I'm finally here!

Wow! The months of planning and preparation have finally paid off! I'm here! It is beyond crazy. The last few days have been quite the experience--we have been in orientation since monday so lots of meeting and such, but I did get the opportunity to go shopping in the market and last night we spent the night with an african family. It was amazing but extremely challenging--Just to see the way they live and be immersed in it is extremely overwhelming. Their physical needs broke my heart, but so much more than that their need for the love of Christ. I can't imagine being in that situation without the eternal hope and joy that Christ gives to His children. I have learned so much in the past week--learning to be completely dependent on Christ--learning to be ok with silence (since the family I stayed with last night spoke zero english!)--my heart has just been more and more broken for the people of this world who don't know Christ. My eyes have been opened so much to the need for laborers in the field--it truly is ripe with harvest--but as believers we must count the cost and harvest the field--We have been called to live a life of service and sacrifice--how often do I do that? The Lord has taught me so much just in this first week of being here. I am so thankfully for all of the prayers--they along with the awesome power of the Holy Spirit have gotten me through the difficult moments! I love you all so much! Please continue to pray for our team as we all go our separate ways! We head out from here on Wednesday and I will arrive in South Africa on Thursday! Pray for the people of Johannesburg that we will be able to minister to them effectively and that the Lord will do a great work that only He will get the glory for!