick off! What???? I'm here in South Africa! Been freaking out! I was up early this morning and haven't been able to pull myself away from laptop just looking at so much not to miss out on, created pool for World Cup, trying to pull together players for some up coming 7aside and 5 aside matches. Even have some downtown. I haven't been really training well or even with soccer ball but it's ok, it's going ot be ok. I didn't feel well last night so crashed early. I think it's because I haven't been playing much I've been so paranoid as usual about getting fat sitting around so I eat mostly veggies and fruit. I got some protein in me now. But we had that Male Sex Tourism trainig last night in the church just off Long Street. It was incredible. These men, all Americans who have been called and stationed in Thailand doing ministry to men in the red light districts. Just loving. They are here, no clue how, why, what to do, how to do it, but they know God has called them. Even they say, if it's just to change our perspectives. Not to hate the man, but to love him. It's not His desire to just have wild sex and use women, but they're lacking something deeper. It's the heart we're after. It's the change within that we desire. To show and see what God sees the potential in the men. The users. It was totally inspiring. Random group together, all really powered up with the Trafficking etc., but to change our precepts and get us to see what it's really about because we go to the source, (just as i thought with ABSTAIN2010 the cause of the problems) and then you change communities and issues. So go to the men. We go again tonight, which I will be going early downtown with brochures and just check iout all that's going on. THere' suppose to be a parade etc., and so I don't want to miss a thing! We have training from 6-8, we are going to see how we can DO MST, and then head out on the streets for a few hours to actually start surveying men. It was just hilarious to hear the brutal honesty of these 3 men who are here, not sure what to do, not even sure if Long Street is the place, but to be so obedient to come to exactly Cape Town like God asked, is impressive. The 24 prayer house is right there at that Baptist church and it's just already buzzing! So stoked for this all! Tonya was super excited from Justice ACts (who was recently interviewed by ESPN) to hear about the brochures and 10,000 and even that we're in dire need of more beer mats to get distributed to ear businesses!
I don't know if I mentioned it already but there was a church that randomly emailed me and said they had printed a few hundred brochures and already handed them out! I have been freaking out! Like WOW God you're amazing! I just couldn't believe it! So excited to see fruit. It's truly God coming through. This makes me even more excited about the World CUp. However then I read articles like how FIFA has been making sure to show tourists that SA is still high HIV and providing TONS of condoms for tourists. Jeez...
Anyways, been good, other than feeling tired here and there, but it's ok. I helped feed the homeless at the shelter yesterday with Zach's team again and my lovely feeding friends like Kathy were eager to have me and she even bought me this lil soccer ball key chain. Oh she just stole my heart. I was thinking of things to buy her and there this poor woman goes and gets me something for her soccer girl :) WOW!
I had my hair trimmed since it's been months, and then took a nap cause again i felt so tired/sick. But energy should be back!
The Taylor University had showed up while we were at the homeless shelter and it was cool to see those girls again, and they were seeing my Concordia sweatshirt and like WOW what are you doing here? Really cool to connect. Even the coach, after we played them on Tuesday was like I know you're coach Grant Landy real well! He was blown away to see one of his players across the world. Oh I don't know if I had mentioned that I had played them this friendly with my Fish Hoek team against Taylor Uni who's here volunteering for WC with Living Hope. They will be playing 7 aside this weekend I hope to get on, and also doing soccer camps next week. anyways, I had showed up like Amy asked when she set up friendly and I see like our girls/women show up unaware of who we're playing. When they saw these 22 players in uniform come off the bus, they freaked out! WHAT we're not playing them! Lydia our smoking goal keeper was swearing at us asking if we really had to play. I was shocked that we only lost 3-0 with our scraped 12 players. It rained and was freezing and I was laughing at the girls saying, you wouldn't have expected this in Africa eh? :)
I was so annoyed though with our 'coach' just tearing players down again, even me giving horrible advice, and trying ot referee all at one time. I almost walked off the field. Amy was completely torn down and honestly, if I have to play for him again, I think I'm going to have to talk to him.i I"m not here to coach, I"m not here to change his team, I'm here to enjoy myself as well as the girls so I play for them. But it's just terrible how critizing he is!
Anyways, one other thing that's going rough is the funds. I don't know what to do. I don't know who to ask, but I know I don't have much right now. I'm more than blessed by my family consistently pulling me outta th egutter. But it's super hard to be here, and not 'working' and needing to be financially supported. It's like I don't want to have to go to my parents for financial help all my life, and especially now when I felt God asking me to stay for this project. I don't want to doubt I should be here and with finally seeing miracles come through with the project and then some (because remember even if just 1 life changed it's all worth it) but it's hard. It's really hard for me.
Ah I can't speak too much more but it's cold here, but sunny today so pleased about that. Some opening ceremonies and parade today with AIS involved as well hope to catch them. Next week full of long days of soccer camps, yikes!
A short story on entering one of these hostels/lodges with brochures. The sweet lady I forget her name, who comes all the way from the townships to manage lodge, was completely interested in learning more about trafficking, HIV etc. She was so pleased to have brochures and even was saying how it's a great thing to interact with tourists and have conversation starter on issues. She even pushed me to go to their backyard back packers and do the same with house manager there. She and I chatted for about half an hour. Just completely lovely! It was so inspiring and cool to even have the reaction to God about the solution to the issues! Ah thank you!
I love you all,
Andie, congrats on being done!
Kale, I really really miss you!
Mum, lonely? I'm sorry I was going to ring you last night but felt so sick I crashed at 10
Dad, amen on the doc's visit!
Jeff, update me on 5 aside! Tell me we won! :)

Tuesday

2010-06-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

I wanted to first mention that I have had almost all 1000 distributed brochures downtown and surrounding areas of Cape Town. Thank you so so much!!! EVEN MORE, my friend Marc Bywater who's father owns printing company is following through on his word that he's printing 10,000! YES YES YES! God is so good! It's amazing! I have been so blessed to see fruits and experience what I've been experienceing and sharing and oh man oh man it's awesome feeling! It's like too easy now giving these out and seeing the knowledge pour onto others. It's been like doors flying open to hear and help.
I haven't written much because I've been leaving my computer with Crisitian to copy many cd's for this Muslim ministry who needs them to distribute. So brief I know. I'll try and come back on later.
I'm looking into costs of travel around SA today. Different offers for different things so just really trying to test my luck and see if it's possible to expand my World Cup experience! I have a match tonight, amazingly against Ambassadors In Sport. No clue why, and haven't even been training or playing much so it's going ot be crap like the weather has been today, oh well. It's footy :)
Ah feels like so much to tell, and ye ti have almost felt guilty about being lazily enjoying my time. I have been getting into the city so much lately distributing and it's like this cherry on top of the work we had put in. Prayer after prayer and intercession, emails, meetings, work work and commitment that's come through it's unreal! I even see the fan park being built, tourists, I saw a major street shut down yesterday with action of a robbery and the whole street closed with tons of people observing. Very thrilling. My train rides have been beautiful and enjoyable to experience (except when they break down a stop away from home, I needed exercise.) Well, Sean's picking me up soon, I'm heading to match, then clean house, dye hair (saving on the salon job so I bought good product to last me longer) details I know. Ah, been listening to sermons online again that I forgot I had and have been really loving them! So blessed and yet I have this anxious feeling that I need to be more productive. It's this thing I've always had a hard hard time with silence. I learned however that in all the miraculous moments in the Bible that Jesus performed miracles/fed thousands, etc/. ALWAYS before hand, he gets away from the crowds and life in general to be alone. He is completely alone with himself. Acknowledging Himself. Not necessarily praying or trying to think of anything, just putting the mind and body and who He is at a level of preparing to use all the efforts put in to train yourself to be a certain way, to then perform. And always when he returns to perform, it's UNREAL! Explosions of miracles. I need that more. Ok, til later, love you all and super super ready to see my family and friends!

something I wrote the other night

2010-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

I just got done listening to a sermon about the power of silence. That time alone with stepping outside of your thoughts and looking at what is going on. Sensing and noticing all those thoughts bouncing around. It’s an art. It was basically looking into the Bible and how the speaker was a Menonite and walked in ways that Jesus did. In the Bible so many times there’s these snippets of times where Jesus goes away. He goes away into silence. He leaves the crowd or disciples or people in general and just spends time alone. He’s not reading, not having social time nor preparing for anything. It just says he spends time in silence. And AFTER, whenever he returns he does miraculous things over and over again. He heels someone, he feeds thousands, he drives out demons. It’s always the power of what he’s been practicing comes about after he’s just been alone with himself. The speaker said that our minds and thoughts are being well refined and turned up with all the knowledge we gain, the time we spend reading our Bibles, the lectures/experiences, etc., and yet in order to catapult those learnings for power we must face up to ourselves. Our intimate inside where the answers lie. I loved how he even used the example of a driver in a car. When you pull up to a light, do you notice how you turn down the music? All your senses of sight and listening are better tuned when working together. It’s hardest for people like myself who thrive around others. I feel I gain answers when I’m around others, I feel when I’m alone too long I’m going insane because my thoughts are just continuous rampantly. I begin facing me. I had just been feeling this way today. When things come to an end, a day,a moment, a feeling is distancing itself, I have to reflect back inside to what’s always there all along. God is there. Here. He never changes. All around will fade away and nothing remains but God. I wil be let down, I will be disappointed and hurt by others. My feelings will change, my emotions will change, my rock that’s solid is going back to God and asking Him to be with me in my life. I miss my family. I miss New Zealand. I miss seeing that sunset of the Gulf of Mississippi. I miss throwing a party. I miss signing girls faces when they looked up to me. I miss opportunities to have served more. I miss opportunities to possibly make a difference or mean more to someone and be a real friend. What’s always here, and never leaves no matter what, is God. Thank you for that.
So even if I don’t end up with tickets to the World Cup, I appreciate the opportunity. I mean seeing fruits of my time here, which isn’t the purpose, is something I’m more than grateful for! Seriously! My friend Marc, who’s father owns the printing company, whom I saw last night, said he’s printing 10,000 brochures for me! Honestly! I just can’t believe it! It’s unreal! I mean I don’t even know how I’m going to distribute them all! I want to and am pumped for the opportunity because this is exactly what we’ve worked for. This is what all the prayer has come into being. I mean I have no clue if the brochures have the best information, right information, perfection it could use, but ya know what? I’m proud of it. I’m proud of all the pieces that have gone into ABSTAIN2010! Every bit has been work and passion with so many involved that’s is such a celebration for me to say there’s something tangible. And those who may take in these…I don’t know what they will read them for. I have no clue what words, pictures, statistics, website, or just words that go with the knowledge and eye opening that ABSTAIN is all about. I just pray, as we do, that it reaches people. Yes dad, even if it’s just 1 
So this gives me the thriving desire now to travel. I would love more than anything to be able to travel around this country distributing flyers and speaking with people. Feeling the whole vibe of this world cup is unbelievable but just the presence and a purpose, with a tool of abrochure is a dream come true. This is what we sought after awhile ago, and I’m going to see it out. I know that I won’t be getting to do much playing soccer myself, I won’t get to do this or that, but I am here to be involved and finish a task that was begun at hand with God’s presence speaking into my life. I have no idea if I have the funds to travel, I have no idea if I have the funds for tickets, or to even get nice shampoo and conditioner tomorrow, but what I do know, is God always takes care of me. He does this for all of us. I just have to ask.
Mike Packy said he has a ticket for me for sure of New Zealand vs Paraguay, however it’s in Polawkane and also it may be schetchy of no promise that since it’s in his name, that I can get in with it. Marc claims there’s a transfer that we can do, and we all honestly don’t believe that FIFA will check passports at all the matches. This is all ifs and buts though. I met some Ozzie’s last night who said they have an extra ticket to all the Australian matches, which are in Durban, Rustenberg, and Jo berg, however it’s like $180 each and I have to get there. I said I’d email them since I met them at a pub last night when I went out with my great hosts from Ireland, Ben and Sean. Yes they took me to long street and we had a lovely time. I met the Ozzies though and they even would love to know of some volunteer work they can be involved with. Oh so so great! Have to speak about more, but it’s been exciting already. Not too many tourists yet, but they’re coming slowly. Saw the Chillians, Mexicans, Argentians, English and Americans so far. But it’s all happening and I’m here. I’ll write more late, I’m exhaustedly tired and getting up early to head into town to distribute more and do some research on travel. Please keep it all in your prayers 

Heading out again

2010-06-04T01:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was super fun and it was great to see some of the hostels respond so well. They were gladly taking in brochures and the beer mats. More so grateful that someone was doing something. I also met a great tour guide from Israel who showed me the city a bit more with some advice from what he's learned. Thank you. I just was loving the vibe. Even though one of the hostels on Long Street said they had 1 tourist come in all day, I could just feel the outpour about to arrive! I just belong out in the world more than inside. Whether I feel up to it or not at first, the real queries and unknown is what is thrilling. I met some great people and experiences on the train. It was even cool to share with my Israeli friend about the Human Trafficking. Train Station is nuts, but so much happening. Cape Town really isn't large, but it's perfect size to make relationships I feel. In fact so, it's the ones I meet, whom I'm not nurturing. Either feeling like a burden to come fetch me, make the time, effort, etc., like I've said before. However I have 2 months here left. WOW. Do with it what I can. Better news on the soccer camps with Livign Hope, I've connected Tim's team with Kevin and so grateful I see some things working out. We suggested the teams who need accommodation to stay with the locals in the townships and the YWAM teams would be more than excited to do so. Hopefully more can come out of it. It's more thana pleasure to connect poeople. To connect to make things work out. I thrive off of that. I hope it's not showing that i don't take responsibility for myself to do everything myself and follow through, I just like to see those passionate about one thing being able to connect them with another and have their powers and energies finish out the task or love. I remember Cristiana telling me that she says in some instances we feel we're not serving when there's a need and we're not enjoying it and only doing it because there's a need, when really we're taking the space of a job/task of someone who does have the passion and love for that, when they can't step up to the plate when we're doing it. Do you see what I mean? I loved that advice and it made me feel more secure in not feeling the love I believe I need to have in order to stay, say here in this country. Or at least come back to start girls soccer. It doesn't give me life to say I'm going to do it, but gives me life to speak about it and speak of the value and positivity that can and will come out of it. Promoting such a cause. What do I do with that?
Still feeling sick, so not fasting today out of eating nothing. With running around I didn't think my 24 prayer will be best here today. I must maintain it in all the places I'm going and doing. Carying the Holy Spirit with me. Digging for this deep. Been reading Timothy and such words of wisdom for those to walk upright. Try it out. Answers to real life situations will be concluded.
Daneeka's bday and I thin kwe're having people over tonight for that. I'm going to pay rent, go for quick run, then shower up and head into the city. Thank you all and Lord so much for this opportunity. I knew I was staying here for a reason.
Still waiting to hear from YWAM finance if there's an account to donate into with tax write off. I know the church can't do that anymore I guess with the new year so working on another strategy especially for my amazing family! You've been taking great care of me and I have no idea how to ever thank you or repay you enough. I love you,
Noel

Trying to head downtown

2010-06-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

Wanted to send short message but in a hurry. Trying to get into downtown to hand out some of my flyers to the hostels. Lee at one of the backpackers. Am currently on base and didn't realize leadership conference even went this far. So last day here, but I missed it. Still heaps of people here for it. I went running early, did some grocery shopping and bought daneeka some chocolate for her bday today. Lydia is now sick too, so we stayed in and watched movie last night. I gotta pay rent today. I have printed about 1000 flyers and finished paying for the rest today. We are having 24 hour prayers starting this evening for the World Cup and I am going to fast for this. I had deep long convo last night with Lydia asking pure meaning of fasting etc. We ended up doing our own Bible study together in the end :) Questions after questions. So much need and for this 24 hour prayer we're going to be praying for abstain and brochures included as well as LIving Hope and their soccer camps. Was great to get feedback for that. Ahh so much unorganization and I think Imentioned before transport is becoming so small. Base convi was stolen and one team's van broke. SO please keep volunteers in prayers because can't plan anything if we don't have the full support. Ah, what else briefly. Not sure plans tomorrow nor this weekend other than perhaps footy sat morning, I think there's big march downtown for world cup, at least Gabriel said Cape to Cairo was planning on one with the ministires. I'm trying not to miss anything. AIS is playing a match on Sunday, and I gotta find out where is it and possibly I can join. Much love from here, and thank you everyone especially my parents for your love and support! Ah so close!

Late night update...random thoughts as well :)

2010-05-31T02:19:00.000-07:00

Tired as I am since I’ve been sleeping weird hours from being sick, I’m preparing for bed. However my mind is a bit rattled at the moment since my friend Josh in the SBS School of Biblical Studies class just asked me tonight to help him lead base intercession tomorrow. Yes every bright and early Monday morning. He’s been asked to lead on what he feels God calling him to pray upon. He felt issues of injustice were what he desired to pray for, and he had 4 ministries pop into his mind. One was ABSTAIN2010. So, he called me in to speak with him and see if I wouldn’t mind just sharing about this campaign, what’s on my heart, where it’s at, and what to pray for. So it’s great, but I always get butterflies thinking about lil speaking things like this. Stupid I know. But it’s awesome opportunity. I feel a bit lame saying that we’re just trying to get brochures out, and yet that’s a landmark. Which by the way there are I believe 1000 being printed thanks to donation from our DTS leaders and my dad  You rock for getting the ball rolling! Thank you! Ahhh just so much going on it feels crazy! Like I can’t plan a day in advance. Like I should have learned that 9 months ago eh?
Brochures have begun printing so will be ready, however we have base intercession, then was going to go to Woodlands school where Mario’s kids are and join Zach’s team there for the day. Then not only did the base combi get stolen from our base yesterday (was found stripped in Khylitsha with another stolen car) but there’s this pretty big leadership conference on our base next 3 days in the am. So, I’ve been asked if I would like to attend with these amazing speakers I guess so I’d love to join at least a session or two. Then there’s a girl named Sara from NZ that I don’t know if I even met her, but the few I my cell group told me she’s moved here just down in Fish Hoek and we should meet up. So I’ve been horrible and haven’t made that happen yet, so working on that tomorrow. She’s punctual and said 2, and she has a vehicle! Always love new friends with cars 
Then Kevin from Living Hope has been trying to connect with me on the volunteers for the holiday camps during the WC. I feel so awkward in the middle of the Kick off Team and him, yet no one’s making moves. We need to start to clarify teams, since YWAM said we basically have endless teams (believe it when I see it with the organizing too) and then there’s the side of ok, if they can help, how are they going to get there, where to stay, fed, etc. I suggested Kevin asking King of Kings church if we could have teams stay the night there since they’re right near 2 major Townships and also are hosting holiday program right there in side the church in the afternoons, followed, oh yes, by big screen World Cup matches! Super stoked! By the way US, what’s up with losing to the Czech? Whatever we’re still gonna be sneaking up on teams, I feel it! OH and my NZ boys! SO SO excited! Mike says he’s getting the tickets up on Polokwane tomorrow, but I still don’t know what games, when, and how the heck I could get there if I try. Still have to try.
Ok, so I also need to be contacting the Protea Hotels downtown again. I may just call but prepare perhaps Tuesday and full day Wednesday, no wait, half Wednesday cause feeding local homeless with Zach’s team Wednesday am (which means missing probably the end of Leadership Conference) oh man oh man see? Still all exciting and good! Side note, was looking super hard at market today for SA jersey, but I wanted the long sleeve one. They’re probably fake but I’ve seen R200 ones. No USA yet, but I’m looking. I figured after the world cup I”ll find some bargain deals.
I must make at least 1 practice though this week. That’s for certain. I was going to join the AIS women’s team that’s here touring, but they basically are leaving tomorrow. I can’t believe it! I received an email too late from Joelle, saying I could join them in their school visit Fri and the game Sat., but I was sick in bed I hadn’t even check my email. I’m looking into the next team coming here. Still, I hadn’t touched a ball for over a week with Jubilee and being sick, so today I was back at it. Well, trying. I have dreams still, and get chills whenI see people playing, or friends in photos wearing our jersey’s back in the day, and the relentless training and preparing for a simple game…man oh man it’s the best! Can’t believe I have spent my 26 year, not playing. Could possibly have been a prime year. However, God can do anything, and I pray he helps me recover what abilities I had worked hard for and pray for more than that by miracle. I wish I could train with the Portland Rain when I return. Sounds like things are looking up for them and higher profile now too. Ish!
Oh, side note again, Lydia and I are doing fruit and veg fast this week. Not really so much for me, and whenI say veggies, yes oh yes, Lydia goes and gets the starchiest potatoes possible! Whatever it’s more for her to help herself out in feeling better. It actually helps because she doesn’t eat regularly and so this works on her metabolism. I still put ketchup and sauces on my veggies.
Been thinking though recently with my great and many talks with Cristiana and Sara while they were here visiting, about this 7 day fast. I mean I have tried the 7 days juice fast with Kale before I came here. But it’s still hard for me to figure the true meaning behind fasting and praying. Because if I do it, I must do it purposefully, and with faith that God will help me get through it ok. Last time I had to quit working out that week and almost felt too dizzy to drive often. But these girls with their church they rave about, Solid Rock and their Friday nights at The Way downtown Ptown (which I greatly look forward to going to and becoming involved with since they both told me with my perspective and drive I’d fit in so well there to be challenged and supported. Kale you too.) that this 7 day fast Solid Rock does it, is only with water. I mean fasting and praying with pure intentions of seeking God. The Bible talks about it for major decisions. So could I possibly fast just to give thanks to the Lord? Could I fast to pray for others? Could I fast to lose weight and if I was someone who needed to do that, would that be something God would agree is healthy an good? Interesting thoughts behind the value and purpose of fasting. I love a challenge but would I be doing it for the challenge? I want to hear God loudly or more so, I want to be opening myself up to hear God better because He’s speaking to me/us daily. I admire Cristiana telling her testimony which we so graciously got to hear while she was telling my friend Jac (I’ll tel you after about it) about her reason and purpose in Zimbabwe. She said if I was living my life for myself, I wouldn’t be here. If I didn’t have Jesus in my life, I wouldn’t be here. I didn’t want to come. She said that she was just beginning this ministry downtown with the homeless and street people, new church opening up down there, a job offer that was unbelievable for a girl her age as a physio in charge of some clinic, and her best friend getting married. She said she did not want to leave. However, she fasted and prayed because she felt God was trying to speak to her, and it hit her at the end of the 7 days, God told her to join Sara her friend in the church to go to Zim. No idea why. Neither really had a clue why. To be honest, they inspired me because they have even more frustrations it seems than I have here…there. They’re so stuck and finding it hard to fall in love with the people. They’re being fully challenged and yet they were called by God to be there, and they’re sticking it out. Cris says she’s only obeying what God calls her to do. Not easy. I admire her so much. I want to only obey. If I obey, then it shouldn’t and wouldn’t matter where I am, what I’m doing, just to know I’m there because He’s called is enough. Not needing to have outcomes, results, statistics, ANYTHING. Just as his Grace, we need to have done NOTHING to earn it. Obeying isn’t preparing ourselves to get tested and scored in the end. If that was it, we’re living in a legalistic world.
We related so much in the fact that we’re from Oregon and a country where we strive to succeed and learn and grow and task oriented, which is exactly opposite of our warm cultured friends. Cris was so shocked to learn the response of the Zim people when she told them that there were homeless Americans starving. They said well can’t they tell the president or government at least? Funny the perspectives change eh?
So Friday yes we went out to dinner like I said after I had been laying in bed 2 days, and we had a blast. So nice to get out and the girls had rented a car and Cris drove so it was perfect. Loved the opportunity and the carrot cake with coffee mmmm! Then Saturday I awoke to try out my body on a lil run, then heard from Jac that he wanted me to join him in watching the HUGE rugby match on TV. Yes Super 14, Stormers and Bulls. Well, sadly the Stormers lost but was so great to learn more of the sport and enjoy a lil sports pub. Jac came to pick me up and I invited Cris and Sara and Cris was game. So she came along which made me feel more at ease anyways since I am not sure if Jac has taking a liking to me, but if he has then she could be the easy piece in between. Plus I really feel her strong presence and wisdom with Christ and if she could help speak out to Jac, it would be great. Yes oh yes, Jesus has a plan. We even met an older man and his friend at the pub who go to this amazing church I’ve attended with martin. We got into some great conversation and it was centered around God. On the ride back, we delve deep into convo about God and Jac has really been hurt in his life. It was interesting to hear it again, but he’s just super confused and has been raised in this confusing Legalistic lifestyle with parents, friends, schools, church saying one thing and doing another. We worked on listening and asking the right questions so as not to offend and hurt Jac more or retaliate but it was like he’s searching so hard, the putting pieces together that I heard, weren’t lining up. Cristiana and I sat outside our house with him listening and then she gave her testimony and it as incredible. I don’t know if Jac heard it where he needed to, if it even helped, but either way we were both praying and God can be the only one who makes things happen. He’s the miracle maker.
Before the girls took off early this morning for the airport, we had great goodbyes and much to obviously look forward to back in Portland. But we had much to express of our short time together last night. I just told them how I think it’s brave and strong of them to stay where they feel it’s hardest, in fact they said that if they HAD been able to reach their missions pastor the first 2 weeks, then they would have booked flights home. But they’re sticking it out, working on their relationships and this organization that they’re suppose to be nurturing there. Just tried to give them some encouragement and support. Then Cristiana shocked me in saying how she was very impressed with the random people I was able to meet and speak with. She was like, not many YWAMers have friends outside of YWAM do they? She said I didn’t think so. She went on to say that it’s a gift that I have to be able to speak and meet people like Jac, who if only I am in SAfrica to minister and be a light to…then it’s all worth it! Not this fancy women’s soccer here, this world cup ministry here, this creating a campaign there, but merely for 1 person to inspire, change, nurture and provide hope…whether I even know I’ve done it or not…is worth it. God calls, go. It really meant a lot. I said I have no idea what to do with that sort of gift, but thank you for letting me know it’s ok that I am this way. I feel revived.
It’s getting late now, but glad I could write a bit of what’s been on my heart and mind lately. On another topic, which I’m not sure I have the energy or time to divulge into tonight, but I have been getting asked I feel more than ever about me being single. I’m at that age. I’m alone. I’m very independent and I have people ask almost out of concern why I’m not dating anyone or engaged or married. It’s usually nothing out of the ordinary for me, but it’s been bothering me alittle. I mean it’s not like something I can plan. It’s not something that is built in. I am surrounded with many YWAMers who are desperately trying to find a great and Godly match for themselves. However I feel even in this environment, similar to why I never wanted to date originally anyone from my high school while I went there, that it’s so awkward to date here in this ‘Christian’ surroundings. I mean everyone knows everyone. If you start to hang out with someone of the opposite sex a lil more than normal or than others here in YWAM, then you’re singled out big time. It’s truly like there’s no ‘dating’ here. You either are being courtship for marriage material, or you’re completely just friends. But we can’t even really be friends because that requires time and energy and then that requires that ‘special’ time to even know what one is like, but from outside perspective, it shows a liking to one another. Then if you get teased or if you actually don’t like the other in that way, then one is led on, then it’s awkward afterwards etc., It’s just on and on not very likely and possibly the healthiest to have this ‘dating’. Lydia and I were having this conversation until late late the other night. We want to ‘hang’ out with guys, yet if we even make the effort, then it looks like we’re giving too much effort because it actually takes time, planning, and usually money just to ‘hang’ and then if you’re with that one person, (preferably of the opposite sex) can it ever truly be just as friends? In other words, what if you were just going to hang out as friends, and that was that…could he have a girlfriend? Could he have a wife and still be able to hang? Can we have close friends of the opposite sex? When we’re dating? When we’re married? So in the end, we get so fed up with trying to hang out, trying to make time, trying to even see if it’s worth spending time with that single person of the opposite sex, that in the end, we don’t. So even if I was so begin to be just friends with a man, which is ALL I want and the way I want it to be done, I can’t. At least not easily here. Not in YWAM, not without a car, not without great access to texting and calling to have simple communication. I mean in NZ, I wasn’t there to get married or date. YET, like I said who can plan that? However, I knew that the minute I started to spend more time with one than another, specifically men (which is why I didn’t make many friends “girlfriends” fast because I had a hard time meeting single girls than guys to hang with) then I’d miss out on the whole experience of traveling, meeting people and plain old experiencing NZ as a whole. Does that mean I put the red light on love? On marriage? I can’t sit here and say I don’t believe in married. I can’t say I don’t want marriage. I’m just saying the circumstances are hard to look into even believing it can happen or work at the moment or even in near future. My dream would be to have my best friend as my partner, and it’s hard to make new best friends of the opposite sex these days. This is why, to my parents, I admire the fact that you even were able to date after so many years. I mean to learn the process, be in a small town, be brave, have strings attached like children, isn’t easy. WOW.
It’s not that I desire my parents to keep waiting for grandchildren and to wait to hear of my lovely man in my life, it’s just not here. God works in wondrous ways. I do pray once in awhile for my future husband. I mean if I am to have one, I pray he’s waiting for me just as I am for him.
In the opposite corner, if I knew like Paul says it better to be unmarried and to serve, but if you must give into your temptations then do so by getting married. I believe that if I knew I could survive without marriage and it was for the better of those I was to reach in my life, like an angel and it’s time, then I’d be ok with that. It would just be nice to know now, so that I’d stop getting my hopes up. I am only a simple girl with really simple girly dreams. It happens when we’ve been pricked of reality in a human existence. Admitting that times when there is someone on the mind helps the time and life’s joys is so true. I am shy to admit these things, but they’r ein my heart and why not express to the world who cares to join in on their own struggles and emotions.
Well, what an interesting thing to end on for now, but that’s what I feel.

11 Days to the World Cup!!!

Been sick, sorry for absence

2010-05-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back though, not too much of a setback but the only movies I really had on my laptop were manly war movies and come on, Band Of Brothers, from Kenny. So my 2 days in bed are gladly over. I just felt bad the day after Jubilee, and then the next two days it was like chills and fever without the fever part. Don't worry mommy, I drank lots of fluids, stayed in bed, and slept a lot. But I was up for church today to the Bay with Kenny and was wonderful being filled with the spirit and definitely spirit filled room. It's super sunny out, yet freezing so I wanna go to the market and FINALLY work out like I'd desired all week. Yeah I missed our game Fri but truly didn't want to go for a few reasons. I didn't enjoy the last game. I was sick. Hadn't been to practice for a few weeks, and if I got ot play (which my coach asked me to come just even for a half to get us up on our score and then I could leave) which wouldn't be fair to others. We were playing out B team anyways, so wooo hoo! I didn't feel well but managed to get myself outta bed and walking because we'd had the 2 most lovely guests this week. Yes Kimberly's friends from PORTLAND were visiting Cape Town from their missions trip to Zim, so it was great to hang with them a bit and get to know them. They totally refreshed my spirit. I'll have to try and devulge more later. But they rented a car and wanted to go out to eat with us, so Daneeka, Lydia, Elise and the girls we all went to this Italian place accompanied by a good Mug and Bean coffee and cake after. I definitley gotta burn off these calories now! Welp, just to keep you up briefly I"m checking mass emails. Dad I love you and please rest easy when I can't get to the computer. But know I am fully blessed to have you praying for me everyday! Be back later!

Andie Lee Lyons Birthday!

2010-05-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

I love you Andie!

So last night we won 7-1. I've never heard so much yelling and screaming from one's own team, (that would be mine) and mostly in Afrikaans. Even my coach screaming things like, "Noel this is the worst I've seen us play!" I got so ticked off I went over to him and said thank you coach for telling me that. I went to Sean's brother Robbie for assistance, and said, you're dad's negativity does NOTHING for our team. We were up by so much, ball was flying around like nonesense, I was frustrated and playing crap, (except I shot 1 cracker with outside of my right and even if the goal keeper was GOOD, I will say she wouldn't have saved it. So that was the highlight. It was just crazy. We had decent fan base, even ol Mikey Packey came out and loved the action adn said girls weren't half bad. I said could you imagine if I even knew half their names and we practiced? Some talent out there. I love though this lil MOntana. SO much talent and this lil white girl who's liek a freshman in high school, and just always smiling, trying to learn, play hard, and wants to always do more. She asks me for advice for instance on her forward position coach threw her in, which she's never played, and I loved getting to speak with her earnesty about how to play it. She even was so excited to hear I was here volunteering like Amy and said she'd love to hear more because she has to do 2 weeks somewhere for school and so I said that would be fantastic. It's those small things adn moments that make football what it is. I watched a movie last night that truly inspired me once again. It was The Express about Earnie this black football player and all he went through in high football career and at Syracus. Man it just brought me back to all I love about the sport. It's not all about the game it's the whole package. I am playing terribly and not ever going to be pro or at the level I want to be, but I can give back. I have even thought about how amazing it would be to coach my old high school team. Been dreaming about how it would look and with low level of performance and quality, I guess I'd be better than some who would show up to coach. I will look into it. But the whole package. Showing them how to work hard, to work out side of the box, to have work ethics, dreams, laughter, sweat, and team/family.
anyways, today it's sunny out and I'm here watching the hutts almost being done being built. Spent few hours past few days collecting reeds from nearby when this or that communication didn't work out. Man oh man learning cultures, and communication etc. Rough. Trains have been on strike so it's chaotic here. No transportation is worst for those with jobs and then those who are now taking other modes are in massive traffic. The World Cup I don't think will be smoother. I have to pick up lights and small things for the decorating tomorrow for Jubilee. Things look like they're coming together, and saving money because scouring the base and people we've found pots here, Gaylin's panting our flames for inside the huts etc. Really pulling together. Even going to help Collins my Kenyan brother bake tomorrow to sell at Jubilee to fundraise for himself and YWAM media school he'd like to attend.
There's football Sat mornings, however I stayed up late watching that movie, dying Lydia's hair adn eating oranges :) Nah, really it's unmotivating for some reason to just go pick up where it's alright, but crazy soccer, and I don't have proper enough training. I will have so so much to work on when I get back if I choose to play soccer with the big girls. I'd love to play for the Rain, but not sure I could get there with the quality back home. I must remember to love. I was reminissing the other night in my mind about the time when I first went to that indoor pick up practice with Concordia, and Grant called me up and let me know I could come along. This was back when I went to Warner Pacific and dreamed of playing for a better team. I went not knowing it was a lil try out. I absolutely loved the level, competition, joy and plain INDOOR and smiled I think the entire time. That was pure love of the game. Then on the ride home, Grant called me asking me if I wanted to play for Concordia University. It was a dream come true!
I haven't picked up warm clothes yet, going to look in Fish Hoek at this coat place. It is sunny out today and loving it, but it's still cold :) I think I could handle the cold better if I knew when I walked into buildings and home that it would be insulated and warmer than outside. Oh well I'll cope.
I've been calling and contacting pastors and people involved with YWAM for Jubilee. Monday is the whole day from 8:30-10pm at night of strait celebrations, speaking, all sorts of stuff for Jubilee! I am suppose to make the show run, which means cutting off speakers, performers, etc., and getting those up for the next slot. I've got the girls painting faces of those attending. We're suppose to have 500-600 but here in Africa, I have a feeling over that amount will show up. I also went to another meeting yesterday morning at Living Hope, and we talked about ALL the many soccer camps, and ministries and the details etc., I am helping the kick off team here with teams and organizing our 300 volunteers and trying to get them in places to help, but figuring out first the needs, the amounts, then TRANSPORTATION is probably going to be the biggest obstacle in the end.
I heard back from Tonya from Justice Acts, and they didn't get full funds to do this Mens Sex Trade training up in Jo Berg, so looks like I'm still stuck here without a free trip up north. However I'd still loveot be a part of that and do the training and promote it to other men around YWAM to attend to minister and do these evaluations of the actual 'users' of the sex industry to go to the root of the cause.
Mike said last night though, he has 3 tickets he has for the world cup in Polokwane, and I don't even know quite where that is, I know NZ is playing up that way, and i know it's like 10-15 hours somewhere a drive from here. I have free tickets. I have no way to get there. He said tickets to fly to jo berg now will be R5000. Oh I would love more prayers to still get an opportunity. GOSH THAT WOULD BE A DREAM! I wouldn't even be picky of what games, just to attend even 1 World Cup match! AH!
Anyways, I must get on with the day! Mommy I'm sorry I've not called still. I have headphones now. I'll see what i can do later. Muah!

I miss fireplaces and insulation

2010-05-18T12:11:00.001-07:00

It's not that it's necessarily always freezing, it's just that no houses are heated. In fact, i think my house is colder inside than out. WHich makes you not get excited to do too much, but basically bath in hot water, or lay in piles of blankets, or worse yet, eat. Don't ya'll worry about me getting weight, that's no problem here. Ish! Anyways, I'm saying all this because i feel lazy here on base at 9pm, not quite sure what to do because I should develop my relationships iwth people, but then that takes airtime, travel, effort. I should more so, go in the back cement area and do my soccer touches and lil work out. Little frustrating and yet exciting to see things coming along for Jubilee. I feel lazy in that I kept myself busy with this and that for the past 3-5 hours, hoping/thinking this guy Ravi will drop off more reeds he cut down for us from the Navy base. HOwever, that never happened. But the reeds we did have, YES amen, the boys started building the hutts and they look so good! Seriously! I even found pots next to the base in between houses and so that doesn't cost money. I bought more paint for faces today and cloth to paint the fire on with Robert who 'luckily' drove me around because it's official, the trains aren't running! Yes they're on strike. Oh how the WOrld CUp has everyone desiring and demanding more money because they can. Ish! However, calling, emailing, faxing pastors and people for the Jubilee. It's even official that Loren and Darling Cunningham are in the country :)
The team I got Martin to give them a personal tour today of Cape Town Stadium. I guess it went fantastic! They are all in awe and took many pics. He's too good isn't he? They even went to Mario's school yesterday and that I guess also went well. THey were there all day and even worked with his 'academy' after school. Glad it's going. TOmorrow morning we all have cordinating and delagating for the jubilee in parro.
I've checked the schedules for AIS's tours while they're here. THey have a few camps and like 4 possible games (I'll believe it when I see it) so I'm hoping to join them. Ironically they're helping out this way with Living Hope and all that andt he camps I'm already organizing with them and this Kick Off team here. SO that's fantastic!
I was offered from teh fabulous DTS dept. here R500 towards printing brochures. That's awesome but we'd really love more. I mean I don't have a necessary # dad, but I mean if we could get them in hotels/hostels, and even Justice Acts has a house on Long Street for people to pray in, get things to hand out. Loads of teams coming through. Like we said before, 300 YWAMers looking for ways to serve. Which reminds me I think I'll have to get the team to help me cut more reeds for the huts tomorrow after the meeting.
I'm still waiting to hear more back from Tonya and this possibly chance to be involved with Justice Acts, but haven't heard back yet. Dang she's a busy woman. Crazy how after doing so much, and being kinda free lance the past few months, I at times just want a normal job, knowing when things start and end, and then I hear friends speak about that monotony and I know I'd get sick of that again. But what's with emotion right? Yes here I go again. See this is what happens when I get time alone. Time to my own thoughts that ruminate and drive myself nuts. I only feel I accomplish more when I bounce things off of others. I need to get out more eh?
TOmorrow night Daneeka is playing at the Melting POt just next door, so I better get out for that!
Ah what else? Jeff spoke about all these trips coming up and traveling like to DESTIN Florida, and all over especially following CU. I feel like a washed up alumni, but I guess Jeff's still there I will be a part of it as much as I can. I really am looking for work, and dad, thank you for thinking of me and RHS high school coach, believe me it's crossed my mind before. HOwever, it more so depends on stability, most paid, and opportunity. Keith has been contacting me and holy cow he's doing some amazing things! Yes you impress me man! And Lisa, good luck! You guys have such hearts, that grab others to want to be a part so know that you're really doing magic! I wouldn't mind being up and near Seattle. I have recently been looking at Portland Timbers website and even Portalnd Rain, or any chance to be around footy when I return and possibly play. I'm so rusty, though, and it's like I never get better. My friend looked into indoor, but yes, go figure, it's random days and you pay on the day, and then even finding transport, people who can and will pay and let alone show up! Yikes all for that it's rediculous!
I complain a lot. I'm sorry. I think I'm learning what cultures suit me best, how I can best operate...perhaps.
Soon, I must get some winter gear, at least a coat, boots. I invested in gum boots, the others day at Garden Center and literally wear them everywhere!
Ah mom sorry I missed you int eh garden. I'm sorry. I do love you and am looking forward to walking your lil rat dogs up the drive way and baking possibly the healthiest muffins we can ;)
You're all in my prayers. I realize I haven't been praying enough out for others until recently since my mind's had time to think outside my own campaign. Kale, welcome back! I am so dang proud and jealous of you! I know I know we need to do it together next time you wanna go on a trip. Got a room in the house soon for me? :)
Love you all, still a few more months, peopel are getting amped here. Just had movie on base about Brazil players and their relationship with God. Looking forward to it really. Ok, perhaps I'll get a lil kick around and feel useful!
Muah!

Still desire to paint my nails

2010-05-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

I feel in a strange mood today. It's Sunday and I spent last night in Stellenbosch with Lydia and her best friend Amore. We had an adventurous time getting out there from lil old Muizenberg. Honestly it took us almost 2 hours on train, when our lift back today from Cladie was only 45 min drive. Still we had a good time and Amore and the whole Afrikaans culture is very interesting. Even though the Uni is very prestigious and has many international students they all seem very fascinated by Americans. lol Never ceases to amaze me. But she cooked lovely meal for us, we had some wine, went to this lil bar and played foosball, dance and enjoyed one another's company. Lydia has such a heart! I truly enjoy her around. However I had this conversation again with her on the train there, on all my insecurities and coping with facing them. Or better yet, realizing them.
I mean I could have gone out Fri, but I didn't or at least didn't and haven't put in efforts. Then I complain of not doing enough or seeing enough. I also have had the trouble with my personality (which I should be grateful for and love because I am made in the image of God, but struggling always)and feeling that when there's a chance to meet new people, I choose that easier path. When going and nurturing relationships with those I already know, those I"m around all the time, family, friends, it's harder for me to get energy and I have no clue why. In the strengths Finder test, I have this personality train I think they call it Ohm, or something strange like that, where I absolutely get a joy in working a room. I love to walk in and meet everyone there. The nurturing relationships part is where I have trouble. People may laugh and say they're not surprised when this person or that person knows me, but that doesn't mean we're buddies. I mean I would instantly call someone my friend that I meet, but that doesn't mean we even know each other. I feel bad because I don't follow through with these relationships. My friend in Mississippi, Oregon, New Zealand, people here on base...I'm sorry. I however know that they're my friend, I love them, and another day I will see them. However this is why it was always an amazing time for me to party when I was younger because it was always thrilling, new adventurous. I hated when the weekends would end. Thinking that friends, boys specifically would be interested in the real Noel who was actually boring, plain, desired what others desire, insecurities, real and raw who often found things to talk about not possible. But the beauty in those moments when you can be in the presence of some one when it's awkward and unsure. Where those spaces between you two are uncertain. Even in a house where you live with roomates or perhaps a husband and you are right next to one another, maybe washing dishes or walking past, and you see them all the time, everyday, and yet you feel you should say something even just a lil laughter or small talk to not make it feel uncomfortable. Is it really though? Should there be calming? Why can't we live with what's real? WHy can't I? When things aren't smooth, that could possibly be the best time in life to understand yourself, others, and God. RIght?
I just feel many times socially awkward. I may not have energy to go out and perform. Or is it performing or bringin out the energy within. In the middle of last night I was on a roll cracking up with the girls, and today I had sparse words and then when Amore's friend came to visit I had so much to chat up about...someone new.
Then I face my life. My plans. Do I have plans? This campaign I worked on the past few months that I've absolutely lost passion for. If anyone wants to know more about what it is and about I just want to push them towards Justice ACts or others. I have come to the fact of haveing a website, brochure, power point with manual for those who want to use it, but what is it for? My sponsors, people who have said they can help print, hasn't come yet. No such luck, or is this how it's suppose to be? Am I not working hard enough? Am I lazy? If I tried over and over to get someone to help print this will I miss out on opportunities to be helping here with Jubilee, soccer thigns, outreach teams, and this possible opportunity to help Justice Acts in Joberg? I just have a real problem I think with guilt. I'm always feeling guilty these days, like I'm not doing enough, or I should have done this or done this or that better? Am I working enough? Does work define me? Am I ok if I didn't have "work"? Does the church who supports me feel they've wasted time and money? Do they find life and 'missions' through me successful? Does it matter? What makes it successful? Have I saved enough people? Have I reached those who need it?
This country has pushed me to being almost as fed up with it as I heard from those who came from here. Those people who told me, "don't go there, they don't want help." "Don't go there, it's hard to get anything done!" Is this where God wants me to come back? Can I come back and help knowing a need, but not being passionate? Is that for me to 'feel' to be somewhere, or just plain 'called' by God. The Spirit may not necessarily be a feeling, but it's just a belief as well. Knowing even when it's not felt that God and his spirit through Jesus Christ is there with me and through me. So, that must go along with work and things we do in this world. Do I want to go to practice and do I feel like going to practice? I must not get confused with feelings vs what's God's desire for me. I want to serve him. Yet I want to be fruitful. Did I work on this campaign to learn how to work with South AFrica? Did I learn to work on something else in the future? Did I just learn patience? Perhaps I never came here to learn but just to experience. Does there need to be preparations fro me to come? The way I FEEL right now, is that I don't want ot volunteer off of other people's funds in the future. At least not for a long extended period of time. I'm really struggling with the weight of school loans and lil debt coming and not ceasing. It's weighing and I feel worse that it's involving those around me I love. I know they care so much about me and don't want to see me in this hole. I also know that money isn't what depicts life and decisions. God's path is. But I think I can do things in this life where I can make money and live within this life and God. In fact, I would rather. I recently heard Amore say that she is going to go teach english in Korea after school to pay off loans in 1 year. I have instantly had that stuck in my head ever since. Go teach english, live somewhere else, and possibly play soccer. I remember that the Cascade Surge has this connectiong with Vienna and playing soccer there and getting paid. I could maybe do both? Is that selfish thinking? Oh what's to come next?
I do know I will be home and I NEED to work for awhile and stay. However, I have to calculate in months, time of years, school, soccer seasons, etc. for wherever I go. I do miss my mom and my best friend, my dad and even his dog :)
Kale inspires me. He's really doing it. Life's not always as chipper as it appears, but I know that he's pressing towards God and look at him now in Cayman Islands, in the sunshine, spreading his service for God and loving it. He worked hard for it. He has ahome. Do I need security? Do I want it only because I'm bring truly indecisive as the future and questions about what's next comes up?
I just hope that I don't look like a fool or a flake in the end of this crazy campaign. I wish God put more feeling into this human he made. At least the feelings of what I should be doing to help me 'feel' it's the right decision. I mean I remember learning about disciples and others in the Bible who said always, phrases like, "I feel that God is saying this..." "I am not sure, but I feel God saying.." Never a statement, of "God said to do this!" So when listening to prophet things and thinking God did this or that for a reason, to know and remember that he's never even said specifically flat out God told me this or that. Ah I feel I'm losing track here. I guess I didn't knwo what track I was on to begin with. However, let's get some sleep eh? Freezing here, however no rain :) Been calling pastors on our huge list to invite to the jubilee, faxing, and emailing invites. Hopefully we can get these huts done, get all thigns we need. I need a bit more motivation and confidence to be a leader. Lord I humble myself, and pray to be truly a child in your footsteps.
I love you, and goodnight!

Friday morn, and the rain hasn't ceased :)

2010-05-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

Rainy Cape Town. Feeling right at home. Thank you Lord for watering our land :) I am about to grap coffee with this morning with a friend at Knead, and then meeting with Arun and Prosper to look at the material we bought for the african huts we're building for the decorations. Luckily I've had a great ol neighbor Robert to drive me place to place. WHat a relief to have a vehicle even just to look at one store compared to the next builder's wharehouse. Ahh we had fun. We even stopped at Seattle's best coffee yesterday! What a nice man. Then we have a training today with Living Hope and their Upwards sports clinic Mike will train the New Castle team and a few of us on how to organize a lil sports camp during the world cup. Trying to connect them and our base here isn't easy. Since I'm in my own category of my own it's a bit complicating because I'm trying to let people know how and where they can help, but i send email out after email and especially to the world cup team, and I get no response and no one on base knows about this training and teh holiday camps. Frustrating again.
But, it's going to be ok. God's will be done he? :)
I ran all the way to soccer practice last night, and guess what? Yup no practice. THe floodlights weren't working. I felt bad there was even suppose to be a game for the U19s there.
I struggle with where to spend the rest of my day. I mean I need to get clearance from Arun who's suppose to be calling someone from city to ask if I can collect figs/reeds from the flea and around here on the mt. I need to get shells, see what other things around the base and city we have for this scenery we're creating for Jubilee. Yet, I know of a school about 30 minute drive away that does soccer stuff for girls for an hour, but not sure how I can get there or necessarily home. There was an AIS meeting with Joelle and Dave a few days ago, and because no one responded they could give me a lift home, I didn't go. I couldn't take the train home in the morning. Yes difficult. I know other soccer things I can check out to be a part of but then again even if I can go andjoin, I need transport to get there, and then if weather's bad are we proceeding. Perhaps this is and will be a time to link in with Justice Acts. I'm waiting ot hear back from Tonya on the opportunity to do that training that could possibly send me up to train in Jo berg.
Kimberly is leaving this morning for bungi jumping, then Durban 2 week, Jo 2 weeks and then Bloom. Daneeka will move into the house.
Gotta get going, but miss you all!

THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT!

I have a few minute to write

2010-05-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Comp's dying, but I'll write something :)
Ah finally doesn't feel freezing out but super rainy past few days. I finally got the store with my great dear neighbor Robert drove Prosper, Collins and I to get supplies. This builder's square here isn't cheap but at this point, we need huts made. SO that was the max of the day. Takes so long to get things done. Oh what else, ah, going to hear Daneeka play at the Melting Pot tonight for open mic. I may also have an opportunity to go to Joberg with Justice Acts. I have been praying for a chance to go especially when hearing another one of my friends made it on the NZ squad! So, if I can do this possibly trainig and paid to go up there, well all expenses, that would be quite the dream. Just not sure if I have the time, but perhaps it's soemthign to invest in since it's only training to administer. I must hear more details from Tonya at Justice ACts. Saw Martin last night that lovely man! Ah and he said his family has a mansion up there to stay in. We had butternut chicken and watched some great comedy. I played indoor soccer a bit and wasn't fantastic but much quicker than the last time. Again many of the boys had never seen a girl really play before, so even though I'm not up to par, I played decent enough to hang.
So much going on in my mind, and learning about the things I do enjoy and not enjoy, but mostly debating in my heart what I feel called to do, like a passion vs what I should do. What a servant's heart I need. Where's teh balance between what you feel called to do, what you enjoy and then just flat out serving. Yes Jesus was amazing eh? Well I better get on the move, I really miss you all, Mommy update me what you can please? Dad I'll check into what the office here says about donations. Love you!

Bad case of the Mondays

2010-05-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Could have been better. Yes. There were moments that I feel the devil creeped in and was making me feel like I hate leadership, I can't be a leader, and I'm not cut out for all this organizing. Yeah.
So started out with base intercession, which was nice, and yesterday when I first felt like not being around people and in the end after our braai for Kimberly I was so happy to have kind people and roomates around. I am reading the picture book style of the Ragamuffin Gospel. So started my morning with that which was pleasant. However the day didn't seem to match that feeling. Oh I was even woken up by the rain so so hard on our roof in the middle of the night. It was nuts and has been on adn off like that all day.
Oh yesterday I also had a run up Boyes Drive, then did some sprints. My knee was feeling a little like it's about to just move wrong and be in pain, but it hasn't happened. I pray it's going to not give. I went out to coffee with my friend/neighbor Thomas and had just the most interesting conversations. What a brilliant man!
So today, yes we left early from base worship to get to see Mario at his Woodlands school to work with them. The sports DTS team adn I. Which by the way, I feeling like the facilitator am by far the oldest. THe leaders like Zach and faith are about 20 and 21. SO we get there and Mario's not there. The few staff and principle seemed like they don't really work with Mario and his few boys and don't know what he's been planned. It was really confusing and this class came itno this room and the 2 boys that help Mario who are missing teeth and x gangsters about age 20 didn't know what to do either. The students said their work is done, so we took the 1 soccer and rugby ball we had to their 'field' of trash to play. Some did some didn't wasn't really organized. We just were directed in what to do and be involved with. Mario FINALLY showed like 2 hours later apologizing that he has this and that and preparing the food for the academy and supporters coming by later to take through. He said the principle doesn't really leave the office, so do what ministries sort of things you feel you want to do. I felt so under pressure because the team just wants to interact and be involved! Zach seemed frustrated and i felt like the brunt, only TRYING to help the two. Anyways, by the time the 2nd class came we worked on their work with them, and this classes assignment was not in Afrikaans so we could go through it with them. It was nice to sit there with tehm and these adorable boys trying to pronounce words and you can just see them thinking these scenario's out. I guess Zach ended up with these boys and one's name was Caleb and he said oh like inthe Bible and ended up telling this story and it broke out in this lil time to speak of Jesus and they loved it. One talked about how his family's Muslim and he doesn't wnat to be. SO clearly half the kids are at least Muslim. Anyways, we left around 1 and at least Zach talked with Mario and I thin kwe're only designating Mondays for that place, but just needed a better understanding. THe actual academy is after school. I just felt so bad, and there needs to be more structure, yet even those few helpers had no idea what was goin on it's hard. Hopefully we can help distribute the shoes there soon though. Poor kids. I just feel bit of pressure from Arun throwing them at me to find them sports minstires. I personally haven't even done an 'outreach' like normal DTS so I don't knwo what to expect, I just trying ot link what i know to them. I'm trying.
Then I was to work on the huts for our Jubilee decorations and this and that wasn't bough to work the paper machet on and so had to cancel the decorating party. Oh but other things have come out of it. Gathered newspapers from local stores and cafes, went for a run in the busting wind, now trying to get some emailing and connecting done. Meetings tomorrow about Jubilee, going to focus on buying supplies and building the huts tomorrow, and hopefully I get a chacne to even play indoor soccer. My team has a bye tonight. Oh I have pictures on facebook from our game Friday. I had a wonderful friend Izak come and watcth and he had this brand new camera. Was so col! Well, thank you all, love you and goodnight!

More on Mother's Day continued...

2010-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

I guess I will try and share my soccer personal experiences with you. Like my facebook says, we beat UCT, University of Cape Town's B team, 19-0. Yes that's soccer folks. I couldn't believe the competition. I mean I can't believe my own team. They have such a chip on their shoulders from 1 years ago when apparently they were the best team, that NOW oh yes NOW, they think they know everything, and can run over teams. I mean even our dear lovely coach Charlie, (bless his heart but he really doesn't understand teh full development and coaching) he was still telling us to score goals! I mean come on? The girls and no sorry, Mamas, on my team since there were a few on our squad of 13, (which we all showed up 10 min before the game and i still met a few new girls) there's a 14 year old named Montana, to be honest is the best and has most potential in my opinion, and a 40 year old mama who hasn't at least seemed like she's played before. But still good on them for all being out there to play right? Right. Well same for apparently UCT. Amy and I and this new girl Becca, all from America, stick out like sore thumbs. I haven't even practiced hitting a ball against a wall much, I"m terrible, and this league isn't helping. At least I'm getting a run around but I'm sure I'm getting terrible habits. But I'm feeling healthy and getting a lil fitness back. But even here in Muiz I have no where to train or kick a ball really against a wall that's safe, away from people, etc. Yeah so we slaughtered them. However Amy and i were drooling over their facilities! Nicest artificial pitch I've ever seen! There was so much going on around it too, with this 5 aside in the back and a few grass fields with lights. Oh man and their gym! I haven't seena real proper gym in ages and I was just SUPER jealous!
I scored a few, but really was asking my team at even half time, can we PASS the ball around. We will probably play harder teams and we can't even pass the ball around in the back. Instantly the few older ladies who play in the back said, OH NO if I'm stuck I'm going to boot the ball out! I said yes if you're relaly stuck, but we're also ahead by like 10! I mean our goal keeper touched the ball2 times in 2 games, and 1 of them was because we gave her a chance to have the penalty kick (which she missed). I asked coach if I could switch positions with Montana to let her play in the centre mid to work more well-rounded positions. He said NO we must play our positions. This is like the last 15 minutes. I just have to reach a point to believe that hey, how long am I here? How much do I put my foot in my mouth, how much do I let unravel and lay out because I'm new and it's not my position. I need ot continue to learn how things are, the different cultures, the different players, try and put myself in their shoes. This girl Z and Candace are incredible. However they look down everytime. They're going all the way to the line as outside forwards, then trying to always cross a ball in the air right to the keeper or let alone SHOOT! I am like, you lost your angle! I took it to the line a few times and dropped it to the top of the box, and they weren't even expecting it of course and missed the shooting opportunities. Yes frustrating. Then Z, who I am already having problems with beacuse she has such a chip on her shoulders, she will like stop playing. I have no idea why. I mean we beat Bellville 12-0 the week before and she just stopped playing. Now I can't tell if she's injured, tired, a brat, or what!?! She even gets all mad at the opposition when we're up 12-0 and about to get a red card! I don't get it! CHILL OUT! But if you're going to just stand there, I'd rather you get off the field. Now this is where I"m from and come from, but I've not lived in her shoes. She's from Ocean View where even there that i know of, have no pitch. So Craig reminded me that a major problem with players even from the townships is they play in a lil circle. Hardly even on a street. So how can you expect them to have the knowledge of how to play and pass around when they just worry about skills and tricks in a circle. Broader problems. So I try and be encouraging and patient and only open my mouth to give some feedback when I think it's ok.
Now the trainings, which no one hardly comes to, is in Fishoek, tuesday thursday. I didn't go Tuesday because I've been offered the opportunity to take this guy's position on thi slil kick around indoor through South Point CHurch. I went tuesday in the hail storm, found the place, and had a great time. They aren't great, but it was such a joy to be in that environment again. So that is WAY more beneficial than making my way out to practice with these girls. Also thursday, we have base worship, so I have to play in part between times to go there to base worship and when to be in the community at the football club. It's over an hour's walk to get there if I don't get a ride, it's not easy then to always bother with transport and logistics etc. The Lamb's though are very nic about everything! But then if I don't make that commitment, what does that say to the team? So I must make next Thursday at leaset. I guess we have a bye anyways next Friday. I was going to go into the B team's coaches Sun Valley school and run a lil session, but he quit apparently and I have no number to even ask if it's still on or what. Wtih most Africans he probably just expected me to be there. I feel bad.
Oh man, anything else I can brief up to date on. We had an awesome 50s party last weekend! yes I had such a lovely time! Our dear friend Jac, who I met at this wild Gypsy Balconology party downtown Cape Town I went to a few weeks ago with martin and co., well Jac brought this amazing butternut soup, sound system, made a 50s cd, Lydia set up a projector in the back yard that showed old 50s films, we had about 25 people come through and it was just fun. Getting my roomates dancing and catching up with new people and old it was great to see them mixing. This is waht I love. To net work to benefit and open eyes, ears, and minds of everyone! I even remember Jeff, my website friend, he and his teacher/friend at African Renewal are looking for help and I know this Nigerian friend Nelson on base who's skilled in all those areas of computer and teaching and he's worked and even done YWAM schools in graphics, so to link them together to have more educators in African Renewal is awesome!
Oh I wanted to tell a little bit about my train experiences. I've been going in and out of the city and places more recently, amen to getting out! But yeah I specifically always take the 3rd class anyways, there's always tons of people there so it's safe. However the people are the people of this country. Yeah, I can remember this girl, who I could clearly see her heart surgery on her chest, was going to the doctors, and she said she loves to meet and talk with people. She loved me and was telling me about my white skin color. She said that's all she wants. Her children are growing up and just want ot be white and live in America. I couldn't believe this. I was trying ot explain to her how beautiful she was! I get the stares and smiles from all because I stick out like crazy. Can you imagine if I had my blonde hair? But it's appreciated I feel because I'm there and I mingle and I give up my seat for the mamas and children. I chat about football with the men. I get asked what I'm doing here all the time and I explain that I'm volunteering. This one old woman yesterday on the train who could barely understand English, was asking me if I was married because I said my house was in muiz. She couldn't believe an unmarried woman had a house! I said I definitely didn't own the house it's just where I stay. I've named places like Canada, New Zealand to people who have never even heard of it. NEVER! Life's unique and beautiful here in itself. This guy from Congo yesterday asked me if I spoke French. That's where we began our conversation on life adn what we're both doing here. Again a Congolese here to make a better life. He's doing construction adn sending the funds back home. He said he's very impressed with me mingling and talking with the people around me. I was totally humbled to hear this. I said I felt bad that I really hadn't done anything but I thanked him for even speaking with me. Those moments make everything real and back at heart where we're all the same under one God and one sky.
alright, it's about 10:30 and I haven't really stepped outta the building. I must get out, go to the market, looking for rain gear like boots, a coat because I hardly haven't anything to keep me warm let alone DRY! I also must get some things for he braai!
Everyone's response to supporting me is more than grateful! Seriously I am so overwelmed. I mean I feel I don't do enough, or commit to enough, or always 'feel' I'im a good person with not always having the amazing thoughts and actions Jesus had. But working on that as we always should/could is it. Thank you Lord and thank you all who strive and even pray for me.
Thank you

Oh life here in South Africa

2010-05-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

It is Mother's Day but I even fear going into church service that I will hear so much about appreciating and thanking your mother that I don't have here by my side I will only be sad. I miss you so terribly much mom. I even came into the base here early this morning hoping to catch someone with headphones to call you, but no such luck. Sleep well and I pray the sun is bright and shinning for you this morning!
I woke up early because i went to bed early, not only purpose I was just going to take a nap but having been waking at like 7-7:30 all week I couldn't shake it yesterday morning nor today. So after having gone to bed after my game on Fri (out to dinner with a friend as well so we were munching down pizza and catching up til 12 at night) I got home around 1 and woke up early. It's ok though cause I must have needed my sleep having crashed last night about 8, thinking I'd nap then go out (if someone could get me which is always a mission and burden in itself) I slept the rest of the night! The wind and howling woke me up with such a blustery day, but yes like Cape Town never ceases to surprise me, it's sunny with a lil overcast now. I'm in the dinning hall and enjoying my many oranges with coffee and the many faces and teams even singing int he background of a team from England worshipping the Lord this morning. It's such a pleasant atmosphere. Oh and here's my dear friend Emile, who we baked up a storm on Thursday. His SOPA, School Of Performing Arts, which is the first to kick start her ein th ewhole of Africa, he needs funds to get him through it. He' loving the school but thye're washing cars and baking to just get by. I love his heart and that school's just having nothing but hard work and compliments through all they're doing.
Mom you'd be proud, he gave me the most random recipe, and choose me, to make this chocolate pudding cake. I was like honestly Emile, could you really get a harder recipe? I was so strange and we were laughing the whole time, when all we had in the kitchen to measure with was a 1/3 cup measuring cup, when we'd need like 10 cups of this and that, oh man we thought it was going to be a disaster! Ended up after we poured this sugar/cocoa powder mix on top, then we added the 6 cups hot water then baked it, oh man oh man now we know why! It soaked that chocolaty goodness up! We had a real winner! So amen to that, we did pray for it :)
Today is Kimberly's bday! We're suppose to have a braai at the house, however if it rains it could be interesting. The girls have invited everyone to bring meat and whatever else they can. Friday, our friend Rebecca cooked up an Arabian Night's feast (I had a game so didn't participate) but she grew up in Iraq and then moved out to I think Vermont. So she had hummus and all sorts of goodies. These girls love to eat and bake. Oh and I guess since our stove is to be taken soon, Lydia found a cheap one for like R450 that even has an oven since ours never worked to begin with, you have all the girls just dreaming and bragging about the cake offs we're going to have in the house. Man oh man I'm going to stay on my lil apple kick when that happens! :)
Yesterday I went to this whole women's football development seminar that was this FA of England partnering with SA and organizations (who claim to be on board) from SA like City of Cape Town, Coaching for LIfe, etc. all in one room at Athlone stadium. Getting there, oh boy, was a treck in itself. THe Cape Flats, which is where like Heidevelt, Athlone, all the places people say not to go in the flats is where I've been going. I must that where it's all at. I've been really getting to see the culture and liveliness there. Just getting off the train in Athlone and the business of the lil downtown on a Saturday was awesome to see. This crackling sound system with some SAfrica's got talent singer trying to get the people's moving and they LOVE it! I would need ear plugs to stick around, but it left me grinning and loving the market vibe. Muslim's selling their smelly incense stuff and fruit/veg stands everywhere. Stores that say mattress outlet or clothing shop, and they look like Goodwill to me.
The reason I had to take this treck was because yes, even my friend Craig Hepburn, from African Brother's Academy who told me all about it, NEVER told me the time after I asked 3 times, when it began and details TIL Saturday morning around 9:30 saying OH yeah it begin in half an hour. He knows i have no vehicle, knows i live in Muizenberg. So I was frustrated to start, but knew it would be very good to go and see who is who and connect. I knew I'd see Joelle from AIS and her loving heart. I ended up getting there by 1. But it was like this team of young youth girl leaders from England who are touring doing coaching, giving positivity and motivation for girls football here. They already were in Jo berg and to hear the development officers and their struggle even in England itself is encouraging for a country who is so far off. I can remember thinking girls and football was a tragedy in NZ. But no oh now! They're world is far better than what I am experiencing and learning of it here. Here it's non existant. Much worse! When you worry about all around life in itself with eating, nutrition, health, family issues, pregnancy, drugs, transportation, facilities, education, and so much more like HIV and human trafficking, it seems football should be last on the list. Yes seems like it should be last on the list when a whole community is falling down, why build a football pitch? Why put money into something, (which FIFA has done by building structures and SOME facilities here and there, when that R100,000 could have fed people all over) is this really the solution? Having people in that room from the city, development, schools, and many areas it really helped open my eyes to SAfrica and the way things are and need to be. Looking holistically at the picture. Some communities say the pitch can never even happen because of vandalism and crime and so it's never going to be kept. Or having programs instilled where your team or local people living there, where they have no jobs anyways, (even Heidevelt has 97% unemployment) and those people get paid or supported to join in building teh nearby facilities/structures, so they can say they have been a part of that process and the value is brought back into it so they won't go tearing it down or hurting it knowing they put in the work. I hear about the problems of teachers (who apparently are hardly even paid) can't teach whent eh chidlren aren't even fed. They come hungry or their parent was shot last night and dealing with these things overide education in itself! How can you think about sport? Then again those of us who have been through it know, that there must be a tool, must be an outlet. Yes there needs to be food and life skills and much given before you can look to a sport, but the valueing of oneself, (not to use drugs, not to sleep around, not to miss school or practice) comes from finding the value. How will they find value if they are never given opportunity. So these young leaders, players from England came over and talked about opportunity that was provided. Even when they were the only girl on a boys team growing up, but getting this or that chance, or one mentor or coach and then now they're giving by at age 18 or 19 coaching 16 year olds/etc. it's this process that needs to be planted. Sport is the tool. Like JEsus really is the only way, but you can't just tell someone about something they've never really experience, like how to dribble a soccerball without showing them. So at soccer practice, you show them. Why do I need to be at soccer practice? Then you show the value of what you've learned that's being crossed over in games/competitions. Valuing each other. My teammate, my family, my friends, my teachers. It's one big messy conglomoration that needs to work together.
Sorry I'm ranting but the problems aren't just in one solution. What I'm meant to say by this all, is it doesn't need to be rocket science/tons of money/coaching courses/etc., it can be done by linking the schools with teh clubs. This is small but a start. Just like in New Zealand, you start with what you have, small sided then grow. My major input was saying, the kids are hopefully all in school. Yes so you MUST work with and in teh schools. Repay their great work and efforts of even attending school with opportunity. Sport. Then the schools create teams, energy, coaching, leaders, to work with those same spheres in clubs. They should all be nearby and walking distance to make this happen.
But the sport, is what is the tool. For myself. I know I didn't have to worry about tranportation, money, being hungry, getting boots, a kit to wear, a coach to coach me, but I still needed that 'game' to motivate me to better myself. TO challenge myself. To keep me busy and out of trouble (even though I still found trouble here and there I won't lie :)
But sport is the outlet that is probably the cheapest here. It carries over into other avenues of life. So a child says, or youth, that I can't go out tonight I have a match tomorrow I must play in. So I can't party, or drink or I must get my homework done because if I don't keep my grades up I can't play on the team. When I was just at Mario's school on Fri., I overheard the principle saying the school's team couldn't play in some tournament because of the fact that the school's reading and writing scores didn't meet the standard. MY opinion when in that school, was seeing teachers smoke in the bathroom or around the children, was enough to turn me off! I mean even the function of the school could be completely more professional to give the children what they need to learn and deserve for a better environment. Those are their leaders to look up to?
That school in Heidevelt as many, Mario says, pretty much the children can't read and write. At most the ages. I'll be learning more when we go back on Monday.
Let's talk about something more and something else because I could go on and on. I'm only struggling and praying to God to let me know if this is it. Is this the place I've been talking about most my life in saying, I need and want to go where no one wants to go? Is this it? With all the frustrations, when hearing that a teacher, or coaches, or even the only 2 qualified (which means ANY coaching courses at all) were complaining at the seminar that all their input was individual 'leaders' taking ownership of themselves. So when there's meetings...pitch. It sounds like my experiences of soccer already in this Tigervalley Rebel league, that not having a team even pitch to play for 4 weeks, is completely normal. Can you imagine meetings with city council, or with the SASCOL directors. Then I heard that even if you do show, there's about 10% women, so even if they do have input, it's overuled by the men.
I'm saying, is I am looking around, looking at the hope that is desired in these children to push me. I MUST be called back here because I can't even handle the frustrations I'm dealing with and not even having a full hand in the pie. Transport is a must that's for sure. But I was even walking to this Athlone stadium from the train station, and I saw this lil girl and 2 older boys walking her back from a supposed soccer game, and I was shocked instantly. I asked her who she played for. She said some team and I asked if they were a girls league. The older boy said no she's the only girl. But they looked so proud and excited that she plays and they won and they were bragging about her. That was totally cool to hear and see!
Hold on I'm gonna grab some coffee...

Fri quickly on internet at coffee bites

2010-05-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all, about to head off to my game tonight. Yes my Fishoek women's team is playing University of Cape Town's B team. Yes that's how low a level I'm in. This should be interesting. I didn't even get into the game I played last Friday in Bellville against their B team, and we won 12-0 AND I met all 11 players on my team pretty much that night. Terrible terrible football. HOwever, it's something and I'll do my best to be positive and enjoy the experience. Hopefully I don't get frustrated and flustered with the team just yet.
Anyhow, I also took the team this morning to meet Mario, was very nice and great to have tha texperience. The kids went nuts! Honestly Heidevelt will be great place and teh team of 8 seemed really happy to spend more time there to come. I was going to try and get out to this primary school in sea view, however the coach apparently quit from our women's B team, so I have no contact to him and his school. I sent emails out for ABSTAIN, support letters, inquiries, and emails about the holiday camps and trainings for world cup. Great stuff we're trying to push through. Now I'll go play, catch up with my friend Izak who I was going to be going to the coast with this weekend and the SOmmerset West friends, however because of Mother's Day weekend not enough could go so we're staying in town. That's ok I really wanna check out this women's development for football seminar tomorrow. Hopefully I can get details anda ride. Anyways, gotta get going before my ride gets here. Love you and Mom...
YOU ARE THE BEST!

Love you

Briefly on Thursday

2010-05-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's so nice, we have internet on BASE! Yes so taking advantage and trying to tie up lose ends with the different projects before I do personal stories. Sorry mom and dad, you've been worried and keep asking, yes health is good. I always forget to mention and even be appreciative when I'm well. I have no more stomach problems, thank the Lord, and actually, I did have a lil scare on Monday. Yeah, real weird. Remember back when I had an anaphalactic reaction, and was dying? Yeah like in 2006, well, I had those same symptoms come on Monday. I was in Fishoek with web guy Jeff, and as we started to leave I felt a bit itchy, and he said it was nothing. It grew worse and I though I 'd perhaps been bitten on my legs. Then as we're walking I"m joking about the one time I almost died and then even about the movie Hitch and his freak allergic reaction. Then I'm freaking out cause my forearms are turning all red and bumpy and itchy! Yeah, Jeff started to get freaked out and was trying to tell me stories for the whole hour walk home so get me to stop itching, and didn't really work, but at least it was nice. The hour walk was rainy and I itched, and I thought there's no way I need to risk this if it is another allergic reaction to whatever (I am not actually allergic to anything so have no clue what the heck), but I texted a few friends Martin and Thomas at like 4:30 to see if they were free, and Thomas responded first and so I said when I get to Muiz can you take me to the ER in your car? He immediately was there to get me and drove me. I think I was overreacting but still wasn't sure if I was getting short of breath. I even showed my roomates once I got home my red legs and arms like a monster! Let me tell you, by the time I was filling out forms at the ER, where Thomas kindly stayed with me but then had to run to pick up his brother at the airport then return to come get me, by 20 min from the desk to the doc's table, it was going away! Yes I felt like a freak! I explained everything and the doc completely understood with my history. But I more so felt stupid, and even was concerned about the money with which I really didn't have much to give and so was mad about being freakishly sick again! I had already spend 5-600 rand on the stomach meds. My dang poor health insurance didn't cover much, but luckily after 1 pill of anti hystamin, I was set to go with only a bill of R120. Thomas kindly took me home and by the time i even reached the girls, sleepily at 9pm, I had NO bumps left! No clue what it was and neither does the doc, perhaps some strange spice combo or a bug bite reaction, he had no idea. So that was my strange instance there. But other than that I"m well. Healthy and running and trying to get sorta fit. It's honestly been pouring for the past few days. Currently I'll explain what I"m doing today and then if/when I have time tonight I"ll write more...maybe even call!
So the New Castle DTS outreach team arrived yesterday, and I was there for orientation and just plain meeting them yesterday. THey're a great team of 8, and 5 others who are involved with other leaders. But Arun, Kiffie and I are in charge of their outreach. They look to me to keep them sporty. Ha! So, I have been engaging with Mario, in Heidevelt, at Great Commission United and his working in the school there, we're going to leave in their combi in the morning to go meet him and orientation of the school and their program. From there, we can decide how to be involved, when, etc. Basically Mario's there all day doing all types of things like skipping, reading with children, soccer, other sports, gardening, etc. So I think it will be cool to have team meet him adn see where they want to serve, what mornings, and even learn how to get there. :) THey're still a bit tired. But we have lots to do adn lots to be involved with together until June 20th they leave. SO, I actually have a bit of my own outreach team to be involved with. Pray it all goes well, excitingly and smooth.
I have lunch meeting with the YWAM Jubilee decorating crew. See what we can bring together for a meeting monday to actually get creating and painting and getting our african huts in place. It's approaching sooner than later. Then suppose to clear up abstain things online, to download, get back to people who said they could sponsor brochures, send out support concepts for my friend Collins for his school and for Mario and his program. Then supposed practice, coach before, but rain looks bad and I kinda wanna go to base worship tonight anyways. Then after base worship I promised Emile, a student from Madagascar that I'd help him bake brownies for fundraising for his school needs. He's so awesome! He even approached me to bake! Ha take that Martha Stewart! Anways, almost lunch gotta, go!

Tuesday

2010-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Tuesday May 4th:
Today I feel like saying the Winnie the poo words, It’s a blustery day! Yes it’s kicked in. I just walked back from Fishoek thinking I’d get lucky with rain to cease and I was proven wrong. I was trying to spend what little time I feel I’ve given myself to pray and reach out to God. I try so hard to put Him in the forefront of my mind, however I feel everytime I invite the holy spirit in to try and show me my heart, I get all these ideas and things to do and ways to do them or do them better. Or I get how to let people know what I’ve been doing here or not been doing and why they have been going the way they are. I wish I could show the day to day interactions and glitches that hold me up from feeling more successful. I want to describe how I feel I’ve not still culturated myself within SA because I am still frustrated and trying to rate my life and days on what’s been accomplished more than how the day was. Remembering it’s relational and it’s about enjoying life; I suppose. At the same time I want to bring in elements of proper functioning. The way things could get done faster, better (in our westernized opinions), and with more support. I mean I tell you I walked home from Fishoek because I had a few Rand on me, and not enough for a simple R5 train ticket. So I bought a few apples and walked. This is all because this morning I went to my checking to get money out. From online banking it shows $400 in my account. However when trying to take R2000 out to pay rent and live on for food, train, airtime to contact people, even desiring to get my hair cut and possibly buy some warmer clothes like a jacket and pants for the winter because it’s creeping up and I haven’t much (more than most I presume then if I compared to the townships) and yet it said I didn’t have enough funds. I tried R1000 which is about $130 and it wouldn’t allow access saying I didn’t have the funds. I feel stupid now as if I haven’t been even thinking nor looking at how my funds were and trying to continually ask for help. It’s so hard to ask for help because then you feel you must have an explanation of where it’s going, what you’re doing, and I have this complete frustration with wanting to do so much and do more and more and yet this or that doesn’t happen or can’t or we work ona website for months because one day the web guy is there or another we don’t have internet connection or even another he or I don’t have airtime to reach one another. Plans NEVER work out as desired. So I struggle with trying to keep ‘face’ and let others know what’s going on and yet I wish I had a better ‘picture’ of what would seem achieved. If you look into that supporters update, I have dabbled into probably too much. However I feel if I don’t, then if one thing doesn’t work out or I have spare time and I’m not doing enough then I don’t deserve to be ‘sponsored’ to be here. With the ABSTAIN2010 project not launched as desired with even trying to get our website published with the final brochure funded to be printed to be distributed in the downtown yada yada yada…I just feel almost like a failure not with the desired outcomes. Then again I came into this country wanting to learn the culture, understand the people, see what is happening and how I can then step in where I fit and where desired…
Sorry have to run to my leadership meeting who’s covering my area and team.

Supporters new update

2010-05-04T00:14:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2010

Dear all of my loving supporters,

Life in this beautiful country of South Africa had been incredible! Up to this point it’s been a path I’d never imagined. Even still, I’m here and I’ve extended this journey to finish after the FIFA World Cup. So with 3 months left, I’m here to update you on the experience thus far and the ministries I’ll be participating in to finish with.

I really want to apologize for not enough updates on my blog and any great photos because it’s not quite the bush here, yet the time to get internet access and uploads on top of safe places to take camera’s have not been easy. Therefore I’m doing what I can.

As most of you know I have been working on this ABSTAIN2010 campaign, which is basically an awareness and prevention of HIV, human trafficking and increase in the sex industry for the time of the world cup. The aim was to focus our attention on those coming to this country and show them what is actually happening behind the scenes. This was placed upon my heart for my outreach in my DTS (discipleship training school), so unlike other 3 month outreach programs for YWAM DTS students, I pretty much created my own with support from the eldership/leaders on my base. With a very unique case, I had meetings, unique team members, and different ways of trying to get a message created and distributed in the past 3 months. I learned more than I ever could and having God stretch me in ways I’d never imagined I can say he’s prepared me for things in the future I’m certain. I can’t say I’m let down by what’s come out of this process, however we are in the late stages of getting a brochure printed by a few NGOs and volunteers to distribute to the hotels and hostels downtown during the months of the World Cup here. We had however, planned on videos, radio commercials (which still may get produces), marches, and so much more, in the end of this process, I at least have some amazing new friends and connections. If even a brochure gets to one man who learns something about human trafficking, then that’s one more person who can help prevent the growth of using victims.

So, we’re still pushing that brochure and cleaning up website to match the information with the knowledge and details of the Safe House which is trying to fundraise to be purchased. Safe houses are for the victims who are rescued from the human trafficking and need much rehabilitation to be returned back into life, even back into their own country they were robbed from. The brochure distribution along with Justice Acts flyers isn’t an issue with getting them into the hostels and hotels since we contacted them already, it’s just getting them printed to then take trips with a few teams to go from hotel to hostel downtown. Justice Acts have even offered to send some of the brochures with them to their other FIFA host cities to be distributed. Even the World Cup network ministry of The Ultimate Goal has offered to put our information on their website for other ministries/teams to download and distribute. Please pray it can all come through.

In extending my ‘outreach’ and time until after the world cup to see this project (among others) to be delivered, I’m also finally involving myself with other ministries. I’ve made such great contacts and people who can be linked together for a more successful World Cup time, I’m trying to mend those people/organizations together. For instance, there’s this incredible organization called Samaritans Feet, who distribute shoes to children in need. There’s more to it than just handing out shoes, it’s actually incredible to have this ministry of foot washing and hearing from the children some of their desires and dreams. Interestingly enough, the shoes are also a health contributor. There is a story of how a woman who volunteered in Kenya found a large amount of children who had HIV. The reason was merely because the poor mothers had children who were bare foot, and they had used infected needles to pick the worms out of their children’s feet that contracted worms in the wet mud. So, this ministry has over 30,000 shoes to distribute in the next month and I’m linking our YWAM girl who’s heading that up with those different academies and ministries in need. On top of this, there’s training to go with this process so that an able body of volunteers can help this process happen easily, and I am also beginning to take charge of teams coming through our base in YWAM. Not only am I helping the different teams such as 2 DTS teams on outreach from New Castle in Australia to go to different places to serve (sports and music specifics), they will be getting the proper training to help deliver these shoes. So much happening it’s unreal!

So I am sort of the sports coordinator  Go figure! Yes my knee hasn’t needed surgery, so I’m slowly getting back into running and trying to play in pick up games and now when I can, this poor Fishoek women’s team. It’s possibly some of the worst soccer I’ve ever been a part of, however I see such a way to minister to these women/girls from townships who are very skillful, but need direction and a bit of love I believe. I can’t stay obviously the whole season since I’m leaving August 1st, but I will try and take part as much as I can.

That takes me to the soccer. Yes Fishoek, which is a town about an hour’s walk away, but my great friends have been giving me lifts to trainings and games so far. However the organization (more than frustrated with all of South Africa and the non-organization) has almost made me want to quit. From the little boys (there’s no girls soccer basically under the age of 14), all the way to the men’s team, I’ve seen teams never show, practices where 500 boys show up and they stand in lines of 15 deep because there’s only say 5 soccer balls per team. Our women’s team finally had a match last Friday, after trying 4 weeks in a row to get an opponent to show up. We had exactly 11, and we won 12-0. Makes my team sound amazing eh? Well it was the first time I’d ever met half my team or seen the rest even run before. That’s how poor we are. The B team work hard and have potential. Their coach has asked me to come when I can to do a few sessions with the girls at his school and even the younger ages. I will make as much as I can on Fridays. There’s also a soccer ministry on Monday’s in a township where we just play with the local boys/men who are unemployed (since most townships have about 95% unemployment).

I’m also volunteered myself as well as a few who have been helping me with the ABSTAIN2010 project to put time towards our YWAM Jubilee celebration here in South Africa, May 24-25th. Yes it’s the 50th anniversary of YWAM, so it’s a huge event called The Flame Goes Forward. Here in Cape Town, our base is hosting the event, (which is in all the countries YWAM is a part of) for all of Africa celebration. Loren and Darling Cunningham are coming here to speak and be a part of the massive celebration. On top of that there will be anywhere from 500-700 others joining. I am in charge of the structure of events on the days of as well as the decorating committee. Yikes! I know too much, but I’m trying to make it all happen. It’s nice to use different strengths and different people to work with.

Lastly I’d like to say that I’ve been praying to know my next steps in the future. I will be coming home in August, however I’m praying about coming back to South Africa in the future or not. Like I said there’s absolutely nothing for the girls here and soccer. As I’ve been culturating myself here, researching, going into townships, visiting academies/ministries, speaking with leaders, young girls, teams, etc., there’s SUCH a need for a ‘tool’ as an outlet for girls. It’s truly fascinating for SAfricans to hear about a girl who plays soccer. It’s unique and girls here really don’t participate in many sports. Soccer should be the main thing they get to play since the boys have many opportunities and academies; however there’s no structure in place yet for the girls. Now I see why the women’s league struggles because there’s not even a building block of development. With Ambassador In Sport (who by the way is going to be doing a tour during the world cup in playing and doing HIV prevention ministry to women and children I may be a part of along with our ABSTAIN2010 campaign), and many other already intact academies, I’m seeing who’s doing what, how there’s a place to partner with and hopefully start a girls-only league.

Mario, this fellow from Greater Commission United academy, he’s an X gangster turned Christian and doing this amazing thing within his community to rise up criminals and the poor to be a part of his holistic soccer programs which include feeding, educating, ministering, etc., (if you would like to sponsor a player he’s in desperate need, just email me about it and I can forward you the information) he said there’s without a doubt endless girls who would come out to play if there was a league. Mario struggles for coaches for himself, let alone if he had those boys coaching girls in a township, he said was completely unrealistic. I agreed and said yes, you must have girls coaching girls. There’s this ownership girls must take to show the importance of bonding, role models and much more. So the few women/girls who play/coach/teach can be trained enough to hand a girls team of say 7, and perhaps they could even get paid which is more incentive and job opportunity on top of it. I have so many ideas and speaking with sponsors, other NGO’s even my friend from the government who would love to help build this up properly, and structured to make sure it’s successful. I have agreed it’s more than needed and could be powerful! Soccer is the tool that IS HIV/AIDS prevention, trafficking prevention, hopelessness prevention, and so much more! There’s endless funding to be given for such purposes. The question for me is, do I want to and have the patience to come back and run this. It would take a commitment of at least a year or two. What I do know is this; if I come back, I will be getting paid for what I do, have a vehicle, internet access and a cell phone with airtime. Those few things that jobs can cover have been what has made my experience harder than it needed to be.

I may or may not be the one who champions this idea of a girls-only soccer league to be the beginning pilot for the rest of the country, however I will do what I can with the research and contacts I have met for the one who can and will. There’s been another great girl who must have been my twin at birth named Amy. She’s come through the ministry of Living Hope who is out here in my area I’m working with for the holiday camps during the world cup, etc. Amy plays with me on the Fishoek team and plays with the men sometimes as well. She’s a nut about soccer and God. She’s coming back for sure in January with AIS. We’re speaking and praying but so much in God’s hands.
In conclusion, I at least wanted to update you on what is happening and going to happen. The World Cup is going to be a crazy time here in South Africa and I can already see my time being taken over with helping here and there. If you can and would please keep me, the base, the teams coming and who want to come, the kids/families/tourists we will reach, transportation, funding, the Jubilee, health, and God’ hand in everything we do here! That would be such a blessing. Finances haven’t been much of an issue so far and that’s from the bottom of my heart so grateful for everything! I can’t believe I’ve been here able to serve with the backing of wonderful hearts across the world! Finances have been spent on my housing, food, traveling, cell phone, medical bills (been sick a few times and have had to see the doctor for my knee), insurance, visa, visa extension and my extended plane ticket. There are little things here and there obviously that also come up. No I don’t have world cup tickets, and have been offered some in Joberg if I could get up there to see the New Zealand team. There’s just too much cost involved, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy my time here with the communities I’ve been in relationship with already.

For the remaining 3 months, I still need to raise funds of around R12,000. I calculated my rent/utilities R1,500, food R1,200, internet/phone, R400, and extras (train travel, toiletries, hair cut, etc.) R1000. So about R4,000 a month with 3 months of May, June and July left I need around R12,000. This equates to around $1,700 for 3 months longer here in South Africa. God always supplies and never fails so I must have faith. I could possibly live on more or less so I am trying to not stress about this. Please keep me in your prayers. There are also so many other YWAMers around me who struggle for schools, accommodation, even a day’s train ticket. Please keep them in your prayers to continue in the steps God has called them.

If you would like to financially support me you can do so by directly transferring into my savings account through Bank of America
Savings account # 485002294947
Or you can send a check for a tax write off to:
Rainier Community Church of God
321 W C St.
PO Box 849
Rainier OR, 97048 (503)556-5661
Be sure to put a note that it’s for Noel Cameron

www.noelcameron.blogspot.com

If you could or would like to contact me in any way please do so at
noel_cameron@hotmail.com

Look so forward to coming home and visiting everyone. Your prayers, support, financial support, and even a few hello’s always make my day here! Thank you again! Thank you especially to the church for being so faithful to me. I hope I can continue to update you and share the things God is doing on this side of the globe!

Blessings,

Noel Cameron

No internet

2010-04-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

So I finally heard the reason it's been so bad to get connection is because of some line that broke in the Mediteranean. Not sure if this is true, but it's been useless. So it's expensive here at local cafe, so I'm brief.
Basically I'll do better updating later. Been hectic busy with random things, but enjoying it all. Not quite the response just yet on the brochures but coming along as fast as africa and volunteering can. Would like to mention th efrustrating team never showed to play us on Tuesday, AGAIN, so very frustrated already with women's soccer here. Or lack there of. But it' sok. Plenty involved, seeing more, organizing teams, missing home :) went ot gypsy party monday and yeah, just going along. Gotta help train and coach tonight. Miss you all terribly. I'll have to have proper update for church here soon.
Love you

My daddy's bday

2010-04-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

Daddy I love you and wish you a happy happy birthday!

Yes I scored a goal for you last night and had a few assists, how's that? :) Oh man it was so crazy. I have to keep my patience once again here in Africa, because for the 2nd week in a row the other team didn't show up for our supposed 'A' team and so Amy and I played for the B to get a run around. It was like lil high school if not younger girls, a referee who was coaching, reffing, blowing his dang whistle in my ear, and 1 ball for the entire pitch. Never the less, I still got to run around, shoot the ball, pass, and just feel back in an element I've almost for got the feeling. THere's no turning back now, soccer it is! So so much potential as well here with the few girls i've seen. Even going to this pizza place prior to the game and meeting the owners in Fishoek, talking about the endless need for girls, the support and even just wanting me in the high school here in fishoek. My 'coach' for the B team has like 10 teams out in Sun Valley he is inviting me to come check out next week. I need to check it out that's for sure. I just am so scared to commit to something in case it's not in my heart or area to take over. It must be strategically planned so that it doesn't fail. So that it's not a bunch of overseas people coming and doing something and then leaving and nothing happening.
I spent another R150 for medicine again today. Sadly my stomach stil isn't right. One day I think it is, one day it's not. Especially with trying to run around and play soccer. So after a great ostrich dinner with Martin's place (my new favorite meat, or cook I don't know which one takes credit) and that night not sleeping well because my stomach hurt so much, I then decided yesterday to go to the doc. She gave me some antibiotic thing that said this should work. Just expensive ya know! Enough of my stomach problems, I'll be sorted now but just know that it's money I hate spending so please keep praying for funds to be not an issue.
Beautiful today, however it's cold. I think after cleaning house I'll try and get in the pool, since I'm SORE! Yeah, older but slowly and surely and I ran most the game last night so it's a great start. I sure love Amy. She's this crazy soccer pationate girl from Delaware and we get along great and she's comign back for sure in January. I still have yet to talk with her and Ambassadors in Sport about the future, not just the world cup time.
So so much, trying to organize. I'm trying to get sponsors for the brochures so ABSTAIN can be out there, even connecting with Justice ACts and they have abilities to distribute in the other cities. We have beer mats not, events, and hotels/hostels to distribute, just would be great to get them printed asap. So waiting back from those who can fund them. It's hard seeing momentum slow, and passion, kinda going into football, but perhaps it's still good. I mean I don't even have passion to speak in front of people, (never did anyways) about ABSTAIN yet it's still important. IJust so glad great things are happening. Justice ACts found 5 girls the other night at this place they were held hostage in. Made headlines in the Cape Argus.
I guess if there's any prayer requests, it's that the organization with limited time left to get volunteers for the 6 locations, for 4 weeks holiday programs with Living Hope is sorted, transportation, Samaritans Feet program, ABSTAIN to get some message out that makes an impact, the base and teams enjoy this time, and the planning with ARts With A Mission espeically for the 50th anniversary goes smoothly.
Kale I'd love to hear how you are doing and planning for your trip? Dad says ya'll are getting together for his bday today. I really miss you guys. Hopefully I can call when you're altogether would be great. What time is dinner? I'll try so hard ok? I miss you Kale.
Mom, how is everthing there? I received the documents for DMV, thank you. I'll have to look at those. Really excited to come home to some fresh fish!
Please also keep on the lookout for work when I return. AGain probably not career, but something to sustain myself.
I heard katie Lind is moving to NZ to be a teacher and trying to connect her with playing. That's so great!
I'm also trying to find out ANYONE flying into Cape Town for WC, who possibly could bring anything like a bag of balls, any gear, etc., there's such such endless need. Any bit helps! Please spread the word.
I'll talk more to you all later,
Love you!
Noel

Cold Wednesday

2010-04-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yes it's getting there. It's crazy because one minute the sky is clear and the next it's pouring down rain. Yeah winter's creeping and wind's blowing. Oh I even heard from jamie my lovely from NZ today! Holy cow it was crazy! Well I think it's also because it was at the most random time today. I was in the Cape Flats, checking out Mario's "academy" and in the deepest convo about girls and the hope and opportunity and the resources and needs adn what I had been doing in NZ and then Jamie calls! WOW, it was such an unique opportunity.
I finally got train to Mowbray, and had Mario pick me up from there. So interesting ot see these lil vendors just parked ANYWHERe they can. like they create something from nothing. Right there off the train station, fruit lady, then there's like clothing ladies all over selling what looks like stuff they rummaged through the garbage.
Mario took me to this place, where looks like a teal colored thrown together shacks, built apparently in the 60s. Literally one of the parts of the cealings fell down while we were inside chatting. It's a school! yes in one of the poorest parts of this township. I guess it's a colored community that has the biggest problems with gangsterism. yes gangsters. Mario said that 90% are on tick. Tick is Meth here. 90%!
So the kids don't have clothes or food because their parents sell and use eveyrthing for drugs. Some kids go to rehab at 9 years old. 9 year old for drug rehab! YES crazy. And we fed bread to the boys before their training because sometimes it's the only meal they've evne had all day. I gave this lil boy sittin next to me while i was talking with Mario a lil banana I had while he ate bread quietly reading barney, or at least looking because most can't read or write. The lil boy said Danki, which is thank you in Afrikaans, and Mario said a month ago he wouldn't say even thank you. SO his program is just giving love and life and to real people from the people. HIs partners who help coach and feed are x convicts, addicts, etc. Young! Missing teeth!
But he talked about his is completely different than any other academy. Loving. Just loving just JEsus did. He said so many have come wanting to 'partner' like Ambassador in Sport, and Mario looked at their documents and paperwork to have coaches come coach etc., and said we're all living for His kingdom, why must we sign documents why dont 'you just teach US, who live here, who are x gangsters, who know the way, to coach the kids. Not some white people coming in with programs and lessons and then leaving? I saw his point.
NO GIRLS programs! None of the sort. He said there's so much dang potential. He said girls would be lining up out the door if they could play soccer and have hope etc. He said that he would do it, but even he struggles with finances, resources, people, even they don't know proper coaching but they do what they can. PLUS, he said they must be females. They have to be especially in the townships because young girls with older men just isn't right. DOesn't even look right. I agreed it must be women! GIrls.
I shared my heart and he shared his, and really was lightening with my passion and ideas for the future for girls. THrowing around the people i Know with possible funding, coaching contacts, even Samarians Feet. I mentioned the outreach YWAM teams during the world cup and how I'm sorta involved with organizing thier ministries if they could come. He was really happy. Said he wishes he even had like a physio or nutritionist. I mean to hear him dream of being able to serve the children/youth 'proffesional' meals, of pasta, salad, and milk before games, would be a dream!
Anyways, I also met some of their funders which is a backpackers downtown. Great girls I met from there one is the owner. Also interested and passionate about human trafficking, so will distribute brochures etc.
Anyways, even simply asking the retuning of keys from the guests, they get R50 they can donate it and if they do backpackers matches all of it. That's like R15,000 a month. Desperately helps.
So loved the day! I made it back to play a lil pick up, nothing great and I'm super super slow! I see only lil flashes of things I once could do. But it's ok.
I went to Fishoek trainig yesterday with Kimberly. Yes I got her to come out. Saw the boys at the club, about 400 on the field from townships who play for the club at 5:30 with Sean. Crazy! They need help. Again nothing for girls really. I even had a mom approach me and ask if there was something for girls. I said I don't think so. THen th efirst women's training, which was some who never have played, some 100 pounds over weight etc., on the field. Kim and I had a ball. Great fitness but soon I better be playing with Amy on the mens side at least 2nd team. We're working on it.
So much more and ministries connecting, I'd love to say more but have to get going.
Great to hear from you dad, Kale when are you leaving? Jeff how are you? Andie i love you so so much! Heard Blazers are doing well! Mommy, I'm more like you I find daily, and that's a great thing! :)
Muah!

It's 10pm and I'm tired

2010-04-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

I can remember in college I'd go to bed at like 3am easily. I'd have to set my alarm for 1pm class. Is this real life? What is real life?
I had such a weird thinking day. I mean I was alone most of the time to my own thoughts which is so scary to think to know what's really on your heart. I tried to get outta Muizenberg to just be alone and do something. However the Cavendish Mall wasn't even more thrilling than I expected. I mean the day was beautiful, but I was excited to get out and go somewhere. HOwever I ended up getting up early, doing some errands, cleaning, trying to prepare the day, and yet again no internet. I'm here late night in th eoffice, oh and some guys just came in luckily to be here with me.
Well what I did discover was thoughts hard in my head. Too many to be exact. I mean I was at the movie store with Lydia last night and I couldn't pick a movie out until she recommended some. I was in Woolworths today and couldn't pick ANY food out because I wasn't sure waht I wanted. Seriously I have a problem. I mean Kimberley was speaking to me about praying for specific things. Our friend here Rebecca prayer for a ring from God, and you know what? Yes she got. I mean that's what power there is in God. However if I dont' even know what i want, then what the heck am I suppose to ask for? I won't receive the gifts and have a better relationship with the father if I dont' even spend time even asking. I mean how do I order my coffee? Is it the coffee I wanna taste? Is it the caffiene? Is it the fact that I don't want to gain weight with a big ol sugary drink or do I really like the taste? I just need to start to search my heart because obviously God created me and my desires inside me for a reason. I need to gather this. I need to know so I can then be able to commit to something. Oh my dreams and more come to life and I just desire to quit dreaming so dang big and not doing something about it. I know if I drop a pebble in a pond it ripples. However, I need to drop that pebble. This needs to be known. I need to knwo what i want and GO for it! I must draw closer. I must know how I want my eggs and if and who I want to marry and what kind of car I want to drive including the color. Oh man i gotta get to sleep. I'm sory Ilove you!

Wow, sorry for such delays

2010-04-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know it's been some time. I can only I guess, backtrack to try.
I can barely walk, my calves are cramping, but it's great because you know why? Yes I played soccer today. Not well, but there were very minimal glimpses of football. I was suppose to play last night with the Fishoek girls team, but my registration wasn't in on time. Turns out the other team didn't show anyways. So just my luck. SO, I played pick up today like they do every Saturday morning at the American academy near the US embassy. Was pick up, but so good to be there. I however sadly didn't get to put shoes on kids like I wanted. Yes, the Samaritan Feet trainig was yesterday, which is an incredible organization. They're here to donate 30,000 shoes to children here. I guess they're based in the states and have some goal of like 30 million in 10 years or something crazy like that. Well the head man who created it all is this great man Manny, who is from Nigeria, but when he was young he was given a pair of shoes from an American missionary, and those shoes meant the world of hope to him. He went on to get a scholarship to play BB in the states, and there he still is today with his wonderful family. WHen he had returned back to Nigeria years later, he was reminded of the hope he was given, and wanted to do the same. That's how this all began. So, they were going to actually give lik 80,000 in SA for and around the world cup, but with problems in Haiti they sent thousands there. Anyways, there was training on the history and the actual ministry of it. Really incredible actually because it's not just handing out shoes. So, you'll like rock up with a team to a township, and basically set up camp where you can. WIth the greeters, who take sizes and information. The next station is story telling, so telling of Manny's story or any personal stories of hope. Then the kids go to the play station who are waiting in line to get their feet washed by the washers. Then once they get their feet washed just like Jesus washed the disciples feet, which is the most moving part of the whole process, (hitting 3 times of sharing the gospel in 1 setting) THEN the kids go to the shoe store, (small set up) and get their sneakers. I love it! Met Manny and even talked about what I was trying to do here, or at least getting involved with the soccer and townships and what AIS is doing, he was asking if I thought there was a need fo rsoccer cleats. I was like what? Are you serious? Like how could you even ask that in AFRICA, for township kids, especially at a time like this? CRAZY. I was like heck yes! He was talking about looking into it. I was curious what kind of shoes then they were giving out. Sneakers, I think others like crocks too.
Anyways, the interesting factor is, it's not even JUST the ministry. In so many places, having a pair of shoes means opportunity but also prevents diseases! Yes shoes can prevent HIV. How? Well there's an instance Manny was telling us about this woman who was just crushed to find this large group of children with HIV in Kenya. THe reason didn't have anything to do with sex or being abused etc. No. It was that the kids contracted worms from running around barefoot, then their mothers were using infected needles to get the worms out. CRAZY I know! What a concept though. You'd think, just for a pair of boots. I remember my first pair of brand new soccer cleats. yes the Beckhams! Jeff bought them for me and I slept in them. I'm not afraid to admit, I was 19.
So I was going to go to this township today and do the distribution, however, yes Africa, the comvy was broken. So, they couldn't even take all the people who wanted to go, then some who could go, they were having trouble finding someone who even knew where to go. I was like, well I'll go another time, so I let others go ahead and that's how I got to play football today.
So, yesterday, yes the training in the morning then was going over our awesome brochure that Cristian's made and with the help of Lydia and Susan, as well as a few others touches. I think it looks great! So excited to get this thing published! I'll try and send it out for a few corrections etc. But I'm ready to be done! Then I can send it out with Elrico and ask his Cyrus for funding, and any others. Hopefully also the printing company guy, Marc. Gotta get all that done by Monday so we're rolling to get the next rpocess of printing and funding out! I also went over corrections of the power point which I think also looks great! I was then going to meet up with Jeff to go see Alain to get access to put the updated website online. Jeff got a job at Knead, the bakery, which is great because he had no money, however he worked overtime and couldn't go see Alain.
Last night Lydia and a few of us went over to our dear friend Aibe's place for a braai. So funny. We're holding what meat we had, and fish, over the bbq, and our friend Kuda is holding a lamp outside just to see it! Ha! What great times. It was nice to hang.
Before, that, uh, oh Thursday. I spent the morning contacting people, emailing, preparing info for our brochure, etc., and then sending stuff to Jeff to put on web. I then went out to the big township Khelitsha again for our National Youth Day meeting. Stefan drove us out there, and was so lovely to pick up Pastor Templeton on the way because that man is so sincere. I mean for being Africa, he still had the decency to call me Wednesday night and ask if I was going ot be at the meeting. I couldn't believe he even remembered me! Stefan had laid out his frustrations though ont he way about the meeting on Wednesday night he had with the committee they'd elected to really plan, (youht) and said there was 4 people there. Don't know how this thing is going to kick off, but, things just always end up working out here. So it shall be interesting. Needless to say, there wasn't much to discuss at the meeting except trying to change a time so more youth might come, complainings of this and that, and hardly any of it was in English. Frustrating because they speak in Zulu and Khosa and change like 3 words in English all in 1 sentence. It's like teasing Stefan and I, we think we're getting to hear finally what they're saying and then nope, that's not English. But the support and even showing face you could tell, meant a lot. I have ideas, and connections and trying to work with Musa to get Santos out there that that and more. I'll keep going for sure.
Thursday night was base worship and it was again a beautiful reminder of just being in God's presence. Just being there. Worshipping him. Ah God is so good! Our base leader Edwin had spoken and he's always just so good at encouragement. Seriously he can inspire and usually it's always the same story of how he came from literally the poorest of the poorest places. What's truly inspiring, and you could see his tears coming, was that where he's from, lil township near Mossel Bay, is that there's not a scholarship. Yes there's this huge fund created by some business that gives 5% of their income to this fund. Why? Because they know what has become of Edwin and through YWAM, and now the fund is clearly just to send kids to YWAM, and YWAM camps. I guess it's not even money that's a problem at all anymore it's the problem of always going and picking up these 250,000R checks! Unreal! I guess there was a YWAM camp in Jeffrey's Bay last week, and there were 30 youth from this lil township! Ahhh love it!
What else has been going on? Oh I finished another book. Strangely. I read Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis. I only started because of my many trips on the train this week to downtown to get my visa stuff turned in. I loved it. It just reinspired me with my relationship with Jesus and this earth. Being here and loving everything about it. Having dinner parties for no reason than to be with people and eat and drink and enjoy one another. So serve not out of turning someone to Christianity, but just because that's what Jesus did. He served. People ask why are you serving me? Just like the washing of feet. Why are you doing this? What makes you so different? It's like pay it forward. Have youever heard of that starbucks story, where someone in line paid for a coffee for the person behind them in line, then the next car did the same, and it went on for like 14 cars! It touches people! Rob Bell talked about marrying this couple, who were asking him to do that spiritual thing he does but not do a Jesus wedding. The couple married way out in the woods near some cliff and Rob was saying that it was one of the most breath taking places and he asked why they wanted to be married there? They said it was where they both grew up in that area and they just loved the serenity and beauty and something that is just not of this world. So they too, in their own ways, were telling Rob they believed in something larger than themselves, they just wanted to be a part of it and call it something else than God in a church. It's all connected and people are searching. People can hear and feel and know that there's something more. It's not scientific. I remember Rob talking about studying Jesus back in that time and the comparison so similar to the other 'Gods' back then. It wasn't uncommon to have God's rise from the dead, or said so, even Ceasar was said to have rose. However what made the difference was the time that the disciples and people took with others to serve, talk about this Jesus, minister, share, converse, eat together and more. It was this intimate time, not just facts of oh did your God rise from the dead? Did you see an empty tomb? I mean Rob has just as many questions if not more than I do. But knowing we can't and don't have the answers, he assures me, is ok. In fact it's what unites us. We come together and ask questions and even in that provoking what we all want to ask and learn more, is what makes us feel more a part of one another. We feel it's safer. We feel more connected and not so alone. We're all in this similar journey together of searching, and that's what makes life. Beautiful eh?
Wednesday? Oh yes the day I was quite sick. I think I mentioned I was sick for almost week, but it's been a sickness I've never experienced. Yes, it was either a worm or worms, or parasite, just something not right in my stomach! UGH! So bad! I lounged around and got my prescription from the pharmacy in the morning. The doc on tuesday, said this is stomach bug season. She said I should take de worm, (which in America, is for cats!!!!) and also pro biotics. SHe said this should clean things up and if you're not getting better in a few days come back. So, basically I was a lil scared to take cat medicine and possibly find worms in my you know what, but luckily I am feeling much better, never saw anything of the sort, but able to run again. Ha! So much information. Honestly though that's why I didn't go to training on Tuesday I felt so dang sick and couldn't even run. So, wednesday I took the meds and felt really sick so stayed mostly inside, watched some movies, slept, did a lil work on base with the brochure and emailing when I could, and then it was planned that Musa's wife Joanna wanted to come and tell us about the product Herbal Life which Musa takes and she takes and is selling. So, Daneeka had agreed to us hearing this out on Wednesday at my house, luckily it was there and I could attend, but this pleasant guy came and just spoke about this product and yada yada and mostly was friendly and talked of life but still, not so sure about this vitamin and things. I mean I couldn't even think to begin to spend my money on such things. However it sounds like it works for people, whatever needs you have if sports, and nutrition, lose weight, etc., it's sounds great. I had a nice time and even phoned Musa while we were there to catch up a lil bit. SUCH wonderful people Joanna and Musa and those Kenyan's altogether, are lovely lovely people!
So, Tuesday, yikes, this is the day I went to home affairs for the send time because on Monday I went, thinking i had everything I needed. Yes got up bright and early, and was on teh train with Collins also, needing to go, by 7:30am. Was crowded! Holy Cow I can't believe thos epeople do that every morning. Yet I think I mentioned before it was sucha unique experience. I loved it! Yet, it would probably get old. I love Cape Town though. Even just seeing the mountains and the sun coming in, oh how precious. Yet even from the open windows and stop to stop on the train, seeing even children/women picking through trash in fields, and then mansions next, it's so crazy of a world here! However Monday, it fell through because right when I got there to be in line, Collins said, now you have everything right? I said I think so, I have all that Sharon had on the check list, when really it turns out I didn't. I didn't have money, didn't know it's 450R and didn't know that I had to have this form. Ah so frustrating so I immediatly went back on the train.
Oh I forgot to mention that I was going to see this academy that Mike Bardsley filmed, some guy turned Christian in this township area has some academy and I've been trying to meet him and see this since I've been here. Mario and I finally got a time down and I was going to go Wednesday. I was going to take the train to Mowbray, then he was going to have someone come and pick me up. Well, I woke up feeling terrible, and I felt so so bad calling him in the morning and saying I felt sick, but it was even more embaressing trying to tell him what kind of sickness just so he'd believe me. I mean I couldn't imagine needing a toiliet and being in some township or even on the train and not having access to one, or a good one let's put it that way. OR, I was around children and if I really had a bug, getting them sick too. I felt so terrible but that's how it went.
So, Tuesday, yeah, I went back to home affairs, couldn't even go early this time because I had to wait for Sharon to be int he office fo this paperwork, and so was in town by 10:30. The Home Affairs was packed of course, and yet it was crazy, being white must stand out more or I just got lucky. Honestly walked in, and this guy immediately puts me in the front of some line, well didn't look like a proper line. Then the lady calls, NEXT, and I looked around and no one responded so I walked right there and said I guess no one else. Finally she looked up and said I had to go to the back of this line with these chairs. So I went. However, it really took 15 miniutes and I was up at the counter again. This big black woman took all my papers and then as I prayed and prayed expecting trouble or needing this or that, she just took everything, asked for the money, and said come back in 3 weeks. I couldn't believe it! i heard endless horror stories. I mean Collins was thrown on this crazy train of going about 6 different times and they're just being silly to him! I feel bad because it really seems there is racism completely involved. Poor guy. So, I said, well my visa expires on teh 20th is that a problem? She said no. Oh Africa!!!
I spent a lil time downtown, buy fruit and checking out a few stores just because I'd never even seen in before! Green market square! Finally! I then took the train back, feeling my stomach just still so uneasy, and finally said you know what, it's been a week I need to go see the doc. So I got home and immediately walked to Fish Hoek. Oh I forgot to say that I had a this guy Wayne call me while I was out. I received his name and # from my friend Donovan in teh states. D is from here but met him in Mississippi where he's been such a blessing in connections, inspirations, and so much! Gosh, he said this guy maybe able to help me. I had no idea how. So he phones me. FIrst he thought I was a man, with the name Noel. Ha! So we chat and he's the Ajax PSL team's marketing man. He said he's leaving for Joberg, but will connect when he comes back. He asked how he could help. I said well there's many kids camps during the world cup and even possibly big youth day, wanted to know what the local pro teams were doing. I mean it would mean the world to see a celebrity ya know? Well, he caught my drift and even mentioned that they already had an email from Andre at AIS, and I said yes that's also people i Know who I maybe touring with during the world cup. So, let's keep linking this altogether! So cool!
Well, my fingers hurt. Not as much as my legs, but they hurt. Hope this helps you all know what's been going on in Noel's world. :) Remind me next time to catch you up on the possibilities of championing this girls Kick Off Aids here in the future. Total pioneer something and yet having it be more and beyond just the game. Which is my walking testimony ya know? I just need God to speak more on this for me in possible futures. I right now am getting excited even to return, but need passion without a doubt to want to deal with the african way and be back here for a longer period of time in teh future. We'll see what keep brewing. :) Even Stefan suggested and asked if that's something I'd be interesting in, especially since there's so much funding to be given for it, and even his German government wants to support something like htis here. This also is why I've been networking like crazy. See what's already happening here. Especially for girls and soccer. Because soccer's not big, but even learning that Mario has something specifically for girls, and Elrico from the government didn't know anything about it. It's linking and connecting. See what's already happening. At least I"m out kicking a ball a bit, so there ya go!
Tonight? What will I do? Well, unless of course I get a ride somewhere, I'll be here in my lovely home with my lovely Lydia and Elise. Kimberly is back, but already out the door. Oh to have a car. :)
Love you all, I really hope you're well, don't be mad I've been distant.
Love you Love you!

What madness

2010-04-12T05:15:00.000-07:00

Honestly haven't written because there has been no internet so forgive me AND because I haven't really had my computer around because Cristian has had it to be laying out the brochure. Lil frustrating as I haven't heard from Iain, (brochure person), Geraldine (GWC, and their support, and document etc.), Jeff (website man), so we've been trying to do the powerpoint, which looks awesome, and the brochure with only Cristian and Kenny's help. I've been running around here and there, and trying to link things, people, get out here and there, and man oh man back to the normal frustrations of Africa. I had 3 meetings set up Friday and not only did I feel sick (which I still do, but it's not coming outta my mouth) so I guess it was meant to be. But I stayed home and all 3, except saw Musa for a small moment on base, I didn't meet. AND still haven't sorted out my visa. So frustrating. Got up at 6am to catch train with Collins to turn in visa application, and on this smelly crowded, but fun train ride for an hour, I finally get to the line out the door, and I'm like, Collins, this doesn't cost anything to turn in the app right? Our registrar didn't give me anything, he's like YEAH! R450! I brought like R200 and Collins had none plus the form i'm supposedly suppose to have, was never given to me, so now I'm here in the office trying to track her down to have all this. I feel terribly because these are things I could have I think accomplished awhile ago. Yikes. Despite all these struggles, I'm still doing much more, even out to Fishoek football club last Friday night, met great people, actually have a match Friday, if I fax in all the right paperwork. Nothing big, apperntly some of the wives of the mens teams who haven't even played before.
I must get going but seriously will write more when I can. Just running around with so much to do. Gotta contact this Protea hotels, get brochure done, get soccer meetings accomplished, help Arts With A Mission and their programs, even Ambassadors In Sports are wanting me to help with their local outreaches here for the World Cup and possibly see ABSTAIN's content to give out? Elrico oh yeah, was here with his cute lil girls to tell me more of future plans on girls and football (which reminds me I'm going to see this academy that even has a girls specific side on Thursday) and he also spoke of his NGO Cirus to sponsor some of the pins and brochure. BUT I NEED IT DONE. Yeah things are moving, but in African hectic pace.
Love you all, any remedies to settle my stomach? No knee pain either, AMEN!

Thursday, seriously my 1st real adventures in a township

2010-04-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

Don't hate on me. I know it's not by my own choice I hadn't been in a real township yet. I was in DTS, then doing this campaign which was really indoors, which hasn't been my gig, but I have been trying to be a servant how I felt I am suppose to be. However, finally, today I happened to get into Keilitsha for the 1st time. Definitely not my last.
What a great experience just to see these literal, TOWNS, more like CITIES! that and Mitchel's Plain, holy cow! There's like 5. some million people out there in the Cape Flats. Unreal I know.
So I went out there because Stefan from Germany here has been telling me about this soccer tournament they're setting up with this Cape to Cairo thing him and Gabriel have done and are working on more together. I wanted to check it out and see what sort of events, or things were going on, maybe even how I could find some volunteers or coaches or at least how they were doing things.
I didn't know it was a meeting with many different areas and pastors about the National Youth Day coming up June 16th. Yeah, I'm learning more and more about the history etc. here. Apparently a terrible massacre of youth that day back in apartied times. Yikes, I know, I need more education obviously. Anyways, first just driving out there and the many differe colored 1 story houses, shops, or what looked like these things, with random spray painted advertising, and just LIFE everywhere. Walking all over, lil shops here and there. We first parked at this lil place which apparently was the library and lil community center. It was surrounded by real laid back gaurds carrying very visible guns. We were allowed in to meet some pastor. It was like, once they see white people it's magnets. They see money, or just, I don' tknow. I went to purchase this apple from a lady and then she wanted to fetch me water and overly helpful.
I checked out the so called library a bit, since, of course we had so much time beign in AFRICA, so I went in and looked around at the oldest school RANDOM books. Completely obviously out of date and donated hand me downs. Really interesting to see this small thing.
Finally this pastor arrived and we threw him in the lil car as well, and drove down the road in between this and that car, to this meeting area. The building was similar in what it's purpose was for. We arrived late, obviously however the man we picked up was the one holding the meeting. SO, it was ok.
All in this round table, we introduced ourselves, ME obviously being the very American and 1 of 3 girls out of 20. There was much Khosa speaking there, so I didn't follow everything. However they were really engaging and such and interesting mix to follow. I guess Keilisha was a really black township, where Mitchel's plain is all colored. Apparently even the graveyards are segregated. I heard there's 1 all white township in Joborg. So interested eh?
Well the meeting went on about needing the youht to coincide with the leaders to make this youth day, obviously run and led with youth. Much wasn't already on the table, but it sounds like they're desiring a HUGE event. In this Mendella stadium, it will be desired to have many youth organizations, booths with things like EMT, media, music, etc., of many different organizaitons, business, to show case themselves and interact. Opportunity for the youth who have no hope. A day for life to speak. They have apparently speakers, or desired speakers of gov., maybe some famous soccer players, maybe celebrities. There's even a match taht day of SA during the world cup, so perhaps show that somehow. I just see a HUGE event unorganized since it isnt' suppose to cost anything. I don't get it. However, the funny part was, once they decided they want an organizing committee, lol, they wanted to choose 6 people, preferreably youth. I couldnt' see more than a few around that table who were probably less than 25. So as they're going through this nominating process, this guy from far across the end, points to me and speaks stuff I can't comprehend. I look around totally confused, and yes everyone starts chuckling and points to me. They're freakin nominating ME! I was like, I don't even know what this holiday came from, I've never been in a township, I'm whiter than snow, I dont' even plan on being here after world cup for more events to come. Well, as Gabriel is trying to shoo them and speak for me, this ol woman heading up the meeting with her deepKhosa voice, asks for them to hush and let me speak. I tell them I'm very excited for this event and their ideas, and I'd love to help in anyway I can but I'm not sure how much involvement I can have and so won't be on the committee but support. :) SO, every Thursday now I'll be getting out there to those funny people and hoepfuly make things happen. Oh man it was awesome. Stefan and I just say, oh Africa.
Sorry also for the delay I know you're wondering what's been going on. I've been running around. Oh yes and literally, my kinee hasn't really had any pain after some runs this week.
Ah, Cristian has been working on the brochure and power point a lot with Kenny. I really expected this all done obviously, but it's not. So it's still there, but I'm trying to link and do more work. I'm finally not feeling anxiety. yes I'll elaborate more later, but now trying to use my resources and links to connect people and events for/around the world cup to help one another. For instance the 4 townships nearby and their kids camps. Trying to get volunteers, locals etc. trying to sort things out with Musa, gotta see him tomorrow. Talk about answering some questions and then also looking into the future what he's doing for the world cup and beyond in Kenya. Ahh trying to link in with Living Hope and yes their ministries, linking with Ubunto. All doing the holiday camps. Seeing if other churches I know can lend volunteers to help. Arts with a mission and I are trying to help get some of their 50 events started after the major kick off next month. I already want them to play a few places, maybe even have a match showing event here in Muiz next to CCFM. I'm trying to link them all, OH and heard from Ambassadors In Sport and the team coming here and how they'd love to see what sort of ciriculum we're creating to share with youth/women on the outreach. Or at least how ABSTAIN could be shared with them and play with them during WC. Oh man so many lil new things, or at least tying things together. Feeling a lil useful in that way. trying to get ahold of bus and airports for playing the great 2010humantraffic videos. I contacted hotels and they're super keen to get brochures, anything we have on display. I'm trying to get brochure to ask for funding and also for printing for free from people and places like Marc with that printing company. Still moving. Man oh man I'm so stinking tired. I'm sorry I must go home, getting up real early to go into town on the train to extend visa before April 20th. Love you so so much, Mommy Daddy you're missed!

Family Day in SA

2010-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

I've searched this base up and down for headphones to skype my family. I'm sorry. HOwever, know that your emails, and dad you're daily devotions are incredible. Thank you for constantly telling me as if I am there with you. Mom, don't you worry about a thing, like Stevie Wonder said. I love you unconditionally. Just wanna know you're ok and well. Muah! Great to hear about Kale and Addie visiting! Can't wait for fresh Salmon there! Man oh man!
So I'm here around 9pm on base, finishing up some emailing to make contacts to see what I can do for this project and world cup. Like everyone knows I can't be idle. I mean I do wish as the project is looking not as LARGE as I desired, but still here, it's hard to push those who has things in their hands. Like Iain with the brochure, Geraldine with the beaded pins? I say we just get the abstain2010 pins. Still following through but the movement is hard. Enthusiam is hard as well especially since much has been dropped, more things are going on (which is great to hear about more ministries and help around human trafficking) but NOW that time and what not is more available, it's finding where to fill in my time. I don't want to be useless, and I don't want Cristian and Daneeka to also be under my care with no direction. I've been trying and pushing to make this thing blow. It will have an impact, yet freedom is opening. I want to get involved asap with soccer or anything nearby. Thre's this soccer ministry in Capricorn, nearby township on Mondays I"ll join, after this holiday MOnday, then there's Capricorn wednesday night youth ministry. I would like to get to Fishoek more often for their youth coaching tuesday thursday evenings, however once it's dark, that's an hour walk back in the dark? Hard. At least a bike, yes I shall look on Gumtree I suppose for a bike. Thank you all who are offering help even financially when they hear me. Hung out with Justin last night and his friends out in Sea Point, and even taking me home, he heard my heart and said if there's anything you need at all don't feel afraid to ask. Then there's Martin always asking what I need, even good Samual in CO asking if I need a bike to help get it! Seriously! Then dad helping with some funds, no haven't hurt the knee in past few days trying out a run tomorrow though. We'll see. I'd rather injure it and know then keep this off and on without knowing if it's miniscus.
But it's overwelming because I HATE relying on people. I know this world is created for relationships. I know God has created man so we're not alone. Plus love is seen in our relationship. Real love. However, being 26 and doing this so called Black Sheep living, having some ask when I will stop traveling and 'settle' and get a real career, is hard to swallow. It's a sour pill that urks me. I've never felt I could do 'normal' things in this world, yet 'normal' I guess isn't in God's vocab, so anything i do, did, would be wonderful. At least that's the way to approach it. Just hard, asking for help when it's needed. That's why I wanted to say that I wish these next few months, I had a lil job so I could stop asking for funds to come in to finish out the ministry here. Then again it's even stranger to have people ask how the 'ministry' is going, and I feel like so much more could be could have been done. I'm really trying.
With all that being stated, I'm meaning that I'm trying to really put as much time/energy out there as I can, it's just finding where and when and why for the next few months while bringing ABSTAIN to it's finishes to have a 'product' to do with it what I can. SUCH a blessing last night to meet one of Justin's friends, who apparently owns/works for the family printing business who print like the newspapers and everything here in SA, and overheard me talking about my efforts to someone's girlfriend and said if I need anything printed, especially for a good cause, that he would be honored to help. WOW. That' cuts costs eh? God is good all thetime, he seees the future and he's ever knowing eh? Thank you. Kindness everywhere!
SO that's where I'm at. Jeff can't work on the website til Wednesday, I WANT IT DONE, even though not fantastic, I just want it up with some decent content ya know? Then contact the schools/hotels/hostels to ask to at least get this brochure in there, perhaps show powerpoint presentation? Trying.
What have I been doing. Took lil dip in the pool with the sun hot on me, yet ICE water, so I wore the ol wetsuit. yes the ol woman who's always there had a lil chuckle.
Yesterday I had a lovely Easter coffee with Suzie, then the girls got together in the house a block away and we had brunch on the floor with pancakes, eggs, fruit, oh the works! So nice to have such Christian women around for love, support and laughter. Thank you for these walls.
Suzie's now over here moved in recently near base. Everyone seems to be needing permanent housing the poor girl, but still joyous to be here. We're planning on lil prayer day once a week for ourselves and maybe a few others. Just to get prayers in. She reminded me how when she was with these other missionaries from Germany who were preparing to go out and do missions as well, that one reminded her how powerful the spirits are in Africa. There's real spiritual world here that's beyond what we realize and remember and when things get tough, even just within our buble and the ones around and we're not even sure why, we pray, we MUST pray into that. Fight what satan's trying to grab onto. Unique place it is.
To see Camp's Bay last night, with the Capri night club with Justin and his wonderfully nice friends was such an eye opener. See the differences. World of the beautiful people, probably half on drugs, making millions and trying to look better thant he other. Martin strangely was there with his friends who were in town and it was wonderful to have a few familiar faces to a strange American. I met many from around the world there, however they all had the appeal of desiring more. Always the interesting 'religious' talks and ideologies I come across to help me pray for answers to help them and speak from God not my own. I always leave praying I've helped more than hindered. They need Jesus too.
Martin and Justin say I was/am social butterfly, but I reminded them I know no one, so how else to begin? It was alright, but nothing I can do constantly. Helps me love where I am and appreciate life and the many cultures. Muizenberg the place of hippies and yet they're wannabe followers of the rastaffarian trend out here and then those in Camps Bay the trend of the rich and beverly hills famous. All desiring meaning. thank you oh Lord. Praise be to you forever! Please help me to find more of the answers not to be wiser than those, but to have your word speaking through me to change their hearts.
My dad's devotion was so incredible to read today about what a joy and blessing we have to evangelize. To have the God who created heavens and mountains, to have his word speaking through us. YES speaking through us! We have that power! Crazy, and what a true gift, to even share, to see that spirit change, to see life excite in their faces with this message. Oh we're blessed!
Amen to you all, and have such an incredible week!
Oh yeah, hopefully meeting up with Elrico this week and speaking about this Bennie McCarthy Academy possibility of girls side of it after the world cup, please keep the gift of discernment upon him and I in hearing of such opportunities. I'm not sure after the world cup, but i do pray for guidance on where to go next. I know back home, but I will need work. I will need to earn money, I believe at least. I haven't felt called anywher eyet, then again, I never know what God is doing because I feel weak in hearing him. trying to open my heart more. But, keep ears/eyes open for possibly job opportunities, ministries, coaching? Who knows, but ideas.
On that note, bye bye

OH easter weekend

2010-04-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

SA has holidays for everything. OF course Good Friday is a must, however they have MOnday off as well for "family day". Yes come on America let's get creative as well. I remember NZ having so many holidays for no reason at all. Not bad for the warm cultures I suppose. Keeps me in this state of numbness of wanting to 'accomplish' tasks, yet just enjoying my time and people around.
I hate though, that I'm stuck out here. I don't have the luxury of hoping into the car and going wherever I desire. I can't hope on train not sure of my ride home in case it's too late to catch a train, or past dark, or no one to go with. TRuly it's an incredible country, but yes the transportation combined with safety precautions doesn't give Noel the freedom Noel desires. Hard trade.
I've been just feening to get outta Muizenberg for sometime. Finally last night my dear Empire Cafe owner Dave took me out to Kalk Bay just for a bit. ALways nice to dress up and enjoy a few hours out. I appreciated it and holy cow, that moonrise, it's breathtaking. This is a restaurant/club that is literally on the rocks, they open the huge windows and the waves are crashing right there. The sea kelp is glowing and it's just crazy! Then the moon over the calm warm night, was perfect. A camera wouldn't have even done it justice.
I just finished watching Man U and Chelsea at the few local shops here in Muiz. Not bad, still I hvae this anxiety, like I had yesterday of desiring to go, or do, or be with someone somewhere. I have no idea where, but it brings back memories of when I was younger and I just sat in my lil town just always thinking, what's going on out there in this world that I'm missing out on. Not proud of the thought, however it is still there. Knocking on my door.
So, back here at base, checking in on things. I have Kim's old phone with same # so back connected with the real world a bit. Still, I wondering what's happening ou there. There's a huge race today called 2 oceans, and so Martin's friends and my friend Justin ran in that. THere should be some celebrations after. Justin may even go camping and invited me.
I'm frustrated a lil because I started like I said, kicking the ball a bit, juggling, running, etc. ALL was well, til yesterday after I ran boyes drive, came home, kicked in the back deck a bit, then got ready to go out, my same knee was hurting. This twinge I can feel. IT's the similar feeling that haunted me for so long. NO WAY is this possible. Why now? Why didn't i feel it a month ago when I ran a bit and did some stairs? I was going to play soccer with the guys this morning, however I am fearing that my anger will come and make me break out in tears to realize it's true: it's my miniscus. Really pray it's not, however I'm feeling it out.
Even though I have insurance here, if they don't cover an MRI, I'm certain they won't cover surgery. This puts me in a very interesting state. I'm trying to not thinka bout too much right now. Going to run on the beach in a bit to feel it out.
Ah!
So, yeah, strange feeling being here on Easter and not feeling like easter. I would love ot have my freedom to just roam. Go out and meet people, chat, go to festivals, whatever! Suzie had brunch for Daneeka and I yesterday, and afterwards I was just anxious and she had so many things on her plate moving here, but still so many without a permanent housing for awhile, visa issues, 'staff' or not for YWAM and figuring that out, I know she has more on her plate than I should be complaining about. So she reminded me, let's pray. I said I wasnt' even sure what to pray about except that I was feeling indifferent to life.
AFterwards, of course, God allowed me to chill a bit. Thank you father.
I'm sure there's much more to get into, but that should be good for awhile. I miss you my family and friends. I really do. I don't know if I'm making a difference, but I know that YOU ALL have the capabilities and personalities to do so. Just the desire is a seed that can be watered. Dad, I'm so glad you love and have forever stuck through wtih teaching and the many opportunities you get. You really put your passion into it, and it's reflective.
Mom, know that you are so loved! People draw to you and just love everything you do and the spirit you possess. In an office setting at the moment, sieze the day. Yes, like a Marine, take those lil opportunities to be a light. You have it, and you do it, and even when things are tough and you aren't appreciated, look up. He sees it. Your heart is gold. I miss feeling it so close.
Kale, well I dont' even have ot elaborate. You're just a genius. 'The Professor' whom I have always dearly looked up to. I'll never forget the day we were in your room as kids just standing there in our sweat pants, and you said let's just pee right here. I know this is rediculous, but I peed my pants right there next to you because you peed your pants right there. No clue what mom did after that because I'm sure she never got it, but I followed. I will always follow and that's what has helped drive me to be better in this world. Grap hold of that humbling magic!
Oh and by the way, thank you for dating Terin and having Addie to hold mom and dad over with a grandchild for awhile ;) Can't wait to spend time with ya'll.
Love you!

Tuesday eve, watched Man U lose on base here

2010-03-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yes at least this TV has been turned on for some use, other than a WC countdown.
I'm in such a weird position in thinking for my 'outreach' and purpose here. I still am super passionate about this stuff, but the more I'm here the more I'm hearing about trafficking and feeling that I don't have as much of a massive 'need' to go crazy about spreading a message. I'm still of course following through, not as thoroughly as planned, but then again, none of this was planned before. Perhaps God was using this interesting opportunity to keep me here. Prepare me. Of course we're always learning and preparing. I just feel like I'm in a strange place at the moment. Website isn't spectacular, but then again it's not suppose to be, it's going to be for a reference, and to push people to more important info on the other websites. There's great things out there, then again this message from originally God's world is super important. Yes I know, but I don't feel this crazy need to get this and that out. I was looking up The Ultimate Goal online and seeing so much going on for different ministries, and I feel once this brochure is designed, then we're ready to email it out to people to see what this message is about, see if they can and will help print out, hand out, talk about, check out powerpoint on website. Keep spreading more awareness and also throw in the abstain message that goes to the roots of the issues we're protecting against. So important, but there's like this itching desire that is moving my attention. I keep hearing/seeing more around the world cup, with soccer etc. I even went on the field today with my soccer socks on, well actually tonight under the lights while I caught Brian going to a training. They're rubbish, but I still wouldn't play with anyone yet. I barely did much but I'm sore.
So nice though to start somewhere. It's just terribly difficult to see what's going on with trainings, ministries, teams, coachin, and no car. It's not easy. And if anything goes past night time, you can't be out, at least not alone. White girl. Hard.
I spent the day in Fish Hoek trying to work on website with Jeff, and with no phone it wasn't easy, I didn't catch him til almost noon and by then I was about to leave but managed to find Iain at his work and we headed to deeper Fish Hoek into the mall to go to badgeman. We got quotes for badges, and if we get around 5000 it'll cost about R2 each. If we sold them for R5 we could use profits to produce more brochures.
People keep asking how ministry is going and I'm confused because I feel good, but yet I it's not really because I still hav enothing to show. However, I feel like once we have this message on a brochure and website, ANYONE can access it. Kiffie and the arts ministry thing here who are doing 50 events, we need to link in, help create/be at events and 'hey' there we give out our information etc. That's the type of thing, we our team, I see us needing to get linked into. Soon we won't have anything more to work on except getting the message out.
I still want to get Collins and Kenny on CCFM and spread awareness here, and if churches/schools raise up interest in desiring something to do for WC time, they can help get this message out in the streets etc. I even have contacts to hotels etc., it's just deciding what's best to be there for that audience. We need brochure done, it's just in Iain's hands and he needs his free days, which since it' sholidays with 4 day weekend, he can't work on it much I think til Friday. hard to ask for more especially when it's not me and it's not my job.
Wish I could be at calm and peace even if it's not a proper job in my hands, then again that's how I like things, BUT, I also hate not 'moving'. Hardest thing to do. My dad is the same way. Yes dad we can never have 'nothing' no 'goal' to go towards. It really urks us. I know. Hardest thing for me to do is chill. Even harder is to chill, not thinking about anything in the future or past. What a gift it would be to be present. Yes?
Probably not making much sense anymore. However, tomorrow gonna work on writing up proposal for help in printing and badges, supposed meeting with CCFM at 10 but haven't heard from them yet, and then we'll be going to Capricorn, my FIRST experience in a township tomorrow with some students who are doing lil ministry out there for youth. I'm stoked. Then meting at 8pm with this big sports man mark Gasper or something with the WC Kick Off team. Hope all goes well adn the lights begin to shine on what we're to do next. What to pursue. Where to move, when to move.
I'm exhausted!
Love you all!

Monday Monday, la la, la la la la

2010-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Tis time for me to get to my house here soon, but yes I need to update my loving readers since it makes it easier than to individually always catch ya'll up.
SA is beautiful. I can't express that in any form of English words. However I will try my dear darling hardest to steal some of Martin's photos just to show you. ANd I've hardly been outta the cape. Or even around the Cape. Soon!
Campaign, is scaring me again like I said. I am kinda feeling complacent. Hope that's for the better. My old leader Simone said that's usually how team leaders look and feel after their first few weeks of outreach. SO maybe I've just done outreach, in a longer process (feeling like it was) and now the hard work (emotionally) has been done. True?
Ok, I need to fill in a few more on teh weekend. Right?
Friday I was graciously picked up like I explained and went to this Africans 21st of Martin's cousin. FUN! Probably had 5 cupcakes, YES I'm gaining weight you better believe it and not thrilled but feeling my muscles return. Swimming was COLD today, but a breeze. Must be the runnning I'm beginning. I already the Brazilians I'd play footy saturday so I must now!
Crap, my computer might run outta battery, sorry,
Quickly, then Saturday I got chores done, groceries, walked to Fishoek with Daneeka, rained, sunshine all the weather CT provides in the walk!
Saturday night tried to plan out the lil photoshoot for Musa on Sunday, but things weren't falling into place. But ended up with photos in the end. I caught up with my mate Aibe, played a bit of card game, but really was dead tired by 11:30 and went home to crash!
Sunday got up early, strolled on my beach here and then Martin picked Collins and I up to go to Musa,s, get his photos then headed off to see Martin's parents (they were suppose to fly out back to Pretoria). Martin and I were gonna head back later to see the lil Kenya get-together, BUT, Martin's dad started drinking wine on this nice vineyard and next thing ya know he changes his flight cause his birthday was today so I couldn't resist Martin from leaving his parents. WE had a lovely lovely time out on the vineyard. OH forgot to mention driving out there, we saw these cows on the side of the road, and I HAD to stop. I said Martin I need pics that 'look' like I"m in SA! It was so funny these cows eating teh grass next to this mall. The guys replied "they're filling their bellies". Of course they were! My bad ;) So great
Man oh man, now I just want to say that I'm in this strange state. Mom I'm reading this book by Paolo Coehli I think is it, called The Witch from Portobella, and i haven't been able to put it down. SO random! It's been great. He wrote the Alchemist which I loved, thank you Andrea ;) And Kim had this in her room. Crazy, I know but I'm reading it thoroughly!
Well, I gotta kick this funk or thrive in it, going home now, try and juggle the ball int he back stoop, we'll see if i can. Super late,
Buenos Noches!
Miss you muah!

Strange state

2010-03-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hi. I wanted to write something. For those who do eagerly wait to hear how and what their daughter has been up to :) MOmmmy and Daddy, this is really for you. Weekend was great, and I'm in such a strange world of no anxiety these past few days. Not sure what it is yet. Perhaps it's finding out there's so so much about human trafficking and campaign for/during the world cup. Human Trafficking IS being known and everyone is talking about it, so I think I don't feel like the weight is on my shoulders, like I was the only person worried about the time here for WC2010.
However, I worry this complacency might make abstin2010 too calm. I don't know it's weird. We almost have the brochure designed, website being finalized, I know I keep saying this but for real it is. Had a few photos of Musa yesterday and so he's our brochure cover.
No word on GWC folks who were supposed to help, and I'm sure they desire to, but haven't been around. The document to be presented for funding etc., is in my hands and looks good except to change a few things. So thanks big to Jordan for doing that. However it's looks almost too professional.
I've just been looking outside the spectrum of abstain2010 and the ministries and things coming up for the world cup and just looking to reach out, WHICH was my initial idea. Get the material made, ( and yes if it's just a brochure with a pin and a website to know more, then that's enough to move) and we link in with our strengths, say Justice Acts, or other ministries like football, we take our brochure, 'message' with them. Right? Is that where this is at? Is that why this feels almost too easy? LIke we have desired for so much of this and that, however even if we have no video, 2010HumanTraffic has great videos already created, and there's great things already designed against trafficking etc., that will go even beyond the world cup. It's fantastic! BUT, does that mean we don't push for more? I mean still no real 'show' for what we have, it's almost done to 'have' something. But, do we take the cheap bit, and take that to people? Will we be in schools? We we be at events? Do we have capability? Can we have others do this with our already network?
Received an email from Ambassadors in Sport recently, and because of costs, they aren't doing this tour around Africa for/during the world cup, no no they're basing the outreach right here in Cape Town! Ironic eh? Yeah so, I've emailed back a few questions about how to possibly help. The whole outreach is to kids/women with soccer and ministering also teaching HIV/Prevention. HEY, sounds like something I've been created to share with, right? Maybe God's been holding me out here in SA to get this opportunity? My goal is to start kicking the ball around. maybe this is my chance to begin. I'm scared. I won't lie.
Still working to get the pins/tshirts/web finalized, and brochure, and we've got a real thing! Meeting with CCFM this week for concepts for the radio advert. kenney and collins are excited to be in volved in that. Great! Oh and Kenny's helping me with the powerpoint. It's here. I'm not NOT sleeping. What's the deal?
I had a lovely lovely weekend as well! Still phone wasn't returned to restaurant, so it was stolen from Kom, sad I know I feel even worse it was from this lovely couple Ruan and Anel. Oh man!
Well, pictures of an Afrikans 21st bday party at a wine cellar in Stellenbosch are on facebook. Martin invited me to be his date to this event with his family. Said it would be real interested! Yes I had a blast! I loved it! So interesting and they were kind to me to speak as much english as they could with me. Ha! They danced their funny 80s pop Afrikans music, and had lamb on the spit to eat. OH it was so great to get out adn enjoy myself! Lovely lovely family! Martin's parents are just a joy! His mom's recently had something take control of her nerves in her body, so she's in a wheel chair, (going to the states to a neuro this month) but man oh man she was happy and having fun and his dad was just loving her. Oh they were so kind to me!
Check out photos mom/dad. Gonna get going for a bit, catch up soon!
Love you

More on today (Wednesday)

2010-03-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

There's a clock in front of me that says 28 Days, 3 hours, 5 minutes 20 seconds til the World Cup. And yet, I'm feeling more at ease lately. Doing what I can, trying and trying. The document was half done and sent to look over yesterday and Jordan's doing amazing things.
I did find however more organizations really focusing on the trafficing and world cup. There's one focused on the children during the world cup, then there's this red light 2010 campaign more on the Justice side of things. So I still see us different but it's encouraging more words are getting out, yet kinda frustrating to gut check me to ask if what we're doing is still worth it and different. and yes, it is I believe. So on we go!
Lil frustrated with GWC folks still not having met with us since our important last meeting LAST week, but hey, I know they're in school. It's just hard when they looked 'big' at the campaign with doing this and that etc., and yet they're not even doing the simple small stuff to get there. I just pray God's blessing upon it all.
You're right dad and Jeff, even if just 1 person doesn't contract HIV, or use a prostitute because of the message, then that's means this campaign was/is all worth it.
I am getting healthier though. I can feel me getting fatter again. Not sure I like it but it's happening. I am staying in touch with Ambassador in Sport about what they're getting into up and coming and during WC. I just have no idea if I'l be busier than ever, or if the message/material will be ready to just be distributed with organizations/etc, which means then I have time to be involved with other things. Soccer perhaps. I mean there's Justice Acts too, who PLEASE pray for. Kimberly is setting up this whole 2010 project with teams to work on the human trafficking with this and that and police during the world cup, and the teams from teh USA, all fell out. Too expensive. It's really harsh on them, I have no idea what's happening now, but they're praying for locals to rise up. I even had her ask what Daneeka does for me yesterday, and I don't know if she was intending to ask what she coudl do in the future for JACTS. I mean I wanna help them so much, but personally it's hard because we're not sure where this is going, who's doing/taking what, so it's hard to say if we have time or not. Campaign is not as organized as I'd desire it to be, but it's here and happening and people believing/supporting.
This brings me to my dad. Oh dad, you are way way too good to me. I couldn't believe that email from Focus on the Family! Seriously! Not just in their response dady, I read what you wrote, and holy cow if I am half of that what you explained, I am more than fortunate to be living. That's comparing me to saints dad. BUT, if you feel half that way about me, it's the most humbling feeling and I'm so so proud to be your daughter! I have been raised by an amazing parents!
I mean I read what you wrote about me and how like, I've networked, and if there's 100 people in the stadium i'll meet at least 80, it makes me gut check who I am. I mean I fear sometimes I've been couping up too much but it's been the process in trying to make this thing happen. I mean I've been in front of a computer more in the past 3 months than any other time in my life. ROUGH, I feel for ya'll IT folks! But I don't feel my socialness, I hear about places in SA I've never been and people can't believe I've been so couped up out here in the cape.
Yet, like I said previously, I'm growing! Well, great contacts anyways dad with Focus on teh family. I really want to send out asap a clean look at who we are, but need website cleaned up and done, givengain donations, brochure and our logo 'abstain2010' pins to be with the brochures. Then people can print them off where they are, they can see what we're about. Oh yeah and the powerpoint with the acronym with Kenny. Oh man I'm trying!
Well, I think I've said enough tongith. Mind's gone, and after walked early am with Daneeka, then to Fish Hoek and back, I couldnt' bring myself to the cold pool! Tomorrow!
Going to bed now now

Growin

2010-03-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yes I am! Whole new world out here and whole new task like I've never done before. It's a strange feeling to go home at night and wonder what 'work' was like in comparison to anything else I'd be doing normally? Well I guess nothing I have done is very normal, but hey, this one is really up there.
Talking with Jeff the other day he really reminded me that I'm not only over here fighting a battle against this trafficking/hiv/sex industry, it's also Christian politics. Top it off with the devil getting under the skin. Man oh man it made me realize why this has been so trying. HOwever, if I wasn't growing and having pains in my life to learn, then I wouldn't want it. Right? What's the point? Perhaps whoever is reading this can remind me, I read somewhere in scripture the other day, and I cannot for the life of me find it now, but I read a part where it says if you love your life, you will lose it and if you hate your life you will live eternally. I think it was along those lines. I am confused what this meant. I mean does that mean if we love our life, like we're loving life living for God then we'll lose it because we're not really serving him? Or does it mean that if we're loving life because we have all the material things we need, which is not the point in this world, then we'll lose it because we're not living for what's important. For a true walk with Christ? I mean cause then there's the whole, if you love your life you'll lose it, and perhaps that means if you love your 'life' with the father, walking with Christ, then we 'lose' our human life. Which in the end is what we want. We're in unity so close with the father that we could be nailed to the cross and still so thankful that we have eternal life because he did it for us. We must serve one another here while on earth. We must focus on Him, because everything else will fail us.
Well yesterday was very interesting. People have seen me struggling internally and having a hard time, yet I feel the team of Cristian, Kenny, Iain and Suzie didn't see the true struggle it's been until last night.
So I spent all yesterday in Fishoek working on the website with Jeff. Which is what I did again today. Looking sharp, but man oh man hard to be there looking at screens and I'm trying to multitask because there is only so much I can say and write, and then he has to arrange for like 20 minutes that part. It's coming.
Anyways, I spent all exhausting day wtih him. It was great getting to know Jeff and his struggles and life as he's from Zimbabwe and parents died when he was young. He's basically a refuge just trying to make it work here to have money and life. No real job still and this learning he's doing with African Renewal is great, but not technically a school. Trying to promote him and grateful for his help!
Well after we walked back from Fishoek, I was home at like 6 and thought I'll go for run then shower. Literally there's Susan and Iain outside my gate like HEY we were hoping to catch you! They were going to construct tshirt concepts together at Kosies but it was closed. I was so grateful they were even together to work. I said oh please can I run quickly and shower then I'll be over to the base? So set them up and by the time I got there, the team of Daneeka and Cristian were there laughing and creating with them. So cool!
In the mix of it all, like I've been struggling with since the begining, we look at the acronym and say, ok, NOW what do we do with this information? The answer is to abstain from....
Yes like I"VE been saying, as followers of Christ, the truth is abstain from sex outside of marriage. Sex gone wrong is how most these problems arose. IT's not JUST faithfulness! What if you don't end up with that person forever? What if you don't have a partner? Faithful to who? Why do people desire a partner? All these things come down to a marriage partner. So that's the initial answer.
It finally clicked in the other's heads what I was struggling with. The POINT, is to have awareness of trafficking, prostitution and HIV here for/during WC2010. The 'how' to have prevention for abstain2010, goes to the root of the problem. Yes we don't want the campaign to focus soley on that topic of sex outside of marriage, but that's a message we can't leave out if we're saying that to abstain from porn, rape, prostitution, etc., sex outside of marriage is also in that. So we're not forcing anyone to commit, just encouraging to take in this information, and decide for themselves how they can be a solution/endorser.
Suzie is so German. That's what I'm finding I love about Germans. It's like they don't have 'soft' feelings. They're to the point and business. Factual and it's great! She was just wanting to go forward. Liek yada yada it's about stopping trafficking we don't have to say this or that and let's just have the list of porn, rape, etc. and have the sex outside of marriage at the bottom so at least the 'target group gets reached and can have something attainable. BUT, like Iain and I were already understanding, it's not about what's luke-warm and attainable. It's what's the truth. We spoke about the prostitute that Jesus spoke with at the well. He did chastise her, but he spoke truth. That's the point of my hurt is we want results, however we dont' want to water downt he message to see results, We must have truth of reality. IT's like reaching for the highest goal. Why not? They started to see and realize that if we watered it down to abstain from porn etc and be faithful, that it's not REALLY living up to what we believe in. So we don't have to say sex outside of marriage only, but it must be in there becasue that's what we push as what sex is designed for. It's beautiful for 2 people. God created it!
Suzie got it later, and basically from 7:30-11:30 the night turned into debate, thoughts, feelings, lots of prayer, (Iain asked everyone to come and pray over me and this vision God placed on my heart which was so so humbling) and even Roberia, the Brazilian was int he room and prayed and he felt God was saying to me that just like when Moses was called and Joshua he said, "fear not". I was grateful to be blessed with my surroudings.
In the end it was us saying, we find it important, maybe not everyone takes it 100%, but we raise the bar to encourage them, and hopefully in the end it's a ministering to them. Most people agree whether they even believe in Jesus to start that marriage is important. I mean would you rather your daughter had many partners or one? Sounds better with one right? Someone not only to be loyal but to take care of her.
Yes, so after they finally put themselves in the turmoil I've had in my head, the very core and sole of this campaign when it comes to the end/solution of it, that I've surmised, that is the answer.

Cape Town for Jesus was today

2010-03-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Amazing event today with the brand new Green Point stadium filled with people praying for the city, for World Cup, for South Africa, Trafficking, leadership, economy and muich more! Man it was so cool! I left this morning with Daneeka and Suzie and we waiting for the dang train for an hour, since it's holiday and then right before we were to get the train our friend Greer gave us a lift into town. Thank goodness! Traffic all through the city, but finally made it to the stadium and it was such a beautiful day with a cool vibe going! Ahhh it was just awesome! We didn't have tickets because CHeckers claimed to see out, we get there and the people were just handing them out! Was really cool and saw Angus Buckman for the first time the guy who the move Faith Like Potatoes is about. I saw Steve from Unashamedly Ethical, and our famous beginner of GDOP Graham Powers.
Our ride left early so Daneeka and I strolled around, went to the waterfront, ate some cake and drank Mug and Bean coffee. We barely made a taxi to the train station, crammed in like sardines. Oh yes, only in Africa this stuff can happen. Then we get there and missed the train again. SOooo, needless to say we strolled in teh wind a bit more and finally an hour and half later caught the last train home. Was quite a fun adventure, definitely needed this!
While we were praying and hearing Angus's inspirations about Opportunities, it just spoke to me about God's message. Not watering Him and His power down. I just need to do that. I must make Him known. His rules, His world His glory! Yes oh yes that's what we're all living for and searching for. Thank you.
I am a bit stressed though because I still need to get jsut this dang message out. I see it being easier than we need ot make it. We need to get a flyer/advert out with Musa on the cover, the acronym and then ending in NOW, abstain from sex outta marriage. Like abstain from Adultery because basically in a nut shell that's where things have gone wrong. Still need to meet with GWC, but from the sounds of it, Jordan our Proffessor was inspired by the acronym. He said it made much more sense than the dang document we gave him. I didn't write it but good to know he thinks we're on the right path.
So we need this hand out, then a 'brand' which I see a s apin. Like a pin that says abstain2010 or maybe some symbolic beads on a pin. We pin that to the hand outs and there we are. No signing up messiness or worrying. Gosh we just need this bare necessity of this. Help us Lord please. For now my team who I always fear of finding things they can do to get done when I'm never sure of the next steps, NOW, Collins and Kenny help the base. So, they're not going to be around full-time, which is probably in the end for the right purposes. I'm not always sure what to do. Kenny can still do power point etc., Collins is always supportive and has the network with Musa. Whcih by the way we never got the photo shoot done, which was frustrating beacuse it was more miscommunication. Collins was speaking with Musa and I was speaking with Musa and the time was messed up. Luckily Musa is the kindest Kenyen around, that it's no worries to him. We had a great time watching him play in Newlands stadium on Sunday. Yes sir, probably 1 of 5 white people in the stands. Seriously like animals thepeople and yet they don't fight like hooligans. It was Santos, the team Musa is captain for and then it was Kaiser Chiefs whom are from Joberg, and had to represent 90% of the 30,000 fans! Was nuts! Blacks and coloreds everywhere! We took the train, a group of us and a few from Media Village all going to support Musa. The train was hot and crowded, then charging fans through the turnstiles of the trainstation, then we had like 5 blockades of officers JUST to reach our seats int he stadium. Looking for guns, knives, alcohol. I was patted nicely down by this Huge lady cop a few times! Man oh man! It was nuts and those dang horns blowing CONSTANTLY! There were crazy costumes of almost ALL Cheifs outfits and fans. It just was herded cows being herded but like a firecracker went off. And yet it was like it was common. You always crowd everywhere and push and shove. Like the stadium was packed, and if there wa sroom on the bench next to you, a random person, would sit there. Not caring who you were or who they came with. No one got up during the match either except half-time. You could basically sell anything there, random people selling their cigarettes, pictures of you if you wanted them, gear for teams, donuts. Oh just the complete opposite of a cricket or ruby game I've seen there. White people sitting so still. I saw the largest sign saying absolutely no horns in the stadium, and EVERYONE and their mammas brought their dang loud horns! I went to get water at halftime and it was like savages grabbing and pushing just to get their coke or chips. So wierd. We looked like we stood out so bad. I heard these Afrikaners saying they wanted their picture with the white people! The strange football wasn't great, but entertaining enough. Musa, the 28 year old center back almost scored the most times off corner kicks with his tall body. BUT, nope they went into penalties and lost. Sad I know.
We all met outside, and I met the Kenyan crew, his lovely wife, daughters, relatives and even he came and made us all feel so welcome. Love that guy!
I'm probably forgetting so much, but it's a bit of recap over the weekend. I really miss footy that's for sure. Need to get that going, yet I just NEED this stuff accomplished and going for abstain. I recently had my dear friend offer to pay for possibly 'bands' or adverts, so I wanna capitalize before I keep losing interested people. For instance, video man Misha is sorta outta the loop and it's not necessarily his fault, but he's busy and getting busier and we haven't been able to sit down with him, and on top of it we don't even have money or website done. ahh, be positive Noel. yes it's ok, the Lord is good. All the time, and even when things are done and over, he's still here with me.
Keep the process please in your prayers, and I wanna shout out to a few folks in NZ
John I seriously had tears at your email, miss you dearly and sadly I saw your team at the bottom of the table that poor westham. Keep up the swimming and your humor!
Jeremy, I can't believe you and you even took the time to read this. I appreciate all your love and support! That home of mine is greatly missed! Matty, i'm taking care of myself, don't you worry, but you're still inspiration for me, I thank you I thank you!
Miss you all

Encouragement from NZ

2010-03-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kia kaka (Maori for Stand Tall, Stand Proud)

Thursday night (I froze in the pool) gonna be wetsuit time now

2010-03-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ahh can't even believe darn winter is coming! What happened? I missed summer in a blink! Yikes that is rough! Well, I still hit the pool today and took me 2 hours to warm up. Wind's howling outside. However, despite not being so sure where things are, I felt better today. Calmer. I know that we keep dumbing our campaign down, but after the meeting with GWC and the professor really showing us that our vision was unclear, we're understanding how this could be super confusing.
I've been focusing so much from this belief that abstinence from sex was the solution and forming it around that. When really, at the beginning it was about telling tourists, and possibly 'users' of trafficking to know about it and not then USE the market. Which is sexual exploitation market. HIV, prostitution, Trafficking and even abstinence are all separate campaigns and messages. Therefore even an outside was confused of our vision and purpose. And the strategy and outcomes, audience were scattered. We gotta be focused.
World Cup time, possible 'users' of the sexual exploitation, abstain from sexual exploitation which is the #1 call for trafficking, to fight trafficking, and 'how' by having this acronym as easy teacher in a flyer to hand out to churches/groups to give out info, as well as our video etc. SO, it's looking more like this and it's in prof's hands to rewrite proposal. man oh man

A Abstain from World Pain
“Abstain from world pain” is our goal
*During the 2010 FIFA World Cup help fight human trafficking by abstaining from sexual exploitation (?)

B Be Aware
*2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is a major event bringing large amounts of people together
*Estimated 500,000 visitors coming to South Africa for event
*Major increase in demand of the sex industry and human trafficking for sexual exploitation
*South Africa has high HIV and AIDS rate and it’s possible the WC would increase the spread
*All schools in South Africa are out for the 5 weeks during the WC
*Poverty, high unemployment and lack of opportunity creates a means for survival

S Sex (Sexual Exploitation) (Industry)
*Define sexual exploitation
*Sex workers and sex tourism are increasing and preparing for event
*Sex workers, human trafficking, child prostitution, violence, crime, police abuse, drugs and HIV/AIDS are all linked in the industry
*South Africa is trying to legalize/decriminalize prostitution as well as drinking out in the public for the WC
*Other countries that have legalized/decriminalize prostitution have seen many harmful effects
*Legalizing prostitution closes access of finding victims who are being trafficked
*South Africa lacks ability to effectively police Sex Industry (?) important or not

T Trafficking
*Definition of Human Trafficking:
* Human Trafficking is a lucrative business, (7-10 billion US dollars annually) and increasing for the World Cup
*27 million slaves exist in the world today
*Purpose for human trafficking: Slave-like labor, prostitution, forced marriage and sale of their body parts
*Most trafficked victims are girls between 5-15 years of age
*Young boys are being recruited by fake agents with 2010 WC promises (camps, training, scouting) and then being sold for sex and labor
*South Africa is on a Tier 2 watch: means a country whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s (The United States’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act), minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards)
*The cost for rehabilitation of these victims is expensive and has life-long effects
*SA against slavery during apartheid, yet it’s still happening

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

A AIDS (Abolish Slavery or Apartheid not over) ? (put aids in ‘be aware’ category
*South Africa is world’s largest population of people living with HIV (5.7 million)
*Estimated over 1000 people died a day in South Africa from AIDS related death in 2008
*Almost 1 in 3 women aged 25-29 are currently living with HIV
*15 million children have lost one or both parents due to the disease
*Global funding is increasing for the disease but the need is growing even faster - widening the gap
*Multiple sex partners are increasing: Males increased from 9.4% in 2002 to 19.3% in 2008. Females increased from 1/6% to 3/7%
*There is still no cure!
*Average life expectancy in South Africa is estimated 54 years – 10 years less than what it would have been without AIDS
*90% - 95% of HIV is transmitted through sex

I Involves everyone
*All people are directly/indirectly affected by these issues
*All people are solutions to these issues (All people can be aware and prevent)?

N Now
You can:

1) Abstain from sexual exploitation
2) Be an advocate: Buy a wrist band and tell others!
3) Donate towards a safe house for victims (insert pdf)
4) Donate towards ABSTAIN2010 to continue spreading awareness
5) Sign a petition against legalization/decriminalization of prostitution
6) Buy a tshirt
7) Learn more: Visit website (s) hotline (s)

If you have some feedback I would love to hear it. This does however make it more simpler, and easier to focus and piggy back off and with Justice Acts.

My mind haunts me though. Dream big, too big. Then it gets to this stage and I feel like I've really dumbed the dream down, but realistically it seems simpler and clearer and more attainable. Yet dreams. Oh man. If I went after every dream I had everyday I'd be the blackest sheep you ever met. I wanted to basically get in a van yesterday and just go with whatever message we have. Planned on it. Then I thought well perhaps we just end and join up with other ministries. Oh my mind's been wacked. Spent last night chilln with the girls watching Prince and Me, trying to spend what time I have left with Bre. Good ol Cristian was there was well with the girls. So funny, he's great. Especially hearing his English get better, WOW.
Today we worked on acronym, and concepts for preparing to shoot Musa tomorrow. Captain of Santos and Kenya to endorse and use on our adverts. Feel bad not being really professional, however we have cameras, and a 'band' for him to wear. Trying to do what we can with the 'document' being provised, but also letting the team members understand where we're at and why.
Pushing an abstinence campaign, even if we said a faithfulness, not even aimed at within marriage, then argues that faithfulness to whom and then what about those not in relationships?
They're getting the point and feedback is good. We coudlnt' do anything yesterday morning so I had them all over as wel as Bre. Breakfast was great and so was the fellowship.
Grace left me though. Yesterday she went home. Probably 1 of my closest, definitely most adored friend here. And I'm not the only one. This whole base is mourning. It's sad. Her brother is going to Iraq and she really felt called to be home to see him for few weeks, and she didn't get enough money to go back, and so changed her flight and stopped SBS. She's praying to come back, but only if it's what she feels God wants her to do. SO, she's back there and saying hello to the fam for me. Yes Samuel that means you and the Kennedy. It's ok I'll see ya'll in oregon or CO here soon.
Well, super tired, gotta go now cause Daneeka is ready to head home. Mom, Dad, kale, I've neglected talking wtih you, but appreciate your love and emails. Andie, at least holla at cha girl! Love you!

Tuesday and its getting chilly

2010-03-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

I don't want to say too much, but I want to express my gratefulness to people's responses. Even if you didn't know I was down, your saying something or interacting has been nice. Nice to hear, nice to get away. I get tunnel vision. Perhaps that's why soccer was such a passion for me because I knew the goals to get better and I drove myself with that. I am/was a mule. So strange to see me have these chicken legs here now. No muslce. We passed a soccer field on the way to Mowbray on the train today and i was really missin it. yes I know dad and Matty both saying I gotta get out. But you all don't understand that it's not organized here, and there's not real times or teams. It's not that easy, so I can this being calculated into something I"ll put time and energy towards and become frustrated. For me 100% or not.
So it's 9pm, and I'm here on this cold base with the wind blowing through the cracks of the windows. Reminds me of when I first came to this base.
I recently left a meeting with Geraldine and Godfrey who have so graciously been putting their time and efforst along with faith in abstain2010. They have had the document back from the professionals, this guy Jordan who's passionate and helpful and has done this sorts of paperwork etc., especially at University of Cape Town and more it sounds, and he's desiring to help but has so many corrections to make before we can move this. MAYBE this is what God is waiting on? I have no clue. I"m tired of thinking this or that. But he resorted back to the audience and the direction as well as solutions for this document, from an outsider who is first reading and wanting to be involved, especially perhaps funding wise, and backing, he said it's confusing. Even the title with everything. SO, we took all the notes from G and G and we spat out our responses, and also we on our side, Cristian and Deneeka and I expressed what we've been doing on our side. The meetings with movie, tshirt ideas, and even Daneeka and I spent today on train going to the bead-making muslim ministry house to see the bead work. We designed this GREAT I thought, cheap, R3 bracelet. They would love to mass produce and make extra money on the side. So I loved it and so did D. Thought we could even sell them for R10 which is like $1.20 for americans and use the profit to get more for more people and also get adverts printed with the costs. Just thinking here.
Train ride was fun, and it's nic getting to know Daneeka better. SHe's so dang young, only 20 and yet she's putting her time and energy, which seems from the outside calm and collected, in helping. She's passionate in a strange way. I'm crazy and excited, talking about today on the train for like half an hour how 'we' the team can all 5 get in a van and start travelling SA taking this acronym. Even filming it to create documentary etc. it went on and on bless her heart. I really tell her I need her so much even to listen and ditch back ideas. SHe just giggles and says little. WHen she does, it's important.
So, to rewind even more after this frustrating meeting feeling back at the beginning again, this morning Colins, Cristian, Daneeka and I got together at my house, because there is no other rooms to meet, to pray. We just came to God. Then we went to a Justice Acts trainig being held on base. Great Tonya, the creator had traffic proof presented for us, about 20 people to learn and dish out. Amazing that even a couple from our base cam ebecause of their incidence of trafficking just in their apartment a few blocks away.
The husband said he'd been seeing these youn gstreet boys coming in and out of the apt often, and then finally I think their neighbor, who's trained snyper and still a cop I guess, suited up, broke down the door and ALMOST caught a middle-aged man in the act with this little boy naked. Since I guess he wasnt' in the 'act', the police couldn't press charges. I dont' know the full story, but basically this apt, had been rented out for this sex-work. YOUNG BOYS! Oh I fear when I see their eyes now, seeing those young eyes who have and are seeing so much pain to live.
Well, basically we're back to waiting to meet with this guy Jordan and the core of us, to dish out our specifics to get his right. OH MAN! My web guy Jeff is going to hate me. Man oh man! Still, that's the story. I'm so tired because I was up early walking this morning on our beautiful beach, so I must retire here soon. Please keep safe and well, especially you Andie my lil one. Love you

My mind is mush

2010-03-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

First of all I've been staring at this dang computer for so long. I can't even think of the last time I wrote something so forgive me if I don't give great information or lose you.
Internet has been rough to get here, again. What's new being in Africa. I mean it's crazy because we're not even in the bush, we're in Cape Town of all places. And yet here I was feeling so bad tonight. I fed this old lady and her kids like over a month ago and they sought me out even on our own base here asking for me. It was this woman's daughter, and even younger daughter, apparently she sent them saying I would help them. Oh man talk about burden. They said some long story how I helped and that they needed help again. She talked about her mom making vinagar and sugar to pickle something, and I was like ok, so do you want vinagar? Then she said and just for tonight we have no food? I said I don't even live here on base and am not allowed to give the food out. It was such an akward position and I even felt like I was being attacked. Like I felt helpless and they said dont' you just have something for us? I said I don't even have bread at my house cause seriously I don't eat bread. So man, I just felt bad. I mean I could have walked them back and handed them some of my fruit and a can of peas or something, but gosh it was like I felt so bombarded. I tell you here it's so sad. It's this feeling like we MUST give to those who say so. I advised that they go in the morning to the Good Hope shelter where they serve breakfast and I believe lunch. The younger daughter again asked me at least for some water, I said well I could go fill my water bottle up. It's so wierd being asked for water of my own from people here. Never in my life. But gosh! I mean God says if someone asks, give. Alfred the local homeless boy who's my friend, but also homeless and so is surviving everyday, he's also a Christian so it's great to hear his passion. Alfred though is never in a good mood. He's always tlaking sad and preaching about judgement. It's hard to see these people always curious what they need next time. I mean I think I have it bad because what i live from is from you. It's from my family, friends, and church. I feel so fearful on what to spend my funds on. I am trying with discernment, but man oh man if I gave to everyone I might not have anything left. But God always has enough. I'm reminded of this girl Heidi Baker, who started this Iris ministry up in Mozambique and I guess she NEVER turns a child down from housing and feeding them. Now it's like this 200 children ministry in this huge place that's grown and grown. I am completely in awe of that story.
Then there's me trying to get my mind off of what I can and can't do and what i should and shouldn't do today, so I strolled then jogged on the wind-blowing beach. I shed a tear just asking God to be with me and direct me. I talked to him about my feelings of how I feel I've wasted so much time here and there and I really need to just 'do' something to help. Am I helping? I haven't even 'reached' a soul yet. I feel like so much stupid busy time on the computer trying to get all th eresearch, contacts, website, and junk altogether. It's never ending. Maybe this isn't my job. I had to send out a few emails today to just ask for funds for our abstain 'bands' and adverts we want to even just START. I mean they're not necessary, but they make us seem more professional and presentable to show schools/churches we're real and have something of value to show. My team crafted great video ideas, tshirt ideas, and we dont' have a cent yet to show for it.
Here's where I go back to what am I doing? This blaring clock til the world cup. I mean I so badly thought today of a few options. Take what we barely have and get in a van traveling SA and presenting to bases and any other contacts. Just talking and being out there. That's my desire. BUT, funding, and all the work we have here. I received an email from GWC today with our proposal looked at by the professionals and man there's marks all over and Jordan the main guy loved this campaign, except had to throw out there his opinions of this "abstain from sex outside of marriage" as nto hitting out 'target' audience who needs to hear about trafficking etc. I mean back to basics, it's only a part of who we are and it's the RIGHT message. So I'm not changing God's word to cater to a few. PLUS, I have to win over people like in the churches and schools who agree with this awareness and prevention in order to mobilize themselves to take this message further.
I had thoughts today of quitting and just helping any other organizations. I thought I could go help coach a bit here locally. I could help justice acts in their work somehow I'm sure. I mean, I don't know why the floodgates of money and more haven't opened unless it's not God's will. I'm just not sure where the miracles are suppose to be showing and move this faster in the crazy time I've been given. Hearing that it takes most campaigns 2 years to even contstruct isn't even what I desire to know. I'm understanding this though. I can feel and see how this happnes.
It's just that I dont' want to be Debbie Downer, but I feel like lately. God doesn't tell us to go by 'feelings' but I have been. I'm tired of not seeing people changed. Perhaps this is the tests of my perseverence. Truly though I'm so sick of it. Maybe I'm not made to lead. Or lead in this way. I see Kimberly started 2010 project and it's flourishing with support. However she was and is with Justice ACts so this helps. Don't get me wrong what she's doing is incredible, it's just seeing God's blessings multiply so I'm wondering what route to take with ABSTAIN2010.
Then again, all those who have put in time and believ ein this, I just don't knwo if I'm going on to please them or what? I mean the guy Martin from the Silver Ring Thing is responding to my emails with excitement and encouragement is great. BUT I replied 2 times now saying Martin I can't do this or that or even ask celebrities to support something that doesn't even have hand outs printed because we have no money. We don't even really have much South Africans supporting. We don't even have a person who can drive us to the next town without hiring the base van or asking a friend.
Oh I'm so complaining. I'm sorry. I just want to have fun. I'm in this amazing city and want to enjoy it and the people and stop being in here trying this and that. Lord please help me. Please help make this happen. Please help direct us and guide us. Intercession is needed.
Well to get back on track, this weekend was alright. Went too fast and I dont' see myself getting out. I turned down box seats to the Stormers with Justin to help bake and hang for Cristian's bday Saturday. However I hadn't been able to fall asleep the past few days, so when they went out to Kalk Bay after the spoons game, I went to try and sleep because I had been a zombie. Was so strange. I slept however from 11pm to 11am so it helped. Sunday I was suppose to meet with my website man but never got in contact with him. Frustrated. I swam and did a bit of shopping at the market for food and a few gifts needed to send out. I didn't even make it to church thinking that I'd get the chance at night, missing the group that left. I spent again, time on the acronym of abstain.
I went to baseintercession this morning and we prayed for this Samoan couple who are here speaking on the DTS. They live in China and are working on so much there in that country wher eyou can't even speak about God and teaching Christianity in the communist country. It reminded me of when I was younger and I helped fundraise to send Bibles To China. Our church missionaries were going to smuggle the Bibles in. I never have felt called or desired to go to asian countries, but the concept of working behind closed doors, where people are becoming Christian's in secret is incredible. The country who's rising up in power over the world. Can you imagine if and when it's taken in the leaders with Christianity. We even prayed for the leaders who have their children in American schools for there to be some gateway of learning God's message. That sort of evangelism sounded a bit intriguing.
Well, I'ma zombie and needing to go to bed. I'm sorry Dad, I didn't have internet last night. I love you so so much!
God's going to be speaking.
Tomorrow my team is praying together, then Kenny again has to get his Visa stuff taken care of, but we're all going to attend the Traffic Proof training from Justice Acts about Human Trafficking. Then Daneeka and I are going to check out this lady's bead-making business to see prices etc.
Good night

Doing alright

2010-03-13T00:17:00.000-08:00

Things are well. At least apart of that stress I'd been in the beginning of the week. Great team meeting last night and the whole vision of this campaign is becoming so much clearer for us all. The details on how to function like funds, etc, aren't clear, but we're pushing through.
Let's see I'll start from the beginning of the day.
I met with Cristiand and Daneeka in the am, and we prayed, worked on some things like faxes for givengain, getting contacts for schools/churches local, and me especially getting all the facts for the acronym. Then I ran to fish hoek for getting snacks for the meeting, and looked for bday cake for Cristian. Couldn't find one to fit in my bag and wouldn't melt on my way back from fish hoek so I bought cookies and candy. Then I rushed back to meet everyone at the Muizenberg pavilion to have I love Muizenberg day to clean up! I caught Kenny and Colins on the way, and their trip to the dang department to get their visa was hectic and they sent the poor boys home needing more things. SOOOo, I had to make some made calls to doctors and xray offices, and they're there right now today getting that sorted. Amen for their efforts.
I cleaned and while cleaning the streets I spent time getting to know one of the current DTS students, Sebastian. He's incredible! Here a SAfrican, passionate, desires so much change not only in his very own country, but in his city Rustenberg. He just was inspired by me and he also returned the favor for his young 21 year of age. I just loved to hear his passions for journalism, construction, mobilizing youth and providing opportunities and what he's already done. Dont' give up on SAfrica was his motto.
I then tried to sleep, but again like I haven't been able to I just got up and showerd to prepare for our meetin glastn ight. Suzie surprised me and stopped by for the meeting. So we went to base to prepare and then all met at Cristian's by 7pm. It was Colins, Kenny, Daneeka, me, Suzie, Cristian, and then our dear friends Iain and Ketanie showed up. It was awesome! We all decided upon some great things. We even split into some groups and had the film concepts running and then our tshirts running.
We've decided to go with the grey tshirts, grey background on website etc. We loved teh play pause stop concept. Suzie had some incredible short film ideas that she had already been constructing with.
We were thinking of brands, like bracelets for those who will be taking the 'value' or 'abstain' pledges and everyone came up with this great idea, to have something, not 'cheap' but nice that people purchase. I thought, brilliant! I mean if someone's going to go out of their way to decide they want to be bold and say they're abstaining from sex outside of marriage or endorse their own marriage, then they would take the value in purchasing a bracelet. SO, we still need that created and then 'sponsored' for us. BUT, if the bracelets were sponsored then we could have the proceeds go towards our 'safe house' fundraiser as well! Ha! Details details! Tshirt ideas:
Play pause stop. (abstain2010 on the back)
June 11th - July 11th "Where are your children?"
wHat kInd of souVineer are you taking home? (Have the HIV in red)

Well it was an enjoyable meeting and inspiring for all I could see. The wholistic concept as well was great. I even asked Ian if we could rock into his youth group next Friday night and practice our powerpoint there. I said we need to start to get loud locally asap.
I'm meeting with website guy tomorrow and we've got acronym to go. Givengain also approved us for a not for profit organization to join their donating network, just not sure how it works with internationally. Hopefully it's ok.
I was going to climb table mt this morning, it's Cristian's bday, but they were leaving so early and I haven't been sleeping, but I woke up early anyways and couldn't go back to sleep so here I am trying to get somethings done and possibly baking for Cristian. My friend invited me box seats to the stormers tonight though, so tough decision to go or not.
Lastly I would like some prayer. Global Day Of Prayer is next weekend, and I've been invited by many to go, and especially showcase our ABSTAIN2010, (which I'm fearful I don't even have business cards yet, but getting there and COULD have enough by then) but trying to pray about funds to go. It's huge, and teh actual day of prayer in teh stadium will be powerful. However these events are costly. I emailed Grace Samson who recommended I go and she's from YWAM national leadership, and asked if all 3 events were separate costs, and also if there was some sort of discount or anything possible. Not certain what to do.
Anyways, I appreciate everything, please enjoy the weekend!
Andie, catch me up with you!

Encouragement

2010-03-13T00:04:00.000-08:00

"You can be in the middle of Gods will and be completely attacked, where it seems like everything is going wrong

No one EVER said it would be easy or comfortable, OR THAT PEOPLE ARE ALL GOING TO SUPPORT/ENCOURAGE YOU!
(You can't base things completely on peoples 'advice', what reasons are they giving you as to why you shouldn't do it? God wouldn't assign you or command you to something you aren't completely CAPABLE of with His help)

Read Acts. Peter had crowds coming up against him and driving him out of cities everywhere he went - when he was doing exactly Gods will

Don't allow weariness to stop you.
Galatians 6:9 is the commandment

Unity, friendship, teamwork drives out weariness.. Something you can't do alone."

Everlasting

2010-03-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

God is. He's definitely showing me this path I'm on in many forms for growth. I may have had a much better day and seeing light in my team as well as myself, it's good; but my hair is falling out. Oh man I seriously have not been so worried. I went to the hair dresser weeks ago and she made me go immediately to get these dang Bob Martin dog pills because she said they're good for hair and skin etc. I DON"T want to take those again I think it's disgusting! BUT what can I do? Yikes.
Ok enough of that tangent, I just want to say that thank you those who are praying like mad warriers around the world. Dad you're just such an inspiration. I don't know if me being here is helping you out there learn and grow and develop your character in ways you never thought text could do, but if it is, oh God bless! He's remarkable in the ways he works and I can't understand. In fact I just got back from base worship, and the speaker tonight was the older lady that started the SBS school with her husband who are here to speak. She spoke about something I have trouble with. Hearing the voice of God. In fact what surprised me, was she didn't speak about 'how' or anything like that, but she spoke about how we SAY we hear the voice of God. There are many scriptures in the Bible where prophets (these people who apparently hear from God) and many other noble individuals say they hear from God, but what is best put in the sentences when they 'hear' from God, is they say, "I think" or "it seems best.." and there's always this room for conversation or open to others. Maybe not necessarily you're wrong or you question God but it's the fact that interpretation and being so certain is hard. If you come to someone and say "God told me to do this." Then who could ever question if you're possibly not to do it. That would mean questioning God if so. So even if prophets admitted they were wrong at times or that they feel it's from God, that also leaves availability to discuss and continue to seek certainty.
back to what's been happening. Oh, I went to blue route mall with Daneeka yesterday to get my doc's money back they owe me, however, Mom it's in your name so only you can cash it so I'll be sending you something. Or I'll send it home with Bre. Daneeka's stomach has been not quite right. (which later she said she's been alergic to chocolate since she can remember so perhaps this has SO much to do with it. Or Cambodia food). Well, she got medicine from the doc so she's feeling better. Funny girl she is. Daneeka's from Canada and she's only 20. Super dry sense of humor though and just random. She's my PA and doing a stellar job already creating me a twitter account, went to the bank for me today, and she even purchased the 'right' laptop we tried to get yesterday but her card declined. She went back today and also found much cheaper one her parents advised her to get. So it all worked out. However, it poured down on us yesterday at the train station. Weather's been so strange here. Cape Town.
I caught up a bit with the team yesterday, and it was just motivating to see like Colins, who's from Kenya and only 19, looking up things online that I asked him to do. Contacts for us to help create a database when we need/want to send info out. It was just wonderful!
I met with Geraldine and Godfrey to go over the budget of out 20 things we want to achieve. Man oh man I first of all HATE numbers, and second my patience with their laid back style and detail was HARD. Cristian went and finished with it today with Godfrey. Bless his heart. He's turning 26 by the way this Saturday! Anyways, I felt super frustrated trying to just guess numbers for the proposal when Godfrey and Ger were trying to figure out precisely things like the video and how many times we're going to air it. I was just out of it! I was so frustrated because we dont' even have anything here and on ground that I was sick of hearing about these dreams. BUT, I tried to hold my tongue and like we do, we prayed to keep enemy away and work on this project with us. OH I wanted to mention also, that Daneeka said yesterday that her stomach's been hurt since she decided from the Lord to join my team. SO, this spiritual warfare is real. I relayed tha tmessage to my team today to talk about the battle that's happening and it's real and I apologized for not being passionate lately and explained why.
After our morning meeting and going over details and the acronym, it was great to hear some of their thoughts and also to see their reactions to a lot of the information we've collected was great to hear. It reminds me as why i'm doing this in the first place.
So, yeah we're all working towards the basics. Still need a good 'brand' idea. Like the live strong bands, but something we can have here and it's 'our' brand, cheap. I rang up a lady from base who has this muslim ministry where they african ladies make jewlry and asked about pricing etc. She said I must at least come in and see what they have. She said I don't know about thousands (which right now we dont' need) but she said some of the ladies might actually like something 'simple' to work on extra at home for extra money. I say all of this in belief God will supply.
Anyways, gotta get home and look at what's going on tomorrow. Have meeting in the evening at Cristian's to strum up ideas for tshirts, video (if any of them show up from that area) and advert concepts. Colins and Kenny are going to home affairs in the am, which I should go soon, but need my letter from registrar then I'm set. I also don't have my visa up until mid april so I have time. I love Muizenberg day is tomorrow and YWAM is cleaning up together, so that's going to take up most the day. Should be great. So many new faces and so many of my team fading away day by day going back home. It should be great to hang out together.
Still wish I had a project coordinator because I lack the mind of someone organized with steps. It overwhelms me. Perhaps that could be a prayer request. Also funding for not just me, not JUST my teamates and their own situations, but also for this project.
Bless you all, buenos noches

Devil's close

2010-03-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to quit today. I admit it. More than once today too. But through this rollarcoaster even of a day, I'm still here pushing.
Never thought I'd feel this way. I even texted Martin asking if FIFA was hiring. :)
I'm just sooo anxious about this slowness people have been telling me to have. How the heck can this immediate problem be solved and helped if we're not doing everything in our might to move it. ESPECIALLY with time constraints. There's no time to sit around. I wish I could say the time I let pass by last week and this past weekend, was well worth it since I felt like everyone told me to, that God would be doing the rest. Well either I'm really short of faith, or it was false. Document isn't done. Meetings by GWC's side are not happening, being cancelled, saying they can and will do this and that and aren't but hey, this isn't their full-time and they're trying. I guess.
I saw we gotta get this and that going, they and Cristian say no we need this or that first. BUT if we wait for all these pieces to come together to be BIG TIME, then we'll never start. Just like in NZ I had to start something very small, small 30 team girls league, 5 aside, to project something then nationwide right?
WELL, felt anxious having team together today and not knowing (like I thought and couldnt' sleep over about) what to have all them do. With lack of knowledge of campaign, and concept, and also I suppose skills I don't know of everyone's yet, it' hard to delegate. It's also hard when you see projects around you like 2010 project from Justic Acts getting 30,000 USD to house staff, meetings, etc. I fear I will lose people if we don't have some success and positivity soon. Please Lord help.
The ducks can't and don't need to be all in a row. Start small. So, after we did bit of brainstorming, needing tshirt ideas, also a brand (symbol) something like bracelet, pin, something that people can actually take ownership of their join in endorsing abstinence from sex outside of marriage for abstain2010.
I met with Grace Samson, who's like national YWAM leadership, and with her I almost cancelled because I felt complete lack of confidence and passion. At that very moment before the meeting I received email from Geraldine from GWC saying how she couldnt' make this or that meeting and still no document and she'll be gone all weekend. So in the midst of trying not to cry I asked God for help.
Luckily Grace is one of the most inspiring and bold people I've met. She's this beautiful tall Nigerian girl who's well educated and has the same passion to 'move' as I do. However she's more grounded and strategic unlike me. SO, she helped listen and pray with me and give me what I need to do NOW. Which is not wait for all this work we've done to be finalized. She said not everyone will put forward the time and efforts and now that i have ful team of 5 full time, then we need to go with what we've got. We may want this and that and nationwide, but first for phase 1 prior to world cup we gotta have a tangible goal to build upon.
SO, perhaps just in this area. Get what we have and present to maybe 20 churches/schools to start to mobilize. There we only would need a powerpoint, website up, handout with membership form, and the 'brand' item we have to give out.
She said with the networking and 'who' I know now, I can use those people to help design and even ask, hey media village or Steve from Unashamedly ethical for covering printing costs. I can look to Martin from teh Silver Ring campaign for support too since he wants to push that campaign again after the world cup.
It's just hard because I can help drive this, but I really need a 'project manager' who has the organizational skills and leadership delegating skills. Please pray for someone to rise up with the passion to do so. I'm trying but at this very moment with new members I can just feel my anxiety and stress oozing out towards them so I fear I"ll lose them and their passion that I"m suppose to have.
I left the meeting with a bit of a tangible goal, but still overwhelmed. I went swimming, and took a bath while reading the last of Ecclesiastes. That book and the wisdom is so profound it's stupid. The basics of just saying how this is all stuff for the wind here. Reading a lot, working a lot, gaining knowledge, it's just as valuable as one who can't read and is poor and yet what matters is the home after this life. However, on the contrary, watching the clouds in the sky that hold water, that pours down, is like us watching life pass by with doing nothing waiting for the end is also not the right way to go about our time here.
This even ground is so hard for me. I even found myself just desiring to go out and hit the soccerball around, which I was going to do on my own with tears after my meeting with Grace but it went so long it was too late. This reminded me why I'm not playing because I'd be too frustrated not getting time and always worrying about getting time that it would make me more anxious.
Dad great ideas for the acronym. Run that over with my team.
Those who are reading and encouraging me, I thank you so much and so much for your prayers against satan that he can't take a hold of me or this work that we're trying to conquer here to realign his Kingdom. May he work through me and he work through us who believe.

Monday, not quite what I'd prayed for

2010-03-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

A bit of stress and chaos I felt today. I did what I was told by many, including those involved with campaign, to chill. Saying there's nothing I can do til the document is done. Well, I felt like after the meeting today my 'waiting' was waiting for others to make this campaign a priority. I know it's not others full time, but still if you commit to something, especially something that's SO crucial and only once ina lifetime, wouldn't you commit a bit more? I am venting obviously but was really frustrated when I didn't have the things done I expected and were told were going to be done last week.
SOooo, it was nice to have a bit of debrief, but I don't feel like much in our direction has moved. Oh Lord please give me patience.
I woke to go to base intercession, and this morning was interesting hvaing the lady that led this morning from here but been living in Israel for 14 years interceeding and working more on government and politics side. She spoke about changes that have been made and breakthroughs, even through praying for leaders of nations even to meet God in their prayers. Incredible stories. She gave us countries with leaders to pray for, and the one my group had was Libya. The leader is like 70 years old and has been corrupt, and it seemed that the country is in this cycle of complacency, that I feel here in SA as well, that is focused around a cycle of crime and corruption that seems to benefit all in a strange way. So, in that they don't do what is right. For instance here, the people who work for safety or car guards live by that job, that's almost un official and yet we pay them to watch out cars, BUT if someone actually tried to rob our car what the heck would they do? And, if they were paid enough not to stop them, then the wouldn't. I don't know I see Libya as being wealthy with their crude oil etc., and they people of the country are given much of that percentage so any of the crime and 'weapons of mass destruction' they're involved with are hushed and oked by people there.
After that I've been working on the ABSTAIN acronym
A "abstain from world pain"
B Be aware:
S Sex industry
T Trafficking of humans
A AIDS and HIV
I Involves all
N Now what

Then, Cristian and I met with the new members and the few from GWC, to update where we're at, look at our document and go over the 'structure' of jobs we've created. I didn't have the document done, again, and the meetings we're to hav organized keep getting pushed back or seem important but when it comes to having it they're not happening. I'm more than upset about the whole African culture of doing things. They're not 'moving' as they should. Of all the worst places in the world to make things happen, this one could be one of the slowest. Doesn't help I have no car, no money, not from here, no clue how, ohhh man I'm sorry to complain. I have new teamates which is great, but I also don't want it to be confusion as it has been in the past of what I can have them do. Soon, I'd like to have this all just organized with people and their own time-lines etc.
However I feel I can't even drop things because I have to create them all. I have the heart and knowledge I feel, but I need to be able to have it conveyed easily so people even who work with us know what is up.
Today ALSO had to be the hottest day here. No, probably not but there was no wind so it's like Mississippi. WOW. I had no idea what to do after meeting, so Daneeka and I went for a walk because we felt we would just eat at the house if we stayed. Which is what we do well together. She's been great support already though, and I'm soooo happy to have some help, even if it's just a friend.
I have the team come together with me at 9, and I pray that I am thoroughly able to have them help in a specific task that we can go after without needing to guide one another with me there. I also have arranged a meeting wtih Grace, this woman who apparently 'is' cape town and knows everyone. She's a neighbor here, but I finally got a chance to meet with her, so hopefully I can convey what we're trying to do much more easily. Ahhhh all these great contacts but getting them organized and for others to know them to work with them, I'm not sure how it will all come together.
Lord please give me the faith I need to know that this is to be and to go continuously after it.
I can't believe what SA is trying to do right now ALSO in preparation for teh WC. They're trying to create a 24 hour porn channel here. Yeah, that's really going to help the world. Jeez!
Ohh just saw lightening outside!
Well, I think I need to go watcha movie because i have lots to do tomorrow and so, til then, I love you all

Preparing for week to begin!

2010-03-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday night and I am trying to update a few things online, do some writing, and also not freak out about not knowing what is happening completely with this campaign or how. Let alone tomorrow. BUT, God has it in his hands.
He's showing more of himself in that believing and releasing stress and un understanding towards and for him. I mean God chooses those without wisdom, I'm reading this in Ecclesiastes about the unwise and wise. If I 'knew' what I was doing or how, would I then reach out for God? NO! Same reason America is probably so far from God and the church because we don't 'need' God because we have all the material things we need. So we think we're wise and in this vanity it's killing us, some literally. SO, I should be bold and grateful God's given me Him. So I pray father that the answers, finances, team members, words, car, ideas, contacts, EVERYTHING You do father, please help provide. Thank you!
I went to Muizenberg Church today, and caught Geraldine to arrange us to meet as 'team' for finalizing this dang document I"VE been waiting for, so we meet tomorrow at 3. Thank the Lord! I spent time at the market gettinga few things and of course my never ending green apples. Everyone says I have a problem, but truly addicted. Then I spent time at teh pool, reading the Bible, and then walked with new friend Rebecca to Fish Hoek to go to Full Gospel service. Was great and great message about not 'feeling' but believing upon the truth of God. I have been not 'feeling' God but really trying to search him. I must just keep believing. Putting my faith in Him even when I can't 'see' or especially 'feel' which has been the case. It's ok though, because He has the answers.
So, I wanted to relay some information, not to get all excited or talk too much about, but to begin to pray about. A few good things are moving from this work, for future beyond WC2010. At least here in SA, perhaps with me involved if it's God's plan.
Elrico, the guy that works for the president was chatting with me yesterday, he's back in the country. He was working in Norway looking at a project to set up in cape town. Some academy which I guess is already set up in Germany an din Norway. He said just like before that they want to set up a Bennie McCarthy FC here in CT, and then have this all be helped by the government. It will have 'life coaches' Cristian role models, and be a definite 'kick aids' kinda thing for youth. He said to me he sees a 5 year plan and then go nationwide. He wants to see girls 10-18 doing this, and he needs to have a project leader for this and wants to talk to me about it next week. I need to hear so much more, but really exciting! That's for sure it's waht they need here! Just reading that helped me reinspire me to want to push abstinence for the importance of it here beyond. It also gave me perspective to look beyond July right now. It's been hard, but it made reality set in, that this isn't forever and there will be an and and then a new adventure. It almost made me sigh relief.
I also was talking with some of my friends from NZ who are heading up a group to come here for games, and said they weren't planning on coming to CT but would make a special trip for me. They said if you come up to like Rustenberg for games then they would get me tickets. DANG! How cool. I really hope that can work out. Anyways, God continues to bless me and keep things moving. Please pray that finances personally are never a problem. I will soon be looking into that again of where I"m at and what I"ll be needing for next few months.
Miss you all and love you! Goodnight, Jeff thanks for the talk :) Miss you

letter to my church

2010-03-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings from sunny South Africa! I am basking in the sun while the summer still lasts, yet the wind catches you by surprise every now and then here in Cape Town. Despite that, it’s gorgeous! In about 1 more month though, I’ll be putting my wetsuit on to be swimming
I’m wanting to update all of you on how things have been and where I’m at here with YWAM in case you haven’t been caught up from my blog or my dad. Things have been amazing for me in my walk with our father and in this incredible environment. YWAM has definitely pushed me to dig deeper in the Lord. My first 3 months of DTS were of course here on base in the classroom with different lecturers and teachings every week with my team of 30. This community and support is something I couldn’t have survived here without. The intercessions, love, leadership, teachings, encouragement, worship, growth and overall enjoyment has been through these people.
After the first 3 months, all of us on the team are then sent to go on our outreach. As you saw in our video there were 4 places to go and that was Thailand, Kenya, India, and South Africa/Swaziland. I was going to be on the South Africa/Swaziland team but if you haven’t heard already I had been created a special circumstance here with YWAM.
Since they’re such an apostolic ministry, sharing with them what was on my heart about the World Cup and the issues around it that have really impacted me to want to do something was the best thing I could have done. My leaders released me to do my own individual outreach under the care and nurture of their support, here in South Africa for the World Cup. So I have been striving hard to get this ABSTAIN2010 campaign to move! I’ve had many get involved and helping create a team to make this happen. Not easy when you start out all on your own, but the adventures and growth so far have really stretched me! Let me tell you it’s been a journey and it’s only just begun.
The campaign which is still definitely in the works is about prevention and awareness about the issues of prostitution, human trafficking, HIV and AIDS focused around the 2010 soccer World Cup. Yes the increase in all of these is already happening in droves. It’s been on my heart to at least make people aware in the world, especially here, that this event could make our world a whole lot worse if we’re not careful.
God’s just shown me in so many visions/ideas what could be done to share this knowledge and also the solution that’s inevitably a value from Himself. Abstaining from sex outside of marriage is the solution. I’ve really been pressing into how to take this answer, and concept to share it with the world.
Here in South Africa at least, where the concept of abstinence has been thrown out of the window. I mean they sell condoms at local train stations, beaches, and even the president tells people to just shower after and they’re protected. So within the warped mindset, there’s this urgency to bring back what’s been lost. Take God’s Kindgom and realign is back to his original plan. Right? That’s what’s been on my heart and desiring to do while here.
The specifics have been what I’ve been working on frantically here in the past 2 months. I mean normal campaigns take 2 years to plan. I’m doing what I can and God’s really impressed me with the contacts and also learning out of this whole thing.
So, with a bit of my sharing, I wanted to let you know that this of course means that my outreach is specifically for me to extend until after the World Cup end in July. So I will be coming back beginning of August.
This has been an interesting turning point since the teams have come back this past week and all are telling their amazing stories of doing random evangelism like cleaning streets, getting on television, healing people, oh and the team’s chemistry that either went really well or really challenged them. It’s made me a bit sad to not have been a part of some of them, but the relationships and things I’m building and creating here are also inspiring to me. Also the support and inspiration I feel my team’s felt by me taking this huge leap of faith has been seen. They’re all excited and supportive of abstain2010!
With many of them leaving but a few staying to help me out with this campaign, it’s been a strange feeling of sadness and yet ready to move this campaign again full time!
So please keep this all in your prayers for the project and the people who are going to and already are effected by these issues.
I’d like to finish saying that I thank you so much for having me in your prayers and supporting me financially as well. It’s SO comforting to know there’s a family back home who care about a place so far away.
There’s possibilities if this campaign pushes well, to create a girls soccer academy with the focus being to kick hiv/aids here in cape town from ages 10-18 after the World Cup with famous footballer Bennie McCarthy here. They may ask me to head up the project, so at least the networking and inspiring is brewing here.
I will be continuing to write in my blog and also will be sending through information about campaign once we’re more finalized. I will also have the website and more up soon.
Sadly I’m not playing soccer at the moment, but my knee is not bothering me and as I can tell from no pain I shouldn’t be needing surgery. Thanks for your prayers! However, I am not currently playing because of the work that I’m ready to focus on to drive this campaign as hard as I can. It’s the first time in my life I’ve been able to drop something of such value out of my life, but also the first time I’ve been able to be ok with it.
I pray all of you are well, please give my dad a hug for me because I know it’s hard for him. 
Till more information comes, have a blessed day!

Thank you!
Noel Cameron

noel@abstain2010.com
www.noelcameron.blogspot.com

Statistics on the trafficking and HIV and AIDS just to have an idea:

GLOBAL

• 27,000,000 million people are in slavery across the world –IOM
• 33,4 million people infected with HIV by 2008 (UNAIDS)
• 1,2 million children are trafficked each year (Unicef)
• ½ of those children are African children.
(World Hope Int'l., 2008)
• It is a business that has generated $33.9 billion (U.S.) or 339 billion Rand.
(Belser, 2006)
•
• The U. S. Department estimates that a total of 500 000 tourists will converge to South Africa during the world cup.
Reasons why people are trafficked
• Slave-like labour
• Prostitution
• Forced marriage
• Sale of their Organs or Body Parts

SOUTH AFRICA
• South Africa is home to the world’s largest population of people living with HIV (5.7 million), (UNAIDS, 2008).
• Between 28 000 to 30 000 children are currently being prostituted in South Africa, Molo Songolo, 2000
• Victims recruited from rural areas or informal settlements and transported to the urban centres of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Durban, (IOM report on Internal Trafficking in South Africa)
• West African syndicates operate in Pretoria, PE, Joburg, and Bloemfontein and traffick local black South African females into the sex trade. (IOM, RITSA, 2008)
• Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo are the main ‘recruitment’ areas for victims of Human Trafficking (IOM, US AIDS Research report, Die Burger, 2008)

Sorry I think I sounded depressed yesterday

2010-03-06T02:39:00.000-08:00

I'm ok really. I think a huge factor is just this strange week with team being back and they're all preparing to leave and then a few staying and a few staying to help me and I am not organized yet to have them help me.
Plus, like Bre is going back to Portland and it's really made me miss home. I love you all and thank you extremely amount for your support and prayers and finances. I have to press on though for the task at hand. I haven't started something to not see it through. The energy and passion has just sunk a bit, but even though God feels far, he's right here. Elni told me he's not some giant away from us, he's like chilling, ALWAYS. Like sitting on the couch eating, having not showered, feeling tired, he's there too. He's our friend. He never changes and never leaves. Thank you father.
I just have to remember constantly that God can and will do anything. If we have faith, and if we ask because he wants us to tell him our needs, then he will supply. Big or small he wants us to ask. I want to change the world.
SO I do have to remember this is in His hands. I pray for the guidance of when to work and how to work and think productively.
I was seeing God's hand yesterday telling me and SHOWing me not to sit on a laptop 'trying' to get somewhere with things. Susan wanted me to come talk with her in Kalk Bay. I hung out with some of the dts. I forget to say that after the debrief we had 2 get baptized in the ocean the other day. OH so incredible! People have really come back from outreach changed for the better! They say I even look good, just a bit stressed that's all. BUT, they don't neglect to think about the challenge I've placed in hand to go after.
I still walk on the amazing beaches here and try to get myself in touch with God.
I've discovered while here, that I find him and hear him in ways that where I usually am mobile. Like there's this guy Rueban here from Spain, and he walks every morning and says through walking and seeing things like signs he finds messages from God. He's alone with God using the world to learn. I feel like that's more of me. However I can't get distracted tooo much but I come back from walks just with endless thoughts.
I've learned that I'm such a visionary! SUCH! I am sitting in these meetings with Geraldine Godfrey and Cristian and I HATE writing out all these details of positions and the structure, I just want to move and move forward and am ALWAYS thinking about what to do next or what else we need to do.
However the 'ideas' which I guess could be visions are all I see. I try and look at what I desire but I'm not certain 'how' to see them come through, I just see the end more than the process. That's something to really pray for I guess is the pieces to be there that's needed.
We're finally seeing and deciding to get our banking through an already organized local organization here that Geraldine is involved with called like Safe Community or something. So I'm leaving the details of 'donating' to her. Which helps, I just pray it happens and happens soon!
So yes back to yesterday, I did go walk to see Susan to hear her heart, and she didnt' speak too much but I think it was god putting me around people that he desired. I love people, but there's just something strange about actually making the effort. Like I have to prepare or something. I'm not sure. I love people but hate being like the public speaker, or the center. I see like this party at my house and I want to be the one mending everything together so that ALL are havin a great time. That's when I have a great time!
But yeah after that I came back to go to Cristian's to specifically watcha movie with my DTS and so I spent time with them. BUT for some reason I have to really prepare myself or make the effort adn when I'm done it's always wonderful. I mean if I'm an extrovert wouldn't I always desire to be around people to get my energy and thoughts? But it's not that easy I feel, at least not these days. I wonder mom if it was created in me by having the day care in my home for years and years of my life. All growing up and having like 15 kids around. Can do some great things to ya.
Well, woke up at 11am this morning feeling what's wrong with me? So taking this saturday to clean, lay out at the pool with some of the girls, and Daneeka is staying in Lydia's room while she's in Thailand. So Bre and her are cooking tonight and then our new roomate Becca is in Kimberley's room while she's been gone. Should be nice to hang out. God is a God of relationships. He's more concerned with us personally and individually and our relationship with him, with others. So, this project may be important, BUT, if I neglect relationships especially with Him, then I will fail. However, God loves me no matter what. We have to remember he has grace like we'll never understand. He loves us even when we feel we're bad, or we've sinned or we've let him down. He loves unconditionally. Thank you

What am I doing?

2010-03-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry this day has felt the strangest ever! I really feel like things aren't right. Like there's this strange pause in my life internally and all around. I know it's been my supposed 'debrief' week with my DTS back. But it's such a strange position. I did 'graduate' last night with my team on stage at base worship. However I didn't even know I was because of course technically I am done when this project is done.
But like I said with Cristian there's just this numbness i can't kick. I feel terrible because I need this campaign to go just like the supporters here and around me are encouraging it to be. Thinking ahhh it's so awesome what you're doing and wanting to do, and yet I sit here waiting for Geraldine and Godfrey to get together with me and Cristian to finalize our stupid document that I've been waiting even more so, months, to have as who abstain2010 is. It's frustrating. Because I can't go forward with a website, I can't tell the 'new' team members what to do or how to help because this isn't done. I feel just so numb. Like I NEED to go forward and NEED to do something towards our goal, but I can't or I don' tknow what. OR I don't know how I can make it easier in the future. Ah, what do I do? What's teh next step? Lord why can't I have the faith that Joshua had in that battle where he was losing and asked the Lord to stop the sun and the moon just to have time to finish and win the battle. WHAT FAITH! What do I do? I spend so much time in your word lately, I try and try to get in my prayers with you and yet I don't 'feel' you or 'feel' words/visions, nothing. It's a hard time for me right now because I feel like another week lost and so many are waiting for success and something, 'somthing' to move with!
Beautiful Cristian spent time praying for me while we were waiting for our meeting that never happened. I just need that faith. I need to see success. I need to see God's vision and HIS need so that I don't become manic about this.
I even had thoughts while walking today that, gosh wouldn't it be nice to just quit and go home early. I see Bre get ready and excited to go home as well as others and I am a bit jealous. I have no idea where this is going or how, but I'm here. I have others ready and I don't feel like a leader at this moment. It's about the relationships, saving lives physically but more importantly spiritually. Help me father so I can 'feel' but not have stress, just faith.
I gotta go do something or I'm going to wallow in this 'suffering' of doing nothing! Perhaps I will try and finish our acronym of abstain. Make more contacts? Oh Lord please!
It's beautiful out, I'm outta here

Monday eve, 1st day of DTS debrief

2010-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

So with the team back, I sat in on stories this morning. First of course we had intercession then we broke up and the base is loaded with people! DANG! Yes our DTS we worshipped together last night with the new DTS and then now we got together our old team, and shared stories of outreach. I laughed so dang hard! It was a bit of jealousy to hear about Kenya, Thailand, Swaziland, and India with their inner secrets and jokes. However, I do have my own unique path and it's been amazing so far. I've been stretched like none other that's for sure, and I haven't even hit ground I feel.
I won't lie that it feels super frustrating to see projects move next to me, and mine not move, and then to have people who are looking on say, why don' tyou just partner with someone doing something already or something similar. I DO want to partner and not reinvent the wheel, but abstain2010 has it's own originality in it that I have to keep reminding myself, is it's not just showing the justice and knowledge of human trafficking, HIV and all that. No, it's more. It's trying to realign God's Kingdom. yes it's going back to the significance and perfection of abstaining from sex outside of marriage. That value. That beauty. That hard efforts but are so worth it and valuabel in the end. We MUST bring this back and teach it.
If it gets watered down in my new message of being 1 of 3 ways to 'help' the world, then I'm not ok with it. I have to remember and not throw the abstain from pre marital sex, because that's what sets us apart to pursue. That's the reason this all began. It's great to help fund for a 'safe house' and tell more people, but the way we live our lives, and walk out our value, is so deep and more of a solution than patching up a hole in the wall that's leaking.
This is my desire and this is what I tend to forget from day to day.
I also have ot remember miracles. Times is NOT on my side and I never chose to do this project later because it was my choice...no it came about. So here I am.
However there was a miracle we prayed for this morning. The house next to our base we have been desiring I guess for years. Wel it's up for a bid and I guess Edwin put down some figure that was half the actual value, and for some crazy reason, out of a waiting list, the realters said that YWAM won the bid, and so we all prayed in intercession today for God to supply the funds. It was already a miracle in itself on how it happened so it MUST be God who will fulfill this. Incredible!
That's how I must see this campaign and work. It's the passion and vision I was put in my heart. Now whether it gets accomplished fully or not is not I think the main focus. However, it's what I'm focused on. shoot for the stars right? BUT, I fail to remember God CAN do anything. So I sit here with reaffirming the documents with GWC after morning debrief and I just think, oh is a video even worth it anymore? Is this or that worth the time with the limit we're on? I hate the pessimism but I also want SOME success and damage to be done. Oh Lord please give discernment and also more than anything, FULL FAITH. I guess I have to hear it from you to believe it's what should be, but I guess in walking out this faith of going towards a campaign for prevention and awareness with abstinence at it's core, then I feel that I MUST be going towards something you've burned in me for a reason. The fruits are there, have been there, but still not thriving yet. I look to Justice Acts and want to just say, ok I have tried, but now where can i drop campaign and just do something to help you, when really, I am already trying ot support I think with abstain, but also in a wider spectrum. Is this right? I must fight the spiritual battle right? Is this my battle? Is there even a battle? I want to help in so many ways, but I fear so often my 'visions' and 'ideas' are just sooo big and when they're not done, I get totally discouraged. I want and see this or that happening and in this or that way. LIke in NZ, I saw this pro team forming alongside this academy and 'coaches' from the girls who are role models for the new young girls. This GREAT development, but I am not there now and not creating a pro league. I preached about it for ages, but the results aren't FULLY there. There's seeds, but not the top notch. It's a bit frustrating.
Not sure where I'm going with all of this, ranting for sure.
It was hard to think of stories to tell today, because I felt like so much were just individual times and things that happened with God and I. I tried to share a bit. OH I almost forgot, Kenny has asked to help full time too! SO after this week I have Kenny and Daneeka helping Cristian and I! Yes, oh I hope I'm more organized for this!
Tomorrow meeting with 'mix it' man and then GWC again for getting paper finalized. I also am to meet with DTS team for more debrief.
Lord please be doing the work, not I.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2010-03-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

Ah another leap year :) I wish I was there. Yes Mom we'd be cruzing to longview to eat the best sandwiches possibly at the cow cafe with beer cheese soup to go along with it. Then I'd take you for a stroll, typically without the dogs, probably around Lake Sakajewia. And THEN we'd get chocolate something, anything really, and grab a great flick and go home to snuggle together for the r and r you need. Thank you for being my Mommy, Mum! You're incredible, really Mom. Keep reflecting more of who you are so the more I can grow and learn. It's always more, amazingly after 26 years. Thank you

Sunday eve

2010-02-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

I'm in such a calm state and I have no idea why. I still have no idea what I'm doing with the campaign, I don't know what I'm doing for finances, I have no idea what I'm doing after august, I have no idea what I'm doing daily. However, it's ok I believe because it's all in God's hands. He's carried me thus far, I suppose more faith should acquire. I just know that I've been basically living out of suit cases for the past 3 years, and I'm so fortunate that I've had these adventures.
I am about to head into worship tonight with the DTS here on base and my DTS, YeAh which are all back safely from their outreaches! WHooo hooo! It's been weird to see thema gain like they never left. The stories I'm looking forward to this week of debrief. I will be a part of them as much as I can outside of trying to reorganize this campaign!
Yes reorganize. BUT, it's ok I think because we finally have such a peace about where it's at. I have no idea if it will unlock doors as I pray, but I do know that it's what I've felt at the beginning. Basically awareness and prevention of the issues.
How, and with who and all that is going to come to place. I feel it's way more wholistic.
Abstain from world pain during this eventful season, 3 things to learn and teach about, and then 3 ways to be a solution. YES YES YES
I feel like I"m getting sick. Amazing Mr. Martin took Kim, Rene, Suzi and I to climb Lion's Head last night. Yes full moon and it was so dang beautiful and bright it seemed unreal! I have photos of course from Martin on facebook. So many people were hiking and even running a race because of the full moon occasion. WOW was incredible! SUCH a beautiful city cape town is. Took us forever though, and man it was a lil harder than I expected. HOWEVER, of course like champs that we are, we managed just fine, however didn't get home until around midnight. I slept til 11 this morning and thought, what the heck am I doing? Kim said you're body needs it obviously! I don't know but now I feel the aches possibly. Maybe it's just sore :)
I'm trying to rewrite, and organize this 'project proposal' with the vision and mission so that I can have a few people go over it, give feedback and then MOVE! I had a lovely meeting with Geraldine and the crew from GWC. George Whitfield College just down the block who are so onfire for this campaign! She said you have no idea that professors and bishops are praying and getting excited for this to come together! She said that they want to hear more and have this presented before teh board on Friday and then perhaps gets teh student body who's interested also in a meeting after on Friday to brainstorm and see the areas they can assist. I am overwhelmed but also trying not to get my hopes up about this. THere's also a professor giving his time to look over the document so it's right because he's worked apparently within the government so it looks sharp. I also am suppose to have a meeting tomorrow with the people from Mix It which is some texting thing here. So to figure out how to do and get promotions, possibly funding out of it. I even talked with Kimberly about our concept of 'donate towards a cause' and that cause being a safehouse. She was like umm YES! So the safehouse that's desire is about 1million, but that would be the goal of abstain is to raise the funds to purchase that and it's for assistance of victims of all the issues we're talking about, mainly from trafficking.
ahhh it sounds all so more like I pictured it all in the beginning. Like we've been seeing, our focus was so off the target, but more on the 'strategy' of abstaining from sex as the only answer, which is truly is a HUGE help, but more opportunities create more audience to be involved and a part. It's almost too easy it seems stupid. Hopefully this all turns out. Please pray for this to move.
I have the team back and they're all asking how things are and where it's at, and I want to push them into saying I have this and that done, but it's the journey and the groundbreaking with relationships that is what we've done. If you read this blog you can see the growth and crazy work that's been put forth, however the physical side of 'seeing' the project grow isn't fully there. That's hard.
Ok I am gonna go worship now I'll write more later

Why can't the keys just unlock

2010-02-25T03:15:00.000-08:00

Wisdom to be heard

I have to say that I apologize now for this journey that’s you’ve been a part of that hasn’t been really clear, but definitely a growing in wisdom one. For me at least.

I want to inform you all after a few meetings with leadership today of where I’m at. It’s not that I want to be thrown around the ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ but we want to floodgates to POUR open, and we need to have many around us (supports) 100% because if they’re mostly 50%, then with time we won’t succeed.

I was called into a meeting by chance this morning of our YWAM base director Edwin, who has been amazingly inspiring for abstain2010. He was at a café meeting with the head guy that did the Silver Ring campaign here in SA and also other organizations who are networked internationally. Also, I briefly met Grace Sampson another apparently networker, who they declared, ‘owns this city’  They had been talking about my campaign before I came and that’s why Edwin called me to meet with this guy to at least share the vision and explain more. Grace had to go, but apparently they all were excited and said that we have passion and movement, it’s just that it could potentially just flop and be unclear.

So I came and explained it all to him, and said ok I love the marketing concept of attention grabbing, however let me play devil’s advocate. He pretended to be a reporter and asking questions like “well what if I’m a married woman and I want to choose to abstain for a week and he doesn’t and if I don’t then he will beat me.” Or “How do you promote sex as being a good thing in marriage when you just telling people to abstain.” He was more so warning me what will come about. He said that you may have the passion and heart, but if you aren’t clear or powerful, then in the end you may just have a few posters, and the media may take and pic what they want and butcher your campaign with their power in billboards, newspapers etc.

The few at the table were throwing around ideas and marketing tools of what grabs hearts and attention and my focus and purpose. I was SICK of ideas on marketing, like have petitions at the airports when guys arrive that say, “sign here that you won’t rape children in South Africa.” Shock value and yet message is there.

I was having a hard time because I feel like they’re all saying again, “Ok great idea and concept, but you won’t work properly, and if a table of great leaders who are super connected, have access to funding/voice/ministries/churches and much more, then you’ll have a hard time launching this thing off. Especially with time.

I am more than frustrated, but out of it I could see their point. Their point was, that your focus is great in prevention and awareness during the world cup to fight HIV prostitution and trafficking clearly, and 1 of the great ways to prevent is pushing them to abstain from sex outside of marriage.

I went backto my thoughts being ready to burst into tears because I’m truly sick of going around in circles and being told and asked to just halt, pray and seek God’s direction because I’ve felt like we KEEP doing that. However, if people haven’t been on board, if things haven’t moved, is it a lack of faith, or is it just the RIGHT keys to open the floodgates?

Our message has always been the same since the beginning of awareness and prevention. Perhaps it’s just the ‘strategy’ that is what needs to change. I meanit’s been such a focus on sexual abstinence, that perhaps they’re right that if we JUST focus on that as the strategy to fight and bring light, then maybe the strategy just needs to be a bit altered. I mean we still desire,
“abstain from world pain”
As I originally felt. So, please pray and think with me what can and will be most effective. They threw ideas of day of abstinence if that’s still something we wanted to go towards, or perhaps the week has something specific each day to focus on for awareness and time of reflection on those issues. It could be 7 things: (throwing this all out there to chew on for thought)
A Abstain from sex outside of marriage
B Be aware…
S Sex Industry…
T Trafficking Humans…
A Aids and HIV…
I I stand against… or Invest $ here or there….
N Now:..(you can do this or that) Network… (tell 7 more people what you learned)

Different ideas, ways to get awareness and prevention and all could elaborate much more in depth, but this could be something where we have 7 steps to awareness and prevention with stats in them, stories, links, things you can do or know, ways to help.

Just asking for your prayers, and true guidance because we want to walls to fall down and HIS truth to come out into bringing his Kingdom right back in line.

Fighting Satan

2010-02-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Yes that's what the battle is here on this earth. I'm struggling but fighting! Thank you so much all for your love, support, and prayers. Kale you're missed to make me laugh when I need it most, but technology helps.
I am currently waiting on the skype phone to talk to my dang college loan punks, ACS, to tell them a 3rd time in school while they KEEP charging me. Frustrating yes. Also I'm in a room downstairs and it's almost midnight and honestly these crazy DTS students have been singing and playing music literally for the past 3-4 hours. They're just filled with the Holy Spirit it's incredible! That's what I love here! I have even just been graced with my darling Grace to tell me how her life is going with her School of Biblical Studies here on base and teh work God's doing in her elife even HERE on this base.
He is a relational God and loves us so much, that I'm even struggling to remember this that it's all about our personal relationship with God. Not medals. Not rewards. Not 9-5 jobs. Not money. I must take more time with Him, before this Devil takes too much of my campaign that God originally placed on my heart.
It's not been easy, but Cristian and I are going forward as we do. I enjoyed my laughter and time with him today.
We had to literally wait 3 hours to meet with the base leader Edwin to present this project and get feedback. We laughed saying, "I will go home and people will ask what I did in Africa, and I will just say, I waited." Common.
Edwin spoke with us and inspired us and said he thinks this whole thing is fantastic and he looked at the document and just noted that the pressing into the marriage part is dodgy. he said the minute you give someone like the media something to chew on and expose, which they will, they will take parts they want and flip it all around. We explained that we only mentioned the specifics about marriage in the document, as the heart of our campaign and to explain to ourselves and Edwin himself, the answered details. He said he loves what God is doing, and loves the contacts and connections, and just prayed for us. Like Kale said, the devil hates this powerful Bill-Graham style. He does and so he's preying on us. I will fight because I have God. I have the power of the spirit!
AGain another great inspiration from YWAM leadership and the organization as a whole being great in just loving just as our father loves. I do however fear a little bit of tomorrow.
Yes there is a World Cup YWAM meeting, which is just to see the different ministries and what they are doing for the World Cup time. I wish I had more to present but I don't really. However it will be good to connect.
I just want to finish the dang Project proposal with NO MORE CHANGES, but waiting for our GWC partners to go over it's finalities. THEN, the website, which needs to have a donate spot and the few questions I'm working through is who do we use to have donate. Is paypal good, this GIVEN GAIN is somethign I'm trying to look into. Also, do I patent my logo? I need to know the legalities behind it. SO, if any of you know these answers please fill me in for it needs to be done.
ALSO, we're coming up with an easy way to teach the campaign. 7 steps, 7 letters of ABSTAIN, 7 days of campaign AND it's been said that the world knows everyone else in the world through 7 people. Ever heard of the 7 degrees? YES, so I'm trying to figure the best acronym for abstain.
A Abstain from sex...
B Because....
S Sex Industry
T Trafficking humans...
A Aids and HIV...
I I stand...
N Now:...

Ideas are great, of course we'll elaborate but we need simple building blocks to present answer and teach.
Ah, what else is going on in this world? Ahh, Friday we're having a love feast at the house. One of Kimberley's fantastic ideas of bringing Christian's together for food and fellowship. OH Daneeka and teh teams start arriving tomorrow. Oh Lord please keep them all safe!
Connie, I'm sorry I missed your birthday, but here it goes, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Young lady :)
Oh lastly I wanted to finish saying I've been intently reading 1 Samual, and it's REALLY inspiring and intruiging to me. I just love King David! What a man of God! Truly! He's just so wise! Lord please come down upon me here and give me that boldness, clarity and wisdom that David possessed. Even and especially against his enemies whom you still love. I pray father that you guide me in that walk that you desire for me. It's this relationship I need to build with you more and more. I want to have you just emitting from my pores! WOW what a picture.
Miss you Oregon

In a funk

2010-02-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Tried to hold down a meeting tonight to get the team together to show where we're at and move forward. GOSH dang it's slow! I feel like still trying to write up this document to be 'perfect' is so annoying! I"VE been on this stage forever! NOW others are getting on board. THen, I tell everyone to let me know if they're coming and oh no I get 3 responses and only 3 show up. GWC people who are being really inspiring about this. Thankfully for them. I've not seen Cladie, haven't seen Prosper, I tell them when and where we meet and who the heck then is on my team?! I know everyone is inspired and loves the concept, but I'm in this funk asking is what I'm trying to do even worth it? I feel like it's getting burried and I have to revive what was the original passion. It's tough. I'm seeing other 'ministries' around me who are gettin sucked into their 'ministries' are stuck inthemselves! Not working together. FIghtin each other for this prideful desire to be known! I fear havin that! I fear being jealous of a successful ministry. We're all for the same damn goal! Get it?
I'm super excited though to hear from Kim gettin money coming in from this Christian tv station and today she's getting interviewed by ESPN!!! Heck yes they want to follow up with Justice ACts. I'm so dang proud of her. God's doin such work with and for this and this is the purpose I think of what I'm doing to begin with! Right? I mean I question am I still vital? But then again there are over 23 million slaves in the world! SO, we must keep going. It's only breaking ground. Ah! I have to suck it up and believe that if this is God's desire it's going ot work out.
I just feel a bit alone. Then now that I see the World Cup team now being successful because they dropped their old leader into a new position better for him, they're taking off! Cristian left them for working and hleping me and I"m more than grateful! He's been there through and through. I just thank him and yet wish there was more. I need more guidance, help and direction. Geraldine has been really inspiring me. I just hope things move faster than the way they are.
Then last night I'm speaking with the neighbors trying to get suppot and guidance and truly all they had to say was pray. They looked at me like I was just treading sand and getting no where and it's like them saying, you must get on your knees and ask God what to do. I was almost furious! I was like what do you think I've been doing the past 2 months!? I have been! BUT they also were redirecting me from an outsiders point of view. It was hard to hear and the arguement was also on my side of how much do we sit on our butts doing nothin and expectin God to just move. It's like when we were fundraising for our outreaches, and we of course prayed fo rhim to come through with the funds, BUT also we were baking, doin plays, all kinds of things to get the momentum going. SO< I look at the days and say what is it I can and should do next? I can't just sit around. I can't just wait for teams to come flooding in with leadership. What happened to the momentum? We now get a vision of who we are, and the support isn't as visual.
I'm sorry just super frustrated, and also I am not in anxiety over it or at least physicaly feeling sick over it which makes me question am I in a safer place with God's peace or is the passion and push not there anymore? Am I in the right place? Oh God please work with me. Show me your heart for me and this campaign. Is it all for the growth of me and those around me? Show me father your desire. SHwo me your wisdom and your passion.
Keep me in your mind father. I love you and am preparin to wake up and say, This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! I will!

Lovely weekend with Kimberly back

2010-02-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

I just got back from Just Ginger with the roomies and of course our dear Martin! He's unreal, seriously! Way too kind to us all and that whole SA chivalry is beyond in him! Thank you! We had the coolest day, went to church, then he took us all to the Cecil Rhodes memorial which was amazing but meant nothing to us we were trying to figure it all out. Have lovely photos from Martin there as well!
Then we went to mall and grabbed some grub, had a picnic at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, and then with an absolute packed out crowd, we were right up close with our blankets watching Just Ginger! Loved their sound and we all, Grace, Lydia, Kimberly, Kate, Martin, our other friends I've met through Martin as well all joined. Spectacular day. Now Im' stressed having no idea what is next or how to organize it.
The sermon was also termed "bucket list' an dhow to live in the moment, and i tried really hard all day, but now, oh now I am back at it in the mind set of what the heck do I do? Where do I go from here?
We have our vision/etc done, but truly I don't know where to start with fundraising, writing proposals, getting people on radio working, writing articles, doing our website right, settin up membership, getting film guys together to brainstorm, also finding celebs adn creating our film, then gettin adverts designed and made, and actually getting this dang thing out!!!! I'm so scared it's time that's not on our side. EVen Global Day of Prayer coming up this coming month to advertise it through. Ahh, oh Lord please help me gain control. I don't know how to organize a team when my team isn't even always here to organize. I tell Prosper, we meet every mornining at 9 to pray and begin to see where to go from here, he always apologizes and asks when is next meeting so I've given up. Then Cladie is joined, but then she knows we said Cristian an di meet every morning and she hasn't come. It's hard.
THEN, my outreach team will be back this coming week, which is so exciting but I feel a bit of a failure because I have not a single pieces of paper to show them, HEY I have done this while you're gone! Yet, so much has happened and my walk with God has been unbelivable what he's taught and shown me and the relationships!
ALSO, they'll be here and asking, what can I do, how can I help and i want to have them, but I don't know where to point them in the direction!
I know God is powerful, and for whatever he's doing this for, I'm here to try and do my best. I can't think I haven't done enough or I'll not have lived right. Sean a confident challenged me the other day saying, if this was taken over by someone else already doing this campaign tomorrow, would you be ok? Knowing it was going to happen just by someone else, or some other organization? I was like WHOAH! AM I ok? This isn't life, God is life and I must remember to stay in and with him. Being ok if he took everything out from under my feet tomorrow. Yes living for today. BUT, being ok and right with him.
I have to share this little story of what happened to me last night while on facebook. I was speaking with a friend from Concordia who I haven't really known and heard from in a few years, and he was like hey Noel. I thought strange, but ok I tlaked with him and sensed something wrong. He said yes no one is here to hear me and comfort me and in my pain. So I urged him to go on. He was hurt by his x and best friend and this and that and basically I was like YOu know what, I am not physically there but I want to pray for you right now over facebook. I typed the words I prayed out to him and after it was all over, he couldn't shut up. Well stop typing. It was my assurance that he needed to be ok with God that everyone is human and will let him down but HE"S there with him. I said you have GOd keep calling out and he said he had and stil felt alone until I prayed that prayer for him. It was such a cool thing! God works in amazing way! He's just incredible and even through the spirit and technology we had a God moment. Thank you Lord.
I wanted to try and backtrack and share a bit of what i can and can remember of the week since it's been crazy.
This whol process God's brought me through to get to the conclusion for this campaign for his heart was daring. We were ready last weekend to pretty much can the whole abstinence for everyone and look towards men, and then I met with this Steve Johnston from Unashamedly Ethical, which is the 2nd part to Global Day of Prayer, and he was incredible! Yes businessman. Fusi set it all up which was great and yet super frustrating being african and all because we missed him at the radio station, not my fault!!! And then we had to catcht he train to meet him at the mall to have coffee there. I utterly thanked him for his time. He was so cool and strait forward and definately a left wing Christian. But I was explaining ot him our situation and where we were at, and the whole point fo rme was to ask him if he or Graham could/would endorse this campaign, and he stopped me after I said, "and it's unbiblical to ask Christian married couples to abstain from sex" an dhe said "no it's not."
I about fell over. I said what? He explained that if it's that important and it could be 1 of his 2 daughters, then yes he would ask his wife and join the cause. He would want to tell others about this for that sole purpose of a month. However he can't and neither can graham endorse any other campaigns but their own because they just have people everyday saying God told us you're going to endorse us and it would never end. SO, I understood his point of view. He went on and pointed out 2 Samual 11 where it talks about King Joab or something who was asked by I believes Samual to go home from battle and eat, drink and sleep with his wife. He refused by sleeping outside of the house. He said basically that there's battle and war going on and men are dying and the nation is not right! Since this is all happening we can't go on living and acting like it's not. We need to do something and have change. That's the similarity he said was like this campaign which my arguement all along. I loved to hear it from another married man's point of view.
So, I was stunned and he just looked at me and encouraged me and told me to not get overwhelmed and to stay strong and reminded me that I will have people telling me the rest of my life that this and this isn't right and non-biblical and everyone has an opinion. He said listen to God and go with it!
He left me with what he said he could do. He knows the Bulls, famous rugby team with lots of Spring Bok players on it, who are Christians and also he knows the chaplan and said those would be the guys to get to be on a commercial with their wives endorsing this thing.
SO, I enjoyed him so much!
Went back to being more confused because I was pretty much ready to have my mind made up. But that just reinforced what i had orignially felt. So then I held this little meeting for anyone who was interested because I still want people to be ablet o hear more nad give ideas and opinions and what not. So we had coffee bites open up just for us, showed a video to the few 8-10 people we had and then tried to share a bit and wanted them to give some feedback. BUT< it was actually quite rediculous because since we hadn't had our vision clear, still up in the air about who all we were going to ask, I felt I more confused people. BUT, a few good things came out of it, and had outside opinions, and also met Dave who is Aibe's roomate who is graphically good and he and I and Aible went back to his place to continue the support and help. He has great skills in these things which I'm ever tring to get to go see him tonight to look over document ot make sure it's right. So wasn't all that failure.
Tuesday, met with Cladie and Cristian and just prayed. We laid around Crisitan's living room and interceeded to ask God what are we going to do? We need answer and I didn't want to say God we have no time, but at the same time God can do anything so why do we have to say, no no let's give it time and try perhaps a week later. NO, I didn't think we have to set limits on God, I said we need otk now and move forward so let's get this out. I pretty much had my heart set on my original plan of EVERYONE abstaining and so was trying real hard to ask God to speak and not me speak. So it was tough.
BUT< Cladie felt we had a missing link. We didn't know what obviously but she felt that was what God was saying to her. We also found some scripture that talked abotu wisdom and Cristian read this one about the blind man calling out to God to give him sight. God said to take off his cloak and stand up. So Cristian said he felt like the cloak is the comfort level. Like we're in too much of comfort level sometimes, and that we need to step out and be bold.
I felt the same way saying I feel that everyone' stelling us not to go in this direction ebcasue yes it's bizarre, but if we're going to do this at all and ask for abstinence why not go big or go home? I mean it's for serious cause and we want serious response and even Steve had said that it take 3-4% to make things tip over the edge. He said your married couples would be the tipping factor. That would be powerful!
We we felt, heck with it! We felt God challenging us to go for it! Even if not everyone agreed, which they won't, we felt it was the strongest clearest message and to yes, try it!
We'd had that decided then we had a meeting with George Whitfield College students, 3 of them, and the best news came out.
Yes I think Imentioned that Geraldine had asked her prof about abstaining and he said it's Biblical however it's not great. He said that's a long time for a man and he was saying that he felt the results we're looking for could and would be more poweful and effective if we did it for 1 week. So to focus on 1 strong week of abstinence would then also much better for married couples and the efforts of all would be more doable. Especially for the group that we want to target!
We all heard this and loved the concept. We agreed and even picked the 3rd week of the world cup. God please be with us!
Ahh and then the next day with a meeting with the 2010 human traffic network people who have the lovely videos like I posted on facebook. Super great people and concept of putting together these celeb videos and children teaching video all on trafficking.
I love it! BUT< still not certain direction. I did love leaving tha tmeeting however and having those people totally hooked on this concept and loving every minute of it! They said it's beautiful and truly saw God's hand in it. saying the week will be a time of prayer and fasting and of course abstinence for the church people and pitch it to them like that as well. Fight this spiritual warfare specially here during that time.
Big things, yes and yet i'm so little. I need some strength, guidance, and time ;)
I must go and meet with Dave now, but I love you all,
Mom, Dad, tried to skype you tonihgt, sorry I'll catch you again!

Gotta run but stopping by

2010-02-20T05:23:00.000-08:00

Hello all, I know I know I've been a rat about writing, and I'm sorry. Been crazy and haven't written because of lack of energy and also connection and even my direction has been a bit lost but we're back on track!
Just writing a few emails on this lovely Saturday but have to get groceries and then we're all going to apparently this AMAZING Mexican food at Fat Cactus to celebrate Elise's bday and Kimberly being home. SO great to have American supports :)
My house is truly awesome!
However movedintot he smallest room, and I can barely walk in especially around my 3 peices of luggage. I realized I've been living out of luggage for the past 3 years. Wonder if it will ever change.
Oh well. So I wanted to say that I will work on getting back on here tonight to tell about the week. God's led me and my team and others who are definately involved directly or indirectly on this rollarcoaster of a challenge for the direction of this campaign. It's amazing!
We've concluded that we want a powerful week! Yes a powerful week! 1 week of abstinence in the 3rd week during the WC2010. Similar to the power of Global Day of Prayer. The way this came about I'll share later but it's sounding and feeling so right! Poeple are seeing the beauty in the vision!
Went to Brass Bell last night for sushi and falsly told everyone it was happening and we all showed up and it had ended at 6. SO our posse still enjoyed one another and the OTHER seafood selections. Great to have people come together and mingle. Thank you all!
Ah, miss my family so much! Talked with Kale yesterday morning and man what a breath of fresh air! So happy for him and his misssions coming up in the carribean again. Oh and Terin! Just so happy for you guys! Sounds like things are moving int eh right direction!
Kale keep pumping the iron and the sauna after at 24 hour. Love it!
Gotta go!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Today was magnificent! Yes thank you so much South Africa for spoiling me, and yes Martycam!
Marty picked me up and I was wearing my red valentine's day dress. We went to Common Ground church and it was lovely service! Loved the message aimed at loving and devoting to your city, OUR city Cape Town in reflection to Jona's time with Ninevah. A city of distress but God LOVED it! Yes, we do!
Then we met up with the rest of our crew and the 6 of us went to this amazing vineyard about 30 minutes out of town. SO cool to see so much more to Cape town!
Beautiful place with all these tables outside seating, and these 2 grills (spits) with lambs roasting. Endless food, wine, and pavlov for dessert. It was magnificent and walking around, taking pictures, laughing, great company! So lovely. Marty even had a rose for us girls!
There was this live guitar player who played the best covers to Paul Simon, Jim Croce, and much more! I stuffed myself and even we brought the soccer ball out...haven't doesn't in ages and kicked around. What more could I want?
I struck up conversastion with the manager and he was so lovely and was truly interested in what I was doing and how. So he left me even with his business card to keep him up to date with campaign and a bag with a bottle of wine! How sweet eh?
We took off for Kalk Bay and I had my African Coffee and we continued our great company by the sea with the waves crashing and the sun setting! Loved the time and the Brass Bell was a wonderful finish to the day. Thank you Lord,
Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day,
Daddy, thank you for your prayers, I'm doing well I am, I hope you're proud.
Happy Valentine's mommy, you're in my heart!
Kale you are desperately needed around for some Will Ferrel quotes, miss ya man!

Releasing on a Saturday night

2010-02-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

I'm exhausted. I'll be honest to this blog, I have wept endlessly today. I know it needed to be a cry out to God. I spent quality time with him remembering who I am, who he made and who he loves. It's all about him. I was challenged today in a meeting with a man named Sean Collard and he said many great things. The ones that stood out were crucial. But the one I really cried out to God was to please take this whole things into his hands. I don't have control, don't want control, I want him to control it. God's saying he has it, he always has, and no matter what, he still loves me. No matter if tomorrow the campaign dies, he still is the same. God is still my father, he still loves me no more no less. If someone came tomorrow and said we're already doing that campaign, no worries, would I be at rest? Would I be ok? I need to make sure I'm in that place.
Sean also gave the concept and idea of Be a hero. I love this challenge to men. I love that it's bringing this draw of, do you want to be a hero?
Sean said he remember this movement went on in his son's school where girls were telling the boys what they looked for in men. Clean cut, kind to their sisters/mothers, caring, etc., and he said, you know what? My son started to take the trash out, clean his room, be kinder to his sister, etc.
Sean listened to me very carefully and he's very charasmatic but he also stopped me to give bits of his vision at me. Before I even got to where I am at wit the campaign, and how I got here with the vision, he stopped me and challenged me in saying that I know you've come so far from home and a foreign place and so young with such a weight on your shoulders, but God doesn't want you to get burnt out. You're so passionate and driven with a heart but if you go at this rate you will be smoked over and you'll even hate this country. He said so many here want to soak as much as they can out of you not caring abotu you. They will take advantage of you. He said, you're precious. God's saying you're his precious girl. The meeting almost could have ended like that. Me feeling like he was advising me to pack my bags up and leave. I felt appalled and yet challenged to say, no wait a minute then why did God birth this into my heart? Why has all these people come to grow with the vision and giving their time? To end? Because it looks too hard and dangerous?
I said I"m not even to where we're at NOW with the campaign. By the time I was done and telling him al the aspects and ideas, he went RUNNING with it. That's where the whole challenge of being a super hero, with the victims, these young girls, a daughter of someone, actually putting a name and face to have these hero's desire to win the battle. It was crazy to see his change in passion from the beginning to the end. I wonder how much to hear from people, what's God's voice to me. But he never changes. Thank you Sean and NK for your time.
The meeting felt like 3 hours, but after I finally purchased a new swim suit, because it was 2 for 1 and you know what, I haven't bought a new swim suit in probably 4 years. Mine's rotting and the other has rust on it. Yeah, I went immediately to the pool.
I just am wallowing though in all these ideas and thoughts and where to lock the vision and for whom and if it's going to work?
Meeting last night was suppose to start at 6:30. Only 3 replied to my email. I almost felt like not showing up to this Braai. Guess what, about 10-15 were there. New ones too. I have almost no control :) So by the time we braaid up some meat, finally began to debate and get ideas out by 8. I went home at 11:30. It was great, and wonderful to see so many opinions and truths. I'm grateful but at the same time I have a few advisors already in my ear saying you 'should' do this or that. Very supportive still, but everyone's got an opinion. I need to hear it I feel from outsiders, insiders, and strangers to get some clarity. However, in the end I have everyone looking to me saying, it's YOUR vision, so YOU know what it should be.
I almost feel like I'm looked at with this magic wand, and if I touch it on the right message, then magic will flow. A bit of weight eh? They keep asking questions like I have this magical answer that God's given. If you read back you'll see that I had no idea what these ideas meant for 3 months! I felt crazy and I didn't even know if they were from God. I don't have time like that to 'discuss' and 'listen' because in 3 months there will be teams already here to play soccer and many people in slavery more than ever!
I can't even finalize a 'strategic business plan' because this 'vision' 'mission' must be finalized, THEN we can move. BUT, I can't wait around. that's why I feel asking for an open meeting where people can come and ask ?s, give feedback, networks, etc., would be great, so I've reserved our dear friend Stefan's Coffee Bean Monday night. Who knows what happens. I just can't WAIT til our vision and everything's in place, to then go looking for man power and links to get these different methods of carrying the message. By then it's too late.
I ALSO have 2 pretty major meetings set up Monday. I've been hounding Fusi my radio man for them, so I can't punk out now just because the 'vision' isn't decided upon. Still the concept of prevention destruction in SA and bringing awareness of issues like trafficking are all important and our desire. So I can talk about the rest and where we're at, and EVEN ask opinions.
Have you ever heard of Graham Powers who started the Global DAy of Prayer? Apparently he's huge here, and also very successful business man. Well we have a meeting with his right hand man Monday at 10. THEN, Fusi and I have to rush to see Errol Naidoo. This is another Christian who's well-known I think even a pastor, but he also is in parliament doing great things. Radical Christian I hear. I need some help/voices and endorsers. Please keep it all in your prayers.
I DO get to have a lovely Valentine's DAy. I can't deny that my great supporter Martin says that he's going to make sure I'm spoiled tomorrow. He's picking me up for church at 10 then we're going out to some vineyard with a group to have wine and lamb onteh spit. That's a grill apparently :) I'm excited to see something other than this screen or hear the word abstain.
Sean says that I really need some people on my side to be counseling and supporting me. Someone I can call at 3 am if I'm in trouble. I feel like I could do that with my roomates, and I feel like Elaine even Martin now are great people to throw things off personally. I think I'm covered, but not necessarily a Spiritual Father. Please pray that I have the right and enough support around me at this time. It's kinda hard.
Also please pray to help guide me in deciding on the right people for my "Dream Team" of this campaign, who will devote their hearts and time just as I have because that's what it's goin got take to make this push. They also need to be wise. The rest are going ot be outside them I believe to be the roll out team. I pray they will come on board.
Geraldine from GWC has met wtih me again and she graciously was at the meeting last night as well with great feedback. That girls is passionate and VERY organized. She's encouraging me. She talks about this whole push to not only GWC and it's links with over 200 churches around the country, but also the Muizenberg Community Church and this youth programs and local churches around the area to push message.
However this ties me up, because she's needing some 'proposal' documents to the church and college asap, with what I have. What I have isn't much but 'dream' and 'talk' but I'm trying. So it's positive and yet overwhelming.
Elrico emailed me and said that he has this guy from Cape Town who will help me with the film side. I have no idea if that means for free, if he's just skilled, or what. I'm not getting my hopes up but grateful he's released someone to join out team to help.
One of my great 'elder' friends at the pool Godfrey, he asked me today, in my crazy mind blurryiness, if I could come speak to his school. He said he's a teacher at this Christian school and he's suppose to do this talk to his students ever year about issues that I'm campaigning for, (which he wasn't very specific) but I said I'm not real knowledgeable about HIV etc., he said no no it doesn't matter so much that, the fact that you're all the way over here, doing this, God's moved you and has stuff on your heart. He said I want you to share that. Share what you're doing, you're knoweldge and your passion because it's more effective and inspires. He said way more than someone who's 106. So I was honored.
I have to remember though the things to say yes and no to. I am devoted to this campaign. I'm not going to be playing soccer for I know that there will be a time. For now, I'm grateful my knee's not hurting but I have no time or mind for soccer.
Fusi from CCFM proposed to me on this new broadcast they're starting soon about World Cup and reading updates and news about soccer he thought with my passion I should be the one who does the show. I was like heck no I can't speak well etc. But he said no no I'll teach you. I felt really uneasy because I said well I'm real busy, is this nothing to do with the campaign? He said no just the soccer and i was honored but said you know what I can't promise I have time for that. I want to keep my focus and not learn and do somethign new like that.
Well I'm about done! I'm so tired and just really wanting to keep healthy mindfully and physically. However, I am being more challenged for faith and responsibility than ever in my life, and it doesn't have a 9-5 push. So it's hard to sleep. BUT, I'm more than honored. To see the impact it gives to show people my passion about this campaign and how I even came to be in this position is holding such a strong punch that I'm so grateful I've not just been called, but I went. I keep asking the Lord to help move me with teh Holy Spirit. Get that boldness.
In fact I was siting there in the bath tub tonight crying to Him, and I asked, I wonder if this is what Paul felt like? I wonder if Paul was in such termoil in his life and yet striving for more of GOd and more wisdom to WORK hard? If so, I'm honored.
Love you all, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Email to team after meeting last night

2010-02-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you all so much for coming! Your input and support and even presence there was great. However, the reply on coming...come on people I know we're in South Africa but you could at least let me know so we have enough food and even know if I should have a meeting :) Thank you

A lot of great ideas and input came out. I fully also appreciate NK's wonderful friend the submarine :) With her ideas.

I want you all to know and realize, that as I've tried to get my mind away and relax, which I can't, BUT God is still showing me that no matter what the 'wording' or the 'audience' or the 'target' of prevention etc., we choose, look at what we're ALL here trying to do. We're trying to do something better for HIS Kingdom. We're trying to help. We're choosing out of our own free time on a Friday night to spit out about a campaign to change lives for His people. Now remember that, in itself, He sees and He doesn't turn away from us.
I know that we all reference back to saying, if it's HIS 'vision' it will work, but also we have to remember that He's in control and if we touch 1 person, (maybe that person is the one sitting next to us or our neighbor next door who overhears our passion for this change) then we've done good. God knows our hearts. Remember that.

What was discussed:
We know our time is the World Cup. We know that we're making this campaign 'happen' for a month to make it really stand LOUD. Just like Sisanda said in that country where there was a massive natural disaster, and because of it everyone was running campaigns because the whole world was looking at the country.

We know that we cannot as followers of the God ask married couples to abstain. Not that the Bible says it specifically but more for the reasons that it's probably not going to spread a healthy relationship to marriages across the board. We hear mostly that marriages are struggling with sex, and it just aims more in the wrong direction of this sacred thing. It may be super powerful for a man in a relationship declare he's going to 'fast' abstain for a month for a cause, but for the majority the request will get warped and we can/will tank our campaign.

Great points were brought up about our audience and our victims. Our victims aren't even just girls/young girls being trafficked but ALSO the children here in South Africa who are young, going to be out of school, and easily lured into a sex trade especially for money or captured, etc. SO, we need to be aware and conscious that we really want to be able to touch those in that area as well.

We also want to remember that this campaign is designed for the aim of major impact! Loud to get the nation's attention to push something big beyond, hopefully an abstain campaign.

We NEED a single CLEAR message. If we say, well "single people abstain from sex and married men who are traveling need to abstain too to remain faithful" is all so long and many campaigns are already doing so. A, B, Cs and aren't working clearly!

In South Africa it has to reach their minds/hearts!

Where we got, was the concept of asking MEN, yes MEN to abstain from sex during the month of the World Cup. This whole 'escaping the box' and pointing it to the men, getting them out of the box and standing up for a cause! This puts the responsibility on the men. Here in SA the men are the ones who are in charge, YET it's the women who are doing most of the work etc. This is what I'm hearing. SO, we're giving MEN a challenge to stand up to. Be a REAL man. BE A HERO!
This also then has the men becoming role models, which in turn reflects to the boys. We all realize that women will support and nurture this as the beings that we are, and so it doesn't necessarily take women out of the picture, WE will support the men! We will probably push this campaign even harder to help make it work for this great change on the male side, of HERO'S that we desire.

If we let men realize that they can be Hero's by saving victims from slavery, which is basically what's happening, then we make them aware by challenging them to abstain. That's someone's daughter. Yours could be next. So care!
You as a man, take a stand!
It's crazy, never been done that I know of, and attention grabbing! It can also be done not just here in SA, (even though we're pushign to just market here because of time constraints) but men everywhere can join the cause.

This ALSO crosses all borders especially towards non-Christians.

We're looking for a catchy phrase to go with this. We could still use the abstain 2010 and just have the male symbols, but use something like, Take A Stand or Be A Hero? It could even be we use ABSTAIN2010 as our main logo, and we can then use slogans for different audiences. For instance if we make shirts for a Kosa area, we use something they relate with better, or in thier language. Get it?

I would love feedback if you have any, ideas?

I will be holding a gathering Monday at The Coffee Bean, 7-8:30 or ANYONE interested in helping abstain2010. It will be real informal, probably play a video, get contacts #s and emails, have the different ways of marketing on papers, and people can see what they are, sign up in those categories, write other ideas/thoughts/connections, and I will just brief on where we're at to be honest with the specific 'vision' and at least begin to get man-power and support gathered. I don't want to wait til this whole 'strategic business plan' is honed perfect and THEN go looking for help. We soon need to have 'teams' WITH passion to do this work out of their own will and passion for the cause on their own time.
If you KNOW you want to be a part of this no doubt and see the area you best desire to be in, then YES please chime in asap that you want to be on THAT specific area and in the near future we will have 'team's organized by their 'designated' leader we appoint.

Lots here folks, I Know I'm just trying to do my very best.

Please enjoy the weekend, keep US all in your prayers and this campaign, and especially the HEARTS it's going to reach!
Blessings,
Noel Cameron

Rushing off... but a line to sleep on

2010-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Pray. Seek God. He has the answers. He speaks in all and through all including the things of this world. Listen.
I have been asking God for the real vision. I have been questioning leadership and doing my very best to listen. I am trying and trying and know that brining people together tomorrow who have been a apart of this growth of a campaign to decide on our vision. What is it that God wants to speak out to the world.
We haven't even created 1 flyer yet and already people are stirred! It's crazy! I have been hearing about people who are hearing about this abstinence campaign and talking and I'm even known now as the abstain girl. But, we want change. We want this world to change. For the better.
Awareness, prevention, challenge, change.
I have had the most incredible growth already with God. He's just so in control and he's showing me fruits that I'm so favored to get to even see/experience so far and the journey's only begun.
People are stepping out and really contributing and really pushing for this unrealistic thing. It's hearing SAfricans say that it's crazy that we have become immune to the HIV talk over and over and it has to take someone across the world to come here and be shocked to reawaken us. That's how my new teamate Cladie joined me today.
She heard us at base worship and wrote down that she wanted to join abstain2010. I FINALLY meet this mystery girl who was on base and she tells me she heard us at base worship and felt bad. She felt bad that we had to come here, 2 foreigners to see this, feel this, and are willing ot do something, and there's not even a South AFrican on the team. She felt compelled, and just as many, sees hope.
NOT ONLY is she incredible so far, BUT she also has a car and license! YES thank you GOD!
I'm about to go home and finish up a document for this new girl at George Whitfield College that I know, Geraldine to write this proposal (as best as I can) to present to her to give her all the knowledge we have at the moment to present AGAIN to her president of the school, who loves the campaign and has wanted to do something for/during the world cup with the school and their connections of over 200 churches in the country and connected with other theological schools around the world, and want to send a message about trafficking and hiv etc., to them and universities and enable them to continue to push the message JUST WHAT I"VE BEEN WANTING TO DO!
Yes G and I were just chatting in the fruit and veg store last week and she happened to mention something about trafficking and WC on her heart, and i said OH my gosh do you know what I'm trying to do! So sent her the info, apparently already presented to her president etc., (this girl is a go-getter) and now said they want to help mobilize this!
She said tell me this and that and what you need man power and things and yes yes yes! I just pray that this doesn't get political because of YWAM, their theologians, etc., there's so much politics that can and will get involved in near future I know because the Devil wants to interfere with God's great work at all costs and in all ways. SO, yes I was overwhelmed and even told her I wish I was more professional and trying to look professional but I don't even know my team yet. She said it doesn't matter we'll fill in the gaps do what you can.
I pray father that this is the vessel needed to push this boat. To really take off! If one door closes another will open but only if it is your will and your word. I'm trying to keep that on track, so please pray that this is what is to be.
Yes, so also Marty's been and angel as he is. I just love him more and more because he just motivates, is positive, smart, he pushes me and yet also asks me to tell him whatever I need at all times. It's nuts! He took me to his cell group last night and met the wonderful people who had been praying for my campaign, again people who said, OH you're the abstain girl! Yes, it's catching! Was great times and food and fellowship. We're going to their church Sunday and even to a vineyard with the group to have lamb on the spit. whatever that may be :) Thank you Martycam! If you want he has some incredible pictures of the stadium we went to see the stormers at the brand new green point stadium. I was in heaven on the front row with Lydia!!! Check it out! Had fantastic time!
So yeah, still heaps of work to do, I sleep, but yeah times are interesting and moving! I'm loving this community and now getting to knwo EVERYONE!
I forgot to mention,...
beenrunning!
Yes I have ran like 4 times now even on hills and my knee doesn't hurt. YES YES YES! Praise the Lord!
On that note, I must go, thank you for following and praying and know God is just incredible! Always! Always he is good!
Glad you all got to meet Kimberly, mom, dad, kale. Isn't she lovely!
Buenos Noches

I'm stuck

2010-02-09T22:34:00.000-08:00

Before I can back track on weekend before I can move forward with the campaign, WE need clarity from God.
So my partner Cristian was talking with our base leader Edwin and Edwin said he received a phone call from national YWAM headquarters and he said that they heard wind of what we're doing on this abstain campaign and said that we cannot ask ALL people including married couples to join the month of abstinence. He said that it is not Biblical. Here's the scripture.
1 Corinthians 7: 5-9

Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am: but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

This from what i know is Paul who has chosen to be unmarried and remain celibate.
Now when we look into our campaign and the reason we chose to ask EVERYONE, is because the issues of HIV/AIDS, trafficking effect OUR world. Everyone can somehow be linked/effected. Also, with the World Cup we wanted to expoit that knowledge and the awareness of what's happening in these issues.
Locals here even say NO ONE has any clue about the HIV REAL problems and the trafficking. Even locals. Can you imagine others around the world? However the world will be watching and eyes on this major event, so why not use the event to open the eyes, ears, and heart of many.
Knowledge is power right?
So, we also dug further in saying that this message of abstinence for a stance and for prevention is to reach EVERYONE. That means non-believers too. This is a way to unite ALL religions and people together. It even IS a Biblical message but we're not preaching is as one. Since, all types of people are dying of AIDS and all types are being trafficked everywhere int he world we need to bring these issues to light.
Human lives are at risk, that effects all.
If we're not loud, then perhaps there's MAJOR devastation after the world cup. Perhaps IF we're not loud then the government WON"T get funding to even teach the police through training about what human trafficking even is? Or even how to fight it and what's the next steps with housing/counseling, etc? I mean if the cops are arresting girls, women they find in brothels because they're here illegally, how can they dig deep and show that the women choose to come and DO this by choice?
EVEN LARGER... we can use this opportunity to show a value that is soooo important. Why would a person remain abstinent until marriage? Why would we want to save our sacred body for another? It's a bond that 2 people unite. IT's beautiful and for God. He created us for this. BUT, we practice abstinence. We have to do it before we get married and sometimes while married you go on a business trip or vacation and you remain away from your spouse for a long period of time, you have to abstain.
You remain loyal.
It maybe hard, but because you are united and love your spouse, you choose to abstain.
For this campaign we are unique and can get LOUD because we are asking everyone. People want to know why and we say because these issues are happening and ALSO you can raise up for a stand and join. Sign up, wear a red ribbon around your wrist and have others want to know more about the problems in the world, maybe how they can help, how they can join, and TAKE A DANG STAND!
This is powerful! IF a christian leader walks in front of the pulpit of a church and says my wife and I have chosent o take part in this, we're going to be making awareness, telling others, and choosing to 'fast' and 'pray' almost like we're taking this one month of global prayer and efforts to reach the unreached. To reach the lost and ones in pain!
Now only if they both agree then is says in the Bible for a time it's ok.
The power of someone, especially married, saying they will remain abstinent for a cause and a awareness REALLY IS POWERFUL! It's shocking!
This could be the tide that turns youth, and non-believers or OLD believers back to HIS rightful path! IT could be that shocking stand and PRAYER and VOICE that WE can have change for the better and for HIS better kingdom here.
We're not declaring everyone HAS TO! We're asking to join the campaign and cause. IT's not easy. If it was easy it's probably not from God and it's probably not going to have great fruits from it. Right?
We're asking everyone to come together and if you choose not to abstain, if you feel you can't if you're spouse doesn't comply, then DON'T.
It's not about US. I want to remember and remind that. It's not about US. Let's stop being selfish and say hey, here are issues we have an opportunity to express and learn and share about. Maybe someone wants to pray for it. Maybe someone wants to donate. Maybe someone wants to know why abstinence is the answer. Maybe someone wants to choose to learn more about abstinence and what the Bible says? You never know! But it's a chance!
But remember it's not about us. I'm not doing this campaign to get exposure for MYSELF or MY TEAM. If I did I would have quit a long time ago. It's to reach others. It's to get help to the problems. It's very possibly a solution! We need to work hard, pray, take a stand, talk, and listen, and choose what we believe is right and wrong to follow God.
But, if you believe sacrificing a month of abstinence between even a marriage, then that's awesome! That's powerful and we want you to join the cause! Join the movement!
These are mere thoughts, we are having a School of Biblical Studies teacher come help us learn the background and get feedback on this scripture, we are praying, we are confiding in leadership and searching for what God wants in this campaign. We dont' wantto please 'us' but 'Him'.
Please keep us in your prayers,
We will hold a team meeting with who we have been with Friday and discuss and decide our direction from there.
Oh Lord please provide wisdom and knowledge and discernment between the worldly things and your wisdom.

Too much to say, I'll try

2010-02-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

It's Monday night and I'm done for, BUT I must try and start to tell what's been happening. Let's back track. Ok, meeting like I said last Wednesday was so incredible! I had all people stay, perhaps it was Cristian's food, but they were into it and wanting to give support and advice. I felt something moving.
The whole set up for powerpoint to be seen and talk about before our entire base at base worship kept me up all night.
Once we were briefly trying to put some 10 min thing together, Prosper, Cristian and I talked about it like no big deal, we just wanna at least introduce this thing. When we actually got up there, I was shaking all day! I'm no public speaker! Could be a problem.
However, we showed video concept we had and played song, and I was introduced by Virmz about what I'm doing and why and it was way too nice. The place was packed too because the DTS happened to be there was well from the media village down the road.
Worship went a bit overboard and so it was our presentation of abstain2010 who were cut-off int he middle. So I thought total disaster since everyone only heard me tell the history and how this concept came about and then Cristian following with statistics, we had started wtih song and video, and then our PREACHER Prosper, whoah! He came out with a bang! He explained in a preaching pastor-like way abstinence and how this mind-set is formed, etc. Basically there was where we were cut-off and I thought, we haven't even showed HOW or even what exciting things are happening right now! UGH! And then I thought worst of all, the speaker who was going to speak, he came up front, and he said he just felt the worship team was so great and wanted to hear more of them and felt the holy spirit moving for more worship time.
I felt like a pin hit the floor like everyone was so disappointed and wanted to hear him and I thought it was then my fault for not being short enough.
It was hot in there, I was sweating, everyone was focused on me, and even still with our team the whole base, well who knows us, cheered super loud and were supportive, however, I still felt like everyone was like Yeah we've got it, abstain! But I felt like the heart couldn't even reach them at that point still. So I was thinking and feeling, God I prayed so much for this and help and I almost feel like I look like a joke and to ask the world to abstain from sex is waht they heard and think, Ah that's gonna be tough! Good luck!
We finished with more worship and then our base leader Edwin came and started to lead the prayer focus on HIV and the nation here and those effected etc. Then he even asked another base leader Bongi to come and pray into it as well. SO the focus became actually quite interesting and changed not necessarily on purpose, but I just kept thinking, God, it's however you desire it go to. I leave it in your hands.
At the end of worship I really didn't want to talk to too manyh people just feeling like guilty for taking over and also not explaining well enough etc., we even had sheets going around for people to write name and email, where they're from and comments. I read those later with Cristian and it was more motivating than I expected. Many great inspiring things like We'll be praying, or how canI help? In fact there's a girl on base who's meeting with us tomorrow claudine who wants to join our team!
I left though the base worship alone, and still my friend Meg comforted me and Virmz came and thanked me. I felt bad and really prayed for and spoke ith Cristian and Prosper and encouraged them! I had to.
I went to Yael's house like I told him I would and didn't really want to talk about it and we went to Carly's restaraunt that was open and I ordered chocolate cake. :)
Great time wtih him and I'm seeing improvement he even said I motivated him, when really all I feel like I do is try and help him ground himself. He's searching. He said he's been reading the Bible, so we're moving. Lydia did get me something about evolution to speak with him about because that's what he believes in.
Anyways, that was that Thursday.
Friday I had to take care of myself with the doc app. Knee specialist. I went and he basically said that I have been feeling healthy and it doesn't look swollen and can't tell if it is miniscus or itband, SO in order to find out, I have to get an MRI, OR if my insurance doesn't pay for it, which it doesn't, then I have to go injure myself, or get it to swell so he can then look at it and tell which one it is.
So my instructions are to push it. I've been runing the past 3 days! PAIN FREE so far! Can you believe it?
So yes, that's great news because it is quite possible it was my IT band and I healed it over this swimming and walking time. I need to push more, but it's just my muscles are so swollen from not doing much I can't over do it or I'll be pulling muscles!
Lovely Martin took care of me Friday. Oh I wanted to mention that also I had to go into the office to print receipts etc off, and while there, EVERYONE"S talking about this abstinence campaign and asking ALL people including couples to remain abstinent. It gave me more oppronity to tell more and they were giving me feedback and connections and it's just so great to hear. Even Kendra in the office said she'd love to exploit her writing skills, so Cristian's giving that to her tomorrow for articles.
But, yes then Martin picked me up, took me to the doctor and even went in with me! We had a great time and then he showed me my first Nando's experience. Oh wait, after the doc, we went to my old doc to get refund and they pushed it to another month to get tha tmoney! AH! Then Nando's for some great mexican kinda african meal I feel like it was. Still good!
He sent me home with tickets to the game Saturday, $ to get my hair done and he even bought airtime to call my mom! WOW! He's truly unreal! Lydia and I can't figure it out :)
Really though Marty's got a great heart and I even got to see it and experience it with him and his friends Saturday. I'll tell more.
I spent the rest of Friday night skyping with my mom and Andie, oh finally we found each other! One last thing I wanted to add, was a DTS student right now named Sebastian he came to me and wanted to encourage me. He said that everyone's still talking about it and he thinks it's super brave and to come across the world to do something like this shows so much. He said to keep it up and people are believing in it eventually. It meant a lot to me.
Anyways, I have to go or I may fall asleep on walk home! I love you all
Help spread the message!

Last night I had a TEAM meeting

2010-02-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

I think we almost counted for 10 people who showed up to talk about campaign! I was overwhelmed and excited. It made up for the frustration and belittlement I felt earlier in the day at another meeting with Justice ACts just feeling very out of place and out of my mind and unorganized. Not saying I am, but I have people who believe in this. God is speaking to more than me. It's people from government, to radio stations, to people who are in media who LIVE here in SA. It's comforting.
Cristian made spaghetti and i tried to give moral support with fruit and veggies.
Was so great though to have a group come and hear me and spit around ideas, supporting thoughts, excitement. We have our web guys working together now, we have a HUGE voice in from media village thanks to my only OTHER girl Susan coming along as newcomer from Media Village all in media stuff who is SUPER excited and said she will speak to them about this small films and doing them for their project. ALSO ideas for logo, image and getting more working on that TOGETHER.
I didn't feel I could go too much into detail because my TEAM, isn't clear and probably won't be for the rest of the time but at least I could recruit more and tell where we're at where we want to go and who's in it now. So, feedback was great, radio man Fusi talked about great things with the networks and people who make SA in parliament all the way to HUGE Christian leaders who will champion and carry this message 'no problem' just getting them and everyon'es pro celebrities to push as well. So at least Cristian and I could hi five and be excited again about our project.
Gotta go work on powerpoint for this, but will work on getting back to tell more,
early morning, but I did get swim in :)
God never changes, thank you SOOOOOOO much for your prayers, HE'S doing all this and fruits are coming from the vine. Stay grounded

continue...late LATE tuesday night

2010-02-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

Oh I wanted to share about our chocolate cheese and wine party. I merely threw an event to get my neighbors over from all around. Invite people to unite people.
We had our awesome neighbors jammin and then I yelled at a few other neighbors all of this last Tuesday to have such an incredible time. It was a mixed group no doubt, but they all seemed to enjoy each other and all brought somethign even if it was just a slab of chocolate or cup of coffee.
We had George Whitfield College representatives, young, old, it was just an element that my roomate Lydia and I just loved. We thought, this is jsut what Jesus wants and would do, be among the people and invite even stranger in because if it's only our circle of people we know and know God, how will they be loved and know his message? It was heavenly event :)
Oh I wanted to talk about Yureka. Please pray for this girl.
I've seen her before but haven't properly talked to her. I know Kimberly knows her from the streets.
I got back from an early morning walk last Thursday and it's 8:30 in the morning I see her leaning against this post in the little Village, just ALMOST home. I thought just as I always do whenI see them, I say hi of course but fear their questions of 'mam do you have any bread' or from her 'mam you've forgotten me.' SHe has said I need to give her my jeans one time. This greed rests over this country, it's hard. But what would Jesus do right?
So I see her standing outside the used clothing shop with a pair of jeans ready to go sell them. I sit and she just UNFOLDS, the story just errupted and she was balling in tears!
She was in a skirt and said she wanted to sell these jeans because her sister just had a baby and she needs fare to go see her and she doesn't even know how much it costs but has to go because she told her sister she would. Her sister's actions now affect her because she has to help take care of the baby when her sister is even older than her and she's even telling me how she sleeps in the mountains just here in Muizenberg with teh rest of the street kids/people.
Yureka cried saying she hates doing all this! SHe's so fed up with asking for help. She doesn't want to SELL herself anymore! She doesn't want to be hungry. She doesn't want to be wearing this skirt because she wants to look nice to see her sister in the hospital. In the skirt she felt dirty yet all her things have been stolen. Then went on about sleeping and screaming out in words she has no idea to God, (which I told her was probably tounges but she didn't even know what that was) and people calling her crazy and she was praying for others who have fallen down for no reason! YET< she says I pray for bread to appear and it doesn't and I turn away from God and go back but I can't even eat! She went on and on and it broke my heart seeing her cringe, and even holding her peeling hands, saying that her exima was getting worse and she has no medication for it. She said I go to church I ask God for help and here I am! She says I don't want to go sell my self, I don't want to work for the pimps, I don't want to do drugs and be up all night and feel sick! But the pain goes away.......
I finally said Yureka where did you used to work? She said I've only sold myself. I asker her how old she was, she said 26. Same as me. I said if you could get a job anywhere what would you do? SHe sobbed I don't know I just have patience so I think I would be good with old people. Oh man I thought where do we begin with her Lord. I prayed for her and just felt like I have the means RIGHT now, and I know if my roomates were home they probably wouldn't approve bringing a street person inside for purposes of protection etc., but I know God says don't just pray but DO! We MUST be DOERS!
AND Yureka is the eXACT girl I'm trying to help with this whole campaign.
She is who I'm trying to save. If I don't do it right outside my door, I sure as hell wont' do it for the world!
So i said come.
SHe then treated me like I was her master, head bowed, saying yes mam no mam, and barely looking me in the eyes. She cried I think almost the whole time because she was so overwelmed I told her to stop that.
I gave her just some breakfast, made her a big lunch with what I had, I gave her clothes, to try on and wear. I gave her money for the train to get to the hospital. Andie, she choose your jeans, be happy they're being so used in a wonderful way!
Yureka was such a blessing and telling me how she has 2 children. Her 'husband' she said died years ago and she couldn't care for these kids and she wants them she wants to be a mom...she's MY age with an 8 year old! WOW Lord!
I said Yureka it's my pleasure to have you over and thank you that the Lord spoke to me and moved me to be able to serve for he will ask of you the same. It's not me I said it's Him. I didn't know what else to do.
I sent her on her way with a hug and asked her to meet me on Tuesday for breakfast at Kosies. She left saying she'll be there.
I was praying for her with tears all weekend and even thinking how we can involve her in the campaign.
She didn't she this morning, I hope she's ok. Please pray for Yureka, and the millions who are also slaves. You ask slaves to what? So do I.

So I wanted to atleast get that story out because I know it's not the end!
CCFM I don't know if you remember me telling you about the intervew on teh radio last THursday I had. Sorry my typing is getting worse.
So I went on 'Ladies Corner' as a safeway to speak about me and doing things from my past and growing with God and just being a sports girl, it was suppose to be like 15 minutes and I was a bit nervous but thought who the heck would be listening at 9:30 at night on 'Ladies Corner" on this Christian radio station. BUT I knew I was going to get to plug in the campaign in a safe way after the talk.
It went well I guess, I talked and talked because she asked me about soccer and New Zealand and then went to the world cup then this campaign so it was flowing! I had no idea really what she was going to ask me. But I inspired her enough that at the end, she was like how can people like me get invovled? I freaked out because I didn't even have a running cell phone and website is not ready to be seen ,but I had to give something.
Once off the air, Sisana wanted to know more and interview me for her Christian magazine she writes for. It was inspiring and Fusi said I did great. This is where the future of having our Campaign program with with and even adverts is all going to come together super soon! They're on board, it just needs to move fast, I can't do this all!
I need a fundraiser, I need a PA, I need a car, I need stats man, I need researcher, I need a finance person, I need volunteers, I need a graphic designer, and more and more it's just nuts!
Tomorrow going to JusticeACts meeting to see where they're at, show where we're at, and how we can mend and make sure that with the millions of other trafficking and HIV organizations we're helping each other not trying to do the same thing. This is where I need more people to do that ground work FOR me. Yikes.
Well, stil so much great things. Even my new friend/teamates Ian made a song and it's like this catchy Austin Powers song.
Much much to do, just know I love you all and I'm sorry I haven't had time to even call, I'm working on doing all thi
OH I didn't even get to the best part of the interview,
ok
So the only person that responded was this crazy but magnificent man Martin. He found me on facebook so I was creeped out at first but he said I had a very strange name so not hard.
Martin, worked for FIFA Organizing Committee here in cape town. He said he heard me on teh radio, no idea why, but was just told he should help me. I found out at our lovely dinner last night where he spoiled me rotten, that he heard my passion. I don't know how in 10 minutes, but thank the Lord he was listening. He's a Christian, he is connected with a huge local church, he is connected with all FIFA, he is into photography, and said I don't know how I can hlep, but if there's anyway I can I will try. He said I just feel like I need to help you personally. Like logistics (phone) aren't working right i don't want those tiny things to get in your way, etc. He even has allocated tickets to the new stadium to watch the Stormers rugby this weekend! Me and a friend and I've got Lydia all excited to go too! So it's incredible! God is so so funny eh? So Martin's awesome and even came with things printed out, great advice and a fabulous ear to hear me and my passion. I even he said, told me about the trafficking which he never knew about before.
God is moving