Everyone wants to hear words of encouragement and I’ve had people say some very nice things to me over the past couple of weeks, but there has been a common statement I’ve heard more than most that at first I wasn’t quite sure how to take. Here is a paraphrase “You’re the last person I thought who would be a full time missionary”. At first it sounds like a nice compliment, but when you think about it what is it really saying about the type of person I was? It’s important to know this statement never really made me mad, but just allowed me to realize that people have seen a change in me.

Since I got back from my mission trip in September I have definitely pursued a deeper relationship with God that I didn’t know I was capable of. During that time I knew I was changing a lot internally, but I didn’t think I was changing enough that people would notice. Which made me wonder how different people really think I am from what I think of myself. Now, I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’ve always had a hard time figuring this out. For example, I always like to make sarcastic jokes with people and I’m also a little shy. To me that doesn’t seem to be a bad combination, but to everyone else it looks like I’m someone who is a jerk and isn’t interested in getting to know you. About six months ago I had someone tell me this and it devastated me. As much as I didn’t like to her what was said it made me analyze my actions from the outside and really see how I could change. Since that time I’ve been watching my words and being a lot more outgoing so I never make anyone feel that way again.

Well, I started back at work this week and it’s been an interesting ajustment. I would say the toughest part is the 30 minute drive to work. I got used to walking out my door and just 2 minutes later being at work. Though being back at work does have its advantages, money for one. Since I’ve decided to move to Africa and be a full time missionary at Thrive Africa I’ll need to start saving up since I won’t be getting paid for my time over there. I’ll keep you up-to-date on how that part goes.

My two and a half month mission tour comes to an end today as I write to you from Johannesburg airport. I’m defiantly excited to return home to see family and friends, while at the same time I find myself not really wanting to leave this place. God is doing some amazing things here at Thrive Africa and I feel blessed that they allowed me to come and be a part of their team. Just to give you an idea of how busy this ministry is during my short visit they put on two pastoral conferences, hosted a mission team from Michigan, began a new high school outreach teaching purpose and destiny to over 1,000 kids a week, continued four different weekly bible studies in local villages, and we also took two weeks to serve along side another ministry. We did all this with a total of 5 full time staff (Niel, Alece, Matt, Angela, Rebecca, 3 interns (Luke, Josh, Roxxy), 2 staff locals (Abram, Jackson) and myself. As you can see this ministry is going to extreme lengths to ensure that the Good News is heard throughout South Africa.

Without a doubt the pastor conferences were amazing to be a part of. Most of the pastors here in South Africa have little or no practical bible training, so Thrive has made is goal to give pastors the biblical training they need to change the nation. Each conference is 3 days long with 10 different sessions and is totally free to any pastor who would like to attend. The conferences are hosted on the property where the pastors are given accommodations and meals at no charge. They can also buy tapes and/or CD’s of each session for about $1 at the end of the conference. The pastors are blessed to hear teaching from speakers from all over. We’ve had speakers from Cape Town, Botswana, and even America. Session cover a wide range of topics like how to grow leaders in your church, how to start small groups, and handling church finances. It is amazing to watch and see how these conference are really growing the pastors in South Africa.

Living on a game reserve has defiantly been something new for me. I come from the city so it’s a big deal for me when I see a deer on the side of the road. Now I don’t really get surprised when I’m walking from the office to my house and I see all kinds of animals walking right next to me. Just as the property has it’s difference here are a few more that I’ve noticed during my time in South Africa.

- Steet lights are called “Robots”
- Shoes are optional. Doesn’t matter if it’s a store or restaurant you don’t need to wear any
- Gas is the same price in the entire country
- A smoking America DVD players means that it doesn’t take 240 watts of power
- The standard paper size is not 8.5 x 11
- The have two different types of police. Traffic police and crime police.
- They don’t have a point system for traffic tickets.
- Cars don’t have cup holders

and… Jerry Springer is on every night.

One of the coolest things I’ve been able to witness is that people grow here. It doesn’t matter if you’re on staff, an intern, or a student you will grow spiritually and professionally in this place. It’s why I like it, it’s why I love it and I just might call it home for the next few years.

Thank you for all your prayers and support during my time in South Africa. I would also like to thank all those who were a part of sending me out here on my mission trip back in September. You’re were the one’s who planted the seed that brought me back.