The Students

I love how diverse our students are this year! We have Americans, Africans, Swiss, and Canadians. It's only the second week, but already I can see bonds forming and friendships developing.

Community living is always tough, but when you add multiple cultures into the equation the problems can quadruple. This is a hard transition for everyone and also one of the most valuable part of a DTS. You learn intercultural communication, self-sacrifice, conflict resolution, and a new appreciation for people.

So far the students are doing great and I'm praying God will continue to challenge and cause them to grow in new, amazing ways!

Couches Inc.

Preparing the DTS classroom was so much fun! We basically were able to decorate it from scratch. Chairs, tables, or couches? Or a combination? Artwork, rugs, etc. We really wanted to make it a fun, comfortable space. A place where the students would want to hang out even when there wasn't class.

So we went with couches! Cheap and relatively comfy [not too mention slightly ugly], but not so comfortable people would fall asleep.

Oh and we painted one big wall green and Anneke painted some amazing art including a picture with the school scripture.

It was a blast and I love seeing the students relax in a space made specially for them!

and the rain came pouring down . . .

Summer in South Africa means the rainy season. It's actually something I really enjoy, because it cools everything off and breaks the humidity. Usually it will rain every few days, but we had about a two week period of hot and muggy weather with no relief at all.

Then on Sunday, the clouds broke with dramatic thunder, lightening, and rain. The storms may mean losing our electricity, but it's worth it to stand in the rain and feel the cool breeze.

DTS Fun Day

Yesterday, the whole DTS [staff and students] went into Kruger Park for the day. It was a great time of bonding together and we saw some awesome stuff things I've never seen before in the Park.

Though we spent most of the day in the car, we sat by the pool for a few hours to cool off then ended the day at a local pizza restaurant. Even though I was sunburned and exhausted by the end, it was a great way to finish off our first week of school!

Jewels the Dog

This last December, I received an interesting email from my roommate Hayley in South Africa. It said something like "Call me ASAP! Its important!" I freaked out a little bit thinking [as I think anyone would] that it was some kind of emergency maybe the house had burned down or she'd wrecked my car.

But no, she had come across a family looking to give away their three year old cocker spaniel, Jewels, and wanted to know if we could keep her.

Now, I love dogs and I've always wanted one of my own, but I wasn't sure I could handle the responsibility of an animal at this point and with everything else going on in my life. Hayley and I came to the conclusion that we'd have a trial run and see how it goes. If things don't turn out, there are several other people that may take her.

Jewels is very much an outside dog and while I love that she can be independent and we don't have to worry about her during the day every night she comes inside covered in burs, stickers, leaves, mud, etc. and did I mention it's tick season?? But other than that, she's a great dog. She sticks to our heels during the day, sleeping underneath our chairs, and occupies herself when we're away. She's also amazing with kids! [hint, hint Lindsey]

I Believe in Love: Cool Giveaway!

My friend Jen Price is an amazing blogger/knitter/photographer/general crafty person and she is currently doing an awesome giveaway. Check it out!

Just for Jen . . .

Welcome Braai

Today we officially started our DTS! All of the students have arrived and settled in and to kick off the school in true South African style we had a Braai [what we Americans would call a BBQ]. We had lots of fun chatting and starting the process of getting to know one another.

YWAM Kruger Park Compassion DTS 2010 [staff and students]

We start class tomorrow and I can hardly wait!

Finishing Touches

In just a few days, our Discipleship Training School starts. As students begin to arrive, we are putting the final touches on the classroom and dorm rooms. It's been a blast buying couches, throw pillows, rugs, fans, and all sorts of other random things in preparation for the DTS. Most of the details have come together and we are excited to begin!

We had fun painting a big, blank wall green. Good choice Hayley!

Welcome baskets for the students

Anneke was gracious enough to paint some beautiful pictures for our blank, green wall.

Reconnecting

I flew back to South Africa almost a week ago and while it's been pretty busy work-wise [I'll tell you about that later], I've also had a great time catching up with friends. I love all the people I work with and its been a blast hanging out over pizza or coffee this past week.

"I am the Captain of my Soul"

Out of the night that covers me
black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
looms but the horror of the shade
and yet the menace of the years
finds, and shall find me, unafraid

It matters not how strait the gate
how charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul

"Invictus,"
by William Earnest Henley

Photo by Jen Price

Holiday Decorations

It was so much fun looking at how Europeans go all out decorating for the Holiday season. In the States, I know we do as well, so maybe it was the old architecture or even the atmosphere, but it all looked so special, almost magical actually.

Probably the atmosphere.

Holiday in Belgium

This New Years, I was able to visit my sister and her husband in Germany before I make my way home to South Africa. We drove the few hours to Brussels for the holiday and I loved walking the streets among the crowds with my cup of sweet, warm wine.

The real thing






























My sister Danielle