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With All Your Heart.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

     Hi sweet friends! I am currently writing from Jeffreys Bay, South Africa! We have been here for five, working on six weeks. If I had to describe Jeffreys Bay in one word it would be riveting. This place draws me in, and I continue to want to know more about it. When I first heard South Africa, honestly, what popped into my head was orange dirt, shacks, and skirts. I had no idea what to think or how to prepare for a place such as this. Upon arriving, I realized it was nothing like I thought it would be. After arriving at the last airport in the travel day, we drove about an hour to where we were staying. To say the least, Africa is gorgeous. We passed by open fields, giraffes, monkeys, and a beautiful bridge. When we got to where we were staying, I was in awe of the Lord’s provision. 

     The squad currently stays in a log house on the property of a local private high school. This school dares to establish an innovative learning environment while challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what schooling can be. Getting to know the sweet Kingdom builders that started the school has been nothing short of a blessing. They are so kind, and spread the news of Jesus passionately. Each conversation they have is so intentional, and makes you really feel seen. I am so glad that we got to partner with them in this season of life. 

     Ministry for my team looks like going to a local preschool Monday through Friday! The staff and students have truly captured our hearts. These kiddos have a way of making us smile when we don’t feel like smiling, dancing when we don’t feel like dancing, and trusting in the Lord with all our heart when we don’t feel like it. The typical day at ministry looks like a mixture of breakfast, lessons, dancing, prayer, snack, play time, and lunch. On Fridays, we start the day off dancing and praising the good Father. I would say that this is my favorite day of the week, but any day we walk in and see goofy smiling kids is a great day to me. The staff there are so caring, loving, and like family to us already. Though there are challenges that come with joining a preschool that is in Africa and that teaches Afrikaans and not English, God’s work there is so evident. Even from the time we first arrived to now, the Father’s hand is in it all. One of my favorite stories so far is hearing that one of our meak three year olds went home and told her parents that they had to pray to God before each meal. This reminds me of Luke 18:16 that says, “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” 

     While being here, we have had a wonderful opportunity to take a Bible class. Three days a week the majority of the squad attends this class. We learn how to dive into the scriptures while using the context, time period, figuring out the original audience, and more. We typically have class from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and from 6:30pm to 9pm on Monday and Tuesday evenings. This class has been challenging, but also so rewarding. There have been moments in the class where when we ask questions the teacher answers with scripture instead of her own words. I am beyond thankful to have this opportunity to learn more about the Lord and His Word. 

     With being on the Race for five, almost six months, it can sometimes be hard to be where my feet are. The Lord continues to remind me to be present, and every time I lean into the moment, it is always worth it. With us being three months away from arriving back in the states, there are many futuristic thoughts floating about in my head. Surrendering those thoughts to the Father allows me to walk in freedom with Him and take the load of trying to know everything completely off of myself. There was a moment I had with one of my squadmates not too long ago where we sat in a room and talked about how much I really trust the Lord with all of my heart. After meeting with the Father in that room and being open and honest with Him, I figured out that I did not wholeheartedly trust Him. From that point on, I repented and gave Him my heart to have and to hold. I chose, and continue each day to choose to trust Him with this life and every aspect of it. To, with all my heart, live to honor and glorify God in all I do. To bloom where I am planted. To seek Him in the little things throughout the day. 

     The Lord calls us to certain places for specific reasons. There have been many moments that I have encountered that were nothing short of divine appointments. Today, as you go through the list of things to get accomplished, take a second and see the people around you. Take a step of faith and pray for them, bless them with the Lord’s love, spread joy like wildfire, and do it with all your heart.

 

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. 

Much love from South Africa,

KJ



10 Comments

  1. What a sweet loving person you are. Sounds like you are enjoying the lords work. I continue to pray for you and your group. Thank you for the updates! I really enjoy reading them. God bless you!

  2. Hey Katelyn! I hope you had an awesome birthday! It is so good to hear what God is doing in you and through you as you seek His heart and His will daily. I love you and I promise to daily pray for God’s leading and blessing in your life. Philippians 1:6

  3. Continuing to keep you in prayer. So glad to hear of the wonderful things God is doing thru you and the others on the race. Those children sound precious.

  4. Your faith has been and continues to be such an encouragement to me & others!
    So proud of you!

  5. It’s so amazing to see all that God is doing in and through you! Your faith and perseverance is such an encouragement! Praying for you still! Much love!

  6. Thank you so much for reading my blogs, taking the time to comment, and for your prayers. God bless you as well!

  7. Hey Ricky!!
    I did have an awesome birthday! I love being able to share what the Lord is doing here! Thank you for praying; it is much needed! I love you!

  8. Hey, Sue!!
    Thank you for your prayers!! These children are absolutely precious!! I hope you are doing well, friend!

  9. Julie! Hi!
    Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!! And thank you muchly for the prayers! I love you BIG! and cannot wait to catch up soon!

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