change is good.

Penguins at Boulders Beach!

"Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown." I have loved this quote for many years and it is something I have kept in the back of my mind and pull forward every once in a while. I knew that in order to grow and bring some change to my life I would have to step out of my comfort zone. That is exactly what has happened. I wouldn't say I am uncomfortable in South Africa, but I have definitely left my security blanket back in California!

There certainly has been a lot of change happening here! Not only at the Village of Hope with all the construction and with so many people coming and going my first two months, but in my life as well. I left the States nearly three months ago and I remember feeling so terrified to leave. I knew I was coming here and that was all I knew for my future. I made a six month commitment, but it was basically open ended and I could stay abroad for as long as I wanted. But the problem was that I didn’t want to leave home! I had always desired to leave Orange County, California and spread my wings, but lacked the motivation. I feared that if I left it would mean saying goodbye to all that I loved. In a way that is true, but it’s also not true. I thought that leaving meant being forgotten and it also meant being a lonely wanderer in a foreign country. 

Beautiful hike

However, now that I have been away from home for almost three months, I can say that that belief stemmed from fear. Fear of change and fear of abandonment and also lack of trust in God. How could I think that if I left home and all that I loved that God would not provide for me wherever I went? He is already proving that to be true. I am already developing deep relationships, and even though they don’t have the history or the time spent as my relationships back home, they are still sufficient for me at this time in my life. I am learning how to be a young adult that is fully dependent on God and fully trusting in His plan for my life. I couldn't say that as confidently back home. I am learning how to seek the Lord first and trust in Him daily with where He directs me in life. It’s quite a growing experience, but I am so grateful for it! I am really excited about this season of life I am in. I may not be at the Village of Hope forever, but I trust that wherever God leads me will be filled with growth, new experiences and new challenges.

Wolfberg Cracks, Cederberg, South Africa

Also, I was able to travel a bit the week before Easter. It was a lovely experience and I was so happy to get out and see this beautiful country! I went with a couple of friends I made from our team of architect students that were here from Germany. We traveled along the west coast of South Africa and went on an 8 hour hike (but finished in 7!!). The hike was so cool. It was so beautiful with big rocks and boulders to climb up and over. It was a challenge and I had to be pushed up a boulder at one point, but it was so fun! I went to Cape Point (which is almost the southernmost point of Africa, but not quite) and stopped at a beach with penguins! We even saw a family of baboons climb on the car in front of us! Only in Africa, right?

Thank you for your continued prayers and support! I love hearing from friends and family back home and I love sharing my experiences!

At Cape Point