August 18th

Today we visited an organization completely birthed from the heart of a woman named “Mom Carol”. Mom is a single mother of 5. Mom Carol in experiencing some orphaned children, due to the death of their parents from the HIV/AID pandemic in Africa, has single-handedly created an organization that aids Child-headed homes—counseling, feeding, and placing these children after the death of their parents. Mom Carol began with 3 children and now her organization is serving over 1750 children.

It is a horrible reality, AIDS. When I first felt called to come here it was to work with World Vision and the Aids in Africa Campaign. BUT, as life goes, and for my pure desire to not disappoint anyone and to finish school quickly, this is the first chance I've had to come. What Mom Carol does blows my mind. She began this journey out of a pure conviction in her heart to help these people, her people in her home, deal with this thing that is spreading rampantly and taking over.

I keep standing in awe of this place. She is one woman! She is one woman who had 5 children to take care of herself and stepped out on an honest limb of faith to do what the Spirit has lead her to do! Sometimes, this business that takes care of ALL these children, lives day to day waiting on its government support to come in. Mom Carol holds her breath and waits.

As we were leaving the today, we individually donated money to Mom. We had no idea that her check was running late and she couldn't put petrol in the school bus to bus the children to school the next day and by the grace of God, after we left, she did. Let me know if you feel lead to support this ministry. She already has some support from the government here and some support from the UM Church in Germany. Her story is incredible. Her relationship to these orphans is incredible and if that's not enough to move you consider this: by 2010 (next year!) 23 million children globally (but mostly in Africa) will be orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. These children have no choice and they literally have no where to go and no idea how to 'fix it.'

After we visited Mom Carol's place we visited Nelson Mandela's first home. It was a fun, quaint little place with loads of history. What an amazing man who has done such amazing things. I believe he's in his 90's now. What was most touching about going here, for me, was our bus-driver. Bong is a great guy! Driving this bus for us (toting around the needy, complaining Americans) is his livelihood. I wanted him to come visit the house with us so he came. He desperately wanted his picture taken at Mandela's house. So I took it. He has no email address and no surefire way to mail anything, but I'm going to try to get him this picture. There was also a stand where, for 10 rand (about 1.2$) he could have his picture taken and printed right there. He didn't have 10 rand, but I did. Now Bong has a photo. He got teary-eyed. I had no idea something so simple could mean so much. I think Bong and I will always be good friends—I'll always be praying for him.

The conference started tonight. Most of the delegates here are from Africa (all over—Zimbabwe, Namibia, Durbin). But some are from Brazil. Some are from the States. One is from Korea—I admire her bravery coming all this way alone.

I sat with 2 men at dinner tonight—both from Zimbabwe—Andrew and Noah. I found out that Andrew is a district superintendent here and Noah is a pastor who happens to be Andrew's brother-in-law. Noah jokes that he can twist Andrew's arm if he needs anything.

Andrew and I had a brilliant conversation about marriage tonight after he noticed I was engaged. At one point, Andrew looked at me and said, “You could fetch 50 cows for your dowry!” I giggled and then realized he wasn't joking. He wasn't joking but he also wasn't ignorant of the fact that, that's not our practices in the States. He told me I could get 50 cows because I'm beautiful, obviously smart, and I love the Lord. So Craig, I think you might owe my dad 50 cows. So dad, where exactly would you put 50 cows? :)

Andrew's marriage was arranged. When he told me I had to stifle a face of displeasure. It's not my culture but it IS his. He described it as beautiful and perfect. For me, I would feel like I have no control over my life or my heart. I would feel subjugated unless, by mere coincidence, I like the choice of my parents. This is still a very traditional cultural practice here. There are still fathers that take it so seriously that some couples are married and the woman still lives with her father because the man has not finished paying his dowry yet. I feel like I should thank my parents here. Craig and I have lived too far apart far too long already. :)

The worship tonight was wonderful. I love how people here sing. All of the music is very repetitive but the passion keeps it interesting. The songs get stronger and stronger and louder and louder. No one really sings together, they just sing. I have some video if you want to see.

The songs that aren't in English are generally in Zulu I believe. When the words are on the screen you can pick up on it pretty fast. 'Ph' makes a hard 'P' sound. 'Th' makes a hard 'T' sound. 'X' makes a 'K' sound. I'm picking it up and usually through the first verse can sing the whole song. It's really pretty amazing. The beautiful thing about not knowing the language but still singing it and still praying it is that it becomes easier to listen for the movements of the Spirit throughout. In our vulnerability we are more able to hear and feel the presence of God.

Off to bed now. We have and EARLY morning! Praise be to God for this day!