Understanding The Bible/Term 1 ends!

Monday was the first day of our class called Understanding the Bible. This is by far my favorite classes. We began with a Bible trivia game that was quite difficult! Once we discovered we know less of the Bible than we thought we did, we talked about how important it is to understand the Bible, and understand it in the way it was meant to be understood. After lunch I had time to study and relax. I also had a mini-dance party with my roomies. It was tons of fun and I they bring me so much joy. Now after dinner, Ntsako and I realized that we need to bring awareness to dolphin violence. Did you know that dolphins kill people? Also they have bigger brains than humans. So we began a journey of bringing awareness to this situation. Later, Kerry and Minx and I went to Crawdaddy's for flock time. I had the best milkshake I've ever had. Words can not even describe how amazing it was.

Tuesday class was very good and we had homework! We had to read the book of Philemon and really "look" at it and write out things we noticed. In the afternoon we had fitness and we played Netball. This is basically a mix between basketball and football. It was so much fun!! My team had a lot of fun and we did really well! Later I got to talk to Christy which was so nice. She is doing great things at UTD and I can't wait to see what else God has planned for her future!!

Wednesday we continued talking about Philemon in class. After class I went to Waterglen with Chloe, she is awesome! Then after dinner we had house time! We watched a movie called Mom's Night Out, it was a cute movie. We also had ice cream....and a DANCE PARTY! It was a lot of fun!!

Thursday was the last day of class! Then we had chapel. During Chapel, the school presented YOYL with a gift! Last year they celebrated 25 years and so the school promised us a gift, which is a beautiful painting representing the 25 years of YOYL. After chapel we had community lunch and it was a beautiful day outside! Then everyone had to get ready for Stories of Hope. It was an event held by the YOYL full-year students. It was very cool! They performed some of the routines they do on outreach and shared testimonies of how outreach went. I really enjoyed it!! I also *finally* received a letter from my mom and sister!

Friday the holiday began! First we did plotties in the morning then I packed up my stuff and chilled. Later I walked to the Noviskies, they are being so kind to let me stay with them for the two week holiday!! I am so very thankful for them! We went to their friend's house for a braii. Their friends were missionaries in Yemen and Jordan for 11 years! It was amazing to meet these people and make new connections.

Saturday I slept in and had some time to chill. I also found out that I have been accepted to A&M...again. I am actually excited but still praying about whether or not this is the next step for me. I am almost fully convinced that it is but don't be surprised if it's not! Then I went with Chandra to help shop for groceries and then we got ready for dinner. I also got to call my mom and dad and while I was on the phone with them Jonathan called! So I was talking to my parents in Texas, and my brother in Asia! It was interesting and very cool, I am incredibly thankful for technology!! Then we had some delicious burgers and watched a movie.

Sunday I again got to sleep in and yes, I skipped church. But I caught up on some rest and it was nice and quiet, which there is not a lot of that in the community houses. I also got to watch the Cowboys game from last week!  I am so thankful that I will get to spend this holiday with the Noviskie family! They are so awesome!!

--sea'sadventures--

Hearing God's Voice

This week we started a class about hearing God's voice!

Monday was the first lesson and Auntie Pam taught us first. Then Ester taught another lesson. They both involved looking at pictures and waiting and listening to what God wants to tell us through the picture. We got a chance to pick a picture for ourselves and write what the Lord told us and then we picked a picture for someone else and wrote something from the Lord for them. It was very cool to get the chance to minister and be ministered to in class. Then I went to Waterglen with Minx and Nonto the two mid-year girls. Later I got most of my stuff ready to move back into Potters house!

Tuesday Ester and Auntie Pam taught us again. We learned about lecto divino and then inward, outward, and community disciplines. These we probably my favorite teachings. Then on the way home it started raining! I had to run home because my clothes were outside on the line! And of course, as soon as I get half my clothes off, it stops raining. It was a nice five minute rain so I got to leave the rest of my clothes outside. After lunch I officially moved all my stuff back into Potters and we cleaned the house so when the outreach teams got home it would be nice. We had silent evening so, after announcements we had to be completely silent until class the next day. It was very very nice. I had extra time (and quiet time) to do my devotions. 

Wednesday a few different people spoke to us in class about how God speaks to them in different ways. The outreach teams came home in the afternoon!! It was so awesome to have them back and I missed them so much! I got to hear a lot of their stories until the soaking session at church which was very good. 

Thursday during class we exercised how five senses and the point was that God can speak to us through every sense! After class we had time to relax before chapel. Later in the afternoon we had fitness and we played baseball which was a lot of fun! Then a lot of us went to a concert at the church. It was one of the church member's orchestra. We had fun even though it was more of a rehearsal performance. 

Friday we did plotties! Then for community project we weeded the vegetable garden. It was nice and sunny and hot outside. Later I got to chat with my dear friend Christy! 

Saturday was very chill. I slept in and then relaxed until a group of us went to Menlyn Mall. We had fun walking around and we ate at a place called Parrots. When I got home I got to call my Mom and Joely and Mati. It is always so nice to talk with them! 

Sunday morning Stuart Bell preached again and it was a very encouraging message! After the service I came home and got to chat with my Dad. Then I had a lot of free time until the evening service. The evening service was very powerful! We talked about sonship vs. slavery and then being heirs. It was incredible and I can't believe how much I am absorbing here! 

It's been a fantastic week!

--sea'sadventures--

Work Week

Monday was off! I got to sleep in and relax the entire day! We chilled until after dinner, and for flock we went to Cappuccino's. It was just me, Nonto, Minx, and Kerry and we had a very good time. While we were eating we saw a mouse!! In more or less words, we basically freaked out and everyone else was so chill. The manager came up to explain that due to construction on one part of the mall, there have been mice. Isn't that comforting? Ha! Well we had fun with it anyway and ended the night by stopping at the candy store for sweets.

Tuesday was the first day of work week! This is so we have the opportunity to apply what we learned in LTS. We worked with the venues/hospitality department at the church. The first day was very easy. We helped clean up after a funeral and we did some inventory. After lunch we met up with Mieka to learn about how our personality tests turned out. It was a color based test. And most of our team is green! This means we are laid back and chill, which perfectly describes most of us. My scores were nearly even across the board, so I was green, blue, red, and yellow. It was very fun to learn about how each of us respond to things based on our personality.

Wednesday we shadowed people who work in the department. I shadowed Mamma Macy and we cleaned the bathrooms on the training center floor and then we washed tons of dishes! After lunch we did more of the same cleaning. We were free in the afternoon until the "soaking/seeking" session at church. Each week these services get better and better! I am excited to see and hear about what God has in store for this next season for Hatfield.

May this forever embarrass me now that it's on the internet

Thursday we switched the people we shadowed and I worked with Elizabeth. Everyone washed windows in different areas of the church. I helped Elizabeth wash the windows of the mother's rooms and the bathrooms. We also had to take down the curtains to have them washed. We got those windows nice and clean! After we finished that, the team met back up with Auntie Nini. She took us to get yellow fabric to wrap the trees for the spring celebration on Sunday. After we found the perfect fabric she bought us hertzoggies. A traditional South African dessert. They were amazing and it was the first time any of us had had them! Then she took us to get t-shirts to match our color personality. After we found t-shirts there was a storm coming in, so Auntie Nini took us to her house (she had to look for something there anyway). We weathered the storm there and she made us ice cream coffee! It was a very good time and I loved hanging out with her! She even told me she would take care of me while I am here. She took us back to the church and we got home before it started raining more.

Friday was the last day of work week! We had to take the yellow fabric and wrap the trees. We became the "tree yellowing" team. We had tons of fun even though it was chilly outside. After that we had lunch to celebrate the end of work week and to honor Kerry because it was her birthday! We got to chat and end the week with fellowship.

After "yellowing" the trees

Before we "yellowed" the trees

Saturday I had every intention of going out and hanging out with some people but it was cold and rainy. So it made the perfect day to stay in and watch movies with everyone!

Clouds over Emmanuel house

Sunday was the spring celebration at the church! Stuart Bell from Lincoln, UK came to preach and it was a very good message! After the service everyone got ice cream! Due to the weather over the weekend, everything was moved inside. So Hatfield's Got Talent took place in the main auditorium. Kerry was one of the three finalist and she crushed her performance! It was very fun to see her up on stage and cheer for her. After that, I went home to chill before the evening service. During the evening service we talked about Forever Father, which has been the theme for the term. It made me really miss my dad but I got to chat with him after the service which was very nice!! Also after the service there was a jazz/soul night. Many talented people came and sang and the band was killing it! It was a wonderful was to end the spring celebration and kick off this new week!

I am keeping all my friends and family back home in my prayers and if there is anything specific you need prayer about feel free to message me!! I've got tons of prayer warriors around me that will jump in and agree with y'all in prayer about what you need!

Also huge shout out to everyone who has been praying for me! I am looking forward to sharing all my experiences with y'all when I get home!!

--sea'sadventures--

LTS Week 4

Monday we started our last week of LTS!! After class, I had my classic lunch which consists of a peanut butter sandwich and a piece of fruit (if we have fruit) then I went to the study center for wifi. Yes I studied a little, but I actually listened to the past messages I've missed from home. It was so very nice to hear James preach! I also got to chat with Big Joe on her Last First Day of High School!! Then I got a nice nap in before dinner. After dinner we had flock time and my flock wrote letters to God of what we want to see happen in this year. It was very cool!


Tuesday the outreach teams left in the morning :( I have missed those guys so much! Three of the five teams left this time so there are not as many people hanging around. Because of that Potters house (my house) moved into Emmanuel house. It was weird to pack up three weeks worth of stuff and head down the hill to the other house. In the morning I my counseling session and right after that was LTS. And after LTS there was a break and in the afternoon I went to an apologetics class where we discussed predestination. It was a very good day and very long day.

Wednesday was another semi-normal day. We had LTS in the morning and then the afternoon free. Usually on Wednesdays I go to the worship service/rehearsal but for the rest of this term they are also having a soaking session during that time. This is a worship service that is open for the Holy Spirit to move and work in everyone's lives. It was a very good and filling service!


Thursday was graduation day!! We had two short LTS sessions in the morning. One of the videos did not work so we had to resort to a back up plan, which was another good video. Then we had chapel, and two of the mid-years gave their testimony. After chapel we had a celebratory lunch with donuts! I cooked dinner and it turned out great! I think almost everyone went back for seconds. After dinner we had duties. Typically we do not have duties on Thursdays but we actually had to go do duties in Potters house to prepare for a kids camp they were doing this weekend.



Friday we had plotties in Emmanuel. I cleaned the bathroom. After plotties we had a little downtime before community project. This community project was......WEEDING! We had to get the village looking very spiffy for Sunday because they are having an 'open' day for potential YOYL students. So we cleaned up and then had the rest of the day off.

Saturday I got to sleep in! Saturdays are always chill days and since I am finished with LTS I can now watch movies or series on the weekend! It was very nice to just veg out. I got to talk with my mom and dad in the afternoon which is always nice. Then I even got to chat with Hannah! It was very nice to sit outside by the church (where the wonderful wifi is) and talk to my people back in Texas.

Sunday was also a great day! I did have to get up and move all my stuff back to Potters for the open day. But I went to church which was a great service and then came back and got to chill until the evening service. After the evening service we have Connect. This time we had a celebration in honor of someone who is about to adventure into a new area. She had been in charge of Young Adult service for a while I believe. But we had food and a live band to celebrate! I even tried to teach my friends how to line dance to one of the songs! It was a very fun evening!!

LTS Week 3

Monday began like normal. LTS in the morning and then a relaxed afternoon. I helped cook dinner and I did not have to do much but it was very good! After dinner all the girls had flock time together at Cappuccino's. I got some cinnamon tea which was delicious!!

Tuesday & Wednesday were similar in that they were regular days. LTS in the morning, chill time in the afternoon, and evening fun in the house.

Thursday was the last day of LTS for the week. After LTS we had chapel and then community lunch. At community lunch we had fat cakes and pasta! It was soooooo delicious! Fat cakes are essentially deep fried sandwiches which I know doesn't actually sound good but it is amazing. After lunch I went back to the house to begin preparing dinner. I cooked lamb for the first time ever!



















Friday was very awesome! We had plotties (spring cleaning) in the morning. I cleaned the bathrooms and then helped re-arrange the lounge area. When we finish we usually have community project, but there was no community project! So we had the rest of the afternoon to chill. Then the guys began a braii. A braii is the African version of an American BBQ. Everyone asked me if it was better than a BBQ but I just don't think you can compare the two! The braii was amazing!! The guys even set up tables inside with roses and candles. For the rest of the evening they served the ladies. It was so sweet! I know I felt incredibly appreciated and I'm sure everyone else did as well. Then we had time to minister and pray for each other. It was such a sweet experience and it made me even more thankful to be living with all these people. Even is so open to what God wants to do in our lives and it is amazing.

Saturday I got to chill and I sat up on the hill for most of the day just enjoying the weather and beautiful day that it was. Later I got to chat with my parents. Then in the afternoon we had a talent show in the chapel. It was so incredible to see all the students present their God-given talents!! I am surrounded by super-stars y'all!

Sunday was absolutely amazing!! I got to spend the day with a bunch of Texans! The Noviskie family picked me up and took me to Hatfield Christian Church South campus where Duane White was preaching. It was an absolutely powerful message!! I felt right at home there. After the service I got to hang out with the Whites and the other two couples that came from Texas. We had a delicious lunch and blessed conversations. I was so so so thankful that I got to meet these new people and hear a friendly accent. When I got back I had a little bit of time to relax until evening service.

It was a fantastic week and I am looking forward to the last week of LTS!

LTS Week 2

This week was very nice!

Monday was a public holiday in honor of Women's Day! GO WOMEN! There were no classes so I got to sleep in which is always nice. The morning was very relaxed and I had time to write out my LTS homework (I finished it and I promise I did not wait until the last minute to do it). In the afternoon there was a Heartbeat Social. Heartbeat is the women's group at the church. At this social we learned self-defense! I went with Meghan, Nonto, and Nomvula and we had a great time! We were definitely wanting to learn the cool karate moves but we were taught valuable skills and techniques. After Heartbeat, Daniel took us mid-years out to Cappuccino's. This is a lovely restaurant that has a wide variety of food to choose from (quesadillas, seafood, steak, pizza, pasta, burgers, etc.) I got a delicious Stromboli and we had some more bonding time. And when we got back there was a little bit of chill time and then duties!

(big birds that hang around the church)

Tuesday we started back up with LTS. And let me tell you what, it just keeps getting better and better. In the morning, on the way to class, I already felt empowered and ready to face the day. During LTS we focused on Hebrews 6:1-3 and talking about the Work and the Way of the cross. I again felt empowered after the days sessions! It is truly an amazing and wonderful thing to be learning and receiving in this atmosphere. After class I was super blessed because I got to have lunch with Dr. Graham and Marie! They are so wonderful and caring. We got to chat and I was comforted knowing that they wanted to make sure I was settling in well and getting used to South Africa. The rest of the afternoon I had time to rest and reflect on what I learned. We also had flock time in the evening. My flock just chatted, and when we finished I joined another flock and "helped" them with a pudding they made. It turned out different than they said it should've but it was still delicious!

Wednesday The Church Network conference began but I did not help at it because I had LTS in the morning. After lunch, I went to Waterglen with the mid-year girls. When I got back I helped Daniel cook dinner. It was a very nice and relaxed day!

Thursday, class was in the afternoon. I got to sleep in which was soooooo very nice. Nothing else extremely important happened.

Friday we had LTS in the morning like usual. For those of you who have done LTS, we watched the video about holding the key to your own happiness. It was very good!! After class, I helped shop for the house. It took two hours, but we got all the groceries for Emmanuel and Potter's house. Friday night was full of adventure and jamming and late night talks with my friends! We had amazing time and it was a great start to the weekend!

Saturday was fairly uneventful as far as stuff going on here. But I did get to talk with my parents and that was very very nice.

Sunday was awesome! I went to church in the morning and afterwards Minx got baptized! We headed over to the Function hall where she got baptized and when we were waiting, Nsako was talking about how she hasn't been baptized so a guy grabbed her hand and led her up to get baptized! It was so spontaneous but it was great! Then we chilled until the evening service. Evening service was great and we talked about experiencing God. It just made me more excited to experience God here in new ways!

I am more and more excited about the things I am getting to do here! And the new friendships I am developing are going to last a lifetime. New adventures and memories are in the making!!

LTS Week 1

This week we began LTS! It is such an incredible and intense experience. There is so much information and Bible teaching happening!! It has been absolutely fantastic!

Monday was the first day of LTS! It is amazing how many notes, and information that I received in just one day! I spent some time after lunch soaking it and processing all the new info. In the evening I helped cook and then everyone just hung out. It was a great start to the week!

Tuesday was another great day of LTS! Afterwards I had some free time to process and rest. It was a normal day after that.

Wednesday, LTS again but we had a surprise. Dr. Graham came by! We are watching videos of his teaching so it was so cool to see him. Plus he is a family friend now since they've been to Texas a few times. It was such a blessing to get to talk to him for a little bit. Me and the other two mid-year girls had lunch together and then we went to get coded so we can go through the church.

Thursday was the final day of LTS for the week. We only had two sessions because there was chapel. Chapel was actually in the chapel this time! It was very good and we talked about "golden threads" that God has given us. The thing about these threads is that nothing, absolutely NOTHING, can change these. It was a very good lesson and after that there was community lunch. We had time to talk about LTS and ask questions and process some more. In the afternoon I decided to help the rest of the year of your lifers with TCN (a conference happening next week) prep.We peeled off labels of alcohol bottles so they can be painted and used for decor. By the time we finished and got back to the house, the two teams that have been on outreach got back! Everyone was excited to see them and I finally got to meet the rest of the people.

Friday we had nothing to do in the morning! This was lovely because I got to go back to sleep after announcements!!! Resting is so nice after a week of LTS, those of you who have been through this say Amen. After being fully rested I decided to begin working on my homework. There are seven questions and my notes are very helpful in answering them. After lunch I went and helped with some more TCN prep. We began spray painting the bottles silver and gold. It was tiring after a while but we got a lot done!!

Saturday was the beginning of off-weekend. A few people went home, and the rest of the people stayed in their rooms to watch movies. Since it is F6W I can not watch movies yet. So I slept in and then Nonto, Daniel, Leon, and I went to the chapel to play music. It was really cool and we jammed for almost three hours! In the evening we had our mid-year social. We had ice cream and hot chocolate and we sat outside and chatted. I think everyone is bonding more and getting more comfortable around each other.

Sunday was another chill day. There was a Praise Party after the YA service. It was awesome!! Everyone was dancing and praising the Lord (we even nae nae'd in church!!) It was a very good and the presence of the Lord was there! After that, we all hung out. It's really cool how everyone acts like a family here, I love it!








--sea'sadventures--