Hello from a somewhat rainy Clarens......

I have arrived in Clarens! I had a difficult journey - I had to repack at the airport as I wasn't allowed to take all my luggage, and then the flights - there were 2, one to Dubai, then one to Jo'burg - were inevitably exhausting. I have decided that direct or nearly direct flights are worth the extra money. By the time I arrived in Clarens I hadn't slept for about 36 hours.

I have had a good first few days - there have been low moments though, so I'd appreciate your prayers that I settle quickly. Things here have changed a lot since I was last in Clarens. The general feel of the place is bigger - the supermarket can now actually be called that as it's had a re-vamp, and the place is crawling with tourists. The supermarket in Bethlehem now stocks a small variety of cheese, and if you're willing to pay you can even make fajitas (5GBP for 10 tortilla wraps!).

I've been taking things easy this week - I've spent a day shopping for essentials in Bethlehem like a fan and towels. Then I've spent a day working with a new project which is a small craft business doing jewelry, cards and sewing. I've been to visit the new Mapheo project which is working to provide a level of care and safety for the most vulnerable children in the community. Both of these things I feel may turn out to be projects I commit time to. I'm going to visit in the community with People of Hope tomorrow. I've also been spending some time catching up with old friends.

Something that is clearly different here this time which will take some getting used to is the lack of singles in their twenties. Last time I had a lot of people around to hang out with in the evenings and on weekends. Now it seems I'm the only one of my age group volunteering here. Everyone else is married, so it will just take some time to suss out how to socialise best.

Please pray for my living situation. Where I am is a bit of a 'stop-gap' - it's fine, but I really want my own place. I have a few options but I want to be sure I make the right decision.

Please also pray for the weather - it's rained continually since Monday evening. That's ok if you're living in a brick house and have a car, but makes life difficult for most people here. We'd like some sun!

Last Days

Wow I can't believe I only have one more full day at home before I leave! This last week has been full of seeing people in between trying to sort out my packing. Packing, I have discovered, is like revision - anything is preferable! But I can't put it off any longer.

I've had to say a whole load of goodbyes this week which has been draining. In the end last night at cell I announced that I 'wasn't doing goodbyes'. I just couldn't cope with any more. People's support for me has been amazing - even just today two people have taken time out to pop over to see me unexpectedly. I feel really blessed to know that I have everyone behind me as I leave, encouraging me & praying for me.

It's strange - eventhough I've lived in Clarens before & know how wonderful a place it is and am going to live with friends, I still feel nervous. I guess the reality is starting to hit home. Although I have friends there, I haven't actually seen any of them for 18 months. And things at the church will have undoubtedly changed since I was there. I'm excited to see what it will be like this time, but also nervous as it's actually a big unknown.

Just before I left Clarens last time one of the elders of the church had a word for me. He said I was going to encounter a situation in which I would see God's grace in a new way which would in turn cause my faith to rise. I really feel this is the situation - God has been so gracious to me in all my planning and in His provision for this next season. Knowing all that I've walked through in the last 18 months, knowing that He has provided for me financially for this time beyond my expectations does cause my faith to rise. I know without doubt that this is God's will for me.

So eventhough I am tearful, eventhough I know I will miss people and will find it incredibly hard to actually leave on Friday, deeper than those emotions runs my conviction that God will provide all that I need to serve Him in Clarens. He will be my rock and comfort. He is able to protect me from homesickness. He will be walking with me.

A few weeks ago someone prayed out at church about Jesus knowing how we feel in any situation. And I remember that really impacting me as I thought about the cultural shock Jesus endured when He lived on the earth. When I'm frustrated with situations and the constant cry of 'but we're one new man in Christ', I can remember that Jesus understands those frustrations and is walking through them with me.

And then last week at cell we sung this song:

Into Your hands
I commit again
All I am
For You Lord
You hold my world
In the palm of Your hand
And I am Yours
Forever

Jesus I believe in You
Jesus I belong to You
You're the reason that I live
The reason that I sing
With all I am

I'll walk with You
Where ever You go
Through tears and joy
I'll trust in You
And I will live
In all of Your ways
And Your promises forever

I will worship
I will worship You
I will worship
I will worship You

This song sums me up at the moment. I'm moving to the other side of the world because I believe in Jesus. I belong to Him. I'm following Him, whether through tears or joy. This move is my worship to Him.

On a lighter note I thought you'd enjoy seeing where I'm hoping to spend Saturday night eating the most amazing chicken burger in the world with some old friends and maybe listening to some live music.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! I have had a wonderful Christmas at home with family & friends. I was totally spoilt with lots of yummy food, lovely presents, gorgeous nephew & niece time and general lazing around.

I can't believe it's 2009, and that in 3 weeks time I will be frantically finishing my packing ready to embark on the next chapter of my life. It still feels a little unreal - I can't comprehend that I'm about to move to the other side of the world. And yet at the same time it feels all too real if you know what I mean.

Today I had to say my first goodbye. I met my good friend Rachel last time I was living in Clarens - she was teaching at the school and lived a couple of doors up from me. She also lives quite near me here so we've managed to see quite a bit of each other since being back in the UK. It's strange to think I won't see her until July now and stranger to think I'll be living in Clarens without her around the corner. I'll miss you Rach!

I was thinking of having a little goodbye gathering to invite friends from all around to but the diary has conspired against me and I just can't fit in hosting people with all the things that other friends have planned & I've committed to. But then again maybe it's easier just to slip away anyway - I don't think I could cope with too many emotional goodbyes.

I have no idea what 2009 holds for me, but I do know that this year is going to be exciting, rewarding, challenging and at times very, very hard. This time next year I know I will look back again on another year of God's grace & favour.