Christmas in the Summer

The following reflection is kind of a story that’s been told a lot- “The true meaning of Christmas”. I don’t mean to write this with the impression that it’s the first time this is occurring to me or that what I’m about to say is this whole new idea that no one has ever thought of. It’s just that experiencing this holiday season in a new setting and a different culture has allowed me to better grasp the concept of Christmas personally and I’d like to share how.

I thought that I would miss a white Christmas, outdoor Christmas lights, Advent services and familiar English hymns at MPLC, the tree, opening up the Christmas cards as they came, my Mom’s cooking, sitting around in the living room with my family while opening stockings and presents. I thought I’d miss all this, and I did.

Kimberley, South Africa is hot. It’s hot here at Christmas time. There are few Christmas decorations, hymns in Afrikaans, different Christmas meals, different traditions. Many things that are new and different. These were the things running through my mind before Christmas morning. Things that made me think that Christmas here is so different. However, on Christmas morning I was sitting there in church while embracing the many things that were familiar- a packed sanctuary, recognizable melodies, memorized Bible readings, and lots of straight up contentment because of the holiday season. It started to feel like Christmas. Christmas for me this year wasn’t the presents or the tree, and definitely not the snow. Christmas this year were those familiar hymns, the epic verses from the Gospels, the celebration of Christ’s birth, and that silly feeling when you’re just, you know, happy. Those things are present no matter where you are on Christmas. Who can take that away?

While watching the Grinch as he stole Christmas as a kid I was under the impression that without the trees, lights, and presents Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas. But none of this stuff was present on that very first Christmas. No glitter, glam or expensive presents. No tree, lights, reindeer or snow. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to think that the non-religious symbols of Christmas (Santa, toys, Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf) are anything bad. I mean, I still remember the exact details of the conversation that lead to me learning the [SPOILER ALERT] not so true existence of Santa…and the tears that followed. Though I am growing up, these symbols still remind me of the excitement of Christmas and they certainly put me in a good mood, however, I’m learning the importance of recognizing the distinction between these symbols and the real intention of our Christmas celebration. Jesus.

What happened in Bethlehem on Christmas day is like this earth-shattering event that has shaped my entire life. It is my faith and my belief, what helps me through difficult times and what is a part of me as I rejoice in triumphs and success. It is so much more than one day out of the year. Santa goes back to the North Pole and we forget about him for another 11 months, but that ‘little baby Jesus’ (another Will Ferrell reference?) is a year round celebration.

So next year when I’m home will I get rid of the tree, lights and 23 years worth of collected ornaments? No. The joy of giving presents, the excitement of opening them up and the desire for a white Christmas will remain. But there will be an understanding that if these things were lessened or completely taken away Christmas would continue to be complete and we would still be able to embrace all of it’s importance.

8 months ago at the YAGM DIP event I spoke to the others about an accompaniment moment I had while at Shepard’s Field in Israel. The group I was with crossed paths with another tour group from China. Somehow we ended up singing about 9 rounds of Silent Night. A few times in English and a few in Chinese. Who would have thought that 10 months from that moment in Israel I would be in South Africa singing the same song in Afrikaans.

Stille nag, Heilige nag! Alles rus; eensaam wag slegs Maria, geseende vrou, wat vol teerheid haar Kindjie aanskou. Slaap in hemelse rus, slaap in hemelse rus.

I hope that you all had an amazing Christmas. I was thinking about you all. I pray that aside from the presents and Christmas lights you were able to experience that true joy that can only be found through the wonderful gift of Christ’s birth.

…and Wisconsin didn’t have a white Christmas either, which makes me feel a little bit better.

Since coming to South Africa there have been a few times that I have made the mistake of thinking that I am someone coming to help. People at home sometimes think the same way- “Wow, how great of you to go help and volunteer”. I have noticed that this understanding has potential to cause some problems. After attending the We Have Faith rally for COP 17, MUD4 discussed a little about why there may have been low attendance. It was a good reminder to hear that many people in this world are not so concerned about climate justice when they do not even have dinner to serve or people in this area may not recycle because they do not even have proper trash pick up. I began to think about my own site and the way I think that I have been helping to ‘educate’ the children I am with each day.

Working at Thusong Children’s Center I have been able to come up with various programs for the children along with the other volunteers. We brainstorm with each other about what types of workshops or activities we can organize to benefit the different ages and genders. Normally what happens is that we decided based on what we each are familiar with. One volunteer knows how to sew, so she made beanbags with them. Another has knowledge on art history, another with South African history, another on sports, and myself with knowledge concerning sexual assault. These are the things that we try to base workshops and activities around for the kids when they have free afternoons.

I mean, I think it somewhat resourceful. Myself and the other volunteers are using the knowledge we have to share and educate the children at Thusong. I think that my professors would be proud. Problem is I’m not sure that the kids at Thusong are truly that interested. For a ‘street kid’ who doesn’t attend school, it is hard to believe that he benefits much from zoning out while being informed about ‘important’ things. Spending my final semester at school studying sexual assault and facilitating workshops around campus was both eye opening and beneficial to me. But what does this mean for a child who may be currently experiencing this abuse or one having been taken from his or her home because of sexual assault? Not exactly the same as talking with a group of freshmen who joke about what may happen at a frat party. It’s been difficult thinking about what these children have faced or are currently facing. I want to help. How can I use my previous experiences or knowledge to do so?

During the first MUD retreat we went around the circle and each told about the walls we have been facing, the difficulties that we struggle with. Then we went around again and talked about the ways that we can conquer or deal with these struggles. Each of us came up with an answer or result for getting passed the struggle. It’s like we could come up with the biggest problems we face daily in South Africa and also somewhat of an answer to that problem or a way to cope within just a few minutes. If only everything could be worked out that quickly. It’s hard to wrap my head around.

The ELCA Global Mission did not appoint me to inform South Africa about what I learned in my favorite college courses. They definitely did not appoint me to come and feel sorry for my community and others around this part of the world. During the rest of the year it will be important for me to continue questioning why I’m here. Though I am comfortable and able to just ‘be’, IS there something I can ‘do’?

MUD4's First Retreat

During the last week in November myself and the rest of the South African YAGM’s got together for our first retreat. I remember leaving for Kimberley in the beginning of September thinking that three months seemed like a long time before we would all be back together. Time keeps on going pretty fast.

We all met back in Pietermaritzburg, home of our country coordinators Brian and Kristen. We spent our first few days here and celebrated Thanksgiving. Whoa- considering we’re in South Africa celebrating an American holiday it was an amazing Thanksgiving. Kristen cooked a delicious turkey, homemade stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes and pie. The rest of us also brought our contributions, which we prepared at the backpackers. We had way too much. Apart from the food, I also enjoyed a true feeling of thanksgiving. I realized how thankful I am for this group of people I have here in SA, as well as at home. During these first few days we really got into sharing what we’ve all been up to, what our struggles have been and how we may work on coping with these difficulties.

After a few nights we moved to a different backpackers located near the South African- Lesotho boarder. This place was pretty dope. Pool, hot tub, bar, fire pit, mini rick wall included. The first day we went on a hike lead by Brian through the Drakensburg Mountains. These mountains were second in the running for the filming of the Lord of the Rings movies. Stunning.

The following day we had the privilege to travel into Lesotho. Also stunning. Lesotho is basically an island in the middle of South Africa and is the third poorest country in the world. After passing through boarder control, we enjoyed the day learning about Lesotho’s history and about its people. We walked up to a beautiful look out point, saw old paintings on the side of cliff walls, tried some traditional beer in a small room completely packed with our group and village members, and met a Sangoma (traditional herbal doctor).

Finally, on our last day together we attended the “We Have Faith” rally in Durban for COP 17- Climate Justice. It was really a privilege to be there, to hear from important leaders about the importance of climate justice, and to see how this project is moving forward in South Africa. Among many speakers, Desmond Tutu was there. I didn’t know much about him before coming here, but this man is an incredible and inspirational religious leader. Huge honor to hear him speak.

We were only together for five days but were able to do a lot of great things. This year during Thanksgiving week I was reminded about everything I have to be thankful for. I was able to reconnect with my friends who informed me about issues and joys happening in their part of SA, I was able to hike and view the amazing beauty of this country and in Lesotho, and I was able to take part in a rally not only important for South Africans but for all of us.

Give Thanks.

During the week I spend the majority of my time at my two placement sites. The kids at Re Tlameleng School are finishing up their year and I won’t be back with them until January, after their summer holiday. During this time my other site, Thusong Children’s Center, will have a lot more going on since the kids will be home all day, everyday from school. I look forward to this change in routine for the Holiday season.

Besides my work at the school and center, a lot of my time has revolved around the Lutheran Church in Kimberley. I haven’t talked about it yet, so I thought I’d introduce you now to my church, St. Sylvesters.

Last year they celebrated 125 years.

The structure of the service is very similar to that of Mt. Pleasant, my church in Racine (The structure of the building is not). The biggest difference is that about 98% of the service is in Afrikaans, so I sort of don’t know what is being said. I mean- I don’t know what is being said. Dinah, my host mother, writes down the Bible readings each Saturday night for me so I can read along in English and come up with a makeshift sermon for myself. Actually, you’d be surprised how much you are able to understand during a church service in a different language. I may not understand the words, but I never feel lost.

The church is about a 5-minute walk from our house, so Dinah and I walk each Sunday joining up with other members as we go. St. Sylvesters has communion every first Sunday and if there are any baptisms they take place every third Sunday. Offering each week is different from what I’m used to at home. We all go up in rows as we sing and place our offering in the collection at the front of the church. Everyone goes up and everyone contributes.

One of my best purchases here has been my hymnbook. With it I am able to follow along with the service, the prayers and the hymns. There are also a few English hymns that the Dean sometimes includes- probably to humor me. My hymnbook is already full of notes I’ve made for myself- sit, stand, this part is sung, Psalm, 1^st reading, etc. I’ve been trying to learn the Lord’s Prayer:

Onse Vader wat in die hemel is, laat u Naam geheilig word; laat u koninkryk kom; laat u wil geskied, soos in die hemel net so ook op die aarde; gee ons daaglikse brood; en vergeef on sons skulde, soos ons ook ons skuldenaars vergewe; en lei ons nie in versoeking nie, maar verlos ons van die bose. Want aan u behoort die koninkryk en die krag en die heerlikheid tot in eqigheid. Amen.

Another great thing about my hymnbook is looking through Luther’s Small Catechism in the back. (Die Klein Kategismus) Anyone who has studied the small blue book or attended a Missouri Synod school like myself knows the repetition of memorizing it and the phrase that follows each commandment and creed- “What does this mean?” In Afrikaans you would say “Wat beteken dit?”

The elders sit in the pews to the left facing the aisle and the youth sit in the pews to the right facing the aisle. The rest of us sit in the middle facing the altar. Dinah is an elder so I usually sit with the two Omas (grandmothers) of the church. Sundays are good.

Besides Sunday service, I have also been able to attend various church gatherings. Attending funerals has been a big part of my Saturday morning schedule. I have doubled my funeral attendance since being here, I think. It has been something I’ve had to get used to, but also something that I am appreciative of. Attending these funerals has allowed me to witness how my community mourns and celebrates life at the same time. The most meaningful funeral I’ve attended was for Dinah’s brother-in-law. Vicky passed away a few hours after Dinah and I were visiting him at the hospital. The funeral took place on November 5^th. Six years ago, to the day, Dinah was in the same graveyard burying her husband. I was happy to be with Dinah on that day. Prayer meetings are another event that I attend with Dinah. The prayer meetings usually take place in or outside of someone’s home. They will be held after someone passes away or if someone is ill. It’s not a typical meeting, but rather a time for singing and praying. It’s pretty awesome to be sitting around someone’s backyard singing out loud surrounded by a group of woman all dressed in their black and white church uniforms.

Other church activities I have been apart of include joining the youth when they meet on Fridays for movies and games, going with the Dean as he serves communion and visits with the elderly and ill, attending National conventions with the Cape Orange Diocese Young Adult League and having fun and eating at the church Bazaar.

This is a picture of the Young Adult League form St. George Lutheran in Kimberley. My very first weekend here I traveled with them to Rustenburg for the YAL conference. There were about 400 people all there ready to sing and dance- for 10 hours straight.

As far as I could tell Halloween isn't celebrated in Kimberley. However, that weekend my church held a fantastic Bazaar. Candy apples included.

Tables were set up selling cakes, cookies and candy. Each church group had there own table to manage- the elders, the Sunday School, the Men's League, the Sisters.

Famous South African Braai

This is called Potjiekos. It's sort of like pot roast but cooked over a fire.

When people ask me what I’ve been up to here in Kimberley I start talking about the school and children’s center right away. However, my church and the Lutheran community in Kimberley have also become a major part of my experience. The relationships I’ve built have been so strong and meaningful and I get to learn and experience something new every week. Sundays are good.

South African travel

This month I’ve had the great opportunity to visit two other YAGM volunteers at their placement sites in South Africa. From the communication I’ve had with the others, it had seemed as if our sites vary in many ways. After spending time at these two different sites, I know now for sure that they vary in many ways! My week long trip allowed me to experience these differences while observing a lot more of South Africa. I started my journey in Kimberley and traveled 6 hours by bus to Johannesburg. The skyline of Johannesburg and the busy bus transit was much different from the small information center where I began earlier that morning in Kimberley. Traveling the half hour by car from the bus stop to Soweto also allowed me to see more of the city life and finally reach one of the volunteer sites at the Central Diocese center. The next leg of my journey continued north on a 4 hour bus ride from Soweto to Polokwane and then on to a small village named Masealama by taxi. From the bus window I saw the beautiful countryside and watched as the landscape become less flat. The hills and ranges in South Africa are absolutely amazing. During these bus rides I would get caught up in the movies being played or listening to music and then all of a sudden look out the window and realize where exactly I was.

Like I said before, each of our sites differ in their own unique ways and during my visits I was able to experience many new things. One of my favorite parts was being able to hang out with people who spoke the other languages of South Africa. If you didn’t know, South Africa claims 11 national languages and each time the bus stopped, or when I would reach a new destination, the people would be speaking a different language. For instance, the people in Kimberley and those who live in the two other sites I visited each speak a different language. It would be like Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa each having a different primary language. Other new experiences included fetching water since there is no running water in Masealama, eating chicken feet and mopane worms, volunteering at a crèche, worshiping in the language of Sotho and attending my first South African soccer game. Knowing now how different the settings we all reside in are, I have a greater appreciation for the time and effort put into selecting where each of the twelve of us volunteers would be placed all over South Africa. In a way it was satisfying to see how well my friends fit into their new homes and at the same time realize the great fit Kimberley is for me.

The mileage between myself and the other volunteers has at times been difficult, especially after getting to know them all so well and becoming such great friends. Then again, I’m starting to realize the great opportunity we as MUD4 have, given our different locations and unique volunteer work. For one, we have the awesome chance to travel around South Africa and visit and volunteer alongside one another. More importantly, however, is the opportunity we have to learn from one another. The different sites mean different learning experiences that would not be available if we were not spread out as much as we are. Through out the year I will be able to share my personal experience in Kimberley and take with me the experiences I learn from my friends living all through out South Africa.

Most of my travel was spent in Masealama. The landscape in the Limpopo province is different from the flat terrain in the Northern Cape where Kimberley is located. It was great walking around with this scenery surrounding me.

The crèche I was able to volunteer at was in Masealama. The children and youth I am with in Kimberley are mostly over the age of 8 so it was nice to spend time with these little ones.

The soccer game was ridiculous. It felt great partaking in an exciting sporting event on a Sunday afternoon. We cheered on the Kaizer Chiefs as they beat the Black Leopards 2-1. The game was held in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, one of the stadiums used during the 2010 World Cup.

I was saying before that while on the bus I would at times forget that I was actually traveling around South Africa. Even when pulling into Johannesburg I thought for a second that I was back in Milwaukee! This bridge looks extremely familiar, right?!

Finally, I thought I’d share with you what I watch for two hours on the bus-- jazz flute. I’m Ron Burgundy?

What's a meatball?

Before leaving for South Africa people would ask me what types of food I would miss the most. I would normally say mini corndogs, meatballs, appetizers in general. Well, take a look at what I’ve been eating in South Africa…

Mini corndogs, meatballs, appetizers in general.

A Month in Kimberley

Help me always to speak the truth quietly,

To listen with an open mind when others speak,

And to remember the peace that may be found

In silence

-Cherokee prayer

From the moment I arrived in Kimberley I was told that my new home would be in a quiet area. Since then, as I sit with my host mother each morning with our tea and coffee she comments on the quietness of her street. I agree that the street is quiet. It lacks the sound of busy traffic or any loud shouting. I can hear the pigeons hanging out on the roof and have started to recognize and distinguish the sounds of the different barks coming from the neighbor’s yards.

Despite this description, the conversations that I have had on this block have been LOUD. I have been a part of loud conversations regarding South African history and how it has affected the communities and individuals within Kimberley, the history of Kimberley and the ongoing search for and controversy over diamonds, the history of the many churches in my city, and the history of my neighbors and their families. I have been witness to the not-so-quiet emotions of my new neighbors and friends. For example, the excitement and nervousness of a girl getting her make-up done before her matric farewell, the pain and sadness as a family mourns the loss of a loved one, and the ease and joy that comes from sitting around with friends over a cool drink and some fat cakes. The talk and chatter that fills my new house and the houses around me on this ‘quiet’ street have spoken to me in very deep and wonderful ways.

Another place in Kimberley has shouted loud enough to catch my attention. This place is a first grade classroom full of brilliant and enthusiastic students who happen to be deaf. My voice, regardless of its volume, does not get me anywhere as far as communication goes in this setting. On my first day I thought, “How can I be of any help sitting here silent and not knowing any sign language?” But I was caught off guard and another seemingly quiet place turned into a loud and exhilarating experience. During my time in this classroom I have noticed the emotions so easily read across the student’s faces and their large and deliberate movements and signs fill a room with a sense of noise. I have found even without a common language, the kids and I are able to communicate, work and laugh together. When too many children try to get my attention I find myself instinctively saying, “shhh”, even though there’s no audible sound to quiet down.

Needless to say, the Kimberley that I have experienced over the last month is far from quiet, both at home and in the places I am volunteering in. Even my surroundings seem to be calling out for my attention in the most wonderful ways. Whether that is an enormous ostrich that walks up across the street in someone’s yard or flock of hot pink flamingos flying over me. I didn’t even know flamingos flew. I’m pretty sure they don’t at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. I have been brought to attention here in Kimberley. I simply cannot help but continually be blown away, even at the everyday things that may be quiet and ordinary to others. I’ve learned that words and actions do not have to be loud to be heard or meaningful. I’ve learned that we all have a voice, disability or not, and that what we have to say can be powerful regardless of where or who it is coming from.

The Cherokee prayer above was found in a packet of readings and reflections given to us YAGM’s in Chicago during orientation in August. I think that I can understand it a little bit better after being here in Kimberley for only a month. With an open mind it is truly amazing what can be heard even on a quiet street or from a child who communicates differently than you. I look forward to continuing this year in Kimberley with ears, eyes and mind wide open, ready to take it all in even on a peaceful, silent evening.

Self-care

During the Chicago orientation in August we had a session and a few discussions about self-care. I found this information extremely important in this time of being thrown into the unfamiliar and unknown. It has been good for me to stay conscious that I am in control of how I treat myself and what attitude I keep, especially since there has been little within my control since being here.

I love to be surrounded by conversation and noise (and have had A LOT of it in the last month) but I’ve realized that having time alone is almost as important for me. One way I have been able to give this time to myself is by popping in the headphones and having a yoga practice in the backyard each day. My house has a cement slab underneath one of the trees, which I have selected as my spot. My host mother is sweet and has taken it upon herself to sweep it for me every other day or so. She is still resisting the daily offer to come join me.

I’ve found this time to be important for both my mental and physical health- not to mention my ‘bird of paradise’ is looking great. It is something that I look forward to each day.

Namaste.

More than one language to learn

I spent my first full day at Re Tlamelang School for children with disabilities, primarily deafness and blindness. I have a feeling that you’ll be hearing many great stories about my time there. I mean- it was amazing. For now I can tell you that I had an incredible day helping out in a classroom with deaf first grade students. They were eager to take turns signing me the spelling of their names and then teaching me their ‘sign name’, which is a single sign made up to identify them. I was wearing my lip ring and within three minutes it became my identifier, my sign name. For the rest of the day I knew I was being talked about in the classroom or out in the school yard because the children would look at me and then hold their pinkie to their lip- very similar to Dr. Evil’s move in Austin Powers. I’ll have to start working on my signing along with my Afrikaans.

Totsiens,

Or in other words-

See ya, Nicki

Needtobreathe

The now well-known band Needtobreathe was unfamiliar to me until I heard them open for the ever-amazing OAR at Summerfest a few years ago. With special thanks to my sister, Chelsea, for both taking me to the opening act and also giving me all of their music, I am now an avid listener. So if you were interested in my music therapy in South Africa, it would be them… and Katy Perry, of course.

Favorites...

Needtobreathe:

Looks Like Love

Nothing Left to Lose

These Hard Times

Something Beautiful

Washed by the Water

Lay ‘Em Down

I made it to Kimberley!

On September 5^th I left Pietermaritzburg with my fellow MUD4 girl, Krista. We traveled by bus to Bloemfontein where she will be living this year. After spending the night there, I traveled another hour and a half to Kimberley. Out the window I saw the flat and dusty environment of my new home. I was excited as we passed the downtown area with shops and the infamous “Nandos” restaurant and on to the more quiet area where I will be living. Kimberley is home to the Cape Orange Diocese office and after visiting the people there, I went to the Dean’s house to spend the night at his home with his family. Finally, on September 7^th I was introduced to my host mother, Dinah!

Dinah, as well as her neighbors, have welcomed me with great kindness. As I am starting to get used to a new neighborhood and town, it is nice to know that I have caring people looking out for me. Over the last week Dinah and I have been getting to know each other well and I am having fun getting used to a new house and a new lifestyle.

Over the last week I have been surprised by how many church activities I have already participated in. Over the weekend I was lucky enough to be invited by the Young Adult League to travel and spend the night in Rustenburg, which is a city about 6 hours away. There was a conference for the Young Adult Leagues of the different Diocese around South Africa, as well as Botswana and Swaziland. The Young Adult leagues include people ranging in ages from 25 all the way up to 55 or so. We had an amazing weekend filled with singing and dancing. I also spent an evening with the Youth from my church, St. Sylvesters. We had a good time playing charades and hanging out. My host mother has been very kind by inviting me to experience multiple prayer meetings and various funeral memorials. I think that these activities will be a big part of my time here in Kimberley.

My weekly schedule of volunteering is still being formed. So far I have spent a few days at a center that houses abandoned and orphaned children. It is an amazing place with a mission to create a caring home and ensure education. I have also spoken with the principal of a school for children with disabilities and look forward to future work with them.

For now I’m still letting this new lifestyle sink in. I'm meeting some pretty great people and have enjoyed each and every conversation thus far. I can’t help but explain things and be descriptive these first couple weeks, but I hope that as time goes on I can use this blog to not just give you a picture of where I am, but share with you the life giving experiences and deeper conversations that have already and will be taking place this year.

Worshiping in Pietermaritzburg

During our first week as a group in Pietermaritzburg, MUD4 was able to go to two church services. Our first Sunday was spent in the chapel at LTI (Lutheran Theological Institution). It wasn’t a huge chapel, not a ton of people and no musical instruments, but it just poured out melody and harmony. Just a normal Sunday church service for these people but I felt like I was listening to the best choir in South Africa. We were able to hear Rev. Brian Konkol speak about how this world today has never been more technologically connect than before, yet the world we live in is so divided.

When the service was over (two and a half hours later) the entire congregation greeted us. After one person would shake hands/greet the pastors, they would join the greeting line to those coming out. Since we were the last ones out of the chapel we really were- literally- greeted by the entire congregation, which formed a welcoming and warm line of “blessed Sunday’s” and “Hello sister’s”.

We attended a service in a Zulu homestead on the second Sunday spend in Pietermaritzburg. The service was a bit bigger and a bit longer. There was a lot going on and a lot of great singing, so the almost four hour service didn’t seem to last that long. Again, we were able to hear Brian preach- this time having to stop every few sentences for the Zulu speaking pastor to translate. We heard about the responsibility that comes along with having the freedom of speech and that just because we have that freedom does not mean that we should speak without wisdom and kindness. Also, with freedom of speech comes the responsibility to listen.

It was a really great experience to worship without really knowing what was going on. A woman next to us shared her hymnal and it was cool being able to sing along in Zulu. One of my favorite parts of the service was the offering. As we sang someone would call out different groups, like mothers, fathers, working people, young adults, and if you were within that group you would get up and dance and sing to the front to place in your offering. It went on for a while and I think I went up about three times. The woman next to us let us know when we fit the group and should go up!

So far it has been pretty awesome experiencing the Lutheran church in South Africa and I enjoy learning new ways of worship and praise. The services here are so different from each other and so different from those I have gone to in the States, yet at the same time how great is it to see and feel that among the differences we are celebrating the same God and the same message.

Orientation/Disorientation

M.U.D. 4 in Chicago

YAGM orientation started on August 17^th in Chicago. The week was set up so that the 50 of us were able to have daily sessions discussing things such as interfaith dialogue and cross cultural issues. We also spent time talking about self-care and logistical things like our visas and communication. Large group and small group sessions were wonderful for preparation and getting some questions answered, but a lot of the week was spent hanging out in Chicago with all the other country groups. We hung out by the lake, checked out some local spots and went to a Cubs game. It’s pretty amazing how close you get to people in such a short time. A family has been formed.

On August 24^th orientation was over and disorientation started. Twelve of us left Chicago in the evening and headed to O’Hare to begin our 37-hour journey to Durban, South Africa. It was long but not terrible. Best part was having a long layover in Frankfurt, Germany and spending a few hours in a downtown area getting a beer, some sausage and ice cream.

Frankfurt, Germany

Brian, our country coordinator, picked us up in Durban and brought us to a backpackers house in Pietermaritzburg where he and his wife Kristen live. It’s been a great place for us to stay, hang out, cook- basically bond 24/7. Our group is called M.U.D.4 (Fourth group in the South African Mission Upstream and Downwind) and as it turns out is a bunch of sarcastic, funny and smart individuals whom I’ve really started to love.

The week in Pietermaritzburg has been a time for us to be together as we begin the transition into this new lifestyle- before we’re sent to our separate cities all over South Africa. So far we’ve played some soccer games, went to a nature preserve and spent the majority of a day in a Zulu Homestead. I’m lucky to have this time and will certainly appreciate the times we have together over the year.

Elizabeth and I at the nature preserve

Zulu Homestead where they showed us their homes, fed us, sang and danced for us

Off to Chicago

One day… here we go.

Packing is just now starting to get organized. I have taken over my parent’s living room laying out what I think I need, weeding out what I realize I don’t and trying to stay conservative and practical. I have been advised to lay out what I think I need and then get rid of half of it. We’ll see how that goes.

My parents have been very helpful in making sure I have what I need and I’m feeling prepared as far as packing goes.

My departure to Chicago is tomorrow and I’m starting to get extremely a bit nervous, but I am so lucky to have such a great support system, wonderful friends and family members encouraging this journey. I received a comforting letter this week from my Aunt Robin and Uncle Dave who are experienced sailboat dwellers and travelers. They offered these words of wisdom:

“Getting ready to set sail- stowing and provisioning is tough!

Saying goodbye and pulling away from the dock is tougher!

Battling seasickness at the beginning of the journey is the toughest!

Then you wake up one morning in the middle of the ocean and realize what a wonderful adventure it is and how you never want it to end!

Fair winds, following seas, and much love!”

Experiencing Generosity

Part of my preparation over the last four months has been my commitment to fundraising a percentage of the Global Mission cost to send me to South Africa as a YAGM. The amount at first seemed a bit daunting. As it turns out, I underestimated the immense generosity that I found through my church, family and friends.

I began my fundraising by talking at all four services at my church, Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church in Racine. At the time I didn’t know what type of service in Africa I would be involved in, let alone which country in southern Africa I would be living in. The lack of detail certainly did not cause any lack of interest or support. Here is a photo showing the unique architecture of our sanctuary.

In addition, two women from my church and very close friends, Holly and Krista, went above and beyond by hosting a beautiful, African inspired garden party and fundraising event at Holly’s home. In attendance were people from all stages of my life, such as teachers and friends from grade school to college, family and friends from out of state, and many friends from church. Not only did we raise a great amount of money for YAGM, we had great wine it was a great summer night to be with friends.

Here are the ridiculously amazing cookies my sister, Chelsea, made and decorated:

Hostess Holly!

Friends!

Fundraising as a YAGM, which at first I said was daunting, turned into a really great experience for me. I feel truly blessed to be a part of a community and congregation that shows such willing support and generosity. As I see the amount of people who gave their support I feel so comforted in this journey ahead of me. I really can’t thank everyone enough. Thanks to Mt. Pleasant, it’s congregation and many other friends and family, we surpassed the minimum amount needed…by a lot. All the money has been given to the ELCA Global Mission. Thank you so much.

And so it begins...

I never thought that I would have a blog, wouldn’t really identify myself as much of a blogger. Then again, I also would have never thought that I would be moving to Africa for a year. Six months ago, with graduation months away, I wasn’t sure what my next step would be. With a little luck, or maybe fate, I came across a program called Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) on the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s website. The program, an opportunity as I see it, accepts young adults from all over the United States and sends them all over the world to serve and live among others in faith and accompaniment.

Receiving an invitation to a weekend of country interviews and discernment a few months after applying to YAGM was both exciting and nerve-racking. The possibility that this may really be what I will be doing next year was setting in. It was the first of many “Oh My God” moments I will encounter, as my country coordinator Brian would say. During the discernment weekend held in April, I learned about the seven different countries that YAGM’s live and serve in, met and had an amazing time with the other ‘young adults’ and ELCA Global Mission staff, and at last learned that I was offered the opportunity to live and serve in the southern part of Africa.

I absolutely accepted that offer. Since then, I have gradated from UW-Madison with a Psychology degree. Shortly after that, I have learned that my time in Africa will be spent in Kimberley, South Africa. Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape and located in the center of the country. I will figure out where my time and service will be spent within the community some time after my arrival. Until then, I will spend the rest of my summer working, applying for graduate schools starting in the fall of 2012, being with friends and family, and highly anticipating my departure on August 17^th.

I have named my blog “Ubuntu- In the City that Sparkles”. Ubuntu is an African concept or philosophy. It focuses on the relationships people have with one another, that a person is who they are because of what we all are. Nelson Mandela says, “Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to be able to improve?” This concept reminds me of what we focused on during the weekend of discernment- the idea of accompaniment, meaning that we are walking side by side with our global companions just as God walks with us. Kimberley, my future home, is significant for its history in diamond mining and because of that is known as the “City that Sparkles”. I look forward to this time I have to learn more about myself, as well as my new community in South Africa while applying Ubuntu in all that I do.

I hope that through this page I will be able to put into words, even if just to a small extent, what I will learn and experience.