And we're off...

By Emma

Although I am certain the entire class is experiencing some anxiety about traveling such a long distance and encountering such big adventures, my journey begins a little differently and with a different kind of nerves. As most of the class is traveling together to Pretoria, I set out on my own tomorrow afternoon. I will be flying by myself, getting to the conference by myself, and spending something like 12 hours by myself in Pretoria before everyone else arrives. I've been abroad before, but never on my own. I've flown by myself, but only ever from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and back, and let's be honest, that doesn't really count. I need my family for pretty much everything, as it is. My life is safe in it's bubble that stretches from Princeton to my home in Pittsburgh. I'm not sure if the bubble can reach Cape Town.

In these final moments at home, while I am trying to work out my disaster of a packing situation, I think I should be more anxious. South Africa is really, really far from any where I have ever been. It will be absolutely nothing like anything I have ever experienced. That kind of uncertainty is giving me something far more powerful than fear and nerves. It has given me unbelievable excitement and hope. On the cusp of this great trip, and ironically at the start of a brand new year, I am realizing more and more that I am growing up. I am setting out on my own. The bubble that is my life is bursting, and that breath of fresh air is absolutely remarkable. Don't get me wrong, I am still a little nervous and I will miss my family and friends like no other, but I am increasingly convinced that God is leading me to wonderful and exciting places. I pray that I will continue to be open to what God is teaching me as I continue this bubble-bursting, growing up process. I know that the brothers and sisters we encounter in South Africa will have enormous things to share with all of us, and I thank God for this amazing opportunity. The adventure isn't really beginning, it is just continuing. We are being called further up and further in. Away we go!

Emma

One More Sleep!

By Kate 

In my family we count down trips by how many more “sleeps” we have until we leave.  As of today we have one more sleep until we leave for our two week South Africa journey.  I am franticly running around trying to pack and get everything taken care of.  But, in the midst of my hustle and bustle, I find myself day dreaming of what will manifest over the course of our two week class abroad.  I try to picture the unknown faces of people I will encounter.  What stories will I hear?  What images will I not be able to shake from my memory?  What smells will I smell?  And what tastes will I taste.  There are so many unknown and for this reason I am beyond excited and am eagerly anticipatory of the adventures that are on the horizon. 

Sitting on the brink of adventure, I am flooded with prayers and thoughts about this impending journey.  As a seminary student seeking ordination after graduation, I am aware of the potential impact this adventure has on my future ministry experiences.  I pray for an open mind and a clairvoyant awareness.   May relationships be developed between myself and the South Africans I get the pleasure to meet.   As well as a deepening of the already established relationships I have with fellow classmates.  Additionally I pray for safety though out this adventure.  I am thankful for the opportunities that sit in front of us.  And selfishly I am extremely thankful for the summer weather that South Africa is currently experiencing. 

I invite all of you who read this blog, to follow along with us as we share our experiences and daily happenings.  I hope our pictures and stories help to give you a glimpse into the rich beauty of the country of South Africa.  I cannot wait!

-- Kate --

Getting Ready

by Todd

I can't believe that the trip is almost here. For so long it has seemed like this trip was so far away. I am really excited, and a little nervous! I am most excited to get to meet the youth pastor and interview the teenager. I am really curious to see whether the young people believe that reconciliation has happened or continues to happen. I was recently rereading Almost Christian where Kenda talks about youth being a window into the life of the church at large. That really got me excited to know that we will be talking with youth and hopefully learning a lot not just about youth ministry, but about the whole church in South Africa and beyond. I hope that I will be able to take what I learn in South Africa and apply it to not only my work with youth, but to my work with the whole church!

I am most nervous about leaving my family behind. It really hit me at breakfast this morning when I was telling my eldest daughter about all the animals we would see, and then my youngest daughter (20 months) got all excited thinking we were going to the zoo. It made me realize how much I wish I could share these experiences first hand with my family. Unfortunately, pictures and story will have to suffice.

In less than 48 hrs we will be on our way! Can't Wait!

-- Todd --