Skype!

If anyone ever wants to skype me....my skype name is Shelbyd12 

just putting it out there :] 

pictures like this are guaranteed! 

Ghana

Well I think it’s finally reaching me…I miss Ghana. Tonight I was listening to someone talk about how much they love Cape Town and when they didn’t think they were going to be able to come this year it broke her heart. I couldn’t help but think about all my kids at the village of hope and how much I missed them in that moment. I think it’s harder to be here in Africa and not be able to see them than it is to miss them while I’m back home in Texas. Recently a few of them have messaged me on facebook asking when I’m coming back. I think it’s probably because around now is when the kids hear whose coming soon. One boy told me he’s graduating this next week and he wants so badly for me to be able to be there to see him. If someone were to hand me a ticket to Ghana right now I would die and be there in a heartbeat. I have absolutely no doubt that I will be back there; I just wish it were sooner than I know it will be. Now don’t get me wrong I am loving my time here in South Africa. This place is beautiful and I know there is a reason for me being here. I like what I am doing and I truly believe it will be beneficial once I get back into the real world. But I guess tonight I had my moment, truly realizing that I won’t be able to see my kids this summer. 

missing these faces

Lebene, Seth, Stephen, Shine && Asomah

 Joy Barnett House. Where you would find me every night. Love everything about these two pictures, mostly the people who are in it

I obviously knew that when I committed to 9 months here but I would be lying if I said I didn’t tell myself ‘oh I can just fly over there for 2 weeks or so for a visit, no problem!’  If only things were that simple, but we can’t always get what we want. Ohhhh it makes me sad just thinking about them. I have been beyond blessed by having the opportunities to travel and meet different people and I will always hold that dear to my heart. Africa, however, has captured my heart and it will always be a part of me.  Well I’ll get off my soapbox now, just had to talk about it. It’s funny how attached you can get to these kids here. I just gotta keep telling myself that they are those family members that I only see once every year or two. Well with that said don’t be surprised if for the next few years all I want for my birthday or Christmas is to go to Ghana. :] A girl can dream eh?

  Well tonight we had another girls night and we made our own pizzas. Tammy made the strangest one consisting of cheese, bacon, and bananas…sick. She said it was delicious and would change your life but I disagreed. This week has been a really great one. Did two more HIV/TB outreaches and met some very interesting people. Got hit on a lot on one of the days and even received a love letter. Apparently it was love at first sight for this one guy. Sadly I couldn’t say it was the same on my end but he was a very nice guy. On Thursday I got a package in the mail from Eric! I was sooo excited to get it. He sent like 15 DVD’s and then the best.thing.ever. It was a Texas Rangers snuggie!

  Haha it is my first ever snuggie and I’ve had it on ever since I got it. :] It’s been quite cold here the last few days so it comes in handy.  But yes so thankful for him and miss you so much! Well my family will be here in ONE MONTH and like 2 days. I’m super excited to see them and show them what life is like here. It’ll be nice to see the family. 

Hope every one back home is happy and healthy

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see" 

-Corrie ten Boom

Men's outreaches

This week I finally got to do something for the men’s ministry that I’m apart of that didn’t involve printing off survey’s or sitting in meetings! On Wednesday we had a booth in the middle of the mall where we were handing out surveys and testing for HIV/TB. We set up 4 different tents right in the center of the mall in front of one of the only grocery stores in the area. I honestly thought not many people were actually going to get tested. But my western ways and thoughts proved me wrong; we had plus or minus 70 people get tested! There were 4 health counselors there, 3 of them did the assessment before hand and just told the people their options of support groups in the case that the results turn out positive and then one of the women did the actual blood test. It was a rapid test so everyone that got tested found out their status within 10-15min. Well I had only met the two guy counselors briefly in our men’s outreach meeting and had never met the two girls before. So when I first got there it was a bit awkward but that lasted all of 2 seconds. We had a table with some pamphlets on it to give to anyone that wanted more information on things and I passed out surveys to men getting tested. I had a lot of fun actually. Talked to anyone and everyone that came by, even informed some people about the symptoms of TB! Learned about some new phone app that’s called what’s up by some guy, he told me you could use it to talk to anyone in the world so I should look into it. It was a fun day of people watching as well as getting to know random people in the mall I would have never talked to. Eric and Anele, the two guy counselors are fantastic and hilarious when you least expect it. Eric is a bit intimidating at first because he shows no emotion when you talk to him then Anele is a sweetheart and has one of the best smiles in the world. But throughout the day Eric opened up and talked to me a lot and he is hilarious. So safe to say I now have two more people to add to my African friends list 

 Eric 

outreach in Fish Hoek 

   At the end of the day I had to leave early to make it out to club in time and the lady that did the actual test came up to me and asked if I was coming to the outreach tomorrow. When I responded yes she seemed quite excited. The next day we had an outreach in a taxi station in Fish Hoek. Talk about some interesting people! That day was so much fun because I got to talk to even more people many of which lived on the streets. One guy that was quite the character, I think he was like that because he had a few of his buddies with him, let me know that he would come to Texas if he could stare into my eyes all day. Got quite the charmers in Africa ladies! All in all both days were really fun, got close with 4 people I may have never met if it weren’t for this ministry and they want me to come to all their outreaches! When I was leaving Eric told me he wants me to come because I’m very useful and he’ll make sure Avril hears about it.

When I thought this day couldn’t get any better…I was at club sitting on the floor with all the kids listening to the lesson being done. Now I’ve said this before but I always end up having a group of boys that hangs around me. They steal my heart the first day and have it for forever…and naturally they are usually the ‘trouble makers’ of the group. ANYWAYS I was sitting there and during the break one of them saw my ring on my hand and asked if I was married. I then proceeded to say in America you can wear rings on your ring finger without being married. Then he asked if I had a boyfriend and I said what is with all these questions? He then smiled REAL big and looked over at Denzil and then back at me and said Denzil wants to marry you!!! Haha Denzil looked super embarrassed which led to hitting and all that nonsense but it was too sweet. I love these kids!

Hope everyone is doing great back home. Miss you all! Can NOT believe that it is almost May. Time has flown by and I’m sure it’s not going to slow down anytime soon. Hope everyone is happy && healthy

Everybody can be great.  Because anybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college degree to serve.  You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love.  ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Choices

Here's a little something to keep you going through this week. Who knows this just might be the exact thing that you needed to hear. I mentioned a bit ago about a book I came across called Hope in the Dark. Well last night we were at Tim and Natasha's for our small group and I looked through it again, even though I've seen it a few times, I just love it. This time one picture in particular caught my eye. A picture of lady in a blue dress.

 I think that we all, me included, take things for granted each and every day. I know everyone knows that Africa is a poor place and that you feel sorry for them but I truly believe you'll never understand the extreme lifestyles we live until you witness first hand what it means to have nothing. What kind of daily decisions we have to make opposed as to what kind of things this beautiful lady must make. If you ever get the opportunity...get out of your comfort zone. Just do it because that is when God will show you the most about yourself. If you ever have the opportunity to go to a third world country do it. I promise you will leave it with a different sense of life. Today after club we had some fruit left over so I just walked into the community handing it out to kids I saw and they were just beyond grateful for an apple! An apple was all that made them happy. If I were to walk around back home passing out apples half of the people wouldn't take one and the other half would assume I put some poison in it or something! I just hope that you truly live each day to the fullest and use it not to bring glory to yourself but to our Lord. Sometimes the things that will bring the most glory to God won't in the world's eyes. 

Next to this picture these words were written, if this doesn't touch you in some way then I'm just not too sure about you! haha jk...but not really! 

***Decisions I must make on any given day***

- Blue shirt or pink cardigan? 

- Tall Soy Chai Latte or Grange carmel macchiato?

- Write my reports first or work on my budget?

-text message or call?  

-Eat out or frozen dinner?

- Reality television or headline news?

***Decisions SHE must make on any given day***

- Blue dress or blue dress? 

- River water or puddle water?

- Walk once for four hours to get water or walk twice for eight hours to get more water?

- Sleep with the fisherman who will give food in return or let orphaned grandchildren go to bed hungry?

- Persist through the struggle or give up?

- Curse God or Praise him? 

I hope that no matter what you remember who deserves your praise and attention. It's easy for me to say this because I do enjoy the little things in life and I think my trips to Africa have made me more that way. But truly, enjoy the little things in life because one day you will see that those are what meant the most. Don't take your everyday life routines for granted...you could be having to deal with the decisions the lady in the blue dress has to make everyday. 

Count your blessings

:] 

Lodge Living

Hello all. Today marks the 2 month mark!! insane

Hope everyone is fine and dandy...I have no complaints here :] ...I however did all weekend. So there are ups and downs to living in a place like I do. It a lodge so Jennifer and myself are the only people, besides Katrin, who runs it, that lives here permanently. Well these past few days we've had a big group from Germany here. There were about 15 of them and they were not enjoyable to be around. They left the biggest mess when they used the kitchen, then just left everything out. They played their music as if we were having a party in the living room till about 1 am. Now our door to our room opens up to the living room. There a few couches and a pool table in there. Last night they were all in there and it was around 11:30 and they were being just as loud as any other night. Now I've come to learn that Jennifer is the world's lightest sleeper. It's almost ridiculous..than you have me who can sleep through anything. So these people didn't exist once I fell asleep. Well last night at midnight Jennifer went out and told them to keep in down because we had to go to work in the morning. So they turned down their music a little bit but 5 minutes later once Jennifer got back in bed I heard the balls in the pool table get released and haha I just knew Jennifer was about to throw a fit. She kept talking louder than usual saying things like 'you have got to be kidding me' or 'Seriously your really playing pool' I couldn't help but laugh. Today, they left and I'm pretty sure the chorus of Hallelujah was being played in all of our heads. Even Katrin was beyond happy to get them out because she as well got onto them for different things. But today when we got home she walked into our room with a cake and we were like what in the world is that and she said this is a cake to say sorry for those awful people! Oh she's too precious. 

This past weekend was very relaxing, didn't do much of anything which was nice. Saturday night we walked down to Courtney's house and had a girls night with about 7 other people here. Which included some pizza and delicious deserts. 

Oh funny story:: So those that know me well know I just talk to anyone and everyone. Well within the first few weeks of being here me and Jennifer did some explorin and went to Cape Point. Total touristy place and while there we met this big group of students from University in Cape Town. Well we asked one of the guys to take our picture and instead he handed the camera to his friend and got in the picture with me and jennifer. So later on that day while still in the area we run into those guys again. Jennifer was off somewhere and they came over to talk to me. After a few minutes more people came over and soon enough it was me and a few guys just talking about nothing. WELL obviously names were exchanged which later led to facebook adds. One guy in particular started commenting on alot of my stuff and tagging me on his random pictures. Well the other night I was sitting on my computer and my skype was up because I had either just talked to my family or eric. Then he called me on skype! haha i was like jennifer what in the world I dont know what to say to him. So I of course answered and we talked for about 15min. I couldn't understand him most of the time so I did the usual smile and nod. Super nice guy though. haha Jennifer captured the moment..

***OH HUGE NEWS***

I FINALLY found a website that streams live games so I am no longer in the dark! I've been having to live vicariously through peoples pictures on facebook of them at the games and notifications from my phone. So needless to say I am quite the happy girl now that I get to watch my Rangers. Only day games though...because of the time change. 

But besides that everything is superb here. Went to club this afternoon and there was a fire pretty far down the road but I saw it start and it got big so hopefully it wasn't peoples houses. That would be a disaster. 

 This is Overcome Heights by the way. One of the Townships I work in the afternoons. That boy in front there is named John. I work here on Mondays and Wednesday and in Capricorn on Tuesday and Thursdays. 

our container we teach in

well there's a little glimpse into my afternoons! 

Okay so I am on the Capricorn/Overcome Heights team, which just means those are the 2 townships that I work in. They are neighboring townships but when we go out to these places from the main Living Hope Campus we go to Capricorn first because that is where our office container is. Anyways before we went over to Overcome we had to drive into the community to go get juice and bread that one of the mom's gets together every day for club. I think everyone from back home should get the opportunity to see how other people live. You walk in and its just one big room with a sheet dividing the front from the back. But whenever you walk through the few houses that are all open up to a small courtyard type place they are all smiles and just love to see you. When I walked out to the car a few kids walked by at different times and they would yell 'Hey Shelby!' Some even came and gave me a hug. It's just nice to know that were at that point where the kids know and remember who you are. We can walk into the community and no longer be greeted by strangers but by kids who love seeing you...were no longer the new people that they don't know. Just shows that a smile or a hug can go along way! 

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was quite the success. It was SOO nice having a 4 day weekend and it was very hard waking up this morning to go to work. That is partially the reason we got there at 9 instead of the usual 8:15ish...but seemed to be that way with almost everybody :] Yesterday we went into Cape Town and spent the day there. Left here around 9 and didn't get back home till around 11:30 so it was a long day. Jennifer, Kim, Ivan and myself drove into Cape Town to go see Robben Island. That is where the prison is and where Nelson Mandela was held for many years. So we did some sight seeing on the way to Cape Town and I'm really not exaggerating when I say no matter where you go here, you are greeted with absolutely beautiful scenes. So naturally we acted like complete tourists and jumped out of the car to take pictures! 

So to get out to Robben Island you have to take a ferry that takes about 20 minutes. We got on last so we had to spread out and sit in the main level inside. Ivan and me found two seats together and after 10 minutes the rockin of the boat was getting to me. Usually I don't get sea sick..even the times I've gone deep sea fishing it hasn't bothered me but naturally the day we have to sit inside the sea is ROUGH. The swells were quite large and at one point I told Ivan I think the ferry might tip. It felt like we were on a roller coaster for a good majority of the time which was alot of fun...but just added to my nautiousness. (yep just made up that word.) Well we finally get there and go on the tour around the island. It was cool to see and hear the different things. Saw where the prisoners dug in the limestone  quarry. They told us that the dust from the limestone caused lung damage and the stone is so bright in direct sunlight that it caused permanent eye damage. That is why when you take a picture of Nelson Mandela, no flash is allowed. fun little fact. We also found out on our little tour that at one point there was a leper colony on the island as well. People who were in Cape Town that had leprosy would be taken away from their families and sent to Robben Island to live with other lepers, quite sad really. If you ever come to Cape Town it's worth a trip out there. When we went into the maximum security prison we were greeted by our new tour guide who was actually an ex prisoner and he showed us his cell and that alone made me much more engaged because he wasn't just some other tour guide. So at one point he just said alright question time, ask me anything! During that time we found out that while being held, one of his friends was tortured* to death by the security. After, he made a statement that he used the word tortured for a reason. He said physical punishment happened alot but 'the first 6 months he was there were the most difficult because of the torture, things would happen that shouldn't be talked about on a daily basis'.  He said in the 60's and 70's violence between the guards and prisoners was an everyday occurrence. After that we walked the halls and saw different things including Nelson Mandela's cell. 

So my Robben Island experience was good. On the way back to Cape Town I made sure we got back sooner and got on the ferry first to get to the top deck. Mission accomplished and the ride back was much better. plus the view and the sunset on the ocean was amazing. We ended our day with a movie we have all been waiting to come out here. We FINALLY got to see the Hunger Games. It was really good but naturally the book was better. && that was my adventure in Cape Town, hope you enjoyed reading about it. Here are a few of the 270 pictures we took yesterday, no exaggeration there. 

ENJOY. Miss yall back home, a few more than others ;) haha 

(click them to make bigger)

photoshoot begins. 

 me and j.love

us && Kim

beautiful. 

ivan.me.jennifer.kim

this picture sums up our relationship...but really.(thats a straw in my mouth, I chew on them alot)

3 musketeers. 

&& this picture sums up our relationship. jennifer standing awkwardly..me obviously not knowing whats going on and Ivan focused and smiling for the picture. haha

this precious man slowed down for us to take a picture of his awesome car. 

Mandela's cell 

the point of this picture is the shadow...i was squeezing her head. i know..everyone wants to be our friend too!

 yall are welcome for getting to the front of the line to get these seats..

 jennifer && myself 

 View of Cape Town from the ferry 

 just letting the wind do it's thing.

 && Hunger games to end our day! 

Easter

Well Happy Easter yall!! Hope everyone back home is spending this fantastic day with friends and family. I know exactly what my family did and I don't even have to ask...because they do it every easter. Church then lunch at the speedway club. Quite strange not being there this year! I think it's the first Easter I've missed. Well today me and Jennifer got up and went to church. All morning Jennifer was texting people seeing if anyone wanted to eat after since it was Easter. Everyone was busy so I almost gave up hope. BUT after church Natasha came up and asked if we wanted to come have lunch at her and Tim's house. Naturally we said of course. It was them two, Kim, David, Jennifer and myself. It was a fun afternoon and we had fantastic food(thanks Hoffman's) :] When you can't spend holidays with your families, our african families is the next best thing. 

It is now 11 o'clock at night and we just got back home like 15 minutes ago. After we ate lunch we just sat around and enjoyed each others company. It's starting to get cold here so we started a fire then we started watching How I Met Your Mother. For those of you who haven't seen it....you need to. It's so funny by the time we left we had watched about 7 episodes. 

:] 

Anyways just wanted to send some Easter lovin back home! 

haha they're going to hate me for this but frankly I don't care...but shout out to my gorgeoussss sisters. it's actually annoying. haha Love yall hope you had a good easter!! 

'Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.'

Romans  6:8-11

You are stronger, you are stronger..sin is broken, you have saved me

It is written, Christ is Risen... Jesus YOU are Lord of ALL. 

pictures pictures

I'm not sure who reads this....but i'm probably right to assume some of yall who do aren't friends with me on facebook...or might not even have a facebook and that is where I put ALL my pictures. I've tried to put some on here every post but I just feel the need to have a blog entry dedicated to showing you..not telling you..about my journey here so far. I'm a very visual person so I love things like this, hope you enjoy! This week is Holiday club and in the morning we are working with different creches(pre-schools) and then in the afternoons we are doing our normal afternoon clubs but trying to make them more fun since it's still a break from school for the kids. So This is whats been going on in my life the past two days. :]

(if you click on the pictures they can be viewed bigger)

 i LOVE driving around with no destination in store or map for that instance here! Because after you get lost and have NO idea where you are...you find places like this!!

 that have PENGUINS!!! haha best find yet! :] 

** HOLIDAY CLUB **

 Oh to have Faith Like a Child.

 fell in love with this kid. really...don't be surprised if you see me at home with a little African baby...I might need to steal him.

 seriously..where are the adoption papers!!

 this is what my everyday afternoon looks like...

 

 with these people. Strangers that have turned into Family. 

I think I got a cold and after realizing the medicine i bought was actually liquid..I decided I didn't need it anymore...i HATE liquid medicine...well Ilana and Stacey made sure I took it.... Im most certainly being looked after here.

 Jeremiah :]

 The men of the hour

 Ashlin :]

&& that is how I spend my afternoons here. So blessed to be working where I do and being with these kids daily. Love each and everyone of their smiling faces. 

Every experience God gives us, every person he puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only he can see. 

.always.remember.God.loves.you

:]